Media Dispenser Moveable Member for Unauthorized Access Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing media handlers, such as Self-Service Terminals (SSTs), are vulnerable to unauthorized access and explosive attacks through dispensing slots, as they lack effective protection mechanisms for smaller slots and are unable to detect or prevent such incidents in time.

Innovation Solution

A media item dispenser module with a moveable member that blocks the dispensing slot in a dormant state and includes sensors and actuators to detect unauthorized access, resisting unauthorized movement and triggering a warning or ink deployment system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shutter is used to close large slots, then protection against unauthorized access is improved, but smaller slots remain vulnerable to unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against unauthorized accessVSAvoidprotection coverage for different slot sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The moveable member is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a shutter for large slots and as a blocking mechanism for smaller slots. The same component provides protection across different slot types, eliminating the need for separate protection mechanisms for each slot size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The moveable member can dynamically adjust its position between a first position (blocking the slot) and a second position (allowing media item passage). This dynamic positioning enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements and slot sizes using a single mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the moveable member blocks the dispensing slot in dormant state, then protection against unauthorized access is improved, but media item dispensing operation is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against unauthorized accessVSAvoidmedia item dispensing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The moveable member dynamically transitions between blocking and unblocking states based on operational requirements. During dormant state, it blocks the slot for security. During media item dispensing, it moves to allow passage. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between security and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect the position of the moveable member and the state of the dispensing slot. This feedback mechanism ensures that the moveable member is in the correct position for the current operation, automatically resolving the conflict between security blocking and media item dispensing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If ink deployment system is activated when malicious attack is sensed, then response to explosive attack is improved, but the system cannot distribute ink faster than the explosion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to malicious attackVSAvoidink distribution speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The moveable member is positioned to block the dispensing slot in advance during dormant state, preventing unauthorized access before any malicious attack can occur. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for reactive ink deployment, as the threat is blocked before it can reach the media items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The moveable member provides preliminary resistance to potential explosive attacks by blocking the dispensing slot before any intrusion can occur. This preemptive measure neutralizes the threat before the ink deployment system would even need to activate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Device complexity

If smaller slots have no protection, then device complexity is reduced, but vulnerability to unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection mechanism complexityVSAvoidsecurity of smaller slots

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The moveable member provides unified protection for both large and small slots. Instead of adding separate protection mechanisms for smaller slots, the same moveable member serves all slot types, maintaining low device complexity while improving security across the board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection function for smaller slots is merged with the existing moveable member mechanism. By combining the blocking function for large slots with the same component used for small slots, the system achieves comprehensive protection without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9177450B2Media handler protection

Publication Date: 2015.11.03 NCR ATLEOS CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of preventing unauthorized access into a media item dispenser module. The present invention also provides a media item dispenser module comprising a dispensing slot for presenting at least one media item to a user, and a moveable member moveable between a distal position and a proximal position respectively distal and proximal to the dispensing slot, wherein the moveable member prevents unauthorized access into the media item dispenser module via the dispensing slot when in the proximal position.