Registers – Systems controlled by data bearing records – Banking systems
Reexamination Certificate
2003-04-25
2004-07-27
Frech, Karl D. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Systems controlled by data bearing records
Banking systems
C235S375000, C235S376000, C235S380000, C902S008000, C902S009000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06766943
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically this invention relates to automated banking machine apparatus, systems and methods that provide for improved reliability and serviceability.
BACKGROUND ART
Automated banking machines are known. A common type of automated banking machine used by consumers is an automated teller machine (“ATM”). ATMs enable customers to carry out banking transactions. Examples of banking transactions that arc sometimes carried out with ATMs include the dispensing of cash, the making of deposits, the transfer of funds between accounts, the payment of bills, the cashing of checks, the purchase of money orders, the purchase of stamps, the purchase of tickets, the purchase of phone cards and account balance inquiries. The types of banking transactions a customer can carry out at an ATM are determined by the particular banking machine, the system in which it is connected and the programming of the machine by the entity responsible for its operation.
Other types of automated banking machines may be operated in other types of environments. For example certain types of automated banking machines may be used in a customer service environment. For example service providers may use certain types of automated banking machines for purposes of counting currency or other items that are received from or which are to be given to a customer. Other types of automated banking machines may be used to validate items which provide the customer with access, value or privileges such as tickets, vouchers, checks or other financial instruments. Other examples of automated banking machines may include machines which are operative to provide users with the right to merchandise or services in an attended or a self-service environment. For purposes of this disclosure an automated banking machine shall be deemed to include any machine may be operated to carry out transactions including transfers of value.
Automated banking machines are typically used in environments where they carry out or support the conduct of transactions. It is desirable to keep automated banking machines in operation at all appropriate times to the extent possible. If a machine should experience a, malfunction, it is useful to return the machine to service as quickly as possible.
Thus, there exists a need for improvements in the operation, reliability, servicing and repair of automated banking machines.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide an automated banking machine.
It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide an automated banking machine which provides improved access for servicing.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide an automated banking machine which enables controlling the temperature of machine components to extend service life.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide an automated banking machine which provides for reliable illumination of transaction areas while facilitating servicing of the machine.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide an automated banking machine that facilitates the detection of fraudulent activity which may be attempted at the machine.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide an automated banking machine which improved diagnostic capabilities.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide an automated banking machine which reduces the risk of unauthorized access to devices and operations of the machine.
Further objects of exemplary embodiments will be made apparent in the following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.
The foregoing objects are accomplished in some exemplary embodiments by an automated banking machine which is an ATM. The ATM includes a plurality of transaction function devices. In the exemplary embodiment the transaction function devices include input and output devices which are part of a user interface. In the exemplary embodiment the transaction function devices also include devices for carrying out types of banking transactions such as a currency dispenser device and a deposit accepting device. The exemplary ATM also includes at least one computer which is generally referred to herein as a controller, and which is operative to cause the operation of the transaction function devices in the machine.
In an exemplary embodiment the ATM includes a housing with a secure chest portion and an upper housing area. The chest portion houses certain transaction function devices such as the currency dispenser device. The chest portion includes a chest door which is generally secured but which is capable of being opened when unlocked by authorized persons.
In the exemplary embodiment the upper housing area includes a first portion and a second portion. Access to the first and second portions are controlled by independently movable first and second fascia portions. In the exemplary embodiment one or more devices that must be manipulated in order to unlock the chest door are positioned within the first housing area. Access to the first portion of the upper housing is controlled by a fascia lock in operative connection with the first fascia portion. Thus when servicing of devices within the chest portion is required, a servicer first accesses the first portion of the upper housing area by unlocking the fascia lock to gain access to the chest lock input devices located within the upper housing area in the first portion. Once access to the first portion is achieved, the servicer provides one or more inputs to the chest lock input device to enable unlocking the chest door. In the exemplary embodiment this may be accomplished without moving the second fascia portion or moving the transaction function devices which are located within the second portion of the upper housing area.
In some exemplary embodiments the display types used as part of the user interface of the automated banking machine generate considerable heat. The combination of the heat generated by the display as well as other devices within the housing of the machine can cause elevated temperatures within the housing. This problem may occur more frequently within machines that are located in an outdoor environment where the external temperature may often become elevated. Unduly high temperatures within the machine may cause damage to the display or other machine components, or may shorten component life.
In the exemplary embodiment the housing is provided with an air cooling opening in proximity with the display so as to facilitate a flow of cooling air therethrough. In a further exemplary embodiment a baffle structure is provided in intermediate relation between the air cooling opening and the display and other components within the machine, so as to reduce the risk of moisture and other contaminants entering the interior of the machine as well as to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. In an exemplary embodiment the baffle structure is adapted to direct moisture and other contaminants to the outside of the housing of the machine while facilitating access to the transaction function devices for servicing.
In some exemplary embodiments during operation of the ATM, the transaction areas are illuminated to facilitate operation of the machine by users. Such transaction areas include in an exemplary embodiment, recessed pockets on the machine housing from which users can receive currency to be delivered to them, as well as where a user inputs deposit items. Further in an exemplary embodiment the controller of the ATM is operative to illuminate the transaction areas at those times when the user would be expected to receive or place items in such transaction areas during the conduct of transactions. This facilitates guiding the user to the particular transaction area on the machine even when the machine is being operated during daylight hours.
In an exemplary embodiment the transaction areas
Barker David
Doll Terry E.
Dunlap Richard E.
Harry Donald W.
Kerstetter Tim E.
Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold Incorporated
Frech Karl D.
Jocke Ralph E.
Walker & Jocke
Walsh Daniel
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