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From: jtchew@csa2.lbl.gov (JOSEPH T CHEW)
Newsgroups: comp.human-factors
Subject: Re: Yucky ATM interfaces (WAS Re: Touchscreens)
Summary: Reasonable precaution against crime
Message-ID: <14504@dog.ee.lbl.gov>
Date: 19 Jun 91 21:07:22 GMT
References: <8435@awdprime.UUCP> <6460@ns-mx.uiowa.edu> <14450@dog.ee.lbl.gov> <1991Jun19.190746.2831@cbnewsj.att.com>
Reply-To: jtchew@csa2.lbl.gov
Organization: Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory - Berkeley, CA, USA
Lines: 21
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.3-4
X-Local-Date: Wed, 19 Jun 91 13:18:41 PDT

>Remember, the CITIBANK ATM comes from an NYC bank. The
>requirement to re-insert the card and re-enter the PIN before
>certain transactions is a reasonable feature in a crime-ridden
>environment. Typical scenario without this feature: criminal
>enters ATM room; user runs to safety; criminal withdraws cash.

So how about a PANIC button for those decaying neighborhoods?  
User presses PANIC button; ATM swallows everything not yet 
delivered, cancels transaction if appropriate, drops its 
protective screen, activates video camera, floodlights, and
alarm bell, and calls police.  To reduce pranks and false alarms,
the more alarming features would be enabled by card insertion and 
deactivated 15 seconds after the end of transaction (as indicated 
by removal of card or money, whichever comes first). Five minutes
of floodlights and videotaping could be made always available.

Of course, there ARE neighborhoods where dispensing a small
handgun with the money would be the only effective technique. :)

--Joe
"Just another personal opinion from the People's Republic of Berkeley"