Patent ID: 12187544

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of example implementations refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

An ATM includes a user-facing (e.g., a customer-facing) presenter opening through which a user may remove or insert instruments (e.g., cash, notes, checks, or other bank media) in connection with a transaction performed at the ATM. Due to difficulties in moving instruments long distances (e.g., using conveyors or rollers) storage components (e.g., a safe or a vault) for instrument dispensing, depositing, and/or recycling are typically enclosed in the ATM in close proximity to the presenter opening. Thus, these storage components are located in vulnerable areas that are publicly accessible. For example, it is common for the presenter opening to be used as a conduit to access the storage components during an attack on the ATM. The attack on the ATM may result in theft of the stored instruments as well as damage to the ATM.

In some cases, a financial institution may employ a shuttle in a pneumatic conduit system to convey instruments between a teller, located in a protected area, and a user located in a publicly-accessible area. However, these systems require a substantial amount of manual interaction from the teller and the user. For example, in a typical scenario, the teller manually loads instruments into the shuttle and places the shuttle into the conduit system. Continuing with the example, the user removes the shuttle from the conduit system, opens the shuttle, and retrieves the instruments. Thus, current conduit systems are inefficient, provide a poor user experience, and expose the shuttle to theft or damage.

Some implementations described herein provide a system for instrument conveyance that solves the problems described above. The system may include a handling unit (e.g., for instrument dispensing, depositing, and/or recycling) that is not user facing or publicly accessible, and a head unit that is user facing and publicly accessible. Instruments are stored at the handling unit, rather than at the head unit, for protection from theft. Accordingly, the system conserves resources (e.g., computing resources and/or network resources) that would have otherwise been used to identify, investigate, and mitigate theft. Moreover, because the instruments are not stored at the head unit, thieves are less likely to attempt an attack of the head unit, thereby reducing the incidence of damage to the head unit and permitting greater uptime of the head unit.

The system may also include a transportation system (e.g., a conduit system) configured to transport a shuttle that carries instruments between the handling unit and the head unit. In some implementations, the shuttle may be docked at a dispenser of the handling unit and automatically opened for loading of instruments to the shuttle. Moreover, the handling unit may include one or more mechanisms for automatically loading and/or unloading the shuttle with instruments. Accordingly, the shuttle may be used for moving media between the handling unit and the head unit without manual interaction by a teller, thereby improving efficiency. Moreover, by removing the presenting mechanism from the head unit, the head unit can be manufactured with greater simplicity.

FIGS.1A-1Care diagrams of an example implementation relating to instrument conveyance using a shuttle.FIG.1Ais a diagram of an example system100for instrument conveyance. As shown inFIG.1A, the system100includes a handling unit102, a head unit104, a transportation system106, and a shuttle device108. These devices are described in more detail in connection withFIGS.2and3. The system100may be used to convey one or more instruments (e.g., cash, notes, checks, deposit slips, or other bank media) between the handling unit102and the head unit104. Thus, the handling unit102may be remotely located from the head unit104. In other words, the handling unit102and the head unit104are not directly attached and do not share a housing.

The handling unit102may be configured to dispense and/or accept instruments. For example, the handling unit102may include one or more devices for dispensing instruments, depositing instruments, and/or recycling instruments (e.g., dispensing of deposited instruments). The handling unit102may include an instrument storage component configured to store instruments to be dispensed and/or instruments that have been deposited. The handling unit102may be located in a protected area that is not user facing or publicly accessible. For example, the handling unit102may be located within a building, such as in an area of the building that is not publicly accessible (e.g., in a vault or in an access-controlled area). In some implementations, the system100may include a plurality of handling units102. Some of the plurality of handling units102may perform the same function (e.g., dispensing and/or depositing), or each of the plurality of handling units102may perform different functions.

The head unit104may be configured to obtain input from a user in connection with a transaction that involves instruments (e.g., a transaction relating to withdrawing instruments and/or depositing instruments). The head unit104may include one or more input devices (e.g., a touch screen and/or a keypad) configured to receive user input. The head unit104may be user facing and may be located in an area that is publicly accessible. For example, the head unit104may be located outdoors or in an area of a building that is publicly accessible. In some implementations, the system100may include a plurality of head units104. The system100may include a quantity of head units104that is greater than a quantity of handling units102of the system100. In this way, a relatively fewer quantity of handling units102may service a relatively greater quantity of head units104, thereby enabling the system100to include a large quantity of head units104for simultaneously executing user transactions.

In some implementations, the head unit104may be free of an instrument storage component, as described above. In some implementations, the head unit104may be free of an instrument presenting mechanism, which is a mechanism that ejects instruments through an opening of the head unit104for retrieval by a user. An instrument presenting mechanism may include a system of rollers, conveyors, or the like, to move instruments from the instrument storage component to an exterior of the head unit104.

The transportation system106may be disposed between the handling unit102and the head unit104. The transportation system106may be configured to transport the shuttle device108(e.g., one or more shuttle devices, such as in concert) between the handling unit102and the head unit104(e.g., between one or more handling units102and one or more head units104). The shuttle device108may be configured to transport instruments between the handling unit102and the head unit104via the transportation system106. In some implementations, the transportation system106may be configured to transport the shuttle device108between the handling unit102and another handling unit102or another device that performs processing of instruments or stores instruments. Additionally, or alternatively, the transportation system106may be configured to transport the shuttle device108between the head unit104and another head unit104(e.g., for transporting a deposit at the head unit104to fulfill a withdrawal at the other head unit104without use of the handling unit102).

The transportation system106may include one or more conduits, such as tubes. For example, the transportation system106may include a plurality of interconnecting conduits. In some implementations, the transportation system106may include a pneumatic source for pneumatically driving the shuttle device108through the transportation system106. Additionally, or alternatively, the transportation system106may include rollers (e.g., drive wheels) and/or conveyors to drive the shuttle device108. Additionally, or alternatively, the transportation system106and the shuttle device108may be configured for electromagnetic propulsion of the shuttle device108. In some implementations, the shuttle device108may be autonomous and/or self-propelled through the transportation system106(e.g., the shuttle device108may include wheels or tracks that are driven by a motor of the shuttle device108).

Each handling unit102of the system100may interface with an end, or an opening, of a conduit, and each head unit104of the system100may interface with an end, or an opening, of a conduit. Between conduit ends, the transportation system106may include one or more interconnecting conduit paths or branches. In this way, the transportation system106may transport the shuttle device108between any given handling unit102and any given head unit104. In addition, the transportation system106may include one or more shuttle holding conduits (e.g., shuttle queueing/waiting areas) configured to cycle shuttles that are not being actively transported in the transportation system106. In some implementations, shuttles that are not being actively transported in the transportation system106may dock at respective head units104to await commencement of a transaction.

In some implementations, the transportation system106may include switches at one or more intersections of the conduits to enable proper routing of the shuttle device108through the transportation system106. Moreover, the transportation system106may include a plurality of sensors for tracking a location of the shuttle device108through the transportation system106. For example, the transportation system106may include a plurality of optical sensors configured to read a marking (e.g., a barcode) on the shuttle device108. As another example, the shuttle device108may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag (or another short-range wireless communication tag) and the transportation system106may include a plurality of RFID readers configured to receive information from the RFID tag of the shuttle device108. In some implementations, the transportation system106and/or the shuttle device108may employ dead-reckoning position tracking for tracking a location of the shuttle device108. In some implementations, the transportation system106may include one or more force or pressure sensors (e.g., in a roller or a conveyor of the transportation system106), configured to detect a presence of the shuttle device108, for tracking a location of the shuttle device108.

In some implementations, the system100may include a control system (e.g., that includes one or more memories and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the one or more memories). The control system may be centralized (e.g., the handling unit102, the head unit104, and/or the transportation system106may communicate with the centralized control system) or may be distributed among the handling unit102, the head unit104, and/or the transportation system106(e.g., the handling unit102, the head unit104, and/or the transportation system106may communicate directly with each other).

In operation of the system100, the head unit104may receive (e.g., using the control system) user input via the one or more input devices of the head unit104. The user input may relate to a transaction, that involves instruments, being performed at the head unit104. For example, the transaction may relate to a user withdrawing one or more instruments via the head unit104and/or depositing one or more instruments via the head unit104.

In the case of a deposit, the shuttle device108may be docked at the head unit104to accept the deposit from the user. For example, the head unit104may transmit (e.g., via the control system) a request for an empty shuttle, which may be routed to the head unit104, via the transportation system106, for loading. Moreover, the control system may cause docking and opening of the shuttle device108at the head unit104. The user may load the instruments for deposit into the shuttle device108, and the loaded shuttle device108may be transported to the handling unit102via the transportation system106. For example, the control system may cause the shuttle device108to travel from the head unit104to the handling unit102via the transportation system106.

The head unit104may transmit (e.g., via the control system) an instruction, based on the user input, to the handling unit102. The instruction may indicate that one or more instruments are to be dispensed from the handling unit102(e.g., in connection with a withdrawal by the user) and/or that one or more instruments are to be deposited to the handling unit102(e.g., in connection with a deposit by the user). The shuttle device108may dock at the handling unit102and may automatically open (e.g., by a mechanism of the handling unit102and/or a mechanism of the shuttle device108) to permit loading or unloading of instruments to the shuttle device108. For example, based on receiving the instruction, the control system may cause the handling unit102to dock the shuttle device108, and the control system may cause the handling unit102to open the shuttle device108. In some implementations, the control system may cause the shuttle device108to be loaded to the handling unit102from a shuttle queue.

In the case of dispensing, the handling unit102, in accordance with the instruction, may obtain (e.g., using one or more articulating arms, one or more conveyors, one or more rollers, and/or one or more flipping mechanisms, among other examples) the indicated instruments from the instrument storage component and load the indicated instruments into the shuttle device108. For example, the control system may cause the handling unit102to load the shuttle device108with instruments based on the instruction. Moreover, the control system may cause the handling unit to close the shuttle device108after the instruments are loaded. In the case of depositing, the handling unit102, in accordance with the instruction, may retrieve the indicated instruments from the shuttle device108and deposit the indicated instruments into the instrument storage component. For example, the control system may cause the handling unit102to retrieve the instruments from the shuttle device108based on the instruction. In some implementations (e.g., in the case of dispensing), the handling unit102may transmit (e.g., via the control system) a request for an empty shuttle, which may be routed to the handling unit102, via the transportation system106, for loading.

In the case of dispensing (e.g., in connection with a withdrawal by the user), the loaded shuttle device108may be transported to the head unit104via the transportation system106. For example, the control system may cause the shuttle device108to travel from the handling unit102to the head unit104via the transportation system106. The shuttle device108may dock at the head unit104and may automatically open (e.g., by a mechanism of the head unit104and/or a mechanism of the shuttle device108) to permit the user to retrieve the instruments. For example, the control system may cause the head unit104to dock the shuttle device108, and the control system may cause the head unit104to open the shuttle device108. In some examples, the control system may determine (e.g., confirm) whether the shuttle device108is docked at the head unit104before causing the head unit104to open the shuttle device108. In this way, the system100may facilitate user transactions, whereby the shuttle device108is used for transporting instruments to and from a user as well as for presenting instruments to the user.

FIG.1Bis a diagram of an example handling unit102of the system100. As described above, the handling unit102may include a storage component110. The storage component110may be configured to store instruments to be dispensed and/or instruments that have been deposited. For example, the storage component110may include a safe and/or a vault.

The handling unit102may include a dispenser112. The dispenser112may interface with the storage component110(e.g., via one or more conveyors and/or one or more rollers) to dispense instruments from the storage component110and/or to deposit instruments to the storage component110. The dispenser112may be configured to contain instruments for dispensing to the shuttle device108. For example, the dispenser112may include a tray (e.g., upon which instruments may rest) and/or a slot (e.g., through which instruments may extend), among other examples. In some implementations, the dispenser112(or a separate component of the handling unit102) may include a scanning component. The scanning component may process instruments dispensed from, or deposited to, the handling unit102. For example, the scanning component (e.g., in connection with the control system) may identify the dispensed or deposited instruments, identify a value of the dispensed or deposited instruments, and/or identify a validity of the dispensed or deposited instruments, among other examples.

The handling unit102may include a shuttle dock114. For example, the shuttle dock114may be located adjacent to the dispenser112. The shuttle dock114may be configured to receive the shuttle device108from the transportation system106. For example, the shuttle dock114may include a mechanism (e.g., an articulating arm, a conveyor, a roller, and/or a pivoting platform, among other examples) configured to transport the shuttle device108between the transportation system106and a docking location of the handling unit102. In some implementations, the shuttle dock114may be located at an end, or at an opening, of a conduit of the transportation system106that interfaces with the handling unit102(e.g., the docking location of the head unit104is the end or the opening of the conduit).

The shuttle dock114may be configured to retain (i.e., dock) the shuttle device108at the handling unit102to permit the handling unit102to interact with the shuttle device108(e.g., to permit the handling unit102to load instruments into the shuttle device108or to remove instruments from the shuttle device108). For example, the shuttle dock114may include a clamp configured to clamp ends of the shuttle device108. Additionally, or alternatively, the shuttle dock114may include a first member of a coupling that engages with a second member of the coupling included in the shuttle device108. For example, the coupling may include a magnetic (e.g., electromagnetic) coupling, a pin and bore coupling, and/or a threaded coupling, among other examples. The shuttle dock114may be further configured to release (e.g., by unclamping or uncoupling) the shuttle device108from the handling unit102back to the transportation system106. In some implementations, the shuttle dock114may include a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor and/or an interlock sensor, as described below) configured to detect whether the shuttle device108is docked in the shuttle dock114.

The handling unit102may include an opening mechanism116. In some implementations, the shuttle dock114and the opening mechanism116may be the same component or components of the same assembly. In some implementations, the opening mechanism116may be configured to perform one or more functions of the shuttle dock114described above. The opening mechanism116may be configured to open the shuttle device108(e.g., when the shuttle device108is docked) to expose an internal compartment (internal compartment126, as described in connection withFIG.1C) of the shuttle device108.

The opening mechanism116may be configured to move between a first position, in which the shuttle device108is closed, and a second position, in which the shuttle device108is opened. In some implementations, the opening mechanism116may include an actuator component (e.g., one or more motors and/or linkages) that is configured to engage with a movable member of the shuttle device108. Thus, the actuator component may move the movable member to expose the internal compartment of the shuttle device108. The actuator component may be a rotary actuator, such as a stepper motor (e.g., for rotating the movable member), or a linear actuator (e.g., for sliding the movable member). In some implementations, the opening mechanism116may be further configured to close the shuttle device108to conceal the internal compartment of the shuttle device108.

The handling unit102may include a shuttle queue118. The shuttle queue118may be configured to hold one or more empty shuttles that are not in transport in the transportation system106. For example, the shuttle queue118may interface with the transportation system106, and an empty shuttle that is not in use may be routed (e.g., by the control system) from the transportation system106to the shuttle queue. Moreover, the shuttle queue118may be configured to load the shuttle device108to the shuttle dock114. For example, the shuttle queue118may include a magazine in which shuttles are spring loaded, and the magazine may be configured to feed (e.g., when a gate of the magazine and/or the shuttle dock114is released) shuttles to the shuttle dock114.

The handling unit102may include a loading mechanism120. For example, the loading mechanism120may be integrated with the dispenser112. The loading mechanism120may be configured to load instruments into the shuttle device108and/or to unload instruments from the shuttle device108. The loading mechanism120may be configured to interface with the dispenser112and the shuttle device108. For example, the loading mechanism120may be configured to transport instruments between the dispenser112and the shuttle device108.

In some implementations, the loading mechanism120may include one or more conveyors (e.g., belts and/or drive wheels) configured to transport instruments between the dispenser112and the shuttle device108. For example, a conveyor may transport one or more instruments from the dispenser112and slide the one or more instruments into the shuttle device108at an end of the conveyor. Additionally, or alternatively, the loading mechanism120may include one or more articulating arms configured to transport instruments between the dispenser112and the shuttle device108. For example, an end of an articulating arm may include a retaining member (e.g., a clamp configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration) configured to retain and release one or more instruments. Additionally, or alternatively, the loading mechanism120may include one or more flipping members configured to flip instruments into the shuttle device108. For example, a flipping member may include a platform that is configured to pivot between a first position (e.g., an upward horizontal position), in which instruments rest on the platform, and a second position (e.g., a vertical position or a downward horizontal position) in which instruments fall from the platform (e.g., into the shuttle device108). The handling unit102may transport instruments to the one or more flipping members using one or more conveyors and/or one or more articulating arms, as described above.

The handling unit102may include one or more sensors122. The sensor122may be oriented at the handling unit102to collect information relating to contents of the shuttle device108(e.g., when the shuttle device108is docked at the handling unit102, when the shuttle device108is arriving at the handling unit102, and/or when the shuttle device108is leaving the handling unit102). The sensor122may be a proximity sensor (e.g., one or more of an optical sensor, a camera sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a depth sensor, a three-dimensional imaging sensor, and/or a point-distance capturing sensor).

In some implementations, a sensor122may be an interlock sensor. For example, the interlock sensor may be a mechanical interlock, a magnetic interlock, and/or a proximity interlock (e.g., that uses wireless communication, such as RFID or near-field communication (NFC)). The interlock sensor of the handling unit102may be configured to couple with (e.g., mechanically or wirelessly) an interlock sensor of the shuttle device108(e.g., to communicate a particular interlock identifier). Coupling of the respective interlock sensors may indicate arrival of the shuttle device108at the handling unit102. Accordingly, based on whether coupling of the respective interlock sensors is detected, the control system may cause (or prevent) docking of the shuttle device108, opening of the shuttle device108, and/or dispensing by the handling unit102, among other examples. In some implementations, the transportation system106may include an interlock sensor (e.g., at an end of a conduit that interfaces with the handling unit102) configured to couple with the interlock sensor of the shuttle device108, as described above.

In some implementations, the shuttle dock114, the opening mechanism116, the shuttle queue118, the loading mechanism120, and/or the one or more sensors122may be included in a first assembly of the handling unit102, and the storage component110and/or the dispenser112may be included in a second assembly of the handling unit102. Here, the first assembly and the second assembly may be attached. For example, the first assembly may attach to the dispenser112of the second assembly.

In some implementations, the head unit104may include a shuttle dock, an opening mechanism, and/or one or more sensors, in a similar manner as described above. For example, the shuttle dock of the head unit104may be configured to receive the shuttle device108from the transportation system106, and to retain (i.e., dock) the shuttle device108in the head unit104to permit user interaction with the shuttle device108(e.g., to permit a user to load instruments into the shuttle device108or to remove instruments from the shuttle device108). In particular, the shuttle dock of the head unit104may be configured to dock the shuttle device108at a presentation opening between an interior side and an exterior side of the head unit104. In this way, contents of the shuttle device108may be directly transferrable (e.g., without any intervening conveyance mechanisms, such as rollers or conveyors) from the shuttle device108to the exterior side of the head unit104via the presentation opening.

FIG.1Cis a diagram of an example shuttle device108of the system100. The shuttle device108may include an external shell124that defines the internal compartment126of the shuttle device108. As shown, one or more instruments may be contained in the internal compartment126of the shuttle device108. The shuttle device108may be cylindrical, as shown, or may be another suitable shape (e.g., corresponding to a shape of the conduits of the transportation system106). The shuttle device108may include a movable member, as described above. The movable member may be moved (e.g., by the opening mechanism116of the handling unit102) from a first position, which conceals the internal compartment126, to a second position which exposes the internal compartment126. In some implementations, the movable member may be configured for movement by rotation, raising, lowering, sliding, or the like.

In one example, the external shell124may include an outer shell member and an inner shell member that are rotationally engaged. Here, the outer shell member (i.e., the movable member) may be configured to rotate relative to the inner shell member to expose the internal compartment126. Thus, the opening mechanism116of the handling unit102may be configured to rotate the outer shell member, relative to the inner shell member, to expose the internal compartment126. In another example, the external shell124may include a lid member and a base member connected by a hinge (e.g., a clam shell configuration). Here, the opening mechanism116of the handling unit102may be configured to raise or rotate the lid member, relative to the base member, to expose the internal compartment126. In a further example, the external shell124may include a lid member and a base member that are slidably engaged (e.g., using a pin and groove connection). Here, the opening mechanism116of the handling unit102may be configured to slide the lid member, relative to the base member, to expose the internal compartment126.

The shuttle device108may include a docking mechanism128(e.g., in addition, or as an alternative, to the shuttle dock114of the handling unit102). For example, the shuttle device108may include the docking mechanism128on an end face of the shuttle device108(e.g., a base of a cylindrical shuttle device108). The docking mechanism128may be configured to retain the shuttle device108at the handling unit102, in a similar manner as described above. Additionally, or alternatively, the docking mechanism128may couple with the shuttle dock114of the handling unit102(e.g., by a coupling, as described above), and the coupled shuttle dock114/docking mechanism128may operate together to dock the shuttle device108at the handling unit102.

The shuttle device108may include an opening mechanism130(e.g., in addition, or as an alternative, to the opening mechanism116of the handling unit102). For example, the shuttle device108may include the opening mechanism130on an end face of the shuttle device108(e.g., a base of a cylindrical shuttle device108). The opening mechanism130may be configured to open the shuttle device108(e.g., when the shuttle device108is docked) to expose the internal compartment126of the shuttle device108, in a similar manner as described above. Additionally, or alternatively, the opening mechanism130may couple with the opening mechanism116of the handling unit102, and the coupled opening mechanisms116,130may operate together to open the shuttle device108.

In some examples, the opening mechanism130of the shuttle device108may include a biasing member (e.g., a spring). The biasing member may bias the shuttle device108(e.g., the movable member of the shuttle device108) to an open configuration. For example, the conduit(s) of the transportation system106may force the shuttle device108into a closed configuration, but upon exiting the conduit(s), the biasing member may open the shuttle device108. In some aspects, the shuttle device108may include a closing member (not shown). The closing member may also be a biasing member (e.g., a spring). Here, the biasing member may bias the shuttle device108(e.g., the movable member of the shuttle device108) to a closed configuration. The opening mechanism116and/or the opening mechanism130may overcome the resistance of the biasing member in order to open the shuttle device108. Thus, the biasing member may close the shuttle device108upon disengagement of the opening mechanism116and/or the opening mechanism130.

The shuttle device108may include a presentation mechanism132. The shuttle device108may include the presentation mechanism132in the internal compartment126of the shuttle device108. The presentation mechanism132may be configured to grasp or contain instruments in the internal compartment126. Accordingly, the loading mechanism120may load instruments to, or unload instruments from, the presentation mechanism132. The presentation mechanism132may be configured to outwardly project instruments (e.g., that are grasped or contained) from the shuttle device108, or otherwise position instruments for retrieval by a user at the head unit104. For example, the presentation mechanism132may include an arm that is configured to project from the shuttle device108when the shuttle device108is opened. As another example, the presentation mechanism132may include a drawer that is configured to project from the shuttle device108when the shuttle device108is opened.

In some implementations, the presentation mechanism132may operate in tandem with the movable member of the shuttle device108(e.g., the presentation mechanism132may be configured to project from the shuttle device108in response to opening of the shuttle device108). For example, the presentation mechanism132may be tied to the movable member (e.g., by one or more linkages or other mechanisms) such that movement of the movable member causes movement of the presentation mechanism132. As an example, opening of the movable member may cause the presentation mechanism132to project from the shuttle device108, and closing of the movable member may cause the presentation mechanism132to withdraw into the shuttle device108. In some implementations, the presentation mechanism132may include a biasing member (e.g., a spring) configured to project the presentation mechanism132from the shuttle device108when the shuttle device108is open. In some implementations, the shuttle device108may include one or more actuators configured to control a movement of the presentation mechanism132.

The shuttle device108may include one or more sensors134. A sensor134may be oriented in the shuttle device108to collect information relating to contents of the shuttle device108(e.g., when the shuttle device108is docked at the handling unit102, when the shuttle device108is arriving at the handling unit102, and/or when the shuttle device108is leaving the handling unit102), in a similar manner as described above. For example, the sensor134may be a proximity sensor, as described above.

The shuttle device108may include a power source (not shown) configured to power one or more of the docking mechanism128, the opening mechanism130, the presentation mechanism132, and/or the sensor134. For example, the power source may be a battery. Additionally, or alternatively, the shuttle device108may include a power connection system. The power connection system may be configured to receive power from the handling unit102, the head unit104, and/or the transportation system106. For example, the power connection system may include one or more contacts (and associated wiring) on an exterior of the shuttle device108. The one or more contacts may interface with corresponding contacts placed at the handling unit102, the head unit104, and/or the transportation system106. In this way, the shuttle device108may receive power from the handling unit102, the head unit104, and/or the transportation system106when the one or more contacts of the shuttle device108and the corresponding contacts are in electrical contact. In some implementations, the shuttle device108may be unpowered, and any powered operations described herein (e.g., opening the shuttle device108) may be performed by the handling unit102, the head unit104, and/or the transportation system106.

In some implementations, the control system (e.g., a processor of the handling unit102and/or a processor of the shuttle device108) may obtain information from the sensor122of the handling unit102and/or the sensor134of the shuttle device108. For example, the control system may obtain the information after opening of the shuttle device108, after closing of the shuttle device108, and/or after loading of instruments into the shuttle device108. The information may enable the control system to determine whether contents (e.g., instruments or foreign objects) are present in the shuttle device108. For example, the information may be proximity information that is indicative of whether contents are present in the shuttle device108. As another example, the information may be image information, and the control system may perform a computer vision technique, using the image information, to determine whether contents are present in the shuttle device108.

In some examples, the control system may determine, based on the information, that contents are present in the shuttle device108. In the case of a withdrawal (e.g., the instruments were successfully loaded into the shuttle device108), the control system may cause the shuttle device108to close and/or to travel from the handling unit102to the head unit104. In addition, the control system may transmit information for display at the head unit104. For example, the information may indicate that the requested withdrawal has been dispatched to the head unit104and/or indicate an estimated time of arrival of the shuttle device108at the head unit104(e.g., based on historical transit time information and/or based on tracking a location of the shuttle device108through the transportation system106, as described above). In the case of a deposit (e.g., the instruments loaded to the shuttle device108by a user successfully arrived at the handling unit102), the control system may cause the handling unit102to unload the shuttle device108.

In some examples, the control system may determine, based on the information, that contents are not present in the shuttle device108. In the case of a withdrawal (e.g., the instruments were not successfully loaded into the shuttle device108), the control system may cause the handling unit102to perform another attempt at loading the shuttle device108and/or the control system may provide a notification to an operator of the system100. In the case of a deposit (e.g., the instruments loaded to the shuttle device108by a user did not successfully arrive at the handling unit102or the user did not load instruments to the shuttle device108), the control system may cause the head unit104to provide an alert indicating that contents are not present in the shuttle device108, the control system may cause the same or a different shuttle device108to travel to the head unit104for another attempt at loading, and/or the control system may provide a notification to an operator of the system100.

In some examples, the control system may determine, based on the information (e.g., image information), a count and/or an amount of the contents in the shuttle device108. For example, in the case of a deposit, the control system may provide the count/amount information to the handling unit102prior to the shuttle device108arriving at the handling unit102.

As indicated above,FIGS.1A-1Care provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard toFIGS.1A-1C.

FIG.2is a diagram of an example environment200in which systems and/or methods described herein may be implemented. As shown inFIG.2, environment200may include a handling unit102, a head unit104, a transportation system106, a shuttle device108, a control system210, and a network220. Devices of environment200may interconnect via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

The handling unit102includes one or more devices capable of storing, dispensing, and depositing instruments. For example, the handling unit102may include a safe or a vault configured to safeguard instruments, such as cash. In some implementations, the handling unit102may include one or more computing devices. In some implementations, the handling unit102may provide instruments to one or more head units104based on transactions initiated by one or more users, as described elsewhere herein.

The head unit104includes one or more devices capable of interacting with a user to facilitate various types of transactions, such as a cash withdrawal, a money deposit (e.g., a check or cash deposit), a money transfer (e.g., a transfer from one bank account to another bank account), access to information related to an account (e.g., a bank account, a checking account, a credit card account, etc.), or the like. For example, the head unit104may be an ATM, or the head unit104may include one or more components of an ATM. In some implementations, the head unit104may receive instruments stored in and/or provided by the handling unit102, and output the instruments to a user, as described elsewhere herein. In some implementations, the head unit104may include one or more computing devices.

The head unit104may include one or more input components and/or one or more output components to facilitate obtaining data (e.g., account information) from a transaction device (e.g., a transaction card, a mobile device executing a payment application, or the like) and/or to facilitate interaction with and/or authorization from an owner or accountholder of the transaction device. Example input components of the head unit104include a number keypad, a touchscreen, a magnetic stripe reader, a chip reader, and/or a radio frequency (RF) signal reader (e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) reader). Example output devices of the head unit104include a display and/or a speaker.

The transportation system106includes one or more devices capable of physically transporting instruments between devices. In some implementations, the transportation system106may be arranged to interface the handling unit102and the head unit104, as described elsewhere herein. In some implementations, the transportation system106may include a plurality of interconnecting conduits, as described elsewhere herein. In some implementations, the transportation system106may include one or more computing devices.

The shuttle device108includes one or more devices capable of physically containing instruments that are transported between devices. In some implementations, the shuttle device108may be configured to travel within the transportation system106. In some implementations, the shuttle device108may include one or more computing devices.

The control system210includes one or more devices capable of orchestrating operations of the handling unit102, the head unit104, the transportation system106, and/or the shuttle device108. For example, the control system210includes one or more devices capable of receiving, generating, storing, processing, providing, and/or routing information associated with instrument conveyance using a shuttle, as described elsewhere herein. For example, the control system210may include a server, such as an application server, a client server, a web server, a database server, a host server, a proxy server, a virtual server (e.g., executing on computing hardware), or a server in a cloud computing system. In some implementations, the control system210includes computing hardware used in a cloud computing environment. In addition, the control system210may be centralized or distributed among the handling unit102, the head unit104, the transportation system106, and/or the shuttle device108, as described elsewhere herein.

The network220includes one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, the network220may include a wireless wide area network (e.g., a cellular network or a public land mobile network), a local area network (e.g., a wired local area network or a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as a Wi-Fi network), a personal area network (e.g., a Bluetooth network), a near-field communication network, a telephone network, a private network, the Internet, and/or a combination of these or other types of networks. The network220enables communication among the devices of environment200.

The quantity and arrangement of devices and networks shown inFIG.2are provided as an example. In practice, there may be additional devices and/or networks, fewer devices and/or networks, different devices and/or networks, or differently arranged devices and/or networks than those shown inFIG.2. Furthermore, two or more devices shown inFIG.2may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown inFIG.2may be implemented as multiple, distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of environment200may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of environment200.

FIG.3is a diagram of example components of a device300, which may correspond to handling unit102, head unit104, transportation system106, shuttle device108, and/or control system210. In some implementations, handling unit102, head unit104, transportation system106, shuttle device108, and/or control system210may include one or more devices300and/or one or more components of device300. As shown inFIG.3, device300may include a bus310, a processor320, a memory330, a storage component340, an input component350, an output component360, and a communication component370.

Bus310includes a component that enables wired and/or wireless communication among the components of device300. Processor320includes a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit, and/or another type of processing component. Processor320is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. In some implementations, processor320includes one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform a function. Memory330includes a random access memory, a read only memory, and/or another type of memory (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and/or an optical memory).

Storage component340stores information and/or software related to the operation of device300. For example, storage component340may include a hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, a solid state disk drive, a compact disc, a digital versatile disc, and/or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium. Input component350enables device300to receive input, such as user input and/or sensed inputs. For example, input component350may include a touch screen, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a microphone, a switch, a sensor, a global positioning system component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or an actuator. Output component360enables device300to provide output, such as via a display, a speaker, and/or one or more light-emitting diodes. Communication component370enables device300to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection and/or a wireless connection. For example, communication component370may include a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a modem, a network interface card, and/or an antenna.

Device300may perform one or more processes described herein. For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory330and/or storage component340) may store a set of instructions (e.g., one or more instructions, code, software code, and/or program code) for execution by processor320. Processor320may execute the set of instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. In some implementations, execution of the set of instructions, by one or more processors320, causes the one or more processors320and/or the device300to perform one or more processes described herein. In some implementations, hardwired circuitry may be used instead of or in combination with the instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The quantity and arrangement of components shown inFIG.3are provided as an example. Device300may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown inFIG.3. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device300may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device300.

FIG.4is a flowchart of an example process400associated with instrument conveyance using a shuttle. In some implementations, one or more process blocks ofFIG.4may be performed by a processor of a handling unit (e.g., handling unit102). In some implementations, one or more process blocks ofFIG.4may be performed by another device or a group of devices separate from or including the processor of the handling unit, such as a processor of head unit104, transportation system106, shuttle device108, and/or control system210. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more process blocks ofFIG.4may be performed by one or more components of device300, such as processor320, memory330, storage component340, input component350, output component360, and/or communication component370.

As shown inFIG.4, process400may include receiving an instruction based on a user input in connection with a transaction involving instruments being performed at a head unit (block410). As further shown inFIG.4, process400may include causing, based on receiving the instruction, a shuttle device to dock at a shuttle dock of a handling unit (block420). As further shown inFIG.4, process400may include causing an opening mechanism of the handling unit to open the shuttle device docked at the shuttle dock to expose an internal compartment of the shuttle device (block430). As further shown inFIG.4, process400may include causing a loading mechanism of the handling unit to load one or more instruments, in accordance with the instruction, into the internal compartment of the shuttle device (block440). As further shown inFIG.4, process400may include causing the shuttle device to travel from the handling unit to the head unit via a transportation system disposed between the handling unit and the head unit (block450).

AlthoughFIG.4shows example blocks of process400, in some implementations, process400may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted inFIG.4. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process400may be performed in parallel.

The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the implementations. As used herein, the term “component” is intended to be broadly construed as hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. It will be apparent that systems and/or methods described herein may be implemented in different forms of hardware, firmware, and/or a combination of hardware and software. The actual specialized control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and/or methods is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and/or methods are described herein without reference to specific software code—it being understood that software and hardware can be used to implement the systems and/or methods based on the description herein.

Although particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set. As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination with multiple of the same item.

No element, act, or instruction used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Further, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items referenced in connection with the article “the” and may be used interchangeably with “the one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, or a combination of related and unrelated items), and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the phrase “only one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has,” “have,” “having,” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and/or,” unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., if used in combination with “either” or “only one of”).