Patent Grant
10410458
This invention relates generally to a bezel for a bill validator mounted in a transactional device that is configured to receive data as well as providing an insertion slot for a bill validator.
The insertion slot of a bezel of a bill validator provides a conspicuous location for consumers to input notes, such as currency, paper tickets, scrip, vouchers, bills, and other similar documents. Use of bill validators has provided many useful advantages, such as increasing convenience for the customer, reducing human error or fraud in currency transactions, and decreasing the need for customer service personnel.
However, it would be advantageous for a bill validator to receive additional types of transactional or informational data, such as wireless transactional data, PIN numbers, data displayed on a mobile phone display screen, and the like. Because the bezel is a prominent, readily-accessible location, it could provide an expedient location for the receipt of this additional data.
Currently, though a consumer might find it convenient to use his or her mobile device for wireless mobile payments as an alternative to paper notes at a transactional device (such as a gaming machine, vending machine, ATM, transactional kiosk, customer self-service device, payment terminals, points-of-sale, or the like), most transactional devices that are being produced or that are already deployed in the field are not operable to allow data to be received from the consumer's phone or to be input by the consumer. For example, many conventional transactional devices cannot receive a mobile payment facilitated by the phone's wireless communication capability or display capability (such as displaying an encoded barcode, matrix code, or the like). Nor are many conventional transactional devices able to allow the consumer to input data.
One approach to the problem of retrofitting a legacy transactional device is to incorporate wireless communication functionality or other additional data reception capabilities into a peripheral device already located within the transactional device cabinet, for example into a bill validator. Advantageously, bill validators are typically formed with removable consumer-facing bezels, so the potential exists to remove an old bezel and replace it with a new bezel incorporating additional data reception capabilities.
Though it would be advantageous to upgrade legacy transactional devices to enable them to receive data input by the consumer or from the consumer's phone, adding this additional data reception functionality into these legacy transactional devices may require expensive or complex modifications to the device. Retrofitting may require cutting metal cabinets and/or removing or reconfiguring interior components to provide space for one or more new data reception systems. Adding this additional data reception functionality through a bezel upgrade provides a solution that requires minimal modification to the existing cabinet.
Even in newly manufactured transactional device cabinets, where a wireless receiver may be placed in any of a variety of places in the cabinet inside, the thickness and material of the exterior of the cabinet is likely to reduce the efficiency of the wireless transmission. Therefore, providing receipt of wireless communication, through an upgraded bezel provides advantages. Some cabinet designs have addressed this problem by adding a second payment location or data input location separate from, and in addition to, the installed bill validator (such as placing a wireless receiver or other data receiver at a distance from the note receiving slot of the bill validator). However, this solution makes it harder for the consumer to determine how or where to initiate a mobile wireless transaction or how or where to input additional data.
Current attempts to incorporate wireless communication functionality into a bezel have produced a large and cumbersome bezel that is not suitable for use in the extremely limited, defined space of many transactional devices. Also, existing bezels have placed some types of wireless communication devices (such as chip & PIN card readers) in a vertical wall, which does not intuitively indicate to the consumer the location to which the mobile phone should be touched (or brought into close proximity), does not assist the consumer in positioning the mobile phone in the proper location, does not provide optimum wireless connectivity, and does not prevent the consumer from attempting to make both a paper note transaction and a wireless transaction simultaneously (which is likely to cause an error in the transactions attempted as the transactional software is not designed to accept simultaneous transactions).
Additionally, there is a need for a bezel assembly for data reception that can be installed in the many legacy or new transactional devices in which the bezel on the bill validator (which is mounted inside the transactional device cabinet) remains in the interior of the cabinet when the cabinet door opens, such as is common in gaming machine cabinets. In those transactional devices, the bezel on the bill validator must freely slide through the bill validator window. Though some wireless communication bezels are currently available, they are too large and bulky to fit in this limited space and do not meet this limitation.
Separately, conventional bill validators are configured to receive a paper bill, note, voucher, ticket or other document (herein referred to generally as a “note”) as the note is fed through an insertion slot. After insertion into the insertion slot, the transport system transports the note past sensors and/or an image scanner for validating the note, and, at times, obtaining a digital image of the note, and interpreting a meaning or value of the inserted note. The current configurations of bill validators are limited to accepting only printed notes. This configuration is adapted for current paper technology, but introduces limitations when considering upcoming e-wallets and other technological advances on the horizon, wherein the data representing financial value submissions (payments, tokens, and the like) can be presented on, displayed on, or otherwise provided by non-insertable media having any of a variety of form factors, including images displayed on electronic wallets, tablets, personal data assistants, smart phones, and the like, and including electronic wireless financial transfers, and the like. It would be advantageous to allow a bill validator to receive data representing financial value submissions from non-insertable media, such as through a bezel assembly.
Accordingly, there is a need for a bezel assembly for receiving additional data to be passed to the bill validator and/or to the transactional device that houses the bill validator. This additional data may include wireless data, customer input data, and/or data stored on non-insertable media.
The present invention provides a bezel assembly (100) for data reception for use in a transactional device (200) that comprises a door (212) attached to transactional device (200) to open and close the door (212), a bill validator (230) arranged within transactional device (200) inside door (212), and a transactional computer (240) arranged in transactional device (200) for electrical connection to bill validator (230) for driving transactional device (200).
Bezel assembly (100) comprises: a casing (110) secured to door (212) or a casing (110) secured to bill validator (230) to keep casing (110) outwardly extending through a validator window (220) formed on door (212) when door (212) is closed, an interior insertion/dispensing slot (128) provided in casing (110) to insert a document into interior insertion/dispensing slot (128) that is communicated with a document acceptance slot of bill validator (230) to transport the document from interior insertion/dispensing slot (128) to bill validator (230), a hollow tongue or protrusion (140) forward-extending from casing (110) to define a bottom surface of interior insertion/dispensing slot (128), and a wireless communication module (150) arranged in hollow tongue or protrusion (140).
Wireless communication module (150) comprises: a receiver module (151) for receiving an ID signal indicating a user's identification from a built-in NFC chip (431) housed in an identification card (432) put in interior insertion/dispensing slot (128) of casing (110), and a transmitter module (152) for transmitting the ID signal from receiver module (151) to bill validator (230). Bill validator (230) comprises: a reception device (231) for receiving the ID signal from transmitter module (152) of wireless communication module (150) through a wired or wireless communication device, and a transmission device (232) for transmitting the ID signal from reception device (231) to transactional computer (240) that identifies the user based on the received ID signal.
Interior insertion/dispensing slot (128) acts two roles; a first role is to guide a document inserted into or put on slot (128) and transport it toward document acceptance slot of bill validator (230) that validates authenticity of the document to receive a necessary payment to drive transactional device (200); and a second role is to support identification card (432) in slot (128) during interactive communication between NFC chip (431) in the card (432) and wireless communication module (150) to identify the user in transactional computer (240).
Bezel assembly (100) for data reception may comprise a biological sensor (460) arranged in the hollow tongue or protrusion (140) that has a fingerprint reader (464) or finger vein reader (465), and a sending module (461) for forwarding to bill validator (230) biometric information read by fingerprint reader (464) or by finger vein reader (465). Receiving device (231) of bill validator (230) receives the biometric information from sending module (461) of biological sensor (460) through a wired or wireless communication device. Transmitter device (232) of bill validator (230) transmits the biometric information to transactional computer (240) that identifies the user based on the received biometric information in addition to the ID signal. Biological sensor (460) includes fingerprint reader (464) for reading user's fingerprint pattern as biometric information or finger vein reader (465) for reading user's finger vein pattern as biometric information before, after or at the same time that identification card (432) is inserted into or put on interior insertion/dispensing slot (128) to identify the user in transactional computer (240) for more security in transaction.
Fingerprint reader (464) or finger vein reader (465) is arranged on, immediately beneath or adjacent to an upper surface (444) of hollow tongue or protrusion (140). Identification card (432) as a mobile device (250) has an opening (433) or a rear edge (434) near the rearmost end to expose the surface of fingerprint reader (464) or finger vein reader (465) in opening (433) or behind rear edge (434) of identification card (434) so that fingerprint reader (464) may read user's fingerprint, or finger vein reader (465) may read user's finger vein when identification card (434) is inserted into interior insertion/dispensing slot (128). Opening (433) and rear edge (434) of identification card (434) may indicate the position to which the user's finger is applied to read by fingerprint reader (434) or finger vein reader (465).
Fingerprint reader (464) includes a light-permeable plate (443) arranged on an upper surface (444) of hollow tongue or protrusion (140) and an image sensor (467) arranged in hollow tongue or protrusion (140) opposite light-permeable plate (443) to read user's fingerprint by image sensor (467). Image sensor (467) can read a fingerprint image of the user's finger on light-permeable plate (443).
Fingerprint reader (464) further comprises: a light source (466) arranged adjacent to light-permeable plate (443) in hollow tongue or protrusion (140) for irradiating a light to finger surface in contact to light-permeable plate (443), and a reflector (471) for directing the light reflected from finger surface toward image sensor (467). Reflector (471) reflects a light image of the fingerprint in contact to plate (443) toward the image sensor (467) arranged within a small space of the hollow tongue or protrusion (140). User's fingerprint is in contact to light-permeable plate (443) to reflect the fingerprint image by reflector (471) toward image sensor (467), if necessary through a collective lens (473) arranged between light source (466) and reflector (471). Fingerprint reader (464) may be a fingerprint sensor of an electrostatic capacitance type.
Wireless communication module (150) may comprise a battery (153) that can be wireless-charged from a wireless power supply (233) provided in bill validator (230). Biological sensor (460) may comprise a battery (153) that may be wireless-charged from a wireless power supply (233) provided in bill validator (230). When fingerprint reader (464) has read user's fingerprint pattern as biometric information or when finger vein reader (465) has read user's finger vein pattern as biometric information, biological sensor (460) forwards biometric information to reception device (231) of bill validator (230) through a wireless communication device.
The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
The present invention is directed toward a bezel assembly for data reception for attachment to, and in operational communication with, a financial transactional device 200 (
The bezel assembly for data reception may be configured to allow one or multiple additional data inputs, which include the following types of data reception assemblies:
1. a wireless communication assembly configured for receiving wireless communications from an external device (the wireless bezel assembly for data reception 100, 102, 104 of the first three embodiments, wherein embodiment one is shown in
2. a manual input assembly (manual entry bezel assembly for data reception 300 of the fourth embodiment is shown in
3. a biological sensor (biological sensor 400 of the fifth embodiment is shown in
4. an image recognition assembly (image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 of the sixth embodiment is shown in
The first exemplary embodiment is presented in
Positioning of the wireless communication module 150 within the protruding tongue 140 provides several advantages. Wireless connectivity is improved between the wireless communication module 150 and a mobile device 250 by locating the wireless communication module 150 at least partially exterior of the transactional device cabinet 210 (
Additionally, both the forward-protruding structure of the tongue 140 (which serves as a natural, visual indicator for the consumer) and the intentional, close relationship between the wireless communication module and the insertion/dispensing slot (which is the conventional payment insertion location) assist the consumer in easily and intuitively determining the location to which his or her mobile device should be placed to initiate wireless communication.
Likewise, the integration of the wireless communication module 150 with the bezel housing 160 provides a single pay entry point, either for receiving notes or for an electronic transaction. The single pay entry point both reduces confusion for the consumer by providing at a single location on the transactional device. Additionally, the single pay entry point physically limits the consumer to a single payment type, thus preventing a consumer from simultaneously inserting a note while attempting a wireless communication transaction, which has a potential for causing a bill validator error.
Thus the integration of the note receiving point and wireless connectivity point provides several advantages. This is in contrast to the alternative of two payment receiving points, such as might occur when a transactional device cabinet 210 is designed or retrofitted with a wireless communication device located in a separate area of the cabinet 210.
Also, the bezel assembly for data reception provides a useful and convenient apparatus that can be retrofitted to a transactional device cabinet that was not originally configured for wireless communication. Advantageously, no modifications (i.e. cutting of additional holes) need be performed on the existing cabinet structure, as the tongue of the bezel assembly of the first and second embodiments fits through the conventional validator window 220 in the cabinet door reserved for a standard bezel and the tongue of the third embodiment is configured to replace a two-part bezel with the tongue attachable to the cabinet door.
The first exemplary embodiment of the bezel assembly for data reception 100 is adapted for an electronic gaming machine, transactional kiosk, a vending machine, an automated teller machine (ATM), or a similar transactional device 200 in which the bill validator is mounted within an enclosure or cabinet 210 and the attached bezel projects through an opening 220 in a wall or door 212. Several aspects presenting variations within the scope of the invention are also disclosed.
The bezel assembly for data reception 100 of the first embodiment includes a wireless communication module 150 integrated with a one-part bezel housing 160 (
The one-part bezel housing 160 includes a front portion 122 and a back portion 120. The front portion 122 of bezel housing 160 extends forward from the back plate 130 of the back portion 120. The back portion 120 is connectable to a bill validator 230 (
The insertion/dispensing slot 128 is sized and configured for receiving notes, such as currency, paper tickets, scrip, vouchers, bills, forms, magnetic cards, identification cards, and other similar documents. When the bezel assembly for data reception 100 is attached to the bill validator 230 of the transactional device cabinet 210, the insertion/dispensing slot 128 aligns with the note acceptance slot of the bill validator 230. Therefore, notes, documents, or other insertable-media that are manually inserted into the insertion/dispensing slot 128 are received by the bill validator 230 and then mechanically transported by a transportation system into the bill validator 230. The outwardly projecting casing 110 can include features to aid in directing the notes into the bill validator. This can include a bottom interior floor 124 and a hood 126. The shapes of the opposing faces of the bottom interior floor 124 and the hood 126 are formed to guide the note into the insertion/dispensing slot 128 and subsequently into the bill validator 230. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the hood 126 is preferably shaped having a convex surface.
Similarly, notes may be dispensed from the bill validator 230. For example, printed paper tickets, recycled currency, scrip, a transaction receipt, or other notes may be provided by a recycler unit of the bill validator 230, transported outwardly though the note acceptance slot of the bill validator 230, and output through the insertion/dispensing slot 128 of the bezel assembly 100 for data reception.
The outwardly projecting casing 110 includes outer casing walls 112, 114, 116, 118. The outwardly projecting casing 110 forms a frame or molding around the insertion/dispensing slot 128. The outwardly projecting casing 110 may be plain or decorative and may be illuminated or unlit. The inner portion of the outwardly projecting casing 110 defines an open throat terminating at the insertion/dispensing slot 128. The top of the open throat is preferably formed by the hood 126, which is preferably somewhat angled or convex, but may optionally be formed of a horizontal interior roof of the outwardly projecting casing 110. As previously mentioned, the hood 126 can serve to direct each inserted note towards the insertion/dispensing slot 128 and can also serve to aid the consumer in visually aligning the note. The bottom of the open throat is defined by the bottom interior floor 124 of the outwardly projecting casing 110, wherein the bottom interior floor 124 is oriented generally opposing the surface of the hood 126.
The forward-extending hollow tongue 140 is attached to, and projects forward from, a lower portion of the outwardly projecting casing 110. In the first exemplary embodiment, the outwardly projecting casing 110 and the forward-extending hollow tongue 140 are fabricated as a unitary component. A rear portion of a top surface 144 of the forward-extending hollow tongue 140 is generally aligned with the bottom interior floor 124 of the outwardly projecting casing 110. The combination of the top surface 144 of the forward-extending hollow tongue 140 and bottom interior floor 124 of the casing form an elongated runway. This elongated runway advantageously assists the consumer in positioning the note properly for insertion and in feeding the note into the interior insertion/dispensing slot 128, which in turn directs the note into the bill validator 230.
As seen from the top view of
Additionally, it is understood that the angles of the top plane and bottom plane can be varied. For example, in
The back portion 120 of bezel housing 160 includes a back plate 130 and includes one or more elements or features to attach the bezel assembly for data reception 100 to the front of the bill validator 230. The attachment devices are compatible with the correlating attachment devices of the particular bill validator 230 to which the bezel assembly 100 is to be attached, and may be customized for each type of validator 230. For example, the attachment device may include one set of holes 132 (
The wireless communication module 150 is operational to communicate with a mobile device 250 using any wireless communication protocol currently known or a protocol that becomes known by those skilled in the art. Details of an exemplary wireless communication module 150 are presented in
The wireless communication module 150 is sized and configured to fit at least substantially within the bezel housing 160, with the reader/writer portion of the wireless communication module 150 disposed within the hollow tongue 140. Power is provided to the wireless communication module 150 from the transactional device or a peripheral accessory within the transactional device cabinet 210 by way of a cable 158 or any other suitable electrically conductive component. The cable 158 may be designed with appropriate connectors 159 to correspond to connectors within the transactional device or peripheral device. The wireless communication module 150 is operational to transmit data through electrical communication (such as through the cable 158) or by using any conventional wireless communication.
The material, design, and finish of the bezel assembly for data reception 100 may be varied based on considerations such as aesthetics, specifications of the transactional device cabinet 210, environment of use, and other factors. To illustrate this possible customization and variability, several exemplary variations in design of the first embodiment are provided in
In the first aspect, as illustrated in
In the second aspect, as illustrated in
Referring now to
The type of lights used and the method of integrating the indicator lights 170, 172 into the front portion 122 may vary based on considerations such as aesthetics, preferences of the manufacturer of the transactional device cabinet 210, durability, information to be conveyed to the consumer, and other factors. The indicator lights 170, 172 may be inset within the walls of the front portion 122 with the tops of the indicator light flush with the outer surface of the wall; they may protrude slightly above the outer surface of the wall; or they may be enclosed within the front portion 122 with only the glow viewable through the material of the front portion 122. Indicator lights 170, 172 that are disposed under the walls are advantageously less susceptible to accidental damage or vandalism.
The indicator lights 170, 172 may be disposed in various areas of the front portion 122. Two sets of indicator lights 170, 172 are shown in
In one example, the indicator lights 170, 172 are LED lights electrically connected to an LED board (or multiple LED boards). In the idle state the LED lights are lit to a solid green color. When the consumer brings the mobile device 250 near the wireless communication module 150 of the bezel assembly 100, communication is initiated. While the mobile device 250 and the communication module 150 are communicating, the communication module 150 outputs a signal, such as a five-volt (5V) signal, to the LED board. The LED board receives the signal and actuates the LED lights to flash blue while the communication is in progress. Upon completion of the communication, the communication module 150 ceases to output the signal. Upon cessation of the receipt of the signal, the LED board returns the LED lights back to the solid green color, indicating an idle state. If a transaction is successful, a positive response may be relayed to the customer. A signal may be sent to the LED board to actuate the LED lights to flash a different color, such as green, to provide this indication to the customer that the transaction has been credited or the information properly conveyed.
The bezel assembly for data reception 100 is configured for easy installation onto the bill validator 230 that is mounted, or will be mounted, into a transactional device. To install the bezel assembly for data reception 100 of the first embodiment, power is provided to the wireless communication module 150 by attaching cable 158 to a power supply within cabinet 210. (If lighting elements 170, 172 are included, power will also be supplied to them. A power regulator or voltage divider can be included in an illumination circuit to adjust the power from a power source to the desired power for illuminating the lighting elements 170, 172.) The bezel assembly 100 is positioned at the front of bill validator 230, with the engageable devices 138 engaged with the correlating receiving attachment devices of the particular bill validator 230 to which the bezel assembly 100 is to be attached. Screws, bolts, or other fasteners may be inserted through holes 132 (
The cabinet door 212 can then be shut with the validator window 220 (
The bezel assembly for data reception 100 can be used by a consumer to perform transactions in two separate ways. The bezel assembly for data reception 100 allows transactions involving: (1) physical notes to be inserted through bezel 160 into bill validator 230, and also (2) for handling mobile transactions through communication module 150.
In the first type of usage, a consumer can insert one or more notes into the insertion/dispensing slot 128 of the bill validator 230 to credit an account, to purchase goods, or to wager an amount in a gaming machine, or the consumer can receive one or more notes dispensed by the bill validator 230 through the insertion/dispensing slot 128. In the second usage, the consumer has a mobile device 250 that is operable to communicate with the wireless communication module 150. The consumer can touch the mobile device 250 to or locate it near tongue 140 initiating communication with the wireless communication module 150. The communication can complete a transfer of funds, such as an ewallet or mobile wireless transaction, or the communication may be a transfer of information, such as communicating a consumer reward card number, player identification number, or mobile device identification number to the transaction device.
The bezel housing 160 is preferably formed unitarily of a plastic material (i.e. a moldable synthetic or semi-synthetic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer). For example, the bezel housing 160 may be formed of unitarily molded polycarbonate.
In the second exemplary embodiment of the bezel assembly for data reception 102, as illustrated in
Typically the validator window 220 reserved for a standard bezel is larger in a standard vending machine than the validator window 220 in a gaming machine, thus the back plate 130 of the second embodiment is larger to fit the validator window of the particular vending machine. Additionally, the attachment device of the bezel assembly for data reception 102 of the second embodiment is designed to be compatible with the correlating attachment means of the standard vending machine. For example, the notches 136 may be provided for attaching the bezel assembly 102 via studs and hex nuts to the inside of the cabinet of the standard vending machine. As in the first embodiment, the holes 134 are provided for attaching the bezel assembly 102 to the front of the validator 230. Optionally, mounting brackets and mounting adapter plates of various types can be provided with the bezel assembly for data reception 102 to accommodate other shapes and configurations of validator windows.
In the third exemplary embodiment of the bezel assembly for data reception 104, as illustrated in
In the third embodiment, the wireless communication module 150 functions in a similar manner to the first and second exemplary embodiments. However, the bezel housing 160 is formed in two parts, with a first segment, casing 110, attached to the bill validator 230 and with a second segment, tongue 140, attached to the transactional device door 212.
In this third embodiment, the tongue 140 is configured for permanent attachment to an area of the door 212 within or extending forward of the validator window 220. The tongue 140 may have a generally rectangular rearward portion and a forward-extending portion, as shown in
The two part design provides a manufacturing and integration advantage, where since the hollow tongue 140 and the casing 110 are fabricated of separate components, the two-part design enabling assembly of one hollow tongue 140 having one design to any of a multitude of different shaped casings 110. This enables adaptation of the bezel assembly for data reception 100 to a multitude of different transactional devices 200, while minimizing manufacturing and inventory costs.
A variation in the design and shape of the tongue 140 is presented in
The bezel assembly for data reception 104 is presented in
Additionally,
In the fourth exemplary embodiment of the bezel assembly for data reception 300, the manual entry bezel assembly, as illustrated in
The manual input device 354 may be configured as engageable mechanical switches, capacitive switches, a keypad, a tactile touchpad, a touchscreen, or the like. In one example, the manual input device 354 has a plastic insert with an indicator (such as a number and/or text) printed or screened upon it. The consumer can input data by touching (or closely approaching) the plastic insert, with the input microcontroller 352 detecting the touch and interpreting it as a key press for that location or reference. In a second example, the manual input device 354 comprises a touchscreen operable to receive input by touch. The touchscreen may extend generally over the entire top surface 144 of the forward-extending hollow tongue 140 or may cover all or part of inset area 146.
The input microcontroller 352 may receive power from, and be in signal communication with, the transactional device or an accessory within the transactional device cabinets 210, such as through the cable 358 and the respective connector 359 or a short-range wireless communication module 356. Optionally, the manual input assembly 350 may be disposed within the tongue 340 of the bezel housing 310, without the wireless communication module 350; therefore the bezel would lack wireless connectivity, but allow convenient design or retrofitting of a transactional device with manual input for other applications. The manual entry bezel assembly for data reception 300 may also be used with any of the other embodiments of the present invention. The short-range wireless communication module 356 of the manual entry bezel assembly for data reception 300 includes a wireless communication circuit 356 comprising circuitry and associated operational instructions to wirelessly communicate with at least one of a mobile device 250 and a portable computing device.
The bezel assembly for data reception 300 can be configured in accordance with any of the previously described configurations, including a casing 310 and mating backing portion 320 as illustrated, having any suitably shaped forward-extending hollow tongue 340, having a unitary constructed tongue and front bezel (as illustrated in
The bezel assembly for data reception 300 can include at least one proximity sensor 390 to identify when a consumer approaches an area of the bezel assembly for data reception 300 containing the manual input device 354.
The bezel assembly for data reception 300 can be enhanced by integrating a camera (such as a hood located camera 582, a tongue upper surface mounted camera 584, and/or a tongue lower surface mounted camera 586 as illustrated in
A digital clock 392 can be integrated into the manual input assembly 350, enabling clocking functions. The digital clock 392 can be included within the input microcontroller 352 or provided as a separate element. The digital clock 392 can be utilized to monitor time between consumer inputs.
In the fifth exemplary embodiment of the bezel assembly for data reception 400, the biometric registering bezel assembly, as illustrated in
The biological sensor 460 includes a biometric receiver 464 (such as, for example, a fingerprint reader, an iris reader, a retinal scanner, a facial recognition system, speech recognition system, or any other biometric receiving interface), a biometric microcontroller 462, and appropriate power and data connections (such as cord 468 and connector 469). The biological sensor 460 is operable to allow a consumer using the bezel assembly for data reception 400 to identify him or herself through the reading of this unique biometric information. The biometric receiver 464 may be inset within the protruding portion of the tongue 440; particularly the outward edge of the tongue is conveniently accessible to the consumer. For example, in the case of a fingerprint reader, when the consumer touches the biometric receiver 464, the biometric microcontroller 462 receives and processes the reading. The biometric microcontroller 462 preferably outputs the data to the transactional device processor or to a central processing system where the fingerprint read can be compared to templates stored in memory. Optionally, the biometric controller 462 may output the data to a peripheral device or hub disposed within the transactional device for data comparison purposes. This consumer authentication can be used to assure that only a pre-selected group of people can use a transactional device or that a pre-selected group of people is excluded from using the transactional device. For instance, a company could allow purchases of food from a vending machine without cash, based only on the employee's fingerprint; with the cost of the food added to the employee's tab or account for later reconciliation and payment. Optionally, the biological sensor 460 may be disposed within the tongue 140, without the wireless communication module 150; therefore the bezel would lack wireless connectivity, but allow convenient design or retrofitting of a transactional device with biometric authentication for other applications. Additionally, the biological sensor 460 may be utilized with any of the other embodiments of the present invention.
The bezel assembly for data reception 400 can be enhanced by integrating optional additional features. A first optional feature is a short-range wireless communication module 450. The short-range wireless communication module 450 includes the same elements and same benefits as the short-range wireless communication module 150 previously described herein. The combination of the biological sensor 460 and the short-range wireless communication module 450 enables additional benefits to the consumer and the service provider. The combination of the biological sensor 460 and the short-range wireless communication module 450 can be used to enhance security, ensuring the consumer is the registered party with the wireless communicating device 250 by utilizing the biological sensor 460 to authenticate the proper ownership in conjunction with any wireless communication between the bezel assembly for data reception 400 and the wireless communicating device 250.
A second optional feature is a manual input assembly, represented by a series of manual input devices 454 that can be integral to the bezel assembly for data reception 400 as previously described in the integrated in the bezel assembly for data reception 300. The manual input assembly would comprise the same elements as the manual input assembly 350 and provide the consumer with the same benefits as previously presented.
A third optional feature introduces image recognition. The image recognition can be accomplished by integrating one or more cameras 482 into the bezel assembly for data reception 400. The one or more cameras 482 can be integrated into a casing front portion 422 (as illustrated), into a tongue top surface 444, and/or into a tongue bottom surface 445. Details of a camera and respective components integrated into the casing front portion 422 are described by the hood located camera 582 introduced in
A fourth optional feature introduces an illuminating indicator system comprising at least one indicator light 470, 472. The at least one indicator light 470, 472 would be similar in scope and implementation as the indicator lights 170, 172 introduced in
In the sixth exemplary embodiment of the bezel assembly for data reception 500, as illustrated in
Like the previously described housings 110, 301, the bezel housing 510 can be designed as a one piece configuration or as a two piece configuration (including a front member and a backing member). The forward-extending hollow tongue 540 and the can be fabricated as a unitary element of the bezel housing 510 (as illustrated in
The exemplary image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 includes at least one externally located camera 582, 584, 586 for obtaining an image provided on “non-insertable media.” Non-insertable media includes an object having a thickness that exceeds the allowable thickness of items capable of passing through the interior insertion/dispensing slot 528 and also includes an object that a consumer may feel uncomfortable inserting into a bill validator, such as a personal identification document, for example a passport or driver's license. Details of the operational constituents of the video components of the exemplary image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 are best presented in the cross sectional illustration of
The image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 can include a hood located camera 582, assembled to an upper portion of the outwardly projecting casing 510, such as the hood 526; a tongue upper surface mounted camera 584 assembled to tongue top surface 544 of the forward-extending hollow tongue 540; and/or a tongue lower surface mounted camera 586 assembled to a tongue bottom surface 545 of the forward-extending hollow tongue 540. Examples of the various configurations are illustrated throughout
In a first configuration, the image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 includes one or more hood located cameras 582 installed in the hood 526 of the outwardly projecting casing 510 and one or more tongue upper surface mounted cameras 584 installed in the tongue top surface 544 of the forward-extending hollow tongue 540 as illustrated in
In a second configuration, the image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 includes a hood located camera 582 installed in the hood 526 of the outwardly projecting casing 510 as illustrated in
In a third configuration, the image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 includes a tongue upper surface mounted camera 584 installed in the tongue top surface 544 of the forward-extending hollow tongue 540 as illustrated in
In a fourth configuration, the image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 includes a tongue lower surface mounted camera 586 installed in the tongue lower surface 545 of the forward-extending hollow tongue 540 as illustrated in
It is understood that the video image controller assembly 572 can be designed to accommodate any one or more, or all camera location configurations. The camera cabling 583, 585 can include connectors for ease of assembly to mating connectors assembled to the video image controller assembly 572.
The image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 can be configured in any of a variety of operational configurations, with several exemplary configurations being presented in
In the first exemplary operational configuration presented in
In the second exemplary operational configuration presented in
In the third exemplary operational configuration presented in
In the fourth exemplary operational configuration presented in
In the fifth exemplary operational configuration presented in
In the sixth exemplary operational configuration presented in
In the seventh exemplary operational configuration presented in
In the eighth exemplary operational configuration presented in
It is understood that the video image controller assembly 572 can be placed in communication with a remote service provider enabling management of the image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500, the ability to obtain operational metrics, modify or upgrade software remotely, modify or upgrade firmware remotely, and the like.
The image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 provides for a variety of applications. One exemplary function of the cameras 582, 584, 586 would be for scanning and decoding two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, such as the 2D barcode image 620 displayed upon a smart phone 600 as illustrated in
It is understood that the system can include an illumination source 570 (
The bezel assembly for data reception 500 can be enhanced by integrating optional additional features. A first optional feature is a short-range wireless communication module 550 introduced in
A second optional feature is a manual input assembly introduced in
A third optional feature would be a biometric reader, similar to the fingerprint reader 464 previously presented. The fingerprint reader 464 is incorporated into the embodiment by reference.
The various exemplary schematics presented in
An exemplary barcode processing flow diagram 700 is presented in
Following the user based information path, the process decrypts the user-based information (block 710). Once decrypted, the decrypted user based information is forwarded or submitted to a server or other processing and database management system (block 712) used in conjunction with the transactional device 200. Upon successful recordation of the user-based information, the server or other processing and database management system returns a positive indicator to the bezel assembly for data reception 100 (block 714). The bezel assembly for data reception 100 receives the positive indicator from the server or other processing and database management system and subsequently presents a positive response to the consumer (block 718). The positive response can be presented to the user via any acceptable user interface, including illumination of an indicator light 170, 172, a display, an audible identifier, and the like, or any combination thereof. Once completed, the bezel assembly for data reception 100 terminates the transaction (block 750).
Following the transaction based information path, the process decrypts the validation information submitted by the barcode, user, system, or any combination thereof (block 720). Once decrypted, the decrypted validation information is forwarded or submitted to the server or other processing and database management system (block 722) used in conjunction with the transactional device 200. Upon successful recordation of the validation information, the server or other processing and database management system investigates the validation information to determine if the validation information is acceptable. The server or other processing and database management system utilizes any known or inventive process to determine if the validation information is acceptable. Upon a conclusive verdict regarding the acceptability of the validation information, the server or other processing and database management system informs the bill validator 230 or the bezel assembly for data reception 100 of the determined ruling (acceptance or rejection) of the submitted validation information (block 724). The determined ruling regarding the validation information is received and interpreted by the bill validator 230 or the bezel assembly for data reception 100 in a validation acceptance decision step (block 726). In a condition where the validation decision step 726 determines that the validation information is acceptable, the process continues by presenting a positive response to both the consumer and the processor 240 of the transactional device (block 728). The positive response to the processor 240 of the transactional device generally comprises a credit to the machine. In a condition where the validation decision step 726 determines that the validation information is not acceptable, the process continues by presenting a negative response to the consumer (block 729). The transaction process is terminated (block 750) upon notification of the validation response to the consumer.
The third potential path results from a scanned barcode comprising both user-based information and transaction based information. The third path is represented by a continuation block 730 introduced in
In use, the image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 provides several user applications and/or benefits, including:
a. Barcode encryption: The image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 can utilize additional digits encoded within the barcode. Currently a ticket transaction at a casino involves printing an eighteen (18) digit validation number in the form of an interleaved 2 of 5 barcode, which is validated at a system level. A two-dimensional (2D) barcode allows for an extra set of security digits that will allow the machine to encrypt using a random number that dynamically updates and is used at that moment. With a set up user password (such as a pre-enrolled or pre-assigned password), the ticket information can be encrypted or decrypted allowing only a selected user to use the funds stored with the validation number on the 2D barcode.
b. User tracking: The two-dimensional (2D) barcode enables encoding of additional information compared to the interleaved 2 of 5 barcode, providing more information in each 2D barcode scan. The 2D barcode can include encoded user information, including the consumer's name, address, phone number, rewards number, and the like. This would allow a new level of user tracking not currently used in a linear barcode implementation.
c. Marketing research: The usage of the two-dimensional (2D) barcode with additional data carrying capabilities also enables encoding of additional information to provide tracking and feature tracking By writing in counters, the system can track how many times a specific customer used a feature. The system can monitor which kiosks were used by a specific customer. These options provide enhanced metrics that are not available with the current technology. This information can also be used for targeted marketing depending on where the specific customer has been and what tracking metrics have been activated.
d. Restrictions: Currently in the gaming market there are certain restrictions that can be implemented to stop a player from playing, including loss limits, opt out forms, or a condition where the specific individual is suspended from gambling at a property. The extra identifying information of the two-dimensional (2D) barcode can be used to include information to track an individual as he enters a casino, or establishment. When certain criteria are met, funds or accounts related to the individual can be frozen until the establishment or authorities can identify the individual.
e. Photographic Image Data: In addition to utilizing the camera and data processing of the camera image for 2D barcodes, the camera and data processing capabilities may be used to take a photograph of a user of the transactional device for identification purposes. This may require a second camera on the bezel directed toward the user's face. A correspondence can be made between the picture of the user and the 2D barcode. Because of the nature of the barcode, extra hashing data can be included within the 2D barcode data to facilitate quickly organizing and retrieving picture information. The inclusion of one or more cameras further enables the device to obtain and record an image of the user, thus enhancing security. The image can merge the scan of the 2-D barcode and the photograph of the user into a single image.
f. Account Information: The additional data availability provided by the two-dimensional (2D) barcode can be used to include account information. Financial accounts are adapting to technology advances. A smart phone, tablet, personal data assistant (PDA), and the like can now display the two-dimensional (2D) barcode which can be read by the scanner, and linked to a person's account involving new technologies such as a mobile wallet or ewallet, a mobile wager wallet, a credit card system, and the like.
g. Ticket In-Ticket Out (TITO) replacement: The additional data availability provided by the two-dimensional (2D) barcode can be used to include additional information compared to the current Ticket In-Ticket Out (TITO) technology. The current Ticket In-Ticket Out (TITO) technology utilizes 18 digit interleaved 2 of 5 barcode to store validation numbers. The two-dimensional (2D) barcodes can store the same information in a smaller footprint, and it can store more information than currently available.
h. Promotional Advertising: The additional data availability provided by the two-dimensional (2D) barcode can be used to include marketing or promotional information. Smart phones, tablets, and other devices integrating a camera and a processor allow an individual to take a picture of a 2D barcode on a consumer-information display (such as a billboard, sign, digital display, printed material, marketing promotional material, or the like) and present it to the 2D Barcode reader on the bezel assembly 500 to trigger certain offers. Alternatively, the image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 can read a two-dimensional (2D) barcode off the display of the mobile device and present a respective, correlated, or corresponding deciphered image on a screen of the transactional device 200.
It is understood that the image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 can include other features that were previously introduced herein. The image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 can include the wireless communication module 150 introduced in the bezel assembly for data reception 100. The image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 can include the manual input assembly 350 introduced in the manual entry bezel assembly for data reception 300. The image recognition bezel assembly for data reception 500 can include the biological sensor 460 introduced in the biometric registering bezel assembly for data reception 400.
The bezel assembly 100 for data reception shown in
Transactional device 200 has a bill validator 230 (
Interior insertion/dispensing slot 128 shown in
Bezel assembly 100 shown in
Fingerprint reader 464 or finger vein reader 465 is arranged on, immediately beneath or adjacent to an upper surface 444 of hollow tongue or protrusion 140 (
As illustrated in
In a further embodiment shown in
As illustrated in
In summary, the bezel assembly for data reception 100 of the present invention provides a convenient means to retrofit transactional devices that do not include wireless communication; provides an efficient means to include wireless communication technology in a newly designed transactional device; provides improved wireless connectivity through the positioning of the wireless communication module 150 within the horizontally protruding tongue; provides an intuitive, single pay entry point; facilitates correct positioning by the consumer of the mobile device, as the horizontal tongue designates the exact location to be touched or near where the mobile device should be positioned; and prevents the consumer from attempting to make both a paper note transaction and a wireless transaction simultaneously. Additionally, the bezel assembly for data reception 100 of the present invention has been shown to be adaptable to a variety of transactional device cabinets 210. Various form factors have been presented such as a one-part housing 160 (with a tongue 140 that can fit within the bill validator window and allow the door to freely open over the protruding tongue 140) and a two-part housing 160 (with a tongue 140 that is attached to the cabinet door 212). A variety of variations have also been disclosed (such as a manual input assembly, a biological sensor, and a image recognition assembly), which may be used in combination with the exterior form factor of the bezel design herein disclosed, with or without the wireless communication module 150. Though the bezel assembly for data reception 100 has been generally described for use in the gaming industry, it is also advantageous for usage in retail, transportation, service payment, and vending industries.
It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular embodiments, features, or elements. Specific structural and functional details, dimensions, or shapes disclosed herein are not limiting but serve as a basis for the claims and for teaching a person of ordinary skill in the art the described and claimed features of embodiments of the present invention. The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
This is the U.S. Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/284,472 filed on Oct. 3, 2016 which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/614,180 filed on Feb. 4, 2015 now matured into U.S. Pat. No. 9,483,894 which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 14/033,483 filed on Sep. 22, 2013 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,978,868 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/708,632 filed on Oct. 1, 2012.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Child | 15284472 | US | |
| Parent | 14033483 | Sep 2013 | US |
| Child | 14614180 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 15284472 | Oct 2016 | US |
| Child | 15844763 | US |
