Banknote Dispenser Analysis Zone Verification for Attack Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic banknote dispensers are vulnerable to physical attacks, where thieves insert explosive materials by exploiting the return mechanism of unwithdrawn banknotes, as the existing twofold barrier systems do not adequately prevent foreign objects from being reintroduced into the safe.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an analysis zone verification system that disables the return of unwithdrawn banknotes by monitoring digital images and sensor data at the dispensing opening, preventing the insertion of foreign objects by maintaining the barrier structure closed if any substantial changes or objects are detected during the withdrawal period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the barrier structure is opened to allow banknotes to be returned into the safe, then the automatic return function works normally, but foreign objects can be inserted into the safe through the dispensing opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of safeVSAvoidautomatic return function
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of the analysis zone using sensors and digital imaging before allowing the barrier structure to open for returning banknotes. This preliminary detection prevents foreign objects from being inserted into the safe while maintaining the automatic return function for legitimate banknotes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An analysis zone with monitoring sensors and digital imaging systems is introduced as an intermediary between the dispensing opening and the safe. This intermediary layer detects foreign objects and prevents them from reaching the safe, while allowing legitimate banknotes to pass through during the return operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the barrier structure remains closed to prevent foreign object insertion, then security is improved, but the automatic return of unwithdrawn banknotes is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against physical attacksVSAvoidbanknote return efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of the analysis zone before closing the barrier structure. By detecting the presence or absence of banknotes in advance, the system can determine whether to open or close the barrier, ensuring both security and proper banknote return functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier structure's state (open or closed) is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection results from the analysis zone. The system transitions between different barrier states depending on whether foreign objects are detected, optimizing both security and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If digital image monitoring is implemented to detect foreign objects, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign object detection accuracyVSAvoidanalysis zone verification system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The digital imaging system in the analysis zone serves multiple functions: detecting foreign objects, verifying banknote presence, and monitoring the dispensing opening. This multi-functionality improves detection accuracy while minimizing the addition of separate dedicated components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis zone verification system utilizes existing infrastructure components (sensors, imaging devices) already present in the ATM for other purposes, making them serve the additional function of foreign object detection. This reduces the need for completely new dedicated detection hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2874129B1Automatic banknote dispenser with selective disabling of automatic return of the banknotes into the safe in the event of missing withdrawal by the user
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 MOTOR INSURERS' BUREAU
  • EP2874129B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2874129B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2874129B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B

AI summary

A solution for controlling an automatic banknote dispenser is proposed. A corresponding method (700) comprises presenting (703-715) a set of one or more banknotes to be dispensed to a user in response to a withdrawal request, said presenting the banknotes comprising transporting the banknotes from the inside of a safe towards an external dispensing opening on a user side by passing through a barrier structure being open for allowing a transit of the banknotes while the external dispensing opening is closed, closing the barrier structure for blocking an access to the safe at least partially, and opening the external dispensing opening while the barrier structure is closed thereby bringing the banknotes to a withdrawal position, returning (772-778) the banknotes being not withdrawn into the automatic dispenser in response to a missing withdrawal of the banknotes within a withdrawal period from the presentation thereof to the user, said returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the automatic dispenser comprising closing the external dispensing opening, opening the barrier structure while the external dispensing opening is closed, and returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe through the barrier structure being open while the external dispensing opening is closed, verifying (718-769) an analysis zone corresponding to the banknotes in the withdrawal position in correspondence of the withdrawal period, and disabling (771-784) at least said opening the barrier structure and said returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe of said returning (772-778) the banknotes being not withdrawn into the automatic dispenser according to a variation of the analysis zone.