Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a donation kettle accepting credit card, debit card and cash donations.

<CIT> discloses an offering plate that permits an attender at a religious service to make a donation that consists of a cash donation acceptor, an envelope donation acceptor, a credit card donation processor, and/or a debit card donation processor.

The kettle comprises a display, keyboard and surface for collecting donations and the kettle is configured for associating a donation with an account of a contributor.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements to donation receiving devices which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

There is provided herein a handheld donation receiving apparatus comprising storage area therein. Coins and notes can be inserted through a denomination discriminator into the storage area which senses at least one physical characteristic thereof.

The apparatus further comprises a mobile communication device interface for communication with a mobile communication device and a device controller interfacing the mobile communication device and the denomination discriminator.

The apparatus may comprise electronically controlled locks which inhibit the use of the apparatus until authenticated with the mobile communication device and the apparatus may comprises a lockable lid which conceals the denomination discriminator thereunderneath.

The apparatus may comprise a cradle holding the mobile communication device which displays a graphical user interface for the operation of the apparatus.

Furthermore, the denomination discriminator may comprise rollers beneath a slotted entrance which accepts both coins and notes. A rotation transducer may detect a length of currency inserted therethrough and a displacement transducer may measure the thickness of the currency.

As such, in use, the user may authenticate with the mobile communication device to unlock the apparatus to receive donations from contributors.

The device controller may be configured with acceptable denomination dimension parameters to categorise denominations and reject currency that does not meet the acceptable denomination dimension parameters.

The apparatus may further utilise image processing for verifying denominations. In one embodiment, a view port for a rearward camera of the mobile communication device is provided for the capturing of image data of currency inserted therethrough. The mobile communication device may comprise an application controller comprising an image processor which recognises at least one of shape, dimension, colour and, in embodiments, recognises alphanumeric values of the currency.

As such, the mobile communication device may be used to verify the currency to cause the device controller to accept or reject a donation.

According to one aspect, there is provided a donation receiving apparatus as recited in claim <NUM>.

The mobile communication device may execute an application controller and wherein the application controller may be configured for displaying a graphical user interface on a digital display thereof and wherein the graphical user interface may be controlled by the application controller to display the denomination.

The denomination discriminator comprises an entrance slot for taking coins and notes.

The sensors may comprise interrupts sensors along the entrance slot and wherein the controller may be configured for detecting the denomination according to which of the interrupt sensors are interrupted.

The interrupt sensors may comprise a central interrupt sensor and lateral interrupt sensors and wherein the device controller may be configured for detecting the insertion of a coin when the central interrupt sensor is interrupted and the lateral interrupt sensors are not interrupted.

The device controller may be configured for detecting the insertion of a note when the lateral interrupt sensors are interrupted.

The device controller may be configured for detecting whether the lateral interrupt sensors are interrupted substantially simultaneously.

The rotation transducer may comprise an optic sensor detecting markings on a rotating disc coupled to the rollers.

The apparatus further comprises a displacement transducer operably coupled to the rollers to measure displacement therebetween and wherein the device controller is configured for determining thickness of the currency inserted through the slot according to the displacement and determining the denomination according to the thickness.

The apparatus may comprise a fixed frame holding a first of the rollers and a displaceable frame holding a second of the rollers and wherein the displacement transducer measure displacement of the displaceable frame.

The displaceable frame may comprise a moving piece interfering with an optic sensor.

The controller may be configured with acceptable denomination dimension parameters and wherein the device controller is configured for detecting whether at least one of measured thickness and length of the currency meets the acceptable denomination dimension parameters.

The apparatus may further comprise a drive for turning the rollers and wherein the controller is configured for turning the rollers to reject currency from the slot when detecting that the currency does not meet the acceptable nomination characteristics.

The apparatus may be configured for verifying the denomination by image processing captured currency image data.

The apparatus may comprise a cradle for holding the mobile communication device adjacent a viewport for capturing the currency image data using a rearward image sensor thereof.

The mobile communication device may execute an application controller comprising an image processing controller which processes the currency image data.

The device controller may be configured for transmitting the denomination to the mobile communication device and wherein the mobile communication device may be configured for verifying the denomination using the image processing controller and, if the image processing controller detect that the currency image data does not meet acceptable image characteristics, the application controller may be configured for causing the device controller to reject the currency.

The image processing may be configured for detecting a shape of the denomination.

The image processing may be configured for detecting a dimension of the denomination.

The image processing may be configured for detecting a colour of the denomination.

The image processing controller may be configured for recognising and alpha numeric value of the denomination.

The apparatus may comprise a lid lockable over the denomination discriminator and wherein the controller may be configured for allowing the unlocking of the lid when in communication with the mobile communication device.

The apparatus may comprise a lid lockable over the denomination discriminator and wherein the lid may comprise a cover supported at a distal end of a stem slidably engaged within a body of the apparatus.

The apparatus may comprise a cradle comprising an upper and lower offset-adjustable brackets for retaining corresponding upper and lower edges of the mobile communication device therebetween.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

<FIG> shows donation receiving apparatus <NUM> which may comprise a receptacle <NUM>, base <NUM> and top part <NUM>.

The receptacle <NUM> may define a monetary storage area <NUM> therein and the top part <NUM> may comprise a denomination discriminator <NUM> configured for discriminating monetary denominations of currency passing therethrough into the storage area <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may further comprise a lid <NUM> for securely covering the denomination discriminator <NUM> as is shown in <FIG>. The lid <NUM> may comprise a cover <NUM> engaged by a stem <NUM> slidably retained by the top part <NUM>. The stem <NUM> may be raised in the manner shown in <FIG> to expose the denomination discriminator <NUM> and lowered in the manner shown in <FIG> to securely enclose the denomination discriminator <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be substantially dome-shaped and may correspond in cross-section with a rim of the top part <NUM> to securely enclose the denomination discriminator <NUM> and prevent tampering therewith.

The top part <NUM> may define a surface for soft counting and may comprise recesses therein for temporary storage of notes and coins.

As is shown in <FIG>, the top part <NUM> may be removable from the receptacle <NUM> for access to the storage area <NUM> therein. In the manner shown in <FIG>, the top part <NUM> may pivot about the stem <NUM>. Securement latches <NUM> may lock the top part <NUM>.

The apparatus may comprise a cradle <NUM> for engaging a mobile communication device <NUM>.

The cradle <NUM> may comprise a top bracket <NUM> and a bottom bracket <NUM> which engage the mobile communication device <NUM> therebetween. In embodiments, the base <NUM> may press against a lower edge of the bracket <NUM>, thereby preventing the removal of the mobile communication device <NUM>.

As is shown in <FIG>, the bottom bracket <NUM> may slide upwardly along channels <NUM> to thereby engage mobile communication devices <NUM> of differing lengths.

The cradle <NUM> may comprise a credit card recess <NUM> such that contactless payment cards can slide behind a rear surface of the mobile communication device <NUM> for contactless payment.

The receptacle <NUM> may comprise a rearward recess and handle <NUM> for holding the apparatus <NUM>.

The base <NUM> may comprise fasteners for fastening the apparatus <NUM> to a surface. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the undersurface of the base <NUM> comprises a plurality of sucker feet <NUM> for suction attachment to a smooth surface. The base <NUM> may comprise physical mechanical interlocks in alternative embodiments for physically locking the base <NUM> to the surface. In embodiments, the fasteners may extend right up to the top piece <NUM>, thereby preventing the removal thereof also.

<FIG> illustrates the apparatus <NUM> comprising a processor <NUM> for processing digital data. The processor <NUM> is in operable communication with a memory device <NUM> across a system bus <NUM>. The memory device <NUM> is configured for storing digital data including computer program code instructions. In use, the processor <NUM> fetches these computer program code instructions and associated data from the memory device <NUM> for the implementation of the functionality of the apparatus <NUM>.

The memory device <NUM> may comprise a device controller <NUM> stored therein.

The processor <NUM> may further be in operable communication with the denomination discriminator <NUM> across a system bus <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may comprise a mobile communication device interface for communication with a mobile communication device <NUM>. In this regard, the apparatus may comprise a data interface <NUM> for communicating with a corresponding data interface <NUM> of the mobile communication device <NUM>.

The mobile communication device interface may be a wired or wireless interface. The wide variant thereof may comprise a data port retained within the lower bracket <NUM> which insert into a corresponding communication port of the mobile communication device <NUM>. Alternatively, the wireless variant may comprise a short-range Bluetooth™ wireless interface such that the mobile communication device <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with the apparatus <NUM> when in proximity therewith.

The mobile communication device <NUM> may similarly comprise a processor <NUM> in operable communication with a memory device <NUM> across a system bus <NUM> and which may similarly comprise an application controller <NUM> for configuring the functionality of the mobile communication device <NUM>.

The mobile communication device <NUM> may comprise a digital display <NUM> which may be controlled by the application controller <NUM> to implement a user interface <NUM> thereon.

The mobile communication device <NUM> may further comprise a GPS receiver <NUM> for determining the location of the mobile communication device <NUM> and the apparatus <NUM>. The GPS receiver <NUM> may be used for restricting the operable location of the apparatus <NUM>.

Furthermore, the mobile communication device <NUM> may further comprise a wide area network data interface <NUM> for sending and receiving data across a wide area networks. The data interface <NUM> may be a Wi-Fi, GSM data interface or the like.

With reference to <FIG>, the denomination discriminator <NUM> may comprise a slotted entrance <NUM> retained within a top plate <NUM> for receiving notes and coins.

The discriminator <NUM> may comprise rollers <NUM> beneath the slotted entrance <NUM>.

One of the rollers <NUM> may be fixed and the other displaceable.

The fixed roller <NUM> may be statically retained within a fixed frame <NUM> and the displaceable roller <NUM> may be retained within a displaceable frame <NUM>.

The discriminator <NUM> may comprise a displacement transducer <NUM> operably coupled to the displaceable frame <NUM> for measuring thickness of currency inserted through the slotted entrance <NUM>. The displacement transducer <NUM> may comprise a moving piece <NUM> interfering with a precision optic sensor <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the displacement transducer <NUM> may comprise a magnet moving with respect to a magnetic flux sensor.

The discriminator <NUM> may further comprise a rotation transducer <NUM> for counting revolutions of the rollers <NUM> to determine a length of currency inserted through the slotted entrance <NUM>. The rotation transducer <NUM> may comprise a magnetic sensor <NUM> sensing an adjacent magnetic disk <NUM>. Alternatively, the rotation transducer <NUM> may comprise an optic sensor <NUM> counting revolutions of an adjacent marked disc <NUM>.

Support rollers <NUM> may support the rollers <NUM>. Stabiliser rollers <NUM> may interface above the rollers <NUM> to stabilise currency entering between the rollers <NUM>. Figure-of-eight drive belts <NUM> may interface between the rollers <NUM> such that the rollers <NUM> turn oppositely.

Inbuilt image sensors <NUM> may be orientated towards the slotted entrance <NUM> for capturing image data of currency inserted therethrough.

A tamper sensor <NUM> and reflector <NUM> may detect tampering within the top piece <NUM>. Additional tamper sensors may be located within the receptacle <NUM> or base <NUM>.

The discriminator <NUM> may comprise interrupts sensors arranged along the slotted entrance <NUM>. These may comprise a central flap <NUM> extending across the slotted entrance having a displacement arm <NUM>. The interrupts sensors may comprise lateral interrupts sensors <NUM>. The discriminator <NUM> may be configured for detecting the insertion of a coin if the displacement arm <NUM> of the central flap <NUM> is displaced and detecting the insertion of a note if the lateral interrupts sensors <NUM> are interrupted. In embodiments, the interrupts sensors may comprise light beam interrupts sensors. In embodiments, interruption of an interrupt sensor may cause the opening of the central flap <NUM>.

The discriminator <NUM> may comprise a rejection solenoid <NUM> which may push the displacement arm <NUM> upwardly to open the central flap <NUM> rejecting a coin from the slotted entrance <NUM>.

In embodiments the discriminator <NUM> may comprise a secondary central flap <NUM> which may similarly comprise a secondary rejection solenoid <NUM> for opening the secondary central flap <NUM>.

The slotted entrance <NUM> may interface with a flue <NUM> into the storage area <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may comprise a translucent window <NUM> through a view port <NUM> of the top piece <NUM> allowing for a rearward image sensor of the mobile communication device <NUM> to capture image data of currency passing through the discriminator <NUM>.

The stem <NUM> may be locked in place by a locking solenoid <NUM> interfering with a peripheral indentation <NUM> thereof. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the stem <NUM> comprises an upper piece integrally formed with the cover <NUM> and a lower shaft which engages the upper piece, thereby allowing the removal of the upper piece and the cover. In this embodiment, the lower shaft comprises the peripheral indentation <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the locking solenoid <NUM> may be used to lock the top piece <NUM> to the receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an embodiment wherein the apparatus <NUM> comprises an inbuilt controller <NUM> or an internally housed mobile communication device <NUM> instead of a cradle <NUM> for the mobile communication device <NUM>. The inbuilt controller <NUM> or internally housed mobile communication device <NUM> may expose a digital or LCD display. In accordance with this embodiment, the inbuilt controller <NUM> may implement the functionality of the application controller <NUM> of the mobile communication device <NUM>. Alternatively, in accordance with this embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> may yet communicate with the internally housed mobile communication device <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may be translucent for holding advertising material viewably thereunder. The apparatus <NUM> may comprise a light sensor <NUM> which may activate a plurality of LEDs <NUM> for illuminating the slotted entrance <NUM>. LEDs may illuminate from within the slotted entrance <NUM>. The top piece <NUM> may comprise a drain aperture <NUM> therethrough for draining any water collected on the top plate.

With reference to <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> may comprise a top piece locking solenoid <NUM> which may displace a securement latch <NUM> for opening the top piece <NUM>.

Sides of the receptacle <NUM> may comprise translucent windows <NUM> which, in embodiments, may retain advertising material therebehind.

The base <NUM> may be removable to expose a rechargeable battery <NUM> or a release mechanism to release the top part <NUM> from the receptacle <NUM>.

A locking barrel <NUM> may lock a distal end of the stem <NUM> in place.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment wherein the denomination discriminator <NUM> comprises a separate slotted entrance <NUM> for taking notes and a plurality of coin slots <NUM> for taking individual denominations of coins. In accordance with this embodiment, the denomination discriminator <NUM> may comprise a plurality of interrupts sensors <NUM> beneath each coin slot <NUM> to detect passage of individual coins therethrough.

The apparatus <NUM> in accordance with this embodiment may comprise a security plate <NUM> comprising a plurality of slots <NUM> therein which correspond with the coin slots <NUM> thereunderneath. However, to lock the apparatus, the security plate <NUM> may be rotated about a pivot point <NUM> thereof by a stem <NUM> such that the slot <NUM> misalign with the coin slots <NUM> thereunderneath.

A blanking plate <NUM> restricting the types of coin denominations may be overlaid the coin slots <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a note <NUM> entering the denomination discriminator <NUM>. The width of the note <NUM> interrupts the lateral interrupts sensors <NUM>. The displacement transducer <NUM> may measure the thickness of the note <NUM>. The rotation transducer <NUM> may measure the length of the note <NUM>.

An electric motor <NUM> may turn cogwheels <NUM> to drive the rollers <NUM> when detecting a note <NUM> or coin <NUM>. The inbuilt image sensors <NUM> or the rearward image sensor of the mobile communication device <NUM> may capture image data from the note <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a coin <NUM> entering the discriminator <NUM>. The coin <NUM> may displace the central flap <NUM> and the displacement arm <NUM>. The coin <NUM> may be insufficiently wide to interrupt the lateral interrupts sensors <NUM>. The displacement transducer <NUM> may measure the thickness of the coin <NUM> and the rotation transducer <NUM> may measure the length of the coin <NUM>.

As is further shown in <FIG>, the rejection solenoid <NUM> may displace the displacement arm <NUM> upwardly to open the central flap <NUM>. The secondary rejection solenoid <NUM> may also open the secondary central flap <NUM>. The rejection solenoids <NUM>, <NUM> may be activated when rejecting both coins <NUM> and notes <NUM>.

Exemplary utilisation of the apparatus <NUM> will now be described with reference to an exemplary embodiment.

The mobile communication device <NUM> may be configured with the application controller <NUM> and the user may authenticate therewith using user account.

Once authenticated, the stem locking solenoid <NUM> may be disengaged to allow the lifting of the cover <NUM> to expose the denomination discriminator <NUM>.

A contributor may use the user interface <NUM> to input contact details, such as email or telephone contact details.

The contributor may insert a coin <NUM> into the discriminator <NUM>.

The device controller <NUM> may detect the displacement of the displacement arm <NUM> but not interruption of the lateral interrupts sensors <NUM>, thereby detecting the insertion of a coin as opposed to note.

Furthermore, the device controller <NUM> may detect displacement of the displaceable frame <NUM>, being further confirmation of the insertion of a coin.

The controller <NUM> may activate the motor <NUM> to turn the rollers <NUM> to draw in the coin <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may turn the rollers <NUM> depending on the at least one interrupt sensor.

The controller <NUM> may use the rotation transducer <NUM> to determine a length of the coin <NUM> and the displacement transducer <NUM> to measure the thickness of the coin <NUM>.

The memory device <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> may be configured with acceptable coin dimension parameters which may comprise at least one of length and thickness to determine whether the measured length or thickness meets the acceptable dimension parameters of the coin <NUM>.

If the measurements do not meet the acceptable coin dimension parameters, the controller <NUM> may reverse the drive motor <NUM> to reverse the rollers <NUM> to reject the coin <NUM>.

An acceptance LED <NUM> may illuminate depending on whether an item of currency is accepted or rejected, such as green or red respectively. Alternatively, if the measurements meet the acceptable dimension parameters, the device controller <NUM> may continue operation of the rollers <NUM> to draw the coin <NUM> into the storage area <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may use the measurements to categorise the denomination of the coin <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may store the detected denomination within memory <NUM> and may transmit the denomination to the mobile communication device <NUM> across the mobile communication interface. The mobile communication device <NUM> may transmit the denomination to a server across a wide area network using the data interface <NUM>.

The denomination may be recorded against a contributor profile and receipt data may be sent to the contributor using the contact information provided by the contributor via the user interface <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may use the inbuilt image sensors <NUM> or the rearward image sensor of the mobile communication device to capture image data of the coin <NUM>.

The application controller <NUM> may comprise an image processing controller to identify visual characteristics of the coin <NUM>.

The image processing controller may be configured for detecting at least one of the shape, dimension and/or colour of the denomination. In embodiments, the image processing controller comprises an image recognition controller configured for recognising an alphanumeric value of the denomination.

As such, the application controller <NUM> may verify the classification of the denomination. Specifically, the device controller <NUM> may transmit a detected denomination to the application controller <NUM> which then verifies the detected denomination in accordance with at least one of the shape, dimension colour and value thereon using image processing.

Should the at least one of the shape, dimension, colour or value deviate from the acceptable parameters, the application controller <NUM> may cause the device controller <NUM> to reject the coin <NUM> by reversing the drive of the rollers <NUM>.

The application controller <NUM> may further store image data in relation to each donation for subsequent verification.

The contributor may donate a note <NUM> which, when inserted through the discriminator <NUM> does not deflect the central flap <NUM> (or does not deflect the central flap <NUM> substantially) but does interrupt the lateral interrupts sensors <NUM>, thereby indicating to the device controller <NUM> the insertion of a note. In embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to detect that the lateral interrupt sensors <NUM> are triggered substantially simultaneously.

Similarly, the device controller <NUM> may use the deflection transducer <NUM> and rotation transducer <NUM> to measure the thickness and length of the note <NUM> and reject the note <NUM> if the length or thickness does not match the acceptable note parameters.

If accepting the note, the device controller <NUM> may pass the detected denomination of the note <NUM> to the application controller <NUM> which may utilise image data obtained from the image sensors <NUM> or of the mobile communication device <NUM> to verify the note denomination in accordance with at least one of shape, dimension, colour and/or alphanumeric characters thereon.

In embodiments, the application controller <NUM> is configured for reading a serial number of the note <NUM>. In further embodiments, the application controller <NUM> or remote server is configured for verifying the serial number <NUM> to detect counterfeit notes.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention.

Claim 1:
Donation receiving apparatus (<NUM>) comprising a storage area (<NUM>) therein, a denomination discriminator (<NUM>) interfacing the storage area (<NUM>), the denomination discriminator (<NUM>) comprising at least one sensor for sensing at least one physical characteristic of currency passing therethrough, a mobile communication device interface for communication with a mobile communication device (<NUM>), and a device controller (<NUM>) interfacing the mobile communication device interface and the denomination discriminator (<NUM>) wherein, in use, the device controller (<NUM>) is configured for establishing communication with the mobile communication device (<NUM>), detecting a denomination using the at least one physical characteristic and transmitting the denomination to the mobile communication device (<NUM>), wherein:
the denomination discriminator (<NUM>) comprises:
an entrance slot (<NUM>) for taking both coins (<NUM>) and notes (<NUM>);
a pair of parallel rollers (<NUM>) aligned with the slot (<NUM>) to take both the coins (<NUM>) and notes (<NUM>) therebetween;
a rotation transducer (<NUM>) operably coupled to the rollers (<NUM>); and
a displacement transducer (<NUM>) operably coupled to the rollers (<NUM>) to measure displacement therebetween;
wherein, using the same pair of rollers (<NUM>), the device controller (<NUM>) is configured for determining both length of the currency inserted through the slot (<NUM>) using the rotation transducer (<NUM>) and thickness of the currency inserted through the slot (<NUM>) using the displacement transducer (<NUM>) and determining the denomination according to the length and thickness; and
the apparatus (<NUM>) is configured for verifying the denomination by image processing captured currency image data and, if the apparatus (<NUM>) detects that the currency image data does not meet acceptable image characteristics of the denomination, the apparatus (<NUM>) is configured for causing the device controller (<NUM>) to reject the currency by turning the rollers (<NUM>).