Abstract: Articles of currency, for example coins, are validated by progressively eliminating candidate target classes in successive classification stages. A Mahalanobis distance associated with a plurality of properties is calculated over successive stages, the results at each stage being used to reduce the number of target classes, and hence the number of calculations required, in the successive stage or stages. Preliminary stages may represent Mahalanobis distance calculations for a sub-set of the measurements represented by the final Mahalanobis distance calculation. Thus, the Mahalanobis distance calculation can be started before some of the measurement parameters required for the later stages are available.

Abstract: A coin processing system for processing a plurality of coins of mixed denominations comprises a rotatable disc for imparting motion to the plurality of coins, a sensor for differentiating between valid and invalid coins, a stationary sorting head, a diverter and a controller. The stationary sorting head has a lower surface generally parallel to and spaced slightly away from the rotatable disc. The lower surface forms a queuing channel and a plurality of exit channels for sorting and discharging coins of particular denominations. The queuing channel has a first segment for receiving coins and a second segment for moving the coins past the sensor and is configured to move coins at a faster rate along the second segment for increasing the spacing between adjacent coins. The diverter is disposed along the second segment beyond the sensor and is moveable between a first position for permitting coins to proceed to the plurality of exit channels and a second position for diverting coins to a reject region.

Abstract: A currency bill recycling machine has an input (3) and output (8, 9) for receiving and dispensing currency bills; a transport system (4); and a detection system (5) to which bills are fed by the transport system from the input (3). The detection system (5) is adapted to determine the denomination, authenticity and fitness of each bill. A recycling store (11–14) and an unfit bill store (15) are provided to which bills are fed by the transport system (4). The detection system (5) is adapted to cause genuine fit bills to be fed to the recycling store (11–14), and to cause unfit bills to be fed to the unfit bill store (15), the transport system being operable to withdraw bills from the recycling store for dispensing via the output (8, 9).

Abstract: A coin sensor is provided including a method and apparatus for providing adaptive operating point (AOP) control. The AOP control is provided using circuits and associated methods and algorithms connected between measurement circuits of the coin sensor and the coin sensor oscillator. The AOP control automatically monitors and controls the quiescent voltage levels of four signals used by the coin sensor to discriminate coins. The four signals represent coin size and coin composition. In addition, the AOP control automatically performs calibration and adjustment functions both during manufacture of the coin sensor system and during its operational life. The automatic monitoring and control functions provided by the AOP control result in a significant increase in the dynamic range of the coin sensor response. This reduces the coin false-reject rate while improving the coin discrimination precision.

Abstract: A method of processing barcoded tickets in a document processing device including receiving a stack of barcoded tickets in an input receptacle of a document processing device. Each barcoded ticket includes a document-identifier or ticket number that identifies the barcoded ticket. At least one specific document-identifier is inputted by the operator to search for a specific document in a stack of documents. Each of the documents are transported, one at a time, past a detector, which detects the document-identifier of each ticket. A determination is made whether a detected document-identifier matches the specific document-identifier requested by the operator, and if so, the ticket in question is directed to a pre-programmed or user-specified output receptacle.

Abstract: A coin handling machine includes a coin sorting passage formed with a reference guide rail, a sensor for detecting optical properties and magnetic properties of the coins, a coin sorting opening along the inner wall of the reference guide rail and a coin sorting member provided in the vicinity of a side portion of the coin sorting opening on the side of the reference guide rail, the coin sorting member including a coin supporting section having a coin supporting surface for supporting one edge portion of the coin being transported in the coin sorting passage and a coin press section for pressing the coin, and it further includes a rotary solenoid for moving the coin supporting section between a coin support position where the coin supporting surface can support one edge portion of the coin being transported in the coin sorting passage and a retracted position where the coin supporting surface cannot support the coin and moving the coin press section so as to press the coin downward in synchronism with the mov

Abstract: Processing data derived from currency items includes measuring samples of currency items of classes to produce feature vectors in a first space and mapping the feature vectors to a second space in which there is a clearer separation of the classes.

Abstract: A device for sorting discs or disk-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells—(multi-chip storage compartments). Ejection of an article from the wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the moving wheel, into a receiving space. The discs in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly-arriving discs which force the previously-positioned discs upwards into a column.

Abstract: A method of validating coins which includes a piezoelectric element to convert movement caused by the collision of a coin to a signal and a processor to analyse the signal. The signal is digitized to produce a sequence of values. The processor analyses portions of the digitized signal to derive characterizing features of the signal and discriminates between valid and invalid coins based on the characterizing features.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting coin fraud in coin-counting machines and other devices that count and/or sort coins and other objects. In one embodiment, the method includes discriminating multiple coins to determine a number of real coins and a number of faux coins. In one aspect of this embodiment, the faux coins can have one or more coin characteristics falling generally close to corresponding characteristics of the real coins. The method can further include determining a quotient based on the number of real coins and faux coins. If the determined quotient is greater than or equal to a selected threshold value, then the transaction can be identified as being possibly fraudulent. In the event of a possibly fraudulent transaction, the method can include controlling the transaction, for example, by returning any uncounted coins to a user, or by halting the transaction.

Abstract: A bill acceptor is constructed to include a housing, the housing having a base for holding a banknote for examination, a first light emitter adapted to emit infrared light onto the banknote carried on the base of the housing for examination, a second light emitter adapted to emit ultraviolet light onto the banknote for visual examination, an image sensor adapted to pick up infrared light reflected from the banknote carried on the base of the housing and to convert received light signal into image signal, and a display adapted to display image signal obtained from the image sensor for verifying the authenticity of the banknote.

Abstract: A subassembly for a document validator. In an implementation, the subassembly includes a housing, a light pipe core seated in the housing, a light control layer and at least one light source. The apparatus may also include a prism structure layer between a top diffusing surface and the light control structure. The housing may also include at least one input light port on at least one end of the light pipe core.

Abstract: A cash recycling machine (11) is connected in a network with a computer (10) and other recycling equipment (12), the cash recycling machine (11) having an input device (18) for receiving cash, a sorter (31) for sorting the cash into a plurality of hopper assemblies (26–29), a controller (21) responsive to inputs from a user in a first operating cycle of the machine to cause the hopper assemblies (26–29) to dispense an amount of sorted cash to a cash drawer and to store the amount of dispensed cash in memory in association with a user account number, the controller (21) being responsive to input of a batch of cash and the user account number in a second cycle to count the cash received, and to compare the amount of cash received with the amount of cash dispensed to determine a net amount of cash associated with the user.

Abstract: The compact bill validator including a bill accommodating section comprises: a bill sending mechanism sending the bill inward from an inlet via a sending path; a bill identification section being provided to a mid part of the sending path; a turning section turning a traveling direction of the bill; and a bill accommodating section being contiguous with the bill sending mechanism, the bill accommodating section accommodating the bill which has been turned by the turning section. The bill accommodating section has an extended space, which corresponds to an outer part of the turning section. A rear part of the bill accommodated in the bill accommodating section is curved in the extended space.

Abstract: A transaction system comprises multiple currency acceptors which can detect potential performance problems and send signals to a server. The server collects performance data and analyses it to determine the likelihood that common problems are caused by an external influence. The server can also analyze data from the acceptors to provide re-configuration data, for example modified measurement criteria used to classify currency articles.

Abstract: A bill acceptor assembly for accepting bills, vouchers, scrip, tickets and/or currency at a gaming table. The bill acceptor assembly includes a validator assembly capable of accepting a stack of individual notes in a receiving slot mounted to the gaming table, processing the notes one at a time, and passing valid notes through a hole in the gaming table or along the back edge of the gaming table to a cash box located below the gaming table.

Abstract: A coin receiving and dispensing device includes a coin selector unit with a coin entry for determining a type of coin and directing the coin based on that determination. A coin dispensing device for storing coins that can be dispensed as change and a coin storage safe along with a return coin exit can also be provided. A coin passageway unit that can include a removable cover member can extend over and form a portion of the coin passageways whereby a technician by removing the cover member can have access to the servicing of the various coin passageways.

Abstract: A coin selecting apparatus is set forth which includes detectors adapted to detect a plurality of parameters of diameter, material and thickness of a deposited coin. A processor compares the detected data to stored data for an authentic coin to determine authenticity. The deposited coins are summed and compared to an amount set by a coding switch to be deposited. A display displays the amounts received and authenticated.

Abstract: A currency validator processes sensor measurements by transforming them using a linear function so that, following calibration, the measurements of an article resemble standard measurements. The acceptance criteria are gradually modified by a self-tuning operation. The validator can be re-configured to permit it to recognise a new class of articles by (a) deriving a standard set of acceptance criteria for the new class, and (b) altering the acceptance criteria to an extent determined by the extent to which acceptance criteria for a further class differ from standard acceptance criteria for that class, due to self-tuning.

Abstract: A coin receiving and dispensing machine includes a coin receiving and dispensing opening, a sensor unit provided in a coin passage and adapted for discriminating and counting coins of each denomination, a single coin storing box for storing acceptable coins, a coin storing cylinder for storing coins to be dispensed and a controller for controlling overall operation of the coin receiving and dispensing machine, and the controller is constituted so as to, prior to dispensation of coins, take out coins stored in the coin storing box, cause the sensor unit to discriminate and counts coins for each denomination taken out from the coin storing box, and store a predetermined number of coins in the coin storing cylinder for each denomination, the controller being further constituted so as to, when coins are to be dispensed, take out coins stored in the coin storing cylinder, cause the sensor unit to discriminate and count coins taken out from the coin storing cylinder for each denomination, and feed the coins to the

Abstract: A method of deriving a classifying function for classifying items of currency includes deriving a plurality of measurements from at least one currency sensor and a plurality of currency items, and forming a set of data from the measurements, the elements of the data set corresponding to points in a first space, and determining a set of values corresponding to the measured values. The method also includes selecting a kernel function corresponding to a mapping of the first space to a second space, the method including deriving an expression representing the function of the measured values in terms of the kernel function and using it to derive a classifying function.

Abstract: A coin discrimination sensor having an excitation coil and two detector coils arranged to detect eddy currents in a passing coin. The excitation coil is provided a composite waveform formed by adding a low frequency signal (30 KHz) with a high frequency signal (480 KHz). The two detector coils are arranged at different distances from the passing coin, and are calibrated to eliminate the common-mode voltage when no coin is present. As a coin passes by the sensor, eddy currents are induced in the coin which result in phase and amplitude shifts in the low and high frequency components of the detector signal. The low and high frequency components are separated from the detector signal, and their respective phases and amplitudes are ascertained and compared against values stored in a lookup table. These values represent the composition, thickness, and diameter characteristics of known coins, and if the signature of the processed coin does not appear in the lookup table, it can be flagged as an invalid coin.

Abstract: The banknote processing apparatus has a receiving portion into which banknotes are inserted, a take-out roller for taking out banknotes from the receiving portion, a detector for discriminating “regular and defective” and “front and back” of taken-out banknotes, and first to fourth stacking and banding devices for classifying and stacking banknotes on the basis of discrimination results and banding each 100 banknotes. When the first stacking and banding device fails in a mode that the first and second stacking and banding devices stack front bills and the third and fourth stacking and banding devices stack back bills, in expectation of 100 front bills being stacked in the second stacking and banding device, in the timing that the 97th front bill passes the detector, the take-out roller is stopped. When the number of front bills is less than 100, the take-out roller rotates and takes out one banknote.

Abstract: A coin processing device, which ascertains genuine or counterfeit nature and denomination of inserted coins, accommodates coins that have been ascertained to be genuine according to denomination and pays out the accommodated coins via a coin pay-out slot according to amount of change, includes a coin-type IC card processor for ascertaining genuine or counterfeit nature of inserted coin-type IC cards, performing input and output of information into and from coin-type IC card that have been ascertained to be genuine and discharging the coin-type IC cards from the coin pay-out slot, whereby the coin processing device processes both the coins and coin-type IC cards.

Abstract: A currency validator includes a currency counter, a plurality of cameras, an image processor, a comparing processor, and a threshold processor. The currency counter counts multiple currencies including a test currency. Each of the cameras is located at a unique angle from a characteristic area on the test currency. The cameras record and output multiple images of the characteristic area. The image processor crops and reduces the recorded images. The comparing processor compares the processed images with corresponding references. The comparing processor then outputs the results as error matrices. The threshold processor compares the error matrices with corresponding threshold matrices. The threshold processor then outputs a validation result for the tested currency based on the comparison.

Abstract: Articles belonging to known calibration classes are fed, in any sequence, to a currency acceptor in order to derive measurements which are used for calibration purposes. The calibration articles are classified, preferably by normalising a number of the measurements using a further measurement as a normalisation factor, and then calculating a Mahalanobis distance using the normalised measurements. The measurements are prevented from being used for calibration purposes if an integrity check suggests that they are unreliable.

Abstract: A coin sorting apparatus (S) has a presorting unit (A) and two main sorting units (B1, B2). The presorting unit (A) sorts mixed coins into three groups (large coin group, medium coin group, small coin group). The main sorting units (B1, B2) sort by denomination coins of the two groups (medium coin group, small coin group) among the three groups of coins broadly sorted by the presorting unit (A). Thus, the number of denominations to be dealt with by a single sorting operation can be reduced.

Abstract: The first purpose is to provide a coin selector which can be easily set up the standard data without putting coins into the coin selector. The second purpose of this invention is to provide both a coin selector and a outside setting unit which are not easily changed in the standard data. A coin selector comprises of; plural standard data memory for memorizing standard data, a selecting means which can be effective a selected standard data memory based on a direction from an outside setting unit, a distinguishing means which compares the memorized data of said selected standard data memory and the outputting data of a coin sensor and outputs an authenticity signal, a gate controlling means which controls a gate based on an output from the distinguishing means.

Abstract: A coin processing system for processing a plurality of coins of mixed denominations comprises a rotatable disc for imparting motion to the plurality of coins, a sensor for differentiating between valid and invalid coins, a stationary sorting head, a diverter and a controller. The stationary sorting head has a lower surface generally parallel to and spaced slightly away from the rotatable disc. The lower surface forms a queuing channel and a plurality of exit channels for sorting and discharging coins of particular denominations. The queuing channel has a first segment for receiving coins and a second segment for moving the coins past the sensor and is configured to move coins at a faster rate along the second segment for increasing the spacing between adjacent coins. The diverter is disposed along the second segment beyond the sensor and is moveable between a first position for permitting coins to proceed to the plurality of exit channels and a second position for diverting coins to a reject region.

Abstract: A cash recycling machine (11) is connected in a network with a computer (10) and other recycling equipment (12), the cash recycling machine (11) having an input device (18) for receiving cash, a sorter (31) for sorting the cash into a plurality of hopper assemblies (26-29), a controller (21) responsive to inputs from a user in a first operating cycle of the machine to cause the hopper assemblies (26-29) to dispense an amount of sorted cash to a cash drawer and to store the amount of dispensed cash in memory in association with a user account number, the controller (21) being responsive to input of a batch of cash and the user account number in a second cycle to count the cash received, and to compare the amount of cash received with the amount of cash dispensed to determine a net amount of cash associated with the user.

Abstract: Coin validation can be advantageously improved by transforming measured data values associated with coin characteristics from a first geometric space to a second geometric space, in which the transformed values in the second geometric space are preferably better adapted for discrimination between different coin denominations than the corresponding values in the first geometric space. Preferably, principal component analysis is used to identify principal components that can be used as dimensions of the second geometric space, so that measured data values in the second geometric space are less correlated than in the first geometric space.

Abstract: The coin-type determining device, for determining the presence or absence of inclined notches formed on the circumferential surface of the coin transferred through a coin transfer path, comprises: a plurality of notch detecting devices provided separately from each other with respect to an axis of the coin; a determining device for determining the presence or absence of inclined notches based on the difference between the notch detection results by the notch detecting devices.

Abstract: A coin selecting machine comprises a coin feeder (11) which feeds sequentially coins resting with one of their sides on a flow plane (16). A selection device (13) comprises sequential apertures (31) for passage of the coins according to their diameter and the coins are dragged over said apertures by means of a powered conveyor belt (33) facing on the flow plane (16). The selection device (13) comprises a sequence of pulleys (37) arranged over the apertures (31) and resting on the belt (33).

Abstract: A coin receiving and dispensing device includes a coin selector unit with a coin entry for determining a type of coin and directing the coin based on that determination. A coin dispensing device for storing coins that can be dispensed as change and a coin storage safe along with a return coin exit can also be provided. A coin passageway unit that can include a removable cover member can extend over and form a portion of the coin passageways whereby a technician by removing the cover member can have access to the servicing of the various coin passageways.

Abstract: The installation comprises at least one pair of adjacent spaces, one (1) for full cylinders, and the other (2) for empty cylinders, each accessible through a door that is openable by presentation of a reader for admission to the space after validating by reading a first identification at a common identification station provided with a printer. Each space (1; 2) comprises racks (6) of opposite seats, observed by facing cameras (10, 10′) permitting carrying out a continuous surveillance of available stocks.

Abstract: A device for sorting discs or disk-like members of different identities (e.g. roulette chips) ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells—(multi-chip storage compartments). Ejection of an article from the wells is achieved by an ejector lever making contact with an activated solenoid thus forcing the article at the bottom of the well, in conjunction with the momentum of the moving wheel, into a receiving space. The discs in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly-arriving discs which force the previously-positioned discs upwards into a column.

Abstract: A coin processing system for processing a plurality of coins of mixed denominations comprises a rotatable disc for imparting motion to the plurality of coins, a sensor for differentiating between valid and invalid coins, a stationary sorting head, a diverter and a controller. The stationary sorting head has a lower surface generally parallel to and spaced slightly away from the rotatable disc. The lower surface forms a queuing channel and a plurality of exit channels for sorting and discharging coins of particular denominations. The queuing channel has a first segment for receiving coins and a second segment for moving the coins past the sensor and is configured to move coins at a faster rate along the second segment for increasing the spacing between adjacent coins. The diverter is disposed along the second segment beyond the sensor and is moveable between a first position for permitting coins to proceed to the plurality of exit channels and a second position for diverting coins to a reject region.

Abstract: A coin-validation arrangement in which a wavelet analysis is used to derive accurate information from signals related to coin sensors placed in the path of an input coin, this information being compared with corresponding information relating to sample coins, the result of the comparison giving rise to a “pass/fail” validation decision on the input coin. The information may be derived from a sampling of the sensor-related signal, a measurement of signal amplitudes for each point and a correlation of each amplitude with the corresponding amplitude of one or more preselected wavelets to provide a set of correlation coefficients. In an alternative embodiment the sampled sensor-related signal is subjected to a discrete wavelet transform operation using high-and low-pass filtering and subsequent subsampling stages, thereby producing a set of DWT coefficients. In either case the number of coefficients used in the comparison process may be reduced, thereby saving processing power.

Abstract: An acceptor for money items such as coins or banknotes produces a money item parameter signal x1 as a function of a sensed characteristic of a money item. A store (12) provides data which defines a window corresponding to a normal acceptance range of values of the parameter signal for a money item of a particular denomination (NAW), the range including relatively high and low acceptance probability regions (RAW, USM) which correspond to a relatively high or low probability or an occurrence of a sensed money item of a particular denomination. The processor (11) determines when an occurrence of the parameter signal x1 falls within the low probability region (USM) and then for the next sensed money item compares the value of the parameter signal (x1) with window data corresponding to a restricted acceptance range (RAW) so as only to accept the second money item if the corresponding value of the parameter signal x1 falls within the restricted acceptance range.

Abstract: A series of staggered, overlapping coin carousels with coin stalls that receive coins, drive motors that operate to rotate the carousels and position the coin stalls so that the coins can be transferred between the carousels, and coin transfer mechanisms with gates that operate to move the coins between the carousels. An electronic controller is programmed to keep track of the positions and values of the coins in the coin stalls, and to determine and operate the appropriate drive motors and transfer gates for transferring coins between the carousels and for returning change.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed to a note or bill acceptor having a bezel adapted to display detailed information about the status of the bill acceptor, and other information related to its operation. The bezel is positioned at the intake slot of the bill acceptor. The bezel employs multiple indicators to visually display information. For example, the enhanced bezel may include indicators to display error conditions such as “note box full” or “transport path jammed” conditions, and other information useful for maintenance and diagnostic purposes. Additional visual indicators may display set up information, such as which denominations the bill validator of the machine is programmed to accept, display prompts or instructions to assist the player, such as a display of the denomination of the last bill accepted, or even simple decorative patterns. The bezel may provide additional status information, such as a jammed transport path or full note box, for use by attendants.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a vending machine with the ability to accept both coins and paper currency. The system includes a housing that is mounted to the side of a vending machine. The housing defines an enclosed interior area that is adjacent the vending machine. A door is provided on the housing for selectively accessing the enclosed interior area. At least two access openings are present in the door. A paper currency validation mechanism is mounted in one of the access openings in the door. A coin currency validation mechanism is mounted in a second access opening in the door. Since both the paper currency validation mechanism and the coin currency validation mechanism are mounted to the door of the housing, both mechanisms are removed from the housing when the door of the housing is opened or removed.

Abstract: An acceptor-dispenser validator system for accepting bills, vouchers, scrip and/or currency into, and for distributing currency or a currency equivalent from, an electronic gaming machine or alternative type of customer service device is disclosed. The system includes a note acceptor-dispenser assembly to be mounted in or on the machine, the note acceptor-dispenser having a note validator to sense the authenticity, denomination, amount and type of the note passing there through and issue a signal corresponding to the note type to the acceptor-dispenser's processor and the host machine's processor for accumulation of credits. A note box is provided to receive deposited notes as is a note hopper to receive and dispense notes intended for payouts.

Abstract: A transaction system comprises multiple currency acceptors which can detect potential performance problems and send signals to a server. The server collects performance data and analyses it to determine the likelihood that common problems are caused by an external influence. The server can also analyse data from the acceptors to provide re-configuration data, for example modified measurement criteria used to classify currency articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for processing monetary units such as banknotes or coins, in which the monetary unit are conveyed from an input compartment in each case to one of a plurality of output compartments as a function of predefined sorting criteria.

Abstract: Coins may be validated and denominated by comparing varying signals from coin sensors and checking whether a predetermined relationship between them is maintained, for example, as the coin moves past die sensors. In some implementations, each varying signal may represent the varying effect on a sensor as the coin moves relate to the sensor.

Abstract: A coin assorter (1), wherein a particular coin route (32) having a coin retaining mechanism (100) disposed therein is formed, meanderingly generally in S-shape, on the upstream side of the coin retaining mechanism (100) to set longer the route length of the particular coin route (32) having the coin retaining mechanism (100) disposed therein in order to increase the number of coins (C) temporarily retained in the route length.

Abstract: A drop safe is provided, having a pivoting component and a cam attached to an interior surface of the drop safe, wherein the cam has a cam surface. A gas spring moves along the cam surface by means of a cam bearing, which is at one end of the gas spring, such that the cam bearing moves along the cam surface. A link is attached to the gas spring and to the pivoting component, such that as the cam bearing moves along the cam surface, the link applies a force to the pivoting component.

Abstract: A coin mechanism has one or more coin tubes for storing, respectively, coins of one or more denominations, a dispenser for controlling the dispensing of coins from the coin tubes, and a coin mechanism controller suitable for connection to a controller in an automatic transaction system so as to receive change dispense signals from the automatic transaction system controller indicating the form of dispensing change to a customer. The coin mechanism controller, when connected to the automatic transaction system controller, serves as an interface between the automatic transaction system controller and the dispenser, and is programmed to re-determine the form of paying out the change, for example, by taking into account the distribution and denominations of the coins in the coin tubes. The arrangement of coin tubes in a coin tube cassette for use with the coin mechanism can be identified by entering a code on a keypad associated with the coin mechanism.

Abstract: A coin discrimination method and device reliably acquires stable two-dimensional images of the surfaces of coins, and using the acquired two-dimensional images is able to perform discrimination, reliably and at high speed, between genuine and counterfeit coins, and between coin types. In a coin pathway configured so as to block interfering light, sensors are positioned at an image-capture position and at a position upstream from the image-capture position; an image sensor is caused to begin image capture simultaneously with the detection, by the sensor upstream of the image-capture position, of a coin, and illumination is emitted for a short time simultaneously with the detection, by the sensor at the image-capture position, of the coin, to acquire an image of the coin. Specific patterns are detected in a binary image obtained by converting the acquired image to binary level, and coin discrimination is performed based on the detected patterns.