Abstract: A method of controlling a banknote store comprising at least one winding means and at least one elongate support means which can be wound and/or unwound from the winding means for storing and/or transporting a banknote, comprises determining the radius or diameter of a spool comprising at least the winding means using the degree of rotation of the winding means and the corresponding linear amount of movement of the elongate support means.

Abstract: A method of deriving a function for classifying items of currency. The method comprises processing training data vectors corresponding to features of a plurality of currency items, and derives a support vector machine classification function involving a plurality of support vectors.

Abstract: A method of deriving a classifier for classifying items using a plurality of variables for characteristics of the items, the method comprising determining a representative subset of the variables for use in said classifier.

Abstract: A banknote conveyor which includes moveable means for transporting a banknote, the means engaging frictionally with the banknote at at least three points so that the force driving the banknote is dependent on the rigidity of the note. The banknote can further swivel about one of the points to align the note with a desired path. Also provided is a means for limiting the movement of the banknote if the force required to convey the banknote exceeds a predetermined limit and means for preventing the insertion of banknotes or other foreign objects into the conveyor when not in use.

Abstract: A coin sensor performs time-domain eddy-current testing using an inductance in one arm of a Maxwell bridge which is driven by a bipolar square wave having randomly-selected intervals between transitions, the output of the bridge being sampled at a high frequency. A processor stores a model which receives the drive signal and adjusts coefficients of the model so that the output matches the sampled measurements. Acceptance criteria are applied to the adjusted coefficients for coin classification purposes.

Abstract: A lockable, removable cassette is described. In an implementation, the cassette includes a plastic shell and a currency access door. The cassette may also include a flexible handle and/or an integrated grip. In addition, the cassette may include at least one of an aperture and a transparent window positioned to reveal the contents of the cassette. In an implementation, the cassette includes a stacking mechanism which may include a drive means having non-circular drive gears.

Abstract: A first sensing means, which may form part of a banknote authenticator, is used to determine the profile of, for example, at least the leading edge of a banknote. Actuators located elsewhere in the banknote handling machine are operated in accordance with the outputs of other sensors, after taking the measured profile into consideration, so as to correct for errors due to the banknote being damaged in the area sensed by the other position detectors.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for mounting currency mechanisms of various sizes and shapes in vending machines or the like. The system may allow for relatively simple installation and removal of currency mechanisms without the use of mounting screws. The system includes a mounting surface, a portion of which is adapted to mate with a first surface of a currency mechanism. A tab is extended from the mounting surface to engage an opening in the first surface of the currency mechanism. A retention device is coupled to the mounting surface and is manipulable to engage a second surface of the currency mechanism and to cooperate with the tab to grip the currency mechanism.

Abstract: Techniques include sensing electric signals from an actuator during a document stacking operation and determining whether an abnormal event has occurred based on the sensed signals. The techniques may find particular applicability, for example, to document acceptors that include piston-type stackers driven by a direct current motor.

Abstract: An indicator, such as an alarm or warning, is generated to indicate that a document storage cassette attached to a document handling device (e.g., a currency validator) has reached a particular capacity or is approaching its full capacity.

Abstract: Tracking information in a note handling facility, such as an amusement gaming facility, involves, in some implementations, communications between components of the system to facilitate tracking the location and movement of note acceptors and cassettes for storing notes. Such components can include host machines, note acceptors, cassettes for storing notes, databases, and/or note counting machines. RF tag chips can be embedded in or mounted to some of the components to facilitate the communications. RF tag readers can be provided at appropriate locations within the facility to facilitate reading information from and writing information to the RF tag chips.

Abstract: A banknote validator takes both reflection and transmission optical measurements at different wavelengths. An emitter and sensor on one side of the banknote path are used to make a calibration measurement using light reflected from a window on the other side of the path, overlying another optical device. Each measurement is normalised on the basis of multiple measurements of different wavelengths, distributed over a substantial area, such as along the relevant scan line, preferably using a value representing the dispersion of the measurements.

Abstract: The respective proportions of currency items of different denominations in a multi-denominational store are adjusted in accordance with future change requirements for the different denominations. This is achieved by inhibiting the sending of a particular denomination to the store if the number of currency items of that denomination currently contained in the store exceeds a threshold, leaving more room for currency items of other denominations. There is also disclosed a multi-denominational banknote store which stores banknotes individually in radial regions of a drum, and which can rotate to bring each region into registry with an input/output conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for document processing comprises an optical sensor including a light source, a light detector and an optical element. The optical sensor is adapted so that, during operation of the apparatus, at least a first portion of light from the source that enters the optical element travels along paths in the optical element so as to be re-directed by total internal reflection toward the detector and wherein the total internal reflection is maintained when the optical element is wet. Signals form the optical sensor may be used to determine, for example, the state of a document storage cassette or the location of a document with respect to the cassette.

Abstract: A store for storing value sheets such as banknotes in a stack and for dispensing the value notes from the stack. When more than a single value sheet is dispensed from the stack, the store returns all but one of the value sheets to the stack while moving the stack to reduce friction between the returning value sheet and the topmost value sheet of the stack. Means for securing the stack are also provided: a support for the stack is anchored and/or extra pressure is applied to the stack. The store includes means for indicating when the stack contains more than a predetermined number of value sheets and means for preventing securing of the store when the predetermined number of value sheets is exceeded. A value sheet store with part of a sidewall integrally formed with the lid. A value sheet store which includes a lid attached to a housing by a hinge located on an edge of the housing. Apparatus and a method for determining the height of a stack of value sheets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided relating to a secure bag assembly to secure cash in transit (“CIT”). In some implementations, the secure bag assembly is installed in a lockable, removable cassette that is fitted to a bill validator. The cassette and bill validator can be installed in an enclosure like those found in retail kiosks, self-checkout terminals, retail safes or gaming machines. In such an implementation, bank notes are deposited in the bill validator and once identified and validated, are securely stacked in the bag assembly within the cassette. The bag assembly can be used for capacities of one banknote up to the maximum capacity allowed by the cassette. The bag assembly is secured in place when installed and is sealed automatically upon removal from the cassette.