Patent Publication Number: US-2013251235-A1

Title: System for high speed processing of currency notes and slot tickets

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/612,993 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 20, 2012. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to automated systems for processing documents, and more particularly, to an automated system for high speed processing of documents of the type used in gaming, such as foreign and domestic currency notes, slot tickets and the like, containing a printed value and/or a bar code validation number. The system utilizes an automated apparatus similar to the types disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,298 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,050,485, which have been modified to process a mixed stack of documents in an accurate, efficient, versatile and high speed manner for identifying the value of each document and separating out from the stack those documents having unidentified currency values, and allowing a user to manually input currency values for the unidentified documents. All without the necessity of forwarding each document to a remote location, thus providing quick and accurate balance information for the entire stack of documents. 
     Casinos and other types of gaming establishments utilize large numbers of paper documents such as foreign and domestic currencies and betting slips, which must be read and the read data converted for display, validation, manipulation and storage. While those tasks can be done manually, manual handling and sorting of such documents is time consuming, labor intensive and may result in inaccuracies. 
     Clearly, there is a need for a system of performing those functions with an automated apparatus that can be connected directly to a computer for displaying, validating and/or manipulating the value data as necessary. However, to be commercially successful, the system upon which the processing is performed must be able to reliably scan the printed side of the document, quickly compress and transfer the data to a computer, read the information printed thereon, ascertain the currency value of the document and convert the scanned information into a format where it can be displayed, validated, manipulated and stored, and then quickly notify the scanner to sort the document appropriately. The system must be able to operate in duplex communication mode between the scanning terminal and the computer for offering high-speed bi-directional communication. The scanning must be executed on a terminal capable of accepting stacks of mixed documents for eliminating manual sorting and capable of producing high-resolution images. The computer must be capable of identifying the value of the document, tolerant of image contrast apparent with soiled currency, and continually up to date with all new foreign and domestic currencies and bar-code validation numbers. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,298 is designed for high speed automated processing of currency bills. It utilizes an improved mechanical transport system, multiple scanning devices for information reading and sophisticated digital signal processing. It employs parallel 32-bit data processing units for increased speed. An 8-bit control circuit tracks the currency bills as they move through the apparatus, accurately regulates transport motor speed and operates the collection bin gates. That patent is incorporated herein by reference. The reader is referred to that patent for detailed information as to the operation of the apparatus disclosed therein. 
     The apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,050,485 is designed for high speed automated processing of gaming documents containing a printed value and a bar-code validation. It employs obtaining the value of the document by optically identifying each value character from a scanned image of the document. A plurality of templates are stored each representative of a possible character of the value. Optical character recognition is used to identify each value character image by comparing each of the stored templates in turn with the image. That patent is incorporated herein by reference. The reader is referred to that patent for detailed information as to the operation of the apparatus disclosed therein. 
     While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter. 
     It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a system for high speed processing of documents related to gaming without the necessity of forwarding the currency image or validation number to a remote location to obtain the value of the document. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for high speed processing of documents that can be performed on a fully automated system capable of scanning the printed side of the document to create an image, compressing the image, transferring the image to a computer within the system, locating and accurately reading the value information from the image and converting same into a format for display, validation, manipulation and/or storage on the computer in an efficient and high speed manner. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for high speed processing of documents capable of quickly and accurately identifying a value for each document deposited within a mixed stack of foreign and domestic currency, slot tickets, coupons, vouchers, and the like. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for high speed processing of documents capable of identifying the value printed on the document using optical character recognition and then converting same to an ASCII format through the use of templates which are compared to each of the characters. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for high speed processing of documents capable of instantaneously calculating and displaying a total value for all documents deposited. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for high speed processing of documents capable of allowing unidentified documents to be electronically viewed by the user and manually entered for immediate reconciliation. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for high speed processing of documents capable of being continually updated to accommodate new currencies, slot ticket fonts and bar code types. 
     It is another of the present invention to provide a system for high speed processing of documents that can process documents whether they are orientated right side up or upside down. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for automatically processing documents, including currency notes and slot tickets related to gaming, of the type having value characters printed on a side thereof, using a scanner having first and second exit locations and operating in duplex communication with a computer. The method includes depositing a stack of documents within the scanner. The method includes scanning the printed side of each document and storing an image of the scanned printed side of each document including the value characters. The document image is compressed and then stored within the scanner. The stored image is transferred from the scanner to the computer. The computer processes the stored image to identify the value of each of the value characters of the compressed document image. The computer generates signals indicating whether the value characters of the stored document image are identified or not identified. The signals are then transmitted from the computer to the scanner. The scanner receives the signals indicating whether the value characters of the stored image are identified or not identified and then sorts the documents in a selected one of a first exit location, when the value characters of the stored document image are identified, and a second exit location, when the value characters are not identified. 
     The step of depositing a stack of documents within the scanner includes repeating the steps above for those documents sorted into the second exit location when the value is not identified. 
     The step of processing the stored image by the computer includes the step of storing each of the document images when the data value characters are not identified. 
     The method also includes the steps of viewing each stored image when the data value characters are not identified and reconciling each document image by manually entering the value of each data value character not identified. 
     The method further includes the step of storing the value of each value character identified and each value character manually entered. 
     The method further includes the step of displaying the stored values of each of the value characters. 
     The method further includes the step of processing the stored values to display balance information including a total value for currency notes deposited, a total value for slot tickets deposited and a total value of all documents deposited. 
     The method further includes the step of displaying a total quantity of currency notes deposited, a total quantity of slot tickets deposited and a total value of all documents deposited. It also includes displaying a total quantity of currency notes deposited having data value characters not identified, a total quantity of slot tickets deposited having data value characters not identified and a total value of all documents deposited having data value characters not identified. 
     The step of storing an image of the scanned printed side of each document including the value characters further includes the step of formatting the document image as a Bitmap. 
     The step of compressing the document image within the scanner further includes the step of compressing the document image as a TIF file. 
     The step of storing the compressed document image within the scanner further includes the step of storing the TIF file. 
     The step of transferring the compressed document image from the scanner to the computer further includes transferring the compressed document image via a universal serial bus port. 
     The step of transmitting the signals from the computer to the scanner further includes transmitting the signals from the computer to the scanner via a serial interface. 
     The method further includes the step of programming the computer to recognize new currencies. 
     The documents in use by the present method have a bar coded validation number printed thereon and the method includes the steps of scanning an image of the validation number from the document. The method includes compressing the document image. The method includes saving the compressed document image. The method includes transferring the document image to the computer. The method includes converting the read validation number into validation data representative thereof. The method includes storing the validation data. 
     The method further includes the step of programming the computer to recognize and read new slot ticket fonts and bar code validation numbers. 
     The scanner of the method includes a control board and the steps further include monitoring changes in performance of the scanner by the control board. The method includes generating signals related to the changes in performance by the control board. The method includes transmitting the signals from the control board of the scanner to the computer. It also includes the step of receiving the signals from the control board by the computer, analyzing the signals to define a result, displaying the result. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention system is provided for automatically processing documents including currency notes and slot tickets related to gaming, of the type having value characters printed on a side thereof. The system includes a scanner terminal having an entrance hopper into which a stack of currency notes and slot tickets are deposited and first and second exit locations into which currency notes and slot tickets are sorted. The system has means for scanning the printed side of each document and means for storing an image of the scanned printed side of each document including the value characters, means for compressing the document image and means for storing the compressed document image. Means are provided for transferring the compressed document image from the scanner to the computer. Means are provided for receiving signals by the scanner indicating whether the value characters of the stored image are identified or not identified. Means are provided for sorting the documents in a selected one of a first exit location, when the value characters of the stored document image are identified, and a second exit location, when the value characters are not identified. 
     The system has a computer in duplex communication with the scanner and provides means for receiving the compressed document image. Means are provided for processing the stored image to identify the value of each of the value characters. Means are provided for generating signals indicating whether the stored image is identified or not identified. Means are provided for transmitting the signals to the scanner. 
     The system includes re-depositing at least one document into the entrance hopper from the second exit location. 
     Means for processing the stored image by the computer includes means for storing each of the document images when the data value characters are not identified. 
     The system further includes means for viewing each stored image when the data value characters are not identified, and provides means for reconciling each document image by manually entering the value of each data value character not identified. It also includes means for storing the value of each value character identified and each value character manually entered. 
     The system also includes means for displaying the stored values of each of the value characters. 
     The system further includes means for processing the stored values to display balance information including a total value for currency notes deposited, a total value for slot tickets deposited and a total value of all documents deposited. 
     The system further includes means for displaying a total quantity of currency notes deposited having data value characters not identified, a total quantity of slot tickets deposited having data value characters not identified and a total value of all documents deposited having data value characters not identified. 
     The system further includes means for storing an image of the scanned printed side of each document including the value characters comprising means for formatting the document image as a Bitmap. 
     Means for compressing the document image within the scanner includes means for compressing the document image as a TIF file. 
     Means for storing the compressed document image within the scanner includes means for storing the TIF file. 
     Means for transferring the compressed document image from the scanner to the computer includes means for transferring the compressed document image via a universal serial bus port. 
     Means for transmitting the signals from the computer to the scanner includes means for transmitting the signals from the computer to the scanner via a serial interface. 
     The system also includes means for programming the computer to recognize new currencies. 
     The documents used by the system include bar coded validation numbers printed thereon and the system further includes means for scanning an image of the validation number from the document. Means are provided for compressing the document image. Means are provided for saving the compressed document image. Means are provided for transferring the document image to the computer. Means are provided for converting the read validation number into validation data representative thereof. Means are provided for storing the validation data. 
     The system further includes means for programming the computer for recognizing and reading new slot ticket fonts and bar code validation numbers. 
     The scanner of the system includes a control board and further includes means for monitoring changes in performance of the scanner by the control board. Means are provided for generating signals related to the changes in performance by the control board. Means are provided for transmitting the signals from the scanner to the computer. 
     The system further includes means for receiving the signals by the computer. Means are provided for analyzing the signals to define a result. Means are provided for displaying the result. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to a system for high speed processing and sorting of documents related to gaming without the necessity of forwarding the currency image or validation number to a remote location to obtain the value of the document as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the system for processing documents related to gaming in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart of the process of scanning and sorting a stack of documents with the system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed flow chart of the process of the system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is perspective outside view of the scanner in duplex communication with the computer of the system of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is an image of a typical document related to gaming. 
     
    
    
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a system  10  for high speed processing of documents related to gaming as illustrated in block form in  FIG. 1-4 . In its broadest context, the system  10  includes a scanner  16  operating in duplex communication with a computer  30  such that information is communicated back and forth, bi-directionally, between each device. 
     The system  10  is designed to process a stack of documents, generally designated A, such as domestic and foreign currencies, slot tickets, betting tickets, coupons, vouchers and the like, illustrated in  FIG. 5  that include value characters. The value characters include a value  12 , preferably a dollar value or other currency value, and/or a bar-coded validation number  14 . In particular, domestic currencies include the dollar value  12  thereon, while betting tickets typically include the currency value  12  and the bar-coded validation number  14 , both of which are printed on the same side of the document. 
     The optical scanner  16  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , is used for scanning the printed side of each gaming document from the stack and creating a full width medium-resolution image thereof before sorting. The scanner  16  includes an entrance hopper  18  for depositing the stack of documents therein and two exit locations  20 , including a first exit location  20 A and a second exit location  20 B, into which the documents are sorted. The stack of documents may include a variety of domestic and foreign currencies, as well as gaming tickets and vouchers, all preferably mixed together in no specific order when deposited into the entrance hopper  18 . The scanner  16  also includes a plurality of sensors  19 , motors  21  and a scanner display  23 , which monitor, control and signal performance of the scanner. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the document image, including the image of each character of the value  12  printed thereon, is stored after scanning in an image memory  22 . The document image is originally in Bitmap format, which is approximately 1 MB in size. The document image in Bitmap format is then transferred to a compression circuit  24 . The compression circuit  24  compresses the 1 MB image to approximately 20K and saves the compressed image as a TIF file. The TIF file of the compressed document image is then stored in a local memory  26 . The stored image is then transferred from the scanner  16  to the computer  30  via a universal serial bus (USB) port  17 . 
     Next, the computer  30  processes the stored document image in an attempt to identify the value of each of the value characters of the stored document image. 
     The image of each value character is transferred, in turn, from memory  26  within the scanner to a reference point location circuit  32  within the computer  30 . The circuit  32  locates a reference point on each value character such that each of the stored templates can be placed over the image in the correct position. 
     That occurs in a template comparison circuit  36 , which is connected to the reference point locator circuit  32  and to the template memory  34 . The template comparison circuit  36  is also connected to a scoring circuit  38 . The template comparison  36  and scoring circuit  38  function together as a means for identifying each value character image through the use of optical character recognition by comparing the stored templates and the value character images. The system  10  is tolerant to variation of image contrast that is often apparent on soiled currencies. 
     The output from the scoring circuit  38  is fed to the template selecting circuit  36 . The circuit  38  functions as a means for selecting the template with the highest degree of match with the value character image under consideration. The value of the selected template is stored in a local storage memory  40 , which is part of the hard drive of the computer  30 . The value of the selected template is stored in ASCII format. When the value data is not identified, the document image is stored for viewing and manual reconciliation purposes. 
     For non-currency documents, the bar-coded validation number  14  is also ascertained from the stored document image and converted into validation data representative of the validation number  14 . The system  10  is self adapting for identifying 12-18 digit bar-coded numbers and barcode standards. The validation data is transferred to and stored in local storage memory  40 . A clock circuit  42  provides the local storage memory with data representative of the date. The value data, the validation data and the date data for each document are stored together in a file in local memory  40 . When the value data is not identified, the stored document image remains in the local memory  40  for viewing and manual reconciliation. 
     As the steps in  FIG. 2  illustrate, the computer  30  generates, in turn, a signal for each file and/or image stored in the local memory  40 . Specifically, the signal indicates whether the values of each value characters of the stored image are identified or not. 
     A control board  28  within the scanner  16  monitors the sensors  19 , motors  21  and the scanner display  23 . The control board  28  is connected to a graphical user interface (GUI) or display  60  via a serial interface for fortifying communication between the display  60  and scanner  16 . 
     The control board  28  includes a means for monitoring changes in performance of the scanner, preferably by the sensors  19  and motors  21 . The control board  28  then includes a means for generating signals related to the changes in performance and a means for transmitting the signals from the scanner to the computer. The control board  28  acts in duplex, or bi-directional, communication with the computer  30  for sending and receiving messages back and forth via the serial interface. The GUI together with the processor of the computer function as a means for receiving the signals from the control board of the scanner, analyzing the signals to define a result or action, and displaying the result or control the action. Messages sent from the computer  30  to the scanner may be displayed directly on the scanner display  23 . 
     The control board  28  functions as a means for sorting each document after the computer attempts to identify the value of the value characters. Specifically, the control board  28  sorts the document into the first exit location  20 A when the value characters of the stored image are identified and into the second exit location  20 B when the value characters are not identified. Documents that are rejected by the system as unidentified and discarded into the second exit location  20 B can be re-deposited into the entrance hopper for rescanning. The value and quantity data for the re-deposited documents will be included in the totals displayed by the system without having to input the entire stack of documents again. 
     Each document image having value characters not identified by the comparator  36  may be selectively viewed on the display  60 . A user is able to view the stored document image and input the value data using a keyboard  55 . The keyboard  55  functions as a means for manually entering the value data for value characters not automatically identified by the computer. After manually inputting the value data, the validation data and the date data for each document are stored together in a file in local memory  40 . 
     The computer  30  includes a processor  44 , which functions as a means for processing the stored values to display balance information. The balance information may selectively include a total value for currency notes deposited, a total value for slot tickets deposited and a total value of all documents deposited within the entrance hopper  18 . The processor  44  accesses the files within the local memory  40  and processes the value data to display balance information. For example, balance information may include, but is not limited to, daily or date balance totals, account or batch balance totals, and/or type of document or currency balance totals. The processor  44  also utilizes stored files within the memory  40  to process quantities of documents scanned and identified. Specifically, the quantity of documents deposited and type of documents deposited are processed for displaying a total quantity of currency notes deposited verse a total quantity of slot tickets deposited. The processor  44  also utilizes stored files and stored images to determine how many, and what kind, of documents have not been automatically identified, taking into consideration all values manually reconciled. In particular, the processor  44  may calculate for display, the total quantity of currency notes deposited having data value characters not identified, a total quantity of slot tickets deposited having data value characters not identified and a total value of all documents deposited having data value characters not identified. 
     The processor  44  is capable of being programmed to calculate a variety of different balance information data and generating a variety of difference reports customizable to the user and not limited to the aforementioned details. All of the data stored within the memory  40  is available for viewing on the display  60  in a variety of different formats, including by date, deposit run, account or gaming machine. 
     A printer  50  is in communication with the computer  30 , for selectively printing the value data, stored images, balance information, or reports. The computer  30  may forward the stored value data or stored document images to a remote location via the Internet or other network for storage and use at a later time. 
     In conclusion, herein is presented the system for high speed processing and sorting of documents related to gaming. The invention is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention. While only one preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations, which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.