Security screen for self-service terminals

• US 6,357,881 B1
• Filed: 10/04/2000
• Issued: 03/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: NCR Atleos Corp.
• Original Assignee: NCR Corporation (NCR Voyix Corporation)
• Inventors: Robertson, Clive S.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, THONG Q
• Application Number:
  US09/679,587
• Time in Patent Office: 531 Days
• Field of Search: 359/601-615, 359/442, 359/450, 359/507, 359/513, 359/801-811, 359/819-820, 359/827, 359/894, 359/892, 359/896, 235/379-382, 348/834-842
• US Class Current: 359/609
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/20 Automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/205 Housing aspects of ATMs

Abstract

A molded security cover (10) for use with a self-service terminal (SST) is provided, the cover (10) including a translucent recessed portion (14, 16) for location over the SST display screen, and an opaque portion (18) including a number of apertures (12) for location over the function display keys (FDKs) of the SST. The cover (10) is formed of polycarbonate, and includes a convex magnification portion (16) for assisting reading of on-screen text. The one-piece cover (10) is slimmer than conventional glass safety covers, and so reduces the separation between the display screen and FDKs, leading to a reduction in parallax experienced by users.

Claims

1. A security screen for a self-service terminal having a fascia including a display screen and a plurality of keys adjacent the screen, the security screen comprising:

a unitary panel for location over the display screen and the keys and forming part of the terminal fascia, the panel including

(i) a protective light transmitting portion, which portion is constructed of a solid transparent material, for location over the display screen and

(ii) means defining a plurality of apertures for accommodating the keys.

2. A screen of claim 1, wherein a portion of a rear face of the panel to be placed over the display screen is recessed with respect to a portion of the panel to be placed over the keys.

3. A screen of claim 2, wherein the panel comprises translucent material.

4. A screen of claim 3, wherein a rear surface of the portion of the panel to be located over the keys is rendered opaque.

5. A screen of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a plastics material.

6. A screen of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a molded material.

7. A screen of claim 6, wherein the panel comprises molded polycarbonate.

8. A screen of claim 1, wherein the panel includes means for providing a magnification effect.

9. A self-service terminal comprising:

a fascia including a display screen and a plurality of keys adjacent the display screen; and

a security screen forming part of the fascia and including a unitary panel for location over the display screen and the keys, the panel including

(i) a protective light transmitting portion, constructed of a solid material, for location over the display screen and

(ii) means defining a plurality of apertures for accommodating the keys.

10. A self-service terminal of claim 9, wherein a portion of a rear face of the panel to be placed over the display screen is recessed with respect to a portion of the panel to be placed over the keys.

11. A self-service terminal of claim 10, wherein the panel comprises translucent material.

12. A self-service terminal of claim 9, wherein a rear surface of the portion of the panel to be located over the keys is rendered opaque.

13. A self-service terminal of claim 9, wherein the panel comprises a plastics material.

14. A self-service terminal of claim 9, wherein the panel comprises a molded material.

15. A self-service terminal of claim 14, wherein the panel comprises molded polycarbonate.

16. A self-service terminal of claim 9, wherein the panel includes means for providing a magnification effect.

17. For an Automated Teller Machine, which comprises a display and input keys, the improvement comprising:

a) a sheet of plastic material, which includes;

i) a transparent region, and

ii) opaque regions adjacent the transparent region; and

b) a plurality of apertures within the opaque regions, positioned such that the input keys extend through the apertures when the transparent region is positioned over the display.