A coin hopper for dispensing coins includes a container for holding coins, an exit channel for outputting a target number of coins, and a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit features a rotatable transport plate with multiple coin pockets, facilitating the transfer of coins from the container to the exit channel. These pockets accommodate coins of different sizes, with a first pocket for coins of a first size and a second pocket for coins of a second size. An adjustable cover on the transport plate allows selective exposure of the pockets to the container. The cover can move between two configurations: one exposing the first pocket while blocking the second, and the other exposing the second pocket while blocking the first. This design enables the coin hopper to dispense a target number of coins of varying sizes.
A coin receive unit (100, 200) is provided for collecting and sorting coins comprising: an inclined track (120, 220), one or more transport arms (130, 230), an input zone, and a coin processing unit. The inclined track (120, 220) includes an elongate upper portion (120b, 220b) and an elongate lower portion (120a, 220a) connected by first and second curved portions to form a continuous coin transport path. Each transport arm (130, 230) is positioned orthogonally across the inclined track (120, 220) and configured to move around the track (120, 220). The input zone is configured to feed coins to a coin collection location along the transport path, and the coin processing unit, located along the transport path, is for analysing and sorting the coins. The transport arms (130, 230) are configured to transport coins received from the coin collection location around a portion of the coin transport path towards the coin processing unit and divert excess coins being transported by each transport arm (130, 230) away from the transport path and towards the coin collection location. Therefore, each transport arm is (130, 230) configured to provide no more than one coin to the coin processing unit during each circulation of the inclined track (120, 220).
A coin sorter unit for sorting coins being transported along a transport path is provided. The coin sorter unit comprises: a sensor for detecting a position of one or more coins on the transport path, one or more exit channels for receiving the one or more coins from the transport path, a pre-sorting flap pivotably mounted at a pre-sorting pivot axis and configured to pivot towards a receive portion of a channel between the transport path and the one or more exit channels in a closed configuration, and away from the receive portion in an open configuration and a closed configuration to selectively open and close the channel between the transport path and the one or more exit channels, and a controller for operating the pre-sorting flap. The controller is configured to operate the pre-sorting flap to selectively divert the one or more coins from the transport path towards the one or more exit channels based on a classification of each coin and the sensed position of the coin. The pre-sorting flap is configured to move into the closed configuration under a closing force, wherein the closing force is configured to permit a coin in contact with the pre-sorting flap and the receive portion to fall towards the one or more exit channels.
A computer-implemented method for verifying a person's age is provided. The method comprises: receiving a first image of the person, detecting a face of the person in the first image, and receiving a second image of an identification document (ID) from the camera. The ID is a photo ID comprising a photograph of a face. The method further comprises determining regions of interest in the second image. The regions of interest comprise a first region containing a date of birth on the ID and a second region containing the photograph. A text recognition module is used to extract the date of birth from the second region of interest and calculate a stated age of the person on the ID from the date of birth; and the face of the person detected in the first image is compared to the face in the photograph to determine if the person detected in the first image is the same as the person on the ID. An age verification message is outputted based on the stated age of the person on the ID and on the comparison between the face of the person detected in the first image and the face in the photograph.
G06V 40/16 - Human faces, e.g. facial parts, sketches or expressions
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
G06V 40/40 - Spoof detection, e.g. liveness detection
A database enrolment system for enrolling an unauthorised person in a database of authorised persons is provided. The system comprises: a camera for imaging a field of view, and a processing unit in communication with the database of authorised persons. The database contains information relating to the faces of authorised persons. The processing unit comprises a face recognition subsystem and is configured to perform an enrolment routine for enrolling an unauthorised person in the database. The enrolment routine comprises: detecting an initialisation scene, detecting a subsequent confirmation scene, and when the initialisation scene and the confirmation scene are detected, transmitting enrolment information relating to the face of the unauthorised person to the database for enrolment as an authorised person. Detecting initialisation scene includes: using the face recognition subsystem to detect the face of an authorised person in the field of view and to detect the face of an unauthorised person in the field of view, wherein the face of the authorised person is detected on a first side of the face of the unauthorised person in the field of view. Detecting the subsequent confirmation scene includes: using the face recognition subsystem to detect the face of the authorised person and the face of the unauthorised person in the field of view, wherein the face of the authorised person is detected on a second side of the face of the unauthorised person in the field of view.
G06V 40/50 - Maintenance of biometric data or enrolment thereof
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communicationsNetwork security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
A coin handling apparatus (1) comprising: a coin reservoir (2) including a coin output aperture (3); a coin output conduit (4) in communication with, and adjacent to, said coin output aperture (3); a coin separating mechanism (5) disposed between the coin output aperture (3) and the coin output conduit (4), said coin separating mechanism (5) comprising at least one gate member (9, 9A, 9B) including a pair of opposing resiliently biased support posts (10, 10A, 10B); wherein the at least one of the pair of opposing resiliently biased support posts (10, 10A, 10B) is configured to reciprocate within the magnetic field of a proximal inductor (11).
A banknote storage container (1) comprising a housing (2) enclosing an internal banknote receiving compartment (8), said housing (2) including a banknote input aperture (3) in communication with a banknote receiving compartment ingress opening (3′); the banknote receiving compartment (8) includes a pair of pivotable bascule members (4, 5), said bascule members (4, 5) disposed in opposing lateral positions within the banknote receiving compartment, and each of said pair of bascule members (4, 5) includes a gate element (16) disposed at an end of the bascule member proximal to the ingress opening (3′) and a banknote contact portion (15) at an end of the bascule member distal from the ingress opening (3′); and the banknote contact portion (15) of each of said bascule members (4, 5) protrudes into the banknote receiving compartment (8) such that when a leading edge of a banknote received into said banknote receiving compartment (8) simultaneously comes into contact with the banknote contact portion (15) of each of said bascule members (4, 5), the bascule members pivot from an ingress opening open position to an ingress opening closed position where the gate element (16) of each of said bascule members obstructs the ingress opening (3′) to prevent ingress of a subsequent banknote or retrieval of the received banknote from without the banknote storage container.
A coin elevator mechanism that includes a first housing wall and an opposing second housing wall, with a coin ingress aperture in the first housing wall and a coin egress aperture in the second housing wall positioned above the ingress aperture. A continuous articulated conveyor belt with multiple link members communicates between the ingress and egress apertures. At least one link member features a coin scoop projection that is inclined relative to a transverse axis of the link. As the conveyor belt operates, the coin scoop projection forms a coin pocket, delimited at its ends by the two housing walls, and is configured to carry multiple coins from the ingress aperture to the egress aperture. Coins are transported upward and discharged under the influence of gravity.
A coin handling apparatus (1) comprising: a coin reservoir (2) including a coin output aperture (3); a coin output conduit (4) in communication with, and adjacent to, said coin output aperture (3); a coin separating mechanism (5) disposed between the coin output aperture (3) and the coin output conduit (4), said coin separating mechanism (5) comprising at least one gate member (9, 9A, 9B) including a pair of opposing resiliently biased support posts (10, 10A, 10B); wherein the at least one of the pair of opposing resiliently biased support posts (10, 10A, 10B) is configured to reciprocate within the magnetic field of a proximal inductor (11).
A coin elevator mechanism (1) comprising: a first housing wall (2) and an opposing second housing wall (3); a coin ingress aperture (4); a coin egress aperture (6) positioned above said coin ingress aperture (4); and a continuous articulated conveyor belt (7) including a plurality of link members (8), the continuous articulated conveyor belt (7) is arranged to provide communication between said coin ingress aperture (4) and said coin egress aperture (6); characterised in that the coin ingress aperture (4) is located in the first housing wall (2) and the coin egress aperture (6) is located in the second housing wall (3), and in that at least one of the plurality of link members (8) includes a coin scoop projection (12) extending therefrom, said coin scoop projection (12) configured to entrain a plurality of coins input via the coin ingress aperture (4) to the coin egress aperture (6).
A method of entering a facial image of an individual into a database of recognised and authorised individuals, the method comprising the steps of: receiving, from an image capture device connected to a database processing device, an image of a scene; determining whether the image of the scene contains a facial image of a recognised and authorised first individual; determining whether the image of the scene contains a facial image of a second individual and, if the image of the scene contains a facial image of a second individual, determine if the second individual is a recognised and authorised individual; if the second individual is not a recognised and authorised individual, determine whether the image of the scene includes a security gesture by the recognised and authorised first individual; and entering the facial image of the second individual to the database of recognised and authorised individuals if the image of the scene includes the security gesture by the recognised and authorised first individual.
A method of obtaining a plurality of infrared images of a banknote that involves simultaneously illuminating the banknote with infrared light at a first wavelength and infrared light at a second wavelength, capturing an image of the banknote with an RGB camera, obtaining from both a first output channel signal and a second output channel signal of the RGB camera sensor where the intensity distribution of the infrared light at the first wavelength and the intensity distribution of the infrared light at the second wavelength uses a first calibration coefficient and a second calibration coefficient of the RGB camera sensor, producing separate infrared images of the banknote at the first wavelength and the second wavelength from the respective intensity distributions.
A banknote feeder device (3) configured to interconnect and operate in conjunction with a banknote acceptor apparatus (2), the banknote feeder device (3) comprising a banknote transport mechanism operable, when the banknote feeder device (3) is connected to the banknote acceptor apparatus (2), to transport a banknote from a banknote input aperture to a banknote output aperture. The banknote transport mechanism comprises a linear succession of spaced-apart pairs of transport wheels (22) and each transport wheel extends at least partially through a banknote transport conduit surface into an interior cavity of the banknote transport conduit between the banknote input aperture and the banknote output aperture.
G07F 19/00 - Complete banking systemsCoded card-freed arrangements adapted for dispensing or receiving monies or the like and posting such transactions to existing accounts, e.g. automatic teller machines
A modular banknote apparatus (1) comprising: a banknote acceptor module (2); a banknote dispenser module (3); at least one banknote storage drum module (4); and a banknote transport module (5); wherein said banknote transport module (5) mechanically and electrically interconnects said at least one banknote storage drum module (4) and said banknote dispenser module (3); and wherein the banknote transport module (5) is configured to provide electronic control of both the banknote dispenser module (4) and the at least one banknote storage drum module (4) in a respective master and slave relationship.
A banknote validator having a housing, a validation sensor; and a banknote drive mechanism. The banknote drive mechanism may be arranged to transport a banknote from an input aperture to a stacking device. The banknote drive mechanism may delimit a first banknote pathway proximal to an input aperture, and a second banknote pathway proximal to the stacking device. A pivotable security gate arrangement may be included that is resiliently biased to project into the second banknote pathway.
B65H 5/02 - Feeding articles separated from pilesFeeding articles to machines by belts or chains
G07F 19/00 - Complete banking systemsCoded card-freed arrangements adapted for dispensing or receiving monies or the like and posting such transactions to existing accounts, e.g. automatic teller machines
B65H 7/14 - Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors by photoelectric feelers or detectors
B65H 9/06 - Movable stops or gauges, e.g. rising and falling front stops
A modular banknote apparatus (1) comprising: a banknote acceptor module (2); a banknote dispenser module (3); at least one banknote storage drum module (4); and a banknote transport module (5); wherein said banknote transport module (5) mechanically and electrically interconnects said at least one banknote storage drum module (4) and said banknote dispenser module (3); and wherein the banknote transport module (5) is configured to provide electronic control of both the banknote dispenser module (4) and the at least one banknote storage drum module (4) in a respective master and slave relationship.
A method and device for managing currency item replenishment in a transaction device configured to accept a plurality m of currency item denominations, wherein the method comprises analyzing transaction history data to produce statistics from which an optimum currency item replenishment period and currency item replenishment levels are determined.
G07F 19/00 - Complete banking systemsCoded card-freed arrangements adapted for dispensing or receiving monies or the like and posting such transactions to existing accounts, e.g. automatic teller machines
A safe conduit device having a banknote validator docking station, a banknote cashbox docking station spatially separated from the banknote validator docking station, and a banknote transport module configured to provide a removable bridge spanning the spatial separation between the banknote validator docking station and the banknote cashbox docking station.
B65H 43/04 - Use of control, checking, or safety devices, e.g. automatic devices comprising an element for sensing a variable detecting, or responding to, presence of faulty articles
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
A banknote storage unit comprising: a first tape reel banknote storage device; a second tape reel banknote storage device; and a drive transmission means pivotable between engagement with said first tape reel banknote storage device and engagement with said second tape reel banknote storage device.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Computer software; computer hardware; information technology and audio visual, multimedia and photographic devices; communication equipment; data storage devices; safety, security, protection and signalling devices; facial recognition and identification software; age recognition software.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Coin, bill, counter and token validators; coin-operated, counter-operated and token-operated mechanisms; apparatus for counting or sorting coins, bills, counters and tokens; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Repair, maintenance and installation of coin, counter or token-operated mechanisms and apparatus for handling coins, bills, counters and tokens; advisory services relating to repair, maintenance and installation of coin, counter or token-operated mechanisms and apparatus for handling coins, bills, counters and tokens. Technical consultancy, design, development and testing services relating to coin, counter or token-operated mechanisms; computer software design and maintenance.
An apparatus (30) for separating a single coin from a plurality of coins comprising a rotatable coin disk (31) including at least one coin-retaining aperture, said rotatable coin disk configured to transport coins along a dispensing path interconnecting a coin source and a coin outlet aperture, said coin outlet aperture closed by a double outlet gate (32); characterized in that said double outlet gate (32) comprises adjacent first and second gate members (33, 34), wherein the first gate member (33) is a biased moveable coin stripping element and the second gate member (34) is a fixed barrier including an aperture section (37) configured to allow the unhindered passage therethrough of a separated coin.
A banknote validator (2) comprising: a first banknote input/output aperture (3); a second banknote input/output aperture (4); a banknote transport path (5) interconnecting the first banknote input/output aperture (3) and the second banknote input/output aperture (14); an intermediate validation transport branch (11) disposed between the first and second banknote input/output apertures (3, 4); and a diverter mechanism (12) disposed proximal to an entrance to said intermediate validation transport branch (11); characterised in that the diverter mechanism (12) is moveable between: a first position in which the banknote transport path bypasses the intermediate validation transport branch (11) providing a direct passage between the first and second banknote input/output apertures (3, 4); and a second position in which the banknote transport path is indirect between the first banknote input/output aperture (3) and the second banknote input/output aperture (4) and is via the intermediate validation transport branch (11).
G07F 7/04 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by paper currency
A banknote validator (2) comprising: a first banknote input/output aperture (3); a second banknote input/output aperture (4); a banknote transport path (5) interconnecting the first banknote input/output aperture (3) and the second banknote input/output aperture (14); an intermediate validation transport branch (11) disposed between the first and second banknote input/output apertures (3, 4); and a diverter mechanism (12) disposed proximal to an entrance to said intermediate validation transport branch (11); characterized in that the diverter mechanism (12) is moveable between: a first position in which the banknote transport path bypasses the intermediate validation transport branch (11) providing a direct passage between the first and second banknote input/output apertures (3, 4); and a second position in which the banknote transport path is indirect between the first banknote input/output aperture (3) and the second banknote input/output aperture (4) and is via the intermediate validation transport branch (11).
G07F 7/04 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by paper currency
A securable banknote carrier comprising an enclosure of flexible material attached to an articulated bi-fold frame delimiting a banknote aperture, wherein the frame comprises a pair of hingedly coupled opposing jaw members, and wherein the frame is configured such that when moving from a banknote aperture open position to a banknote aperture closed position the opposing jaw members rotate inwardly towards one another from a position in which the jaw members are substantially coplanar to a position m which the members are substantial adjacent and parallel to each other.
A coin transport mechanism comprising: a first coin rotor including at least one coin receptacle for receiving a coin; a second coin rotor including at least one coin receptacle, the second coin rotor disposed proximal to the first coin rotor; wherein the first coin rotor is noncoplanar with the second coin rotor and includes a gated coin aperture, and wherein the second coin rotor is adapted to transport coins from a coin hopper to the first coin rotor.
A coin validator apparatus includes an inclined coin chute interconnecting the coin outlet gate with a coin rejection outlet via a validation sensor module and a coin diverter mechanism, the coin chute defining a coin transport path and including a radially outer curved guide wall, such that in operation a coin exiting the coin outlet gate and traversing the coin transport path is subjected to a centripetal acceleration that constrains the coin to follow and abut the contour of the radially outer curved guide wall between the coin outlet gate and a coin diverter sensor disposed downstream in the coin transport path.
G07D 5/08 - Testing the magnetic or electric properties
G07D 5/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
G07D 3/14 - Apparatus driven under control of coin-sensing elements
28.
Apparatus and method for generating a dataset for items of currency
The invention relates to a method, system and apparatus to allow the collection of data relating to at least one parameter of an item of currency and which data can be used to generate a new or updated dataset for the same and which can be used by validation apparatus for said items of currency. The collected data is transmitted from a location which is remote from that at which the new data set is generated and the new dataset is transmitted to the said remote location and/or other locations so as to allow the new or updated dataset to be used by the apparatus.
The invention relates to apparatus and a method which allows the receipt of banknotes and the paying out of banknotes. The apparatus includes a storage medium in which at least some of the received banknotes are stored and made available for retrieval to form part of a payout of required monetary value. The apparatus includes identification means past which the retrieved banknotes are moved in order to identify the monetary value of the one or more banknotes and ensure that the same is such as to allow the banknote to be used in the said payout.
The invention relates to a method, system and apparatus to allow the collection of data relating to at least one parameter of an item of currency and which data can be used to generate a new or updated dataset for the same and which can be used by validation apparatus for said items of currency. The collected data is transmitted from a location which is remote from that at which the new data set is generated and the new dataset is transmitted to the said remote location and/or other locations so as to allow the new or updated dataset to be used by the apparatus.
Apparatus for storing/dispensing notes such as bills of monetary value, wherein the notes are stored between opposed webs wound onto drums, and notes having different characteristics may be stored on the same drum.
G07F 7/04 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by paper currency
Apparatus for checking the validity of a banknote wherein a light source illuminates a banknote through a slit as it is transported along a note path, the emitted light being detected at different wavelengths to generate a plurality of images such that a three dimensional matrix can be created, for comparison against matrices of authentic banknotes.
Apparatus for storing/dispensing notes such as bills of monetary value, wherein the notes are stored between opposed webs wound onto drums, and notes having different characteristics may be stored on the same drum.
The invention relates to apparatus which allows the validity of a banknote or bill, token, ticket or voucher to be assessed and, if accepted, moved for storage and subsequent retrieval. The apparatus includes at least one sensing apparatus comprising a light emitter and a light receiver. At least one of the sensors can be located on the opposing side of a wall of the apparatus from the bill, with at least a portion of said wall formed of a material which allows the light path to pass therethrough. This allows at least one, but typically both, of the sensors to be located outside the housing in which the checking of the validity of the bill occurs and prevents the need for an aperture to be formed in the housing to allow the light path to pass into or out of the housing.
The invention relates to apparatus for use in the handling of banknotes, tickets and/or vouchers. The apparatus allows the same to be inserted into the apparatus through an aperture and to then be fed to storage or a printing apparatus. The apparatus allows the dispensing of bills, tickets or vouchers and the same are dispensed through the same aperture thereby reducing the size of the apparatus as only one aperture and feed means is required for inserting and dispensing which is in contrast to known apparatus which have an aperture for inserting and a separate aperture via which the banknotes, tickets or vouchers are dispensed.
G07F 7/04 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by paper currency
G07F 17/32 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articlesCoin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
The invention relates to apparatus for the provision of receipt, validation and collection of banknotes or tickets which are input by a user, typically as payment for a service which has or is to be provided. The apparatus allow for the accurate location of the banknote or ticket as it passes through the apparatus and the accurate validation of the same. In one embodiment a printer assembly is provided which allows the apparatus to print tickets and to pass the same in the reverse direction to input banknotes or tickets, to be provided to the user as, for example a credit which can be cashed subsequently by the user.
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
A mechanism for separating single coins from a plurality of coins provided within a coin dispensing apparatus. The mechanism comprises a housing defining a coin dispensing path, coin transport means for urging coins along the coin dispensing path; and first and second biased coin stripping members located adjacent each other and disposed successively in the coin dispensing path at an outlet of the coin dispensing mechanism. The first and second stripping members together comprise a double outlet gate and each member is movable independently of the other by each urged coin to effect, in use, alignment and stripping of coins being dispensed.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Coin, bill, counter and token validators; coin-operated, counter-operated and token-operated mechanisms; apparatus for handling coins, bills, counters and tokens; parts and fittings for all the aforesaid goods. Repair, maintenance, installation and advisory services relating to coin, counter or token-operated mechanisms and apparatus for handling coins, bills, counters and tokens. Consultancy, design, development and testing services relating to coin, counter or token-operated mechanisms; computer software design and maintenance.
