ATM Keypad Concealment and Cash Sheet Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated banking machines face challenges in providing enhanced security, user-friendly operation, weather resistance, and effective handling of financial instrument sheets, including the need for secure input mechanisms and germ transmission reduction.

Innovation Solution

An automated teller machine (ATM) design featuring a user interface with a card reader, keypad concealment device, cash acceptor mechanism for separating and storing financial instrument sheets, and encryption capabilities to ensure secure and germ-minimized transactions, along with weather-resistant and secure housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a card reader and keypad are provided for user input, then user operation capability is improved, but security against unauthorized access and germ transmission risk worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser operation capabilityVSAvoidgerm transmission risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A card reader is introduced as an intermediary device that allows users to authenticate without direct contact with the keypad. The card contains encoded user information that is read optically or magnetically, serving as a mediator between the user and the banking system, thereby reducing germ transmission while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical keypad input system is partially replaced with an optical or magnetic reading system. Instead of requiring physical key presses that involve contact, the system uses a card reader to capture user information optically or magnetically, substituting the mechanical interaction with a non-contact field-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If encryption capabilities are added to enhance security, then security is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The card serves multiple functions: it stores user identification information, contains encryption keys, and acts as a secure credential. By consolidating multiple security functions into a single card component, the system achieves strong encryption capabilities without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Encryption keys and security credentials are pre-loaded into the card during manufacturing. This preliminary action transfers the complexity of key management and encryption algorithm implementation from the ATM to the card, allowing the ATM to use pre-prepared secure credentials without implementing complex encryption management systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a cash acceptor mechanism is provided to handle financial instrument sheets, then transaction capability is improved, but difficulty in separating and handling individual sheets worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction capabilityVSAvoidsheet handling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from handling sheets in a single plane (stacked vertically) to utilizing multiple dimensions by fanning the sheets out horizontally. The cash acceptor mechanism spreads sheets across a horizontal plane, allowing individual sheets to be accessed and separated more easily by picking from the edge of the fanned stack rather than attempting to separate from a compact vertical stack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the ATM is designed for outdoor use with weather-resistant housing, then environmental adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidhousing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing incorporates flexible sealing elements and thin film protective coatings that provide weather resistance without requiring thick, complex structural modifications. These flexible seals and coatings can conform to the machine's shape while providing effective protection against rain and moisture, achieving environmental adaptability with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS7357307B1Cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method

Publication Date: 2008.04.15 DIEBOLD NIXDORF INCORPORATED

AI summary

An automated banking machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transactions and includes a user interface (15). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad (404, 438, 458) through which users input confidential data. Covers (400, 422, 430) prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Alternatively, movable panels (462, 464) are movable to prevent unauthorized viewing of confidential inputs. Alternatively a keypad cover is selectively collapsible to prevent digit access. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted. Disinfecting techniques may be used to disinfect manual contact surfaces of the machine.