Self-Service Terminal Auto-Configuration via Media

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual human input for configuring Self-Service Terminals, such as ATMs, is lengthy and error-prone, leading to increased installation time and frustration due to the need for accurate entry of configuration information.

Innovation Solution

The use of media, such as barcodes, magnetic stripes, USB storage, or communication modules, to provide initial configuration information directly to the terminal, allowing it to self-configure with minimal human intervention by connecting to a configuration server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual human input is used to enter configuration information into the ATM, then the configuration can be completed, but the installation time increases and human errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Configuration information is pre-prepared on external media (USB drive, SD card, barcode, magnetic stripe) before the ATM installation. This preliminary preparation allows the configuration data to be ready for automatic transfer, eliminating the need for manual entry during installation and reducing both time and errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual typing process with automated optical or magnetic reading systems. The ATM uses a camera to scan barcodes or a card reader to read magnetic stripes, automatically transferring configuration data without human intervention in data entry, thus eliminating typing errors and reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual configuration entry is required, then the ATM can be set up, but service personnel experience frustration and errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration processVSAvoidservice personnel operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ATM performs self-configuration by automatically reading configuration information from external media and populating its configuration fields without requiring service personnel to manually enter data. The system serves itself by transferring configuration data autonomously, making the process easier for service personnel while maintaining complete configurability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If configuration information is transferred automatically via media, then installation time is reduced, but additional hardware components are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidterminal hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing multi-functional components already present in modern ATMs. The camera used for customer identification and the card reader used for card transactions are also utilized to read configuration data from barcodes and magnetic stripes. This universal use of existing hardware avoids adding dedicated configuration reading devices, minimizing increased device complexity while enabling automatic configuration transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10970693B2Semi-automatic configuration of a self-service terminal

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 NCR ATLEOS CORP

AI summary

Embodiments for providing Semi-Automatic ATM Configuration are generally described herein. In some embodiments, obtaining configuration connection details are obtained. The configuration connection details are used to connect to a configuration server and to configure a self-service terminal (SST).