Self-service terminal

• US 7,347,359 B2
• Filed: 05/17/2005
• Issued: 03/25/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NCR Corporation
• Original Assignee: NCR Corporation
• Inventors: Macinnes, Donald, Boyes, James
• Primary Examiner(s): LEE, SEUNG H
• Application Number:
  US11/130,589
• Publication Number:
  US 20050258236A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,043 Days
• Field of Search: 902/8, 902/9, 705/39, 235/439, 235/446, 235/475
• US Class Current: 235/379
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 11/14 Inlet or outlet ports
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/20 Automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/202 Depositing operations within ATMs depositing in general G07D11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/205 Housing aspects of ATMs

Abstract

A self-service terminal (10), for example an automated teller machine, comprising a deposit mechanism for receiving deposits from a user. Associated with the deposit mechanism is a sensor for sensing or determining the thickness of media that is to be deposited in the terminal (10). Typically, this sensor is part of a shutter mechanism (24) for selectively opening or closing a deposit slot, this mechanism comprising a shutter (24) that captures and bears against media (34) that is to be deposited. By sensing the thickness of media (34) that is to be deposited, overloading of the deposit mechanism can be avoided.

Claims

1. A self-service terminal comprising:

a deposit mechanism for receiving deposits from a user, the deposit mechanism including a shutter for opening and closing a deposit slot so as to selectively control admission of media into the deposit slot;

control means for causing the shutter to move into contact with media inserted into the deposit slot after the shutter has opened and media has been inserted into the deposit slot; and

means for sensing or determining a thickness of a bundle of media to be deposited based on contact between the shutter and the media.

2. A self service terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for sensing or determining a thickness of a bundle of media is operable to use a force applied by the shutter to determine or sense the thickness of the media.

3. A self service terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for sensing or determining a thickness of a bundle of media is operable to use position of the shutter to determine or sense the thickness of the media.

4. A self service terminal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for sensing or determining a thickness of a bundle of media is operable to use a force applied by the shutter and position of the shutter to determine or sense the thickness of the media.

5. A method of operating a self-service terminal, the method comprising the steps of:

upon a command to allow insertion of media, opening a deposit shutter from a previously closed position to admit insertion of media into a deposit slot;

after the shutter has opened and media has been inserted into the deposit slot, moving the shutter so that the shutter abuts the media;

sensing or determining a thickness of the media; and

talking remedial action if the sensed thickness varies from a pre-determined value or range.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the step of taking remedial action includes the step of presenting a message or warning on a graphical user interface to inform the user that the media is too thick and should be split into smaller bundles when an attempt is made to deposit the media.

7. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the self-service terminal comprises an automated teller machine.

8. A self-service terminal comprising:

a dispensing mechanism for dispensing media;

means for sensing or determining changes in a thickness of a bundle of media to be dispensed; and

means for noting if the thickness of the bundle of media changes and the change in thickness is to a non-zero value.

9. A self service terminal as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a dispense shutter mechanism for selectively opening or closing a slot associated with the dispensing mechanism.

10. A self service terminal as claimed in claim 8, wherein the shutter mechanism includes a shutter which is operable to bear against media to be dispensed prior to release of that media.

11. A self service terminal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means for sensing or determining a thickness of a bundle of media is operable to use a bearing force applied to the shutter to determine or sense the thickness of the media.

12. A self service terminal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means for sensing or determining a thickness of a bundle of media is operable to use the position of the shutter to determine or sense the thickness of the media.

13. A self service terminal as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means for sensing or determining a thickness of a bundle of media is operable to use a bearing force applied to the shutter and the position of the shutter to determine or sense the thickness of the media.