Cash dispensing automated banking machine with user interface illumination devices

The present invention relates to an automated banking machine, in particular a cash dispensing unit therein, capable of receiving sheets of financial items such as banknotes or checks, and other documents from users. The invention also relates to an automated banking machine that issues financial document sheets to users of the machine, and to improved user interfaces of such automated banking machines.

Automated banking machines are known for use by customers as automatic ATM machines for carrying out banking transactions such as issuing cash, placing deposits, transferring funds between accounts, and preparing balance sheets of accounts. The types of these banking transactions are determined by the capabilities of the specific device and the software that runs that device.

Automated banking machines for traders are known for use in carrying out commercial transactions, for example accepting deposit bags, checks or other financial items, dispensing coin packs, or for carrying out other transactions required by traders. Automatic banking machines are also known for use by service providers in a transaction environment such as a bank, for example for counting and storing cash notes or other sheets of financial items, for issuing banknotes or other sheets, for displaying checks or other financial items. and for other types of service provider's transactions. Generally, an automated banking machine is understood to be used to carry out transactions related to the transfer of a certain value, for example banknotes, checks or other documents representing a value. Financial item worksheets have different properties depending on the journal instance. For example, the sheets are new and stiff and others are worn and damaged, made of paper or plastic. It is therefore important to separate a single sheet from a file quickly and reliably, especially in situations where the sheets have different properties.

Automated banking machines are often located in unattended locations and require security features to prevent criminals from breaking into the machine and accessing valuable financial item sheets. These devices are operated in various weather conditions, such as rain or snow, which through openings can reach the delicate mechanisms inside the device. There are occasions when equipment must be shut down for maintenance or repair, which must be done as efficiently as possible by allowing authorized service personnel to easily access the interior of the equipment, while minimizing the risk of access by criminals.

For example, US Pat. No. 5,850,075 discloses automatic banking machines which include receipt printers. These devices include a validation unit as shown, for example, in US Patent Nos. 5,923,415 and 6,554,185. These devices include a storage unit as shown, for example, in US Patent No. 6,371,368. Devices containing sensors are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,241,244 and 6,242,733.

In the device according to the invention, a first colored light emitting device among a plurality of assemblies comprising a first, second, third, third, fourth, and fifth colored light emitting device visible on the user interface are operatively connected to the at least one controller, said the first light emitting unit is disposed adjacent to a first location associated with at least the first functional transaction unit, the and the plurality of colored light emitting devices are coupled to at least one controller and include at least a first emitting device and a second emitting device, the first emitting device and the second emitting device selectively operating to emit at least three different colors, the first emitting device is visibly positioned at the position of the first user interface associated with the first functional set of transactions, and the second issuing unit is visibly positioned at a second user interface position associated with the second functional transaction unit, the second user interface position being remote from the first user interface position, and the at least one controller controls the automatic device. carrying out banking transactions so that it carries out banking transactions, involving both the first and second functional series of transactions, wherein during the banking transaction step involving the first functional series of transactions, the at least one controller causes the first issuing team to emit at least two different colors, and during the banking transaction step involving the second functional bank, transaction team, at least one driver causes the second emitting device to emit at least two different colors.

Preferably, at least one controller controls the first emitting device such that the first emitting device emits different colors of light during the transaction step involving the first functional transaction set.

Preferably, the controller controls the first emitting unit for the lighting intermittently at varying intervals during the transaction step involving the first functional unit of transactions.

Preferably, at least one color output of one of the plurality of light emitting units is displayed with a combination of colors.

Preferably, one of the plurality of emitting devices emits red, yellow and green.

Preferably, the controller controls the emission by the first emitting device of green light when a transaction step performed by the controller accepts an action by the user at the first user interface location.

Preferably, the controller controls the emission of red light by the first emitting device in response to non-operation of the first functional transaction device.

Preferably, the first light emitting unit changes light from yellow to green and vice versa during normal operation of the first functional transaction unit during the execution of a transaction.

Preferably, at least one of the plurality of light emitting assemblies includes an array of light emitting diodes.

Preferably, the light diode array comprises a first row of a plurality of aligned light diodes of only one color.

Preferably, this first row comprises a plurality of vertically aligned light emitting diodes of only one color.

Preferably, at least one of the plurality of light emitting devices includes a plurality of first rows, each row includes a plurality of vertically aligned light emitting diodes of only one color.

Preferably, at least one of the plurality of light emitting devices includes a plurality of second rows and each second row includes a plurality of vertically aligned light emitting diodes of one other color only.

Preferably, at least one of the plurality of light emitting assemblies comprises a resilient ribbon.

Preferably, the resilient ribbon comprises light emitting diodes of different colors mounted thereon.

Preferably, the resilient web includes an adhesive layer, and at least one of the plurality of light emitting assemblies is attached to the device by the adhesive layer.

Preferably, the user interface comprises a console, and the first functional transaction unit comprises a first module, the first module being movable relative to the console, and an adhesive layer affixes the first light emitting unit to the first module.

Preferably, the console has an opening, the first emitter being visible through the opening when the first module is in the operational position.

Preferably, the at least one controller is selectively configurable with respect to the at least one color and duration of display by the first emitting device in response to an operating state of the first functional transaction set.

Preferably, the console has a given color of the console, and at least one controller causes one of the plurality of emitting units to display the given color in response to the color of the console.

The device of the invention preferably includes at least one third functional transaction unit operatively connected to the at least one controller, the plurality of light emitting units further including a third unit, the third unit being located near a third user interface location associated with the third unit. transaction function: and the at least one controller executes transactions involving the first, second, and third functional unit transactions, wherein during the transaction step involving the third functional unit

In the transaction, the at least one controller causes the third emitting device to emit separately at least two different colors.

Preferably, the controller controls causing the third emitting device to emit lights of at least three colors.

Preferably, the at least one controller controls the triggering of a change by the second emitting device of the at least one color and duration in response to a certain operating state of the second functional transaction set.

Preferably, the second unit comprises a resilient band for supporting a plurality of light emitting diodes.

Preferably, the second transaction function unit comprises a second module and the second module is selectively moveable relative to the console, the second emitting unit having a support connection and movable with the second module.

The apparatus of the invention preferably has operating means for executing cash dispensing transactions with the cash dispensing unit, and during the cash dispensing transaction the first, second and third transaction function units change operating states, while during the execution of cash issuing transactions, each of the first, second and third units. the emitter sends at least two different colors.

Preferably, at least one controller controls the first, second and third emitting units to change the displayed color in response to the respective states of the first, second and third function transaction sets.

Preferably, the first transaction function unit comprises a card reader.

Preferably, the second transaction function unit includes a cash dispensing mechanism including at least one cash dispensing unit.

Preferably, at least one second transaction function unit includes a cash receiving mechanism, the cash receiving mechanism receiving banknotes from users of the machine.

The device of the invention preferably comprises a chamber connected to the cash receiving mechanism for depositing banknotes received from users of the device in the chamber.

Preferably, the second issuing unit is operatively connected to the cash receiving mechanism.

Preferably, the compartment has an L-shaped cross-section and the cash receiving mechanism has a support connection to the compartment.

Preferably, at least one color displayed by one of the plurality of emitting units is formed by a combination of at least three colors.

In a second embodiment, the device of the invention comprises a first colored light emitting unit of a plurality of colored light emitting units located near the card reader, a fourth of a plurality of colored light emitting units located near the dispensing aperture, at least one driver, at least one driver being placed near the card reader. one cash dispensing mechanism is linked to at least one controller and the at least one controller controls the machine executing a cash dispensing transaction and changing the displayed color between the at least two displayed colors by each of one of the plurality of colored light emitting assemblies and the other of the plurality of color emitting assemblies during the cash dispensing transaction.

Preferably, at least one controller controls the change of the display color by the first colored light emitting device in response to the operating state of the card reader during the cash dispensing transaction.

Preferably, at least one controller controls the display color change of the fourth color light emitting device in response to a change in the operating state of the cash dispensing mechanism during the cash dispensing transaction.

It is an advantage of the invention to provide an automated banking machine with improved financial item sheet handling, weather resistance, security, and machine maintenance features. The invention enhances the handling of financial item sheets and improves security and user handling, and provides simple maintenance access.

The subject of the invention is shown in the following examples in the drawing, in which;

Figure 1 is a front plan view of an ATM console in the automated banking machine of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of elements in the interior of the ATM device of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 - another schematic side view of elements in the interior of the ATM device of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 - a view of the sheet stacking mechanism in files in an ATM device, Fig. 5 - another view of a sheet-to-file mechanism for accumulating multiple types of sheets, Fig. 6 - rear view of an ATM device housing according to the invention, Fig. 7 - a schematic view of a mechanism for separating sheets from a stack of financial item sheets placed inside an ATM machine, Figure 8 - a front plan view of a gripping member coupled to a plurality of non-contact picking rollers and a contact picking roll to separate single sheets from a file, Figure 9 - a schematic view showing the separation of the first sheet from the file by the mechanism of Fig. 7, Fig. 10 - a view showing the undulating configuration imparted to the sheet by the gripping member and non-contact collecting rollers; Fig. 11 - schematic view of the collecting mechanism moved to the maintenance position and revealing the cash take-up opening located in the upper part of the ATM chamber, Fig. 12 - schematic view of the collecting mechanism cash ejected for maintenance, similar to Fig. 11, with the door open for sheet access, Figure 13 is a view of an ATM similar to Figure 12 with a different sheet access mechanism Figure 14 is another view of an ATM similar to Figure 12 showing another Sheet Access Mechanism; Fig. 15 is a schematic view of the cash receiving mechanism with the first maintenance plate open for maintenance; Fig. 16 is a schematic view of the cash receiving mechanism similar to Fig. 15, with the other maintenance plates in the access position, Fig. 17 is a schematic cross-section of a chute for receiving and dispensing sheet files through the machine console having devices for capturing and draining water entering the chute, Fig. 18 - external isometric view of the cash receiving mechanism of Fig. 17, including a tube for draining out the water collected in the gutter, Fig. 19 - schematic view of the sealing system for minimizing the risk of contaminants entering through the aperture in the console of the device through which the chute passes in the operating position of the cash receiving mechanism, fig. 20 - schematic view of another mechanism for receiving and storing sheets of financial items that have been handled by the mechanism Fig. 21 is an isometric view of the financial item storage container of Fig. Fig. 20, shifted outwardly from the device, Fig. 22 is a schematic view of the light emitting device to aid users in using the device, Fig. 23 is an enlarged view of the light emitting device of Fig. 22, Fig. 24 is a schematic view of the light emitting diodes arranged in the light emitting device, Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible ribbon that has diodes in the light emitting device.

Fig. 26 is an isometric view of the console of Fig. 1, in particular of its mirrors for viewing an area in the vicinity of a user while operating the apparatus, and Fig. 27 is a schematic plan view showing the area viewed by a user operating the apparatus.

Figure 1 is a front plan view of an automated banking machine that is an automated ATM machine 10, for example mounted in wall 14 and having a console 12 accessible to users of the machine that are outside wall 14. In some examples, wall 14 is the exterior wall of a building and the ATM device 10 is used in an environment where a user walks up to or drives up to it, or an ATM device is used in an interior environment.

PL 218 327 B1

The ATM device 10 includes a user interface that has input devices for receiving signals entered by users. These input devices include a card reader 16, a keypad 18, function keys 20 and an imaging unit 22, and are used to provide identification signals such as card readable tags, numerical data, or biometric data to identify a user of the device and / or identify its bills. In addition, the exemplary input devices receive input transaction signals that cause the ATM device to perform selected transaction functions. The user interface 15 further has output assemblies that include a display 24, a loudspeaker 26, and a headphone jack 28, and outputs either visual, audible or both signals used to operate the ATM device.

The ATM device 10 further includes other transaction functionalities, including a receipt printer 30 that provides receipts to users of the device.

Figure 2 shows a receipt printer 30 including a paper tray 32 that supplies paper for printing receipts through the printing mechanism 34. The printed receipts are transported to a receipt slot located in the console 12 via the transport 36.

The ATM device 10 includes, on the console of FIG. 1, a cash dispensing port 38 and a cash receiving port 40. Each of these openings is in operational communication with their corresponding transaction function units, and each is associated with a gate mechanism that blocks access through the opening, except when appropriate when transactions are made by authorized users. The cash receiving hole 38 is secured by a gate 42 and the cash receiving hole 40 is secured by a gate 44.

The user interface of the device includes a plurality of colored light emitting assemblies 17, 31, 41, 43 and 45 that are disposed in proximity to a location on the user interface 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. 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 emit light of a specific color in response to the states of the assigned transaction functional unit. Such features are used to guide the user when operating the device, provide indications of unit states, alert the user to specific states, or provide improved aesthetics to the device.

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

Housing 46 has an upper portion 54 connected to the console and in support connection to the chamber 48. The upper portion 54 of the housing is associated with doors 56 and 58, and access to it is controlled by one or more locking mechanisms in operative communication with the door 56. and 58, as shown by the locks 60 and 62. Armored compartment 48 is used to hold sheets of financial items such as cash notes, checks, and other sheets of value. The top portion 54 of the housing is used to accommodate parts of the machine which do not store notes or other financial documents for an extended period of time and which are redeemable for a certain value.

The ATM device 10 of FIG. 2 has at least one controller 64 that includes at least one processor and is in operative communication with at least one data carrier 66 that stores data corresponding to instructions, such as computer programs, configuration parameters, and data relating to completed instructions. transactions and other information used in the operation of the ATM device

10. Computer executable instructions, executed by one or more controllers, occur in and / or are loaded from computer executable instruction storage items, such as hard disks, floppy disks, CDs, programmable read-only memory PROMs, or other items, which the computer reads and executes the instructions.

The controller 64 is in operative connection with a plurality of transaction function units residing within the ATM device and controls their operation in accordance with the given program. The controller 64 is shown schematically in operative connection with transaction units 68, 70 and 72 that include actuators such as motors, cylinder coils, and other devices that cause the components to move. Transaction function units also include sensors, such as radiation sensors, proximity sensors, switches and switches, and other types of sensors that detect objects, states, properties, characteristics, or components within the ATM device and allow the controller to perform functions as programmed. Transaction function assemblies include output assemblies such as sound emitting assemblies and light emitting assemblies. For example, transaction function units include a card reader, display, keyboard, function keys, printer, cash dispensing unit, cash receiving unit, storage mechanisms, and other units previously discussed, and units within the device that operate in response to driver operation.

The controller 64 is also in operative communication with communication units 74 that transmit messages between ATM device 10 and computers in systems that support financial transactions, e.g., communication exchanges with bank-operated systems, credit card networks, automatic clearing houses, and other entities. In Fig. 2, the communication unit 74 in the ATM device 10 provides communication with the financial institution 76 via the network 78.

Figures 2 and 6 show that, in the operational position of ATM device 10, the housing 46 includes a sheet take-up mechanism 80, which is, for example, a cash take-up mechanism. The retrieval mechanism 80 receives the sheets from the user of the device via the opening 40 to analyze each sheet for at least one property or characteristic, and to direct the sheets selectively for storage inside the device housing depending on the results of the analysis. These sheets are cash notes, checks, or other sheets of financial items. The financial item sheets are made of various types of material such as paper, plastics or combinations thereof, and the cash receiving mechanism handles not only cash but also other financial item sheets such as checks, money orders, gift vouchers, vouchers, etc. .

In Figure 2, the cash receiving mechanism 80 includes a chute 82 that extends through an opening 40 in console 15 in the operative position. A user accessible opening to chute 82 is secured by a moveable gate 44 that moves in response to controller 64 and allows authorized users to access chute 82 at appropriate times during the transaction sequence.

During the operation of the machine, users insert a stack of 84 sheets of financial items that contains, for example, cash notes, checks, or other sheets of financial items.

During operation of the cash take-up mechanism, the sheets are individually separated from the file by a picking mechanism 86 to be discussed later in the description. Each intercepted sheet is individually transported from the picking mechanism 86 by a validation unit 88 that determines at least one characteristic of each sheet, for example, determining whether the sheet is a banknote or a check, and if it is a banknote, its denomination and validity. If the document is a check, you can verify that the check is genuine and also check the check marks and the amount. Other validation units are also used, such as imaging units, readers, sensors, and combinations thereof. For example, the sheet retrieval unit images items such as checks and provides data that is stored and transmitted as an electronic image of the check. In these circumstances, the electronic image of the check is posted to remote locations to facilitate review and validation of the check. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic image of the check serves as a substitute for the physical paper check, which allows the paper check to be later canceled and then destroyed.

In this embodiment of the cash take-up mechanism 80, the sheets that were analyzed during the operation of the validation unit 88 are moved by the transport 90 to the directing unit 92, which operates in response to the operation of the controller 64 and directs the sheets selectively to either the vault unit 94 or the unit. transport 96. The treasury unit 94 receives and stores the sheets periodically and, in response to controller 64, delivers the sheets to the steering unit 92, which guides them along the tracks in the machine to complete the transaction.

The transport 96 is used to receive unacceptable sheets whose properties do not meet the parameters set by the machine. This may be the case for example

To banknotes having one or more characteristics that suggest that the banknotes may have been counterfeited, and, in the case of checks, characteristics that suggest that the checks are reproductions or have been counterfeit, or are otherwise unacceptable. In Figure 2, the sheet take-up mechanism 80 causes the suspect sheet transport 96 to be deposited into the storage area 100 by the transport. The suspect sheets 98 are stored inside the cash pickup mechanism and outside the armor compartment for removal by service personnel as discussed later.

The cash receiving mechanism 80 operates in response to signals from controller 64 to route sheets of financial item that have been determined to be valid or otherwise acceptable through the cash receiving port 102 extending through the top surface 104 of the compartment. In the operating position of the cash receiving mechanism 80 shown in Fig. 2, the transport in the cash receiving mechanism 80 is aligned with the cash receiving port 102 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, which allows the cash pickup mechanism to transmit movement to sheet handling mechanisms within the armor compartment and provide coordinated movement of the sheets. operated inside this chamber. In addition, the driving and driven members extend into the cash receiving port to block the access of unauthorized persons, as will be discussed later.

As the cash receiving mechanism moves from the position shown in Fig. 2 to the maintenance position shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14, the driver 110 and driver 112 are disengaged. Movement of the cash receiving mechanism from the operating position to the maintenance position may include movably mounting the cash receiving mechanism such that the mechanism moves both upwardly from the armor compartment to disengage the driving and driven members as well as outward for maintenance purposes. In order to return the cash receiving mechanism to the operating position, it is moved both inward and downward to re-engage the driving and driven members by a combination of sliders, rollers or other mechanisms, or the transport unit in the compartment has a separate motor or other commissioning unit. As shown in Fig. 2, the transport 108, moving the sheets in a substantially vertical direction through the cash receiving aperture, is in operative communication with the 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 that extends transversely to the cash receiving hole in the armored chamber.

Vertical transport 116 selectively moves sheets for engagement with sheet handling mechanisms 118, 120, 122, and 124, which are, for example, stacking mechanisms such as those shown in Figs. 5 and 6. One or more sheet handling mechanisms may include mechanisms. sheet acceptor and dispenser that selectively receives sheets for storage, and also discharges sheets from the storage location.

Figure 4 shows a sheet receiving and stacking mechanism 118 that selectively receives sheet 126 as it advances in vertical transport 116. Sheet 126 is guided into engagement with sheet handling mechanism 118 by the movement of gate 128 that moves in response to driver 64. and directs the leading edge of the sheet to the recess 130 of rotary member 132. As the leading edge of the sheet 126 enters the recess 130, the pivot member 132 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow R, which causes the clamp portion delimiting the recess 130 to move inward to grasp the sheet 126. Rotary member 132 rotates until the leading edge of sheet 126 engages the boundary surface 136, when the clamp portion 134 moves radially outward such that the sheet is decoupled from rotation member 132 and included in the stack 138 that is on top of it. for example, a bundle of cash of the same denomination or a collection of sheets of a different type.

The file rests against the pivot member 132 by a deflection plate 140 which acts on the rear portion of the file. The deflector plate 140 moves in response to the deflection 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. The sheet 142 actuating in the transport 116 passes the pivot member 132 as the gate 128 remains retracted as the sheet passes. This allows the sheet to be advocated to subsequent sheet handling mechanisms, such as the handling mechanism 120. This arrangement allows sheets having certain characteristics to be stored together, for example valid cash notes of multiple denominations, which are collected in a composite stack in selected sheet storage areas. Similar types of sheets, such as checks, are kept separate from other sheets of financial documents, such as banknotes or traveller's checks. Recyclable sheets, such as cash notes in good condition, are kept separate from valid but used or contaminated cash notes that are unfit for distribution to customers.

In the embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 2, the securing plate 144 extends within the armor compartment between the horizontal transport unit 114 and the banknote holding mechanism, such as in a storage area 146 associated with the sheet handling mechanism 118. A security plate 144 is mounted within the armored compartment and adapted 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 interior of the armor compartment or to other structures. Since the upper housing portion 54 houses the sheet receiving mechanism, it is generally easier to access the region of the housing containing the sheet receiving mechanism 80 than the armor compartment. In cases where criminals attempt to break into the ATM 10 and remove the sheet take-up mechanism, direct access through the cash take-up aperture is blocked first by the driving and driven members, and then by other components of the transport units 106 and 108. However, in the event that criminals attempt to expose access and move away elements of the transport mechanism, access to the stored sheets in the sheet storage mechanisms will still be blocked by the locking plate.

Referring to Fig. 11, the cash receiving mechanism 180 is shown in more detail, retracted into the maintenance position so as to expose the cash receiving aperture. The cash receiving mechanism 180 is movably mounted in support connection with the compartment on guides or other members, and the security plate 144 separates the cash receiving aperture 102 from notes or other valuable sheets of financial items that are stored beneath the security plate within the armored compartment.

Fig. 20 shows an ATM machine that has a receptacle 260 for bulk storage of cash notes, checks, or other items that have been deposited in 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 the deposited items transversely from the opening 264. The securing plate 272 is positioned to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the inner area 268. Another transport 274 moves the deposited items, such as the cash sheet 276, to a suitable location in the interior. to be communicated to the interior area 268 below the securing plate. The deposited items 278 are stored in the interior area 268 of the container 260.

The container 260 has a bottom wall 280, and the interior region 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 and diaphragm to move with respect to the bottom wall 280. The rigid supports 288 include springs or other members that allow relative vertical and / or horizontal displacement of the bottom wall and the rigid plate.

The actuator 290 extends between the bottom wall and the rigid plate and is, for example, an electric vibration device that excites the rigid plate and the diaphragm thereon. This action of the actuator 290 gives a vibrating motion to the deposited items 278 which are in support connection with the membrane, which facilitates the dispersion and arrangement of the deposited items and also allows for a relatively large number of these items to be accommodated.

There are litters in the inner region 268 before they need to be removed. The actuator 290 is electrically connected to the circuitry within the device via a removable connector 292 that facilitates removal of the container, as will be discussed later. In addition, the actuating devices for the transport assemblies located inside the container are, for example, electrically powered via this detachable connector.

During device operation, the interior area 268 of the container 260 is in operative communication with an opening in the device housing through which deposited items are received passed by the cash receiving or other item handling mechanism. Items to be deposited with the container are moved through an opening 102 in the upper part of the chamber and transported by the transport units 266, 270 and 274 to the area below the securing plate 272 and collected in the interior area 268. At intervals, in response to the operation of the controller. the actuator 290 begins to operate to vibrate the deposited items 278 within the inner region 268. This makes it easier to organize items in order to efficiently pack them inside the container. Sensors 294 are provided in the interior area to detect deposited items. The controller causes the actuator to shake the deposited items in response to sensors detecting such items. Alternatively, the controller causes the deposited items to be shaken after a specified period of time, after a specified number of items have been deposited, or based on other programmed data. Sensors 294 may be in operative communication with the controller via a detachable connector 292.

The container 260 is removably mounted inside the armor compartment and is supported on pivoting supports 296 which are casters, wheels, ball bearings, or other type of means allowing the container to be easily moved when loaded. After the armor chamber is opened, the container 260 is removed from the chamber, which facilitates a service worker to hold the handle 298 attached to the container. The link 292 is disengaged so that the container 260 can be pulled out of the armor compartment. Figure 21 shows that the handle 298 is a telescopic handle that can be slid upward once the handle has emerged from the armor compartment, which facilitates the movement of the container out of the device. The container can then be moved, holding the handle, to an appropriate location away from the device for the removal of its contents. The location is, for example, an area within a vault or other secure room in which items within the container are handled.

Figure 21 shows a container 260 which has a door 300 and access to door 300 is controlled by one or more interlocks 302. The door 300 is hinged on the side facing the chamber door to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the interior of the container. while this container is inside the machine. Once the container has been moved to the proper position, the lock 302 can be unlocked and the door opened so that deposited items can be removed. After the deposited items have been removed, door 300 is moved back to the closed position and the container is reinstalled in the device with the retracted handle 298 to allow the container to re-align with the opening 102. In addition, the detachable link 292 is reconnected to restore operation of the container within the device.

A container 260 holds a substantial number of deposited items. Moreover, its structure including the swivel brackets and the telescopic handle facilitates the movement of the loaded container from and into the device. Containers with multiple internal compartments are used in which the deposited items are supported on shakers. It is possible to separate the deposited banknotes, checks and / or envelopes according to the denomination or type of the deposited item as well as obtain a more dense packing within a specific compartment in the container. Additionally or alternatively, shakers are provided on the side or top walls of the container boundary to facilitate shaking of the deposited items and their packing and storage. Additionally or alternatively, the containers are used in conjunction with the sheet handling mechanisms such that some sheets are stored precisely positioned within the containers for folding and / or reuse, while other sheets are bulk stored within the container or compartment within the container.

PL 218 327 B1

Figures 7 to 10 schematically show an embodiment of a gripping mechanism 86 used in the cash receiving mechanism 80. A bundle of 84 sheets is disposed in a chute 82 in support connection with the angled bottom surface 148. Actuating members 150 and 152 engage the bundle and rotate selectively in response to the action of a motor or other mechanism in the direction indicated by arrow P to move the bundle until it contacts the engaging surface 154 near and adjacent to the lower surface 158. an idler roller 156, which is a substantially freely rotating roller. The engagement of the file 84 with the engaging surface 154 and the surface of the idler roller 156 causes the sheets to separate.

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

The grabbing mechanism 86 further includes a plurality of non-contact pick-up rollers 162 as will be described later. The gripping mechanism 86 further includes a contact collecting roller 164 that deflects the good friction portions 160 of the gripping member 158.

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 pick-up rollers 162 extends within the annular recess 166, but substantially no gathering engagement therebetween. The outer surface of the non-contact pick-up rollers 162 is slightly spaced from the base of the annular recess 166, such that the outer surface serving as the first collecting portion is not in direct contact with the picking member. However, since the surface of the rollers is closely adjacent 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. In other embodiments, the rollers or other collecting members may contact the picking member, but have a resilient or other structure such that the rollers will not be in biasing contact and collecting engagement as is the case with the contact collecting roller 164.

Fig. 8 shows a pick-up contact roller that is biased to engage a central sheet engaging portion 168 in a gripping member 86. The central sheet engaging portion 168 is centered with the sheets that are advanced by the gripping mechanism 86 which reduces the tendency of the sheets to curl or warp. as they are moved in the picking mechanism

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the operation of an exemplary pick mechanism 86 that separates sheets individually from a stack 84 by sequentially gripping the first sheet 170 that delimits the lower end of the stack while advancing the first sheet in a first direction indicated by arrow F, thereby moving away from the first sheet 170 that delimits the lower end of the stack. sheet from file. Controller 64 causes motors or other actuators to operate to cause actuators 150 and 152 to rotate when the gripping mechanism 168 rotates counterclockwise as shown. The rotation of the gripping member 158 causes the arcuate portions 160 to serve as sheet engaging portions to engage the bottom surface of the first sheet and pull the sheet between the gripping member 158 and the non-contact collecting rollers 162. As the first sheet is advanced, the idler roller 165 rotated to facilitate the advancement of the first sheet between the gripping member 158 and the non-contact collecting rollers 162.

The non-contact pick-up rollers 162 are operatively connected to the one-way clutch 172 so that the first pick-up roll remains stationary when the first sheet 170 engages it and moves in the direction indicated by arrow F. Since the resistance force exerted by the non-contact pick-up rollers on the surface of the sheet engaged therewith is less than the actuation 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 picking rollers.

Figure 10 shows that the sheet 170 adopts a corrugated configuration in cross-section as caused by deformation of the sheet by the non-contact picking rollers in the annular recesses 166 of the gripping member. This wavy configuration works in combination

With an opposing force provided by the non-contact take-up rollers so that the first sheet is detached 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 then engages a contact collecting roller 164 that is biased to engage the sheet engaging portions of the gripping member. This 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 sheet movement 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 keep all sheets other than the first sheet 170 from moving in the direction indicated by arrow F.

In Figure 9, a sensor 176 is positioned adjacent to the contact pick rollers to detect the presence of double sheets that may have passed the non-contact and contact pick rollers. Upon detecting the presence of a double sheet, the driver may make additional attempts to remove the sheet, which will be discussed later. However, if only a single sheet is detected, the picking member continues to move counterclockwise until the leading edge of the sheet reaches the take-up rollers 178 which engage the sheet and move it in the cash take-up mechanism towards the confirming unit 88 importance. In this embodiment of the invention, one rotation of the gripping member separates one sheet from the file.

In the event that the sensor 176 detects that the double sheet or multiple sheets have passed the contact and non-contact pick-up rollers, the controller stops movement of the ego grasping member 158 in a counterclockwise direction as shown before decoupling the first sheet 170 from it. the controller reverses the direction of the gripping member 158 and actuating members 150 and 152 so as to advance the first sheet back into the file. Due to the operation of the one-way clutches 172 and 174, the contact pickup roller 164 and the non-contact pickup rollers 162 can rotate counterclockwise as shown to facilitate return of the sheets to the stack. The controller then causes the gripping mechanism to operate to grasp 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 item sheets having various properties. Generally, sheets such as cash notes, which are new or other types of sheets having substantially constant stiffness and frictional characteristics for different sheet copies, are separated by a picking mechanism and non-contact pick-up rollers. However, in situations where stiffness and frictional properties 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 is especially helpful, for example, when handling sheets that contain items of paper or plastic cash, checks or other documents that have different properties, and which are mixed together into a file from which the sheets must be separated one at a time.

Instead of gripping rollers and cylindrical members, other embodiments may include gripping and collecting structures such as belts, plates, fingers, and the like.

An exemplary ATM 10 device is mounted on a wall and the console is then exposed to the elements, so that rain and snow interact with the console and, in the absence of a protection, get inside the device. The cash receiving aperture 40 located in the console is large enough to accommodate a chute 82 for receiving 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. Trapping and evacuation of moisture from the device is used to minimize the risk of rain and snow entering the cash receiving mechanism 80, as will be explained with reference to Figs. 17 to 19.

Figure 17 shows that the lower surface of the chute 148 has at least one water receiving opening 180 that includes one or more trays transversely extending through the lower one.

The surface of the sheet. Typically, the water receiving openings are connected to a conduit 182 which is connected to a drainage tube 184 leading the water to the outside of the device.

In Figures 18 and 19, an opening 180 in the form of a tray is operatively connected to a fitting 184 for connection to a flexible conduit 182, such as a tube. The conduit 182 is connected to a drainage tube 184 which, in this embodiment of the invention, includes a recess in the lower portion of the console and has openings through which water is drained to the exterior of the device housing.

Figure 12 shows the tube support 186 which serves to control the direction of the tube and provide drainage when the cash receiving mechanism is in an operational state as well as in a maintenance condition. The tube support minimizes the risk that the liquid conduit becomes deformed or takes a position that prevents water from draining from the inside of the gutter to the outside of the device. The risk of moisture penetrating into the device is minimized in the area of ​​the cash-receiving opening through which the chute 82 extends during operation of the cash-receiving mechanism 80.

Figures 18 and 19 show a resilient seal 188 surrounding the chute 82 in the area adjacent to the console, supported on the front of the cash receiving mechanism.

Figure 19 shows that when the cash receiving mechanism 80 is positioned such that the chute 82 passes through the console cash receiving aperture 40, the resilient seal 188 is sandwiched between the front plane of the cash receiving mechanism and the inner plane of the console. As the seal provided by this gasket surrounds the gutter, the risk of moisture or debris entering the device through the cash receiving opening is minimized.

As discussed in connection with Fig. 2, the cash receiving mechanism 80, in response to the validation unit 88 and controller 64, determines at least one characteristic indicating whether sheets of financial items are accepted by the machine. For example, unacceptable sheets are suspect sheets such as potentially counterfeit bank notes, invalid checks, or other unacceptable documents. When such documents are detected, they are directed to a storage area 100 which is inside the cash receiving mechanism and outside the compartment. At intervals, these unacceptable sheets are picked up by service personnel to verify that the sheets are invalid or direct the sheets to 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 important sheets are stored. Access to the storage area 100 is restricted by the access assembly.

Figure 12 shows an exemplary access assembly that uses an opening 190 for the storage area 100. Access to opening 190 is limited by a drop-down door 192 which is opened, for example, only when the cash receiving mechanism 80 has been moved rearwardly in the form of a drop-down flap. to slide out of the casing after opening the casing door. Door 192 is provided with a locking mechanism 194, such as a locking lock. In order to access the sheets positioned in the storage area 100, a user would need tools such as keys or the like to unlock both the door lock 62 58 and the door lock 194 192 to access the sheets. In other embodiments, door 192 is sized, subdivided, or adapted such that the cash receiving mechanism does not need to be retracted from the operative position to access the sheets in the storage area 100.

Figure 13 shows another sheet access assembly in the storage area 100. An opening 196 is located in the storage area 100 to allow access to the inside sheets. Access through opening 196 leads to a sliding door 198 that slides along the direction indicated by arrow S in guides, slots or other door holding and guiding mechanisms in support connection with the cash receiving mechanism. Door 198 may include a locking mechanism 200 which is a key or other locking mechanism to ensure that only authorized personnel can access documents within the storage area 100. Door 198 is both unlocked and opened without the need to be pulled back to the rear. mechanism for receiving cash, which helps to speed up maintenance work and removal of invalid sheets from the machine.

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Figure 14 shows yet another exemplary sheet access assembly in the storage area 100. An opening 202 is provided in the rear plane 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. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism 206 is used to ensure that only authorized maintenance personnel can access the door. The transport 208 is operable to advance sheets in the storage area 100 towards the handlers through the opening 202. The transport 208 acts in response to signals provided to the input units by the handlers or automatically in response to the opening of the door 204.

Suspect banknotes or other documents are associated with specific transactions performed on the machine and / or specific users of the machine through the action of the validation team and the driver. Suspicious documents are stored in order and the driver provides one or more outputs, such as via a screen or printer, indicating transactions and / or users that match the suspect sheets. Alternatively or additionally, there is a requirement that the cash receiving mechanism be operatively connected to a printer that prints transaction and / or user identification information on each of the suspect sheets. This includes, for example, visible and invisible markers that may be removable, such as removable labels or markers that are washed off or otherwise removed or neutralized. When using a validation team, the data is sufficiently detailed and such that it creates a unique electronic profile for each suspect sheet. The data is stored in the device on a data medium and, by the action of the driver, or stored elsewhere on a connected data medium. The sheet identification data is then used by the handler or other persons taking out or analyzing the suspect sheets to associate each sheet with the transaction and / or the user who provided the sheet to the device, for example by setting the device driver to run mode to analyze and feed each sheet. suspect sheet via cash receiving mechanism. The controller associates 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 machine. Alternatively, the analysis is done by sending data from the device along with the 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 cash receiving mechanism insulated and sealed, except when accessing is required for maintenance or servicing. The positioning of the cash receiving mechanism between the vertically extending L-shaped chamber wall and the housing wall for security is a maintenance problem for the device, and further potential problems remain with the need to remove cover plates and the like. In addition, there is always a risk that the cover plates, once removed, will not be replaced by maintenance personnel, with the result that contamination will enter the cash pick-up mechanism and cause it to malfunction or malfunction, so this risk must be minimized.

Figure 15 shows that the side maintenance plate 210 is hinged in a support connection to the cash receiving mechanism which allows the maintenance plate 210 to be opened when the cash receiving mechanism has been moved rearward from the machine and allows easy access to components inside the machine. In addition, by the day the maintenance plate 212 is hinged near the front of the cash receiving mechanism and allows items to be accessed through the front opening of the cash receiving mechanism.

Due to the hinged nature of the maintenance plates 210 and 212, they are easy to open. However, hinged mounting makes it difficult for maintenance personnel to completely remove the plates from the unit. In addition, the cash withdrawal mechanism is not returned to service without closing the maintenance plates. Latching mechanisms or other holding assemblies are used to ensure that when the maintenance plates are returned to their closed position, they remain there until they need to be opened for subsequent servicing.

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Figure 16 shows maintenance plates 214 and 216 on the cash take-up mechanism that provide protection for internal components while being easily removable for servicing or maintenance. The maintenance plates 214 and 216 are installed such that they can move in the direction indicated by the arrows shown nearby. The maintenance plates 214 and 216 are mounted in channels, slots or other elements on the cash receiving mechanism to guide and hold the plates in place. 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, the maintenance plate 214 is completely removable and can expose the components of the cash receiving mechanism without the need to move the mechanism 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 the maintenance plates is especially useful when the operator needs to observe the cash receiving mechanism while it is operating in order to diagnose its condition and remedy problems.

In certain example embodiments of this invention, it is desirable to include assemblies to ensure that maintenance plates 214 and 216 are reinstalled on the cash receiving mechanism after maintenance procedures are complete, for example, by using contact switches such as contact switch 258 that detects conditions when maintenance procedures are completed. the maintenance plates are put back in place. Such contact switches may limit the operation of the cash receiving mechanism until the plates are placed in place. Alternatively, a system located inside the machine generates an alarm or indication which is sent or disables the cash receiving mechanism if the door and the top housing have been closed and the maintenance plates have not been placed in their operating position.

The ATM device 10 may also have a cash dispensing mechanism 220 via the cash dispensing port 38 in the console. This cash dispensing mechanism is shown schematically in Fig. 3. The cash dispensing mechanism 220 is located on the higher side of the substantially L-shaped compartment and includes a plurality of banknote storage areas 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, and 232 notes that are positioned within the removable cash cassettes to hold the notes and for easy removal from the machine .

Each of the banknote storage areas is operatively connected to a picking mechanism 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, and 244, each selectively responding to signals from controller 64 and selectively dispensing notes or other sheets from the storage area in response to input signals. to input assemblies in the user interface. The gripping mechanisms may be similar to the gripping mechanism used to separate the sheets from a stack in the cash receiving mechanism 80.

In this embodiment of the invention, the vertically extending transport 246 is operatively connected to the picking mechanisms and the feeding mechanism 248. In operation, the feeding mechanism receives the sheets dispensed by the picking mechanisms and moves the sheets up through the transport 246 to accumulate the sheets into a stack 250. After the desired sheets have been collected, the feeding mechanism advances the stack 250 towards the cash dispensing slot and the controller opens the cash dispensing gate 42 which allows the stack of sheets to be issued to the user of the machine.

The cash dispensing mechanism 220 has been described as dispensing cash notes of various denominations, and in other embodiments, it may issue other types of sheets, such as traveller's checks, stamps, vouchers, receipts, gift certificates or other documents. Moreover, in some embodiments, the ATM device issues a combination of both banknotes and other documents requested by the user.

In operation of the exemplary ATM device 10, the user serving the device provides signals for identifying, for example, the user's financial account via input devices located in the device, which includes providing a card and / or alphanumeric data via input devices that are associated with each other via operating the driver on the device and / or interacting with a remote computer to determine that user account. The controller then causes the output units of the device to operate to instruct the user to enter inputs and select a certain type of transaction or enter other inputs. In situations where the user wishes

In order to perform a cash receipt transaction, the ATM device operates in response to signals from 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 into the device.

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 the documents from the file by means of a gripping mechanism 86 and determines at least one feature of each document by means of a validation device 88. . The identified document characteristics cause important or acceptable documents to be routed by directing unit 92 to a vault unit 94 where they may be temporarily stored. Also, the controller causes steering unit 92 to direct suspicious documents, such as invalid documents or possibly counterfeit notes, to the transport 86 and the storage area 100.

In this embodiment of the invention, once the documents have passed the validation unit, the controller communicates the statements to the user about the documents via outputs sent via one or more output units. In some embodiments of the invention, the user is offered the option of receiving valid or invalid documents, or both, by the treasury unit delivering documents to the same or different transport units, whereby these documents are returned to the gutter or other area in the machine. which is available to the user. Likewise, if optional solutions to choose from are proposed, invalid documents are redirected to the user. Various solutions are used depending on the configuration of the device and the driver software.

During an exemplary transaction, if documents identified as valid are stored inside the device, the controller operates in response to input received from the user and / or in accordance with the program such that it causes the vault 94 to issue the documents. These documents are routed by guide assembly 92 through the cash receiving aperture 102 in the chamber to where they are transported and stored in the sheet handling mechanisms or bulk storage container. In the case of a user account, the user is credited against the deposited valid sheets and information is collected on all invalid sheets provided by the user, so that if the sheets are later determined to be valid, the user is credited or alternatively the user can be contacted to determine the source of these invalid sheets.

The user using the ATM device 10 also carries out cash withdrawal transactions, which are done in the same session as for the cash accept transaction or in a separate session. During a transaction, the user inputs inputs to the input units to identify one or more user accounts and / or other identifications. 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 and the amount / number, type or nature of sheets requested by the user.

In response to user input, controller 64 causes the cash dispensing mechanism 220 and the gripping mechanisms therein to deliver the desired sheets to the feed mechanism 248, which collects them into a file 250. As the sheets are collected, they are moved outward to the user. when the gate mechanism is opened. The driver then debits the user's account with the value of the cash or other sheets spent.

In addition to what has been described previously, mechanisms that operate to both collect and dispense cash are used as a replacement or in addition to the described mechanisms to conduct transactions. For example, checks are imaged and validated, and then it is desirable that the machine has the ability to cancel or destroy the check so that there is no risk that the check might later be stolen and used fraudulently. In exemplary embodiments, the device also generates bank checks, traveller's checks, tickets, or other documents, and includes mechanisms for generating such documents. In addition, functions used by merchants such as accepting deposit bags, dispensing coin packs or the like are incorporated into the automated banking machine.

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The device according to the invention includes, for example, light emitting units 17, 31, 41, 43 and 45, which 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 and the light emitting unit 17 is associated with the card reader 16. The light-emitting assemblies are operably linked to one or more controllers located in the device. These units may emit light of a selected color at specific times during the execution of a transaction in response to the operational state of the functional transaction unit residing in the device to which the light emitting unit has been associated. In an embodiment of the invention, the light emitting devices comprise an array of light emitting diodes of different colors embedded in a flexible array.

Figure 22 shows a light emitting device 31 that includes an array of light emitting diodes 304 connected in an array on a flexible substrate such as polyimide film that includes a flexible connector 306 terminating in an electrical connector 308 detachably connected to the power supply or another electrical circuit in the device that is also operatively connected to one or more controllers to control the operation of the light emitting device.

Figure 23 shows a light emitting unit that includes light emitting diodes of three different colors, one of which is red R, the other is green G and the third is yellow Y. The light emitting diodes are arranged in such a way that the LEDs of only one color are aligned vertically along one the lines of the light emitting unit. For example, in Fig. 23 the line includes a row of vertically oriented red light emitting diodes, line 312 includes a row of vertically oriented green light emitting diodes, and line 314 includes a row of vertically oriented yellow light emitting diodes. The rows are repeated and there are five vertical rows of light emitting diodes of each color. In other embodiments, for example, horizontal alignment or other arrays of light emitting diodes are used.

Figure 24 shows that the light emitting diodes are electrically connected in series, the electrical connections in the flexible arrangement allowing, for example, the positioning of vertically aligned pairs of light emitting diodes of only one color.

Figure 25 shows the light emitting assemblies supported by a flexible ribbon which is preferably thin and approximately 1.20 mm thick to facilitate positioning of the light emitting assemblies in the user interface. The light emitting diodes 316 and 318 are mounted on a base layer 320 containing the circuit on a flexible substrate. The outer layer 322, which includes a polyester layer, covers the light emitting diodes. Spacer 324 extends between the substrate and the outer layer. As shown in Fig. 23, multiple spacers may be used. Spacers 324 are positioned outside the light emitting diodes and have openings 326 to facilitate placement of the light emitting assemblies in the device, such as through through holes, pins, or mounting assemblies, to secure the light emitting assemblies in place. Further, the release liner has a backing 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.

In this embodiment of the invention the light emitting devices are attached to the components of the device, for example by a modular structure for functional transactional units located inside the device. Referring to Fig. 18, a cash receiving unit 80 is shown configured as a modular unit for handling sheets received at the machine. The associated light emitting device is mounted in a support connection with this module. The adjacent area of ​​the console of the device has an opening through which the light emitting device is visible when in the operating position. The device console may include a transparent or translucent material separating the light emitting device from the surroundings of the device. In other embodiments of the invention, the light emitting devices are disposed and exposed on the exterior of the device. Attaching the light emitting assemblies directly to the modular components of the device facilitates assembly and maintenance of the device and reduces wiring and the number of connectors for connections and servicing.

The colored light emitting units are controlled by one or more controllers located in the device. Each light emitting device emits light of a selected color and / or a selected manner in response to the signals of the functional transaction unit. Devices are selectively programmed to emit light of a specific color, for example a light emitting unit adjacent to a card reader emits green light when it is ready to receive a card

From the user and then turns yellow when the card has been accepted. Alternatively or additionally, light of different colors flashes or is actuated alternately to signal the states of a specific unit. In addition, in the event of a malfunction, such as an attempt by a user to incorrectly insert a card into the card reader, the controller is programmed to cause the specified light emitting device to emit red light or flash a light of such a color to indicate to the user that he has performed some incorrect operation. Similarly, if a specific transaction functional set is malfunctioning or not available, a red light is emitted.

For example, the controller is programmed to actuate the light emitting devices to guide the user in operating the device. This includes, for example, the sending or flashing of a light of a certain color, indicating that a certain action is required by the user at a given location in the device. For example, at a certain point in the transaction, the controller causes the display to indicate to the customer to receive a receipt. When the device provides the receipt, the controller causes the light-emitting device to illuminate, flash, or otherwise indicate to the user an action that must be performed.

The controller may be programmed to operate the light-emitting devices selectively, discontinuously, and for a given period of time, depending on the operational state of the devices. If the user inputs the inputs to perform a cash payment transaction, the light emitting device 43 located adjacent the cash dispensing slot lights yellow as the machine advances the banknotes therein towards the slot. Then, as the banknotes are pushed through the aperture and fed to the user, the controller causes the color of the light that is emitted by the light emitting device to change to green. In addition, the driver may flash green to alert the user to the fact that money is waiting to be picked up. If the user has not picked up the money after a certain period of time, and the device is programmed to withdraw the money inside, the controller causes e.g. the light emitted by the light emitting unit to flash, changes the flashing frequency and / or causes the light of different colors to flash alternately to return user feedback before withdrawing money to the device.

The colors of the light emitted by the light emitting units are programmed selectively according to the aesthetic assumptions. For example, if the operating unit has a commercial artwork specifying certain colors, the controller is programmed such that the light emitting devices are color-matched to that artwork. If the commercial color of the unit is, for example, green, the device is programmed to use green light emitting diodes as indicators to indicate to the user how to operate the device. Similarly, if the serving unit uses yellow as a commercial color, the controller is programmed to activate yellow light emitting diodes in the light emitting devices as indicators.

It is possible to use an additional type of light emitting device or to run multiple light-emitting diodes of different colors simultaneously, and to use certain shades by combining colors by starting multiple light sources simultaneously and / or changing the intensity of such light sources by the controller to obtain multiple colors. This includes, for example, applying a gradual change of shades on the light emitting unit according to the functional state of the transaction unit or sending the user an indication of the completion status of the task. Combinations of two or more colors of light can also be selectively generated.

The invention makes it easier for the user to operate the device and minimizes the risk that the user is being observed by others or that they may perform incorrect operations or undesirable activities, for example entering a PIN or other user data.

Figure 26 shows the console 12 having a recessed area 332 which houses the display, function keys, card reader, and receipt outlet. The recessed area 332 is illuminated by a light source 334 which provides downward illumination to allow the user to easily locate the location of the input and output assemblies on the device console. Console 12 has a top plate 336 that is positioned substantially above light source 334, and the user interface of the device. The top plate 336 includes a pair of convex mirrors 338, 340 that are arranged substantially horizontally on opposite sides of the user interface.

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Figure 27 shows that the user 342 serving the ATM device 10 has a body facing the user interface, whereby he views the area 343 behind the user through these mirrors as he looks into the mirrors 338 and 340 to the right and left respectively. By looking at these mirrors, the user can observe what is happening behind him, and in a direction transverse to the area immediately behind the user, which enables the user to determine whether one or more people are nearby, and whether these persons try to observe the input of signals by the user into the ATM device. When the ATM device is operated in an outdoor environment, an illumination source is provided in area 343 to help the user observe the people present there.

In addition, maintaining the transparency of the mirrors is used to reduce the risk that the user's ability to observe what is happening in his environment will be reduced. This includes, for example, automatic units that wipe the mirrors at certain intervals, such as outer or inner wiper units. For example, an arrangement is used where the convex mirrors are in support connection with one or more pivot members periodically rotated within the console by a motor or other actuator in response to ATM device driver signals to expose a new outer surface. . The cleaning units, located inside the console, rub debris from the mirror surface as it passes inside, and further rotation of the units exposes the clean surface of the mirror to the user, for example by means of contact wipers that extend to the mirror surface. Movement of the mirror surface, such as rotation in engagement with the wipers, serves to remove accumulated debris from the reflecting surface. The mirror surface may be part of a cylindrical body and rotation of the body about a central longitudinal axis produces a wiping action as the mirror surface passes past stationary wipers coupled thereto, made of resilient material and / or having movable mounting mechanisms for deflecting the wipers. A reservoir of the cleaning solution may also be provided inside or adjacent to the device, and a pump or other assembly is provided to apply the cleaning solution to the surface of the mirror as it moves relative to the wipers.

In some example embodiments of the invention, an accumulation of material on a mirror surface is detected to determine when cleaning is required, such as using a mirror that is capable of transmitting light as well as reflecting light, such as a semi-silvered mirror. For example, a radiation source and a sensor are placed behind the mirror. The radiation emitted by the radiation source is partially reflected from the inside of the mirror surface, and the intensity of the reflected radiation is detected by the sensor. The accumulation of contaminants on the outer surface of the mirror increases the intensity of radiation reflected from the inner surface of the mirror, and the change in the intensity of the reflected radiation is detected and used as a basis for determining the need to clean the mirror. For example, immediately after cleaning the mirror, an ATM device controller or other processor causes the source to emit radiation and a sensor to detect the intensity of the radiation reflected from the inner surface of the mirror. This initial value is stored by the controller in one or more data carriers. Thereafter, at certain intervals, e.g. at designated hours or after a specified number of transactions, the source re-emits the radiation and the intensity of the reflected radiation is detected. The controller then compares the current reflected radiation intensity with the initial value. In response to the detection of a greater than a predetermined difference corresponding to an unacceptable level of contamination accumulation on the outer surface of the mirror, the controller sends one or more signals that cause the mirror to clear, for example by operation of an assembly such as a motor or other mechanism and causes the mirror to move for cleansing. Alternatively, the driver triggers the sending of a message to the remote server, which message indicates the need to clean the mirror surface on the console. The controller may also cause the mirror to be cleaned using an internal cleaning mechanism in the ATM device, and then the reflectivity is tested after attempting to perform the cleaning. If such cleaning attempt fails to produce a reflectance value such as a starting value or a value within a programmed range, indicating, for example, that the mirror has been spray-coated, the controller sends a message to contact remote maintenance personnel.

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In other embodiments of the invention, the controller detects contaminants on the mirror via mirrors or other reflecting devices that transmit a certain amount of light from outside to inside. One or more light sensors, in operative connection with the device controller, are positioned behind the mirror surface. An external light sensor is placed outside the ATM device to detect the intensity of the ambient light. The controller is programmed to determine an unacceptable level of dirt accumulation on the mirror based on the intensity of the external ambient light detected as passing through the mirror, for example by detecting the signal level of the ambient light sensor and comparing this level with the intensity of the light reaching the sensor behind the mirror. When there is little or no contamination on the mirror surface, more light reaches the sensor behind the mirror. When contaminants accumulate, the intensity of transmitted light decreases relative to the intensity of the ambient light and when it decreases to a predetermined ratio or other value, the controller operates according to programmed instructions so that it operates the internal mirror cleaning unit, generates signals to contact service personnel, or conducts other operations.

One or more external ambient light sensors are in operative communication with the controller, and an internal source and sensor are provided behind the mirror surface to allow light to pass through it. The controller is then programmed to analyze the amount of ambient light to pass through the mirror and reach the sensor based on the ambient light intensity. In such circumstances, the controller performs an ambient light compensation operation while detecting the intensity of the reflected light from the internal source. Such compensation aids in detecting more accurately when to clean the mirror. Particular dependencies and compensation levels depend on the mirror configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the controller detects the intensity of the ambient light and the intensity of the light passing through the mirror and reaching the sensor at a different time than when the controller triggers the internal source and detects the reflected radiation. A controller compares the two values ​​and the relationship between them and / or changes in reflectance and light transmittance over time to determine when the mirror needs cleaning.

In other embodiments of the invention, the mirrors only operate during the duration of a transaction or certain stages of the transaction, for example by using mirrors that only operate when the presence of a person is detected in the vicinity of the device or when the device is used to carry out a particular portion of the transaction. For example, a sensor such as a sound sensor, radiation sensor, weight sensor or other device detects a user in the vicinity of the device, and upon detecting presence, the controller exposes one or more mirrors on the console of the device to the outside, e.g. by means of movable members in a support connection. with mirror surfaces driven by motors or actuators in operative communication with controls. Upon detecting the presence of a user in the vicinity of the device, the controller causes the motors or actuators to move the mirrors to the operating position so that the user can observe the area behind him.

For example, reflecting surfaces constituting a mirror are in support connection with a pivoting member that is rotated when a customer is present at the device, whereby the reflecting surface is positioned to allow the user to view the area behind it. Moreover, when a client is detected as exiting an area of ​​the ATM device, the controller causes the members having reflective surfaces to move such that those surfaces are no longer exposed. The mirror surfaces are only exposed to the elements in transactional situations and are therefore less likely to accumulate contamination quickly. Wipers or other cleaning assemblies may be provided adjacent to the reflective surfaces so that as the surfaces move, they are wiped and cleaned so that they remain free of contamination.

There is also a movement of the mirror surface to the operational position only in response to certain actions or some kind of transaction performed by the user with the device. Alternatively or additionally, the mirrors are moved to the operating position only in response to other conditions such as ambient lighting conditions, time of day, and / or the detection of persons or objects entering an area located behind the user, in which area the presence of the persons or objects is detected. The controller is programmed in this way, and sensors are also used to move the mirrors to the operating position

Based on the nature of the user's use of the ATM device. For example, in a device that is adapted to be operated by both motorized and pedestrian customers, sensors are provided to detect whether the user is in the vehicle or has approached the device on foot, for example by means of proximity sensors, magnetic sensors, sensors weight or others. The controller is programmed to determine, in response to signals from one or more sensors, whether the user is in the vehicle or on foot. In situations where it is determined that the user present at the device is inside the vehicle, setting the mirrors in the operational position is deemed unnecessary as the vehicle also serves to block unauthorized users from viewing user input into the device. Alternatively, if it is determined that the user has approached the device on foot, the controller operates to bring the mirror into the operating position so that it is assured that the user will be able to observe the area behind it and which may be accessed by unauthorized persons. attempting to view user input on the device.

The device may be provided with lighting that points to the rear of the console, outside the user's line of sight, and which, when actuated, operates to obscure the view of unauthorized persons or teams attempting to observe user input into the device. The backlit lighting operates selectively when the presence of a user is detected close to the device to reduce the risk of interception of user input and / or to provide lighting in an area located behind the user. In other embodiments, the controller turns on the rear-facing lighting during certain steps of the transaction when the user performs certain actions, e.g., the controller turns on the lighting when the user enters an input signal containing a PIN that unauthorized persons would like to intercept. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiments of the invention, the rear-facing illumination is only turned on when the mirrors are moved to the actuated position. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting units are mounted in a support connection to the mechanisms associated with the mirror structures. In addition, mechanisms may be provided for cleaning the lighting assemblies as they are moved to the operating position.