Automated banking machine

Description of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for automatically carrying out banking transactions, in particular for receiving financial sheets from users, such as banknotes, checks and other documents, and also for issuing financial sheets to users of these devices.

Known automated banking machines include ATM ATM machines with which customers carry out banking transactions such as, for example, issuing money, placing deposits, transferring funds between accounts and requesting the balance of an account, the types of banking transactions depending on the capabilities of the device and software of the institution operating this device.

Automated banking machines are known which are operated by merchants for the purpose of carrying out commercial transactions, such as accepting deposit bags, accepting checks or other financial documents, dispensing coin packs or other transactions necessary for merchants. Automatic banking machines are also known which are used by service providers in a transaction environment such as a bank, such transactions for example for counting and storing banknotes or other financial sheets, dispensing banknotes or other sheets, imaging checks or other financial documents as well as other types of service provider's transactions.

Known automated banking machines include any device used for transactions involving the transfer of a certain value, represented by, for example, banknotes, checks or other documents of a given value. Financial sheets have different properties, for example, they are new and rigid, and others that are just as important are already used and damaged. In addition, there are combinations of documents such as banknotes and checks which are different kinds of paper or plastic materials, and there is a need for mechanisms to separate each individual sheet from a file quickly and reliably, especially in situations where the sheets have different properties.

Automated banking machines are often located in locations that are unattended by officials or representatives of a bank or other entities that have such facilities. In such cases, there is a need to secure the target to make it more difficult for criminals to break into the device and access valuable financial sheets inside.

Some automated banking machines are operated in an environment where they are exposed to the elements where rain or snow is introduced through the openings into the machine, which is problematic, especially with the delicate mechanisms in the interior of the machine handling financial sheets. There are also situations where equipment must be taken out of service for preventive maintenance or repair as efficiently as possible, which requires quick access to the interior of the equipment by service personnel while minimizing the risk of unauthorized access by criminals.

A known automated banking machine comprises a housing having a chamber disposed in the housing including an internal area, a user interface in support connection with the housing, including at least one input device and at least one display device, a cash dispensing unit for selectively dispensing banknotes stored in the housing. the internal area of ​​the chamber, for the users of the device, wherein the cash dispensing unit is disposed in an interior area of ​​the chamber, and the cash accepting mechanism, at least one controller disposed in the housing, connected to the at least one input device, display device, cash dispensing unit, and cash accepting mechanism for issuing banknotes to users by the unit issuing cash and accepting banknotes from users through the cash receiving mechanism, in response to input signals received from at least one input device. The controller is connected to a display device for providing visible instructions controlling the input device, the cash dispensing unit, and the cash accepting mechanism.

According to the invention, the housing chamber has an L-shaped cross-section and the upper portion of the chamber extends vertically upward from the lower portion of the chamber, the lower portion of the chamber being wider than the upper portion of the chamber, and at least portions of the cash accepting mechanism are mounted in it. the casing and outside the chamber in a position that is above the bottom of the chamber and horizontally near the top of the chamber, wherein the cash receiving mechanism is adapted to advance banknotes received from users downwards into an interior area of ​​the compartment, the cash dispensing unit portions being mounted in an upper portion of the compartment, and the cash dispensing unit adapted to move the notes out of the compartment to the users.

Preferably, the cash receiving mechanism is slidably mounted relative to the housing in a direction parallel to the upper portion of the compartment.

Preferably, the lower part of the compartment has a cash receiving opening for advancing the banknotes downwards and the device comprises a security member in support connection with the lower part of the compartment and positioned vertically below the cash receiving opening in an interior area of ​​the lower part of the compartment below the security member.

Preferably, a horizontal transport unit is disposed in the inner region of the lower part of the chamber.

Preferably, the transport unit is operationally connected to the driven member and the cash receiving mechanism comprises a driver operatively coupled to the driven member.

Preferably, a suspect banknote holding area (100) is located outside the lower part of the chamber.

Preferably, outside the lower part of the chamber, the housing has a top portion in which the cash accepting mechanism is located, and the device includes a first access lock to the top portion and a second access lock to the suspect banknote holding area.

Preferably, the cash accepting mechanism comprises a treasury unit for storing notes determined as valid.

The apparatus preferably comprises a chute for separating bank notes constituting a bundle from a bundle in the chute.

Preferably the chute extends through an opening in the console which is in support connection with the housing.

Preferably the gutter is movable with respect to the console and the device includes a resilient seal that connects the gutter and the console by a fluid seal.

Preferably, the chute has a fluid collecting opening for discharging water from the chute.

It is an advantage of the invention to provide an automated banking machine having improved financial sheet handling, weather resistance, security, and handling and maintenance properties.

The subject of the invention is shown in the drawing examples in which:

Figure 1 is a front plan view of a console of an automated banking machine according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a schematic side view of features inside an ATM device housing of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a further schematic view of components within the device housing. Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a view of the file-arranging mechanism that is used in the ATM machine, Fig. 5 - another view of a sheet stacking mechanism that is used to store multiple types of sheets; Figure 6 - rear view of an ATM device housing according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 - schematic view of a sheet-to-stack mechanism inside an ATM machine, fig. 8 - front plan view of a gripping member in combination with a plurality of non-contact picking rollers and a contact picking roller used to separate individual sheets from a file, Figure 9 - a schematic view showing the separation of a first sheet from a stack of sheets by the mechanism of Figure 7;

Fig. 10 is a view showing the undulating cross-sectional configuration imparted to the sheet by the action of the gripping member and non-contact collecting rollers. an ATM machine, fig. 12 - a schematic view of the cash accepting mechanism removed for maintenance, similar to that shown in Fig. 11, with a first embodiment of the access door in an open position for accessing unacceptable sheets that have been identified by the cash accepting mechanism, Fig. 13 - a view of an automated teller machine similar to that shown in fig. 12 but with a different unacceptable sheet access mechanism, fig. 14 - another view of an ATM similar to the one in fig. 12 showing another unacceptable sheet access mechanism, fig. 15 - a schematic view of the cash-accepting mechanism with a first form of maintenance plate shown in the open position for maintenance, fig. 16 - a view of the cash accepting mechanism similar to Fig. 15 but with a different form of maintenance plates shown in the access position, Fig. 17 - schematic cross-sectional view of a guide trough from which stacks of sheets are received and withdrawn through the console of the machine, together with devices for capturing and draining water that may enter the trough, fig. 18 - isometric view from outside of the cash accepting mechanism, shown in Fig. 17, together with a drainage tube for passing the water collected in the gutter to the outside of the device, Fig. 19 - schematic view of a sealing system for minimizing the risk of contaminants entering the device through an aperture in the device console through which the chute passes in the operative position of the cash-accepting mechanism, fig. 20 - side view of another form of mechanism for receiving and storing financial sheets that have been subjected to operated by the cash accepting mechanism, fig. 21 - isometric view of the financial document storage container shown in fig. 20, an outward view of the device, fig. 22 - schematic view of a light emitting device that facilitates the handling of the device by users, fig. 23 - enlarged view of the light emitting device of fig. 22 Fig. 24 is a schematic view of the light emitting diodes in the light emitting device, Fig. 25 - cross-sectional view of the flexible web containing diodes in the light emitting device, fig. 26 - isometric view of the console of fig. 1, especially of the mirrors thereon to help the user to observe the surrounding area while operating the device, fig. 27 - schematic top view showing the area that can be observed by a user using the device.

Figure 1 is a front plan view of an automated banking machine which is, for example, an automatic banking machine 10 of the wall mounted type that includes a console 12. The console 12 is accessible to users of the machine that are outside the wall 14. for example, the exterior wall of a building, and the ATM 10 is used in an environment in which a user walks up to or drives up to it. The cash dispenser is also used in an indoor or non-indoor environment.

The automated teller machine 10 has a user interface 15 that includes input devices for receiving signals input by users. These input devices include a card reader 16, a keypad 18, function buttons 20 and an imaging unit 22, and are used to provide identification signals such as card-readable indicators, numeric data or biometric data used to identify a given device user and / or idea. his accounts have been identified. The exemplary input devices receive input transaction signals which cause the ATM device to perform selected transaction functions. The user interface 15 further includes output units, e.g., a display 24, a loudspeaker 26, and an earphone jack 28 that emit visual, audible or both indicators used to operate the ATM device. The ATM machine 10 further includes other transaction functionalities, such as a receipt printer 30 that provides receipts to users of the machine.

Figure 2 shows in more detail a receipt printer 30 with a paper tray 32 that supplies paper on which the receipts are printed by the printing mechanism 34. The printed receipts are then transported to the receipt slot of the console 12 via the transport 36.

The automated teller machine 10 includes a cash dispensing port 38 and a cash receiving port 40 on the console as shown in FIG. 1. Each of these openings is in operational communication with its associated transaction function units, as will be discussed later, and each has an associated mechanism that blocks access through the opening, except when appropriate when transactions are made by authorized users. Cash dispensing opening 38 is shown secured by gate 42 and cash receiving opening 40 as being secured against gate 44.

The user interface 15 includes a plurality of colored light emitting assemblies 17, 31, 41 43 and 45, each located near a user interface site associated with a specific transaction functional unit. For example, the light emitting unit 17 is located proximate the card reader aperture 16, and the light emitting unit 31 is located proximate the receipt delivery slot. Similarly, the light emitting unit 41 is associated with the cash receiving port 40 and the light emitting device 43 is associated with the cash receiving port 38. The colored light emitting units here act selectively and emit light of a specific color in response to the states of the associated transaction functional unit. Such features are used to guide the user when operating the device, provide indications of unit states, alert the user to certain states, or improve the aesthetics of the device.

Figures 2, 3 and 6 show an ATM machine 10 having a housing 46 which is disposed on the inside of the wall 14. The housing 46 comprises a chamber 48 which is an armored chamber having a door 50 for access similar to safes. Access to the interior of chamber 48 is restricted to authorized service personnel only, through the locking mechanism 52 shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment of the invention, the chamber has a substantially L-shaped cross-section.

Housing 46 has an upper housing portion 54 connected to the console and supported by a compartment 48. Upper housing portion 54 has associated doors 56 and 58. Access to the upper housing portion 54 is controlled by one or more locking mechanisms in operative communication with door 56. and 58 via the lockouts 60 and 62. The armored compartment 48 is used to hold financial sheets such as banknotes, checks and other value sheets. The upper housing portion 54 is used, for example, to accommodate parts of the machine that do not hold notes or financial documents for a long time.

The ATM device 10 of FIG. 2 includes at least one controller 64 that includes at least one processor and is in operative communication with a data carrier 66 that stores data corresponding to instructions, such as computer programs, configuration parameters, transaction data, and other applicable information. while the ATM is operating 10.

The controller 64 is in operative communication with and controls the operation of transaction function units located within the ATM device. Controller 64 is shown schematically in operative communication with units 68, 70, and 72. Transaction function units include, for example, actuating units such as motors, cylinder coils, and other units that cause the components to move. Similarly, transaction function units include, for example, sensors such as radiation sensors, proximity sensors, switches and switches, and other types of sensors that detect objects, conditions, properties, characteristics, or components within the ATM device and allow the controller to perform the function. Transaction function assemblies include output assemblies such as sound-emitting elements and light-emitting assemblies. Transaction function units include, for example, a card reader, display, keyboard, function buttons, printer, cash dispensing unit, cash receiving unit, storage mechanisms and units previously discussed, and other units within the device that operate upon operation of the controller.

In this embodiment of the invention, the controller 64 is also in operative communication with communication units 74 that transmit messages between the ATM device.

And computers in systems that handle financial transactions, and perform, for example, communication exchanges with systems operated by banks, credit card networks, automatic clearing houses and other entities. In Fig. 2, the communication device 74 in the automated teller machine 10 is shown schematically as providing communication with a financial institution 76 via a network 78.

Referring to Figures 2 and 6, in the operating position of the cash dispenser 10, housing 46 houses a sheet receiving mechanism 80, which may also be a cash receiving mechanism. The receiving mechanism 80 receives sheets from a user through the opening 40 to analyze each sheet for at least one property or characteristic, and to direct the sheets selectively for storage within the device housing depending on the results of the analysis. In various embodiments of the invention, the sheets include banknotes, checks, or other financial sheets made of any type of material, such as paper, plastics, or combinations thereof. A cash accepting mechanism can be a mechanism that handles not only banknotes, but also checks, money orders, gift coupons, vouchers, etc.

The cash receiving mechanism 80 of Figure 2 includes a chute 82 which extends in its operative position through an opening 40 in the console 15, and a user accessible opening to chute 82 is secured by a movable gate 44 which moves by operation of the controller 64 and it enables authorized users to access the chute 82 at the right times during a transaction.

During operation of the machine, users can insert a stack of 84 financial sheets into the gutter. This file 84 contains banknotes, checks, or other financial sheets.

During operation of the cash take-up mechanism 80, the sheets are individually separated from the stack 84 by a picking mechanism 86, an embodiment of which will be discussed in detail later. Each captured sheet is transported individually from the picking mechanism through a validation unit 88 that identifies at least one feature of each sheet. This may include, for example, determining whether a sheet is a banknote or a check, and if it is a banknote, its denomination and whether it is valid. If the document is a check, a determination can be made as to whether the check is genuine, and the indicators associated with the check marker and its amount can also be checked. Various types of validation units are used, such as imaging units, readers, sensors, and combinations thereof. For example, the sheet receiving unit images documents, such as checks, and provides data that is, for example, stored and transmitted as an electronic image of a given check, sent to remote locations to facilitate the examination and validation of the check. The electronic image of the check can be used as a substitute for the physical, paper check, which allows you to later cancel the paper check and then destroy it.

In this embodiment of the cash accepting mechanism 80, the sheets that were analyzed during the operation of the validation unit 88 are advanced by the transport 90 to the directing unit 92, which acts in response to the signals of the controller 64 and routes the sheets selectively to either the vault unit 94 or to the transport 96. The treasury 94 receives the sheets and stores them periodically. Then, as a result of the operation of the controller 64, the treasury unit supplies these sheets to the directing unit 92, which guides them on the machine along the pathways appropriate for the transaction.

The transport 96 is used to receive unacceptable sheets, the characteristics of which do not meet the parameters set by the devices. This applies, for example, to banknotes having one or more characteristics which suggest that the banknotes may have been counterfeited. In other examples, such sheets include checks having characteristics that suggest they are reproductions or have been forged or not acceptable. The 80-sheet receiving mechanism of Fig. 2 causes transport 96 of suspect sheets 98 to be deposited in the storage area 100. In this embodiment, the suspect sheets are stored inside the cash acceptor and outside the armored compartment for removal by maintenance personnel.

The cash receiving mechanism 80 operates in response to signals received from controller 64 to direct financial sheets that have been determined to be valid or otherwise acceptable through the cash receiving port 102 located in the upper surface 104 of the compartment. In the operating position of the cash receiving mechanism shown in Fig. 2, the transfer unit 96 on the cash receiving mechanism is aligned with the cash receiving opening and the transport 108 extending into the armored compartment. In Fig. 2, in the operating position of the cash receiving mechanism 80, at least one driving member 110 of the transport 106 is in operative communication with the driven member 112 of the transport 108. This enables the cash-accepting mechanism to transmit movement to the sheet handling mechanisms within the armored compartment and to provide coordinated movement of the sheets being handled within the armored compartment. Moreover, the driving and driven members extend into the cash-receiving opening to block unauthorized access as will be discussed later.

When the cash-accepting mechanism moves from the operating position shown in Fig. 2 to the maintenance position shown in Figures 12, 13, and 14, the driver 110 and driven member 112 disengage. The movement of the cash-accepting mechanism from the operating position to the maintenance position may include movably mounting the cash-accepting mechanism such that the mechanism moves both upwardly from the armored compartment to disengage the driving and driven members as well as outward for maintenance purposes. To return the cash-accepting mechanism to its operating position, it is moved both inward and downward to re-engage the driving and driven members. This is done through some combination of sliders, rollers, or other mechanisms. The transport unit in the chamber may have a separate motor or other moving unit. Transport 108 of Fig. 2, moving the sheets in a substantially vertical direction through the cash receiving aperture, is in operative communication with a horizontal transport 114 which engages the sheets as they enter the compartment and moves them transversely from the cash receiving aperture. The horizontally extending transport unit 114 is in operative communication with the vertically extending transport unit 116 which is transverse to the cash receiving opening in the armored chamber.

Vertical transport 116 selectively advances sheets to engage the sheet handling mechanisms 118, 120, 122, and 124, which are, for example, sheet-to-file mechanisms such as in Figs. 5 and 6. In other embodiments, one or more sheet handling mechanisms. may include sheet receiving and dispensing mechanisms that selectively receive sheets for storage and dispense sheets from the storage location.

Figure 4 shows a sheet handling mechanism 118 that receives and collapses sheets that selectively receives sheet 126 as it advances in vertical transport 116. Sheet 126 is guided to engage the sheet handling mechanism 118 by movement of gate 128 that moves by operation of the controller. 64 and guides the leading edge of the sheet 126 into the recess 130 of the rotating member 132. As the leading edge of the sheet 126 enters the recess 130, the pivot member 132 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow R. This causes the clamp portion 134 defining the recess 130 to move inward to grasp the sheet 126. The rotating member 132 rotates until the leading edge of the sheet 126 engages the boundary surface 136, when the clamp portion 134 moves radially outward such that the sheet is disengaged from the rotating member 132 and inserted into a stack of 138 sheets. The file 138 is, for example, a bundle of banknotes of the same denomination or is a collection of other types of sheets.

The file rests against the pivot member by a deflection plate 140 that presses against the back of the file. The deflector plate 140 moves by the biasing mechanism 142 which allows the file to be enlarged or reduced while maintaining a substantially aligned position of the sheets.

Figure 5 illustrates exemplary operation of the sheet handling mechanisms 118 and 120. Sheet 142 as it moves through transport 116 passes pivot 132 as gate 128 remains retracted as the sheet passes. This allows the sheet to be advanced to successive sheet handling mechanisms, such as the 120-sheet mechanism. This arrangement allows sheets having certain features to be stored together, for example valid banknotes of different denominations, which are collected in the form of a folded stack in selected areas. In other embodiments, sheets of a similar type, such as checks, are, for example, separated from other financial sheets, such as bank notes or traveller's checks, or sheets that are to be reused, such as banknotes, are separated from important but used or soiled sheets. banknotes that are not suitable for handing over to customers.

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In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the securing plate 144 extends within the armor compartment between the horizontal transport unit 114 and the bill holding mechanism, e.g., in a storage area 146 associated with the sheet handling mechanism 118. A security plate 144 is mounted within the armored compartment and arranged to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access through the cash receiving aperture 102 in the compartment. This is achieved by attaching the securing plate 144 to the walls surrounding the inside of the armor compartment or to other structures. Since in this embodiment the upper housing portion 54 houses the sheet receiving mechanism 80, it is generally easier to access the area where the sheet receiving mechanism is located than to the armor compartment. In cases where criminals attempt to break into the ATM 10 and attempt to remove the sheet receiving mechanism, direct access through the cash receiving aperture is first blocked by the driving and driven members, and then by other components of the transport units 106 and 108. However, should criminals attempt to expose access and move away parts of the transport mechanism, access to the stored sheets in the sheet holding mechanisms would still be blocked by the locking plate.

Figure 11 shows the cash accepting mechanism 180 in more detail retracted into the maintenance position so as to expose the cash acceptor opening. The cash receiving mechanism is movably mounted in a support connection with the compartment on guides or other members. The security plate 144 separates the cash receiving opening 102 from banknotes or other valuable financial sheets that are stored beneath the security plate in the interior of the armor compartment.

Figure 20 shows an automated teller machine including a bulk bulk storage container 260 shown in Figure 20 for holding banknotes, checks, or other items deposited with the machine. The container 260 has a top wall 262 with an opening 264 which corresponds to an opening 102 in the chamber when the container 260 is in the operating position. The container 260 includes a transport 266 that transports items passing through the opening 264 to the interior region 268 of the container. The horizontal transport 270 moves these items transversely from the opening 264. The securing plate 272 reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the interior area 268. Another transport 274 moves the items, such as banknote 276, to the appropriate location for transfer to the inner area 268 below the security plate. The deposited items 278 are stored in this inner region of the container 260.

The container 260 has a bottom wall 280. The interior area 268 is delimited by a shaker 282 that is positioned vertically above the bottom wall 280. Shaker 282 has a resilient, flexible diaphragm 284. A rigid plate 286 extends underneath the center portion of the diaphragm 284. Flexible supports 288 support the rigid plate 286 above the bottom wall 280 and allow the rigid plate 286 and diaphragm 284 to move relative to the bottom wall 280. The rigid supports 288 may include springs or other elements that allow relative vertical and / or horizontal movement of the bottom wall 280 and the rigid plate 286.

The actuator 290 extends between the bottom wall and the rigid plate and is an electric vibration device that shakes the rigid plate and the diaphragm thereon which causes the deposit items 278 to vibrate that are supported by the diaphragm. This facilitates the dispersion and arrangement of the deposited items, and also allows relatively more such items to be accommodated in the inner area 268 before having to be removed. The actuator 290 is electrically connected to the circuitry within the device via a releasable connector 292 which facilitates removal of the container. Furthermore, signals and / or electrical power are supplied to the transport assemblies inside the container via the connector.

In operation, the interior area 268 of the container 260 is in operative communication with an opening 38 in the device housing through which deposit items are received. They are advanced by a cash receiving or other handling mechanism through an opening 102 located at the top of the compartment. The items are transported by the transport units 266, 270 and 274 to the area below the securing plate 272 and collected in the inner area 268. At intervals, as a result of the operation of the controller 64, the actuator 290 begins to vibrate the deposited items 278.

PL 215 224 B1 in the inner area. This makes it easier to organize items in order to effectively pack them inside. Sensors 294 are provided in the interior area to detect deposited items. The controller 64 causes the actuator to shake the deposited items in response to a level sensor detecting such items. Alternatively, the controller 64 causes the deposited items to be shaken after a specified period of time, after a specified number of items has been deposited, or based on other programming data. Sensors 294 are in operative communication with the controller via a disconnectable connector 292.

The container 260 is removably mounted inside the armor compartment and is supported on pivoting supports 296, which are, for example, caster wheels, wheels, bearings, or other types of means allowing the container to be easily moved when loaded. After the armored chamber is opened, the container 260 can be removed from the chamber. This makes it easier for the operator to catch the handle 298 attached to the container 260. The connector 292 is detachable so that the container 260 can be pulled out of the armor compartment.

Figure. 21 shows the handle 298, which is a telescopic handle that can be slid upward once the handle has emerged from the armor compartment. This facilitates the movement of the container outside the ATM device. The container can then be moved by the handle to a location remote from the ATM to remove its contents, for example, inside a vault or other secure room that handles items inside the container.

In Figure 21, the container 260 has a door 300 and access to the door 300 is controlled by one or more interlocks 302. The door 300 is shown hinged sideways towards the chamber door to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the interior of the container. when this container is inside the machine. Once the container has been moved to the correct position, the lock 203 can be released and the door opened so that the deposited items can be removed. After the deposited items have been removed, door 300 can be moved back to the closed position. The container can then be reinstalled in the device with the handle 298 retracted to allow the container to align with the opening 102. Moreover, the releasable link 292 can be reconnected to restore operation of the container within the device.

The container 260 can store a large number of deposited items. Moreover, its design including the swivel brackets and the telescopic handle facilitates the movement of the loaded container from the ATM device to the ATM device. Other containers include multiple internal areas in which deposited items are supported on shaker components. For example, it is possible to obtain separation of deposited banknotes, checks and / or envelopes according to the denomination or type of deposited item, and also to obtain a denser packing within a specific compartment of the container. Shakers are provided, for example, on the side walls or on the upper walls delimiting the container to facilitate shaking of the deposited items and their packing and storage. The containers are used, for example, in conjunction with sheet handling mechanisms such that certain sheets are stored neatly positioned in the containers for folding and / or reuse, and other sheets are bulk stored loosely inside the container or container compartment.

Figures 7 to 10 show schematically a gripping mechanism 86 used in the cash receiving mechanism 80. A bundle of 84 sheets is positioned in the chute 82 in support connection with the angled bottom surface 148. The actuating members 150 and 152 engage the bundle and selectively rotate under the action of a motor or other mechanism in the direction of the arrow P to move the bundle to contact with it. engaging surface 154. Adjacent the engaging surface 154 and adjacent the lower surface 148 is an idler roller 156 which rotates substantially freely. Engagement of the file 84 to the engaging surface 154 and the roller surface 156 separates the sheets.

Gripping mechanism 86 further includes a generally cylindrical gripping member 158 that is selectively rotated by a motor or other driver as a result of the control 64. Gripping member 158 during a gripping operation pivots in the direction indicated by arrow P. Gripping member 158 further includes arcuate arcs. frictional portions 160 which serve as sheet engaging portions and extend around a portion of the periphery of the gripping member.

PL 215 224 B1

The picking mechanism 86 further includes a plurality of rollers 162 serving as non-contact picking rollers in a manner to be discussed later. The gripping mechanism 86 further includes a contact collecting roller 164 that deflects the frictional portions 160 forming part of the gripping member 86.

Figure 8 shows a gripping member that is a substantially cylindrical member having a plurality of annular recesses 166. The outer surface of non-contact collecting rollers 162 extends in their associated annular recess 166 and is slightly spaced from the base of the annular recess 166. As a result, the outer surface of the non-contact collecting rollers 162 serving as the first collecting portion is not in direct engagement with the collecting member. However, since the surface of such rollers is located in close proximity to it and substantially allows only one sheet to pass between the gripping member and the non-contact collecting rollers, separation of a single sheet from other sheets is achieved. Although in this embodiment the non-contact collecting rollers are spaced from the gripping member, in other embodiments such rollers or other collecting members are in fact in contact with the gripping member and may have resilience or other properties such that the rollers will not be be in the deflection contact and gathering engagement as in the case of the contact pick-up roller 164.

In Fig. 8, the contact pickup roller is biased to engage the central sheet engaging portion 168 in the picking member. The central sheet engaging portion is substantially centered with the sheets that are advanced by the gripping mechanism 86. This reduces the tendency of the sheets to twist or warp as they are advanced in the gripping mechanism.

Figures 9 and 10 explain the operation of an exemplary pick mechanism 86 that separates sheets one at a time from a file 84 by sequentially gripping the first sheet 170 that delimits the lower end of the file while advancing the first sheet in a first direction indicated by arrow F, thereby moving the sheet away. from the file. To do so, the controller 64 causes motors or other actuators to operate that cause the actuating members 150 and 152 to rotate as the gripping mechanism 168 similarly rotates counterclockwise as shown. The rotation of the gripping member causes the arcuate frictional portions 160, serving as sheet engaging portions, to engage the lower surface of the first sheet and pull the sheet between the gripping member and the non-contact take-up rollers 162. As the first sheet is advanced, the idler roller 165 rotates. to facilitate the advancement of the first sheet between the gripping member and the non-contact collecting rollers.

These non-contact take-up rolls 162 are in operative engagement with the one-way clutch 172 such that the first pick-up roll remains stationary when the first sheet engages it and moves in the direction of arrow F. Since the drag force exerted by the non-contact take-up rollers 162 against the surface of the sheet engaged therewith is less than the actuating force on the opposite side of the sheet, the first sheet 170 is moved to an intermediate position between the gripping member and the non-contact pick-up rollers. This causes the sheet to assume a corrugated cross-sectional configuration as shown in Figure 10. This is caused by deformation of the sheet by the non-contact collecting rollers in the annular recesses 166 of the gripping member. This corrugated cross-sectional configuration acts in conjunction with the opposing force with which the non-contact pick-up rolls act to separate the first sheet from the rest of the sheets which may move away from the stack with it.

As the first sheet 170 continues to move in the direction indicated by arrow F as shown in Fig. 9, the leading edge of the sheet is then engaged with a contact collecting roller 164 that is biased to engage the sheet engaging portions of the gripping member. The pick-up contact roller also works in conjunction with the one-way clutch 174 such that the contact pick-up roller remains stationary when the first sheet moves in the direction indicated by arrow F. The engagement of the contact pick-up roller and the first sheet causes the contact pick-up roller to move so that it allows movement of the ear sheets 170 between the contact pickup roller and the central sheet engaging portion 168. The drag force of the non-contact take-up roller essentially acts to isolate all sheets other than the first sheet 170 from movement in the direction indicated by arrow F.

PL 215 224 B1

In Fig. 9, sensor 176 is positioned near the contact pick roller and detects the presence of double sheets that may have passed the non-contact and contact pick rollers. After a double sheet is detected, the device driver may make additional attempts to collect the sheet as discussed below. However, if only a single sheet is detected, the gripping member 158 continues to move counterclockwise until the leading edge of the sheet reaches the receiving rollers 178 that engage the sheet and move the sheet in the cash-receiving mechanism. the direction of the validation team. One rotation of the gripping member separates one sheet from the file.

If the sensor 176 detects that the double sheet or multiple sheets have successfully passed the contact and non-contact collection rollers, the controller stops movement of the gripping member 158 in the counterclockwise direction, as indicated, before causing the first sheet 170 to be decoupled from it. reverses the direction of the gripping member 158 and the actuating members 150 and 152 such that the first sheet moves back into the stack. Through the operation of the one-way clutches 172 and 174, the contact pick roller 164 and the non-contact pick rollers 162 can rotate counterclockwise as shown to facilitate return of the sheets to the stack. Then, the controller may cause the picking mechanism 86 to operate to pick up a single note again. These attempts are repeated until a single sheet is separated from the file and can be handled by the cash accepting mechanism.

The gripping mechanism 86 is well suited to separating various types of financial sheets having various properties. Generally, sheets, such as new banknotes or other types of sheets having substantially constant stiffness and frictional properties of the different sheets, are separated by the action of the gripping mechanism and the non-contact collecting rollers. However, in situations where stiffness and frictional properties can vary significantly from sheet to sheet, the contact pick-up roller, which then engages the sheets after being engaged by the non-contact pick-up rollers, effectively separates sheets that would not otherwise be separated. This can be particularly helpful, for example, when handling banknote sheets that may contain pieces of paper or plastic, checks or other documents that have different properties, and which are mixed together into a file from which the sheets will have to be separated one at a time. .

While this embodiment of the invention employs gripping rollers and cylindrical members, other gripping and collecting structures such as belts, plates, fingers, etc. are used in other embodiments.

For example, the cash dispenser 10 is a wall-mounted device in which the console is exposed to the weather. As a result, rain and snow have an impact on this console, and in the absence of preventive measures, they can also get inside the device. The cash receiving aperture 40 in the console must be large enough to accommodate a chute 82 that receives a stack of documents 84. During the transaction, when an authorized user indicates that he wishes to insert a bundle of sheets into the chute, gate 44 must be open which exposes the chute to the weather.

Figures 17 to 19 show that in order to minimize the risk of rain and snow entering the cash accepting mechanism 80, moisture that may enter the gutter must be captured and led away from the device. In Fig. 17, the lower surface of the chute 148 has at least one water receiving opening 180 that includes one or more trays extending transversely through the lower surface of the sheet. The fluid receiving openings are connected to a fluid conduit 182 that communicates with drainage tube 184 for guiding water to the exterior of the ATM. In Figures 18 and 19, tray 180 is operatively engaged with a fluid connector 184 that communicates with a flexible conduit 182, such as a tube. Drainage tube 184 has a recess in the lower portion of the console and openings through which water is drained outside of the device housing.

The tube support 186 serves to control the direction of the fluid and provide drainage of the fluid when the cash receiving mechanism is in an operational connection as well as when the cash receiving mechanism is in a maintenance connection as shown in Fig. 12. The tube support minimizes the risk of the fluid conduit getting stuck. deformed or assume a position that prevents drainage of water from inside the gutter to the outside of the device

In this embodiment of the invention, the risk of moisture penetrating into the ATM device is minimized in the area of ​​the cash receiving opening through which the chute 82

The item is in the operating position of the cash receiving mechanism 80. In Figures 18 and 19, a resilient seal 188 extends around the chute 82 in the area adjacent to the console and is supported on the front of the cash receiving mechanism. In fig. 19, when the cash accepting mechanism 80 is positioned such that the chute passes through the console cash receiving opening 40, the resilient seal 188 is laminated fluid tightly between the front plane of the cash accepting mechanism and the inner plane of the console. The seal provided by this gasket extends around the gutter so that the risk of moisture or other contaminants entering the ATM device through the cash receiving opening is minimized.

As discussed in connection with Fig. 2, the cash accepting mechanism 80, as a result of the validation unit 88 and the controller 64, determines at least one characteristic indicating whether financial sheets are acceptable for the device. For example, unacceptable ear sheets are suspect sheets such as potentially counterfeit bills, invalid checks, or other unacceptable documents. When such documents are detected, they are directed to a storage area 100 which is located inside the cash-receiving mechanism and outside the compartment. At certain intervals, these unacceptable sheets must be picked up by service personnel to verify that the sheets are invalid or to trace the sheets of the user who placed them in the machine. Such sheets are removed by authorized persons who gain access to the top of the casing 54 but who may not gain access to the chamber 48 where the sheets identified as valid are stored.

Access to the storage area 100 is limited by an access assembly, for example shown in Fig. 12, which has an opening 190 for the storage area 100. Access to opening 190 is limited by an access door 192 in the form of a drop-down flap. Door 192 is only opened, for example, when the cash receiving mechanism 80 has been moved rearward to slide out of the housing upon opening of door 58. Door 192 is provided with, for example, a lock 194 such as a locking lock or other locking mechanism. In order to access the sheets within the storage area 100, a user would need tools such as keys or the like to release both the lock 62 on the door 58 and the lock 194 on the door 192 to access the sheets. In the illustrated embodiment, the cash receiving mechanism 180 is shown withdrawn from the machine to facilitate door 192 opening and sheet removal, however, in other embodiments, for example, the door is sized, partitioned, or adapted such that the cash receiving mechanism does not need to be withdrawn from its operating position to remove the sheets. accessing the sheets in the storage area 100.

Figure 13 shows yet another solution for accessing sheets in the storage area 100. An opening 196 is located in the storage area 100 to allow access to sheets therein. Access through opening 196 leads to sliding door 198 that slide along the direction indicated by arrow S in opposing guides, slots, or other door retaining and guiding structures in support connection with the cash receiving mechanism. Door 198 may include a locking mechanism 200, which may be a key, combination, or other locking mechanism ensuring that only authorized personnel can access documents within the storage area. As shown in Figure 13, door 198 is unlocked and opened without the need to retract the cash receiving mechanism. In certain example embodiments of this invention, this may help speed up maintenance work and the removal of invalid sheets from the machine.

Figure 14 shows yet another embodiment of the invention for accessing sheets in the storage area 100. An opening 202 is provided in the rear face of the cash receiving mechanism 80. Access to the opening 202 is limited by a door 204 which is a sliding door adapted to be selectively displaced in guides, slots, or the like. A locking mechanism 206 is provided to ensure that only authorized maintenance personnel will have access to the door. In the embodiment of the invention, shown in Fig. 14, a transport 208 is provided to advance sheets in the storage area 100 towards service personnel through the opening 202. The transport 208 operates in response to impulses delivered to the storage area.

The entry of the entrance units by service personnel or operates automatically in response to the opening of the door 204.

In some embodiments, suspect banknotes or other documents are correlated with specific transactions performed at the device and / or with specific users of the device through the operation of the validation unit and driver. For example, the suspicious documents in the storage area are arranged in a specific manner and the controller provides one or more outputs, such as via a screen or printer, indicating transactions and / or users corresponding to the suspect sheets. The cash accepting mechanism may be required to be in operational communication with a printer that prints identification information for the transaction and / or user on each of the suspect sheets, including visible and invisible indicators. For example, the indicators are removable and the removable labels or indicators can be washed off or otherwise removed or neutralized. In another embodiment, the characteristic determined by the validation team is such that the data is sufficiently detailed and creates a unique electronic profile for each suspect sheet. These data are, for example, stored in the device on a data carrier due to the operation of the controller or stored elsewhere. Such sheet identification data is, for example, later used by a handler or other persons removing or analyzing suspect sheets to correlate each sheet with the transaction and / or user who delivered the sheet to the device. This may be accomplished by setting the device driver to run mode to perform such analysis and feeding each suspect sheet via the cash accepting mechanism. The controller then correlates the collected transaction and / or user data with stored data that identifies the sheet individually. This information is then provided to the user of the sheet receiving device. Alternatively, such analysis is performed by sending data from the device along with suspect sheets and performing the analysis with another validation team.

In this embodiment of the cash receiving mechanism 80, it is desirable to keep the internal components of the mechanism insulated and sealed except where access is required for maintenance or servicing. While the position of the cash receiving mechanism according to this embodiment, intermediate between the vertically extending wall of the substantially L-shaped compartment and the wall of the housing improves security, it is also a maintenance problem for the machine. While the ability to slide the cash-accepting mechanism rearward through the maintenance port in an automated teller machine facilitates handling, problems remain with the need to remove cover plates and the like. Moreover, there is always a risk that the covering plates, once removed, will not be replaced, with the result that contaminants can enter the cash-accepting mechanism and cause malfunction or failure.

In order to reduce the risk that maintenance workers fail to replace the maintenance plates, the invention minimizes the risk that the maintenance plates are removed and then not replaced.

Figure 15 shows that the side maintenance plate 210 is hinged in support connection to the cash receiving mechanism. This allows the maintenance plate 210 to be opened when the cash-receiving mechanism has been moved rearward from the device, and easy access to items within the device. In addition, the front maintenance plate 212 is hinged close to the front of the cash accepting mechanism and allows access to items accessible through the front opening of the cash accepting mechanism.

Due to the hinged nature of the maintenance plates 210 and 212, these plates are easy to open. However, hinged mounting makes it difficult for maintenance personnel to completely remove the plates from the unit. Moreover, the cash accepting mechanism cannot be returned to service without the maintenance plates 210 and 212 being closed. Latching mechanisms or other holding assemblies are used to secure when the maintenance plates are returned to their closed position and will remain there until they need to be opened for subsequent servicing.

Figure 16 illustrates the use of maintenance plates on the cash-accepting mechanism 80, keeping internal components secure while ensuring that they are

They are easily removable for servicing or maintenance. In Fig. 16, maintenance plates 214 and 216 are installed to move in the direction indicated by the arrows. The maintenance plates 214 and 216 are mounted in channels, slots, or other structures on the cash-accepting mechanism to guide and hold the plates in place. An advantageous feature of the maintenance plates shown in Fig. 16, in that the cash receiving mechanism 80 need not be removed from the operative position in order to open the interior of the mechanism by sliding the maintenance plate. In fact, maintenance plate 214 may be fully removable and expose the components of the cash-accepting mechanism without the mechanism having to be moved from the operating position. Maintenance plate 216, which has a front face supporting a resilient gasket, is much easier removed by displacing the gasket relative to the gutter. The ability to remove maintenance plates can be particularly useful in situations where the operator must observe the cash receiving mechanism while it is operating in order to diagnose its condition and remedy the occurrence of problems.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, it is desirable to include assemblies to ensure that maintenance plates 214 and 216 are reinstalled on the cash-accepting mechanism upon completion of maintenance procedures. This is done through the use of contact switches, such as a contact switch 218, which detects conditions as the maintenance plates are put back in place. Such contact switches may limit the operation of the cash-accepting mechanism until the plates are in place. For example, an electronic circuit located inside the automated teller machine may provide an alarm or other indication that will disable the operation of the cash-accepting mechanism if the top housing door has been closed and the maintenance plates have not been placed in the operating position.

The exemplary ATM machine 10 also houses a cash dispensing unit 220 via the cash dispensing port 38 located in the console. The cash dispensing unit 220 is schematically shown in Fig. 3 on the upper side of the substantially L-shaped compartment and includes a plurality of banknote storage areas 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 and 232. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, these banknote storage areas are arranged inside the removable cash cassettes which are suitable for storing banknotes and are easily removable from the machine.

Each of the banknote holding areas is in operative communication with a picking mechanism 234, 236, 238, 240, 242 and 244, selectively operated by controller 64 and selectively dispensing banknotes or other sheets from the storage area in response to input signals to the assemblies. input in the user interface. For example, the gripping mechanisms are similar to the gripping mechanism 86 used to separate sheets from a stack in the cash receiving mechanism 80.

Vertically extending transport 246 is in operative communication with the gripping mechanisms and feeding mechanism 248. In operation, the dispensing mechanism receives the sheets dispensed by the gripping mechanisms and advances the sheets up through transport 246 to collect the sheets into a stack 250. After the desired sheets have been collected, the feeding mechanism advances the stack 250 towards the cash dispensing opening 38 and the controller opens the cash dispensing gate 42. This allows the sheet file to be released to the user of the machine.

The cash dispensing unit 220 has been described as dispensing banknotes of various denominations, although in other embodiments the mechanism may dispense other types of sheets, such as traveller's checks, stamps, vouchers, receipts, gift certificates, or the like. Moreover, in some embodiments, the automated teller machine issues a combination of both banknotes and other documents as the user may request.

During operation of the automated teller machine 10, the user operating the machine provides inputs via input devices to identify the user's account. This may include, for example, providing a card and / or alphanumeric data via input assemblies that are, for example, correlated by driver operation at the device and / or interaction with a remote computer to define a user's financial account. The controller causes the output units of the device to operate to instruct the user to enter inputs and select a specific type of transaction or enter

Other input signals. In situations where the user wishes to perform a cash-taking transaction, the ATM machine operates by the operation of the controller 64 which opens the gate 44 to the chute 82, which allows the user to deliver a stack of notes or other documents to the interior of the machine.

In response to a user inputting a file of documents 84 and / or in response to inputs entered by that user, the cash receiving mechanism 80 retrieves documents from the file by operation of the gripping mechanism 86 and determines at least one characteristic of each document by the operation of a validation device 88. . The identified characteristics of the documents may cause important or admissible documents to be routed, through the operation of steering unit 92, to the treasury unit 94, where they may be stored periodically. Also, the controller may cause steering assembly 92 to operate to direct suspicious documents, such as invalid documents or possibly counterfeit notes, to the transport 86 and the storage area 100.

Once the documents have passed the validation unit, the controller communicates to the user the acknowledgments regarding the documents through outputs sent via one or more output units. The user may be offered the option of picking up valid or invalid documents, or both, by the treasury unit delivering documents to the same or different transport units, with the result that, for example, the documents are returned to the gutter or to another area in the machine that is available to the user. Likewise, if optional solutions are proposed, invalid documents are e.g. redirected back to the user.

During an exemplary transaction, if documents identified as valid are e.g. stored inside the device, the controller acts in response to input received from the user and / or in accordance with the program to cause the documents to be issued by the vault 94. These documents are routed by guide assembly 92 through the cash receiving aperture 102 in the chamber where they are transported and stored in the sheet handling mechanisms or bulk storage container. The user's account is credited for deposited valid documents and information is gathered regarding any invalid sheets provided by the user, so that if these sheets are later determined to be valid, the user can be credited or contacted to identify the source of the invalid sheets.

The user of the ATM 10 may also conduct cash withdrawals either during the same session as the cash accepting transaction or as part of a separate session. During such a transaction, the user introduces input signals to the input assemblies that are capable of identifying one or more of that user's accounts and / or other input identification signals. In response to commands sent via the output units, the user enters inputs indicating that he wishes to conduct a transaction involving the dispensing of banknotes or other types of sheets for a given amount / quantity, type or nature of sheets requested by the user.

In response to user input, controller 64 causes the cash dispensing unit 220 and the gripping mechanisms therein to deliver the desired sheets to the feed mechanism 248, which collects the desired sheets into a stack 250. Once the sheets have been collected, they are shifted out to the outside. user after opening the gate mechanism. The driver then debits the user's account with the value of the cash or other sheets spent.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, checks are imaged and validated. Using the appropriate mechanisms, the machine has the ability to cancel a check or destroy a check, eliminating the risk that the check could later be stolen and used fraudulently. In addition, the device generates bank checks, traveller's checks, tickets or other documents using appropriate mechanisms. In other embodiments of the invention, the device performs functions used by merchants such as accepting deposit bags, dispensing coin packs, or the like.

The device includes, for example, light emitting units 17, 31, 41, 43, and 45 that are located in areas of the user interface at locations associated with transaction function units. For example, the light emitting unit 31 is associated with the receipt printer 30, and the light emitting unit 17 is associated with the card reader 16. Broadcasting bands

The light is in operative communication with one or more controllers in the device and emit light of the selected color at predetermined times during the transaction, due to the operation of a transaction functional unit located in the ATM device to which the light emitting unit is assigned. The light emitting devices, for example, include an array of light emitting diodes of different colors embedded in a flexible array.

Figure 22 shows one light emitting device 31, all the light emitting devices are alike. The light emitting assembly 31 includes an array of light emitting diodes 304 connected in an array on a flexible substrate such as polyamide foil and includes a flexible connector 306 that terminates at an electrical connector 308 that is detachably connected to a power supply or other electrical system on the ground. a device that is also operatively connected to one or more controllers to control the light emitting device.

Figure 23 shows a light emitting device that includes light emitting diodes of three different colors, red R, green G, and yellow Y. The light emitting diodes are arranged in an arrangement in which light emitting diodes of only one color are arranged vertically along one line of the light emitting device. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, line 310 includes a line of vertically oriented red light emitting diodes. Line 312 is a line of only green LED's and line 314 is only of yellow LED's. The lines are repeated and there are five vertical lines of light emitting diodes of each color. In other embodiments, other arrangements are used, such as horizontal alignment or different arrays of light emitting diodes.

Figure 24 shows that the light emitting diodes are electrically connected, for example in series, and the electrical connections in a flexible arrangement make it possible to arrange vertically aligned pairs of light emitting diodes of one color.

Figure 25 shows the light emitting assemblies supported by a flexible ribbon that is thin and approximately 1.20 mm thick to facilitate positioning of the light emitting assemblies on a user interface. The light emitting diodes 316 and 318 are mounted on a base layer 320 containing an array on a flexible substrate. An outer layer 322, which includes a polyester layer, is applied over the light emitting diodes. Spacer 324 extends between the base layer and the outer layer and a plurality of such spacers may be used as shown in Figure 23. Spacers 324 are positioned outwardly of the light-emitting diodes and have openings 326 for housing the light emitting assemblies in the device. for example, by means of through-out pins, dowels or fastening assemblies. The release liner includes a backing adhesive layer 328 that allows the light emitting assembly to be affixed to a selected area within the device. The adhesive layer is initially exposed to affix the light emitting assembly by removing the release adhesive layer 330 as shown in Fig. 25.

The light emitting assemblies are attached to the components of the device to which they have been assigned, for example by providing a modular structure for the transactional functional units located inside the device and by attaching the light emitting device to the associated module. Fig. 18 shows, for example, the cash receiving unit 80 arranged as a modular unit for handling sheets that are received at the machine. The associated light emitting device 41 is mounted in support connection with this module. The adjacent console area of ​​the device provides an opening through which the light emitting device is visible when in the operating position. The console of the device is made of a transparent or translucent material separating the light emitting unit from the surroundings of the device. In other embodiments of the invention, the light emitting devices are disposed exposed on the exterior of the device. Fixing the light emitting units directly to the modular components of the device facilitates installation and maintenance of the device. By placing the light emitting unit directly on the functional module of the transaction unit to which it is assigned, the wiring and the number of connectors needed for connection and maintenance are reduced.

The colored light emitting assemblies are operable to be controlled by one or more controllers resided in the device. Each light emitting device emits light of a selected color and / or in a selected manner in response to the operational state of its associated functional transaction unit. The devices are selectively programmable to emit light of a specific color in response to a given operating state. For example, a light emitting device adjacent to a card reader emits green light when the reader is ready to receive a card from the user, and then turns yellow when the card is accepted. Different colors of light may flash or alternate to signal the states of the assembly. Moreover, for example, in the event of a malfunction, such as an attempt by a user to incorrectly insert the card into the card reader, the controller is programmed to cause the associated emitting unit to emit a red light or flash a light of a given color to indicate to the user that performed an invalid operation. Similarly, if the transaction function block is malfunctioning or not available, a red light is emitted.

For example, the controller is programmed to actuate the light sending units to guide the user during operation of the device, which includes, for example, sending or flashing a light of a certain color, indicating that a certain action is required by the user at a specific location in the device. For example, at a specific point in time during the transaction, the driver causes an indication to the customer to receive a receipt. When the device provides the receipt, the controller causes the light sending unit 31 associated with the delivery of the receipts to illuminate, flash or otherwise indicate to the user an action that the user must perform in the area of ​​the receipt delivery slot.

For example, the controller is programmed to operate the light-emitting units selectively, discontinuously and for a certain period of time, depending on the state of the associated units. For example, if the user inputs signals to request a cash disbursement transaction, the light sending unit 43 located adjacent to the cash dispensing port will illuminate yellow, for example, when the device is operating internally and advances banknotes towards the cash dispensing port. Then, as the banknotes are pushed through the aperture and fed to the user, the controller causes the light emitted to turn green. In addition, the driver may cause the green light to flash to alert the user to the fact that the money is waiting to be picked up. Moreover, if the user has not picked up the money after a certain period of time and the device is programmed to withdraw it inside, the controller may cause the light emitted by the light sending unit to flash, or it may cause the light of a different color to flash alternately to get the user's attention before withdrawing the money. to the device.

In other embodiments of the invention, the colors of the light emitted by the light sending units are programmed selectively according to aesthetic considerations. For example, if the device operating the device has a certain commercial artwork having certain colors, the controller is programmed such that its light emitting devices are color-matched to that artwork. Thus, for example, if the commercial color of the unit is green, the device uses green light emitting diodes as guide indicators to indicate to the user how to operate the device. Similarly, if the device operating unit uses yellow as part of the commercial colors, the controller is programmed to activate the yellow light emitting diodes in the light sending units as guide indicators.

The light emitting units are, for example, arranged such that only one color can be displayed by a given unit at a time, and in other embodiments, for example, light emitting diodes of multiple colors are fired simultaneously. In such arrangements, primary color LEDs are arranged such that certain ranges of shades are obtained by combining colors, for example by actuating multiple light sources simultaneously, and / or varying the intensity of these sources as a result of the operation of a controller to obtain multiple colors. This applies, for example, to the use of a gradual change of shades in the light sending unit, according to the state of the associated functional transaction unit. For example, sending the user an indication of the completion status of a certain task.

In this embodiment of the automated teller machine 10, the condition is to facilitate the operation of the machine by a user and also to minimize the risk that the user is being observed by others or may be performing incorrect operations. Such undesirable activities may include, for example, the observation of unauthorized persons entering a PIN or other data by the user.

Figure 26 shows that the console 12 includes a recessed area 332 that houses the display, function buttons, card reader, and receipt outlet. This recessed area 332 is illuminated by a light source 334 which provides illumination in a substantially downward direction of the target

To allow the user to easily locate the location of the input and output assemblies on the device console.

The console 12 has a top plate 336 that is disposed substantially above the light source 334, and the user interface of the device. In Fig. 26, top plate 336 includes a pair of convex mirrors 338, 340 that are horizontally aligned and disposed on opposite sides of the user interface.

Figure 27 shows that a user 342 serving an ATM machine 10 has a body facing the user interface of the machine so that the user can view the area 343 behind him through the convex mirrors. The user can do this by looking at mirrors 338 and 340 located to the right and left respectively of him and observing what is happening behind him and in a direction transverse to the area immediately behind him, which makes it possible to determine whether one or more people are present. nearby, and whether these persons are attempting to observe the input of signals by the user into the ATM. When the ATM is operated in an outdoor environment, an illumination source may be provided in area 343 to aid the user in observing the persons present there.

Other mirrors or observation systems are also applicable, and maintaining the transparency of the mirrors to reduce the risk that the user's ability to observe the environment will be impaired, for example by means of automatic units that wipe the mirrors at certain intervals, such as external or internal wiper units. . In another embodiment, the convex mirrors are part of a pivoting member that is periodically rotated inside the console to expose a new outer surface. For example, the cleaning units inside the console rub debris from the mirror surface as it passes inside, and further rotation reveals a clean mirror surface to the user.