Media storage device

Abstract

A storage device ( 10 ) for storing valuable media is described. The device has a rotary storage compartment ( 14 ) for storing media items ( 100 ) in a fixed order. The items are held in place by one or two tapes ( 16 and/or 18 ) wound around the rotary storage compartment. The device includes a memory ( 16 and/or 18 ) for storing the order in which the items are stored and details of transactions associated with the stored items, so that each stored item can be linked to a transaction. In a preferred embodiment, one of the tapes ( 16 or 18 ) serves as the memory so that transaction details for a stored media item ( 100 ) can be read as the stored media item ( 100 ) is dispensed from the storage device ( 10 ).

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A storage device for storing valuable media, the device comprising: 
 a rotary storage compartment for storing media items in a fixed order; and    a memory for storing the order in which items are stored and details of transactions associated with the stored items, so that each stored item can be linked to a transaction.    
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein media items are stored in a last-in-first-out storage arrangement.  
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the memory is incorporated into the storage device.  
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the rotary storage compartment comprises a storage belt wound around a storage drum such that media items are held in place by the belt, the belt comprising magnetic tape.  
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 4 , further comprising a recording head for recording data to and reading data from the tape.  
     
     
         6 . A method of storing valuable media items, the method comprising the steps of: 
 receiving media items to be stored;    storing the media items in a fixed order; and    storing details of transactions associated with the stored items, in an order related to the order in which the items are stored.    
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6 , wherein the step of storing details of transactions associated with the stored items includes the step of storing the transaction details on a magnetic tape used for holding the items in a fixed order.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 6 , wherein transaction details relating to an item are stored on a portion of the tape that is read as the item enters or exits.  
     
     
         9 . A self-service terminal comprising: 
 a storage device for storing valuable media, the device including (i) a rotary storage compartment for storing media items in a fixed order, and (ii) a memory for storing the order in which items are stored and details of transactions associated with the stored items, so that each stored item can be linked to a transaction.    
     
     
         10 . A terminal according to  claim 9 , further comprising means defining an automatic reconciliation feature in which the stored items are removed from the media storage device on a per item basis and the contents of the memory associated with each item are read out.  
     
     
         11 . An automated teller machine (ATM) comprising: 
 a banknote storage device for storing banknotes, the banknote storage device including (i) a rotary storage compartment for storing banknotes in a fixed order, and (ii) a memory for storing the order in which banknotes are stored and details of ATM transactions associated with stored banknotes such that each stored banknote can be linked to an ATM transaction.    
     
     
         12 . An ATM according to  claim 11 , further comprising means defining an automatic reconciliation feature in which stored banknotes are removed from the banknote storage device on a per banknote basis and the contents of the memory associated with each banknote are read out.  
     
     
         13 . A media storage device comprising: 
 a rotary storage compartment for storing media items in a fixed order using concentrically wound magnetic tape; and    means for reading data from the magnetic tape.    
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 13 , farther comprising means for writing data to the magnetic tape.  
     
     
         15 . A device according to  claim 14 , further comprising means for writing a sentinel on the magnetic tape when a sensor detects a leading edge of a media item, and a sentinel when the sensor detects a trailing edge of the media item.  
     
     
         16 . A device according to  claim 13 , wherein the magnetic tape includes index markings to allow portions of the tape to be located.  
     
     
         17 . A storage device for storing banknotes, the storage device comprising: 
 means for storing banknotes in a fixed order; and    means for storing the order in which banknotes are stored and details of transactions associated with stored banknotes such that each stored banknote can be linked to a transaction.    
     
     
         18 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein banknotes are stored in a last-in-first-out storage arrangement.  
     
     
         19 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein the means for storing banknotes in a fixed order comprises a storage drum and a storage belt comprising magnetic tape wound around the storage drum such that banknotes are held in place by the belt.  
     
     
         20 . A device according to  claim 19 , further comprising a means for recording data to and reading data from the magnetic tape.