Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for assisting a user of a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The apparatus provides a user interface for an SST, comprising a media slot for dispensing and/or depositing a media item to a user, a pair of spaced apart edges extending across a substantial portion of the user interface and converging in the vicinity of a transaction activation region to provide a tactile path to assist the user in locating the transaction activation region, and an illuminated guide to provide a visual path to further assist the user in locating the transaction activation region.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a user interface for a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The invention also relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing or depositing at least one item of media at an SST. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a user interface that does not require a display but provides a cue to direct a customer to a port and/or region at which media is dispensed or deposited. 
       BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    One common type of SST is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). 
         [0003]    Although ATMs can perform many different types of transactions, the most common transaction is cash withdrawal. It is therefore desirable to provide a low cost ATM that dispenses cash. 
         [0004]    One way to reduce the cost of an ATM is to remove the customer display that is provided to assist the customer in conducting a transaction at the ATM. However, if no customer display is provided then the customer may not be able to use the ATM. For example, the customer may have difficulty in navigating to a specific region of a user interface to initiate a transaction. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is an aim of an embodiment of the present invention to at least partly mitigate the above-mentioned problems. 
         [0006]    It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a user interface for an SST which assists a user in locating a region of the user interface for initiating a user transaction, wherein the user may be visually and/or hearing impaired. 
         [0007]    It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a user interface for an SST which assists a user in locating regions and/or ports of a user interface during a user initiated transaction. 
         [0008]    It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a user interface for an SST which indicates to a user a predetermined operating state of the SST and/or a change of operating state of the SST during a user initiated transaction. 
         [0009]    It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a user interface for an SST which indicates to a user when a predetermined event has been successfully completed by the user and/or has been successfully started and/or completed by the SST. 
         [0010]    According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a user interface for a Self-Service Terminal (SST), the user interface comprising:
       a media slot for dispensing and/or depositing a media item to a user;   a pair of spaced apart edges extending across a substantial portion of the user interface and converging in the vicinity of a transaction activation region to provide a tactile path to assist the user in locating the transaction activation region; and   an illuminated guide to provide a visual path to further assist the user in locating the transaction activation region.       
 
         [0014]    Aptly, the pair of spaced apart edges are defined by an elongate recessed portion extending between the pair of spaced apart edges for directing a user towards the transaction activation region. 
         [0015]    Aptly, the illuminated guide comprises a plurality of illumination devices arranged along the elongate recessed portion. 
         [0016]    Aptly, the plurality of illumination devices are arranged along each of the pair of spaced apart edges. 
         [0017]    Aptly, the plurality of illumination devices are selectively illuminated in a predetermined sequence to direct a user towards the transaction activation region. 
         [0018]    Aptly, the user interface further comprises at least one proximity sensor for sensing the proximity of a user and wherein the illuminated guide is activated in response to the at least one proximity sensor to thereby direct the user to the transaction activation region for initiating a user transaction. 
         [0019]    Aptly, the transaction activation region of the user interface comprises at least one sensor for sensing when a user has successfully navigated to the transaction activation region and wherein at least one tactile and/or visual cue is responsive to the at least one sensor to indicate the successful navigation to the user. 
         [0020]    Aptly, the transaction activation region comprises a media input opening and/or a media output opening. 
         [0021]    Aptly, the transaction activation region comprises a contactless card reader. 
         [0022]    Aptly, the user interface further comprises at least one tactile, visual and/or audible cue operable to indicate a predetermined operating state of an SST and/or a change of operating state of an SST during a user initiated transaction. 
         [0023]    Aptly, the at least one tactile, visual and/or audible cue is operable to indicate when a predetermined event has been successfully completed by a user and/or has been successfully started and/or completed by the SST. 
         [0024]    Aptly, the predetermined event comprises one or more of the following: reading a card, inputting a transaction, depositing at least one media item at the SST, checking and/or confirming an accepted user transaction, notifying of a failed transaction, picking and/or collating media items in response to an accepted user transaction, and/or dispensing at least one media item to a user. 
         [0025]    According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an SST comprising a user interface, the user interface comprising:
       a media slot for dispensing and/or depositing a media item to a user;   a pair of spaced apart edges extending across a substantial portion of the user interface and converging in the vicinity of a transaction activation region to provide a tactile path to assist the user in locating the transaction activation region; and   an illuminated guide to provide a visual path to further assist the user in locating the transaction activation region.       
 
         [0029]    According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assisting a user of a Self-Service Terminal (SST), comprising:
       directing a user of an SST to a transaction interaction region of a user interface of the SST by providing:   a pair of edges extending across a substantial portion of the user interface and converging in the vicinity of a transaction activation region to provide a tactile path to assist the user in locating the transaction activation region; and   an illuminated guide to provide a visual path to assist the user in locating the transaction activation region.       
 
         [0033]    According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a user interface for a Self-Service Terminal (SST), comprising:
       at least one transaction activation region of the user interface; and   at least one tactile cue and at least one visual cue to direct a user to the at least one transaction activation region of the user interface.       
 
         [0036]    Aptly, the at least one tactile cue comprises a vibrational device and/or a surface of the user interface, and the visual cue comprises an illumination device and/or a surface of the user interface. 
         [0037]    Aptly, the surface is provided by at least one raised portion arranged to direct a user towards the at least one transaction activation region. 
         [0038]    Aptly, the at least one raised portion is elongate and arranged axially towards the at least one transaction activation region. 
         [0039]    Aptly, the at least one raised portion comprises a plurality of spaced apart raised portions. 
         [0040]    Aptly, the surface is provided by at least one recessed portion arranged to direct a user towards the at least one transaction activation region. 
         [0041]    Aptly, the at least one recessed portion is elongate to define a pair of spaced apart edges extending across a substantial portion of the user interface. 
         [0042]    Aptly, the pair of spaced apart edges converges in the vicinity of the transaction activation region. 
         [0043]    Aptly, the user interface further comprises a plurality of illumination devices arranged along each edge of the elongate recessed portion. 
         [0044]    Aptly, the plurality of illumination devices are operably illuminated in a predetermined sequence to direct a user towards the at least one transaction activation region. 
         [0045]    Aptly, the user interface further comprises at least one proximity sensor for sensing the proximity of a user and wherein the at least one visual cue is activated in response to the at least one proximity sensor to thereby direct the user to the at least one transaction activation region of the user interface to start a user transaction. 
         [0046]    Aptly, the at least one transaction activation region of the user interface comprises at least one sensor for sensing when a user has successfully navigated to the transaction activation region and wherein at least one tactile and/or visual cue is responsive to the at least one sensor to indicate the successful navigation to the user. 
         [0047]    Aptly, the at least one transaction activation region comprises a media input opening and/or a media output opening. 
         [0048]    Aptly, the at least one transaction activation region comprises a contactless card reader. 
         [0049]    Aptly, the user interface further comprises at least one tactile, visual and/or audible cue for operably indicating a predetermined operating state of the SST and/or a change of operating state of the SST during a user initiated transaction. 
         [0050]    Aptly, the at least one tactile, visual and/or audible cue is operable to indicate when a predetermined event has been successfully completed by a user and/or has been successfully started and/or completed by the SST. 
         [0051]    Aptly, the predetermined event comprises one or more of the following: reading a card, inputting a transaction, depositing at least one media item at the SST, checking and/or confirming an accepted user transaction, notifying of a failed transaction, picking and/or collating media items in response to an accepted user transaction, and/or dispensing at least one media item to a user. 
         [0052]    According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an SST comprising a user interface, the user interface comprising:
       at least one transaction activation region of the user interface; and   at least one tactile cue and at least one visual cue to direct a user to the at least one transaction activation region of the user interface.       
 
         [0055]    According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assisting a user of a Self-Service Terminal (SST) during a user initiated transaction at the SST, comprising:
       directing a user of an SST to a transaction interaction region of a user interface of the SST by providing at least one tactile cue and at least one visual cue on the user interface to assist the user in locating the transaction interaction region.       
 
         [0057]    Aptly, the method further comprises:
       sensing a user proximate to the SST whilst the SST is in a wait state; and   providing the at least one visual cue in response to the sensed proximity of the user to direct the user to the transaction interaction region for starting a user initiated transaction.       
 
         [0060]    Aptly, the method further comprises:
       sequentially providing a plurality of tactile and/or visual cues at the user interface to sequentially direct a user to a plurality of transaction interaction regions on the user interface during a user initiated transaction.       
 
         [0062]    Aptly, the method further comprises:
       sensing when a user has successfully navigated to the at least one interaction transaction region; and   providing at least one tactile and/or visual cue in response to the sensed successful navigation by the user to the interaction transaction region.       
 
         [0065]    Aptly, the method further comprises:
       providing at least one tactile and/or visual cue to indicate to a user when a predetermined event has been successfully completed by the user and/or has been successfully started and/or completed by the SST.       
 
         [0067]    Aptly, the predetermined event comprises one or more of the following: reading a card, inputting a transaction, depositing at least one media item at the SST, checking and/or confirming an accepted user transaction, notifying of a failed transaction, picking and/or collating media items in response to an accepted user transaction, and/or dispensing at least one media item to a user. 
         [0068]    Aptly, the at least one tactile cue comprises a vibrational cue and/or a surface of the user interface, and the visual cue comprises an illumination and/or a surface of the user interface. 
         [0069]    According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of indicating an operating state of an SST during a user initiated transaction, comprising:
       providing at least one user cue at a user interface of an SST during a period of time in which the SST is in a predetermined operating state during a user initiated transaction, to thereby indicate a predetermined operating state of the SST to a user during the user initiated transaction.       
 
         [0071]    Aptly, the predetermined operating state comprises one or more of the following: checking/authorizing a transaction, picking/collating media items to be dispensed, collating deposited media items, purging abandoned/erroneous media items, preparing for a new user transaction. 
         [0072]    Aptly, the method further comprises:
       providing at least one new user cue at the user interface of the SST responsive to the user initiating a change of operating state of the SST during the user initiated transaction, to thereby indicate a new operating state of the SST to the user during the user initiated transaction.       
 
         [0074]    Aptly, the at least one user cue comprises a visual, tactile and/or audible cue. 
         [0075]    As used herein, a “user” may comprise a customer at the SST or a service technician who repairs the SST. 
         [0076]    According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of guiding a customer through a transaction at an SST user interface that does not include a customer display, the method comprising:
       providing a first visual cue at a token reader;   reading a token presented by the customer;   providing a second visual cue at the token reader to indicate to the customer that the token was successfully read by the SST;   providing a third visual cue at the token reader to indicate to the customer that the SST is authorizing a pre-staged transaction; and   providing a fourth visual cue at a media dispense region to indicate to the customer that the SST is dispensing media at the media dispense region.       
 
         [0082]    The first visual cue may comprise an active visual cue (for example, an LED) and/or a passive visual cue (for example, one or more edges defined by the user interface). 
         [0083]    Each of the four visual cues may be different to the other visual cues, and may comprise different combinations of illuminated LEDs (for example, blinking slowly, blinking quickly, illuminating continuously), different colors of illuminated LEDs (for example, green, amber, or red), and the like. 
         [0084]    The method may comprise an initial step of detecting a customer at the SST. The step of providing a first visual cue at the token reader may be performed in response to detecting a customer at the SST. 
         [0085]    The method may comprise the further step, after the step of providing a third visual cue at the token reader to indicate to the customer that the SST is authorizing a pre-staged transaction, of providing a further visual cue (different from the other visual cues) indicating to the customer that the pre-staged transaction has been authorized. 
         [0086]    The method may comprise the further step of providing a fifth visual cue to a customer in the event that a pre-staged transaction cannot be executed by the SST. 
         [0087]    Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage of assisting a user in locating a region of the user interface for initiating a user transaction even when the user is visually and/or hearing impaired. 
         [0088]    Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage of assisting a user in locating regions and/or ports of a user interface during a user initiated transaction. 
         [0089]    Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage of indicating to a user a predetermined operating state of the SST and/or a change of operating state of the SST during a user initiated transaction. 
         [0090]    Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage of indicating to a user when a predetermined event has been successfully completed by the user and/or has been successfully started and/or completed by the SST. 
         [0091]    Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise an SST that has a user interface that does not include a customer display so that customers rely on the user cues at the user interface to identify a transaction initiation region (at which a contactless token can be presented, or a card can be inserted) and a transaction fulfilment region (at which media can be dispensed and/or deposited). The contactless token may be a card, a smartphone, or any other device that communicates wirelessly (for example, using RFID, NFC, or any other convenient technology). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0092]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0093]      FIG. 1  illustrates an SST including a user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0094]      FIG. 2   a  illustrates a schematic of a portion (a user interface) of the SST of  FIG. 1  indicating to a proximal customer that the SST is ready and directing the customer to a region (a contactless token reader) of the user interface; 
           [0095]      FIG. 2   b  illustrates the user interface of  FIG. 2   a  indicating that the customer&#39;s token has been read by the SST; 
           [0096]      FIG. 2   c  illustrates the user interface of  FIG. 2   b  indicating to the customer that the SST is authorizing the customer&#39;s transaction; 
           [0097]      FIG. 2   d  illustrates the user interface of  FIG. 2   c  indicating to the customer that the SST has authorized the customer&#39;s transaction; 
           [0098]      FIG. 2   e  illustrates the user interface of  FIG. 2   d  indicating to the customer that cash is being dispensed or has been dispensed and the location of the dispensed cash; and 
           [0099]      FIG. 2   f  illustrates the user interface of  FIG. 2   c  indicating to the customer that the customer&#39;s transaction has not been authorized. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0100]    In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts. 
         [0101]      FIG. 1  illustrates a Self-Service Terminal (SST) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The SST  100  includes a main body  102 , a base  104  and a user interface  106  which defines an upper surface  108  of the SST. The user interface  106  includes a transaction activation region  110  which, in the embodiment shown, includes a contactless token reader  112  and a cash dispense slot  114 . The user interface  106  also includes a recessed surface  116  which extends from a front edge  118  of the upper surface  108  of the SST  100  to the transaction activation region  110 . The recessed surface  116  extends between and defines a pair of spaced apart and curved edges  220  which extend from the front edge  118  of the SST to the transaction activation region  110 . A row of illumination devices  122 , such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), are provided along each of the spaced apart edges  220 . The transaction activation region  110  of the user interface  106  also has an array of LEDs  224  for providing a visual cue to a customer and a vibrational device for providing tactile cues to a customer. The SST further includes a proximity sensor (not shown) for detecting the presence of a customer proximal to the SST  100  and at least one speaker (not shown) for providing audible cues to a customer. The LEDs  122 ,  224  of the user interface  106  are multicolor LEDs and are equally spaced apart from each other. Their intensity/brightness is variable and a controller (not shown) of the SST  100  is operable to illuminate the LEDs  122 , 224  in a selective manner in response to a customer initiated transaction and/or predetermined event/state of the SST  100 , as will be described below. 
         [0102]    It should be appreciated that the SST  100  does not include a customer display or a keypad for inputting transaction information or a personal identification number (PIN). To perform a transaction at this SST  100 , the customer first pre-stages a transaction, for example, using an application executing on the customer&#39;s cellular telephone (mobile phone or smart phone). This pre-staged transaction can then be executed at the SST  100 . 
         [0103]    The token reader  112  is operable to read a contactless card or other token. One typical token may be a Near Field Communication (NFC) transceiver incorporated into, or attached to, a customer&#39;s mobile phone. This would allow the customer to initiate a pre-staged transaction by tapping his/her mobile phone on or near the token reader  112  and would obviate the requirement for the customer to carry an ATM card. 
         [0104]    When the SST is not being used and is in a so-called ‘dormant’ state, all visual, vibrational and/or audible devices may be in an ‘off’ state to save power. Alternatively, one or more of the LEDs  122 ,  224  may illuminate in a predetermined sequence to indicate to a customer that the SST is operational and available for use. 
         [0105]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated by  FIG. 2   a , a proximity sensor (not shown) of the SST  100  detects the presence of a customer at the SST  100  (a proximate customer) and the controller (not shown) changes the state of the SST  100  from a dormant state to an active state. 
         [0106]    In response to a proximate customer being detected, the controller (not shown) illuminates LEDs  224  arranged at least partially around the contactless token reader  112  of the user interface  106  in a predetermined sequence to provide, for example, a slow pulsing visual effect for indicating to a customer that the SST  100  is ready for use and for indicating the location of the token reader  112  (the first visual cue). The controller (not shown) also sequentially illuminates LEDs  122  arranged along the pair of spaced apart edges  120  of the recessed surface  116  to direct a user to the contactless token reader  112  for initiating a customer transaction. As shown in  FIG. 2   a , some of the LEDs  224  around the token reader  112  may be illuminated to neatly join the LEDs  122  arranged along the spaced apart edges  220  to thereby provide a desired visual effect. The LEDs  122 ,  224  may pulse together, or they may sequentially and progressively illuminate from the front edge  118  to an LED  224  between the token reader  112  and the dispense slot  114 , or may selectively illuminate in any desired sequence or fashion. This provides the customer with a first visual cue to guide him/her to the token reader  112 . 
         [0107]    The contactless token reader  112  also includes an illuminated symbol  200 , in this embodiment a standard wireless symbol, to indicate the location and contactless nature of the token reader  112 . Alternatively or additionally, an upper surface of the token reader  112  may be fully or partially selectively illuminated by one or more suitably located LEDs to indicate the location of the token reader  112 . The LEDs  122 ,  224  and/or token reader  112  may be green, for example, to indicate a ‘ready to go’ state of the SST. 
         [0108]    The recessed surface  116  of the user interface  106  and the convergence of the curved spaced apart edges  120  aid a visually impaired customer towards the contactless token reader  112 . A vibrational device located at the transaction activation region (also referred to as a transaction initiation region) also aids a visually impaired customer in navigating to the contactless token reader  112  by providing a tactile cue. 
         [0109]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2   b , the LEDs  224  around the contactless token reader  112  blink on and off for a predetermined period of time to confirm when a customer&#39;s token has been read to initiate a customer transaction. This provides a second visual cue. The speaker (not shown) also sounds to confirm wireless communication has been made between a customer&#39;s token and the token reader  112 . 
         [0110]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2   c , the LEDs  224  around the contactless token reader  112  sequentially illuminate in a circling manner, as shown by arrows  226 , to indicate the SST  100  is authorizing the customer&#39;s transaction. The LEDs  224  and/or token reader  112  may be amber, for example, to indicate a ‘thinking’ state whilst a transaction is being authorized. This provides a third visual cue. 
         [0111]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2   d , the token reader  112  is lit solidly and blinks a few times to indicate to a customer that their token has been read successfully and the transaction has been authorized. This provides a further visual cue. The speaker (not shown) also sounds to confirm a successful and authorized transaction. The customer may then put the token away. 
         [0112]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2   e , the LEDs  122  arranged along the pair of spaced apart edges  220  sequentially illuminate towards the cash dispense slot  114  in a ‘landing strip’ fashion, as shown by arrows  228 , to indicate to a customer that cash is being dispensed or has been dispensed and to direct the customer to the location of their dispensed cash. The controller (not shown) also illuminates the cash dispense slot/region  114  to indicate the location of the dispensed cash and the controller (not shown) may also vibrate the cash dispense slot/region  114  to aid a visually impaired customer to navigate to their dispensed cash. A plurality of LEDs  230  arranged along an edge of the dispense slot region  114  also illuminate to neatly join the LEDs  122  arranged along the spaced apart edges  220 . This provides a fourth visual cue. 
         [0113]    The speaker (not shown) may also sound to indicate cash is being or has been dispensed and is ready to take from the dispense slot  114 . For example, a sound of cash being counted or a typical ‘kerching’ sound may be audible to indicate cash is being dispensed or has been dispensed at the dispense slot  114 . 
         [0114]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2   f , the token reader  112  is lit solidly and the LEDs  122  along the pair of spaced apart edges  220  sequentially illuminate away from the cash dispense slot  114 , as shown by arrows  232 , to indicate to a customer that the transaction has not been successful. This provides a fifth visual cue. 
         [0115]    The controller (not shown) emits a typical ‘failure’ sound, like an electronic ‘crash’, from the speaker to indicate a failed transaction as an audible cue to both visually impaired and visually unimpaired customers. 
         [0116]    The SST  100  then returns to the state as described above with reference to  FIG. 2   a  to direct the customer to the token reader  112  for reattempting to initiate a customer transaction. 
         [0117]    It should be appreciated that whenever an LED is described above as being lit, blinking, or illuminated, or the speaker is described as sounding, it is the controller (not shown) that is controlling the LED or speaker. 
         [0118]    Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to” and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. 
         [0119]    Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to any details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 
         [0120]    The reader&#39;s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.