Card Machine Security Interface with Continuous Glass Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vending machines are inflexible in terms of functionality changes post-delivery and lack robust security measures to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.

Innovation Solution

A vending machine design featuring a door element with a continuous glass front integrating operating modules flush with the surface, utilizing capacitive touchscreen technology and a secure locking system, allowing for flexible module exchange and enhanced security through the separation of personal data storage on a server, preventing unauthorized access and data exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operating modules are integrated into a continuous glass front, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple operating modules (display, input, card reader, cash acceptor) are merged into a single continuous glass front panel, creating a unified secure interface that prevents access to individual module gaps while maintaining functional independence through modular integration techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous glass front serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective security barrier, a mounting surface for various operating modules, and a unified user interface, thereby improving security without requiring separate protective structures for each module

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

2Ease of operation

If personal data is stored on the machine, then user convenience is improved, but security risks from data breaches increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsecurity against data breaches
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Personal data storage functionality is extracted from the vending machine and relocated to external servers, eliminating the security vulnerability of storing sensitive data on the machine while preserving user convenience through rapid remote data retrieval via network connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the machine is designed for specific functionality, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but flexibility for functionality changes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility for functionality changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vending machine is segmented into standardized functional modules (display module, input module, card reader module, cash acceptor module) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in various configurations, enabling both efficient standardized production and flexible adaptation to different functionality requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables flexible adaptation of machine functionality and significantly enhances security by preventing unauthorized access and ensuring that sensitive user data is not stored on the machine, thus protecting against data breaches and ensuring secure operations.

Implementation Method 1

Capacitive sensor technology is preferably used for the screen elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3494551B1Card machine with a security user interface
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 WANZL GMBH & CO KGAA
  • EP3494551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3494551B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3494551B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a card machine (A) and a method for operating the same. The machine (A) dispenses cards which have electronically stored data which is read and processed by downstream systems such as access control systems, vending systems, parking systems or other systems. The machine (A) is burglar-proof and has a continuous glass pane which is used in areas as a graphical user interface. The machine (A) communicates with a central server (S).