Wireless ATM security system

• US 7,183,915 B2
• Filed: 08/05/2004
• Issued: 02/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 3SI Security Systems, Inc. (3SI Holdco, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: 3SI Security Systems, Inc. (3SI Holdco, Inc.)
• Inventors: Bartholf, Joel, Ingle, Mitchell Lee, Grajewski, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu; Daniel
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mehmood; Jennifer
• Application Number:
  US10/912,392
• Publication Number:
  US 20060028341A1
• Time in Patent Office: 936 Days
• Field of Search: 340/568.1, 340/568.7, 340/572.1, 340/541, 340/545.1, 340/546, 340/999, 340/570, 109/21, 109/31
• US Class Current: 340/570
• CPC Class Codes: E05G 1/14 with means for masking or destroying the valuables, e.g. in case of theft
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/20 Automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/205 Housing aspects of ATMs
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/207 Surveillance aspects at ATMs
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 15/02 with smoke, gas, or coloured or odorous powder or liquid

Abstract

A security system for use in an enclosure which may be an ATM. The security system includes a first electronic module housed within the enclosure and at least one removable container for storing valuables. A second electronic module is housed within the removable container. The modules communicate with each other wirelessly within the enclosure. The first module includes one or more inputs for receiving an output of at least one sensor for sensing an activity predetermined to indicate a security threat, a first logic circuit in communication with the inputs, and a first wireless communication device connected to the logic circuit. The second electronic module includes a second wireless communication device; a second logic circuit connected to the second communication device; and at least one output for sending an activation signal to a theft deterrent device in response to a pre-programmed sequence of events, including at least one communication from the first module.

Claims

1. A security system comprising:

a. a primary control unit for placement in an enclosed space, the primary control unit comprising;

i. a first logic circuit,

ii. a first wireless communication device, and

iii. at least one sensor connected to primary control unit, said sensor adapted to sense an event predetermined to indicate a security threat, and

b. at least one container for storing valuables, the container for placement within said enclosed space, the container comprising a secondary control unit comprising;

i. a second logic circuit;

ii. a second wireless communication device for communicating with said first wireless communication device while both are within said enclosed space; and

iii. a theft deterrent device;

wherein;

the first logic circuit is programmed to receive information from said at least one sensor and to issue wireless communication signals through said communication device in response to the received information, including command signals;

the second logic circuit is programmed to receive said wireless communication signals from said first logic circuit through said second wireless communication device, enter an active state following receipt of a first command signal and activate said theft deterrent device upon receipt of a second command signal, when both said first logic circuit and said second logic circuit are in said enclosed space.

2. The security system of claim 1, wherein said first communication device comprises a transceiver.

3. The security system of claim 1, wherein both communication devices comprise a transceiver.

4. The security system of claim 1, wherein said first logic circuit is also programmed to cause transmission of a data packet to said second logic circuit instructing said second logic circuit to immediately activate said threat deterrent device without first entering a distinct active state.

5. The security system of claim 1, wherein said first logic circuit comprises a microprocessor.

6. The security system of claim 1, wherein said second logic circuit comprises a microprocessor.

7. The security system of claim 1, wherein said primary control unit and said secondary control unit are adapted to exchange data through wireless transmission.

8. The security system of claim 1, wherein said removable container comprises a currency-containing cassette and said theft deterrent device is contained within said currency-containing cassette.

9. The security system of claim 8, wherein said theft deterrent device is connected to said secondary control unit, is adapted to be activated by said secondary control unit, and is adapted to render useless the currency contained in said cassette upon activation.

10. The security system of claim 9, wherein said theft deterrent device is adapted to release a dye to stain the currency contained in said cassette upon activation.

11. The security system of claim 1, wherein said theft deterrent is designed to render unusable valuables deposited in said container.

12. The security system of claim 1, wherein the secondary control unit also comprises one or more inputs for receiving an output of at least one sensor for sensing activity predetermined to indicate a security threat.

13. The security system of claim 12, wherein said first logic circuit is programmed to transmit a data packet comprising a first command signal to said secondary control unit causing said second logic circuit to be placed in an alert state during which detection of a predetermined event from said at least one sensor or receipt of said second command signal from said primary control unit, or both causes the secondary control unit to activate said theft deterrent device.

14. The security system of claim 1, wherein the first and second communication devices are not restricted to communication exclusively with each other.

15. The security system of claim 1, wherein the enclosed space comprises an automatic teller machine.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the enclosed space is in a vehicle used for transporting the currency cassettes.

17. The system of claim 8, comprising an ATM-based first electronic module for communication with one or more second electronic modules located in one or more currency cassettes secured within the ATM, and further comprising a vehicle-based first electronic module for communication with one or more second electronic modules located in one or more currency cassettes located in the vehicle for transport to or from the ATM.