ATM Backup Power Transfer for Outage Cash Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated teller machines (ATMs) become inoperable during power outages, hindering customers from performing financial transactions, especially when there is an increased need for cash due to difficulties with electronic transactions.
Innovation Solution
Equipping ATMs with a rechargeable power source and enabling power transfer interfaces that allow mobile devices to supply power to the ATMs, allowing them to operate in a reduced functionality mode during outages, facilitated by a banking application on the mobile device for authentication and transaction management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ATM relies on external power sources, then it can operate with full functionality, but it becomes inoperable during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rechargeable power source that is pre-charged before outages occur. The system includes a power transfer interface that can receive power from external sources (including mobile devices) to charge the internal battery in advance, ensuring the ATM has stored energy ready for outage conditions without requiring complex real-time power conversion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power transfer interface as an intermediary component that enables bidirectional power communication between mobile devices and the ATM. This interface includes a rechargeable power source that mediates between external power sources and the ATM's internal systems, allowing power transfer without requiring direct connection to the electrical grid during outages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ATM operates in reduced functionality mode during outages, then it can provide limited service, but transaction processing capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic operational mode system that adapts the ATM's functionality based on available power conditions. The system can operate in full functionality mode when powered by the electrical grid, and automatically transition to reduced functionality mode during outages when running on the rechargeable power source. This dynamic adaptation allows the ATM to provide appropriate service levels without requiring complex real-time power management hardware.
3Ease of operation
If the ATM uses wireless power transfer, then it can receive power without physical connections, but power transfer efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transfer capability into two distinct modes: wireless power transfer for convenient charging when the ATM is accessible, and wired power transfer through the power transfer interface for efficient bulk charging. The system can select between these segments based on the situation, allowing users to take advantage of wireless convenience when needed while using wired connections for efficient power replenishment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables customers to perform essential financial transactions like cash withdrawals and deposits during power outages by utilizing mobile devices to power the ATMs, ensuring continued access to funds and reducing reliance on electronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
allows users to employ their mobile devices to provide power to the ATM, utilizing wireless or wired power transfer interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are system, method, and device embodiments for ATM access during a power outage. In an example embodiment, an automated teller machine (ATM) may receive power from a mobile device including a banking application, send the power to a rechargeable battery of the ATM, and enter a reduced power mode, wherein the ATM is powered by the rechargeable battery. Further, the ATM may receive a transaction request including an authentication credential from the banking application, determine an account associated with the authentication credential, determine an authorization result indicating whether to perform the transaction request, and generate recordation information corresponding to the authorization result.