Abstract: An optical sensing device for detecting plural optical features of valuable papers is provided that comprises first and second photocoupers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 positioned in the vicinity of and on the opposite sides of a passageway 13 for guiding the valuable paper 64. Each of first and second photocouplers 5 and 6 or 9 and 10 has a light emitting element 20, 22, 30, 32 for emitting a light, and a light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 for selectively receiving the light from the light emitting element 20 so that each light receiving element 21, 23, 31, 33 can receive lights reflected on and penetrating the valuable paper 64 for detection of multiple optical features from the valuable paper 64.

Abstract: A method and system for accepting money items. The method for accepting money items comprises generating a money item signal that corresponds to a money item under test, determining a level of risk of a fraud attempt, and determining a fraud attempt based on the level of risk. The method further comprises generating a transformed money item signal as a function of the level of risk and the money item signal in response to determining the fraud attempt. The method further comprises comparing the transformed money signal to window limit values to generate a result and accepting or rejecting the money item based on the result.

Abstract: A valuable document receiving and alignment method includes the steps of (a) a user inserts a valuable document obliquely into a transversely tilted tunnel, (b) a validation unit of the valuable document receiver senses the inserted valuable document and controls a delivery mechanism to hold down the valuable document, (c) a sheet-deliver wheel module of the delivery mechanism delivers the valuable document forwardly to a predetermined distance and the user releases the hand from the valuable document, (d) the sheet-deliver wheel module releases the valuable document for enabling it to fall downwardly to the lower side wall of the transversely tilted tunnel and to let one side edge of the valuable document be abutted against the lower side wall, and (e) the sheet-deliver wheel module delivers the valuable document to a validation position for enabling the validation unit to identify the authenticity and value of the valuable document.

Abstract: According to the invention, a coin processing system comprises a coin verifier (2) and a ring-shaped coin magazine (1), in particular a coin magazine (1) which forms an annulus. The coin magazine (1) comprises a coin input (4) fed by the coin verifier (2), a plurality of coin supports (7.1 . . . 7.5) for separately storing a plurality of coins (12.1 . . . 12.3) and a coin output (15). The coin processing system is further characterized in that the coin verifier (2) is at least partly situated within the cavity (13) defined by the ring-shaped coin magazine (1). Further a method for feeding a ring-shaped coin magazine (1) is presented, whereas the coin magazine (1) defines a cavity (13). In particular a method for feeding a coin magazine (1) which forms an annulus is disclosed, wherein the coin magazine (1) comprises a coin input (4) fed by a coin verifier (2), a plurality of coin supports (7.1 . . . 7.5) for separately storing a plurality of coins (12.1 . . . 12.3) and a coin output (15).

Abstract: An imaging unit images a subject having an unevenness pattern on a surface. The imaging unit includes: a surface light source that emits with a constant output illumination light illuminating the surface of the subject; an imager that receives reflected light reflected by the surface of the subject; and a beam splitter that is arranged at a location at which the illumination light emitted from the surface light source and the reflected light incident on the imager intersect with each other. The illumination light emitted from the surface light source is incident on the surface of the subject via the beam splitter. The reflected light reflected by the surface of the subject is incident on the imager via the beam splitter. The illumination light incident on the surface of the subject includes parallel light that is perpendicularly incident on the surface of the subject, and diffused light.

Abstract: A money handling apparatus includes: a storage unit; a recognition unit; a dispensing unit; and a control unit configured to allow dispensing of money which is fed from the storage unit and is recognized in a dispensing process. The control unit allows dispensing of at least the money rejected in the dispensing process to the dispensing unit, and then goes into standby for a counting process to count the money dispensed to the dispensing unit.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus is presented that includes a first module arranged along a sheet conveyance route from the upstream to the downstream thereof, and a second module arranged adjacent to the first module. The first module includes a first control part to transmit destination information and category information of discriminated sheets and to execute conveyance control to the sheet residing along the first conveyance route. The second module includes a second control part to execute conveyance control to the sheets residing along the second conveyance route, and to transmit information of the number of sheets in each category stacked in the first stacking device. The first control part is configured to execute a cross-check to determine whether the information of the number of sheets in each category received from the second control part matches the information of the number of sheets transmitted to the second control part.

Abstract: A compact coin depositing and dispensing machine is provided with a cyclic conveying device. The conveying device conveys, one by one, coins, accepted in a coin acceptance port, in a depositing and conveying direction, and conveys, one by one, coins, to be ejected to a coin ejection port, in a dispensing and conveying direction reverse the depositing and conveying direction. A plurality of accommodating and ejecting units are disposed along the conveying device. Because each accommodating and ejecting unit outputs and inputs coins to and from the conveying device through the same coin outlet/inlet, a depositing and conveying path and a dispensing and conveying path of the conveying device can be arranged as a common path. Each accommodating and ejecting unit accommodates coins in a non-aligned state and ejects accommodated coins one by one to the conveying device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for checking documents of value which have a security element with several magnetic areas, including at least one high-coercive magnetic area, at least one low-coercive magnetic area and at least one combined magnetic area which contains both the high-coercive and the low-coercive magnetic material. After the magnetization of all magnetic areas in a first direction, first magnetic signals of the security element are detected with a first magnetic detector. After a subsequent second magnetizing, which is effected antiparallel to the first magnetizing and magnetically reverses only the low-coercive magnetic material, second magnetic signals of the security element are detected. For identifying the magnetic areas, the second magnetic signals or a signal derived therefrom are compared with two thresholds.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for providing interaction with a terminal. In overview, a validator for a terminal (such as a gaming machine or the like) includes a central processing unit, and a memory module coupled to the central processing unit, the memory module configured for maintaining software instructions that are executable via the central processing unit, and for maintaining diagnostic information concerning the validator. A primary communications port coupled to the central processing unit allows interaction between the validator and the terminal. A secondary communications port for allows communications between the validator and a handheld remote device, such that diagnostic information regarding the validator is able to be displayed via the handheld remote device. The handheld device executes corresponding software instructions to facilitate interaction with the validator.

Abstract: Inductive measuring arrangement for coin validation in free-fall coin-operated devices, in which at least one elongate coil arrangement on one side of the drop path of the coins extends transversely to the drop path, two coaxial elongate coils being arranged adjacent to one another, a shell core which is E-shaped in cross section being provided, which receives the coils between its outer arms, and a central arm extending, either not at all or only partially, into the outer coil.

Abstract: The change replenishment management system includes a coin roll storage (1), a coin change dispenser (3), and a POS register (5). A control unit (16) of the storage (1) detects the presence and the denomination of a coin roll in a storage section of each drawer (11, 12, 13) in accordance with an output signal generated from a detection system (18), and transmits the result of detection to the coin change dispenser (3). When loose coins obtained by unpacking removed coin rolls, which are removed from the storage (1), are introduced into an inlet (30), a control unit (36 or 50) of the change dispenser (3) or register (5) compares the denomination and the number of the loose coins, which are detected by identification unit (31), with the denomination and the number of the removed coin roll determined on the basis of the detection result transmitted from the storage (1), and judging the correspondence therebetween.

Abstract: A cyclic transporting unit is provided. The transporting unit transports coins one by one in reverse directions in depositing and dispensing. A plurality of accommodating and dispensing portions are arranged along the transporting unit. Since coins enter and exit the transporting unit through a single coin inlet/outlet of the accommodating and dispensing portion, a depositing and transporting route and a dispensing and transporting route of the transporting unit can be made common to each other. The accommodating and dispensing portion accommodates coins with the coins not aligned, and dispenses accommodated coins one by one to the transporting unit by a rotary disc and a delivering disc.

Abstract: A method is provided of a bank processing a check in a check stock verification system. The method comprises receiving a check image having at least one pre-printed element, extracting the at least one pre-printed element from the check image, comparing the extracted pre-printed element with a reference pre-printed element, providing a confidence value based upon the comparison of the extracted pre-printed element with the reference pre-printed element, selecting one of a plurality of confidence threshold values based upon amount of the check, and comparing the confidence value with the selected confidence threshold value to determine if payment of the check amount is approved.

Abstract: A method to generate an optical signature of a coin is disclosed. A plurality of parameters are generated and recorded related to rotational positions around the circumference of a coin. The data from these parameters are combined to produce a searchable value.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data included on user cards. The machine includes a deposit accepting device. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager, and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to the user of the machine. Sheets determined to have the at least one property of a genuine sheet are processed and stored in the machine for reuse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the flow of banknotes between at least two locations, in particular a Central Bank and/or Monetary Authority and a local financial institution, said method comprising the following steps: i) collecting banknotes at the local financial institution, ii) subjecting the banknotes received in step i) to a fitness measurement so as to obtain a flow of “fit” banknotes and a flow of “unfit” banknotes, iii) returning the flow of “unfit” banknotes to the Central Bank and/or Monetary Authority, and iv) bringing the flow of “fit” banknotes into circulation.

Abstract: A method and system for accepting money items. The method for accepting money items comprises generating a money item signal that corresponds to a money item under test, determining a level of risk of a fraud attempt, and determining a fraud attempt based on the level of risk. The method further comprises generating a transformed money item signal as a function of the level of risk and the money item signal in response to determining the fraud attempt. The method further comprises comparing the transformed money signal to window limit values to generate a result and accepting or rejecting the money item based on the result.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cash dispensing apparatus (10) comprising at least two cash compartments (20, 22) and a cash delivery mechanism operable to deliver cash notes from either compartment to a recipient, each compartment (20, 22) being independently lockable and arranged to prevent access therefrom to cash in the other compartment(s).

Abstract: A reference data set used for classifying items of currency is established by obtaining at least one measured response from at least one known item of currency, projecting the measured response data from the known item of currency from a first space to a second space, and applying a reduction technique to the second space thereby reducing the complexity of the second space. The reference data set, which can be used for classifying items of currency, is thus represented by a subset of all measured responses obtained from the known item of currency.

Abstract: Provided is a currency discriminating device that can reduce a possibility of accepting a counterfeit currency, and that can suppress the reduction of sales opportunities due to the insertion of the counterfeit currency.

Abstract: An method for determining the denomination of a coin with a disk-type coin processing system comprises moving a coin along a coin path with a rotatable disk, generating an encoder pulse for each incremental movement of the rotatable disk, directing a light beam transverse the coin path, detecting the light beam with a light detector, developing a signal at the light detector indicating the presence of a coin in the coin path, counting a number of encoder pulses occurring while developing the signal at the light detector, and comparing the counted number of encoder pulses to a plurality of stored numbers of encoder pulses corresponding to the particular coin denominations.

Abstract: There is provided a banknote handling system capable of improving an efficiency of a recognition and count process, by transporting a paper sheet to be recounted and a paper sheet not to be recounted to separate reject units. The banknote handling system includes at least one stacking unit and first and second reject units.

Abstract: An acceptor for money items, comprises sensor circuitry (S1-S4) to provide individual money items signals (Rs) depending on items of money under test, and a processor configuration (11) to develop for each of the money items under test, a transformed money item signal (Tnew) as a function of the value of the money item signal and at least one variable parameter (A) that is a function of a fraud criterion such as history data (AVG Dn & MAX Dn) relating to the values of the money item signals for previously tested money items, to make a comparison of the values of the transformed money item signals (Tnew) with a fixed window limit value (W2, L3) and to accept each money item if it falls within the window limit.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for providing interaction with a terminal. For example, various embodiments take the form of validators, validator components, components for interaction with validators, and software/methods for the operation of such validators and components. One embodiment provides a networked validator having functionality to display information via a LCD equipped bezel, interact with varied forms of token via a common input portal, and/or dispense printed tickets though an aperture inherently adapted to receive currency notes.

Abstract: A document handler is provided which comprises a connector 4 made up of cam guides 5 and followers 6 detachably connected to cam guides 5 to detachably attach a validator 2 to a frame 1 in document handler. Cam guides 5 are formed on a pair of side walls 41 of frame 1, and followers 6 are formed on a pair of side walls 51 of validator 2. Each cam guide 5 comprises a distal path 10 for guiding movement of follower 6 to transport validator 2 in a spaced relation to bracket 7, and an access path 11 for guiding follower 6 passed through distal path 10 to bring validator 2 to the fixed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coin acceptor mechanism with a coin pick-up wheel for advancing coins in a radial path.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing scattering signatures from a coin comprises a platform configured to hold the coin and an electromagnetic radiation source configured to produce a beam directed toward a portion of at least one surface of the coin. The electromagnetic radiation source is arranged to produce a far-field scattering signature upon interaction the at least one surface of the coin. A plurality of collection elements is configured to produce an electrical signal based upon collecting at least a portion of the far-field scattering signature.

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: A bill handling apparatus is provided that comprises an intelligent cash box system for transmitting information from a validator 2 to a stacker 4. The intelligent cash box system comprises a card 3 bearing a code recorded on the card 3 for identifying the bill handling apparatus, and an intelligent storage 5 provided in the stacker 4. The card 3 can be inserted into an inlet 11 of the validator 2 to detect the code by a detection sensor 45 and store the code in a control circuit 47 as code information. Bill information includes data of the bills received in a storage chamber 30 of the stacker 4 and is transmitted from the control circuit 47 to the intelligent storage 5. The intelligent storage 5 is in communication with the control circuit 47 of the validator 2 to receive the code information and bill information from the control means 47 and store these information in the intelligent storage 5.

Abstract: A currency genuineness detection system using plurality of opto-electronic sensors with both transmission and reflective (including fluorescence) properties of security documents is developed. Both detection sensing strategies utilize integrated response of the wide optical band sensed under UV visible along with optional near infra red light illumination. A security document is examined under static condition. A window signal signature is thus possible from photodetectors responses for various kinds of documents of different denominations, kinds and country of origin. A programmable technique for checking the genuineness of a security document is possible by feeding a unique code of the currency under examination.

Abstract: The change replenishment management system includes a coin roll storage (1), a coin change dispenser (3), and a POS register (5). A control unit (16) of the storage (1) detects the presence and the denomination of a coin roll in a storage section of each drawer (11, 12, 13) in accordance with an output signal generated from a detection system (18), and transmits the result of detection to the coin change dispenser (3). When loose coins obtained by unpacking removed coin rolls, which are removed from the storage (1), are introduced into an inlet (30), a control unit (36 or 50) of the change dispenser (3) or register (5) compares the denomination and the number of the loose coins, which are detected by identification unit (31), with the denomination and the number of the removed coin roll determined on the basis of the detection result transmitted from the storage (1), and judging the correspondence therebetween.

Abstract: A method for saving information about objects to be verified that were consigned to a self-service terminal and that were deposited by the self-service terminal in cassettes, with the following steps: acceptance of objects; verification of the objects; if verification was not successful, determination of a clear identification of the non-verified object and saving the identification on a memory system that is physically connected to the cassette and is transported with said cassette.

Abstract: In a bill processing device, a fake bill profile information acquiring unit acquires, from an external distribution device, fake bill profile information that is used in discriminating fake bills, and a fake bill profile information registration unit registers acquired information, and a bill discriminating unit discriminates, on the basis of the information, whether or not a deposited bill is a fake bill, and a fake bill processing unit does not accept a deposited bill that is discriminated to be a fake bill.

Abstract: A single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) for the input and the output of rectangular single sheets (38) respectively into and out of a container (12a to 12d). These rectangular single sheets can in particular be banknotes (38). The single sheet handling device (14a to 14d, 30, 200, 252, 270, 350) has a feeding device with feeding elements for the sheet-by-sheet feeding of single sheets (38) and for storing these single sheets (38) in a stack (36) of single sheets in the container (12a to 12d). Further, the single sheet handling device has a separating device with separating elements for the sheet-by-sheet removal of single sheets (38) of the stack (36) from the container (12a to 12d). The feeding elements and the separating elements are arranged separately from the container (12a to 12d).

Abstract: A security gate mechanism for a currency handling apparatus having a currency passageway includes a rotatable gate having a slit therein. The slit is aligned with the currency passageway when the rotatable gate is in an initial position. A drive wheel is coupled to the rotary gate for driving the rotatable gate in first and second directions, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. A positioning member is selectively engageable with the drive wheel for positioning the rotatable gate in the initial position such that the slit in the rotatable gate is substantially aligned with the passageway. The positioning member is arranged to be engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the second direction, but it is not engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the first direction.

Abstract: A coin-roll storage 1 comprises a storage body 1a and a coin-roll drawer 11 (12, 13) having a plurality of coin-roll storage portions 14 provided therein, each coin-roll storage portion 14 being adapted for storing one coin roll therein. Each coin-roll storage portion 14 of the coin-roll drawer 11 (12, 13) is adapted for storing therein the coin roll of any denomination. A determination unit 16 is adapted for determining the denomination of each coin roll by detecting an outer diameter, an axial length and material of the coin roll.

Abstract: A bill recognizing and counting apparatus includes an operation unit that receives setting of bill processing modes including a denomination mode, a counting mode, a different-denomination recognition mode, and an authenticity determination mode; a feeding and transporting mechanism; and a control unit that performs control for changing a processing speed according to the bill processing mode. When the bill processing mode is in the counting mode, the different-denomination recognition mode, or the authenticity determination mode, the control unit increases the processing speed by setting the feeding and transporting mechanism to a higher speed than the speed set in the denomination mode. The increase in speed is in accordance with a reduced time necessary to process a reduced amount of data associated with the denomination mode.

Abstract: A bill processing apparatus capable of inexpensively performing an authenticity judgment of a bill and a paper sheet on which a bar code is printed is provided. The bill processing apparatus has light emitting parts (80a, 81b) for irradiating an identification object passing through a traveling route with light; a light receiving part (81a) receiving light from the identification object that is irradiated by the light emitting parts (80a, 81b); a determining part (232) determining whether the identification object is a bill or a paper sheet on which a bar code is printed based on the light received by the light receiving part (81a); and a light emission control part controlling the light emission of the light emitting parts (80a, 81b). The light emission control part changes the lighting interval according to the object determined by the determining part (232).

Abstract: The invention relates to a coin verifier which comprises a support for supporting a coin during verification. The coin verifier is characterised in that the support comprises two shutters which are arranged opposite to each other. The shutters support the coin in a v-shaped manner when closed. The inventive coin verifier comprises a recess for retaining a coin during verification and is characterised in that the recess is terminated by two outlets. The outlets are closeable by the shutters for selectively dumping the coin through one of the two outlets. Further, a method for verifying a coin is disclosed which comprises the steps of maintaining/retaining the coin in a retainer equipped with sensors, verifying the coin by the sensors and selectively opening one of two shutters. The choice of the shutter which is opened depends on the result of the verification, in particular whether or not the coin is accepted.

Abstract: A subassembly includes a housing, a light pipe core having a top diffusing surface, a light control component associated with the top diffusing surface, and at least one light source coupled to the housing. Preferably, the light control component includes at least one aperture or an array of apertures, and can be made, for example of a plastic or polymer material. The apertures can be in the shape of elongated slits, although other shapes are suitable for some applications. The subassembly can be used in various applications including as part of a document validator.

Abstract: A currency validator is adapted to read and transfer data on a data card to an external machine such as a vending machine. The data card includes data for updating programs and operational data stored in a controller of the external machine.

Abstract: A vending machine product storage tray system and vending machine system having the advantages of an addressable information display proximate to the vended product stored for sale therein is exposed.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus is provided which can detect a dispensed coin without lowering a dispensation speed of coins, even dispensed small-diameter coins without lowering a dispensation speed without damaging a coin detecting device. The coin dispensing apparatus has a throwing-out device and a noncontact type detecting device. A rebound member is provided against which the coin thrown out by the throwing-out device strikes, to rebound in a predetermined direction. The noncontact type coin detecting device continuously detects a coin before the coin strikes against the rebound member and after the coin rebounds.

Abstract: A device for sorting disks or disk-like members of different identities (e.g., roulette chips) that ejects the disks from a receptacle by means of a rotating wheel with numerous wells, such as multi-chip storage compartments. Ejection of an article from the numerous 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 rotating wheel, into a receiving space. The disks in the receiving spaces are continually replaced by newly arriving disks, which force the previously positioned disks upwards into a column.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for an additional security feature on a gaming machine regarding the content of a cash box positioned within the gaming machine through the printing of a coupon. The method involves transferring information from a bill validator to a printer all within a gaming machine wherein the transfer of the information is achieved by a serial port connection between the bill validator and the printer. The present invention also provides a system for an additional security feature to a gaming machine through the printing of a coupon containing information relating to the content of a cash box positioned within the gaming machine. The coupon is produced by information retrieved from the bill validator. The transfer of the information from the bill validator to the printer is achieved through a serial port interconnection between the bill validator and the printer.

Abstract: A coin mechanism comprises a coin entry point (2) to receive coins (1), a coin exit point (19), a coin acceptor (5) having an inlet (7) for coins to be tested, a sensor and processing arrangement configured determine the acceptability of coins under test that enter the inlet, an coin accept path (10) for acceptable coins and a non-accept path (12) for non-acceptable coins. A first coin conveyor runs along first coin feed path (6) from a coin receiving portion that receives coins from coin entry path (3) to deliver coins in succession to the inlet (7) of the coin acceptor. A second coin conveyor runs along a second coin feed path (17) from a coin receiving portion that receives coins from the non-accept path of the acceptor to the coin, to deliver coins to the coin exit point.

Abstract: A method and device for dispensing coins from a compact coin dispensing device while fully utilizing the storage capacity of a retaining bowl. The coin dispensing device or devices can be installed in a coin recycling machine where coins are retained by specific denominations. Detectors monitor the coins that are dispensed and the coins that are accepted into the retainer bowls and a control unit can appropriately coordinate and automatically drive a motor in a reverse direction for a predetermined movement and/or predetermined time after a coin dispensing operation and/or a coin depositing operation into a retainer bowl to prevent coin stacking and to maximize the storage capacity.

Abstract: The counterfeit money discrimination support device is configured to eject only the banknotes of the same denomination as a predetermined denomination of money, as specific banknotes, among banknotes taken into the device from the exterior. The denomination and quantity of the specific banknotes ejected to the exterior are stored in a memory 23. Thereafter, the specific banknotes discriminated as being not counterfeit banknotes, by hand, are then taken again into the device. When the denomination and quantity of the specific banknotes taken again into the device respectively correspond to the denomination and quantity stored in the memory 23, the discriminating operation for the counterfeit banknotes is judged to have been properly completed.

Abstract: Inductive measuring arrangement for coin validation in free-fall coin-operated devices, in which at least one elongate coil arrangement on one side of the drop path of the coins extends transversely to the drop path, two coaxial elongate coils being arranged adjacent to one another, a shell core which is E-shaped in cross section being provided, which receives the coils between its outer arms, and a central arm extending, either not at all or only partially, into the outer coil.