Patent Application
20090195994
The present invention relates to a self-service terminal, for example, an automated teller machine, having improved access.
In automated teller machines, and in particular cash dispensing machines, security issues are paramount. Such machines typically have a front facing fascia that is accessible by users. For servicing, repair and general maintenance, access to the interior of the machine important, but without compromising security. This can be difficult, particularly if the components are located close to the front fascia.
Attempts have been made to improve access to fascia components by providing access to automated teller machines from the front fascia by using hinged or racked fascia components or panels. The removable panels are unlocked or unclasped from the front and slid forward on racks or lowered down on hinges.
According to a first aspect of this invention there is provided a self service terminal having a casing with an external section that is selectively releasable from inside the casing.
Since the rear of the terminal is generally located within a bank, a room in a shop or in a bespoke installation where extra security can be provided, having a movable external section, such as a front display, that is releasable only from inside the casing, and not the front, improves security. It also provides better access to the components located at the front and in particular, in the vicinity of the front display. At least one fastener may be provided for fastening the releasable section in place, wherein the fastener is operable from inside the casing to unfasten the section.
A first face of the external section may face outwardly and a second face may face inwardly, wherein the at least one fastener or a part thereof is located on the second face.
The fastener may be operable to fasten and unfasten the releasable section. The fastener may be biased towards a fastening position.
The fastener may be operable automatically to fasten the external section in place when it is returned to the casing from a released position.
The at least one fastener may be a latch, for example a mechanical latch or an electromagnetic latch.
The front section may include a bezel. The front section may include a display. The bezel may surround the display. The fasteners may be attached to the bezel.
By having a removable screen/bezel section, a reasonably sized, useable aperture in the casing is exposed that allows greater access without compromising security. Thus, service time is reduced due to easier access to components and there is no need to remove cabinet modules to gain access to the components located in the vicinity of the fascia area. The screen/bezel may also be quickly and easily replaced when needed.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of accessing a self service terminal according to the first aspect of the invention, the method involving accessing the casing from the rear and operating the at least one fastener from inside the casing to release the external section. This allows access to the inside of the casing from the front, whilst hiding or concealing the fastener in the interior of the casing, thereby improving security.
Various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
As shown in
When an engineer seeks access to components located towards the front of the casing 10, for example for repair or servicing, the engineer first unlocks the rear hatch 20 and accesses the terminal 5 from the rear, in conventional fashion. He then unlocks the latches 55, 60 of the bezel 30 from within the casing 10. A retainer 80, such as a connecting cable or rod, is provided on the rear of the bezel 30 to prevent the screen/bezel 25/30 from dropping or falling from the fascia 15 once unlatched. The retainer 80 can be unhooked from the front of the terminal 5 once the bezel 30 has been pulled forward. The engineer may then access the inside of the casing 10 from the front of the terminal 5 by removing the bezel 30 and screen 25, as shown in
Modifications may be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, whilst the screen 25 and bezel 30 are described as being preferentially removable, a skilled person will realize that other components, such as the keypad 35 and/or dispensing 45 an/or receiving slots 40, 50 and associated systems, may be alternately or additionally removable as described above. Although a mechanical latch has been described, it will be appreciated that other types of fastener or securing means could be used. In addition, whilst a particular form of latch 55, 60 and locking members 75 is described, other suitable latching and/or locking means may be used, for example, electromagnetic locks or keyed barrel locks. Furthermore, whilst the screen/bezel arrangement 25/30 is described as being removable, a skilled person would appreciate that it may also merely be movable by other means, e.g. hinged or racked.
