ATM Concealed Keypad with Visual Encryption Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated banking machines lack enhanced security, user-friendly operation, weather resistance, and features to prevent germ transmission and unauthorized viewing of user inputs, while also not effectively utilizing currency bills with tracking devices.

Innovation Solution

The development of an automated teller machine (ATM) with a user interface that includes a concealed keypad, encryption capabilities, visual indicators for encrypted inputs, and features to minimize germ transmission, along with the ability to operate with currency bills that include tracking devices, ensuring secure and user-friendly transactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a standard keypad is provided for user input, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized viewing of inputs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser input capabilityVSAvoidunauthorized viewing of inputs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A visual indicator system acts as an intermediary between the keypad and the user, providing feedback about encryption status without exposing sensitive input data. The indicator includes a visual element and text display that communicates security status to users while maintaining input confidentiality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If encryption capabilities are added to protect user inputs, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages encryption operations without requiring user intervention. The controller automatically encrypts card data and keypad inputs, and the visual indicator automatically communicates encryption status to users, making the security mechanism self-managing and reducing perceived complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If currency bills with tracking devices are used, then security and traceability are improved, but the machine must handle additional device types reducing adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction securityVSAvoidcompatibility with different currency types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The automated banking machine is designed with universal handling capabilities that can process both traditional currency bills and bills with embedded tracking devices through the same bill acceptor and dispenser mechanisms. The system maintains adaptability to different bill types while enabling enhanced security features through optional tracking device integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8038057B1Card activated automated banking machine system and method

Publication Date: 2011.10.18 DIEBOLD NIXDORF INCORPORATED

AI summary

A card actuated automated banking machine is operative to carry out financial transactions responsive to data included on user cards. The machine includes a user interface including a display. The user interface includes a card reader which is operative to read data on user cards which identify at least one of a user and a user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad through which users input confidential data. Covers prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Authorization signals assure that the display is operating in a manner that provides appropriate user instructions. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted.