Self-Service Terminal Indicator Mapping Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of mapping media entry and exit indicators (MEIs) to device identifiers in self-service terminals, such as ATMs, is inefficient and time-consuming, particularly when custom configurations deviate from the default settings, requiring re-mapping during production or installation.
Innovation Solution
A self-service terminal system that includes a control application and a mapping component allowing authorized users to display and modify the current mapping of indicators to device identifiers, using a user-friendly interface to ensure correct associations, leveraging standards like CEN-XFS for device identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ATM is configured differently from the default configuration, then the ATM can meet custom purchaser requirements, but the MEI to device identifier mapping must be re-configured and stored in permanent storage, which is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mapping MEIs to device identifiers based on the default configuration during ATM manufacturing. This allows the ATM to operate immediately with standard configurations without requiring on-site re-mapping. When custom configurations are needed, the system can efficiently adjust mappings using the pre-established default mapping as a baseline, significantly reducing configuration time at the installation site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the ATM to automatically detect and adapt to custom configurations without requiring manual re-mapping of all MEIs. The system can identify installed devices and automatically adjust the mapping relationships, reducing the need for time-consuming manual configuration by authorized users and allowing the ATM to serve itself in the configuration process.
2Reliability
If re-mapping of MEIs to device identifiers is performed for custom configurations, then accurate indicator energization is achieved, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming during ATM build or commissioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the default mapping of MEIs to device identifiers during ATM manufacturing. This ensures that for standard configurations, accurate indicator energization is achieved without requiring time-consuming re-mapping at the commissioning stage. The pre-established mapping maintains reliability while dramatically improving productivity for default configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a default mapping template that can be replicated for standard configurations. Instead of performing complete re-mapping for each ATM, the system copies the pre-configured default mapping relationships, ensuring accuracy while reducing the time and effort required for configuration. Custom configurations can then be made as modifications to this copied template.
3Productivity
If a default configuration is used, then ATM setup is simplified and faster, but the ATM cannot meet custom purchaser requirements for different device combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the MEI to device identifier mapping flexible and adaptable. The system starts with a default configuration for rapid setup but allows dynamic reconfiguration when custom requirements are identified. The mapping relationships can be modified to reflect actual device installations, enabling the ATM to transition from a static default state to a customized state that meets specific purchaser requirements while maintaining setup efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a mapping system that serves multiple functions: it provides default mappings for standard configurations to enable fast setup, and simultaneously supports custom mappings for specialized configurations. The same MEI infrastructure and mapping mechanism universally handles both default and custom scenarios, making the system adaptable to various configuration needs without requiring separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-service terminal comprises a plurality of devices, each device having a unique device identifier. The terminal also has a fascia including a plurality of apertures, each aperture having a corresponding indicator and being associated with a device in the self-service terminal. The terminal executes a control application for identifying and energizing an indicator corresponding to an aperture to be used by a customer. The terminal also includes a mapping component for allowing an authorized user (i) to display the current mapping of indicators to device identifiers, and (ii) to modify the current mapping to associate an indicator with a different device identifier.