Patent Application
20150379801
The subject matter described herein relates to fraud protection for currency acceptors, and more particularly to an improved anti-string fraud device and method.
Various types of valuable document validators for use in automatic transaction machines, such as vending or gaming machines, are well known. Typically, a consumer inserts coins and bills into such vending machines in order to purchase a product or service. Currency acceptors receive currency, for example paper money or coins, and perform various authenticity and denomination tests, and then either accept the tendered currency as valid or reject the currency and return it to the consumer. When accepted as genuine currency, the bill or coin is usually transported to a currency storage assembly, for example a cashbox or coin tube, where it is stored and a selected item is vended along with any change that may be due.
Thieves have been known to attempt to cheat vending machines to receive products or services without actually paying for them. Often, thieves fool currency acceptors with things that would not fool humans. For example, a thief may attach a string-like member, or any object capable of creating a tail, to a bill and then manipulating the tail to retrieve the bill after it has been accepted by a bill validator. This type of fraud is commonly known as “string-fraud.” Although areas containing automatic transaction machines, such as vending machines and gaming machines, are increasingly monitored by automatic video devices, the string-fraud technique can be difficult to detect during or after an occurrence because during normal operation of the machine genuine bills are returned to consumers if they cannot be validated due to wear or foreign matter. Moreover, it is a never-ending game between thieves and the developers of automatic transaction machines—as thieves develop new methods to overcome current anti-fraud methods and devices, new countermeasures must be developed.
One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an improved anti-string fraud device and method. Currently, there are few solutions to prevent the latest string fraud techniques used by thieves, which utilize a wide tail attached to a bill for example, to fool automatic transaction machines. One such solution is an object of the present invention.
An example embodiment of the present invention includes a currency acceptor assembly including a currency passageway, mounting assembly arranged along a length of the currency passageway, currency storage assembly having an entrance coupled to the currency passageway, the currency passageway being arranged to guide a currency denomination (e.g., bill, coin, etc.) in a forward direction to the entrance of the currency storage assembly, and an actuated castellation plate mounted to the mounting assembly and configured to transfer between an open state and a closed state. The actuated castellation plate can include an array of teeth coupled to a baseplate, the baseplate can include a receptacle and two opposing mounting ends mounted to the mounting assembly.
In some example embodiments the currency acceptor assembly can further include a currency validator having an exit coupled to the currency passageway, the currency passageway being further arranged to guide currency in a forward direction from the exit of the currency validator toward the entrance of the currency storage assembly, wherein the mounting assembly is further arranged along the currency passageway between the currency validator and the currency storage assembly. The currency validator can be a bill validator operative to authenticate one or more bill denominations. The currency storage assembly can be a cashbox assembly operative to store the one or more bill denominations. In other example embodiments, the currency storage assembly can be a recycler assembly operative to recycle a bill denomination associated with providing a sum of change from a transaction. In still further embodiments the currency acceptor assembly can include multiple currency storage assemblies, such as multiple recycler assemblies and cashbox assemblies.
In some example embodiments the currency acceptor assembly can further include a spring mechanism coupled to the currency storage assembly and the receptacle of the baseplate, the spring mechanism being configured to transfer the castellation plate to the open state. The castellation plate can be arranged to be actuated from the open state to the closed state by the currency denomination (e.g., bill, coin, etc.) traveling in a reverse direction from the entrance of the currency storage assembly. The receptacle of the baseplate can be a first receptacle, the spring mechanism can be a first spring mechanism, the baseplate can further include a second receptacle, the first and second receptacles can be arranged on opposing sides of the baseplate, and the currency acceptor assembly can further include a second spring mechanism coupled to the second receptacle of the baseplate and the mounting assembly, the second spring mechanism being configured to further transfer the castellation plate to the open state. The two opposing ends of the baseplate can include a flat-end and a T-end, and the mounting assembly can further include a flat-groove and a T-groove matching the corresponding flat-end and the T-end, respectively, and arranged at the entrance of the currency storage assembly. In some example embodiments the mounting assembly can be integral to the currency storage assembly. The flat-groove can be a slot and the T-groove can have a closed-end and an open-end. The flat-groove and T-groove can be arranged off-horizontal. The castellation plate can be arranged to be actuated from the open state to the closed state by a string-like member attached to the currency denomination (e.g., bill, coin, etc.) traveling in a reverse direction from the entrance of the currency storage assembly. The array of teeth can be tree-shaped teeth forming restricted openings therebetween, and at least some of the teeth are adjacent to one another in a direction across the currency passageway, partially overlap one another without contacting one another, and can be angled such that any string-like member attached to the bill will be trapped within a restricted opening to further prevent extraction of the bill.
A still further example embodiment of the present invention can include an improvement to a known hook array for use with a bill acceptor including a plurality of tree-shaped teeth forming restricted openings therebetween and positioned in a currency passageway of the bill acceptor, wherein at least some of the teeth are adjacent to one another in a direction across a width of the passageway, partially overlap one another without contacting one another, and wherein the teeth are angled such that any string-like member attached to a bill will be trapped within a restricted opening to prevent extraction of the bill, and the improvement includes the plurality of tree-shaped teeth being transferrable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position at least partially obstructs the currency passageway and further prevents extraction of the bill. The hook array can further include a baseplate connected to the teeth. The baseplate can further include at least one receptacle to receive a spring mechanism. The baseplate and the teeth can be of a unitary construction. The baseplate can further include a flat end. The baseplate can further include at least one flange arranged at a flange end. At least one flange can be a T-shaped end. The hook array can further include sharp edges within at least one of the restricted openings. A top portion of at least one of the teeth can be curved to promote unimpeded travel of a bill in a first direction toward a cashbox and further promotes the teeth being transferred to the open state. An inner surface of at least one of the teeth can be abrasive to promote movement of the teeth to the closed position thereby obstructing travel of a bill in a second direction out of a cashbox.
A further example embodiment can include a currency acceptor assembly including a means for transporting a currency denomination (e.g., bill, coin, etc.) along a currency pathway in a forward direction to an entrance of a currency storage assembly, and a means for transferring a castellation plate between an open state and a closed state along the currency passageway at the entrance of the cashbox assembly.
The subject matter described herein provides many advantages. For example, example embodiments of the present invention can be used to prevent string fraud in which a thief utilizes a wide tail instead of a string-like member to prevent the string-like member from falling into the teeth of a hook array. Further advantages include that example embodiments are simple to implement and low cost. Therefore, automatic transaction machines that are currently deployed can be retrofitted relatively easily and inexpensively.
The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.
As methods of detecting fakes and other anti-fraud technologies are developed and incorporated into currency acceptors, thieves, likewise, develop new techniques and methods to outmaneuver the new defenses in a never-ending cycle. For example, a hook array for a bill acceptor, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,998, entitled “Hook Array For A Bill Acceptor” issued to Mosteller et al. on Dec. 30, 2003, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, was developed as a counter measure to the classic string-fraud. In general, to perform the classic string fraud the thief attaches a string-like member to a bill (or coin) and then manipulates the string-like member to retrieve the bill after it has been accepted by the bill validator. As used herein, a “string-like member” denotes any type of string, thin natural or artificial fiber, monofilament line, thin cord, thread, twine, tape, wire or the like that could be attached to a denomination of currency. Although the hook array can be successful at preventing classic string-fraud in which string-like members are used (the string-like members become stuck in the restricted openings of the hook array and prevent the accepted bill from being extricated from the bill acceptor), enterprising thieves have developed an outflanking technique.
To overcome the previous limitation, thieves create a wide tail to attach to a bill. For example, by overlapping a long length of packing tape so that the end portion of the bill is sandwiched between portions of the tape and the remaining length is adhered to itself, thieves can create a wide tail for string-fraud. Because the wide tail can avoid falling between the teeth of the hook array, thieves can overcome that defense. Therefore, there is a need for an improved device to prevent string-fraud that is simple to implement and low cost.
As used throughout this specification, the terms currency denomination, denomination of currency, valuable document, currency bill, bill, banknote, note, bank check, paper money, paper currency, coin, coinage, and cash may be used interchangeably herein to refer to a type of a negotiable instrument or any other writing that evidences a right to the payment of a monetary obligation, typically issued by a central banking authority.
With respect to the hook array of
Referring again to
Briefly, bill validator 100 determines whether inserted banknotes are acceptable. Banknotes are inserted one at a time into validator 100 at an entrance of the currency passageway 102. From the entrance of the currency passageway 102, a banknote is transported through the validator 100 to the validator banknote output by a series of pairs of pulleys or rollers 108, 110, 112 and 114 and a pair of belts 118, which grip the side edges of the banknote and which are driven by a drive means 116 including a motor and drive train.
While the banknote is transported through the validator 100, it is tested by a group of sensors to ascertain its validity and denomination. Output signals from the sensors are processed by logic circuits in validator 100 to determine whether the banknote is acceptable. A banknote which is unacceptable is ejected back out through entrance 102 by reversing the drive means 116.
An acceptable banknote is driven by the pairs of belts 118 and the pairs of rollers 112 and 114 into an interconnection region 120 of the currency passageway 102 in which the validator 100 and the stacker 200 are connected together. In this example, the stacker 200 and cashbox 600, each of which are parts of the cashbox assembly 500 (a type of currency storage assembly), are connected to the validator 100 in what is commonly known as an “up-stacker” configuration because accepted bills are transported from a horizontal orientation upwards to a vertical orientation. It should be understood, however, that an example embodiment of the actuated castellation plate according to the invention may be used in currency acceptors configured in other ways, such as in a “down-stacker” configuration. Referring again to
The stacker 200 includes transport means having a series of pairs of pulleys 306, 308 and 310, a pair of belts 312, and a pair of retractable pinch rollers 304. It should be recognized that one of each of the above components 306, 308, 310 and 312 is located on each side of the banknote path, and the validator roller 114 drives the transport means.
The accepted banknote is transported from the entrance of the cashbox assembly 500 into a pre-storage compartment 400. In a fashion somewhat analogous to the way that a picture frame holds a picture, compartment 400 “frames” the banknote and holds it stiff prior to stacking. A central region is open, and a pusher plate 502 (shown in
After a predetermined distance of travel sufficient to allow the accepted banknote to be fully driven into a compartment 400 by the transport means, the retractable pinch rollers 304 are retracted, and the pusher means 501 is operated. (It should be understood that other types of bill acceptors might use alternate methods to transport a bill into a prestorage compartment and to monitor its progress before storing the bill.) A mechanical portion of the pusher means 501 is shown, but the details of its operation are not part of the present invention and thus will not be discussed in detail herein. Pusher means 501 forces the accepted banknote from prestorage compartment 400 into a stack 602 in the cashbox 600 where it is stored until removed by service personnel. The cashbox 600 is designed to be readily removed, or opened so that stacked banknotes can be collected.
Now that example embodiments of currency acceptors and the overall operation from banknote insertion to stacking and removal have been briefly discussed, the details of the apparatus according to the present subject matter will be described in greater depth.
In the above example the thief inserts the bait bill 30 connected to the tail 32 into the entryway of currency passageway 102, wherein after being accepted by the bill validator 100, the bill 30 is then transported to the bill stacker 200 for storage in the cashbox 600. The bill 30 is first transported to the pre-storage compartment 400 wherein the pusher plate 502 begins in position A. The pusher plate 502 then operates to move in the direction of arrow 36 to position B to push the bill 30 into cashbox 600. As the bill 30 is moved in this manner to position B, the motion of the pusher plate 502 and movement of the bill 30 drags the tail 32 against the castellation plate 10. When the thief attempts to retrieve the bill 30 by pulling on the tail 32, the pressure and/or friction caused by the tail 32 and the bill 30 will actuate the castellation plate 10 from an open state “A′” to a closed state “B′” at area 40. The open state A′ enables the bill 30 to travel unimpeded into the cashbox 600 as described above. The closed state B′ prevents the bill 30 from moving backwards toward the bill entryway by obstructing the currency passageway 102.
As shown in
The tree-shaped teeth 14a-14i can be angled, and when connected to a bill acceptor assembly the teeth face towards the cashbox 600 in the direction of arrow 36 (as shown in
Alternate implementations of a hook array structure may include a base plate 12, a plurality of tree-shaped teeth 14a-14i, a cut-out portion 25 and an aperture or connection point. An alternate hook array may include a base plate 12, teeth 14a-14i, central cut-out portion 25 and two connection points located on flanges. Another alternate hook array may include a base plate 12, teeth 14a-14i, central cut-out portion 25, flanges and connection points. It should be understood that the connection points or end mounts could be circular, oval or other shape. Further, the flanges could be of different dimensions and shapes in order to facilitate connection to a currency acceptor, cashbox assembly or other support structure. As described above, when the castellation plate is connected, the teeth permit a banknote to enter a cashbox and prevent a thief from pulling the banknote back out of the currency acceptor by using a tail or string to retrieve the banknote
A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the hook array 10 may include areas within the restricted openings 18 that have sharp edges or blade structures that may operate to engage, cut, rip or tear the string when a thief attempts to pull a bill out of the cashbox. Such sharp edges may be fabricated to only engage and cut objects that move in a direction that is opposite to the direction of an accepted bill that has been stacked in the cashbox. If the restricted openings include such sharp edges, then the largest diameter of the restricted openings should be made sufficiently small to prevent insertion of a finger in order to protect personnel entrusted with removing and emptying full cashboxes.
Further exemplifying the scope of the present subject matter, currency acceptors may include coin validators, operative to validate coinage, and an embodiment of a castellation plate may be tailored to the typically narrower currency passageway used for coinage. Such currency acceptors equipped with coin validators may be further equipped with currency storage assemblies, such as coin tubes or coin hoppers, coupled to the currency passageway. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
