[0001] The present invention relates to a media recycler.
[0002] Media recyclers receive media deposited by a first customer as part of one transaction,
and then subsequently dispense the deposited media to another customer as part of
another transaction. A common type of media used in such recyclers is banknotes.
[0003] One advantage of banknote recyclers is that they reduce the number of banknote replenishment
operations required, thereby saving money for the owner or operator of the media recycler.
[0004] There are also disadvantages associated with banknote recyclers. For example, recyclers
need to be able to receive and dispense multiple denominations, each denomination
typically needing its own store and pathway. The multiple pathways (including the
associated transport components and gates) that are required to store and retrieve
different denominations of banknotes typically result in either a high cost or a low
reliability for such banknote recyclers. Some applications, such as the retail industry
and the vending industry, require low cost banknote recyclers that are reliable.
[0005] Accordingly, the invention generally provides methods, systems, apparatus, and software
for an improved media recycler.
[0006] In addition to the Summary of Invention provided above and the subject matter disclosed
below in the Detailed Description, the following paragraphs of this section are intended
to provide further basis for alternative claim language for possible use during prosecution
of this application, if required. If this application is granted, some aspects may
relate to claims added during prosecution of this application, other aspects may relate
to claims deleted during prosecution, other aspects may relate to subject matter never
claimed. Furthermore, the various aspects detailed hereinafter are independent of
each other, except where stated otherwise. Any claim corresponding to one aspect should
not be construed as incorporating any element or feature of the other aspects unless
explicitly stated in that claim.
[0007] According to a first aspect there is provided a media storage unit for a media recycler,
the media storage unit comprising:
a first rotary storage device;
a second rotary storage device aligned with the first rotary storage device;
storage tape wound around each of the first and second storage devices and including
a plurality of calibration marks disposed therealong;
a sensor for detecting the calibration marks;
an entry/exit port between the first and second rotary storage devices through which
media items can be inserted or removed; and
a controller operable to rotate either the first or second storage devices to move
the storage tape forwards or backwards while sensing the calibration marks to locate
either (i) a media item of the desired type for a dispense transaction, or (ii) a
space on the storage tape of the required type for a deposit transaction.
[0008] The media storage unit may further comprise first and second auxiliary tape stores.
[0009] The first auxiliary tape store may include first auxiliary tape wound around the
first auxiliary tape store and extending to, and wound around, the first rotary storage
device, so that media items are stored on the first rotary storage device between
the first auxiliary tape and the storage tape.
[0010] The second auxiliary tape store may include second auxiliary tape wound around the
second auxiliary tape store and extending to, and wound around, the second rotary
storage device, so that media items are stored on the second rotary storage device
between the second auxiliary tape and the storage tape.
[0011] The entry/exit port may include a gate moveable by the controller between two positions:
(i) a transport position, at which the gate is parallel to a portion of the storage
tape adjacent the gate, and (ii) an entry/exit position, at which the gate is transverse
to the portion of the storage tape adjacent the gate.
[0012] The transport position may be used to transfer a stored media item from the first
rotary storage device to the second rotary storage device.
[0013] The entry/exit position may be used to allow a media item to be inserted between
the storage tape and the first (or second) auxiliary tape.
[0014] The entry/exit position may also be used to allow a media item to be removed from
between the storage tape and the first (or second) auxiliary tape.
[0015] The entry/exit port may include a gate moveable by the controller between three positions:
(i) a transport position, at which the gate is parallel to a portion of the storage
tape adjacent the gate, (ii) an entry position, at which the gate is transverse to
the portion of the storage tape adjacent the gate and a lower part thereof is closer
to the first rotary storage device than to the second rotary storage device, (iii)
an exit position, at which the gate is transverse to the portion of the storage tape
adjacent the gate and a lower part thereof is closer to the second rotary storage
device than to the first rotary storage device.
[0016] The entry/exit port may include a plurality of rollers for guiding the storage tape,
the first auxiliary tape, and the second auxiliary tape, and maintaining these tapes
in tension.
[0017] The calibration marks may be optical, magnetic, and/or structural. Examples of a
structural mark include: an aperture in the storage tape, a change in thickness of
the storage tape, or the like.
[0018] The calibration marks may use an encoding scheme to indicate a media type to be stored
at that point. Alternatively, the calibration marks may comprise a set of different
marks, each mark corresponding to a defined number of storage locations for a media
item. For example, the set of different types of marks may comprise five different
marks.
[0019] The calibration marks may be delineated on an outer surface of the storage tape.
[0020] The controller may be arranged to store a mapping of the types of media item stored
at each different calibration mark.
[0021] The calibration marks may identify each position uniquely, or at least with reference
to adjacent positions. These calibration marks may be mapped to a denomination value
in a mapping (such as a look-up table, a database, or the like) in the controller.
This would allow complete and dynamic flexibility for which denominations are stored
in which physical locations.
[0022] A combination of long and short blocks may be used to encode the type of media item
to be stored at a storage location on the storage tape. For example, two long blocks
then a short block may indicate that the storage location is for a one dollar bill;
a long block, a short block, then a long block may indicate that the storage location
is for a ten dollar bill; a short block, a long block, then another long block may
indicate that the storage location is for a five dollar bill; and so on.
[0023] Alternatively, a combination of dots may be used to encode the type of media item
to be stored at a storage location. For example, a calibration mark may comprise a
single dot, and a single one dollar banknote may be stored at that location; another
calibration mark may comprise two dots, and a single five dollar banknote may be stored
at that location; yet another calibration mark may comprise three dots, and a single
ten dollar banknote may be stored at that location. There may be unequal numbers of
different calibration marks, for example, more single dots than two dots, more two
dots than three dots, and the like.
[0024] Many different encoding schemes are known to those of skill in the art, and any convenient
scheme may be used. The scheme used may be influenced by the speed of travel of the
storage tape, the resolution of the sensor, and the like.
[0025] The sensor may comprise an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a magnetic sensor,
or any other convenient sensor.
[0026] The sensor may include a detector for detecting the presence of a media item at a
storage location. The detector may comprise a transmitter and receiver for detecting
a reflection from a media item.
[0027] The sensor may also measure a position of a media item relative to the closest calibration
mark thereto. This measurement may be used to detect any drift in the location of
the media item relative to the calibration mark nearest to it. If the media item has
drifted over time, then the media item may be removed and re-inserted to ensure that
it is located within a defined tolerance of the nearest calibration mark, or between
two adjacent calibration marks.
[0028] According to a second aspect there is provided a media recycler including the media
storage unit of the first aspect.
[0029] The media recycler may further comprise a motor for rotating the rotary storage devices
and the auxiliary tape stores.
[0030] The media recycler may further comprise a media validator. The media validator may
comprise a banknote validator.
[0031] The media recycler may further comprise a media separator for receiving a stack of
media items at a media inlet, and separating the stack into individual media items,
which are then transported to the media validator.
[0032] The media recycler may further comprise an overflow store. The overflow store may
be used for receiving media items in the event that the first and second rotary storage
devices are full, or if the media items are not suitable for recycling such as coupons,
captured counterfeit banknotes, soiled banknotes, torn banknotes, or the like.
[0033] The media recycler may further comprise an escrow for temporarily holding media items
until a customer confirms that he/she wants to proceed with a transaction. The escrow
may comprise a further rotary storage device, a stacking compartment, or the like.
[0034] Where a rotary storage device is used for the escrow, the controller may transfer
the contents of the escrow to the first and second rotary storage devices subsequent
to a customer transaction in which the media items in the escrow were deposited. By
transferring the media items after a transaction has been completed, the recycler
does not need to operate in real time, so a slower storage system can be used.
[0035] According to a third aspect there is provided a method of storing media items in
a media recycler, the method comprising:
receiving a media item from a media item validator;
rotating a first rotary storage device and/or a second rotary storage device aligned
with the first rotary storage device to move storage tape wound around each of the
first and second storage devices;
sensing calibration marks disposed along a surface of the storage tape to identify
a position on the storage tape corresponding to a media item category associated with
the received media item type;
aligning the identified position with an entry/exit port; and
inserting the received media item into the entry/exit port.
[0036] The step of inserting the received media item into the entry/exit port may comprise
the further step of moving a gate in the entry/exit port to an entry position at which
the gate is transverse to a portion of the storage tape adjacent the gate and a lower
part thereof is closer to the first rotary storage device than to the second rotary
storage device.
[0037] The step of rotating a first rotary storage device and/or a second rotary storage
device may further comprise, moving a gate in the entry/exit port to a transport position
at which the gate is parallel to a portion of the storage tape adjacent the gate,
so that media items stored in the first rotary storage device may be transferred past
the entry/exit port to the second rotary storage device.
[0038] According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method of dispensing media items
from a media recycler, the method comprising:
rotating a first rotary storage device and/or a second rotary storage device aligned
with the first rotary storage device to move storage tape wound around each of the
first and second storage devices;
sensing calibration marks disposed along a surface of the storage tape to identify
a position on the storage tape corresponding to a media item category associated with
a media item required to fulfill a dispense transaction;
aligning the identified position with an entry/exit port; and
transporting a media item stored at the identified position through the entry/exit
port towards a dispense slot.
[0039] The step of transporting a media item stored at the identified position through the
entry/exit port towards a dispense slot may comprise the further step of moving a
gate in the entry/exit port to an exit position at which the gate is transverse to
a portion of the storage tape adjacent the gate and a lower part thereof is closer
to the second rotary storage device than to the first rotary storage device.
[0040] The step of rotating a first rotary storage device and/or a second rotary storage
device may further comprise, moving a gate in the entry/exit port to a transport position
at which the gate is parallel to a portion of the storage tape adjacent the gate,
so that media items stored in the first rotary storage device may be transferred past
the entry/exit port to the second rotary storage device.
[0041] According to a fifth aspect there is provided a self-service terminal including a
media recycler according to the second aspect.
[0042] The self-service terminal (SST) may be an automated teller machine (ATM), an information
kiosk, a financial services centre, a bill payment kiosk, a lottery kiosk, a postal
services machine, a check-in and/or check-out terminal such as those used in the retail,
hotel, car rental, gaming, healthcare, and airline industries, and the like.
[0043] This aspect allows a self-service terminal, such as a retail self-checkout terminal,
to be provided that includes a low cost recycler that can handle multiple denominations
without requiring a large amount of space.
[0044] According to a sixth aspect there is provided a method of storing a media item in
a media recycler, the method comprising:
moving storage tape in the media recycler;
reading a first calibration mark adjacent to a storage location on the storage tape;
ascertaining if the first calibration mark indicates that the storage location is
suitable for receiving a media item of the type to be stored;
inserting the media item into the storage location in the event that the storage location
is suitable for receiving the media item to be stored;
moving the storage tape so that a second calibration mark can be read in the event
that the first calibration mark indicates that the storage location is not suitable
for receiving the media item to be stored.
[0045] The second calibration mark may be adjacent to the first calibration mark, or there
may be calibration marks between the first and second calibration marks. In other
words, the method may skip calibration marks, for example, if a controller can ascertain
where a desired calibration mark is located based on the first calibration mark.
[0046] According to a seventh aspect there is provided a method of retrieving a media item
from a media recycler, the method comprising:
moving storage tape in the media recycler;
reading a first calibration mark adjacent to a storage location on the storage tape;
ascertaining if the first calibration mark indicates that the storage location is
suitable for storing a media item of the type to be retrieved;
ascertaining if a media item of the type to be retrieved is located within the storage
location;
removing the media item from the storage location in the event that the storage location
is suitable for receiving the media item to be retrieved and stores the media item
to be retrieved; and
moving the storage tape so that a second calibration mark can be read in the event
that the first calibration mark indicates that the storage location is not suitable
for storing the media item to be retrieved, or does not store the media item to be
retrieved.
[0047] According to an eighth aspect there is provided storage tape for use with a media
recycler, the storage tape comprising:
a series of calibration marks disposed therealong, the calibration marks being disposed
in a pattern to define one or more storage locations between adjacent calibration
marks.
[0048] For clarity and simplicity of description, not all combinations of elements provided
in the aspects recited above have been set forth expressly. Notwithstanding this,
the skilled person will directly and unambiguously recognize that unless it is not
technically possible, or it is explicitly stated to the contrary, the consistory clauses
referring to one aspect are intended to apply
mutatis mutandis as optional features of every other aspect to which those consistory clauses could
possibly relate.
[0049] These and other aspects will be apparent from the following specific description,
given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig 1 is a schematic diagram of a media storage unit according to one embodiment of
the present invention;
Figs 2A and 2B illustrate a part (the pivoting gate) of the media storage unit of
Fig 1 in two different positions (a transport position and a media entry/exit position);
Fig 3 is a pictorial diagram of a part (the storage tape) of the media storage unit
of Fig 1, illustrating different categories of media items stored thereon;
Fig 4 is a pictorial diagram of the storage tape of Fig 3, illustrating different
calibration marks depicted on an outer surface of thereof;
Fig 5 is a simplified, schematic diagram of a media recycler including the media storage
unit of Fig 1;
Fig 6 is a flowchart illustrating steps involved in storing media items (in the form
of banknotes) received as part of a purchase transaction;
Fig 7 is a flowchart illustrating sub-steps involved in one of the steps (dispensing
change) of the flowchart of Fig 6; and
Fig 8 is a flowchart illustrating sub-steps involved in another of the steps (transporting
banknotes to storage) of the flowchart of Fig 6.
[0050] Reference is first made to Fig 1, which is a schematic diagram of a media storage
unit 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,
the media storage unit 10 is a banknote storage unit. The banknote storage unit 10
comprises: a first rotary storage device 12 aligned with a second rotary storage device
14, and storage tape 16 wound around each of these storage devices 12,14, and maintained
in tension by rollers 18.
[0051] The banknote storage unit 10 further comprises a first auxiliary tape store 20, which
supplies first auxiliary tape 22 for co-operating with the storage tape 16 stored
on the first rotary storage device 12. As the storage tape 16 is wound onto the first
rotary storage device 12, the first auxiliary tape 22 is also wound onto the first
rotary storage device 12, and media items (in the form of banknotes) can be stored
between the wound storage tape 16 and the first auxiliary tape 22. A first auxiliary
roller 24 is provided to maintain tension on the first auxiliary tape 22.
[0052] The banknote storage unit 10 also comprises a second auxiliary tape store 26, which
supplies second auxiliary tape 28 for co-operating with the storage tape 16 stored
on the second rotary storage device 14. As the storage tape 16 is wound onto the second
rotary storage device 14, the second auxiliary tape 28 is also wound onto the second
rotary storage device 14, and media items (in the form of banknotes) can be stored
between the wound storage tape 16 and the second auxiliary tape 28. A second auxiliary
roller 30 is provided to maintain tension on the second auxiliary tape 28.
[0053] The banknote storage unit 10 also comprises an entry/exit port, shown generally by
arrow 40. The entry/exit port 40 includes a pivoting gate 42 moveable between two
positions, as will be described below.
[0054] Motors 50 are provided in the banknote storage unit 10 to rotate the first and second
rotary devices 12,14 and the first and second auxiliary tape stores 20,26 to advance
or rewind the storage tape 16.
[0055] The storage tape 16 has an inner surface, which is used to contact banknotes, and
an outer surface, which includes a series of calibration marks (not shown in Fig 1),
as will be described in more detail below.
[0056] A sensor 52 is provided to read the calibration marks on the storage tape 16 as the
storage tape 16 is advanced (towards rotary storage device 14) or rewound (towards
rotary storage device 12). The sensor 52 also ascertains if a banknote is stored at
the particular storage location being sensed. This is implemented using an optical
or ultrasonic source directed to an area near to the storage tape 16 (that would be
occupied by a banknote if one was present) and measuring any reflections from that
area. If no banknote is present, then only a weak reflection would be measured; if
a banknote is present, then a strong reflection would be measured.
[0057] A controller 54 is provided to activate the motors 50 and to control the pivoting
gate 42 (using a solenoid (not shown)). The controller 54 also identifies calibration
marks read by the sensor 52 and ascertains what banknote is, or should be, stored
at each calibration mark.
[0058] The motors 50 are operable to rotate the storage devices 12,14 and the auxiliary
tape stores 20,26 in both the clockwise direction (shown by curved arrow 56) and in
the anticlockwise direction (shown by curved arrow 58).
[0059] The banknote storage unit 10 also includes a transport section 60 for conveying banknotes
from an external escrow (not shown in Fig 1) to the entry/exit port 40. The transport
section 60 includes stretchable endless belts disposed within skid plates located
on opposing sides of the transport section 60.
[0060] Reference will now also be made to Figs 2A and 2B, which show the pivoting gate 42
in two different positions. The controller 54 is operable to activate the solenoid
to move the pivoting gate 42 between these two positions.
[0061] The first position (as shown in Fig 2A) is the transport position (also shown in
Fig 1), at which the gate 42 is generally parallel to a portion of the storage tape
16 adjacent the pivoting gate 42. Fig 2A illustrates three successive banknotes 62,64,66
at different points on a transport path with the pivoting gate 42 in the transport
position. A lower surface 70 of the pivoting gate 42 ensures that the banknotes 62,64,66
are transported from the first rotary storage device 12, across the gate 42, to the
second rotary storage device 14.
[0062] The second position (as shown in Fig 2B) is the entry/exit position, at which the
gate 42 is transverse to the portion of the storage tape 16 adjacent the gate 42 so
that a side portion 72 of the gate 42 acts to guide banknotes 62,64,66 between the
first rotary storage device 12 and the external escrow (not shown).
[0063] Reference will now be made to Fig 3, which is a pictorial diagram of the storage
tape 16, illustrating different categories of banknotes stored thereon. The storage
tape 16 is marked with calibration marks at each storage location. A storage location
is slightly larger than the length of a banknote to be accommodated within that storage
location.
[0064] The storage tape 16 is delineated into sets along its entire length. Each set is
identical to all of the other sets on the storage tape 16, and comprises a plurality
of storage locations. The controller 54 is programmed with the configuration of the
sets so that the controller 54 is aware of the order that banknotes are stored in
the set.
[0065] Fig 3 shows two sets 76,78, each comprising eight storage locations. Only the first
eight storage locations 80 to 94 are unique, thereafter, the pattern repeats, so that
storage locations nine to sixteen are identical to storage locations one to eight
80 to 94. Each of the first two locations 80,82 is used to store a one dollar bill,
the third location 84 is used to store a ten dollar bill, the fourth location 86 is
used to store a five dollar bill, the fifth and sixth locations 88,90 are each used
to store a twenty dollar bill, the seventh location 92 is used to store a fifty dollar
bill, and the eighth location 94 is used to store a one hundred dollar bill.
[0066] Those storage locations colored black (the second 82, the fifth 88, and the sixth
90 storage location) contain a banknote of the appropriate denomination; whereas,
those storage locations that are clear are empty.
[0067] It should be appreciated that the number of different denominations (or even currencies)
that can be stored is a matter of choice for the system designer. Furthermore, the
number of banknotes of a particular denomination to be stored within a set is also
a design choice. In environments where very few high denomination banknotes are expected,
but many low denomination banknotes are expected, then a set may be selected to comprise
five one dollar bills, five five dollar bills, five ten dollar bills, three twenty
dollar bills, one fifty dollar bill, and one hundred dollar bill. Thus, the size and
composition of each set can be selected to match the anticipated mix of banknotes
that will be received.
[0068] Returning now to Fig 3, and also referring to Fig 4, which illustrates calibration
marks 96 depicted on the storage tape 16, each storage location includes a calibration
mark 96 on an outer surface of the storage tape 16 to identify the type of banknote
stored at that location. Each calibration mark 96 is separated from its adjacent calibration
marks by a divider line 98 that can be identified by the sensor 52.
[0069] The first calibration mark 96a shown in Fig 4 is associated with a one dollar bill
and comprises two long blocks and a short block. The second calibration mark 96b is
associated with a ten dollar bill and comprises a long block, a short block, then
a long block. The third calibration mark 96c is associated with a five dollar bill
and comprises a short block, a long block, then a long block. The fourth calibration
mark 96d is associated with a twenty dollar bill and comprises a short block a long
block, a short block, then another short block. These long and short blocks are read
by the sensor 52 and decoded so that the sensor 52 indicates to the controller 54
the dollar value associated with each storage location.
[0070] Reference will now be made to Fig 5, which is a simplified, schematic diagram of
a media recycler 100 including the banknote storage unit 10.
[0071] The recycler 100 includes a chassis 102 onto which various parts are mounted. The
recycler 100 further comprises: a bunch entry slot 104 into which a bunch of banknotes
106 can be deposited; a pocket (or tray) 108 from which sprayed banknotes can be removed;
a bunch loader 110; a picker 112 aligned with the bunch loader 110 for removing individual
banknotes from the bunch (or stack) of banknotes 106; a banknote validator (also called
a bill validator) 116; an escrow 118 for temporarily holding validated banknotes until
a customer confirms that he/she wants to complete the transaction; the banknote storage
unit 10; a communications circuit board 122 for communicating with a self-service
terminal (not shown) into which the recycler 100 may be installed; a recycler controller
124 for controlling the operation of the recycler 100; and a banknote overflow store
126 for receiving any banknotes that cannot be stored in the banknote storage unit
10 (for example, because the banknote storage unit 10 is full).
[0072] A pivoting diversion gate 128 is also provided to route banknotes from the escrow
118 to the banknote storage unit 10 when in a first (deposit) position (shown in Fig
5 in solid line); and to route banknotes from the banknote storage unit 10 to the
banknote entry slot 104 when in a second (dispensing) position (shown in Fig 5 in
broken line). The pivoting diversion gate 128 is activated by the recycler controller
124.
[0073] The recycler 100 includes a plurality of banknote transport sections, only some of
which will be described herein. An upper sheet transport section 130 is located above
the bunch loader 110 and adjacent the picker 112. A lower sheet transport section
132 is located beneath the bunch loader 110 and near the bunch entry slot 104.
[0074] The bunch loader 110 is used to transport deposited banknotes from the bunch entry
slot 104 to the picker 112.
[0075] There are two different routes that can be taken by a banknote that is inserted into
the recycler 100. The first route (the banknote storage route) is shown by arrow 134
and involves the banknote being picked from the bunch of banknotes 106, transported
to the picker 112, moved past the validator 116 to be identified and validated, placed
in the escrow 118, and from the escrow 118 transported into the banknote storage unit
10 when the customer confirms that the transaction should proceed.
[0076] The second route (the banknote return route) is shown by arrow 136 and involves the
banknote being picked from the bunch of banknotes 106, transported to the picker 112,
moved past the validator 116 to be identified and validated, placed in the escrow
118, and from the escrow 118 returned to the customer via the lower sheet transporter
132 and the pocket 108.
[0077] As is known in the art, whether a banknote is stored (that is, follows the first
route 134 in this embodiment) or returned to the customer (that is, the second route
136 in this embodiment) depends on a number of factors, such as: whether the banknote
is recognized, whether the banknote is validated, whether the customer cancels or
confirms the transaction, and the like.
[0078] There is a third route (the banknote dispense route) 138 that is taken by a banknote
that is dispensed from the recycler 100. The banknote is output from the banknote
storage unit 10 and joins the latter part of the banknote return route 136.
[0079] The operation of the recycler 100, and particularly the banknote storage unit 10
therein, will now be described with reference to Fig 6, which is a flowchart 200 illustrating
steps involved in storing banknotes received as part of a purchase transaction. In
this example, the recycler 100 is included in a self-service terminal (not shown)
in the form of a retail self-checkout terminal.
[0080] In this example, a customer wishes to pay for items that total forty-five dollars,
and places a bunch comprising two twenty dollar bills and a ten dollar bill in the
banknote entry slot 104. The recycler 100 receives this bunch (step 202) and uses
the upper sheet transport section 130 and bunch loader 110 to transport the bunch
to the banknote picker 112.
[0081] The recycler 100 then strips off the top banknote (step 204) from the bunch. In this
example, a ten dollar bill is on top, then a twenty dollar bill, then another twenty
dollar bill.
[0082] The recycler 100 then transports the picked individual banknote to the banknote validator
116 (step 206) for validation (step 208).
[0083] If the first banknote (the ten dollar bill) is not validated, then it is returned
to the customer (step 210) via the banknote return route 136 to the pocket 108.
[0084] If the first banknote (the ten dollar bill) is validated, then it is stored in the
escrow 118 (step 212).
[0085] The recycler controller 124 then ascertains if there are any banknotes that still
require processing (step 214). At this stage, there are a further two banknotes requiring
processing, so steps 204 to 212 are repeated for these two banknotes.
[0086] When all of the banknotes have been processed there are three banknotes in the escrow
118 (assuming that no banknote has been returned to the customer). In this embodiment,
the escrow 118 includes a rotary storage device (not shown) so that the first banknote
inserted into the escrow 118 (the ten dollar bill) is the last banknote removed from
the escrow 118. Using a rotary storage device in the escrow 118 maintains the order
in which the banknotes are transported into the escrow 118, so that the recycler controller
124 knows the order that banknotes will be transferred to the banknote storage device
10.
[0087] Once all of the banknotes have been validated, the recycler controller 124 sends
a signal to the SST (not shown) indicating the total value of banknotes that have
been validated (step 215). The SST then presents an option to the customer to accept
the transaction or to cancel the transaction.
[0088] Once the customer has made his/her selection, then the recycler 100 receives a signal
from the SST notifying the recycler of that decision (step 216).
[0089] If the customer decides to cancel the transaction, then the recycler controller 124
returns the banknotes in the escrow 118 to the customer via the banknote return route
136 (step 218).
[0090] If the customer decides to proceed with the transaction, then the recycler controller
124 ascertains if the customer requires change (step 220).
[0091] In this example, the purchase price is forty-five dollars, and fifty dollars have
been inserted, so the customer requires five dollars change. The recycler controller
124 proceeds to issue change (step 222), as will be described in more detail below.
[0092] Once the correct change has been dispensed, or if no change is required, then the
recycler controller 124 stores the banknotes in the escrow 118 into the banknote storage
unit 10 (step 224), as will be described in more detail below.
[0093] Reference will now be made to Fig 7, which is a flowchart illustrating the sub-steps
involved in the change dispensing step (step 222).
[0094] The recycler controller 124 sets the pivoting diversion gate 128 to the dispensing
position (step 230), then the controller 54 moves the pivoting gate 42 to the transport
position (step 232). This enables the storage tape 16 to be advanced or rewound without
removing any banknotes from the banknote storage unit 10.
[0095] The controller 54 then activates the appropriate motors 50 to advance the storage
tape 16 (step 234), that is, to unwind the storage tape 16 from the first rotary storage
device 12 and onto the second rotary storage device 14. This involves rotating the
first rotary storage device 12 anticlockwise, rotating the first auxiliary tape store
20 clockwise, rotating the second rotary storage device 14 anticlockwise, and rotating
the second auxiliary tape store 26 clockwise.
[0096] As the storage tape 16 is moving, the sensor 52 reads the calibration marks on the
outer surface of the storage tape 16 (step 236) until a calibration mark is sensed
that corresponds to a storage location containing the banknote needed to provide change
for the customer (step 238).
[0097] In addition to sensing the desired storage location, the sensor 52 also detects whether
a banknote is actually stored at that location (since the location could be empty)
(step 239).
[0098] The controller 54 is aware of the order of the storage locations on the storage tape
16, so it can advance or rewind the storage tape 16 to reach the desired location
in the shortest possible time. In this example, if the calibration mark being read
corresponds to a fifty dollar storage location (for example storage location 92 in
the first set 76), then the controller 54 can advance the storage tape 16 by five
storage locations to reach a five dollar bill storage location (in the second set
78). Alternatively, the controller 54 can rewind the storage tape 16 by three storage
locations (to storage location 86 in the first set 76).
[0099] If there is no banknote currently stored at that location, then the controller 54
moves the storage tape 16 to the next storage location at which a five dollar bill
may be stored.
[0100] Once the storage tape 16 has been moved to the correct storage location that includes
a banknote (that is, a five dollar bill), the controller 54 moves the pivoting gate
42 to the entry/exit position (step 240), and then activates the motors 50 to dispense
the banknote from the correct storage location to the banknote entry slot 104 via
the banknote dispense route 138 (step 242).
[0101] If more banknotes are required to provide the correct change, then steps 232 to 242
are repeated as necessary.
[0102] Once the change has been dispensed, then the flow returns to step 224.
[0103] Reference is now also made to Fig 8, which is a flowchart illustrating the sub-steps
involved in transferring banknotes from the escrow 118 into the banknote storage unit
10. As mentioned above, this is implemented after the transaction has been completed
so that the banknote storage time does not adversely affect the transaction time.
[0104] The recycler controller 124 sets the pivoting diversion gate 128 to the deposit position
(step 260), then the controller 54 moves the pivoting gate 42 to the transport position
(step 262). This enables the storage tape 16 to be advanced or rewound without removing
any banknotes from the banknote storage unit 10.
[0105] The controller 54 then activates the appropriate motors 50 to advance the storage
tape 16 (step 264), that is, to unwind the storage tape 16 from the first rotary storage
device 12 and onto the second rotary storage device 14. This involves rotating the
first rotary storage device 12 anticlockwise, rotating the first auxiliary tape store
20 clockwise, rotating the second rotary storage device 14 anticlockwise, and rotating
the second auxiliary tape store 26 clockwise.
[0106] As the storage tape 16 is moving, the sensor 52 reads the calibration marks on the
outer surface of the storage tape 16 (step 266) until a calibration mark is sensed
that corresponds to a storage location associated with the banknote that needs to
be stored (step 268).
[0107] In addition to sensing the desired storage location, the sensor 52 also detects whether
that storage location is empty or full (since a banknote may already be stored at
that location) (step 269).
[0108] The first banknote requiring storage is the last banknote transferred to the escrow
118. In this example, the last banknote transferred to the escrow 118 was the twenty
dollar bill.
[0109] The controller 54 is aware of the order of the storage locations on the storage tape
16, so it can advance or rewind the storage tape 16 to reach the desired location
in the shortest possible time. In this example, if the first calibration mark being
read corresponds to a fifty dollar storage location (for example storage location
92 in the first set 76), then the controller 54 can advance the storage tape 16 by
six storage locations to reach a twenty dollar bill storage location (in the second
set 78). Alternatively, the controller 54 can rewind the storage tape 16 by one storage
location (to storage location 90 in the first set 76).
[0110] If there is a twenty dollar bill currently stored at that location, then the controller
54 moves the storage tape 16 to the next storage location at which a twenty dollar
bill may be stored (for example, storage location 88).
[0111] Once the storage tape 16 has been moved to the correct empty storage location, the
controller 54 moves the pivoting gate 42 to the entry/exit position (step 270), and
then activates the transport section 60 to transport the twenty dollar bill from the
escrow 118 to the banknote storage unit 10 (step 272).
[0112] The controller 54 then ascertains if there are any remaining banknotes in the escrow
118 (step 274). If there are, then the controller 54 repeats steps 262 to 274, as
appropriate. If there are no more banknotes remaining in the escrow 118, then the
flow stops because storage of the banknotes in the banknote storage unit 10 is complete.
[0113] It should now be appreciated that this embodiment provides a low cost recycler that
is suitable for use in retail and other low cost environments.
[0114] Various modifications may be made to the above described embodiment within the scope
of the invention, for example, in other embodiments, a recycler controller may perform
the functions of both the storage controller 54 and the recycler controller 124.
[0115] In other embodiments, the pivoting gate 42 may be moveable between three positions:
a transport position; an entry position; and an exit position. Alternatively, the
three positions may comprise: a transport position, and two entry/exit positions,
one entry/exit position where the pivoting gate is pivoted to the right, the other
entry/exit position where the pivoting gate is pivoted to the left.
[0116] In other embodiments, the entry/exit position may be on the opposite side (that is,
nearer the second rotary storage device 14 than the first rotary storage device 12)
than in the above embodiment.
[0117] In other embodiments, the set 76 may be differently configured to the set described
above. For example, a greater number of banknotes may be included.
[0118] In other embodiments, media items other than, or in addition to, banknotes may be
stored.
[0119] In other embodiments, a different scheme of calibration marks may be used than that
described above.
[0120] In other embodiments, a different type of escrow may be used than that described
above, for example, a bunch escrow may be used.
[0121] In other embodiments, the controller 54 may not be programmed with the order of banknotes
in a set; the calibration marks may contain all information required to identify what
banknote is stored at each storage location.
[0122] In other embodiments, the calibration marks may comprise a different encoding scheme;
for example, a different optical encoding scheme, or a non-optical encoding scheme.
In other embodiments, the storage tape may comprise audio tape and an audio encoding
scheme may be used.
[0123] In other embodiments, the second route (the banknote return route) involves the banknote
being picked from the bunch of banknotes 106, transported to the picker 112, moved
past the validator 116 to be identified and validated, and returned to the customer
via the lower sheet transporter 132 without passing through the escrow 118.
[0124] In the above embodiment, the sensor 52 is located at a position corresponding to
a storage location entry/exit point, so that when a calibration mark is read, the
storage tape is aligned for receiving a banknote, or having a banknote removed. In
other embodiments, a separate mark may be provided to indicate the entry/exit point
for each storage location, so that when the separate mark is aligned with the sensor
52, the storage tape is aligned for receiving a banknote, or having a banknote removed.
[0125] In other embodiments, the auxiliary storage tapes may not be required, so that only
a single storage tape is used. In such embodiments, one or more skid plates may be
used to guide the media items into the rotary storage devices and media items may
be captured between an inner surface of the fed storage tape and an outer surface
of the previous wrap of the storage tape on rotary storage device.
[0126] In other embodiments, an escrow may not be used; instead, all notes may be stored
on the rotary storage devices, and removed in the event that the customer cancels
the transaction, or the transaction needs to be reversed for some other reason.
[0127] In other embodiments where an escrow is not used, an extended transport may be provided
between the media validator and the rotary storage devices so that all media items
in a bunch may be located within the extended transport. In this way, the extended
transport can be used for temporarily storing media items instead of an escrow.
[0128] In other embodiments, each calibration mark may be unique, so that each storage location
can be uniquely identified. This enables the controller to move directly to a specific
storage location. A sensor may be provided to ascertain if a media item is present
in that storage location.
[0129] In other embodiments, the algorithm used for seeking a particular media item for
a dispense transaction, or for seeking a storage location for storing a media item
for deposit, may include an optimization routine for optimizing media item distribution
on the storage tape. Optimization may be implemented (i) to enhance speed of subsequent
removal or storage functions (as part of a dispense or deposit transaction), (ii)
to minimize the accumulated formation of permanent curvature on media items by selecting
media items based on how long they have been stored, (iii) to minimize wear to the
mechanism, and/or (iv) to ensure the shortest time required to fetch media items.
[0130] Although the above embodiment described the example of a bunch of media items being
deposited, it will be apparent that an individual media item may be deposited and/or
dispensed.
[0131] In other embodiments, multiple repositories may be provided to store media items
that are not stored in the rotary storage devices. These repositories may be dedicated
for particular media items, such as known counterfeits, suspect banknotes, denominations
that will not be dispensed (such as high value denominations), media items of poor
quality, and the like.
[0132] In other embodiments, calibration marks for the start and end of each storage location
may be provided to allow detection of media item movement within the storage location.
If a media item is outside a defined tolerance (that is, too close to one of the start
and end calibration marks for a single storage location) then an error may be generated
by the controller. The controller may also facilitate a recovery action, such as removing
and re-locating the media item.
[0133] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order,
or simultaneously where appropriate. The methods described herein may be performed
by software in machine readable form on a tangible storage medium or as a propagating
signal.
[0134] The terms "comprising", "including", "incorporating", and "having" are used herein
to recite an open-ended list of one or more elements or steps, not a closed list.
When such terms are used, those elements or steps recited in the list are not exclusive
of other elements or steps that may be added to the list.
[0135] Unless otherwise indicated by the context, the terms "a" and "an" are used herein
to denote at least one of the elements, integers, steps, features, operations, or
components mentioned thereafter, but do not exclude additional elements, integers,
steps, features, operations, or components.
1. A media storage unit (10) for a media recycler, the media storage unit (10) comprising:
a first rotary storage device (12);
a second rotary storage device (14) aligned with the first rotary storage device (12);
storage tape (16) wound around each of the first and second storage devices (12,14)
and including a plurality of calibration marks (96) disposed therealong;
a sensor (52) for detecting the calibration marks (96);
an entry/exit port (40) between the first and second rotary storage devices (12,14)
through which media items can be inserted or removed; and
a controller (54) operable to rotate either the first or second storage devices (12,14)
to move the storage tape (16) forwards or backwards while sensing the calibration
marks (96) to locate either (i) a media item of the desired type for a dispense transaction,
or (ii) a space on the storage tape (16) of the required type for a deposit transaction.
2. A media storage unit according to claim 1, further comprising first and second auxiliary
tape stores (20,26); the first auxiliary tape store (20) including first auxiliary
tape (22) wound around the first auxiliary tape store (20) and extending to, and wound
around, the first rotary storage device (12), so that media items are stored on the
first rotary storage device (12) between the first auxiliary tape (22) and the storage
tape (16); and the second auxiliary tape store (26) including second auxiliary tape
(28) wound around the second auxiliary tape store (26) and extending to, and wound
around, the second rotary storage device (14), so that media items are stored on the
second rotary storage device (14) between the second auxiliary tape (28) and the storage
tape (16).
3. A media storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the entry/exit port (40) includes
a gate (42) moveable by the controller (54) between two positions: (i) a transport
position, at which the gate (42) is parallel to a portion of the storage tape (16)
adjacent the gate (42), and (ii) an entry/exit position, at which the gate (42) is
transverse to the portion of the storage tape (16) adjacent the gate (42).
4. A media storage unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the entry/exit port (40) includes
a gate (42) moveable by the controller (54) between three positions: (i) a transport
position, at which the gate (42) is parallel to a portion of the storage tape (16)
adjacent the gate (42), (ii) an entry position, at which the gate (42) is transverse
to the portion of the storage tape (16) adjacent the gate (42) and a lower part thereof
is closer to the first rotary storage device (12) than to the second rotary storage
device (14), (iii) an exit position, at which the gate (42) is transverse to the portion
of the storage tape (16) adjacent the gate (42) and a lower part thereof is closer
to the second rotary storage device (14) than to the first rotary storage device (12).
5. A media storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the entry/exit port
(40) includes a plurality of rollers (18,24,30) for guiding the storage tape (16),
the first auxiliary tape (22), and the second auxiliary tape (28), and maintaining
these tapes (16,22,28) in tension.
6. A media storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the calibration marks
(96) indicate a media type to be stored at that point.
7. A media storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller (54)
is arranged to store a mapping of the types of media item stored at each different
calibration mark (96).
8. A media recycler (100) including the media storage unit (10) according to any preceding
claim.
9. A media recycler (100) according to claim 8, further comprising a motor (50) for rotating
the rotary storage devices (12,14) and the auxiliary tape stores (20,26).
10. A media recycler (100) according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a media validator
(116).
11. A self-service terminal including a media recycler (100) according to any of claims
8 to 10.
12. A method of storing media items in a media recycler, the method comprising:
receiving a media item from a media item validator;
rotating either a first rotary storage device (12) or a second rotary storage device
(14) aligned with the first rotary storage device (12) to move storage tape (16) wound
around each of the first and second storage devices (12,14);
sensing calibration marks (96) disposed along one side of the storage tape (16) to
identify a position on the storage tape (16) corresponding to a media item category
associated with the received media item type;
aligning the identified position with an entry/exit port (40); and
inserting the received media item into the entry/exit port (40).
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the step of inserting the received media item
into the entry/exit port (40) comprises the further step of moving a gate (42) in
the entry/exit port (40) to an entry position at which the gate (42) is transverse
to a portion of the storage tape (16) adjacent the gate (42) and a lower part thereof
is closer to the first rotary storage device (12) than to the second rotary storage
device (14).
14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the step of rotating either a first
rotary storage device (12) or a second rotary storage device (14) further comprises:
moving a gate (42) in the entry/exit port (40) to a transport position at which the
gate (42) is parallel to a portion of the storage tape (16) adjacent the gate (42),
so that media items stored in the first rotary storage device (12) may be transferred
past the entry/exit port (40) to the second rotary storage device (14).