DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The disclosed subject matter in general relates to self-service terminals, and more particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to self-service terminals enabling dispensing of physical documents, such as passbooks.
BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE PRIOR ART
[002] The advent of technology has revolutionized the way banking services are delivered, with a significant shift towards self-service and automation. Traditional banking processes often required customers to visit a bank branch to obtain a passbook for their savings or checking account. This manual process involved interacting with bank personnel, filling out forms, and waiting in line, which could be time-consuming and inconvenient for customers. Moreover, the requirement to perform this task during regular banking hours created further challenges for individuals with busy schedules or those located far away from a bank branch.
[003] In response to these limitations, some banking institutions introduced online and mobile banking applications, allowing customers to access their account information and perform transactions electronically. While these digital alternatives offered convenience, they lacked the tangible nature of a physical passbook, which many customers preferred for record-keeping and personal reference. The absence of an efficient and automated passbook dispensing solution prompted the need for a novel system that combined the benefits of self-service convenience with the traditional aspect of a physical passbook.
[004] Existing automated teller machines (ATMs) have been instrumental in enabling customers to perform various banking transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits, and funds transfers. However, passbook dispensing functionality was not incorporated into these machines, requiring customers to visit a bank branch separately for this purpose. This added step undermined the overall convenience and efficiency of the banking experience.
[005] To addresses the aforementioned challenges a novel system for dispensing a physical document is therefore provided. The system facilitates smart communication and dispensing capabilities in a cost-effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In an embodiment, a kiosk machine is disclosed. The kiosk machine may dispense a physical document, wherein the physical document may be any document such as, but not limited to, a passbook, a credit card, a post card and so on. The kiosk machine may comprise of a first dispenser for receiving and returning an old passbook. The first dispenser may comprise of a first dispenser slot configured to receive and return an old passbook. The kiosk machine may further comprise of a second dispenser for dispensing a blank passbook. The second dispenser may comprise of a second dispenser slot for dispensing the blank passbook, a dispensing module configured to dispense the blank passbook, and a distance sensor configured to detect the presence of the blank passbook within the dispensing module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[007] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[008] FIG. 1 illustrates a kiosk machine 102 for dispensing a physical document, in accordance with an embodiment;
[009] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the kiosk machine 102, in accordance with an embodiment;
[010] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a dispensing module 210, in accordance with an embodiment;
[011] FIG. 4 illustrates an arrangement of the dispensing module 210, in accordance with an embodiment;
[012] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the passbook tray 310, in accordance with an embodiment;
[013] FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed front view of the passbook tray 310 with the blank passbook 105, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[014] FIG. 7 illustrates an arrangement of a PCB 404 with respect to a spring plate 406, in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[015] Referring to FIGs. 1-7, a kiosk machine 102 for dispensing a physical document is disclosed. The physical document may be any document such as, but not limited to, a passbook, a credit card, a post card and so on. The kiosk machine 102 may be connected to a server (not shown in figures).
[016] FIG. 1 illustrates a kiosk machine 102 for dispensing the physical document, in accordance with an embodiment. The physical document may be any document such as, but not limited to, a passbook, a credit card, a post card and so on. The kiosk machine 102 may comprise of a first dispenser, and a second dispenser. The first dispenser may receive and return an old passbook 104, wherein the first dispenser may comprise of a first dispenser slot 108 configured to receive and return the old passbook 104. The second dispenser may dispense a blank passbook 105.
[017] The second dispenser may comprise of a dispensing module 210 and a second dispenser slot 109 for dispensing the blank passbook 105, and a distance sensor 206 configured to detect the presence of the blank passbook 105 within the dispensing module 210 (refer FIG. 2).
[018] In an embodiment, the kiosk machine 102 may further comprise of additional dispensers for dispensing Identification Cards, receipts, credit cards, and so on. Furthermore, the kiosk machine 102 may enable dispensing of multiple items from multiple dispensers at the same time.
[019] The kiosk machine 102 may further comprise of a first data processing system 110 and a microcontroller. The first data processing system 110 may be configured to connect with the server. Similarly, a plurality of data processing systems may be connected to the server. Further, the first data processing system 110 may be configured to notify an administrator via an email, a text message or a phone call. The microcontroller may be configured to communicate with the first data processing system 110.
[020] In an embodiment, the microcontroller may comprise of a built-in diagnostic system enabling detection and reporting of errors incurred in the kiosk machine 102. Further, the microcontroller may instruct the first data processing system 110 to communicate the report to the server or the administrator.
[021] In an embodiment, the kiosk machine 102 may comprise of plurality of panels to allow easy access to the inside of the kiosk machine 102 for quick maintenance and troubleshooting.
[022] In an embodiment, the kiosk machine 102 may comprise of a battery backup system configured to provide power to the kiosk machine 102. Further, the kiosk machine 102 may be connected to energy-efficient components to reduce power consumption and increase sustainability.
[023] In an embodiment, the first data processing system 110 may comprise of a display module 112 and an input module 114. The input module 114 may be configured to receive inputs/instructions from a user accessing the kiosk machine 102. The input module 114 may be, but not limited to, a keyboard, a touchpad, a mouse, a fingerprint scanner, and a voice receiving microphone.
[024] In an embodiment, the old passbook 104 and the blank passbook 105 may comprise of a unique code 106 to enable detection and association of said passbooks with the user.
[025] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the kiosk machine 102, in accordance with an embodiment. The first dispenser may comprise of a first rack 202. The first rack 202 may be configured to receive a printing module (not shown). The printing module may be configured to receive the old passbook 104 through the first dispensing slot 108, print on the old passbook 104, and dispense the old passbook 104 back to the user. The second dispenser may comprise of a second rack 208, wherein the second rack 208 may be configured to receive the dispensing module 210. It is to be noted that the position of the printing module and the dispensing module 210 is interchangeable.
[026] In an embodiment, the first rack 202 may be further configured to receive a card machine, wherein the card machine may receive and return credit cards, debits cards, and so on.
[027] FIG. 3 illustrates the dispensing module 210, in accordance with an embodiment. The dispensing module 210 may comprise of at least one passbook tray 310, at least one helical spring 203, and at least one motor 204. The at least one passbook tray 310 may be configured to receive and store plurality of blank passbooks 105. The at least one helical spring 203 may be disposed within the at least one passbook tray 310. The at least one motor 204 may operably be coupled with the at least one helical spring 203 and the at least one motor 204 may be configured to rotate the at least one helical spring 203 for dispensing the blank passbook 105.
[028] In an embodiment, plurality of passbook trays 310 may be disposed on top of each other or one adjacent to the other.
[029] In an embodiment, the dispensing module 210 may comprise of a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may be disposed towards the second dispenser slot 109 and the distal end may be disposed away from the second dispenser slot 109.
[030] In an embodiment, the dispensing module 210 may further comprise of a dispensing tray 306, a dispensing base 308, and a dispensing module cover (not shown). The dispensing tray 306 enables the dispensed passbook to automatically slide towards the proximal end of the kiosk machine 102 for easier retrieval of the blank passbook 105 by the user.
[031] In an embodiment, a space may be defined underneath the dispensing base 308, wherein the space may be configured to receive the microcontroller.
[032] FIG. 4 illustrates an arrangement of the dispensing module 210, in accordance with an embodiment. The at least one passbook tray 310 may define a longitudinal slot 412. The longitudinal slot 412 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the helical spring 203. Further, the longitudinal slot 412 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the motor 204.
[033] In an embodiment, the helical spring 203 may or may not directly interface with the longitudinal slot 412.
[034] In an embodiment, the at least one passbook tray 310 may comprise of a plurality of longitudinal protrusions 410, wherein the plurality of longitudinal protrusions 410 may be provided on either side of the longitudinal slot 412.
[035] In an embodiment, the at least one passbook tray 310 may comprise of a pair of tray sidewalls, wherein at least one longitudinal protrusion 410 among the plurality of longitudinal protrusions 410 may be provided on each tray sidewalls.
[036] In an embodiment, the plurality of longitudinal protrusions 410 may be provided along a length of the passbook tray 310, wherein the plurality of longitudinal protrusions 410 may be configured to interface with at least a portion of the blank passbook 105.
[037] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the at least one passbook tray 310, in accordance with an embodiment. The helical spring 203 defines a plurality of spring spaces 502 between each of its turns, with each spring space 502 is capable of receiving a blank passbook 105. It may be noted that the number of blank passbooks 105 that the dispensing module 210 can accommodate may be limited by the number of spring spaces 502 available within the helical spring 203.
[038] FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed front view of the passbook tray 310 with the blank passbook 105, in accordance with an embodiment. The longitudinal slot 412 is positioned lower than the longitudinal protrusions 410 on a base of the passbook tray 310. This arrangement allows the blank passbook 105 to be inserted halfway through the helical spring 203 and be partially supported by the longitudinal protrusions 412. Further, when the helical spring 203 is rotated, the blank passbooks 105 are configured to move along the passbook tray within the spring spaces 502 and may be dispensed into the dispensing tray 306 upon reaching an end of the passbook tray 310. It may be noted that, due to the presence of the longitudinal protrusion 410 underneath and on the sides of the blank passbook 105, the entirety of the blank passbook 105 does not interface with the base of the passbook tray 310, facilitating smoother movement towards the dispensing plate.
[039] In an embodiment, the dispensing module 210 comprising of the spring plate 406 may define a plate slot 706 (refer FIG. 7). Furthermore, one end of the helical spring 203 may be engaged to at least a portion of the spring plate 406, wherein the spring plate 406 and the at least one stepper motor 204 may be rotatably connected to each other.
[040] In an embodiment, the at least one stepper motor 204 may comprise of a motor port 402, wherein the at least one stepper motor 204 may receive inputs from the microcontroller through the motor port 402. The inputs may be communicated to the motor 204 in a wired or wireless manner.
[041] In an embodiment, the dispensing module 210 may comprise of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 404, wherein at least a portion of the PCB 404 may be disposed on either side of the spring plate 406. FIG. 7 illustrates an arrangement of the PCB 404 disposed on either side of the spring plate 406, in accordance with an embodiment.
[042] In an embodiment, the PCB 404 may comprise of a first PCB end 702, a second PCB end 704, a signal detecting sensor, and a signal emitter. The signal detecting sensor may be disposed towards the first PCB end 702. Further, the signal emitter may be disposed towards the second PCB end 704.
[043] In an embodiment, the signal emitter may be configured to emit a signal through the plate slot 706. The signal detecting sensor may be configured to receive the signal through the plate slot 706. As the spring plate 406 rotates, the signal may only pass through the plate slot 706 and may not be detected in other areas of the spring plate 406.
[044] In an embodiment, as the spring plate 406 rotates, the microcontroller may be programmed to count the number of rotations of the spring plate 406 and in turn the helical spring 203, by tallying the instances when the signal detecting sensor receives the signal through the plate slot 706. Further, the microcontroller may determine how many turns are required to move the blank passbook 105 to a first spot 504. This may enable determination of the number of blank passbooks 105 dispensed based on how many numbers of rotations of the spring plate 406.
[045] In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, the distance sensor 206 may be disposed towards a proximal end of the dispensing module 210. The distance sensor 206 may be configured to capture a first distance between the distance sensor 206 and the blank passbook 105. The microcontroller may be configured to compare the received first distance with a distance threshold to determine the presence of the blank passbook 105 within the at least one passbook tray 310. The distance threshold may be a pre-determined distance of the blank passbook 105, at the first spot 504, from the distance sensor 206.
[046] In an embodiment, the kiosk machine 102 may comprise of plurality of distance sensors 206 to detect the presence of the blank passbook 105. It may be noted that sensors such as, but not limited to, pressure sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, capacitive proximity sensor, and so on.
[047] In an embodiment, the microcontroller may be configured to periodically receive the first distance to determine the presence of the blank passbook 105 at the first spot 504 on the dispensing module 210.
[048] In an embodiment, the microcontroller may be configured to actuate the at least one stepper motor 204 to rotate the spring plate 406 based on the received first distance. Further, the microcontroller may be configured to calculate the number of turns required to move the blank passbook 105 from the first spot 504 for dispensing the blank passbook 105 into the dispensing tray 306.
[049] Furthermore, the microcontroller may also be configured to calculate the number of turns required to move the blank passbook 105 from any position within the passbook tray 310 to the first spot 504 such that the blank passbook 105 is ready to be dispensed.
[050] In an embodiment, the kiosk machine 102 may comprise of a pair of sidewalls, a pair of fixed members 302, and a pair of movable members 304. One fixed member from the pair of fixed members 302 may be engaged to one of the sidewalls among the pair of sidewalls through engagement means. Additionally, the fixed member may also be integrated into the sidewalls. Each fixed member among the pair of fixed members 302 may be configured to receive a movable member among the pair of movable members 304. The second rack 208 may be disposed between the pair of fixed members 302 and the pair of movable members 304. The pair of movable members 304 may be configured to enable movement of the second rack 208 towards the proximal end and the distal end of the dispensing module 210. The movement of the second rack 208 between the proximal end and the distal end facilitates easy refilling of the dispensing module 210 when the at least one passbook tray 310 is empty.
[051] In an embodiment, the pair of movable members 304 may be configured to move up and down along the pair of sidewalls.
[052] In an embodiment, the kiosk machine 102 may comprise of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) 207. The LED 207 may be configured to notify the user to collect the blank passbook 105 dispensed by the dispensing module 210.
[053] In an embodiment, the kiosk machine 102 may comprise of an auditory feedback module to notify the user to collect the blank passbook 105 dispensed by the dispensing module 210.
[054] The aforementioned detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments, which may be also referred to as “examples” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art, that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical, and design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The aforementioned detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[055] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.
[056] Furthermore, the processes described above is described as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.
[057] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and process or method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[058] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. ,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A kiosk machine (102) comprising:
a first dispenser for receiving and returning an old passbook (104), wherein the first dispenser comprises of a first dispenser slot (108) configured to receive and return an old passbook (104); and
a second dispenser for dispensing a blank passbook (105), wherein the second dispenser comprises of:
a second dispenser slot (109) for dispensing the blank passbook (105);
a dispensing module (210) configured to dispense the blank passbook (105); and
a distance sensor (206), wherein the distance sensor (206) is configured to detect the presence of the blank passbook (105) within the dispensing module (210).
2. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing module (210) comprises:
at least one passbook tray (310) for receiving and storing the blank passbook (105);
at least one helical spring (203) disposed within the at least one passbook tray (310); and
at least one motor (204) operably coupled with the at least one helical spring (203), wherein the at least one motor (204) is configured to rotate the at least one helical spring (203) for dispensing the blank passbook (105).
3. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the dispensing module (210) comprises of:
a dispensing tray (306), wherein the dispensing tray (306) is configured to receive the dispensed blank passbook (105); and
a dispensing base (308), wherein a space is defined underneath the dispensing base (308), wherein the space is configured to receive a microcontroller.
4. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 2, wherein:
the at least one passbook tray (310) defines a longitudinal slot (412);
the longitudinal slot (412) is configured to receive at least a portion of the helical spring (203); and
the longitudinal slot (412) is configured to receive at least a portion of the motor (204).
5. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one passbook tray (310) comprises of a plurality of longitudinal protrusions (410), wherein the longitudinal protrusions (410) are provided on either side of the longitudinal slot (412).
6. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one passbook tray (310) comprises of a pair of tray sidewalls, wherein at least one longitudinal protrusion (410) among the plurality of longitudinal protrusions (410) is defined along each of the pair of tray sidewalls.
7. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of longitudinal protrusions (410) are provided along a length of the passbook tray (310), wherein the plurality of longitudinal protrusions (410) are configured to interface with at least a portion of the blank passbook (105).
8. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the dispensing module (210) comprises of a spring plate (406), wherein:
the spring plate (406) defines a plate slot towards a circumference of the spring plate (406); and
at least a portion of the spring plate (406) is attached to the at least one helical spring (203), wherein the spring plate (406) and the at least one stepper motor (204) are rotatably connected to each other.
9. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the dispensing module (210) comprises a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (404), wherein:
at least a portion of the PCB (404) is disposed on either side of the spring plate (406), wherein the PCB (404) comprises of:
a first PCB end (702);
a second PCB end (704);
a signal detecting sensor; and
a signal emitter, wherein:
the signal detecting sensor is disposed towards the first PCB end (702);
the signal emitter is disposed towards the second PCB end (704);
the signal emitter is configured to emit a signal through the plate slot; and
the signal detecting sensor is configured to receive the signal through the plate slot.
10. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a microcontroller, wherein:
the distance sensor (206) is disposed towards a proximal end of the dispensing module (210);
the distance sensor (206) is configured to capture a first distance between the distance sensor (206) and the blank passbook (105); and
the microcontroller is configured to compare the received first distance with a distance threshold to determine the presence of the blank passbook within the at least one passbook tray (310).
11. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the microcontroller is configured to periodically receive the first distance to determine the presence of the blank passbook (105) at a first spot (504) within the dispensing module (210).
12. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the microcontroller is configured to actuate at least one stepper motor (204) to rotate the spring plate (406) based on the received first distance.
13. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second dispenser comprises of a second rack (208), wherein the second rack (208) is configured to receive the dispensing module (210).
14. The kiosk machine (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first dispenser comprises:
a printing module; and
a first rack (202), wherein the printing module is disposed over the first rack, wherein the printing module is configured to:
receive the old passbook (104) through the first dispensing slot (108);
print on the old passbook (104); and
dispense the old passbook (104) through the first dispensing slot (108).