FR2722598A1 - Portable automatic bank note dispensing machine e.g. for holiday or festival sites - Google Patents

Abstract

The automatic bank note dispensing machine is in a large enclosure that can be transported to a site and manoeuvred between vehicle and site with a crane. Front and back walls of the enclosure has automatic cash dispensing facilities (10,11,12,13). The distributors are associated with a security device (27). The enclosure is connected to underground power and telecommunications tables. The power cable supplies the electric energy needed for operation of the cash dispensers. The telecommunications cables carries signals to a central computer to indicate the status of the installation. These cables are terminated when the enclosure is removed.

Description

"Automatic ticket dispensing system
and method for its implementation "
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a ticket distribution system. It also relates to a method for the implementation of this system.

 Automatic ticket distribution points are now widespread and effectively cover densely populated areas and catchment areas. In sparsely populated areas, ATMs are generally located in large towns and cities. Their establishment must satisfy both the constraints of economic profitability and customer service, because this necessarily leads to significant short installation (fixed structures) and operation (loading, safety maintenance). This explains the rarity or absence of ATMs in places that cannot justify a sufficient and regular volume of transactions.

 However, there are many situations, especially during summer migrations or during large gatherings for exhibitions, fairs, parties, sporting events, in which it would be very advantageous to have automatic ticket machines, both for consumers and for the merchants present on the sites concerned. Indeed, easy access to liquidity for potential consumers inevitably results in an increase in the turnover of merchants offering services or products at low unit cost. However, the essentially temporary or even punctual nature of the situations mentioned above does not allow the establishment of fixed points for automatic ticket distribution. It would indeed be inconceivable for a banking network to have to bear the operating costs of these fixed distribution points throughout the year in return for a low or zero volume of transactions during this period, outside of a few days of high activity.

 There are already temporary agencies set up by banking networks on sites with high temporary population density. These temporary agencies are installed either in premises made available, or located in caravans, trailers or equivalent mobile equipment. Bank staff are assigned to these temporary agencies and in particular carry out note distribution operations there. However, such temporary bank branches pose significant security problems for goods and people because they cannot benefit from the same level of equipment, in terms of resistance to damage, intrusion and attack. In addition, the operations carried out in these temporary agencies essentially include cash withdrawals and foreign exchange transactions, and the temporary agencies constitute significant charges for the banking networks which generally exceed the real cost of the services actually provided to the vast majority of users, namely the withdrawal of cash.

 The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing an autonomous ticket distribution system which can be installed with simple and inexpensive means on temporary sites while offering a very high level of security.

 According to the invention, the automatic ticket distribution system comprises, within a single removable container intended to be deposited on a site previously connected to a telecommunications network and to an electrical power network, several automatic cash dispensing devices. banknotes, means for securing these distributor devices, means for supplying banknotes with these distributor devices, first interface means for connecting these distributor devices via the telecommunications network to central means of remote control and processing, and second interface means for supplying electrical power to these dispensing devices from the electrical supply network.

 Thus, thanks to the distribution system according to the invention, it becomes possible to equip a site by installing a single removable container whose maintenance and security can be ensured remotely. The vending machines included in this container are no longer attached to a fixed site but can on the contrary be moved according to the opportunities and displacements of population.

 According to a preferred embodiment of a system according to the invention, the first and second interface means are arranged on a lower face of the removable container, so that these first and second interface means are inaccessible when the container is placed on a receiving plane previously equipped with first means of connection to the telecommunications network and second means of connection to the power supply network, these first and second connection means cooperating respectively with the first and second interface means of said system.

 This embodiment provides a high level of security since after removal, it becomes impossible to access the electrical and telematic connections.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for implementing the automatic ticket distribution system according to the invention, this system being designed to be installed temporarily on a receiving plane previously equipped with first connection means. to a telecommunications network and second means of connection to a power supply network, characterized in that it comprises a first phase known as installation comprising the following steps:
- a step to position the removable container at
above the receiving plane
- a step to connect the
first and second container interface means
removable with the first and second means of
connection of the receiving plane; and
- a step to deposit the removable container on the
receiving plane so the first and second
interface means become inaccessible since
the outside of the removable container.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear in the description below. In the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples:
- Figure 1 shows an overview of a
automatic ticket dispensing system
according to the invention;
- Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of a
example of realization of a system according to
the invention; and
- Figure 3 illustrates several essential steps
of the method for implementing the system according to
the invention.

 We will now describe an embodiment of an automatic ticket distribution system, together with the method for its implementation, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

 A removable container 7 implemented in an automatic ticket dispensing system 1 according to the invention comprises, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, several ticket dispensing devices 12, 13 accessible on several external lateral faces of the container 7. These devices tickets can be made using conventional production techniques. They generally comprise interface members 32, 33 with the user, in particular a screen and a keyboard. The removable container, placed on a receiving plane 2 previously connected to a telecommunication network 3 and a power supply network 4, also includes lashing means 6 suitably arranged on its upper face 9, an access door 5 and access control means 34 which can implement one or more current access control techniques.

 The container 7 according to the invention preferably comprises an envelope 29 and in particular comprises intrusion detection equipment 27 and a control and security unit 27. This envelope can for example be provided over its entire surface with a single wire electric conductor detection, the interruption of which will trigger an intrusion detection procedure, one consequence of which may be the marking of stored tickets. Such a detection wire can line or mesh the six sides of the container according to a density to be determined according to the type of material constituting the envelope of the container and economic considerations.

 It is also possible to provide within the container a movement detection device comprising for example a ball switch produced according to a widely disclosed technique, and sensitive to inclinations and accelerations. This movement detection device provides, in the event of untimely movement of the container, movement information which is processed by the control and security unit.

 The container 7 also includes on its underside a telecommunications interface device 24, a power supply interface device 25 and a stand-alone power supply device 26 conventionally using storage batteries and an inverter . Each cash dispenser device 10-13 comprises user interface means 30-33 accessible from outside the container 7, means for supplying banknotes 20-23 and security means 50-53 provided in particular to mark and / or damage the tickets stored in the dispenser in the event of an attempted breach or destruction of the dispenser. Each distributor device 10-13 is connected to a central control and processing site (not shown) via the telecommunications network 3 and the telecommunications interface means 24, and is supplied electrically from the power supply network 4 via the power supply interface means 25. The access door 5 is controlled by the security device 27 as a function of information received from the central remote control and processing site, detection information generated by the detection means 28 and input requests issued by an approved operator and authentication by the access control means 34. The security device 27 is also provided for controlling the use of each automatic ticket dispenser 10-13. The access door 7, located on a side face 8 of the container 7, is designed to allow secure access from a cash transport van 45, a side access door 46 must be opposite the door access 5.

The method according to the invention comprises a first so-called installation phase comprising the following steps:
- a step (I) to position the container
removable 7 above the receiving plane 2, this
step which can be carried out by implementing a
suitable lifting gear 40 or any other means
equivalent
- a step (II) for respectively connecting the
first and second interface means 24, 25 of the
removable container 7 with the first and second
connection means 42, 41 of the receiving plane 2; and
- a step to deposit the removable container 7 on
the receiving plane 2 so the first and
second interface means 24, 25 become
inaccessible from outside the container
removable 7.

It also includes a second so-called start-up phase comprising the following steps
- a step to initialize the devices
distributors 10-13 and to activate the means of
securing 50-53, 27, from the means
control and processing centers;
- a step (III) to load the tickets into
dispensing devices 10-13; and
- a step to put these devices into service
distributors 10-13.

It also includes a third phase known as the operation of the distributor devices 10-13, comprising the following steps
- stages of automatic ticket distribution
in response to requests from
users, after validation and authentication
by conventional methods
- periodic steps to top up with tickets
distributor devices 10-13,
- and, in the event of detection of an attempted
violation of the removable container 7, a step to
inhibit distributor devices 10-13 and for
irreversibly mark stored tickets
in these dispensing devices 10-13.

The method according to the invention finally comprises a fourth phase, called de-installation phase, carried out at the end of the temporary operating phase and comprising the following steps
- a step to deactivate the devices
distributors 10-13 and the security means
50-53, 27
- a step to extract devices
distributors 10-13 stored tickets;
- a step to lift the removable container 7 to
above the receiving plane 2
- a step to disconnect the first and second
interface means 24, 25; and
- a step to take away the removable container 7
outside the receiving site.

 In the event of detection of a failure of the electrical supply from the supply network, a step to activate the autonomous electrical supply means is normally provided to ensure the continuity of electrical supply to the distributor devices 10-13 and essential components of the container 7, in particular the security members. these autonomous means of electrical supply usually comprise storage batteries, a device for charging these batteries and an inverter for supplying an alternating service voltage to the dispensing devices and to the safety devices of the container.

 In the event of an electrical failure and in order to keep all the electrical energy in reserve in the batteries for a possible ticket marking operation, a protocol will be established aiming to interrupt the ticket distribution operations until the visit of an authorized operator.

 The distribution system according to the invention can include a very wide variety of intrusion or degradation detection equipment. The same is true for access control equipment which may include the most recent developments in this area.

 Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the number of distribution devices within the same container is limited only by requirements of space or opportunity. We can consider many other methods of securing the container and dispensing devices than those mentioned in the description, as well as multiple combinations of these securing methods. In particular, provision may be made for indelible inking, cremation or any other equivalent device. Furthermore, the containers can have any shape and any external dimensions.

Claims (17)

 1. Automatic ticket distribution system (1), characterized in that it comprises, within a removable removable container (7) intended to be deposited on a site (2) previously connected to a telecommunications network (3 ) and to an electrical supply network (4), several automatic ticket dispensing devices (10-13), means (50-53) for securing these dispensing devices (10-13), means (20-23, 27)) to supply these dispensing devices (10-13) with banknotes, first interface means (24) for connecting these dispensing devices (10-13) via the telecommunications network (3) to central control means and remote processing, and second interface means (25) for supplying electrical power to these dispensing devices (10-13) from the electrical supply network (4).  2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second interface means (24, 25) are arranged on a lower face of the removable container (7), so that these first and second means d interface (24, 25) are inaccessible when the container (7) is placed on a receiving plane (2) previously equipped with first connection means (42) to the telecommunications network (3) and second connection means (41) to the power supply network (4), these first and second connection means (42, 41) cooperating respectively with the first and second interface means (24, 25) of said system (1).  3. System (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first interface means (24) comprise a telecommunication interface device common to all the automatic ticket dispensing devices (10-13).  4. System (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the second interface means (25) comprise a feed interface device common to all of the automatic ticket dispensing devices (10-13).  5. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the removable container (7) further comprises intrusion detection means (28).  6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that the intrusion detection means comprise means for detecting the interruption of a single conducting wire inserted into the envelope of the container, this conducting wire being arranged so as to cover the entire surface of this envelope.  7. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the securing means (50-53, 27) cooperate with means for irreversibly marking the tickets stored in the automatic dispensing devices of tickets (10-13), in the event of an attempted violation of the removable container (7).  8. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the removable container (7) further comprises access means (5, 34) cooperating with the banknote supply means (20 -23) and with the securing means (50-53, 27) of said system (1) to provide an authorized operator with access to these supply means (20-23).  9. System (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the access means (5, 34) are arranged on a lateral face (8) of the removable container (7) and are arranged so that they provide access direct to the means for supplying banknotes (20-23) from a bottom conveyor van (45) parked against said lateral face (8)  10. System (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the access means (5, 34) are controlled by the remote control and processing means and the security means (27) and are controlled in response to an access request sent by an authorized operator and authenticated by the security means (27).  11. System (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises autonomous electrical supply means (26) for supplying the automatic ticket dispensing devices (10-13) with power supply failure from the power supply network (4).  12. Method for implementing the automatic ticket distribution system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 11, this system (1) being designed to be temporarily installed on a receiving plane (2) previously equipped with first means (42) for connection to a telecommunications network (3) and second means (41) for connection to a power supply network (4), characterized in that it comprises a first phase known as installation comprising the steps following  - a step (I) to position the container  removable (7) above the receiving plane (2);  - a step (II) for respectively connecting the  first and second interface means (24, 25) of the  removable container (7) with the first and second  connection means (42, 41) of the receiving plane (2);  and  - a step to deposit the removable container (7)  on the receiving plane (2) so that the first  and second interface means (24, 25) become  inaccessible from outside the container  removable (7)  13. The method of claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises a second phase called start-up comprising the following steps  - a step to initialize the devices  distributors (10-13) and to activate the means of  security (27, 50-53), from the means  central control and processing via the network  telecommunications (3)  - a step (III) to load the tickets into  dispensing devices (10-13); and  - a step to put these devices into service  distributors (10-13).  14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a third phase of operation of the dispensing devices (10-13), comprising the following steps  - stages of automatic ticket distribution  in response to validated and authenticated requests  issued by users  - periodic steps (III) to recharge in  tickets dispensing devices (10-13);  - and, in the event of detection of an attempted  violation of the removable container (7), a step to  inhibit the dispensing devices (10-13),  in particular irreversibly mark the  tickets store these dispensing devices.  15. The method of claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises a fourth phase, called uninstalling, comprising the following steps  - a step to deactivate the devices  distributors (10-13) and the security means  associates (50-53, 27)  - a step to extract devices  dispensers (10-13) stored tickets;  - a step to lift the removable container (7)  above the receiving plane (2)  - a step to disconnect the first and second  interface means (24, 25); and  - a step to take the removable container (7)  outside the receiving plane (2).  16. Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises, in the event of detection of a failure of the electrical supply from the supply network (4), a step for activate the autonomous power supply means (26).  17. The method of claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises in this case a procedure for interrupting ticket distribution operations until intervention by an authorized operator.