Automated Banking Machine Servicing via Movable Camera and Microphone
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated banking machines often face challenges in servicing due to compact designs that hinder access to internal components, and service personnel may not be aware of user activity at the front of the machine, leading to potential safety issues and difficulties in diagnosing malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a movable image capture device, such as a camera, connected to a controller via a USB connection, which can be positioned to capture visual images of internal components and user activity, and a microphone to provide sonic information, allowing for remote or on-site diagnostic analysis and improved servicing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the automated banking machine is designed to be compact to minimize footprint, then the machine size is reduced, but access to internal serviceable components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable image capture device that can be positioned at different locations within the machine housing to capture images of serviceable components from multiple angles and dimensions. This allows service personnel to remotely view components that are difficult to access in a compact machine, effectively adding a dimensional viewing capability without increasing the physical footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The image capture device acts as an intermediary between the service personnel and the serviceable components. Instead of directly accessing difficult-to-reach components, service personnel use the image capture device to obtain visual information, which is then transmitted to a remote location for analysis and diagnosis.
2Ease of repair
If service personnel access the machine from the rear, then they can service internal components, but they cannot perceive user activity or persons at the front of the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The movable image capture device serves multiple functions: it captures images of serviceable components for diagnostic purposes and also captures images of user activity at the front of the machine. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both service access needs and safety monitoring needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback to service personnel about user activity at the front of the machine. By capturing and transmitting images of the front area to the rear, the system creates a feedback loop that keeps service personnel informed of potential safety issues without requiring them to physically position themselves where they could directly observe users.
3Area of stationary object
If the machine is made compact, then footprint is minimized, but diagnostic capability of internal components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable image capture device enables three-dimensional visualization of internal components by capturing images from multiple angles and positions. This dimensional approach to inspection compensates for the reduced physical space available in a compact machine, allowing comprehensive diagnostic capability without increasing footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The image capture device creates visual copies of serviceable components that can be analyzed remotely. Instead of requiring direct physical inspection of small, difficult-to-access components in a compact machine, the system creates accurate visual replicas that can be examined in detail at a remote location with larger displays and better lighting conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that reads data corresponding to financial accounts from user cards, and carries out transactions related to the accounts. The machine includes a camera, a microphone, and the card reader at a customer interface located at the front of the machine. A servicer display device is at a servicer interface located at the rear of the machine. The customer interface and servicer interface can be placed in audio/visual communication. Although a front servicer may not be directly visible to a rear servicer, they are still able to communicate with each other through the customer interface and servicer interface during machine servicing. The servicer interface can also be used to allow a lone servicer to be audibly/visually alerted to a potential customer approaching the machine.