Modular self service terminal

[0002] The invention relates to a self service terminal, for example, an automated teller machine (ATM).

[0003] In such machines a single cabinet contains all the device requirements resulting in a relatively large and inflexible arrangement.

[0004] The present invention is concerned with providing a more flexible arrangement.

[0005] According to the invention there is provided a self service terminal having a housing and dispensing means for dispensing at least one item in response to an authorized user request characterized in that the housing and the dispensing means form a base unit and interfacing means are providing on the base unit to receive at least one modular add-on unit to provide additional facilities thereto.

[0006] Further according to the invention there is provided a self service terminal having a housing arrangement, authorizing means and dispensing means for dispensing at least one item in response to an authorized user request, characterized in that the housing arrangement comprises a plurality of abutting modular units each having a separate housing, the authorizing and dispensing means forming a base unit.

[0007] Still further according to the invention there is provided a method of operating a self service terminal characterized by or comprising providing a base unit for dispensing at least one item in response to an authorized user request and providing at least one additional add-on modular unit to provide additional facilities thereto.

[0008] In the accompanying drawings

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a known ATM station, and

[0010] FIG. 2 shows the control system for the FIG. 1 configuration.

[0011] The invention will be described by way of example with reference to:

[0012] FIG. 3, which shows the inventive configuration with a plurality of modular units;

[0013] FIG. 4, which shows in more detail the linkage between the main unit and an auxiliary unit; and

[0014] FIG. 5, which shows the control system for the FIG. 3 arrangement.

[0015] In the typical ATM arrangement of FIG. 1, the ATM 10 is enclosed within a cabinet 11 and has customer utilization arrangements such as a magnetic card input slot 12, display screen 14, a keypad 16, a cash delivery slot 18 and a balance and/or payout receipt delivery slot 19.

[0016] The control system for the ATM 10 is shown in FIG. 2 in which a processor 22 is connected to receive the input from the card reader 12 and keypad 16, to control the display 14 and to control a cash counting and delivery system 26 connected to the cash delivery slot 18. A receipt or other paper delivery system 20 is provided for providing a printed receipt, account balance or the like, connected to the delivery slot 19. The processor is connected by a connector 24 to the central authorization system of the financial institution operating the ATM 10.

[0017] In an improved arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the ATM now comprises several coupled modules to provide a freestanding island. These include base unit 30, depository and depository envelope dispenser 31, statement printer 32 and secondary dispenser unit 33 (e.g. for additional cash capacity). The base unit and each module has a ruggedized exterior housing 34-37 respectively to allow the arrangement to provide a freestanding walk-up or drive-up ATM system. The base unit 30 is the heart of the system and is a cash dispenser only module with the main processor receiving inputs from card reader 40, keypad 42 and for controlling display 44, cash dispenser 46 and balance slip provider 48. Environmental control is also provided.

[0018] The depository module 31 includes a depository slot 50 for envelopes as well as an envelope dispenser slot 51.

[0019] The depository module has its own internal safe, separate from the base ATM unit to reduce the exposure to valuables compared to the situation which would occur in the FIG. 1 arrangement when the machine is opened.

[0020] The statement printer module 32 includes statement delivery slot 53. The secondary dispenser module 33 allows additional cash provision and has its own safe separate from the base ATM unit to reduce risk exposure. The cash is dispensed through the delivery slot 54. All add-on modules are interchangeable and are attached directly to the base module 30 or linked via an adjacent module to provide a rugged, secure arrangement with abutting modules.

[0021] The physical linkage of an add-on module to the base unit is shown in more detail in FIG. 4. The module illustrated is the statement printer module 32 but could be an alternative module. For ease of understanding, the module and base unit are shown prior to bolting together.

[0022] The base unit 30 includes upper and lower bolt holes 60, 61 and 62, 63 respectively and removable side plate 65 for environmental control. A removable cable access plate 66 is also provided.

[0023] Matching bolt holes 70, 71 and 72, 73 together with plates 75 and 76 are provided to line up with the holes and plates on the base unit. Additional bolt holes (hidden from view) will be provided on the other side face of each housing. Thus the bolt holes provided in both the base unit and the add-on module allows secure bolting together and the removed side plates 65 and 75 allow the flow of air for heating or cooling between the base unit and add-on module. Seals 65a,75aare provided around the openings to ensure environmental sealing between modules. Removable plates will be provided on the other (hidden) side face as well.

[0024] A cable 80, typically in the form of a wire harness, provides interconnection to the module for operational and power requirements. The cabling can typically be taken to an interfacing connector on the back plate of the unit. In addition, the base unit processor and control system requires sufficient flexibility to handle a number of add-on units and a suitable arrangement is shown in FIG. 5.

[0025] The processor 90 has enhanced control not only to deal with the card reader 40, keypad 42, display 44 and cash delivery 46 as well as balance slip provision 48 within its own base unit but also with the operation of the add-on modules. To this end several interface devices 92-94 are connected between the processor 90 and several sockets 96-98. The sockets receive the cabling connected to an appropriate add-on module.

[0026] In one embodiment, different socket types can be provided to ensure that only the appropriate add-on unit is plugged into any given socket. In an alternative arrangement, links within the plug from a given module will be connected to identify to the processor which module is uniquely employed, so that identical sockets can be employed. It can also be arranged, under software control, that the processor interrogates an added module to receive a code back from the module indicative of module type.

[0027] When additional modules are detected, the processor 90 will reconfigure the display 44 to indicate the range of facilities available. Hence when the additional cash dispenser module 54 is detected to be present, then when the supply of cash from the base ATM unit is exhausted, the processor 90 will instruct the module 54 to commence dispensing of cash in its stead, and to provide appropriate screen displays.

[0028] The modular approach with the enhanced processor allows flexibility requirements to be met for depository, additional cash capacity, statement printing, consumables storage and envelope dispensing in any combination to allow the system purchaser to configure their installation to suit usage trends and reduce cost. The arrangement can fit on a 36 inch island.

[0029] The modular approach assists in maintenance, repair and replenishment in that the entire machine need not be taken out of service during such periods. Although in the example three add-on modules have been shown, with suitable interfacing additional modules could be included.