DESCRIPTION

The present invention refers to an anti-tamper system for an ATM-type equipment, in particular to a system for controlling in real time the quantity of banknotes present in the equipment.

It is known that one of the main problems linked to the use of cash-dispensing equipment, such as ATMs or the like, is that of embezzlements of banknotes contained therein.

Such thefts can certainly be carried out by criminals, from outside the equipment, by breaking operations or card cloning, etc.

However, more and more often banknote thefts are reported which are carried out by personnel in charge of the equipment, e.g. of its replenishment.

Operation of these machines is rather simple and, a posteriori, it is possible to check if the amounts regularly withdrawn by users match the total of banknotes initially present in the machine.

However, such controlling is only possible a posteriori; therefore, if banknotes are embezzled during replenishment operations, a successive checking does not allow to trace the culprit.

Object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing an anti-tamper system as substantially described in claim 1.

Further features of the system are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

The present invention, by overcoming the mentioned problems of the known art, entails several evident advantages.

The main advantage of a system according to the present invention lies in that it allows, in real time, the measuring and the recording of a series of parameters, among which the quantity of banknotes initially inserted and the quantity of banknotes present in the machine at any time.

This allows to always have, in real time, the situation of the machine under control, in fact eliminating the possibility that someone may introduce in the machine less banknotes than due, or embezzle some, without such (illicit) operations being detected and recorded.

Still further advantages, as well as the features and operation steps of the present invention will be made apparent in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example and not for limitative purposes, making reference to the annexed Figure 1 , which is a plan view of a banknote-holding compartment of an ATM-type equipment, equipped with an anti-tamper system according to the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1 , a drawer 1 for containing banknotes 2 of an ATM-type equipment is shown.

Said drawer is a compartment 1 for introducing and/or withdrawing banknotes 2, accessible from the outside by a service door, not shown in the figure.

In other words, it is the drawer periodically replenished with banknotes by the personnel in charge, and from which banknotes are withdrawn by ATM users.

According to the present invention, the drawer 1 is equipped with an anti-tamper system characterised in that it comprises first of all monitoring means 10 positioned inside the compartment 1 and apt to carry out, in a time sequence, a plurality of measurements of the quantity of banknotes 2 present therein.

Moreover, the system also comprises means for processing and storing data related to measurements performed over time.

Advantageously, the system further provides a system for detecting a compartment 1 opening action. Said system is apt to command a measuring of the quantity of banknotes concomitantly to each opening o f the compartment itself and/or of the related service door.

E.g. a micro-switch 11 could be provided for signaling a drawer opening action to the system.

In order to further increase the safety level, a system according to the present invention may further comprise a device for opening the service door, operable by a key with an ID code. Said device is connected with said processing and storing means and apt to associate said code to each opening of the door.

As to the processing and storing means, this may e.g. comprise a PIC (programmable interrupt controller) -type processor. Preferably, said means comprises a RAM- or EEPROM-type memory and is embedded within a miniaturized printed circuit and sealed within a two-component resin, in order to protect data from tampering or possible external attacks.

However, it is to be understood that the same means could be manufactured according to different technologies, selected among those already available to date, or that could be implemented in the future.

In any case, advantageously, said processing and storing means is sealed within an irreversible closure element, positioned within the compartment 1.

Moreover, the system according to the present invention can provide an advantageous data transmission system, for transmitting data of performed measurements to a remote processor, where it could be monitored by other personnel and/or by automatic alarm systems.

Preferably, the transmission system will be such as to be able to work in wireless mode, e.g. by GSM cellular network, etc.

The monitoring means for the banknotes, according to the present invention, may comprise a measuring system 20 which may be of incremental type or of absolute type. In particular, possible measuring systems comprise:

• optical or capacitive digital rulers;

• linear or rotary encoders;

• etc.

- Possible absolute systems instead comprise:

• laser systems;

• absolute optical rulers;

• absolute measuring systems with magnetostrictive technology.

According to the present invention it is preferred to adopt an incremental-type system, in particular a capacitive precision digital ruler (0.01 mm) of the type used on the market for digital gauges.

The ruler is positioned on the bottom of the drawer of an ATM-type equipment.

Operation of the system is briefly described hereinafter.

At each withdrawing of banknotes, the sheet feeder 30 moves.

The ruler sensor is positioned on the sheet feeder of the drawer and measures the distance L from the feeder to the beginning of the drawer.

Data related to this measurement is transferred to a PIC-type processor, along with date and time information, and stored in a RAM- or EEPROM-type memory.

The system is power-supplied by electric energy coming directly from the ATM-type equipment. Power-supplying of the equipment will be guaranteed even when the drawer is disconnected, by a buffer battery or high-capacity condenser.

At each motion of the sheet feeder, an unbalanced-mass vibrator (cellular technology) vibrates in order to allow banknote leveling and compacting and eliminate any measuring error.

Accordingly, the microprocessor receives in sequence all measurements performed by the system.

Such measurements could then be subjected to various processing, monitoring and/or controls, depending on the specific needs.

E.g., they could allow the following functions:

· Real-time reading of banknotes present in the drawer;

• At the closing and/or opening of the drawer, saving data on an internal memory or remotely, included: date and time and the exact accounting of the banknotes present.

• Option of remotely querying to know the number of banknotes present in the drawer.

· Option of intercepting the power-supplying of the dispenser if the system warns that banknote consumption is anomalous, e.g.: dispensing of 4.000 Euros within the time slot of 1' 30".

• Generating a confirmation data log each time the drawer is inserted in the equipment.

Moreover, the system may provide interfacing with other systems, it being provided with contacts usually open or closed for signaling to banknote staining cards.

It has to be pointed out that a system according to the present invention in no way influences any electronic or mechanical part, both of ATMs and other bank safety cards, and above all in no way influences any management software, such as: accounting, journal, drawer calibration, etc., since the system makes use of its own software and is only for event reading and transmission.

Moreover, the system may envisage a tag indelibly applied on each drawer, identifying that the drawer is accounting-protected, acting as deterrent for any fraudulent deficit.

The present invention has been hereto described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof. It is understood that other embodiments might exist, all falling within the protective scope of the claims hereinafter.