Virtualized ATM Operating System Centralized Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation and maintenance of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are costly due to the need for individual updates of the Operating System (OS) and ATM application, as conventional ATMs require local storage and complex control systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an ATM system with access to a virtualized OS and application, allowing selective receipt of OS and application portions from a remote server, enabling remote monitoring and transaction management, with a recovery program to maintain control during communication link failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central processor and local data store are provided in an ATM with individual OS and application storage, then the ATM can operate independently, but updating the OS or application becomes time-consuming and costly requiring individual updates at each ATM
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a virtualized ATM system where the operating system and application are copied from a central server to the ATM's local memory only when needed. Instead of storing complete OS and application images locally in conventional ATMs, the system creates virtual copies on-demand, allowing centralized updates without individual ATM modifications. This resolves the contradiction by enabling independent operation through local virtualization while eliminating update time through centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the OS and application from local ATM storage and relocates them to a central server. The ATM no longer stores complete OS images locally but instead receives portions of the OS and application from the server as needed. This extraction allows centralized updates (improving update efficiency) while maintaining local execution capability (preserving independent operation).
2Ease of manufacture
If a central processor and local data store are provided in an ATM, then the ATM can store and execute OS and application locally, but the complexity and cost of manufacturing and operating ATMs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtualization to create copies of the OS and application in the ATM's memory space without requiring permanent local storage infrastructure. The ATM controller creates virtual instances of the OS and application by copying necessary portions from the server, reducing hardware requirements and manufacturing complexity while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the central server universal by having it serve multiple ATMs with the same OS and application images. Instead of each ATM requiring its own complete local storage system, the server provides universal access to OS and application resources for all connected ATMs, reducing individual ATM complexity and manufacturing costs.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for operating an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). The method includes the steps of receiving access to a virtualized operating system and ATM application at an ATM and performing a customer transaction at the ATM using the access to the virtualized operating system and ATM application. A recovery program may be provided to control the ATM if a communication link fails between the ATM and a server providing the access.