Electromechanical Lock Authentication for Cash Vault Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transportation processes for cash handling devices require manual triggers, multiple steps, and multiple logins/passwords to access vaults and initiate transport processes, lacking a direct method to unlock electromechanical locks for access to transportation utility interfaces and automatic fund transfer.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where user input to an electromechanical lock determines authorization, unlocking the lock to access a transportation utility screen and vault, allowing automatic currency transfer and enabling manual or automatic vault closure, with options for disabling access and locking the lock after currency removal, and limiting attempts for security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional multiple-step login and unlock process is used, then security is maintained, but operation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess process simplicityVSAvoidnumber of login steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the login process and lock unlock process into a single integrated operation. The transportation utility screen receives a single login credential that simultaneously authenticates the user and triggers the electromechanical lock to unlock, eliminating the need for separate login and unlock steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single login credential serves multiple functions: it authenticates the transportation carrier's identity, authorizes access to the transportation utility screen, and triggers the electromechanical lock to unlock. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate operations required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If manual trigger processes are used for transport, then control is maintained, but productivity and automation level decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic transport triggerVSAvoidtransport process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically transferring currency from the stackers to the transport cartridge before the transportation carrier needs to access the vault. This automatic preparation eliminates manual triggering and improves productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically triggers the transport process without requiring manual intervention. Once the electromechanical lock is unlocked, the system automatically initiates the currency transfer from stackers to transport cartridge, making the process self-service oriented.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If multiple passwords and access codes are required, then security is enhanced, but ease of operation and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess credential managementVSAvoidsecurity control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A single login credential is used to perform multiple security functions: authenticating the transportation carrier, authorizing access to the transportation utility screen, and triggering the electromechanical lock. This eliminates the need for multiple separate passwords and access codes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of time

If multiple separate access steps are required, then security control is maintained, but loss of time and operational efficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess timeVSAvoidaccess process steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate access steps into a single operation. The transportation carrier enters one login credential that simultaneously authenticates them, unlocks the electromechanical lock, and provides access to the transportation utility screen, significantly reducing access time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7940176B2Lock interaction with software to facilitate access to cash handling device functionality

Publication Date: 2011.05.10 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Methods and devices provide for lock interaction with software in order to facilitate access to a vault in a cash handling device and display of a transportation utility interface. A user may access an electromechanical lock on a cash handling device. The lock may determine whether the user is authorized. If unlocked, access may be provided to a transportation utility interface and to a vault that may contain currency in order to facilitate removal and transportation of the currency. If desired, stackers in the cash handling device may automatically transfer the currency to a container in the vault after the lock is unlocked. The vault may be subsequently closed, access to the transportation utility interface may be disabled, and the lock may be re-locked.