Patent Description:
Furthermore, governments keep introducing these windowed portions as different sections of the media from what has previously been noted in the industry, which makes accounting for all the different variations and permutations extremely difficult. That is, when a government introduces a middle section of a currency note as being transparent and proper configuration of media handling devices are achieved, the same government or a different government may introduce a currency note where the first section of a currency note is transparent and additional configuration is needed. Another complication is that the consumer can insert currency notes in any orientation meaning upside down, backend first, and the like; such that configurations of the media handling devices have to be configured to handle the various orientations that the consumer may insert a windowed note into the devices. <CIT> discloses a CPU of a banknote handling machine that has a window identification portion, which judges whether a banknote is windowed; a presence/absence detection portion, which detects presence or absence of the banknote through transport path sensors; and a front/rear end identification portion, which judges the passage of the front end portion and the rear end portion of the banknote at positions corresponding to the transport path sensors.

This presents some challenges for existing optical sensors within existing media devices because the optical sensors fail to detect the presence of the windowed portion of the currency note. When an opaque document is in the path of an optical track sensor, the track sensor reports a blocked condition indicating the presence of media (such as a currency note or a check). When the document passes over and by the optical sensor, the track sensors report an unblocked condition indicating that the track no longer has media above and/or below the track sensors.

With windowed media, when the windowed (transparent) portion of the media is in the path of an optical sensor, the track sensor falsely reports the unblocked condition indicating the absence of any media. These false readings due to portions of a media document being windowed make it difficult for determining whether a windowed portion of a media document has passed over the sensor or whether the entire media document has passed over the sensor, which makes the task of locating and tracking windowed media extremely difficult.

In various embodiments, methods and a valuable media depository for ejection processing of windowed and non-windowed media within are provided.

According to an embodiment, a method for ejection processing of windowed and non-windowed media is presented. Specifically, media edge detection is selectively ignored from sensors during ejection processing for media being ejected from an infeed module. The media edge detection is enabled during the ejection processing after a shutter opens for the infeed module based on detection of the media from at least one of the sensors. Next, the media is advanced within the infeed module a present distance in a direction towards the shutter during the ejection processing.

According to a first aspect of the present invention according to claim <NUM>, there is provided a method for ejecting windowed and non-windowed media, including in step (i) selectively disabling media edge detection during ejection processing by a media ejection controller for media being ejected from an infeed module; in step (ii) enabling the media edge detection when a shutter opens for the infeed module based on detection of the media at a first sensor closer to the shutter than a second sensor; and in step (iii) determining whether the media has exited the infeed module or whether the media has been fully retracted back within the infeed module based on status produced from the media edge detection, wherein determining comprises processing based on blocked and unblocked conditions reported from the first sensor and the second sensor; wherein step (i) further includes urging the media along a transport path until the first sensor reports a blocked condition and then activating the shutter and halting the transport path; wherein halting further includes urging the media along the transport path a present distance and stopping the transport path; wherein halting further includes (iv) delaying for a present delay period of time for determining whether the media is removed from an infeed mouth of the infeed module; wherein step (iii) further includes disabling the media edge detection processing when the status remains unchanged at an end of the present delay period of time, and urging the media back into the infeed module in a direction away from the shutter for a distance that is less than the present distance, enabling the media edge detection processing while urging the media in the direction away from the shutter, halting the transport path when the status changes to "media entered", and resume processing back at step (i).

Optionally, step (ii) may further include (a) setting the status to: "media at both of the sensors" when the first sensor and the second sensor are both reporting the blocked condition.

Optionally, step (ii) may further include (b) changing the status to: "media being retracted into the infeed module" when the first sensor reports an unblocked condition while the second sensor is reporting the blocked condition.

Optionally, step (ii) may further include (c) maintaining the status unchanged when the first sensor continues to report the blocked condition while the second sensor reports the unblocked condition until the first sensor reports the unblocked condition and then changing the status to "media exited" indicating the media has exited the infeed module.

Optionally, step (iii) may further include delaying an additional period of time when the status changes at an end of the present delay period to "media exited" and when the status remains unchanged and determining the media has successfully ejected from the infeed module and when additional media is present for ejecting from the infeed module resume processing at step (i).

Optionally, step (iii) further includes determining whether either the first sensor or the second sensor report the blocked condition during any portion of the additional period of time and when determined to be the case resume processing at (iv).

Herein there is also disclosed a method not falling under the scope of the invention, including (i) modifying an existing ejection procedure for an infeed module by selectively activating and deactivating edge detection of media that includes windowed and non-windowed portions and that is being ejected from the infeed module; and (ii) determining based on the modified ejection procedure whether the media is completely ejected or whether the media is fully retracted from a failed ejection attempt.

Optionally, (i) may further include disabling the edge detection until a sensor nearest to a shutter of the infeed module is blocked and in response thereto opening the shutter, advancing the media along a transport path a present distance, and enabling the edge detection.

Optionally, (ii) may further include maintaining a changing status produced by the modified ejection procedure that accounts for a direction of travel of the media within the infeed module and processing the changing status in combination with whether a first sensor nearest to the shutter of the infeed module and a second sensor are blocked and unblocked with the changing status.

Optionally, maintaining may further include selectively delaying a checking for the changing status for a configured period of time.

Optionally, selective delaying may further include selecting moving the media in the direction a configured distance during the configured period of time.

Optionally, (ii) may further include resuming processing at (i) when a determination is made that the media is fully retracted within the infeed module from the failed ejection attempt.

Optionally, the method may further include (iii) resume processing at (i) until all additional media is properly ejected from the infeed module.

Optionally, the method may further include (iii) may further include processing at least some of the additional media as non-windowed media that lacks any windowed portion within that non-windowed media.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a depository, including an infeed module; and a controller operable to control ejection of both non-windowed media and windowed media; wherein the controller is configured to perform the method of the invention.

Optionally, the depository may be one of: a deposit module and a recycler module.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following specific description, given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG> is a diagram depicting a one-sided view of a valuable media depository <NUM>, according to an example embodiment (also referred to as a deposit module). It is to be noted that the valuable media depository is shown with only those components relevant to understanding what has been added and modified to a conventional depository for purposes of providing adaptive pressure media feeding and processing within the depository <NUM>.

The depository <NUM> is suitable for use within an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), which can be utilized to process deposited banknotes and checks (valuable media as a mixed bunch if desired). The deposit module <NUM> has an access mouth (media or document infeed) where a novel configured infeed module <NUM> (discussed in detail below with reference to the <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) processes and through which incoming checks and/or banknotes (windowed and non-windowed) are deposited or outgoing checks and/or banknotes are dispensed. This mouth is aligned with an infeed aperture in the fascia of the ATM in which the depository <NUM> is located, which thus provides an input/output slot to the customer. A bunch (stack) of one or more items (valuable media) is input or output. Incoming checks and/or banknotes follow a first transport path <NUM> away from the mouth in a substantially horizontal direction from right to left shown in the FIG. They then pass through a separator module <NUM> and from the separator <NUM> to a deskew module <NUM> along another pathway portion <NUM>, which is also substantially horizontal and right to left. The items are now de-skewed and aligned for reading by imaging cameras <NUM> and a Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) reader <NUM>.

Items are then directed substantially vertically downwards to a point between two nip rollers <NUM>. These nip rollers cooperate and are rotated in opposite directions with respect to each other to either draw deposited checks and/or banknotes inwards (and urge those checks and/or banknotes towards the right hand side in the <FIG>), or during another mode of operation, the rollers can be rotated in an opposite fashion to direct processed checks and/or banknotes downwards in the direction shown by arrow A in the <FIG> into a check or banknote bin <NUM>. Incoming checks and/or banknotes, which are moved by the nip rollers <NUM> towards the right, enter a diverter mechanism <NUM>. The diverter mechanism <NUM> can either divert the incoming checks and/or banknotes upwards (in the <FIG>) into a re-buncher unit <NUM>, or downwards in the direction of arrow B in the <FIG> into a cash bin <NUM>, or to the right hand side shown in the <FIG> into an escrow <NUM>. Items of media from the escrow <NUM> can selectively be removed from the drum and re-processed after temporary storage. This results in items of media moving from the escrow <NUM> towards the left hand side of the <FIG> where again they will enter the diverter mechanism <NUM>. The diverter mechanism <NUM> can be utilized to allow the transported checks (a type of valuable media/document) and/or banknotes (another type of valuable media/document) to move substantially unimpeded towards the left hand side and thus the nip rollers <NUM> or upwards towards the re-buncher <NUM>. Currency notes from the escrow can be directed to the re-buncher <NUM> or downwards into the banknote bin <NUM>.

As used herein, the phrase "valuable media" refers to media of value, such as currency, coupons, checks, negotiable instruments, value tickets, and the like.

For purposes of the discussions that follow with respect to the <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, "valuable media" is referred to as currency and the "valuable media depository" is referred to as a "depository. " Additionally, valuable media may be referred to as a "document" herein.

<FIG> is a diagram depicting an infeed module <NUM>, according to an example embodiment.

The infeed mouth 101A is the opening and path within the valuable media depository <NUM> for an incoming document. A pair of track sensors are labeled as TS1 and TS2 (also labeled as such in the <FIG> below).

Typically, the infeed module <NUM> is configured for processing a debounce algorithm that is applied to those sensors TS1 and/or TS2 reporting an unblocked condition (no presence of media under the sensors TS1 and/or TS2). When a maximum window size for a document (media) and a speed of the document along the infeed path for the infeed module <NUM> are known, an algorithm is processed for the sensors TS1 and TS2 reporting for ensuring a sensor TS1 or TS2 is unblocked sufficiently long enough (configured within the algorithm) for the windowed portion (transparent portion) to pass before the sensor TS1 or TS2 reports an unblocked condition. This ensures the unblocked condition reading correctly indicates the absence of media. This approach works when the maximum window (transparency) size and the document throughput processing are known.

While ejecting media to the customer, the media is presented using a programmable "present distance" (the distance the media is positioned and held away from the shutter) and completely stopped over the sensors TS1 and TS2. The infeed module <NUM> waits a programmable "present delay" period while waiting for the customer to take the media from the infeed mouth. The customer can influence the document speed and direction at any time during the processing, since the document speed is unknown because of this situation, the traditional debounce algorithm has limited assistance in this scenario.

For non-windowed media, the ejection procedure combined with processing of the debounce algorithm works with some windowed media. The non-windowed ejection procedure is as follows:.

Windowed media is dimensioned, such that when the media was presented and stopped, an opaque portion of the document appears over TS1 and/or TS2. The track sensors report a block condition indicating the presence of the media. Therefore, relying on TS1 and TS2 to report an unblocked condition gives a correct indication of media being removed by the customer.

However, recently new dimensioned windowed media has been introduced by some governments with larger windows and dimensions such that when the media is presented, a windowed portion of the document may be over both TS1 and TS2. The track sensors (TS1 and TS2) falsely report an unblocked condition falsely indicating the absence of media and giving a false indication that the customer has removed the media. This causes the ejection procedure to instantly move from step <NUM>(a) back to step <NUM>), which ultimately ejects the media directly out of the infeed mouth 101A and onto the floor. The customer has no chance to take the media before it is ejected. This results in unacceptable and undesirable behaviors and delivers a poor customer experience.

If the presented media is oriented such that a windowed portion of the document is not over TS1 and TS2, the sensors report a blocked condition correctly indicating the presence of the media (document). If the customer does not take the media within the present delay period, the media is retracted back into the infeed module <NUM> to then be re-presented. During the retract process, larger windowed sized media will unblock TS1 and TS2 causing a false indication of the absence of media and indicating to the infeed module <NUM> that the media has been fully retracted into the infeed module <NUM>. This results in the retraction processing stopping prematurely with a portion of the media still sitting outside the shutter of the infeed mouth 101A. The media is then presented a set distance from this point, but since the media was not completely retracted, the present distance causes the media to again be undesirably ejected onto the floor.

Embodiments presented herein, process a novel "edge-direction detection" algorithm to the above-mentioned ejection procedure for universally ejecting all transparent windowed (regardless of window size and location) and non-windowed media. This results in a new, modified, and novel ejection procedure.

As will be explained more completely herein and below, the edge-direction detection algorithm tracks the directions of document edges at all times during the ejection procedure. However, the edge-direction detection status is only used at selective times during the ejection procedure and the status is ignored at other times. This allows windows to pass over and/or stop at TS1 and TS2. Even though the track sensors may report an unblocked condition, the edge-direction detection algorithm allows the ejection procedure to correctly determine if the document has been removed or if a window has been passed and the document is still present within the infeed module <NUM>.

The novel edge-direction detection algorithm proceeds as follows:.

The ejection procedure recited above is further modified for selectively processing the edge-direction detection status and proceeds as follows:.

The above modified and novel ejection processing for an infeed module <NUM> allows for windowed and non-windowed media to be presented, retracted, and re-presented with or without TS1 and/or TS2 changing states due to any windowed portions within the media. The processing allows for consistent and correct ejection behavior of the infeed module <NUM> for both transparent (including any windowed media with larger windowed areas than are presently available today within the industry) and non-windowed media.

Furthermore, a firmware upgrade can provide the novel modified ejection processing so as to enhance existing infeed modules to perform the processing of the infeed module <NUM> (within a valuable media depository <NUM>) ensuring that the valuable media depository <NUM> can properly perform ejection processing and media detection on both windowed media and non-windowed media. The novel ejection processing solves the industry problem associated with being unable to properly eject new types of media with larger windows. This single universal processing approach provides accurate and consistent behavior between both windowed and non-windowed media during ejection processing regardless of windowed dimensions. Moreover, there is consistent behavior between both windowed and non-windowed media while providing a familiar "customer feel and experience" regardless of the media type (windowed or non-windowed). This is especially significant for existing customers that are used to non-windowed media but are now starting to use windowed media. This approach also reduces engineering designing, testing, and maintenance complexity. Furthermore, the approach does not necessitate new hardware as it can be implemented with a firmware upgrade to the controller board of the valuable media depository <NUM> and/or the infeed module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the infeed module <NUM> is a peripheral device integrated into the valuable media depository <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository <NUM> is an SST. In an embodiment, the SST is an ATM. In an embodiment, the SST is a kiosk.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository <NUM> is Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal.

The embodiments discussed above and other embodiments are now discussed with reference to the <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram of a method <NUM> for ejection processing of windowed and non-windowed media performed by an infeed module of a valuable media depository, according to an example embodiment. The method <NUM> when processed controls ejection operations for infeed module integrated into a valuable media depository. The method <NUM> is implemented as executable instructions representing one or more software modules referred to as a "media ejection controller. " The instructions reside in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and are executed by one or more processors of the valuable media depository and/or an infeed module.

In an embodiment, the media ejection controller is executed by one or more processors of the valuable media depository <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the media ejection controller is executed by one or more processors of the infeed module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the media ejection controller performs the ejection processing discussed above with the <FIG> and <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is a deposit module.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is a recycler module.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is a peripheral device integrated into an SST. In an embodiment, the SST is an ATM. In an embodiment, the SST is a kiosk.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository is a peripheral device integrated into a Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal.

At <NUM>, the media ejection controller selectively disables media edge detection processing during ejection processing for media being ejected from an infeed module.

In an embodiment, the media edge detection processing is the edge-direction detection processing discussed above with the <FIG> and <FIG>. In an embodiment, the ejection processing is the ejection processing discussed above with the <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, at <NUM>, the media ejection controller urges the media along a transport path until a first sensor closest to a shutter of the infeed module at an infeed mouth reports a blocked condition (indicating that an opaque portion of the media is under the first sensor). In response to this blocked condition from the first sensor, the media ejection controller activates the shutter at the infeed mouth to open the shutter so that the media can be partially pushed out the infeed mouth.

At <NUM>, the media ejection controller enables the media edge detection processing when the shutter opens based on detection by the first sensor (closest to the shutter and closer to the shutter than a second sensor) of the presence of the media at the first sensor. This is shown in the <FIG>.

According to an embodiment of <NUM> and <NUM>, at <NUM>, the media ejection controller urges the media along the transport path a present distance and then stops the transport path preventing any further traveling of the media within the infeed module along the transport path. The present distance is a configured distance based on a size (dimension of the media). At this point the direction of travel of the media may still be unknown and the media may be traveling out the infeed mouth for acquisition by a customer or may be traveling back into the infeed mouth after a failed acquisition by the customer. This is shown in the <FIG>.

In an embodiment of <NUM> and at <NUM>, the media ejection controller sets the status to "media at both of the two sensors" when the first sensor and the second sensor are both reporting a blocked condition (indicating that an opaque portion of the media is under the two sensors). This detected condition is shown above in the <FIG>.

In an embodiment of <NUM> and at <NUM>, the media ejection controller changes the status to "media being retracted into the infeed module" when the first sensor reports an unblocked condition while the second sensor reports the blocked condition. The direction of travel of the media is known to be back within the infeed module for a second attempt to eject the media from the infeed module. This detected condition is shown above in the <FIG>.

In an embodiment of <NUM> and at <NUM>, the media ejection controller maintains the status as unchanged when the first sensor continues reporting the blocked condition while the second sensor reports the unblocked condition until the first sensor reports the unblocked condition. In response to this situation, the media ejection controller changes the status to "media exited" indicating that a customer has obtained the media and pulled it from the infeed mouth of the infeed module. Here, the media direction of travel is resolved to be a direction that is out of the infeed module through the infeed mouth. This detected condition is illustrated in the <FIG>.

In an embodiment of <NUM> and at <NUM>, the media ejection controller delays for a present delay period of time for determining whether the media is successfully removed from the infeed mount of the infeed module by a customer. This detected condition is illustrated in the <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the media ejection controller determines whether the media has exited the infeed module or whether the media has been fully retracted back within the infeed module based on status produced from the media edge detection processing.

According to an embodiment of <NUM> and <NUM>, at <NUM>, the media ejection controller delays for an additional period of time when the status changes at the end of the present delay period of time to "media exited" and when the status remains unchanged the media ejection controller determines that the media has successfully ejected and taken by a customer from the infeed mouth. The media ejection controller determines if additional media is present for ejection and if so, the processing resumes back at <NUM> to perform ejection processing on the additional media (this continues until all of the media that is to be ejected through the infeed mouth of the infeed module has been successfully ejected). This is shown in the <FIG>.

In an embodiment of <NUM> and <NUM>, at <NUM>, the media ejection controller determines whether either the first sensor or the second sensor report the blocked condition during any portion of the additional period of delay (defined at <NUM>). If this condition is found, then the media ejection controller resumes processing at <NUM>. This is illustrated in the <FIG>.

In an embodiment of <NUM> and at <NUM>, the media ejection controller disables the media edge detection when the status remains unchanged during the present delay period (defined at <NUM>) and, in response to such a condition, the media ejection controller urges the media back into the infeed module in a direction away from the shutter (infeed mouth) for a distance that is less than the present distance. Next, the media ejection controller re-enables the media edge detection processing while the media is being urged in the direction. Then, the media ejection controller, halts travel of the media by halting or stopping the transport path when the status changes to "media entered. " This is a failed ejection attempt indicating that the customer did not pull the media out of the infeed mouth; the media ejection controller pulls the media back within the infeed module to try again to eject the media out the infeed mouth, so the processing resumes back at <NUM>. These conditions are illustrated in the <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram of another method <NUM> for ejection processing of windowed and non-windowed media performed by an infeed module of a valuable media depository, according to an example embodiment. The method <NUM> when processed controls media ejection processing within a valuable media depository by controlling ejection operations of an infeed module of the valuable media depository. The method <NUM> is implemented as executed instructions representing one or more software modules referred to as a media ejection manager. The instructions reside in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and are executed by one or more processors of the valuable media depository and/or the infeed module.

In an embodiment, the media ejection manager is executed by one or more processors of the valuable media depository <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the media ejection manager is executed by one or more processors of the infeed module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the media ejection manager is another perspective of and includes the processing of the media ejection controller of the <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the media ejection manager performs the ejection processing discussed above with the <FIG> and <FIG>.

At <NUM>, the media ejection manager modifies an existing ejection procedure for an infeed module of a valuable media depository by selectively activating and deactivating edge detection (edge-direction detection processing discussed above with the <FIG> and <FIG>) of media. The media includes at least one windowed portion (transparent portions) and non-windowed portions (opaque portions), and the media is being ejected from the infeed module.

According to an embodiment, at <NUM>, the media ejection manager disables the edge detection until a sensor nearest to a shutter at an infeed mouth of the infeed module is blocked by the media. In response to this condition, the media ejection manager opens the shutter, advances the media along a transport path of the infeed module a present distance, and enables the edge detection processing.

At <NUM>, the media ejection manager determines, based on the modified ejection procedure, whether the media is completely ejected (taken from the infeed mouth by a customer) or whether the media is fully retracted back into the infeed module away from the infeed mouth from a failed ejection attempt (failed because the media was presented through the infeed mouth and the customer failed to remove the media from the infeed mouth).

In an embodiment of <NUM> and <NUM>, at <NUM>, the media ejection manager maintains a changing status produced by the modified ejection procedure that accounts for a direction of travel of the media within the infeed module (the direction can be towards the infeed mouth or back into the infeed module following the failed ejection attempt). Next, the media ejection manager processes the changing status in combination with whether a first sensor nearest to the shutter and a second sensor (farther from the shutter than the first sensor) are blocked and unblocked as indicated by the changing status.

In an embodiment of <NUM> and at <NUM>, the media ejection manager selectively delays a checking for the changing status for a configured period of time.

In an embodiment of <NUM> and at <NUM>, the media ejection manager selectively moves the media in the direction for a configured distance during the configured period of time for the delay.

In an embodiment, at <NUM>, the media ejection manager resumes processing back at <NUM> when a determination is made that the media is fully retracted back into the infeed module from the failed ejection attempt (the customer did not pull the media out of the infeed mouth of the infeed module).

According to an embodiment, at <NUM>, the media ejection manager resumes processing at <NUM> until all additional media that is to be ejected has been properly and successfully ejected from the infeed module (successfully taken by the customer from the infeed mouth of the infeed module). In an embodiment, at least one of the additional media includes no windowed portions.

<FIG> is a media depository <NUM> with an infeed module, according to an example embodiment. The valuable media depository <NUM> processes valuable media and includes a variety of mechanical, electrical, and software/firmware components, some of which were discussed above with reference to the <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository <NUM> is a deposit module.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository <NUM> is a recycler module.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository <NUM> is the depository <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository <NUM> is the depository that performs: any or, some combination of, or all of the processing discussed above in the <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository <NUM> is a peripheral device integrated into an SST. In an embodiment, the SST is an ATM. In an embodiment, the SST is a kiosk.

In an embodiment, the valuable media depository <NUM> is a peripheral device integrated into a Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal.

The valuable media depository <NUM> includes an infeed module <NUM> including a controller <NUM> operable to control media ejection processing for the infeed module <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the infeed module <NUM> is the infeed module <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is configured, adapted, and operable to control ejection of both non-windowed media and windowed media (media with at least one transparent or see-through portion).

The controller <NUM> is further configured, adapted, and operable to selectively enable and disable edge direction detection status processing based on blocked and unblocked conditions reported from at least two track sensors of the infeed module <NUM> and in response to changing statuses determining when any currently processed media is properly ejected from the infeed module <NUM> or is properly retracted within the infeed module <NUM> based on a failed ejection attempt.

In an embodiment, the edge direction detection status is the edge-direction detection status processing (and resulting status values) discussed above with the <FIG> and <FIG>.

In an embodiment the controller <NUM> is one of or some combination of: <NUM>) the processing discussed above with the <FIG> and <FIG>, the method <NUM>, and/or the method <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the controller <NUM> drives the electromechanical components of the infeed module <NUM> as discussed in the <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

The above description is illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of embodiments should therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) for ejecting windowed and non-windowed media, comprising:
in step (i) selectively disabling media edge detection during ejection processing by a media ejection controller for media being ejected from an infeed module (<NUM>);
in step (ii) enabling the media edge detection when a shutter opens for the infeed module based on detection of the media at a first sensor closer to the shutter than a second sensor (<NUM>); and
in step (iii) determining whether the media has exited the infeed module or whether the media has been fully retracted back within the infeed module based on status produced from the media edge detection (<NUM>), wherein determining comprises processing based on blocked and unblocked conditions reported from the first sensor and the second sensor;
wherein step (i) further includes urging the media along a transport path until the first sensor reports a blocked condition and then activating the shutter and halting the transport path (<NUM>);
wherein halting further includes urging the media along the transport path a present distance and stopping the transport path (<NUM>);
wherein halting further includes (iv) delaying for a present delay period of time for determining whether the media is removed from an infeed mouth of the infeed module (<NUM>);
wherein step (iii) further includes disabling the media edge detection processing when the status remains unchanged at an end of the present delay period of time, and urging the media back into the infeed module in a direction away from the shutter for a distance that is less than the present distance, enabling the media edge detection processing while urging the media in the direction away from the shutter, halting the transport path when the status changes to "media entered", and resume processing back at step (i) (<NUM>).