ATM Dispensing Error Detection via User Feedback Loops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated teller machines (ATMs) experience dispensing errors due to jamming and improper loading of cash denominations, leading to inaccurate transactions and delayed error detection, which complicates transaction reconciliation and service availability.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a display and processor in ATMs that prompts users for feedback on dispensed cash accuracy, generates error reports, and transmits them to a server for analysis, enabling instant error detection and remote repair initiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional error detection methods relying on user recognition and manual reporting are used, then users can report errors, but the detection delay is long and the magnitude of error grows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror detection delayVSAvoidtransaction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback loops where the ATM continuously monitors dispensed cash against requested amounts and automatically reports discrepancies to a central server, eliminating the need for manual user reporting and significantly reducing detection delay

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The ATM performs self-diagnosis and self-reporting of dispensing errors by automatically comparing dispensed cash with transaction records and transmitting error reports without human intervention, enabling the system to detect and report errors autonomously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If users are required to recognize and contact support to report ATM malfunctions, then error information can be collected, but the effort required from users is high and leads to delayed reporting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerror reporting convenienceVSAvoiderror reporting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects and reports errors without requiring user action beyond the initial transaction, eliminating the burden of manual error recognition and reporting while ensuring timely detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ATM automatically provides feedback on transaction outcomes by monitoring dispensed cash and comparing it with requested amounts, then transmits error reports to the central server without requiring user intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If manual tracking and reconciliation of ATM transactions are used, then transaction records can be maintained, but the process is complex and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction reconciliation accuracyVSAvoidreconciliation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the central server continuously receives and processes error reports from ATMs, automatically reconciling transaction records and identifying discrepancies without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical reconciliation processes with automated electronic monitoring and data transmission systems, where the ATM and central server automatically track and reconcile transactions through digital communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If technicians are deployed for service calls without accurate error detection, then potential issues can be addressed, but unnecessary service calls increase and ATM availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveATM availabilityVSAvoidservice coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated error detection system provides real-time feedback to the central server, which then coordinates appropriate service responses, ensuring technicians are deployed only when necessary and reducing unnecessary service calls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary error detection and verification before triggering service calls, automatically analyzing error patterns and determining whether immediate technician intervention is necessary or if the issue can be resolved through automated means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11176785B1Detection of dispensing errors in automated teller machines

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

A system configured to display questions to a user regarding a transaction at an automated teller machine (ATM). The system is further configured to receive a signal from the user in response to a first question, indicating that the cash dispensed by the ATM does not match the cash the user requested. The system is also configured to receive a signal from the user in response to a second question, indicating that the received amount of cash did not match the requested amount of cash, the received denominations did not match the requested denominations, or both. The system is further configured to generate an error report that includes the information indicated by the signals, a report identifier, and a user identifier. The system generates a receipt for the user that includes the report identifier, and the system sends the report to a server for analysis.