Patent ID: 8684152
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: G07D

Abstract:
1. A bunch media processing system for an automated teller machine (ATM) which can operate in a bunch-of-sheets feeding mode and in a single-sheet-only feeding mode when the ATM is unable to operate in the bunch-of-sheets feeding mode, the system comprising: a bunch sheet media in-feed device arranged to (i) receive a bunch of sheet media items deposited by an ATM customer when the ATM is operating in the bunch-of-sheets feeding mode, and (ii) receive only one single-sheet media item at a time deposited by the ATM customer when the ATM is operating in the single-sheet-only feeding mode; a sheet media validation device arranged to validate sheet media items; a storage bin arranged to receive sheet media items which have been validated by the validation device; a bunch sheet media processing device arranged to process sheet media items when the ATM is operating in the bunch-of-sheets feeding mode; at least one sensor associated with the bunch sheet media processing device and arranged to provide a sensor output signal which is indicative of a malfunction associated with the bunch sheet media processing device; a media transport including (i) a first transport path which extends between the in-feed device and the storage bin and passes through both the validation device and the bunch sheet media processing device, and (ii) a second transport path which extends between the in-feed device and the storage bin and passes through only the validation device and not the bunch sheet media processing device; and a control unit arranged to (i) monitor the sensor output signal from the at least one sensor, (ii) control the devices to operate in the bunch-of-sheets feeding mode when no sensor output signal is detected such that a sheet media item can be transported along the first transport path through both the validation device and the bunch sheet media processing device to the storage bin, and (iii) control the devices to operate in the single-sheet-only feeding mode when the sensor output signal is detected such that a sheet media item can be transported along the second transport path through only the validation device and not the bunch sheet media processing device to the storage bin.