Ncr Corporation

Philip Keith Staff

Alexander William Whytock

Kevin G Leeper

Alexander Stuart MacDonald

A valuable media handling device is presented having two security processors. A top box for an escrow module of the valuable media handling device includes a master security processor. The master security processor is connected to a slave security processed located within a safe of the valuable media handling device via an internal bus connection. The master security processor controls and validates operations and modules of the valuable media handling device and the slave security processor controls and validates operations that access the safe for depositing or dispensing valuable media from the safe.

Valuable media handling device with security processor

An automated teller machine can use an array of pressure sensors, such as piezo-resistive sensors, to detect the presence of foreign objects, such as staples, paper clips, or rubber bands, in a stack of banknotes. A user can insert a stack of banknotes into an automated teller machine. A pair of opposing clamping surfaces can apply pressure to the stack of banknotes. An array of pressure sensors can sense non-uniformities in pressure over the area of the array. If circuitry coupled to the pressures sensors senses a presence of a high pressure area in the surface area of the banknotes, then the circuitry can generate a signal indicating that one or more foreign objects has been detected. The automated teller machine can then prompt the user to remove the stack of banknotes and remove the foreign object from the stack of banknotes.

Banknote foreign object detection using pressure sensing array

A media handler comprises a pick unit arranged to receive a media cassette defining a stub; a detent mounted on the pick unit and resiliently biased to protrude into a path traversed by the stub until deflected by the stub; and a latch pivotably mounted to the pick unit. The latch defines: (i) a flag portion and (ii) a recess engagable by the stub as the cassette is fully inserted into the pick unit. The latch is moveable between (i) an open position in which the detent prevents the latch from moving and (ii) a closed position in which the detent has been deflected by the stub and the recess engages with the stub. Complete insertion of the cassette causes the stub to deflect the detent out of the path, thereby allowing the latch to pivot from the open to the closed position and the recess to engage with the stub to lock the cassette in position.

Growing community of inventors

Dunfermline, United Kingdom

Philip Keith Staff