Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[1] The present invention relates to an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) security system and method. Particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for preventing unauthorized tempering of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[2] With advances in electronics and computer technologies, the banking institutions have had available in recent years automated teller machines (hereafter ATM) that may be placed in unattended terminals at remote locations where high traffic in walk-up or drive-in clients and customers is likely to exist.
[3] On the other side, the incidents of tempering of such ATMs have also increased in last few years. These ATMs are provided security through CCTV cameras, automated systems and security guards; however none of them is effective enough to prevent the ATMs to be tempered. The first target for the criminals involved in such incidents is CCTV cameras. They first make the CCTV camera dysfunctional, and then temper the ATMs with their tools by breaking it physically. Currently available security system is also not effective enough as it allows the criminals an ample time to complete their criminal activity. Further, the physical present of the security guard would not help as such criminals attack in a group.
[4] The present invention provides a solution to the long standing problem which devoid of the drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[5] According to the present invention there is provided an ATM security system and method.
[6] In one aspect, the present invention provides a system and method for preventing unauthorized tempering of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).
[7] In one another aspect, the present invention provides a system for preventing unauthorized tempering of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).
[8] In one another aspect, the present invention provides a system for discouraging one or more criminals from tempering the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).
[9] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preventing unauthorized tempering of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).
[10] In one another aspect, the present invention provides a method for discouraging one or more criminals from tempering the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).
[11] Various aspects of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the entire description thereof, including the figures, which illustrates a number of exemplary aspects and implementations. Any subject matter described in the specification can be combined with any other subject matter in the specification to form a novel combination. The invention is also capable of other and different examples and aspects, and its several details can be modified in various respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[12] Figure-1 depicts an ATM security system (100); and
[13] Figure-2 depicts a method of preventing unauthorized tempering of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) (200).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[14] The present invention discloses an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) security system and method, particularly, a system and method for preventing unauthorized tempering of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).
[15] Definitions: It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "ATM" includes one or more such ATMs and the like.
[16] Unless defined otherwise, all technical, scientific or other terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although other methods and materials similar, or equivalent, to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.
[17] In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.
[18] In the present invention, the terms “Automatic Teller Machine” or “ATM” are used interchangeably and refer to an electronic telecommunications device that enables customers of financial institutions to perform financial transactions, such as cash withdrawals, deposits, transfer funds, or obtaining account information, at any time and without the need for direct interaction with bank staff.
[19] In the present invention, the term “incident” refers to an act of attempt of tempering of one or more ATM.
[20] In the present invention, the term “user” refers to one or more persons who use the ATM machine. The user may include criminals.
[21] In the present invention, the term “criminals” refers to one or more persons who can probably attempt, commit or committed an offence of tempering an ATM unauthorized for obtaining money.
[22] In the present invention, the term “unauthorized tempering” refers to one or more act of tempering an ATM particularly for obtaining money for which someone is not legally entitled. The term includes but not limited to breaking of ATM to get the currency or money.
[23] In the present invention, the term “preventing unauthorized tempering” refers to one or more act of preventing one or more criminals from tempering one or more ATMs.
[24] In the present invention, the term “warning” refers to playing one or more audio and/or video recording to warn one or more criminals about their unauthorized tempering of ATMs and the consequences of such tempering. The term also includes information of such tempering broadcasted to one or more members of rescue team.
[25] In the present invention, the term “rescue team” refers to a team of one or more person which on receiving information of incident of tempering of ATM will take preventive or corrective measures. The rescue team comprises one or more members from bank staff, police station, security agencies etc.
[26] In the present invention, the term “broadcasting” refers to communicating information of the incident of tempering of ATM to one or more members of the rescue team.
[27] In the present invention, the term “closing” refers to closing the entry and/or exit door of the ATM for general user.
[28] In the present invention, the term “Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) lock” refers to the lock or security system of the cash cassettes.
[29] In the present invention, the term “cash cassettes” refers an integral part of ATM which stores cash in it.
I. An Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) security system (100):
[30] The present invention discloses an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) security system (100).
[31] Referring to fig. 1, which depicts an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) security system (100) of the present invention. The ATM security system (100) of the present invention comprising a threat detection module (110); a warning broadcasting module (120); and a door closing module (130). These modules are attached to a central master controller of the security system which controls the functioning of these modules.
[32] The modules of the ATM security system (100) may be connected to each other and the master controller through wire or wireless communication protocol known in the art.
[33] The threat detection module (110) enables the system (100) of the present invention to detect one or more threats or apprehension of unauthorized tempering of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). The threat detection module (110) may include different types of sensors including but not limited to a CCTV block sensor, an ATM lock tempering sensor, a PIR sensor for detection of activity, glass break sensor etc. These sensors detect various suspicious activities of which probably turn into unauthorized tempering of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). These activities includes entering by a group of persons in ATM, entering in ATM with tools and weapons, attempts to hamper CCTV view, attempts to damage CCTV system including camera or wiring, tempering with Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) lock etc. When the threat detection module (110) detects threat of relevant kind, it will provide the information to master controller which in turn may activate other module and enable other modules of the security system (100) to perform their intended functions.
[34] The warning broadcasting module (120) enables the system (100) of the present invention to warn the criminals and/or the members of rescue team about the incident of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) tempering. Once, the threat is detected through the threat detection module (110), the warning broadcasting module (120) starts warning the criminal through a pre-recorded message to leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) as soon as possible. On the other side, the warning broadcasting module (120) also broadcast the warning message relating to the incident of tempering including the location, CCTV footage to one or more members of the rescue team e.g. one or more members from bank staff, police station, security agencies etc. Such warning message can be broadcasted through a local or cloud server.
[35] Primarily, the objective of the present invention is to provide security to the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), therefore the prime warnings are broadcasted to force the criminals to leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Further, in case the criminal do not leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and continues with tempering the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), then the door closing module (130) enables the system (100) of the present invention to close the door of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). The door closing module (130) may include deployment of a high torque electric motor to close the door of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), which doesn’t fail due to the blockage of the door. In an exemplary embodiment, the electric motor of the door closing module (130) is a high torque motor creating a torque which converts into about 1000 kgf at the door panel. Once the door is closed, can only be opened by the administrator of the system. Therefore, if the criminals don’t leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) within certain duration after broadcasting of warnings then the door closing module (130) starts closing door with a high torque motor. The duration is a shorter duration which only provides the criminals a chance to leave the ATM premise. Exemplary the duration is 15 seconds or 30 seconds. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the speed of door closing also slow to further offer the criminals a further opportunity to leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). The door of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) premise closes at a low pace which may further offer a time of 5 to 30 seconds to the criminals to leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) premise.
[36] Further, the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) security system (100) of the present invention also comprising an alternate power source which will enable the system of the present invention to work uninterruptedly if the power supply has been disconnected. It may be one strategy of the criminals to cut down the electric supply to the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) to dysfunctionalize the system of the present invention (100), therefore the present invention also comprising a power backup or alternate power source.
[37] The prime objective of the present invention is to prevent incident of tempering of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), therefore the invention start from warning the criminals which will create a mental pressure and an atmosphere of fear to make them leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Further, if the criminals don’t choose to leave the ATM, then the other preventive measures starts. The warning broadcasted for approximately a reasonable time which is only sufficient to allow the criminals to leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) premise e.g. 15 to 30 seconds. Further, if the criminals don’t choose to leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) premise the door closing module (130) enables the system (100) to close the door of the ATM. The door closing module (130) comprising a high torque door closing mechanism which enabled by a high torque creating electric motor. The door closing module (130) generally work at a low speed which further create a mental pressure and an atmosphere of fear in the mind of criminals to make them leave the ATM. The door closing module (130) of the present invention may comprise a high torque creating motor connected to the door to close it. The door closing module (130) is controlled by the master controller (110) which on sensing the threat through threat detection module (120) first broadcast warnings through the warning broadcasting module (130) and then after a reasonable time period e.g. 15 to 30 seconds through the door closing module (130) starts the closing the door by activating high torque motor if the criminals have not left the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) premise.
II. A method for preventing unauthorized tempering of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) (200):
[38] The present invention discloses a method for preventing unauthorized tempering of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) (200).
[39] Referring to fig. 2, which depicts a method for preventing unauthorized tempering of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) (200) of the present invention. The method of the present invention (200) comprising the steps of detecting one or more threats (210) of tempering of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) through the threat detection module (110); broadcasting one or more warnings (220) through the warning broadcasting module (120); and closing the door (230) of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) premise through door closing module (130).
[40] In step 210, the method of the present invention (200) detects one or more threats of tempering of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) through the threat detection module (110) of the system of the present invention (100) of the present invention. The threat detection module (120) may include different types of sensors including but not limited to a CCTV block sensor, an ATM lock tempering sensor, a PIR sensor for detection of activity, glass break sensor etc. These sensors detect various suspicious activities of which probably turn into unauthorized tempering of the ATM. These activities includes entering by a group of persons in ATM, entering in ATM with tools and weapons, attempts to hamper CCTV view, attempts to damage CCTV system including camera or wiring, tempering with ATM lock etc.
[41] In step 220, the method of the present invention (200) starts warning the criminals and sending messages regarding the threat to the members of rescue team through the warning broadcasting module (120) of the system of the present invention (100). The warning my include warning the criminals by playing a pre-recorded warning messages to leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) as soon as possible. On the other side, the warning may also include the broadcasting the messages relating to the incident of tempering including the location, CCTV footage to one or more members of the rescue team e.g. one or members from bank staff, police station, security agencies etc. Such warning message can be broadcasted through a local or cloud server.
[42] Primarily, the objective of the present invention is to provide security to the ATM, therefore the prime warnings are broadcasted to force the criminals to leave the ATM. Further, in case the criminal do not leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and continues with tempering the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), then in step 230, the method starts closing the door of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) through the door closing module (130) of the system (100) of the present invention. The door closing module (130) may include deployment of a high torque electric motor to close the door of the ATM, which doesn’t allow the blockage of the door. Once the door is closed, can only be opened by the administrator of the system. Therefore, if the criminals don’t leave the ATM after broadcasting of warnings then the door closing module (130) starts closing door with a high torque motor creating a torque which converts into about 1000 kgf at the door panel.
[43] The prime objective of the present invention is to prevent incident of tempering of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), therefore the invention start from warning the criminals which will create a mental pressure and an atmosphere of fear to make them leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Further, if the criminals don’t choose to leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), then the other preventive measures starts. The warning broadcasts for approximately a reasonable time which allows the criminals to leave the ATM premise e.g. 15 to 30 seconds. Further, if the criminals don’t choose to leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) premise the method closes the door (230) through the closing module (130). The door closing mechanism involves a high torque creating electric motor. The door closing module (130) generally work at a low speed which further create a mental pressure and an atmosphere of fear in the mind of criminals to make them leave the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). The door closing module (130) of the present invention may comprise a high torque creating motor connected to the door to close it. The door closing module (130) is controlled by the master controller (110) which on sensing the threat through threat detection module (110) first broadcast warnings through the warning broadcasting module (120) and then after a reasonable time period e.g. 15 to 30 seconds through the door closing module (130) starts the closing the door by activating high torque motor if the criminals have not left the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) premise.
[44] The present description is the best presently-contemplated system and method for carrying out the present invention. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles of the present invention may be applied to other embodiments, and some features of the present invention may be used without the corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest cope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

Claims:1. An Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) security system (100) comprising:
a. a threat detection module (110);
b. an warning broadcasting module (120); and
c. a door closing module (130).
2. The security system (100) claimed in claim 1, wherein the threat detection module (110) comprising on or more sensors to detect threat selected from an a shock sensor, a CCTV view block sensor, an ATM lock tempering sensor, a PIR sensor, glass break sensor or combination thereof.
3. The security system (100) claimed in any of the claims 1 and 2, wherein the warning broadcasting module (120) comprising broadcasting the warning to the criminals and to one or more member of the rescue team.
4. The security system (100) claimed in any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the door closing module (130) comprising a high torque generating electric motor connected to the door to close the door.
5. The security system (100) claimed in any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the system further comprising an alternate power supply which enable the system if the usual power supply is disconnected.
6. A method for preventing unauthorized tempering of Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) (200); the method (200) comprising
a. detecting one or more threats (210);
b. broadcasting one or more warnings (220); and
c. closing the door of the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) (230).
7. The method claimed (200) in claim 6, wherein the method detects one or more threats through one or more of a shock sensor, a CCTV view block sensor, an ATM lock tempering sensor, a PIR sensor or glass break sensor.
8. The method (200) claimed in any of the claims 6 and 7, wherein the method broadcast the warnings to one or more of the criminals and to one or more member of the rescue team.
9. The method (200) claimed in any of the claims 6 to 8, wherein the method closes the door through a high torque generating electric motor connected to the door.