DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE TECHNIQUE

The present invention relates to automatic object/ data dispensing/insertion systems such as, but not limited to, ATMs.

STATE OF THE ART

The ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) is, as is well known, an automatic machine that allows for operations such as withdrawing cash, requesting account information and, if enabled, depositing cash or cheques and making transfers.

Other known dispensers include, for example, beverage or packaged food dispensers, cigarette dispensers, and ticket dispensers.

The situation related to the pandemic of Covid-19 (also called SARS-CoV -2) or similar has highlighted how this type of device can be a dangerous vehicle for the spread of bacteria or viruses. In fact, their use involves the manual contact of the user with the device itself (think of a keyboard or a touch screen, but not only), in effect the proximity of the user can lead to the dispersion on parts of the device of viruses/bacteria present on the hands or in respiratory droplets that can escape from the mouth and nose of the user.

The above-mentioned risks do not concern only the users, but also the operators who work on such apparatuses to carry out maintenance, withdrawal of money and/ or refill of the item to be dispensed.

The mask and the gloves worn (not always) by the user and also the disinfection of the hands do not constitute real solutions to the above-mentioned problem since there is no certainty on the actual behavior of the users, also considering the fact that these precautions certainly involve a nuisance. US document 2011/0256019 describes a device for sterilizing a touch-type display that includes a source of ultraviolet light, posterior to the display. A screen is also provided to protect users from the ultraviolet light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the purpose of the present invention to propose a system comprising a plurality of automatic object/ data dispensing/ insertion devices that can be used safely for users or operators in relation to the spread of contagious diseases.

Applicants have perceived that a solution to the above problem may lie in the use of an electromagnetic sanitizing radiation that entirely invades the area from which said automatic devices are accessible, coupled with a movable screen that inhibits access to said area, and thus the use of the dispensing/ insertion system during the sanitizing action performed by the electromagnetic radiation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dispensing/ insertion system as defined by claim 1 and particular embodiments thereof described by dependent claims 2- 15.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The constructional and functional features of the invention may be better understood from the following detailed description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawing plates representing some preferred and non-limiting forms of embodiment thereof, wherein:

- figure 1 shows a perspective view of a system for the dispensing/insertion of objects /data that is realized, according to an example, in an ATM system, represented in an access configuration, i.e. with a raised mobile screen up;

- figure 2 shows said ATM system, in a front view, in the access configuration, i.e. with the movable screen up; - figure 3 shows said ATM system in a anterior front view, represented in a protection configuration, that is with the movable screen down;

- Figure 4 shows said ATM system in a perspective view, in the protection configuration, i.e. with the movable screen lowered.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1-4 illustrate, by way of example, an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) system 100 implemented in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

As is well known, an ATM (also known by the term "ATM"), is an automated device configured to perform operations such as: withdrawing cash, requesting account information, depositing cash or checks, making wire transfers, making payments (e.g., fines, utilities, phone refills, etc.).

Before continuing with the description of ATM 100, it should be noted that the teachings of this description are not only applicable to ATMs but are also applicable to other types of automatic systems for dispensing/inserting objects/data such as, for example: ticket vending machines, reservation/ shift number dispensers in public or private offices, vending machines for articles (e.g.: cigarettes, drugs, medical devices, packaged foods or beverages, etc.).

In particular, for the purposes of the present invention, automatic dispensing/ insertion object/ data systems are also understood to include enabling systems that (e.g., after data, money, credit cards or tickets are entered) activate a given operation. For example, devices for enabling/ activating self-service fuel withdrawal can be considered particular automatic dispensing/inserting objects/data systems.

In addition, the technical teachings described herein are also applicable to automated teller machines such as highway toll booths or other automated apparatus where physical contact occurs between a user and some of the electronic (e.g., a keypad) or electromechanical devices (e.g., a dispensing or object insertion port).

With reference to the ATM 100 shown in Figures 1-4, it comprises a support structure 1 including, for example: a container 2 and a user interaction structure 3.

The container 2 houses, among other things, dispensing apparatuses that preside over the withdrawal and delivery of money (or the distribution/ receipt of documents). Container 2, which may possibly be housed in an internal compartment (with controlled access) of a building or a booth, also has the important function of protection against burglary or theft attempts, especially when the ATM faces directly outside, without other protections/ obstructions.

A device for controlling the operation of the ATM 100 may be housed in the enclosure 2.

The user interaction structure 3 includes at least one electronic/mechanical object/ data dispensing/ insertion device.

In particular, with respect to data entry the user interaction structure 3 may be provided (Figure 2) with a touch screen 4 optionally provided with selection buttons 5. For example, the user interaction structure 3 may further comprise an alphanumeric keyboard 6.

In addition, there is provided a banknote dispensing mouth 7 (so-called, "shutter") equipped, for example, with a movable door and from which the user can manually take the banknotes that are proposed to be dispensed. According to some embodiments, the same shutter 7 may be used to insert banknotes to be paid into an account.

For example, the user interaction structure 3 is also provided with a slot 8 for inserting credit or ATM cards (associated with a suitable reader, not shown) and, for example, a receipt dispenser 9 (associated with a related printer, not shown). A check insertion slot 10 for depositing checks may also be provided, subject to scanning. For dispensing/insertion systems other than the ATM, other examples of electronic/ mechanical dispensing/insertion devices for objects/ data are: a ticket insertion mouth, a bill insertion/ return mouth, a coin insertion/ return mouth, a product dispensing mouth (e.g., tickets, food, beverages, cigarettes, drugs, etc.).

Returning to the ATM 100, the electronic/mechanical dispensing/insertion object/ data devices (4-10) described above are arranged to be accessible on an interaction panel 12 that is bounded by a frame or frame structure 13. For example, but not limited to, the frame structure 13 (e.g., metal) is embedded in an opening in a masonry wall.

It should be noted that the ATM 100 may also have a different structure than depicted in the figures. For example, the ATM 100 may be a Through-The-Wall (TTW) type as depicted in the figures or a Lobby type.

The ATM 100 is further provided with at least one sanitizing electromagnetic radiation source such as, preferably, one or more germicidal ultraviolet radiation sources advantageously configured to generate ultraviolet light with wavelengths in the UV-C band (100-280 nm).

Such a radiation source is mounted on the support structure 1 and is arranged to invest those electronic/mechanical devices (devices 4-10 in the figures) with at least part of the support structure 1 (e.g., the interaction panel 12).

In particular, these sources take the form of one or more UV-C lamps 14 (which may be of commercially available types) arranged to invest the interaction panel 12 and thereby all electronic/mechanical devices 4-10. Such UV-C lamps 14 are only schematically depicted as light points in the accompanying figures. For example, the UV- C lamps 14 may be of the LED type.

In particular, one or more UV-C lamps 14 (e.g., at least six lamps) are placed on the frame structure 13 and oriented to invest at least the interaction panel 12. The UV-C lamps 14 are mounted, for example, on jambs 11 and/or on a lintel 16 of the frame structure 13. Within the frame structure 13, according to the example, power circuitry for the UV-C sources 14 may be suitably housed.

The ATM 100 is further provided with a movable screen 15 associated with the support structure 1 and configured to selectively assume an access position (Figures 1 and 2) and a protection position (Figures 3 and 4) in which, respectively, it enables and disables user access to the electronic/ mechanical devices 4-10 and the interaction panel 12.

Advantageously, the mobile screen 15 advantageously operates as both a physical barrier to user access to the interaction panel 12 and as a radiation shield as it is opaque to UV-C radiation. Advantageously, the mobile screen 15 is also watertight. In particular, the movable screen 15 is a shutter (e.g., rolling shutter), as depicted in the figures, but may also be of another type such as, for example, a curtain or a movable door.

The rolling shutter 15 is formed of a plurality of laths bonded together (made of metal or plastic, or other suitable material) and in the access configuration (open) is rolled up and collected, for example, in an area inside the lintel 16 of the frame structure 13. For example, the laths of the rolling shutter 15 may be made of insulated aluminum.

Further, according to an exemplary embodiment, at least one UV-C lamp 14 (in particular, in the form of LEDs), or all of those employed, are mounted on an inner face of the rolling shutter 15. For example, the UV-C LEDs 14 are mounted on an terminal member 17 of the rolling shutter 15 (also referred to herein as an end piece), such as an terminal lath of the free portion. This terminal lath 17 has a greater weight than the other laths since it must facilitate the lowering of the rolling shutter during closing.

The movement of the rolling shutter 15 between the access position (raised, i.e. open) and the protection position (lowered, i.e. closed) takes place by means of a suitable electric motor (not shown) housed, for example, in the frame structure 13. According to the example, the rolling shutter 15 moves between the two positions by sliding within side guides provided in the frame structure 13.

In the protection position (and thus sanitization in progress), the rolling shutterl5 is fully lowered so as to close and prevent access for the user to the area of the interaction panel 12 and thus to the various devices /mechanics 4-10. In the protective position, the UV-C lamps 14 are arranged in an inner zone between the rolling shutter 15 and the interaction panel 12.

The rolling shutter 15 also has the advantage that, in the protective position, it performs an anti-effraction function of the ATM 100.

The electric motor and UV-C lamps 14 are controlled by a control module (not shown) in communication with, or coincident with, the control device of the ATM 100. The control module (a computer, such as a microprocessor, housed, for example, in the container 2) operates according to a predetermined management procedure, which takes into account both the need for sanitization of the interaction panel 12 and the need to prevent the user from being exposed to radiation emitted by the UV-C lamps 14.

Note that the movable screen 15 and/ or the electric motor and/ or the UV-C lamps 14 may be mounted on a structure separate from the interaction panel 12 such as, for example, a masonry structure surrounding the interaction panel 12. With reference to an example of operation, consider a user approaching the ATM 100 to perform an operation. According to this example, the shutter 15 is wrapped within the lintel 16 and there is full access to the interaction panel 12.

The user performs the necessary operations by touching with his or her hands at least some of the electronic/ mechanical devices 4-10 and probably the interaction panel 12. There is, of course, the further possibility that the user himself or herself disperses pathogens (such as bacteria or viruses) on the panel 12 that are present in respiratory droplets and aerosols that may leak from the mouth and nose.

When the user has completed the operations this is detected by the control module of the ATM 100 and then by the sanitization control device which can activate a sanitization cycle or procedure.

Preferably, the ATM 100 may be equipped with sensors (for example, photocells), in communication with the control device, which detect the presence of the user at the ATM 100: if the user fails to leave, the control device interrupts or delays the sanitization cycle.

In the absence of obstacles, the sanitizing cycle is enabled. This cycle comprises the activation of the electric motor that causes the lowering of the roller shutter 15 until it assumes the protection position. Prior to and/or during such movement of the roller shutter 15, audible alerts (e.g., a recorded voice message) or forms of visual alerts informing that lowering of the roller shutter 15 is occurring may advantageously be activated.

The lowering of the rolling shutter 15 can be interrupted if special sensors (for example, the aforementioned photocells or electromechanical sensors connected to the shutter 15), in communication with the control device, detect the presence of obstacles (for example, the hand of a user or forgotten objects) that prevent the shutter 15 from closing properly. When the shutter 15 is fully lowered, the control device activates the UV-C lamps 14 which generate the radiation that invests the interaction panel 12 and the electronic/ mechanical devices 4-10 carrying out the sanitization.

It is also possible to provide that the sanitization by the UV-C lamps 14 takes place during the movement of the shutter 15 from the access configuration to the protection configuration and/ or vice versa. This may preferably occur if one or more UV_C LEDs 14 are mounted on the terminal lath 17. In this case, during the movement of the rolling shuter 15, the UV-C LED 14 is activated so as to carry out a sanitization of each zone of the panel 12 that it faces (i.e., opposes) during the movement.

In particular, the keyboard 6 and the touch screen 4 with which there is manual contact are sanitized. To make this sanitization treatment more complete, the controlled opening of the mobile door associated with the banknote dispensing mouth 7 can also be envisaged in order to carry out sanitization on the inside.

Sanitization by means of UV-C radiation is carried out for an established time interval, compatible with the current average time of use of the ATMs by each individual user. The movement time of the roller shutter 15 can be reduced to a few seconds: for example, between the protection position and the access position, and vice versa, a time of less than 5.00 s or preferably, less than 3.00 s elapses (for example, equal to about 2.00 s).

During sanitization, the rolling shuter 15 prevents access to the interaction panel 12 and also does not allow UV-C radiation (direct or reflected) to run over users or passersby who may be in the vicinity of the ATM 100.

At the end of this time interval, the control device interrupts the generation of UV- C radiation (i.e., turns off the lamps 14) and then activates the electric motor that brings, by winding, the shuter 15 to the access position, making the interaction panel 12 available again for use by a subsequent user or operator (e.g., a maintenance person).

The sanitization cycle described above is repeated, preferably, at each change of user.

The solution described is very advantageous in that it offers the possibility of full use of automatic systems for dispensing/ inserting objects/data, avoiding or considerably reducing the risk of contagion from easily transmitted infectious diseases, without requiring human intervention for sanitization. Moreover, the presence of an opaque mobile screen eliminates any risk for the user of being hit by germicidal radiation.

The solution described is advantageous not only for the users of the dispensing/insertion systems to which it is applicable, but also for the operators who work on such systems to perform, for example, maintenance, cleaning, withdrawal of money and/ or refilling of the item to be dispensed.

It should also be noted that the solution described can be implemented both on automated systems specifically designed to provide for it, and on machines already in use, since the addition of the components necessary to implement it does not appear particularly complex.

Legend of drawing number references

- ATM system 100

- support structure 1

- container 2

- user interaction structure 3

- touchscreen 4

- selection buttons 5

- keyboard 6

- banknote dispensing/insertion slot 7 ("shutter")

- slot for credit or debit card insertion 8

- receipt dispenser 9

- cheque insertion slot 10

- jambs 11

- interaction panel 12

- frame structure 13 - UV-C lamps 14

- 15 movable screen (rolling shuter)

- lintel 16

- terminal lath 17