ATM Fault Detection Using Trigger and Action Plug-ins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated teller machines (ATMs) and similar electronic terminals often experience hardware and software faults, leading to downtime and increased operational burdens for organizations due to the need for field technicians to travel for diagnosis and repair, causing delays and resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize trigger and action plug-ins within the terminal's memory to detect and respond to faults, automatically initiating corrective actions such as recycling hardware and software components, reducing the need for immediate human intervention by enabling remote monitoring and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If field technicians are dispatched to diagnose and repair ATM faults, then the ATMs are returned to working order, but significant time and resources are consumed during the repair process

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveATM operational statusVSAvoidrepair time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions automatically when faults are detected, identifying problems before field technicians arrive. The ATM autonomously executes diagnostic routines and prepares fault information, eliminating the need for technicians to perform initial diagnosis and reducing on-site repair time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ATM performs self-diagnosis and self-reporting of faults through automated monitoring systems. The terminal autonomously detects hardware and software failures, generates fault reports, and transmits diagnostic data to remote centers, enabling the system to service itself without immediate human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If field technicians travel to nonfunctional ATMs for diagnosis and repair, then corrective actions are initiated, but organizational resources and technician time are significantly consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveATM operational statusVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The ATM autonomously monitors its own operational status, detects faults, and transmits diagnostic information to remote centers. This self-service capability eliminates the need for technicians to travel to every fault location, significantly reducing organizational resource consumption while maintaining reliable corrective action initiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

An automated communication system acts as an intermediary between the ATM and remote technical centers. The system transmits fault data and receives corrective instructions electronically, eliminating the need for physical travel and reducing resource consumption associated with on-site technician deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple trips are made by technicians to initiate corrective actions, then the ATM is repaired, but additional time is consumed for travel and setup

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveATM operational statusVSAvoidrepair time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions automatically when faults are detected, identifying problems before field technicians arrive. The ATM autonomously executes diagnostic routines and prepares fault information, eliminating the need for technicians to perform initial diagnosis and reducing on-site repair time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where the ATM monitors its own status, reports faults automatically, and receives real-time corrective instructions from remote centers. This feedback mechanism enables single-visit repairs by providing technicians with pre-prepared diagnostic information and guided repair procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If ATMs enter stand-by mode when faults occur, then user access is denied, but the terminal protects itself from further damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal protectionVSAvoidtransaction availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ATM autonomously monitors its own operational status, detects faults, and transmits diagnostic information to remote centers. This self-service capability eliminates the need for technicians to travel to every fault location, significantly reducing organizational resource consumption while maintaining reliable corrective action initiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8245076B2Method and apparatus for initiating corrective action for an electronic terminal
Publication Date: 2012.08.14 NCR ATLEOS CORP
  • US8245076B2 patent drawing
  • US8245076B2 patent drawing
  • US8245076B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and device are provided for initiating corrective actions for a terminal, such as an ATM. A method of initiating corrective actions for a terminal comprises, monitoring a fault status of a first component, detecting a fault status of the first component with a first trigger plug-in, activating a first action plug-in based upon the detected fault status of the first component, and recycling the first component.