AU2012101140A4 - Display for an Automatic Teller Machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A through-the-wall automated teller machine display for attachment to a vault, the display including a bin body having at least one slot defining a bin opening and substantially flush with an outer surface of the display, wherein in use, the bin body is substantially recessed within a wall. FIGURE Ia FIGURE lb FIGURE Ic FIGURE Id

Description

PI/00/002 Regulation 3.2B AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Application No. Lodged: Innovation Title: DISPLAY FOR AN AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE The following statement is a full description of this innovation, including the best method of performing it known to the Applicant, 2 DISPLAY FOR AN AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of machines used for automated financial transactions, particularly through-the-wall mounted automatic teller machines (ATMs). [0002] In one form, the invention relates to a display for an ATM, particularly a through-the-wall mounted ATM. [0003] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to bank ATMs, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only. BACKGROUNDART [0004] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein. [0005] An automated teller machine (ATM) is a computerized telecommunications device that provides customers of financial institutions with quick, convenient access to financial transactions in a public space without the need for a cashier, human clerk or bank teller. Using an ATM, customers can access their bank accounts and make cash withdrawals, debit card cash advances, check their account balances and carry out other minor transactions. ATM's are commonly located in commercial areas such as 3 supermarkets, shopping centres, airports, service stations and markets. They are also often located at the front of financial institutions, or less commonly, located in vans that can be moved to commercial areas during busy periods. [0006] In essence, ATMs are basic computers or data terminals having a computer processing unit to control the user interface and transaction devices. Like any other data terminals, ATMs connect and talk to various networks via a switch (also known as a switching company, payment clearing house or a host processor). [0007] An ATM has two input devices. The first is the card reader which captures account information stored on the magnetic stripe or chip within an ATM card. The host processor uses this information to route the transaction to the bank associated with the card. The second is the keypad which allows the cardholder to communicate with the processor to indicate the type of transaction required (cash withdrawal, balance inquiry, etc), the relevant amount, and to input a personal identification number (PIN) for verification. [0008] An ATM also has four output devices. A speaker provides the cardholder with auditory feedback when a key is pressed. A display screen prompts the cardholder through each step of the transaction process. A receipt printer provides the cardholder with a paper receipt of the transaction. A cash dispenser draws banknotes from a safe at the rear of the ATM and makes them available to the cardholder through a slot. The cash-dispenser has an electric eye that counts each bank note as it comes out of the dispenser. The bank note count and all the information related to a particular transaction are recorded in an electronic journal. [0009] While some ATMs are stand alone units, many are built through the wall of a building. Critical to operation of ATMs is the need to keep the contents secure and extensive efforts are made to ensure the housing is not vulnerable to physical attack such as vandalism, and attempts to break open or remove the housing from its place of installation, [0010] The housing includes a display and a vault to store parts of the machinery requiring restricted access. The vault includes, for example, the dispensing mechanism that provides cash, the deposit mechanism including a cheque processing module, a bulk note acceptor to enable the cardholder to make a deposit, security sensors, locks 4 and journaling systems. The display may be integral with the vault, or removably attached to the vault. The display is the principal visual interface between the cardholder and the ATM and carries signage identifying the financial institution(s) with which it is associated and transaction information such as the types of cards accepted. The display is also the user interface, so it is important that the display permits ergonomic, uncomplicated access to the input and output devices without compromising the security of the housing. This includes providing adequate accessibility for the disabled. [0011] The display also typically includes a bin for receipt disposal, the bin being located either below or beside the input and output devices. The bin is an important part of the display because it helps to avoid littering of the area around the ATM by cardholders throwing away some of the many hundreds of transaction receipts issued per day. Furthermore, the bin is configured to be sufficiently deep to properly capture the disposed receipts, which are dropped in through a narrow slot. Receipts may thus be readily deposited in the bin, but it is very difficult to remove them via the same slot. Secure disposal of ATM transaction receipts is important because they include private customer information, such as account number and balance, which can be useful information for thieves and fraudsters. [0012] One of the problems associated with ATMs, particularly through-the-wall ATMs, is that in order to make the bins sufficiently deep, they must protrude from the front of the display. This can inhibit access to the display, which can be particularly inconvenient for disabled customers. Furthermore, the more a feature protrudes from the display, the more likely it is to be damaged by vandalism. Bins of ATMs of the prior art are often targets for vandals and organisations responsible for the ATMs incur significant maintenance and repair costs. [0013] Another problem associated with ATMs relates to the display signage showing the branding of the financial institution(s) with which it is associated and transaction information such as the types of cards accepted. It is often necessary for the signage to be illuminated, particularly in dark areas or at night. While the parts of the display surrounding the input and output devices can be illuminated, the inclusion of electrical wiring makes it necessary for the illuminated zones to protrude outward from the display. Again, the protruding areas are more likely to be damaged by vandalism.

5 [0014] Electroluminescent lighting of the prior art also has a limited lifespan, is expensive and is not very bright. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0015] An object of the present invention is to provide an ATM display having a streamlined profile and reduced projection into the user space. [0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an ATM display having improved illumination. [0017] A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art. [0018] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems. [0019] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a through the-wall automated teller machine display for attachment to a vault, the display including a bin body having at least one slot defining a bin opening substantially flush with an outer surface of the display wherein in use, the bin body is substantially recessed within a wall. [0020] The bin body is substantially recessed within the wall and may, if the wall is quite thin, also project into the tenancy. This permits the bin to have both a deep and wide configuration. This is particularly advantageous because the ATM receipts are often printed on thermal paper which curls, thus taking up significant space. [0021] Recessing the bin within a wall reduces protrusion of the bin into public space by approximately 80 to 90% compared to displays of the prior art. Typically the bin comprises a cassette which is located within a recess defined by the bin body and a bin door having at least one, preferably two slotted openings and a lock for securing the door to the bin body. Disposed receipts are securely stored in the cassette until emptied.

6 [0022] Typically the display of the present invention projects no more than 4 cms, preferably no more than 3 cms from the wall. [0023] Typically the bin door is manufactured of metal, such as stainless steel. For aesthetic purposes, the bin or bin door is optionally clad with a polymeric material such as an acrylic polymer. The bin door may include a lock. [0024] In yet a further aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a through-the-wall automated teller machine display, the display including an LED lighting system in one or more zones adjacent an outer surface of the display. [0025] Typically the lighting system in the one or more zones is manufactured of silicone encased LEDs. For example the one or more zones may comprise a backboard of rigid foam material which cut to a specific profile. The LEDs are positioned in desired locations and collectively wired together along the board. The lighting control unit is stored exterior to the housing, typically on top of the housing, where it can be readily accessed to service the control unit. The LEDs are positioned so as to allow light spread with minimal depth. Metal heat sinks, preferably of aluminium, are also integrated into the zones. [0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the LED lighting system in one or more zones has combinations of LEDs that provide a multi-coloured display. [0027] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention. [0028] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that a slimline display with reductions in thickness and fewer projecting features provides better security, particularly when it results in the bin being located within a wall or wall cavity of a building. Further embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that the use of LEDs can significantly improve the aesthetics and reduce the profile of displays, which contributes to security. [0029] Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following: 7 * the recessed bin configuration reduces public space interference while not compromising on functional performance, * the recessed bin configuration permits the use of a larger volume bin which, in through-the-wall ATMs is more secure due to its location inside the wall, * the LED lighting zones provide an integrated and slimline, reduced profile to the display, * the LED lighting zones give prominence and visual brightness to branding * reduction in features attractive to vandals with corresponding reduction in the need for maintenance and repair. [0030] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0031] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which: [0032] Figure 1 illustrates an ATM display according to the present invention in a front view (Figure 1a), side view (Figure 1b), rear perspective view (Figure 1c) and front perspective view (Figure 1d); and 8 [0033] Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of an ATM display according to the present invention in exploded perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0034] Figure 1 illustrates an ATM display according to the present invention. From the front view (Figure 1a) can be seen the substantially planar front face 1 made of acrylic, bearing acrylic letters 3 in accordance with the brand of financial institution corresponding to the ATM. A window 11 in the front face allows a customer access to the display and the input and output elements of the ATM. The lower part of the display comprises a metal bin door 5 coated with acrylic. The bin door 5 includes a lock 13 and two slots 9 that open into the bin cassette 7 visible in Figures 1b and Ic. [0035] Figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of an ATM display according to the present invention in exploded perspective view. In this view can be seen the planar front face 21 made of acrylic, bearing acrylic letters 23. The lower part of the display comprises a metal bin door 26 having an acrylic face 25. The door 26 has a lock 33 which allows access to the bin cassette 27 and the internal bin assembly 28. When the display is in situ in the wall of a building, the body 31 of the display is located adjacent the outer face of a building wall while the bin cassette 27 and internal bin assembly 28 project into the wall space and possibly into the interior of the building, depending on the thickness of the wall and the depth of the bin. Between the front face 21 and the body 31 of the display is located the LED lighting system. These include aluminium LED trays 35,32, the side LED zone tray 40 and the side LED panel 41. The LED lights used in the lighting system may be of different colours and used to provide a multi-colour display or variable or changing colour display. [0036] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

9 [0037] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive. [0038] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. [0039] "Comprises/comprising" and "includes/including" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including' and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims (5)

1. A through-the-wall automated teller machine display for attachment to a vault, the display including a bin body having at least one slot defining a bin opening and substantially flush with an outer surface of the display, wherein in use, the bin body is substantially recessed within a wall.

2. A through-the-wall automated teller machine display according to claim 1 which projects no more than 3 cms from the wall.

3. A through-the-wall automated teller machine display according to any one of the preceding claims, the display further including an LED lighting system, wherein the LED lighting system illuminates at least part of the display.

4. A through-the-wall automated teller machine display according to claim 3 wherein the LED lighting system includes a zone of changeable LED lights.

5. A through-the-wall automated teller machine display according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.