ATM Control Bar Adaptability Across Display Dimensions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-service devices, such as ATMs, face challenges in configuring operating buttons to match display units of different dimensions, leading to potential misinterpretation and inefficient use of space.

Innovation Solution

The control buttons are integrated into a control bar with a length set as the mean value between the minimum and maximum center distances of display fields across various screen sizes, ensuring a direct and clear assignment, even with differently dimensioned display units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If control buttons are arranged at fixed distances from one another, then the assignment to display fields is clear, but the configuration cannot adapt to display units with different dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different display unit dimensionsVSAvoidcomplexity of button configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by making the control buttons adjustable in their horizontal position along the display unit edge. The buttons can be moved to different locations depending on the display unit's dimensions, allowing the same button configuration to adapt to various screen sizes while maintaining clear association with display fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single button configuration that can serve multiple display unit sizes. The control buttons are positioned such that they can accommodate different display field arrangements, making the operating unit universally applicable to ATMs with various display dimensions without requiring redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If display fields are uniformly distributed along the edge, then the display area is optimally utilized, but the distances between control buttons must be varied to ensure clear association

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay area utilizationVSAvoidease of button-to-display-field association
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different horizontal positions for control buttons along the display unit edge, depending on the specific display field arrangement. While display fields remain uniformly distributed for optimal area utilization, the buttons can be locally adjusted to maintain clear association, balancing space efficiency with operational clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If control buttons are positioned close to display fields, then the assignment is direct and clear, but the buttons may overlap with display fields in terms of vertical position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclarity of button-to-display-field assignmentVSAvoidrisk of misinterpretation in assignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the horizontal dimension for button positioning rather than vertical positioning. Buttons are arranged horizontally along the display unit edge at appropriate distances from each other, while all buttons align with the display field edge in the vertical direction. This dimensional separation ensures clear horizontal association with display fields while preventing vertical overlap that could cause misinterpretation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2137707B1Self-service device
Publication Date: 2012.03.28 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP2137707B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2137707B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2137707B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-service device, in particular a cash dispenser, comprising a display unit for displaying alphanumeric and/or graphic information, a control unit containing a control field that is placed at a distance from the display unit, for entering digits and/or control data, and a plurality of control buttons that extend in the region of one edge of the display unit and that are each associated with one display field of the display unit. The control buttons are integrated into a control strip with adjacent control buttons lying immediately next to one another. Said buttons are longer than the respective display fields and can thus each be assigned to display fields of several display units with different configurations.