ATM with facial recognition features

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-service automated transaction machine that permits an authorized user to perform transactions therewith based on facial recognition. Examples of transactions include withdrawing cash, depositing cash, and exchanging cash. The machine includes a plurality of cameras from which plural facial images are captured in determining whether to grant machine access to an individual adjacent the machine.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to automated transaction machines. Specifically this invention relates to an automated transaction machine that dispenses notes to users and which has an internal note storage area which may be replenished without accessing the interior of the machine. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Automated transaction machines are known in the prior art. A common type of automated transaction machine is an automated teller machine (ATM). ATMs have been developed which are capable of performing a variety of transactions including the dispensing of currency notes. Other types of transaction machines dispense notes and other types of sheets to users such as bank tellers, cashiers and other service providers. Other types of automated transaction machines dispense items such as tickets, travelers checks, scrip, vouchers or gaming materials. Automated transaction machines generally dispense such materials while assessing appropriate charges and credits to the respec...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0037] In some exemplary forms of the invention, the machine may be configured for separate usage by the merchant and consumer. For example, the merchant cashier may be authorized to use the merchant side interface. The cashier would be able to use a rear side of the machine which would include a cashier user interface, a note inlet opening, and a note outlet opening. The customer or consumer would be able to use the opposite or front side of the machine which would include a consumer user interface and a note outlet opening. Also, the user interfaces may be located in a portion of the machine distinct from a portion of the machine including sheet storage areas. The portions may be operatively connected for carrying out input and output functions. Such an arrangement of distinct portions provides additional security between the user interface areas and the sheet storage areas.

[0038] In some exemplary forms of the invention the note receiving and dispensing mechanism may include a roll storage type mechanism. The roll storage mechanism includes a flexib...

Problems solved by technology

A drawback associated with the construction of such conventional automated transaction machines is that replenishing the sheet supplies requires opening the secure area of the machine.

This presents opportunities for theft and tampering.

This may present opportunities for pilferage for which responsibility cannot be readily documented.

However such containers are not failsafe and may still be subject to compromise by skilled thieves.

Sheet holding canisters may also be stolen in their entirety when in transit to and from machines.

The use of currency canisters is also expensive.

The use of such canisters adds to the cost of the automated transaction machines by requiring the inclusion of mechanisms that can open, close and work in conjunction with sheet containing canisters.

The handling and transport of canisters also adds to the cost of machine operation.

While the reduced capabilities of such machines results in a lower machine acquisition cost, the problems of handling sheets still exists.

This adds to the cost of machine operation.

However in many merchandise transaction environments the trustworthiness of the personnel may not be verifiable.

As a result the machine operator may not want to give their personnel access to the large amounts of cash which are available within the interior of an automated transaction machine.

Replenishing the currency supplies within such machines may be an activity limited to supervisory level personnel.

However, despite such precautions shortages and discrepancies can occur.

While such machines have the ...

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