CN1636222B - Automatic banking machine currency tracking system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An automated banking machine (10) including a user interface (12) with an opening (20). A user of the machine conveys individual sheets and sheet stacks to and receives individual sheets and sheet stacks from the machine through the opening. A stack of sheets may include sheets such as bills, checks, or other documents. The stack input to the machine includes a mix of various types of flakes. The machines can be used to receive bills, process checks, and perform other operations. Tickets received in the machine and evaluated as valid can be reused and distributed to other users. Receipts that have been machine-evaluated as questionable validity can be flagged with a removable marker for further analysis. Checks processed by the machine can be imaged by an imaging device, canceled and stored at the machine, or returned to the user. Documents generated by the machine, such as receipts, checks, or money orders, and bills dispensed from the machine, may be fitted in a stack within the machine through the opening and conveyed from the machine through the opening.

Description

Automatic banking machine currency tracking system and method

technical field

This invention relates to automated banking machines, and more particularly to automated banking machines for transmitting and receiving documents such as currency notes and authenticating suspicious banknotes for analysis and processing.

Background technique

Automated banking machines are well known in the art. One common type of automated banking machine is an automated teller machine (ATM). Individuals use ATMs to receive cash from their accounts, pay bills, transfer cash between accounts, and make deposits. Certain .ATMs enable customers to deposit checks, money orders, travelers checks, or other instruments. Such ATMs sometimes have the ability to create electronic images of deposited documents.

ATMs can also provide various types of chips to customers. This sheet contains the cash bill that the customer withdraws from the machine. The user may also receive sheet material such as money orders, bank checks, temporary vouchers, postage stamps, or other sheet material stored in or generated by the machine. The user may also receive from the ATM a printed sheet that is a receipt showing details of transactions that have been completed at the machine. In addition, customers can request and receive from the ATM a more detailed description of transactions made on their account.

There are slips received from or delivered to customers at several different locations on some ATMs. For example, most machines include an area for delivering cash to customers and another area for receiving deposits. It is also possible to have more than one deposit receiving area for different types of deposits. For example, an ATM may have one opening for accepting envelope deposits and a separate opening for accepting negotiable instruments such as checks. ATMs may also have specific areas for delivering receipts to customers. If the machine has the capability to print a complete statement of accounts on larger paper, additionally set the area for the delivery statement sheet.

Since each type of document is handled by a different mechanism within the machine, it is required to have different areas on the ATM's customer interface for receiving and presenting the various documents. Clients can use each of these mechanisms independently. This makes the machine have a variety of different characteristics that are substantially different from other machines and increase the complexity of its operation. Providing several different lanes and conveyors for receiving and providing sheet material adds complexity and cost to the customer for the machine.

While ATMs are readily found to have deficiencies associated with multiple sheet delivery and receiving openings, other automated banking machines have similar deficiencies. For example, the machines used by bank tellers to count money received from customers are often completely different machines than the machines that tellers provide to customers for dispensing money. Separate machines for receiving and imaging currency and other types of negotiable instruments and documents of value are also often provided. Often a separate terminal is provided for printing a client transaction list or record. Automated banking machines that accept documents such as cash statements are also becoming more common. In some such automated banking machines, documents such as cash statements may be received from the customer by means within the machine and evaluated for validity. If an existing ticket is determined to be valid, it is stored in the machine for subsequent distribution to the same or another customer who requested to receive a ticket from the machine.

Such automated banking machines also occasionally receive invalid or suspicious documents. When this happens, the document is usually rejected by that machine. In some cases, if the document is a counterfeit document, it may be desirable to remove the document from circulation and/or identify the person who presented the counterfeit document in order to investigate the source of the counterfeit document. Also in some cases, the documentation presented may generally appear to be valid but does not meet the machine's reception requirements. However, even when presented with such documents that are likely to be valid, the machine rejects them as not meeting the full set of criteria for documents of definite authenticity suitable for receipt, storage, and subsequent distribution by the machine .

Thus, there is a need for an automated banking machine and system capable of receiving and distributing documents such as notes, capable of accepting and identifying invalid and suspicious notes, and providing information that can be used to identify and preserve such notes, and Provides the ability for the contact to present the ticket to the machine.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine.

Another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide an automated banking machine with a simpler customer interface.

It is still another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine having a single opening for receiving and presenting various types of slips and documents.

It is still another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that performs various banking transaction functions and has a compact physical size.

It is yet another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is easily configured to provide a variety of different banking functions.

Yet another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide an automated banking machine that is economical to manufacture and operate.

Still another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide an automatic banking machine that accepts various bank documents from customers and transmits various bank documents to customers in stacks, respectively.

Yet another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide an automated banking machine capable of evaluating the validity of deposited documents.

It is yet another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine capable of flagging suspicious and/or invalid documents in the machine.

It is yet another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine capable of tracking suspicious or invalid documents as to their origin.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine capable of marking a suspect document with a removable marker which can be removed from the document if it is later determined to be valid .

It is yet another object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that marks suspicious documents accepted by the machine with a flag (corresponding to a particular transaction, account, and/or user associated with placing the suspicious document in the machine).

It is yet another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that marks suspicious documents with a removable machine-readable indicia.

It is yet another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that can be used in conjunction with an evaluation operation that evaluates suspect documents for validity and removes flags from documents determined to be valid.

It is yet another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide a method for operating an automated banking machine system.

It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a method for operating an automated banking machine system in which invalid and/or suspicious documents deposited in the automated banking machine are identified.

Still another object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method in which a suspicious document deposited in an automated banking machine is identified with a removable mark and removed after the validity of the deposited document is verified.

It is yet another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide a method by which the person responsible for depositing invalid documents in an automated banking machine can be contacted.

It is yet another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to provide a method of tracking documents deposited in an automated banking machine that are determined to be invalid to the specific entity responsible for depositing such documents in the machine.

Other objects of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following best modes for carrying out the invention and the appended claims.

The above objects are achieved in an exemplary embodiment by an automated banking machine having a transport device for moving a document or a plurality of documents along a first transport lane. A first delivery channel extends from a user-accessible opening in the machine interface. The machine also includes an internal second transport lane for transporting the documents. The second transfer channel meets the first transfer channel at the intersection. A sheet guide is provided adjacent to the intersection. The machine also includes at least one sheet dispensing device and at least one sheet receiving device for distributing and receiving sheets, respectively. The sheet dispensing and receiving device operates with either the first or the second transport lane.

In operation of the exemplary machine, a large number of sheets, which may contain various documents received from a user, are removed from the opening along a first transport path. As the stack passes through the intersection, the sheet guide is selectively operable to separate a sheet from the stack and direct the sheet into the second transport path. Once in the second transport lane, the separated sheets can be handled individually for processing and storage in the machine. Passing the stack of sheets through the intersection portion selectively removes sheets from the stack in response to operation of the sheet guide.

By moving the sheets in the first transport channel, the sheets dispensed or stored in the machine can be assembled into stacks. The sheet in the second transfer channel is moved parallel to the first sheet to the crossing portion. The first and second sheets are aligned and form a stack in the first transport channel as the sheets move across the intersection. Additional sheets are selectively added to the stack as the stack is thereafter moved again across the intersection so that successive sheets pass through the second transport channel to the intersection. The various sheets are selectively assembled into stacks in a machine operation. The control circuit operates the components of the machine to assemble the folded sheet. Once the stack of sheets is assembled, it is transferred to the user by passing it along the first transfer channel to the user opening.

In certain exemplary embodiments, data may be obtained and stored that may be used to determine an individual who has provided a sheet and/or received a particular sheet from a machine. This allows the machine to determine the origin or disposition of suspicious documents, for example. Alternatively or additionally, exemplary embodiments may limit the distribution of documents, such as checks, money orders, or cash, from machines to specific individuals to reduce the risk of money laundering or other illegal or fraudulent practices. Other exemplary embodiments may include other or additional features.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the validity of documents placed in the machine is evaluated by the operation of the machine. Files evaluated as valid are stored in appropriate storage locations on the machine. In some embodiments, such documents may be distributed to the user of the machine at a later date during a transaction involving such document distribution. In some embodiments, stored documents evaluated as invalid may be marked with a permanent marker by means of a marking device in the machine. The permanent flag may correspond to at least a portion of an indicator associated with a particular transaction depositing an invalid document. Such indicators may include, for example, transaction numbers, account numbers, user numbers, indicia corresponding to biometric characteristics of the person depositing the file, or other available indicia, or combinations thereof. Such indicators may be human readable, machine readable, or both human and machine readable in some embodiments. In certain exemplary embodiments, such invalid files that are permanently marked may be stored on the machine for subsequent retrieval and transfer to the appropriate governing body. This transmission may be accompanied by information about the user involved in the transaction or responsible for presenting each invalid document.

In certain exemplary embodiments, documents that are evaluated as having questionable validity but are highly likely to be valid are also received by the machine. In some such embodiments, a document determined to be of questionable validity may be marked with a marking device that places a removable mark on the document. The removable indicia may include at least a portion of an indicator associated with the transaction or transaction data. The removable indicia can also be human readable, machine readable, or both. In certain exemplary embodiments, such marked documents may be received by and stored in a machine as determined to be potentially valid, with a temporary deposit credit given to the entity responsible for depositing the document.

In some exemplary embodiments, such suspicious files may be stored for subsequent removal from the machine. Upon removal, evaluation operations may be performed on these documents to determine whether they are in fact valid. Such evaluation operations may be performed manually, automatically, or a combination of both. In an exemplary embodiment, removal of the mark does not affect the validity rating of the document and remains on the document during the rating operation. If the document is determined to be valid by the evaluation operation, the removable marking will be removed from the document and from the document being returned for reuse or properly disposed of. In an exemplary embodiment, if the document is determined to be invalid by the evaluation operation, the indicator is used to determine the entity responsible for depositing the document. If a trust for depositing documents has been granted in advance, the user who gave the trust is notified and the trust is revoked. In some demonstrative embodiments, annotated documents are maintained and contain transaction-related information for investigation.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are exemplary and that many other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a front view of an exemplary automated banking machine incorporating some features of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a left side view of the automatic banking machine shown in Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the automatic banking machine shown in Fig. 1 .

Fig. 4 is a side view of the first conveying lane and the second conveying lane in the automatic banking machine.

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view of a conveyor used in an automated banking machine.

Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of a sheet being moved from the second conveying path to the first conveying path through the intersection portion.

Figure 7 is a schematic view similar to Figure 6, but with the sheet moving from the intersection into the first conveying lane.

Figure 8 is a schematic view similar to Figure 7, but with the foil moving in the opposite direction through the intersection.

Figure 9 is a schematic view similar to Figure 8, but with the sheet held in the holding means.

Fig. 10 is a schematic view similar to Fig. 9, but the sheet moves at the intersection and overlaps with a second sheet being conveyed through the second conveying lane, the second sheet being superimposed in alignment with the first sheet to form a stack.

Fig. 11 is a schematic view similar to Fig. 10 in which stacked sheet pairs have passed through the intersection.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view similar to Fig. 11, wherein the stacked sheets are held in holding means.

Figure 13 is a schematic view of the first and second conveying lanes, with the sheet guide operating to separate the first sheet from the stack as the stack passes through the intersection.

Fig. 14 is a schematic view similar to Fig. 13, showing sheets separated from the stack as the stack passes through the intersection.

Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the first and second transport lanes showing the sheet being reoriented by the sheet inverting device.

Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a sheet passing through a second intersection portion between the first conveying path and the third conveying path.

Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of the first and second transport lanes through which deposit envelopes pass.

Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing first, second, and third conveying paths, the sheet moves from the holding device to the third conveying path.

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the first, second, and third transfer lanes on which additional holding means are provided.

Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the first and second conveying paths from which the sheet moves to the first conveying path, schematically illustrating how the sheet guide is used as part of the sheet turning device.

Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an alternative embodiment of first, second, and third transfer lanes for use in an optional automated banking machine provided with a user interface and user access opening.

FIG. 22 is a side view housing the automated banking machine schematically shown in FIG. 21. FIG.

Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing sheets detached from or added to the stack as the stack passes through the intersection.

Figure 24 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary system that can handle suspicious and/or invalid documents deposited in an automated banking machine.

Detailed ways

Turning now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 , there is shown an automated banking machine generally indicated at 10 . The automatic banking machine 10 is an ATM. However, other types of automated banking machines are possible in other embodiments of the invention. The ATM 10 includes a user or user interface (user interface) indicated at 12. User interface 12 includes a touch screen 14 . The touch screen 14 is of a type known in the art and can function as both an input device and an output device. The touch screen can output through the display on the screen, and can input by putting the finger close to the screen area.

The user interface 12 also includes a keyboard 16 . The keypad 16 includes a plurality of buttons operable by the user to enter into the automated banking machine. The user interface 12 also includes a card slot 18 . The card slot 18 is used to insert a card with encoded data that can be used to identify the user's identity and/or user account information. The card slot 18 is connected to a card reader of the conventional type for reading encoded data in the card. Other exemplary embodiments may include other input devices than card readers and/or keyboards. Some embodiments include an input device, such as a biometric reader, that can be used to receive user identification input, such as fingerprints, iris scans, retinal scans, facial data, voice data, or other input that can be used to identify a customer. An example of an ATM using biometric devices and other types of input devices is shown in US Patent No. 6,023,688, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

User interface 12 also includes opening 20 . As explained below, opening 20 is used to receive a document or stack of sheets from a user operating machine 10 . The opening 20 is also used to convey the stack of documents to a user operating the machine. Although opening 20 is shown exposed in FIG. 1 , it should be understood that in other embodiments it may alternatively be concealed by a snap door or similar closure structure. It should be appreciated that these features of the ATM user interface described above are exemplary and that in other embodiments, the user interface may include different components and/or features.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the machine 10 has a unitary split body construction including a cabinet portion 22 . Cabinet portion 22 in the exemplary embodiment is preferably a secure cabinet for containing items of value such as currency or deposits. The cabinet 22 has a door 24 that is selectively openable to provide access to the interior of the cabinet. Door 24 preferably includes a combination lock or other locking mechanism (not shown) capable of preventing opening of the cabinet portion by unauthorized persons.

Machine 10 also includes an upper housing portion 26 . The upper housing portion houses the components of the user interface 12 . The user interface 12 includes a dashboard 28 . The instrument panel 28 is preferably removably mounted on the upper housing portion 26 and can be selectively opened to access components housed in the upper housing portion. A locking mechanism (not shown) is preferably included in the upper housing portion of the exemplary embodiment for preventing unauthorized persons from accessing the interior of the upper housing portion.

As shown in Figure 3, machine 10 includes a number of devices for performing banking transactions. It should be understood that the devices discussed hereinafter are exemplary and that other or different devices may be incorporated in other embodiments of the invention.

Figure 3 schematically shows the interior of the ATM 10. An exemplary ATM includes a plurality of devices for processing thin items such as checks or other documents. The ATM 10 includes a sheet dispensing device, a document generating device, or a sheet receiving device. There are money dispensers 30 and 32 in the sheet dispensing device. Money dispensers 30 and 32 may be of the type shown in US Patent No. 4,494,747, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, capable of selectively dispensing one sheet at a time in response to a control signal. Currency dispensers 30 and 32 may include removable sheet holding receptacles or boxes that include indicia thereon. The case is interchangeable and may be of the type shown in US Patent No. 4,871,085, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Indicia on the sheet holding bin can be used to indicate the type and/or nature (i.e., currency type or denomination) of the sheet contained therein, which can be read by a reading device when the bin is installed in the machine .

The exemplary ATM operates in response to markings on the box to adjust the operation of the dispenser to comply with the box contents and location. In an exemplary embodiment, sheet-holding cassettes and other devices may include indicia of the type shown in US Patent No. 4,871,085. The information displayed by the mark is read by the reading device, and the formed signal is transmitted to the machine control circuit. The control circuit responds to the signal to adjust the operation of the sheet dispensing and receiving device to suit the type and characteristics of the sheets contained in the various bins.

In the exemplary embodiment of machine 10 shown in FIG. 3 , the machine preferably includes a bill processing mechanism that includes sheet receiving and transport devices 34 , 36 , and 38 . An exemplary sheet receiving and transporting device may be of the type shown in US Patent No. 6,331,000, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The sheet conveying and receiving device is capable of receiving and storing sheets in selected chambers, and selectively conveying sheets from various chambers. As can be seen from the incorporated disclosures, some bill processing establishments can only receive and store bills, others can only dispense bills, and some can both receive and dispense bills. Other mechanisms can handle sheets other than notes. The machine 10 also includes a schematically indicated envelope store 40 . The warehouse 40 is a device configured to receive and accommodate the thicker, sheet-shaped deposit envelopes deposited in the machine by the user.

The warehouse 40 , the currency dispensers 30 and 32 , and the sheet receiving and conveying devices 34 , 36 , and 38 are located within the cabinet 22 of the machine 10 . In an exemplary embodiment, in this embodiment, sheet dispensing and receiving devices are interchangeably provided in the machine, in addition to the warehouse. Control circuitry adjusts machine operation accordingly based on unit location and markings on the box or unit.

Each of the currency dispensers 30 and 32 , the sheet receiving and conveying devices 34 , 36 , and 38 , and the warehouse 40 communicate with a sheet transport path generally indicated at 42 . The sheet transport path 42 includes a plurality of sheet transport devices arranged in a row and operatively connected through the rear of the cabinet. Sheet transport path 42 includes one or more sheet transport devices that may include one or more of the type shown in US Patent No. 5,240,638, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. Each of the warehouse 40, the money dispensers 30 and 32, and the sheet receiving and conveying devices 34, 36, and 38 are operatively connected to the sheet transport path 42 and are capable of conveying sheets and/or receiving paper from the sheet transport path 42. Flakes.

The sheet transport channel 42 extends through an opening (not shown) in the cabinet portion 22 of the ATM cabinet. Wiring connecting the components located in the cabinet part to the components in the upper housing part 26 also extends through the opening in the cabinet part and connects to control circuitry, indicated schematically at 44 . The control circuit 44 preferably includes at least one processor coupled to at least one memory or data store, the at least one processor capable of executing programmed instructions based on data stored in the memory. The control circuitry in the exemplary embodiment operates the machine to perform the operations described herein.

The upper housing portion 26 includes an instrument panel 28 and a user access opening 20 . A first transfer channel, shown generally at 46 , extends within the machine from opening 20 . The first delivery channel 46 preferably comprises a braided belt type conveyor, such as US Patent No. 5,797,599, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This further type of conveyor is shown schematically at 48 in FIG. 5 .

The conveyor 48 includes a plurality of first spaced rollers 50 and a plurality of second rollers 52 spaced therebetween. Rollers 50 and 52 are preferably convex rollers on which elastic bands are supported. The first roller 50 supports a first conveyor belt 54 and the second roller 52 supports a second conveyor belt 56 . Conveyor belts 54 and 56 extend radially within conveyor 48 .

A stack of sheets, represented schematically as sheet 58 in FIG. 5 , moves superimposed with conveyor belts 54 and 56 in a conveyor as disclosed in the aforementioned patent incorporated herein. Conveyor 48 is configured to convey variable numbers and types of sheets, and to convey passbooks and other forms of stacked sheets. The conveyor in the exemplary embodiment is useful because it is capable of conveying various types of sheets with variable thickness and frictional properties that minimize deflection.

Referring again to FIG. 3 , the first transfer lane 46 intersects the transfer lane 42 at a first intersection (generally indicated at 60 ). As described below, an exemplary embodiment includes: a separation mechanism for individually separating sheets from a stack; and a stack assembly mechanism for creating a stack of documents. In the exemplary embodiment, the sheets are selectively stacked and unloaded while moving through the first intersection 60 to process the sheets in the machine 10 .

The upper housing portion 26 also includes various sheet producing, dispensing, and/or receiving devices. These dispensing and receiving means may comprise a device or dispenser for receiving or dispensing sheets, similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,494,747 or U.S. Patent No. 6,331,000, further comprising a removable holding box for containing the sheets therein . Such a removable container may also include an identifier, readable by a device in the machine, as disclosed in US Patent No. 4,871,085. The control circuitry may control operation of the machine in response to the identifier.

Devices 62 and 64 may function as part of a document generation device and may accommodate sheets such as blank receipts or forms. Optionally, one of such holding boxes may hold blank documents that need to be filled out, such as temporary voucher forms, money orders, or traveler's checks. A further sheet dispensing device 66 may dispense documents that need to be filled out before dispensing, such as bank checks, or documents that are dispensed without further processing, such as stamp plates.

Sheet receiver 68 is preferably included in the upper housing portion. Sheet receiving device 68 may be used to receive sheets, such as checks or other documents, which have been entered into the machine by a user and have been imaged and/or canceled by processing in the machine.

The exemplary upper housing portion also includes at least one printing device, shown at 70 . The printing device 70 is operable to selectively print on the sheet under the control of the control circuit. In an exemplary embodiment, an automated banking machine includes a marking device. Such marking devices may include one or more printing devices, such as device 70 . Such marking means may be used to provide removable ink on documents. Such removable inks may be visible inks or invisible inks. In some embodiments, the marking device may bear markings that are only visible when exposed to radiation within a certain frequency range. For example, markings are only visible when exposed to ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, removable markings include numbers, symbols, patterns or designs, or other human- or machine-readable indicia corresponding to data or some other characteristic.

In some alternative embodiments, the marking means for providing a removable marking to a document within the machine may comprise means for applying a removable self-adhesive label. Such labels may be printed or produced by suitable means in the machine and then applied to the document. Of course, in some embodiments a combination of different marking devices may be used to apply different types of markings to documents in the machine. Additionally or in an alternative exemplary embodiment, means may be included to apply a permanent marker to the document. Such permanent marking may include marking with permanent ink, labels, or other markings. Making such permanent marking may also include permanently altering or damaging the document, such as by perforating, shredding, or other processes that generally provide permanent marking on the document. It should be understood that various types of marking devices may be provided in various embodiments depending on the operations to be performed by the machine. In yet other embodiments, means for permanent or temporary marking other than those described above may be included.

Also included in the exemplary machine is an imaging device indicated at 72 . Imaging device 72 is preferably capable of reading and producing electronic images of documents, such as those shown in US Patent No. 5,534,682 and US Patent No. 5,923,413, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the imaging device may operate with control circuitry to generate signals comprising an electronic representation of an image of a check or other document. The electronic representation may include all or selected portions of one or both sides of the sheet. For example, in some cases it may be appropriate to obtain an electronic image of the letters, numbers, and/or other symbols or features on a check. For example, such data can be analyzed using character recognition software, such software is commercially available from Check Solutions, Inc., A2ia Inc., or other Or cash a check.

In some embodiments, a printing device, marking device, or other device may also function as part of the deregistration device. Such cancellation devices may be used to print or sign checks or other documents received by the machine. For example, the machine may flag canceled checks received and processed by an ATM. In some embodiments, such checks or documents may be marked by operation of the cancellation device and then stored in a check storage area in the machine. In other embodiments, after a document has been imaged, the deregistration device may mark such document to indicate that it has been deregistered and return the deregistered document to the user of the machine. In some embodiments, when returning to the user, one or more such logged-out documents may be accumulated in a stack in the manner discussed below. Canceled documents may also be returned in stacked form with other documents, such as transaction receipts and/or records issued by the ATM as a result of cashing the check. In some embodiments, canceled checks may be shredded, mashed, or otherwise marked to prevent any fraudulent use. The control circuit can also be used to store data corresponding to the identity of the check and the ATM user who presented the check to the machine in one or more data stores for record keeping. For example, the data store may store data corresponding to checks with corresponding user account numbers, biometric data, images, or other data that can be used to identify the user. Of course, these methods are exemplary and other methods can also be used.

In some embodiments, control circuitry may be used to check a user's identity data prior to cashing one or more checks. The control circuitry can be programmed to limit the risk of the check being cashed by an unauthorized person, and/or reduce the risk of being used as a money laundering tool. For example, prior to cashing a check, the control circuitry may be operable to compare data corresponding to features shown on the check identifying the payer with other data entered by the user of the machine and/or characters including the endorsement of the check. If the drawee, user, and/or check endorsement characters do not match, the control circuitry will make it impossible to accept or cash the check. In addition, the control circuitry may be used to determine the amount and/or attributes of checks that the user should have presented at the ATM and/or at a previous time period. The ATM is also used to communicate with other computers on the network to determine the amount or nature of checks presented by users at other ATMs. If the user presents a check that is not within the specific programmed parameters established, the user's actions are flagged as check theft or money laundering, for example, an ATM will decline the transaction.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the control circuit may request at least one biometric input from the user presenting the check. This is possible even where the user can be identified using data on the card or otherwise. The biometric identification data can be compared with the stored data and used to evaluate the check-cashing behavior of that particular user. Control circuitry or a remote computer can determine whether the behavior is outside established parameters, making the current transaction suspicious and not permitted. In this way, users with multiple cards and/or multiple identities can be prevented from conducting transactions suspected of theft or money laundering. Of course, some embodiments may cross-check biometric data using data on a debit or credit card or other item or other device that the user presents to the ATM to provide more reliable assurance of the user's identity. Of course, in other embodiments, other methods may be used.

Exemplary processing units 62, 64, and 66 of the ATM, and sheet receiving unit 68 are in communication with one or more conveyors. These conveyors may be those disclosed in US Patent No. 5,342,165, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, or other suitable sheet transport devices. The sheet conveyance device constitutes the sheet conveyance path 74 . The sheet conveyance path 74 extends to the conveyance path 46 and intersects the conveyance path 46 at a second intersection portion 76 .

The upper housing portion also includes further or other devices. Such means include a record printer, shown schematically by roller 78 . A record printer is used to generate paper records of transactions performed at the machine 10 . Control circuitry can generate and store electronic records in memory. Other devices such as document generation devices, audio output devices, user sensors, cameras and recorders, biometric sensing devices, and other devices suitable for operating a particular type of automated banking machine may also be included in the machine.

Figure 4 shows in detail the transfer lanes 42, 46, and 74 of an exemplary machine. While their delivery and operation are shown in detail, it should be understood that they are merely examples of devices that may be used and that the claimed invention is not limited thereto. Conveyor channel 46 includes one or more braided belt type conveyors as shown in FIG. 5 . The conveyor path here has a plurality of first conveyor belts 80 extending between first rollers 82 and 84 . The first rollers 82 and 84 may be selectively driven by a reversible drive indicated at 86 .

Second conveyor belt 88 extends between second roller 90 and rollers 92 , 94 , and 96 . The second conveyor belt 88 can be selectively driven by a reversible drive indicated at 98 . As shown in Figure 4, the rollers 96 are selectively movable, as will be explained later. Of course, it should be understood that the conveyor belt and rollers shown in the first conveyor channel 46 are actually a plurality of spaced apart conveyor belts and rollers, as shown in FIG. 5 .

The first transfer channel 46 also includes a further transfer section 100 . Conveyor section 100 is similar to the conveyor shown in FIG. 5 and includes a plurality of third conveyor belts 102 conveyed on spaced apart rollers 104 and 106 .

Roller 106 is positioned adjacent to a plurality of retaining rollers 108 . The roller 108 is located intermediate the axis of the third spaced conveyor belt 102 . This configuration provides a corrugated structure to sheets and stacks of sheets relative to the manner in which the conveyor 48 feeds sheets shown in FIG. 5 . Under the control of the control circuit 44, the holding rollers 108 and the transfer section 100 are independently driven by a reversible driver (not shown).

At a location close to the first intersection portion 60 , the foil channel 42 intersects the foil channel 46 , a foil guide generally indicated at 110 . The sheet guide 110 includes a sheet bonding roller 112 and other rollers 114 . Rollers 112 and 114 are fitted with elastic bands 116 . It should be appreciated that rollers 112 and 114 are driven by one or more independent reversible drives (not shown) under the control of control circuit 44 . It should be understood that rollers 112 and 114 and conveyor belt 116 in FIG. 4 represent a plurality of such conveyor belts and rollers, preferably spaced apart between the lower layers of first conveyor belt 80 .

The transfer lane 42 also includes a conveyor 118 adjacent to the depository 40 . Conveyor 118 includes a plurality of rollers for driving conveyor belt 120 in response to a reversible drive (not shown). Rollers 122 engaged with conveyor belt 120 and rollers 124 respectively driven by one or more reversible drives (not shown) are located on sheet path 42 adjacent rollers 114 and 96 . The purpose of this structure will be discussed in detail later.

As shown schematically in FIG. 4 , transfer channel 46 includes sensing means. These sensing devices are operatively connected to the control circuit 44 for sensing characteristics of sheets and sheet stacks in the sheet transport path. A thickness sensor, shown schematically at 126 , is preferably provided for sensing the thickness of a sheet, stack of sheets, or sheet-shaped deposit envelope conveyed along conveyance path 46 . Indicia reading devices 128 and 130 are preferably used to sense indicia on sheets and envelopes moving in transport path 46 . The sensing means may include image reflective means, magnetic sensing means, or other suitable means for identifying features of currency, various negotiable instruments, and/or deposit envelopes. For example, in some embodiments, sensing devices integrated with control or other circuitry in the machine may include verification devices or evaluation devices for evaluating the validity of checks or other documents. An example of such a device is shown in US Patent No. 5,923,413, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the verification or evaluation device may also be used to verify personal notes. For example, the verification device may algorithmically generate one or more distinguishing values, usually uniquely associated with a particular note. Additionally or alternatively, the authentication device may have character recognition capability capable of recognizing serial numbers or other unique characters associated with a particular instrument. This enables some embodiments of the machine to store, in at least one data repository, data that uniquely identifies a ticket entered into the ATM and a particular user who provided the ticket to the machine in relation to each other. This enables the ATM to identify a particular suspicious ticket and capture information about the user who provided the ticket to the machine. The location and capabilities of the sensing devices and/or verification devices used in a particular machine will depend on the nature and type of documents to be processed by the machine.

In some exemplary embodiments, the evaluating means may evaluate the validity of a document, such as a currency note deposited in a machine, in a consolidated disclosure manner. In response to a ticket being evaluated as valid, the machine will store the valid ticket at an appropriate location in the machine according to the programming of the control circuit. In some embodiments, this location may be a storage location where tickets can be stored and from which tickets can be subsequently distributed to users of the machine during transactions requiring such tickets. In this way, cash may be distributed, for example, to subsequent users who will request a cash back as part of the transaction. This will happen after a user transaction that deposits a ticket into the machine.

In some demonstrative embodiments, documents may be marked as invalid. This will be done on the basis that the document has known properties of counterfeit tickets. The machine's control circuitry can be programmed to recognize such notes. In such cases, exemplary embodiments may be programmed to flag invalid documents by one or more flagging devices. In some exemplary embodiments, the marking provided by the marking device may be a permanent marking or a removable marking. In some demonstrative embodiments, an indicia may include at least a portion of an identifier associated with a transaction. Such an identifier may include a transaction number uniquely corresponding to the particular transaction depositing the invalidation document. Alternatively or additionally, the identifier may be a token associated with the account number of the user of the machine that has produced the invalid document. Alternatively or additionally, the ticket may be tagged with a biometric identifier corresponding to the particular user who deposits the document. Of course, combinations of such markers may be applied. Furthermore, such markings may be in wholly or partially machine-readable form, such as barcodes. Additionally or alternatively, such indicia may include visible or non-visible ink, application of labels or other indicia to identify valid documents and utilize information that enables the resources and/or circumstances associated with the storage of the documents in the machine to be tracked or determined Collaborate with this application.

In an exemplary embodiment, invalid files are stored in a first storage location on the machine for subsequent removal or research. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, information related to identifiers or other files is stored in a data store on the machine and/or transmitted to one or more computers on the network. Such information may be used to notify the entity responsible for operating the machine (such as a bank), the entity responsible for the customer and/or account number into which the invalid document was attempted to be deposited, and/or the appropriate authority responsible for distribution in connection with counterfeit or other invalid documents. In an alternative embodiment, documents determined to be invalid may be permanently marked so that they cannot be circulated further at all and subsequently returned to the user.

In some exemplary embodiments, a document evaluated by a machine may be evaluated as possibly valid, but there may be some problems with the validity, and the evaluation device cannot guarantee the validity of the document. In an exemplary embodiment, when the document is determined to be of questionable validity, the control circuit directs the automated banking machine to stamp the document with a removable indicia. Such removable indicia include identifiers associated with transactions, users, or other conditions as previously described. Removable markings may include visible or invisible markings comprising inks or other materials that are visible only when exposed to radiation within a specific frequency range. Such indicia may also be, or alternatively include, machine-readable indicia, information corresponding to biometric characteristics of the user, or other data associated with the transaction, account number, or user. In some exemplary embodiments, the removable indicia may comprise water soluble ink or other material that can be easily removed by a suitable water washing agent should the document be ultimately determined to be valid. Additionally or alternatively, the removable marking means may employ a removable label, or other marking that can be applied in a generally permanent manner and that can be removed as desired if the stored document is subsequently determined to be valid.

In some exemplary embodiments, upon receiving a suspiciously valid document, the automated banking machine may cooperate with the remote computer to provide the account user or the user presenting the document with credit points for depositing the document. In this exemplary embodiment, document validity can be further evaluated according to a subsequent evaluation operation described below, and credits can be confirmed or revoked.

A first variety of sheet handling and processing operations performed by the exemplary automated banking machine of the described embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6-21.

FIG. 6 shows the sheet 132 moving through the intersection 60 of the first sheet channel 46 and the sheet channel 42 . Before reaching the position shown in FIG. 6, the sheet 132 has been dispensed by one of the sheet dispensing devices adjacent to the conveying path 42 and moved close to the intersection by one or more conveyors constituting the conveying path. As the sheet 132 approaches the intersection, it is engaged by the conveyor belt 116 of the sheet guide 110 and the conveyor belt 88 . Control circuits operate the means to move the conveyor belts in cooperation to move the sheet towards the intersection. Once the sheet has passed the intersection, it is engaged between the lower layer of conveyor belt 80 and the upper layer of conveyor belt 88 carrying the sheet 132 in a first direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 6 . As will be understood from Figure 4, arrow A is in the direction of the user opening 20 of the automated banking machine.

As shown in Figure 7, in the presently described mode of operation, the structure functions as a stack assembly mechanism. Once the sheet 132 has fully moved past the intersection of the first transport lane 146, the sheet in the first direction stops moving. This is accomplished by manipulating the delivery device's control circuitry 44 according to programmed logic stored in memory and in response to user input at the user interface. A sensor, shown at 134, located in the first sheet path senses the position of the sheet. A sensor 134 is operatively connected to the control circuit. Sensor 134 may be one of several types of sensors suitable for sensing sheet position, such as image reflective sensors. Once sheet 132 is in the position shown in FIG. 7, conveyor belts 80 and 88 are stopped.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the control circuit now manipulates the components of the machine to move the sheet 132 in a second, opposite direction shown by arrow B. As shown in FIG. To move the sheet 132 through the intersection in this opposite direction, the sheet engaged with the rollers 112 and belt 116 is rotated to prevent the sheet 132 from moving into the second sheet transfer path 42 . The transfer portion 100 is also manipulated by the control circuitry to engage the sheet 132 and move it in this opposite direction. A sheet turning element 136 , described in detail later, moves to cause the sheet 132 to pass over the rollers 82 in the first sheet path.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the sheet 132 is moved in the second direction until it is engaged between the holding roller 108 and the transport section 100 . The position of the sensor shown schematically at 138 is adapted to sense that the sheet 132 is located in a receptacle provided by the combination of the retaining roller 108 and the transport section 100 . The sensor 138 is operatively connected to a control circuit for stopping further movement of the sheet 132 in the second direction when the sheet reaches the indicated position. It should be noted that the foil 132 in this position remains adjacent to the second intersection portion 76 , which is the intersection of the foil channel 74 and the foil channel 46 .

The next step in the operation of the exemplary stack assembly mechanism is presented in FIG. 10 . The other sheet 140 moves toward the intersection portion 60 in the transport path 42 . The sheets 140 are dispensed by a sheet dispensing device or a sheet generating device, or in a channel, and moved toward the intersection. As the sheet 140 moves closer to the intersection, it is engaged by the conveyor belt 116 of the sheet guide 110 and the conveyor belt 88 . Sheet 140 is sensed by sensor 142 in transport lane 42 . The sensor 142 is operatively connected to the control circuit. Control circuitry is used to precisely regulate the movement of the sheet 140 engaged with the sheet guide 110 and the conveyor belt 88 .

As the sheet 140 moves toward the intersection 60, the control circuit operates to begin moving the sheet 132 in the first direction along the channel 46 toward the intersection. Control circuitry regulates the operation of the drivers for the various components so that web 140 and web 132 pass through intersection 60 in a cooperative manner. As a result, sheets 132 and 140 are aligned adjacently joined so as to form a stack as they pass through intersection portion 60 .

As shown in FIG. 11 , once sheets 140 and 132 have passed intersection 60 in a first direction, they are in a stack shown at 144 . As shown schematically in FIG. 11 , in this mode, the manipulation sensor 144 is operative to sense the passage of the stack through the intersection and the control circuit is operative to stop the motion of the stack in response to a signal from the sensor. After sheets 132 and 140 have been joined to form stack 144, additional sheets may be added to the stack. This is accomplished by moving the sheet in the second direction, similar to what was done for the previous sheet 132 as shown in FIG. 8 . The stack 144 is moved into the position shown in FIG. 12 , where it is held by holding means consisting of holding rollers 108 and the transfer section 100 . Thereafter, additional sheets are added to the stack by moving the sheets on the transfer lane 42 and aligning the sheets with the stack in a similar manner to that shown in FIG. 10 .

It is advantageous to form a stack comprising a substantial number of aligned and adjacent sheets in the manner described above. Because the sheets are selectively dispensed from the dispensing device and/or the sheet generating device proximate to the transfer channel 42, the sheets can be stacked in the desired order as determined by the control circuitry. For example, if the sheets are banknotes, they can be stacked in descending order of denomination or vice versa. A particular sheet can be located at a desired location in the stack. Once the stack has been evaluated in the desired manner by the control circuitry in the machine, the stack can be moved in the first transfer channel 46 towards the opening 20 so that it can be reached by the user.

It should also be noted that in the position of the stack 144 shown in FIG. 12 , the stack is located in the holding means formed by the holding rollers 108 and the transfer section 100 close to the cross section 76 . Intersection portion 76 is an intersection portion of conveyance path 46 and conveyance path 74 . The transfer channel 74 extends to devices housed in the upper housing portion 26 of the machine 10 .

As schematically shown in FIG. 16 , a sheet 146 may be moved from one of the devices proximate to the sheet channel 74 to join the stack 144 at the intersection 76 as the stack moves in a first direction. This enables adding sheets to the stack contained in the sheet dispensing device and/or document generating device proximate the sheet path 74 . A stack formed by adding sheets from sheet channel 74 may be moved through sheet channel 46 to the user.

It should be understood that sheets from sheet channel 74 may enter sheet channel 46 through intersection 76, respectively, and subsequently be added to the stack formed at intersection 60 in the same manner as described above. It should also be understood that the sheet channel 74 includes suitable sensors operatively connected to the control circuitry. As sheets pass through intersection 76, control circuitry causes sheets from sheet channel 74 to be added to the stack in superimposed alignment with other sheets in the stack. As a result, the cooperating structure operates as another stack assembly mechanism.

As shown in Figure 15, the exemplary machine 10 also has the ability to place sheets into the first sheet lane and use an inverting device to invert them. This is accomplished through the use of a foil flipping assembly 136 as shown in FIG. 15 . Exemplary sheet inverting assemblies 136 include assemblies that include arcuate guide pins or tips that match the contours of rollers 82 . When the inverting assembly is positioned near the rollers 82, such as shown in FIG. This will be achieved by moving the foil 148 in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 15 . In the exemplary embodiment, the upper belt layer of belt 80 is part of the sheet lane shown at 150 . The sheet path 150 extends close to the printing device 70 and the imaging device 72 shown in FIG. 3 . As a result, sheets are selectively moved into sheet path 150 for printing or marking thereon by a marking or deregistration device, or for generating an electronic image of the sheet by an imaging device, or both. Of course, other or different functions may be performed including means for placing permanent or removable marks on documents.

Once a sheet on the sheet path 150 has been marked, printed, or imaged, the sheet is returned to the first sheet path 46 . Once the foil 148 is returned to the first foil lane, it can be selectively moved to the other foil lane 42 or 74 . From other sheet paths, it can be directed and stored in a suitable sheet storage or location in the machine. Optionally, sheet 148 may be selectively moved and stacked with other sheets at intersection 60 or 76 . This can be used in some embodiments to provide delivery to users for canceled checks. Such canceled checks may be transported in a stack with other checks, receipts, notes, or other documents.

In some embodiments, sheet inverting assembly 136 may be configured such that sheets in transfer lane 150 may be added directly to the stack of sheets at the intersection of the inverting device and sheet lane 46 . This is achieved by configuring or moving the flipping device such that the lower positioned tip does not interfere with the passage of the sheet stack in the first direction through the flipping assembly. This feature also provides an additional stack assembly mechanism, which is particularly advantageous when printing user receipts on sheets by a printer in sheet path 150 . This can be accomplished by positioning the sheet in the holding arrangement formed by holding rollers 108 and transport section 100, and as the stack moves toward opening 20, the printed receipt sheet is aligned into engagement with the top of the stack, placing the sheet at the top of the stack. Move to the right in Figure 15 in one direction.

It should be understood that in other embodiments, sheets from lanes 74 and 42 and from lane 150 may both be added to the stack as the stack moves in a first direction toward the user from the holding means formed by transfer portion 100 and holding rollers 108. superior. This can be clearly foreseen from the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 16 , as shown, the stack 144 moves to the right, and sheets are added to the stack as it passes the rollers 82 and as the stack moves again through the intersection 60 . It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various configurations and operations may be provided depending on the functions performed by the machine and the programming and configuration of the control circuits.

It should be understood that other sheet inversion devices other than or in addition to inversion assembly 136 may be employed in other embodiments. For example, in FIG. 18, guide assembly 152 and roller 108 cooperate. Guide assembly 152 is selectively movable between a position adjacent roller 108 and a position shown in phantom. As shown in FIG. 18 , guide assembly 152 is operable to guide sheet 154 held in the support means formed by transport portion 110 and support rollers 108 towards transport path 74 when guide assembly 152 is in the position shown. The sheets 154 can be moved in the transport lane 74 towards the sheet handling apparatus to be stored there in the manner previously described.

Optionally, inversion of sheet 154 is accomplished by moving the sheet into transport channel 174 and subsequently removing guide assembly 152 from roller 108 . Once this is done, flap 154 may be directed again to channel 46 and moved to the right as shown in FIG. 18 such that flap 154 moves in a manner that matches the movement of flap 146 shown in FIG. 16 . This will position the sheet 154 being flipped in the sheet lane 46 from its initial position.

The components near the intersection 60 also operate as sheet turning devices. This is schematically illustrated by FIG. 20 . This is done by having the foil 156 initially positioned in the first foil channel in a similar position to the foil 132 in FIG. 7 . Next, the sheet is moved into the second sheet path at the intersection portion 60 by operation of the sheet guide 110 in a manner discussed in detail subsequently. Once sheet 156 is in the second sheet path, the direction of belts 88 and 116 is reversed and the lower layer of belt 80 moves, moving the sheet in the second direction indicated by arrow B. This will cause the sheet to flip from its original position in the conveyor.

It will be further understood that the sheets positioned in the transfer channel 42 may also be oriented in the manner shown in FIG. 20 . This feature enables selective positioning of the sheets and inversion of them by a number of different mechanisms. This enhances the performance of the exemplary automated banking machine.

Another useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that it includes a separation mechanism for separating sheets from the stack, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 . The exemplary embodiment shown has the ability to selectively separate sheets from a stack of sheets as the stack passes through the intersection 60 of transfer lane 46 and transfer lane 42 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the sheet stack 158 moves in the conveying path 46 in the direction indicated by the arrow B. As shown in FIG. Although stack 158 is a stack of four sheets, it should be understood that it may include more or fewer sheets. Stack 158 may be a stack of sheets received from a user of the machine through opening 20 and may consist of sheets of different types. For example, in some embodiments, the stack received at the machine includes a mixed stack of bills, checks, and/or other types of sheets.

As the stack 158 moves toward the intersection 60, the machine's control circuitry operates the sheet guide 110 so that the rollers 112 and 114 and the belt 116 encircling them move relative to the stack in the opposite direction of the stacking motion. As a result of movement of the sheet guide, the first sheet 160 defining the first side of the stack frictionally engages the conveyor belt 116 and is peeled from the stack.

The first sheet 160 is directed into the sheet channel 42 as the stack containing the remaining sheets continues to advance on the channel 46 . This enables sheets 160 to be processed separately by means near lane 42 or subsequently brought individually back to lane 46 for separate transfer to means near other lanes.

It should be noted that the sheet handling stacking and unstacking mechanisms described in the exemplary embodiments are merely means for processing documents such as bills, checks, or other sheets in an automated banking machine. In other embodiments, other sheet handling and transport mechanisms may be used.

It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment, sensor 162 is positioned proximate to channel 42 . The sensor 162 may be a photoelectric sensor connected to the control circuit for sensing the position of the sheet. Alternatively, sensor 162 may include a plurality of similar or different sensors that sense characteristics of the sheet. The sensor 162 may be part of an authentication or access device, such as those previously described adapted to determine the type and value of the note. This enables the control circuit to correctly identify the currency sheet and place it in the designated note processing mechanism, storage location, or other sheet receiving device. Sensor 162 optionally operates in conjunction with control circuitry or other circuitry to provide an authentication mechanism or access means to determine or evaluate the authenticity of the sheet. In other embodiments, features such as magnetic ink identifiers, barcodes, and other features may additionally or alternatively be detected by one or more sensors so that the type, nature, and/or characteristics of a sheet can be identified when the sheet is in proximity to the sensor .

As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, an authentication device may be used to identify a particular sheet, for example by serial number or other characteristic. In some embodiments, such information may be stored for suspect documents, and in other embodiments, such information may be stored for all or specifically selected classes of documents. This data about individual tickets may be stored in the data warehouse in a manner that is associated with information that does not identify the user who provided the ticket to the machine, as well as other data such as the storage location or location of the ticket stored in the machine or available for use in the machine. Recover the particular note and/or other information recording the transaction.

In some embodiments, the automated banking machine may be synchronized with a data warehouse to identify information related to the notes for comparison with notes presented to the automated banking machine. In some embodiments this may include information corresponding to the nature, characteristics or numbers associated with known counterfeit or invalid notes. Such comparative information may also include data identifying individual instruments already deposited in the automated banking machine. Thus, for example, if an instrument presented to the automated banking machine is uniquely identified by determining a serial number, the serial number may be compared by operation of the control circuit with serial numbers of known counterfeit products. Alternatively or additionally, the serial number of the instrument presented to the ATM may be compared to the serial number of an instrument previously deposited or entered in the automated banking machine. If there is a match, in either instance the control circuit will function according to its programming in response to an apparently suspect document. This may include capturing and storing the suspect ticket, flagging the ticket, capturing additional data of the user presenting the suspect ticket, notifying superiors, or taking other action.

In embodiments where identification data on all instruments is captured and used for comparison, the control circuitry may be used to indicate when an instrument is dispensed from the automated banking machine. This could include, for example, removing information about the ticket, such as its serial number, from the data stored at the time of distribution. Optionally, such indicating may include storing information indicating that a particular ticket has been dispensed. Information about dispensed instruments may in some embodiments be stored in relation to information that does not identify the user who received the instrument from the automated banking machine. Of course, other methods can be used in other embodiments, and the methods discussed with respect to documents can also be applied to other types of documents.

Returning now to the discussion of the operation of the separation mechanism, after the sheets 160 are separated from the stack 158 as shown in FIG. Location. If it is desired to separate further sheets from the stack, the remaining sheets are again moved through the intersection in the direction of arrow D to separate the sheets on the side now bounding the stack. Alternatively, if the control circuit determines that it is not necessary to separate another sheet from the stack, the sheet guide may be operated so that belt 116 and rollers 112 and 114 move in the same direction and at the same speed as roller 92 . This will allow the stack to pass through the intersection without the sheet being separated from the stack.

It should be understood that while the sheet directing means shown in this embodiment includes a plurality of rollers having resilient surfaces thereon that move at a speed less than the moving stack, other types of peel and separation can be used in other embodiments. device. This may include, for example, resilient pads or rollers. Such devices may also include resilient suction cup type mechanisms or vacuum generating devices. Other optional forms of sheet guides may include other physical elements that selectively engage one or more sheets to direct them from one channel 46 to another channel 42 .

It should also be noted that in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 13, 14, and 23, the sheet can be separated from the stack as the stack moves from right to left. However, in other embodiments it may also be desirable to arrange the sheet guides so that the sheets may separate from the stack as the stack moves in either direction. This is readily accomplished by providing resilient rollers or other peeling means or elements that are selectively actuatable to engage and separate the sheets as the stacked lane passes through the intersection. This configuration has advantages in other embodiments where higher sheet separation speeds are desired.

From the above discussion it can be seen that in some banking machines it may be desirable to process certain sheets individually. For example, if it is determined that the sheet separated from the stack is a check, or other negotiable instrument that must be conveyed to an imaging device, or an invalid or dubiously valid instrument that should be conveyed to a marking device, it may be desirable to clear the aisle so that such Tickets for each type of processing are delivered separately. This can be achieved by moving stacks of sheets that are not currently being individually processed away from individual sheet processing in the first lane 46 . In this way, sheets requiring individual processing can be transferred to lane 150 or another location as such, but without causing the remainder of the stack to be transferred to an undesired location.

Another alternative to facilitate individual handling of specific flakes is represented by the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 19 . In this embodiment, channel 46 includes three individually controlled transport sections 164 , 166 , and 168 . The transport section 164 is similar to the previously discussed transports except that the conveyor belt of the transport section 164 terminates at rollers 170 and 172 . Conveyor section 166 may include an interwoven belt conveyor similar to that shown in FIG. 5 (except that its conveyor belt is offset from that of conveyor section 164 ). Transport section 166 may be driven by one or more independent reversible drives from transport section 164 . The driver for the transmission portion 166 is operatively connected to the control circuit and operates under the control of the control circuit.

Transport section 166 terminates at rollers 174 and 176 . Rollers 174 and 176 are coaxial with the other rollers that are spaced in the middle of the portion of transport section 168 . Transport portion 168 terminates at rollers 178 and 180 adjacent customer-accessible opening 182 . Transmission portion 168 is operated by at least one independent reversible driver in response to the control circuitry.

Transport sections 166 and 168 along lane 46 provide locations where documents or stacks of documents may be temporarily stored as other documents while other documents pass through intersection sections 60 and 76 . After necessary processing has been performed on the individual documents, the documents temporarily stored in transports 166 and 168 may be moved to other transports for further processing. It should be appreciated that transport sections 166 and 168 include suitable sensors to sense the position of documents temporarily stored therein so that control circuitry can coordinate their movement.

Another advantage of the exemplary embodiments described herein is that not only can the automated banking machine 10 receive individual documents or stacks of documents from customers, it can also receive delivered deposit envelopes. As shown in FIG. 17 , a thick sheet such as a deposit envelope 184 may be moved along lane 46 from the customer. May be based on reading from sensors 126, 128, or 130 as shown in FIG. 4, or alternatively or additionally based on customer input through one or more input devices at the user interface 12 of the automated banking machine The item (item) identified as a deposit envelope.

The deposit envelope 184 moves in the direction of the arrow E shown in FIG. 17 in the transport path 46 . Upon determining that the item moving on the transport path is a deposit envelope, the control circuit operates the sheet guide 110 to guide the envelope into the transport path 42 . The control circuit also moves the rollers 96 and belt 88 in the direction indicated by arrow F. As shown in FIG. This causes the conveyor belt 88 to move to the position shown in phantom in FIG. 4 . This causes the envelopes to move into depositor 40 (see FIG. 3 ) where envelopes are stacked in aligned relationship to other envelopes. Furthermore, the control circuitry may also operate the transport 118 and rollers 124 shown in FIG.

The ability of embodiments of the automated banking machine to process deposit envelopes, stacks of sheets, and individual sheets provides enhanced functionality to the automated banking machine. The ability of the exemplary embodiment to accept thick items in the area of the channel 42 near the intersection also enables the control circuitry to use the control circuitry adjacent to the intersection as a temporary storage location for the sheet stack. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the receipt form to travel on transport lane 74 and must be directed to transport lane 150 for printing thereon prior to being combined with the stack for transport to the customer.

Exemplary embodiments of the ATM are capable of storing stacks of sheets assembled adjacent intersection 60 in transport lane 42 until printed receipts are moved along first lane 46 into the intersection. As the receipt form is produced by the document generating means and moved by the transport section 100 into the intersection 60, the stack is moved into the intersection in juxtaposed relationship thereto so that the printed receipt fits into the stack and is on the top side of the stack. The assembled stack can be moved along the transport channel 46 to the opening where the customer removes the stack.

In some embodiments, the ATM is also operable to provide certain types of documents in exchange for other documents. As previously described, certain embodiments may receive checks or other documents, validate the checks, and provide negotiable notes to the user. In some embodiments, a user may present an instrument to an ATM and receive, for example, a money order, temporary voucher, coupon, gift certificate, or bank check. In some embodiments, the control circuitry is operable in the previously discussed manner to store in the data store information about individual instruments associated with information that can be used to identify the user who deposited the instrument at the automated banking machine. Some embodiments may store information identifying a check, money order, or other document presented through the automated banking machine in association with all or a portion of this data.

In some embodiments, an individual user's ability to deliver cash to an ATM may be controlled or limited to prevent money laundering or other suspicious activity. For example, a user who places a note in an ATM to purchase a money order or other document may be required to provide at least one identifying input. For example, this may include biometric input such as a thumbprint. Such at least one identifying input may include data provided by the user on a card or other device used to operate the automated banking machine. Alternatively, some embodiments may use an ATM to purchase documents such as money orders, gift certificates, or other documents without using a card or similar device to access the ATM. In some cases, users may exchange notes of a particular denomination for notes of other denominations. In this case the control circuit may require at least one identification input from the user requesting the exchange of cash for other documents.

The control circuitry is operable in accordance with programmed instructions and parameters to limit the number or value of documents that a user may purchase or receive. This may include comparing user identification data with data entry relating to previous transactions. This may be done by comparing at a particular ATM user input data stored in a data warehouse and/or data stored in a computer connected to the ATM. By limiting the number or value of documents that a user can purchase with cash at all times for a particular document or within a given time interval, the risk of illegal activities such as money laundering can be minimized. Also, such a system can make it easier to track funds.

An alternative embodiment of an automated banking machine is indicated at 186 in FIG. 22 . Automated banking machine 186 is similar to automated banking machine 10 except that it includes two dashboards and user interfaces indicated at 188 and 190 . Typically, automated banking machine 186 can be operated by two users simultaneously.

The sheet handling mechanism of the automated banking machine 186 is indicated at 192 in FIG. 21 . It is similar to the automated banking machine described in the first embodiment, except that sheet handling mechanism 192 is indicated otherwise. Mechanism 192 includes a first user-accessible opening 194 in user interface 190 and a second user-accessible opening 196 in user interface 188 . The user opening 196 receives and conveys sheets through the transport section 197 . Transport section 197 is preferably an interwoven belt type transport of the type shown in FIG. 5 and is capable of moving sheets, envelopes, and stacks of sheets engaged therewith. Transport section 197 is operated by a reversible drive similar to those used in other tape transport sections and is operatively connected to the control circuitry of the automated banking machine.

Operation of the optional sheet handling mechanism 192 is similar to that of the previously described sheet handling mechanism, except that envelopes or stacks of sheets to be processed can be received from or delivered to the user opening 194 or the user opening 196 . Due to the high speed capabilities of the exemplary embodiment, it is possible for sheet handling mechanism 192 to adequately serve two users simultaneously without undue delay.

It is conceivable from the above description that the modification necessary for the sheet processing mechanism of the first embodiment to accommodate two users at the same time is more suitable. In an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to increase the number of user interfaces on the automated banking machine from one to two at low cost. This is especially advantageous for automated teller machines located in high user transaction areas. Also useful for automated banking machines, such as those used by tellers to count and dispense negotiable notes. This is because the sheet handling mechanism is constructed such that two tellers or other employees are served by a single machine.

The exemplary embodiment is operable to ensure operation in accordance with the principles of US Patent No. 6,315,194, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 24 schematically illustrates steps in an exemplary system 200 and an associated method for processing documents, such as documents of questionable validity or invalid documents or notes that have been accepted by an automated banking machine 202 . The banking machine 202 may be similar to the previously described ATM 10 or 186 or may have a different configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, the automated banking machine includes evaluation means for evaluating the validity of documents such as notes deposited into the automated banking machine by a user in one or more transactions. The evaluation means identifies documents of questionable validity and/or invalid documents in the manner previously described in conjunction with a controller, control circuit, or other means in the automated banking machine.

From the description herein and the incorporated disclosures, it may be determined that certain instruments deposited in the automated banking machine are invalid, such as apparently counterfeit bills or other documents that are not instruments. Other documents deposited in the automated banking machine can be determined by the operation of the evaluation device as having a high probability of being valid notes, but documents received by the automated banking machine cannot nevertheless be confirmed to have unquestionable validity. Of course, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the parameters that determine which particular notes or other types of documents in the automated banking machine that are of questionable validity or invalid are deemed to be of unquestionable validity by the automated banking machine set by the operator of the machine and/or the appropriate authority within the authority to operate the machine.

In the exemplary embodiment, automated banking machine 202 operates to receive documents of questionable validity, but to mark such documents with at least one removable marker so that each document can be tracked and later further evaluated as valid or invalid. In the exemplary embodiment of the system 200 shown in FIG. 24, the automated banking machine 202 communicates over a network 204 with one or more remote computers. Such remote computers may include computers schematically indicated at 206 located at banks, financial institutions, or other sources of monetary value. Users operating the exemplary ATM 202 typically identify themselves or account in the manner previously described, and conduct transactions that may include presenting or receiving documents such as tickets. When a user makes a transaction on an account, the ATM 202 transmits a message over the network 204 to one or more bank computers 206 to authorize and record the transaction. Such transactions typically have associated tokens stored at ATMs, banks, or other computers in the network in order to record the transaction and place accounts between the user, machine operator, bank, and other entities involved in the ongoing transaction. The one or more indicia associated with the transaction may include a transaction number associated with the particular transaction for which the document was produced. The transaction number may correspond to a transaction at a particular date, time, and ATM. Alternatively or additionally, the indicia associated with the transaction may include information on an account on the user or other entity conducting the transaction. Alternatively or additionally, the indicia associated with the transaction may include biometric or other data relating to the particular individual conducting the transaction or having an account. Of course, tags may include a combination of this information as well as data from other sources.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the ATM 202 receives a document that is evaluated as having questionable validity, control circuitry operating in the ATM, otherwise referred to herein as a controller or processor, may be used to make such one or more identifiers associated with this transaction. Also, in an exemplary embodiment of the system 200, the control circuitry is operable to cause the ATM to communicate over the network with the appropriate bank 206 to authorize credit cards for users who have provided valid documentation to the machine. In some embodiments, one or more computers at the bank or connected to the network may also receive an indication from the controller in the ATM that the machine has received a suspicious document from a particular user requiring subsequent evaluation. Alternatively or additionally, the ATM may provide further information about suspicious documents that have been given credit cards. Such information may include, for example, the document's serial number, an image of the document, or other identifying information about a particular document that uniquely identifies the document. Other information may include transaction information corresponding to a particular account, date, time, and ATM. In some embodiments, a credit card received by a user or account in connection with a document of questionable validity may be specifically indicated by a controller in an ATM, bank, or both as a temporary credit card, which may be used if the document is later verified to be invalid. Cancel the temporary credit card. Optionally, in some embodiments, the credit card awarded to a document of questionable validity may be the same credit card awarded to a document evaluated as having doubtful validity.

In the exemplary embodiment, documents evaluated at the ATM as having questionable validity are moved within the ATM to a marking device such as printing device 70 . This printing device can be used to place marks on documents of questionable validity. In the exemplary embodiment, the marking means is operable to mark the document with a removable marker in response to control circuitry of the ATM. In some embodiments the removable indicia may comprise removable ink that can subsequently be removed from the document without damaging the ink or other features normally required on the document. Optionally, the marking means may apply a removable label, sticker, or other subsequently removable item to identify the particular document as one of questionable validity. Marking a document may also include generating unique identifying information corresponding to a particular unacceptable document, eg, corresponding to a serial number on a circulation note or the like. That particular document can be kept separate. The document information may be in a suitable format, such as a digital image, allowing storage in computer memory. This stored document information can be compared with information in the database to check for inappropriateness. For example, a serial number on a circulation note can match a serial number in a database watchlist. Other comparisons may show that the serial numbers match documents that have been corrupted. Other comparisons involving real-time computers may show that the serial number may match a document currently in another ATM. This comparison may involve a global network of computers that can precisely track currency in banking domains, government domains, and the like.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the removable ink includes at least a portion of an identifier associated with the transaction. As noted above, such identifiers may include all or part of a unique transaction number, account number, user identification data, biometric data, or other data suitable for use by the system. In the exemplary embodiment, the identifier provides specific information so that a particular document can then be identified, and if the document is subsequently determined not to be valid, the particular user or user who has placed the document on the machine can then be notified. entity, and cancel any credits given to the document.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the marking device is operable to mark documents evaluated as having questionable validity with a marking comprising a visible ink that is visible to a user under ambient light conditions. Alternatively or additionally, indicia applied to the document may include invisible ink or similar material. In certain exemplary embodiments, the removable marking may comprise removable ink that is only visible or detectable upon exposure to radiation within a particular frequency range. For example, this may include exposure to concentrated ultraviolet light, infrared light, or other frequencies. Alternatively or additionally, the indicia may comprise machine-readable indicia such as barcodes or other indicia corresponding to biometric or other data or the like. Of course, it should be understood that these methods are exemplary and in other embodiments other types of removable markings and identifiers may be used.

In operation of the exemplary ATM 202, a document of questionable validity marked with a removable marker is stored in a first storage location in the machine. The first storage location in this exemplary embodiment is different from the storage location for storing documents that have been evaluated as valid. so. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, documents received by the machine from a user during a first transaction that are rated as having questionable validity are marked with a removable marker and stored in a first storage location. Other documents evaluated as valid are stored in one or more suitable secondary storage locations. As a result, when a subsequent user requests distribution of such a document, the document stored in the second location is subsequently distributed from the machine to another user.

In some embodiments, a removable flag applied to a document of questionable validity allows the document to be later evaluated or discussed later without removing the flag. For example, this may include marking a document in a location that does not alter or obscure security features or other aspects of the document that must be evaluated to determine validity. Optionally, marking can be done with a removable marker that remains in place in a specific type of ink or color that does not interfere with subsequent evaluation operations.

In the exemplary ATM 202, documents evaluated as invalid by the evaluation means are captured by the machine. Documentation of control circuits and other connections does not give the account holder any credit for such documentation. Additionally, the exemplary ATM 202 includes means for applying a permanent mark to documents evaluated as invalid. As previously mentioned, such marking devices for applying permanent markings may include printing devices that apply permanent ink or other materials to invalid documents. Optionally, invalid documents may be completely or partially torn, perforated or damaged in order to ensure that they cannot be circulated. In some embodiments, information related to the invalid document may be passed through the machine to network 204 and bank 206 . The bank thereafter communicates with the appropriate authority 210 via one or more communication systems 208 to investigate the circumstances and source of the invalid document. Such information may include an image of the document, information about a particular user or account associated with the depository of the document, or other information that would facilitate investigation of the source and/or circumstances surrounding that particular document. Of course, such invalid documents may be stored in an appropriate storage location in the machine for tracking and later transmission to regulatory agencies investigating circumstances involving the presentation of invalid documents. Of course, this approach is exemplary and in other embodiments other approaches may be used.

As shown schematically in FIG. 24 , in the exemplary system 200 , documents of questionable validity 212 are removed from the ATM and forwarded to a schematically identified evaluation operation 214 . In some embodiments, documents evaluated as invalid as well as documents evaluated as having questionable validity may be communicated for evaluation operations.

It should be understood that while the exemplary embodiment is shown with the evaluation operation 214 performed remotely from the ATM, in certain embodiments the evaluation operation may be performed near or even within the automated banking machine.

Notes of questionable validity in an exemplary evaluation operation undergo an evaluation activity schematically indicated at 216 . It should be appreciated that evaluation activity 216 may include both machine sensing and human sensing of a particular document. As schematically represented by document 218, in the evaluation activity, the validity of the document is preferably evaluated using a removable indicia 220 present in position on the document. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the removable indicium is removed by placing it in an area that does not contain important security features or by providing the removable indicium in ink or other material that does not interfere with the validity of the document. This activity is facilitated. Of course, these methods are exemplary and in other embodiments other methods may be used.

During an evaluation activity, a ticket or other document of questionable validity is checked again to determine whether the document is valid or invalid. In an exemplary embodiment where the document is determined to be valid, evaluation activity by one or more computers, processors, or other devices communicates a message to the bank 206 and confirms that the particular document is valid. This is schematically represented by function 222 . In response to confirming that the particular document is valid, the bank 206 or other entity may take action to remove the temporary characteristics of the credit card previously associated with the deposit of the document. Of course, such a configuration is unnecessary without the temporary use of credits, as previously described in the alternative embodiment.

In the exemplary embodiment, an evaluation operation may be used to remove a removable indicia from a document evaluated as valid. This is represented by function 224 . Removal of the marking may include washing and drying the document with a suitable material to remove the removable marking without damaging the particular document. For example, this may include washing the note with a water-based material and drying the note to remove the marking. Optionally, where a removable label or other item has been applied, such item may be removed during function 224 . Of course, in some embodiments, the removable indicia need not be removed from that particular document, particularly where the indicium is not visible to the naked eye. Whether a removable marking is removed will depend on the particular system, the nature of the marking, and the particular entity operating the system or governing body responsible for the file.

The exemplary evaluation operation also includes a rational evaluation function schematically indicated at 226 . The rationale evaluation function in this exemplary embodiment can be used to examine this document to determine whether its characteristics make it reused in normal circulation or sent to the appropriate regulatory agency for removal from the circulation process. This will generally avoid the need for further circulation of the instrument and subsequent analysis should the instrument be re-presented and evaluated as having questionable validity. Optionally, as shown schematically in FIG. 24, if the document is determined to be suitable for return to circulation by the fairness evaluation function 226, the document is subjected to the operation of a bank or other entity responsible for the evaluation operation, and may Return to the circulation field. For example, this may include placing the document in a box or other container that may be returned to the automated banking machine where it may be dispensed in a subsequent transaction.

In exemplary evaluation operation 214, if the document is determined to be invalid in evaluation activity 216, the bank or other entity is notified to cancel the temporary or official credit. This is represented by function 228 . In the exemplary embodiment, the evaluation operation is operable to communicate, via one or more computers or processors, to the bank 206 that the particular document has been evaluated as invalid. In response to receiving such notification, the bank can cancel the credit already granted to the particular user or account holder responsible for producing the document. Since the particular user faces problems with his account if he knows that the credit for the document has been cancelled, in the exemplary embodiment the bank 206 notifies the user or account holder that the temporary credit has been cancelled. This step is schematically indicated at 230 .

When a document has been determined to be invalid, it is also appropriate for the bank or other entity to notify the appropriate authority 210 of the nature of the transaction and/or invalid document. As schematically indicated in FIG. 24 , in the case of evaluating the document as invalid, as indicated schematically with function 232 , there is still a flag on the document. Removable markings still exist on the document, and the document is suitably separated to avoid any tampering or subsequent distribution of the particular document (other than distribution to the appropriate governing body). This may facilitate maintaining a precise chain of custody for investigation of the user or specific circumstances in which invalid documents were presented to the machine. For example, in order to investigate illegal activity, authorities responsible for investigating counterfeit banknotes need access to marked documents and information concerning the transaction and the user.

Although the exemplary system 200 has been described in connection with documents of questionable validity, such a system may also be used with documents assessed to be invalid. For example, a document evaluated as invalid by the ATM 202 may still be re-evaluated in an evaluation operation to determine whether the document is in fact valid. Optionally, in some embodiments, documents evaluated as invalid may also be marked with a removable marker rather than a permanent marker. Also, in some embodiments, all documents of questionable validity or invalidity may be marked with a permanent marker. Such marking is ideal in situations where documents that cannot be evaluated as valid can be properly marked to remove them from circulation. If a document initially evaluated as having unquestionable validity is determined by the evaluation operation to be in fact valid, an appropriate message may be sent to the bank or other entity directing the user, account holder, or other governing body to confirm the document It is effective.

It should be understood that system 200 is exemplary and that other methods, apparatuses, and method steps may be used in other embodiments.

Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the automated banking machine and the associated method of the present invention achieve at least some of the above objectives, eliminate difficulties and solve problems that arise in the use of existing devices and systems, and achieve the desired effects described herein .

In the foregoing description, specific terminology has been used for brevity, clarity, and ease of understanding. However, since these terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be interpreted broadly, these are not meant to be unnecessarily limiting. Moreover, description and illustration are given by way of example, and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

In the appended claims, any characteristic described as a means for performing a function should be understood to encompass any means known to those of ordinary skill in the art to perform the described function and should not be considered limited to the foregoing The specific means described or only limited to their equivalents.

Having described the features, findings, and principles of the present invention, its manner of construction and operation, and advantages and useful results obtained, new and useful structures, means, elements, Settings, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods, and relationships.

Claims (44)

1. document track automated banking machine equipment comprises:

Automated banking machine (10,202) comprising: at least one evaluating apparatus is suitable for estimating the validity of document in the described automated banking machine (10,202); And at least one labelling apparatus, wherein said labelling apparatus is suitable for being be evaluated as in response to described document and has suspicious validity, can remove the described document of mark (220) mark with at least one.

2. equipment according to claim 1, wherein said automated banking machine (10,202) comprising: at least one receiving trap is suitable for receiving the document from the user; And at least one transmitter, can be used for the document in the described automated banking machine (10,202) is moved to described evaluating apparatus from described receiving trap.

3. equipment according to claim 1 also comprises at least one memory location in the described automated banking machine (10,202), and the document that wherein said mark is crossed is stored at least one memory location in the described automated banking machine (10,202).

4. according to each described equipment in the claim 1 to 3, also comprise control circuit, wherein said control circuit can be used for making at least one identifier related with the transaction of estimating described document, wherein saidly removes at least a portion that mark (220) comprises described identifier.

5. equipment according to claim 4, wherein said identifier comprise Transaction Identification Number, account number, bar code and at least a corresponding in the mark of biometric characteristics.

6. according to each described equipment in the claim 1 to 3, the wherein said mark (220) of removing comprises and can remove printing ink.

7. according to each described equipment in the claim 1 to 3, the wherein said mark (220) of removing comprises visible ink.

8. equipment according to claim 6, the wherein said printing ink of removing comprises the only visible printing ink of the ability of the light time in being exposed to particular frequency range.

9. according to each described equipment in the claim 1 to 3, the wherein said mark (220) of removing comprises and can remove label.

10. according to each described equipment in the claim 1 to 3, wherein in response to be evaluated as another invalid document by described evaluating apparatus, described at least one labelling apparatus is suitable for described another document of at least one permanent marks mark.

11. the document track method in the automated banking machine comprises:

(a) validity of the operation evaluation document by the evaluating apparatus in the automated banking machine (10,202);

(b) in response in step (a) with described Document Evaluation for having suspicious validity, by the operation of the labelling apparatus in the described automated banking machine (10,202), with the described document of at least one removable mark (220) mark.

12. method according to claim 11 also comprises:

Use described automated banking machine (10,202) to conclude the business, wherein in described transaction, described document is placed in the described automated banking machine.

13. method according to claim 12 also comprises:

Operation by described automated banking machine makes identifier related with transaction, wherein comprises at least a portion of described identifier at least one removable mark (220) described in the step (b).

14. method according to claim 13, wherein said identifier comprises Transaction Identification Number.

15. method according to claim 13 is wherein carried out described transaction, wherein said identifier and described account association on the account.

16. method according to claim 13, wherein said transaction is carried out by the user, and wherein said identifier is related with described user.

17. method according to claim 13, wherein said identifier comprises machine-readable indicia.

18. method according to claim 17, wherein said identifier comprises bar code.

19. according to each described method in the claim 11 to 18, wherein in that at least one can be removed mark (220) and comprises and can remove printing ink described in the step (b).

20. method according to claim 19, the wherein said printing ink of removing comprises visible ink.

21. method according to claim 19, the wherein said printing ink of removing comprises invisible printing ink.

22. method according to claim 19, the wherein said printing ink that just can see when printing ink comprises the ray in being exposed to particular frequency range only of removing.

23. method according to claim 22 wherein can be removed the printing ink that just can see when printing ink comprises the ray in being exposed to the UV scope only.

24. according to each described method in the claim 11 to 18, wherein in step (b), described at least one can remove mark and comprise that at least one can remove label.

25., also comprise according to each described method in the claim 11 to 18:

After step (b), store described document at least one primary importance in described automated banking machine (10,202).

26., also comprise according to each described method in the claim 11 to 18:

(c) validity of at least one other document of operation evaluation by described automated banking machine (10,202);

(d) in response to being be evaluated as effectively at least one other document described in the step (c), in described automated banking machine (10,202), store described at least one other document, and described at least one other document of mark not.

27. method according to claim 26, wherein in step (d), described at least one other document is stored at least one second place different with described primary importance.

28. method according to claim 26, wherein first user uses first transaction that described automated banking machine (10,202) carries out to comprise that step (a) to (d), also comprises:

Carry out second transaction that is used for second user by the operation of described automated banking machine (10,202), wherein said second transaction comprises from described at least one other document of described automated banking machine (10,202) distribution gives described second user.

29. method according to claim 25 also is included in step (b) afterwards:

(c) validity of the described document of evaluation;

(d) in response to being effectively with described Document Evaluation, remove described at least one removable mark (220) in step (c) from described document.

30. method according to claim 29 is removed described document from described automated banking machine (10,202) before in step (c), wherein step (c) is carried out outside described automated banking machine (10,202).

31. method according to claim 29, wherein said at least one removable mark (220) comprises can remove printing ink, and wherein step (d) comprises the described printing ink of removal.

32. method according to claim 31, wherein said at least one can remove mark (220) but comprise the washing oil China ink, wherein step (d) comprises and cleaning and dry described document.

33. method according to claim 15, (b) also comprises afterwards in step:

(c) validity of the described document of evaluation;

(d) read described identifier;

(e) in response to determining that in step (c) described document is invalid, it is invalid notifying described account's the described document of holder.

34. method according to claim 16, (b) also comprises afterwards in step:

(c) validity of the described document of evaluation;

(d) read described identifier;

(e) in response to determining that in step (c) described document is invalid, it is invalid notifying the described document of described user.

35. method according to claim 14 also comprises:

(c) remove described document from described automated banking machine;

(d) in step (c) afterwards in the validity of described automated banking machine (10,202) the described document of external evaluation;

(e) read described Transaction Identification Number;

(f) in response to determining that in step (d) described document is invalid, the described document of people that notice is responsible for described transaction is invalid.

36. method according to claim 25 also comprises:

(c) remove described document from described automated banking machine (10,202);

(d) in the validity of described automated banking machine external evaluation document;

(e) in response to determining that in step (d) described document is invalid, on described document, keep described at least one can remove mark (220).

37. according to each described method in the claim 11 to 18, wherein said document comprises paper money issued by a provincial bank to be circulated in a given area.

38., wherein can not determine that in response to described automated banking machine (10,202) described paper money issued by a provincial bank to be circulated in a given area is real, the described document of mark in described step (b) according to the described method of claim 37.

39., also comprise according to the described method of claim 38:

Authorize the credit that is used for described document for the user of described automated banking machine (10,202) to showing described document;

In described automated banking machine, store described document.

40., also comprise according to the described method of claim 39:

(c) remove described document from described automated banking machine (10,202);

(d) estimate the validity of described document afterwards in step (c);

(e) in response to determining that in step (d) described document is invalid, cancel described credit.

41., also comprise according to each described method in the claim 11 to 18:

(c) validity of another document of operation evaluation by described automated banking machine (10,202);

(d) in response in step (c), being invalid, by the operation of described automated banking machine (10,202), with described another document of at least one permanent marks mark with another Document Evaluation.

42., also comprise according to the described method of claim 41:

(e) store described another document in the memory location in described automated banking machine (10,202).

43. according to the described method of claim 41, in step (c) before, receive described another document, transmit described document from described automated banking machine afterwards in step (d) and give described user from the user of described automated banking machine (10,202).

44. according to the described method of claim 38, wherein said automated banking machine comprises the ATM that is suitable for receiving the paper money issued by a provincial bank to be circulated in a given area deposit.

Images