SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING CONTACTLESS CONTROL OF HARDWARE

A system and method for providing contactless control of hardware that includes receiving an image of a digitally encrypted code that is associated with the hardware and presenting a contactless control panel user interface on a portable device that includes a graphical representation of at least one physical control panel of the hardware. The system and method also include communicating the at least one user input provided upon the contactless control panel user interface to the hardware through near field communication (NFC communication) between the portable device and the hardware. The system and method further include controlling the hardware to execute at least one function based on the at least one user input received by the hardware through the NFC communication.

BACKGROUND

Many publically accessible areas include hardware that require numerous individuals to physically touch buttons, screens, and/or accessories to provide various inputs. For example, bank ATMs, elevators, vending machines, ticketing kiosks, pedestrian cross-walk lighting, and the like mainly require users to physically touch hardware to complete respective functions. However, requiring physical interaction with such hardware may pose a risk of numerous individuals contacting heavily used touch points which may perpetuate a spread of germs that may be associated. In some cases, such hardware that requires physical contact to provide inputs may become a hurdle against countermeasures to prevent the spread of with the spread of viral and/or bacterial infection amongst individuals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect, a computer-implemented method for providing contactless control of hardware that includes receiving an image of a digitally encrypted code that is associated with the hardware and presenting a contactless control panel user interface on a portable device that includes a graphical representation of at least one physical control panel of the hardware. The contactless control panel user interface enables at least one input to be provided to the hardware without physical user contact with the at least one physical control panel of the hardware. The computer-implemented method also includes communicating the at least one user input provided upon the contactless control panel user interface to the hardware through near field communication (NFC communication) between the portable device and the hardware. The computer-implemented method further includes controlling the hardware to execute at least one function based on the at least one user input received by the hardware through the NFC communication.

According to another aspect, a system for providing contactless control of hardware that includes a memory storing instructions when executed by a processor cause the processor to receive an image of a digitally encrypted code that is associated with the hardware and present a contactless control panel user interface on a portable device that includes a graphical representation of at least one physical control panel of the hardware. The contactless control panel user interface enables at least one input to be provided to the hardware without physical user contact with the at least one physical control panel of the hardware. The instructions also cause the processor to communicate the at least one user input provided upon the contactless control panel user interface to the hardware through near field communication (NFC communication) between the portable device and the hardware. The instructions further cause the processor to control the hardware to execute at least one function based on the at least one user input received by the hardware through the NFC communication.

According to yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer, which includes a processor performs a method that includes receiving an image of a digitally encrypted code that is associated with the hardware and presenting a contactless control panel user interface on a portable device that includes a graphical representation of at least one physical control panel of the hardware. The contactless control panel user interface enables at least one input to be provided to the hardware without physical user contact with the at least one physical control panel of the hardware. The method also includes communicating the at least one user input provided upon the contactless control panel user interface to the hardware through near field communication (NFC communication) between the portable device and the hardware. The method further includes controlling the hardware to execute at least one function based on the at least one user input received by the hardware through the NFC communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that can be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting.

A “bus,’ as used herein, refers to an interconnected architecture that is operably connected to transfer data between computer components within a singular or multiple systems. The bus can be a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch, and/or a local bus, among others. The bus can also be a hardware bus that interconnects components of a hardware using protocols such as Controller Area network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), among others.

An “input device” as used herein can include devices for controlling different hardware features which are include various hardware components, systems, and subsystems. The term “input device” includes, but it not limited to: push buttons, rotary knobs, touch screens, and the like. The term “input device” additionally includes graphical input controls that take place within a user interface which can be displayed by various types of mechanisms such as software and hardware based controls, interfaces, or plug and play devices.

A “memory,” as used herein can include volatile memory and/or nonvolatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include, for example, ROM (read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM) and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatile memory can include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM).

A “module”, as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software in execution on a machine, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another module, method, and/or system. A module can include a software controlled microprocessor, a discrete logic circuit, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmed logic device, a memory device containing executing instructions, and so on.

An “operable connection,” as used herein can include a connection by which entities are “operably connected”, is one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications can be sent and/or received. An operable connection can include a physical interface, a data interface and/or an electrical interface.

An “output device” as used herein can include devices that can derive from hardware components, systems, subsystems, and electronic devices. The term “output devices” includes, but is not limited to: display devices, and other devices for outputting information and functions.

A “processor”, as used herein, processes signals and performs general computing and arithmetic functions. Signals processed by the processor can include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions, processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, or other means that can be received, transmitted and/or detected. Generally, the processor can be a variety of various processors including multiple single and multicore processors and co-processors and other multiple single and multicore processor and co-processor architectures. The processor can include various modules to execute various functions.

I. System Overview

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating one or more exemplary embodiments and not for purposes of limiting the same,FIG. 1is a schematic view of an exemplary operating environment of a system100for providing contactless control of hardware102according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The components of the system100, as well as the components of other systems, hardware architectures and software architectures discussed herein, may be combined, omitted or organized into different architecture for various embodiments. However, the exemplary embodiments discussed herein focus on the system100as illustrated inFIG. 1, with corresponding system components, and related methods.

As shown inFIG. 1, the hardware102may be configured as an accessible electronic device such as an automated teller machine (ATM) that may perform one or more particular functions based on user touch inputs that may be provided upon one or more physically accessible control panels (physical control panels) of the hardware102(examples shown inFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B). The one or physical control panels of the hardware102may respectively include physical input means that may be configured as input buttons, input keys of a keypad, input icons of a user input user interface screen, and the like that allow a user124to physically provide inputs to the hardware102. In alternate embodiments, the hardware102may be configured in various additional electronic device formats and/or form factors including, but not limited to, an elevator, a vending machine, a ticketing kiosk (e.g., airport kiosk, train station kiosk, parking garage kiosk), a pedestrian cross-walk lighting switch, and the like.

Under normal operating conditions, the hardware102mainly requires the user124to physically touch one or more portions of the hardware102that include the physical input means of the one or more physical control panels to provide one or more inputs to enable the hardware102to perform one or more functions (e.g., deposit/withdraw cash, input request to travel to a particular floor, receive boarding pass, receive ticket, input a request to cross a pedestrian cross-walk). For example, physical inputs may be provided to the hardware102configured as an ATM through a physical control panel that is configured as a keypad that requires the user to touch input physical input means configured as keypad keys to enable the hardware102to perform one or more particular banking related functions.

As discussed in more detail below, the hardware102may be configured to communicate with a portable device104that may be used by the user124through a near-field communications (NFC) communication protocol (e.g., ISO 13157). In an exemplary embodiment, the portable device104may include a plurality of components that may be operably controlled by a processor106. The processor106may be configured to include a memory (not shown) that is configured to store instructions that are executed by the processor106to execute a contactless touch-free hardware control application (contactless control application)110.

As discussed below, the hardware102may be configured to include and/or present a quick response code (QR code)108that may be scanned by the portable device104based on a captured image of the QR code108. The scanning of the QR code108may enable the contactless control application110to present a contactless control panel user interface that is associated with one or more physical control panels of the hardware102. In an exemplary embodiment, the contactless control panel user interface may include a graphical representation of each respective physical control panel of the hardware102. Each graphical representation of the control panel user interface replicates the layout of the physical input means that are included as part of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102.

The contactless control application110may allow the user124to utilize the contactless control panel user interface to provide contactless inputs that are provided to the hardware102without physically touching any of the physical input means of the hardware102. In other words, the user124may utilize the portable device104to provide contactless inputs to the hardware102to enable the hardware102to perform one or more functions without requiring the user124to physically touch input the physical input means of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102. The functionality of the contactless control application110accordingly enables the user124to avoid contact with publically accessible touch points while utilizing the functionality of the hardware102.

The contactless control application110may utilize bi-directional NFC communication between the hardware102and the portable device104through a NFC transceiver112of the portable device104and a NFC transceiver114of the hardware102that is operably connected to an NFC tag116of the hardware102. Such bi-directional NFC communication may facilitate contactless control of the hardware102through user inputs to one or more touch input icons that may be provided on the contactless control panel user interface presented through the portable device104. The bi-directional NFC communication may facilitate the communication of hardware data that is associated with messages, status updates, and/or additional customized input requests (e.g., ATM card information, PIN number, security credentials) that may be communicated from the hardware102to the portable device104to be presented to the user124through the contactless control panel user interface.

As represented in an illustrative example shown inFIG. 2, a NFC handshake may occur between the portable device104and the hardware102to commence the exchange of NFC communication signals between the NFC transceiver112disposed within the portable device104and the NFC transceiver114disposed within the hardware102based on a placement of the portable device104within a predetermined proximity range (e.g., 0-4 inches) from the NFC tag116that may be disposed upon the hardware102or placed at one or more locations (e.g., near the hardware102). As represented in the illustrative example ofFIG. 2, the portable device104may be held within four inches of the NFC tag116disposed upon the hardware102to initiate the NFC handshake and the exchange of the NFC communication signals between the hardware102and the portable device104.

As discussed in more detail below, the bi-directional NFC communication of data may be utilized to enable the user124to provide contactless inputs to the hardware102without physically touching the hardware102. The bi-directional NFC communication of data may be also be utilized to communicate hardware data to the user124that is associated with messages, status updates, and/or additional customized input requests that may be communicated from the hardware102to the portable device104to be presented through the contactless control panel user interface. Accordingly, the contactless control application110does not require physical electrical contact to be established between the portable device104and the NFC tag116such that neither the user124nor the portable device104used by the user124are required to physically contact any portion of the hardware102in order for the hardware102to execute one or more functions and/or to provide hardware data to the user124.

With respect to the QR code108of the hardware102, the QR code108may be configured as a digitally encrypted code that is provided as a physical QR code tag that is disposed upon the hardware102to be scanned by the user124. Additionally or alternatively, the QR code108may be configured as a digitally encrypted code that is provided as a graphically generated QR code that is presented to the user124in a graphical manner (as described below). In one embodiment, upon scanning of the QR code108by the user124using the portable device104to capture an image of QR code108, the contactless control application110may be configured to identify that the user124is utilizing the contactless control application110to complete one or more functions of the hardware102. The contactless control application110may thereby be configured to identify the hardware102and determine configurations of one or more associated physical control panels of the hardware102. The configurations of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102may include a description of the type of physical input means that are included as part of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102and the respective functionality of each of the physical input means with respect to the execution of one or more functions of the hardware102.

As discussed in more detail below, upon identifying the user's utilization of the application110to complete one or more functions of the hardware102and determining the configurations of one or more physical control panels of the hardware102, the contactless control application110may be configured to retrieve and present the contactless control panel user interface that includes one or more graphical representations of one or more of the respective physical control panels of the hardware102. The one or more graphical representations presented upon the contactless control panel user interface may replicate a layout and functionality of each of the physical input means of the respective physical control panels of the hardware102.

As shown in the illustrative example ofFIG. 3A, the physical control panel302ais configured as a touch screen interface of the hardware102that is configured as an ATM. The touch screen interface includes physical input means that are configured as touch input icons and associated physical input buttons. Upon determination of the configuration of the physical control panel302aof the hardware102that includes a touch screen user interface, the contactless control application110may be configured to present a graphical representation302bof the physical control panel302aupon the contactless control panel user interface306. Additionally, upon determination of the configuration of the physical control panel304aof the hardware102that includes physical input means that are configured as an alpha-numeric and operational keys of a keypad, the contactless control application110may be configured to retrieve and present a graphical representation304bof the physical control panel304aupon the contactless control panel user interface306.

As shown, the graphical representations302b,304bmay replicate a layout and functionality of each of the physical input means of the respective physical control panels302a,304a. The graphical representations302b,304bmay include respective user interface inputs (e.g., graphical user interface input buttons, text boxes, and/or radio buttons) that may be configured to cause the processor106of the hardware102to execute functionality in the same manner as respective physical input means (e.g., touch input icons, keypad keys) of the physical control panels302a,304a. Stated differently, inputs to the user interface inputs of the graphical representations302b,304bby the user124are tantamount with respect to their functionality to touch inputs that would be provided to respective physical input means of the physical control panels302a,304aof the hardware102. Accordingly, the contactless control application110may enable the user124to interact with the hardware102to complete one or more functions through the contactless control panel user interface306without having to physically touch any of the key pad keys and/or user interface input buttons of the physical control panels302a,304a.

As discussed, the hardware102may be configured in various formats. Accordingly, as shown in the illustrative example ofFIG. 3B, the hardware302may be configured as an elevator that includes a physical control panel308aconfigured as an elevator button panel that includes physical input means that are configured as elevator buttons that may be inputted to achieve respective elevator functions (e.g., traveling to a particular floor, opening/closing an elevator door). As shown, the physical input means of the physical control panel308amay be presented as a graphical representation308bupon the contactless control panel user interface306. The graphical representation308bmay include touch input icons that may provide the same functionality as respective physical input means of the physical control panel308a. Accordingly, the user124may interact with the hardware102to complete one or more functions of the elevator through the contactless control panel user interface306without physically touching any of the elevator buttons of the physical control panel308a.

In some configurations, the contactless control application110may be configured to present details that are related to the functionality of the hardware102based on NFC communication of hardware data from the hardware102to the portable device104. For example, as shown inFIG. 3B, the hardware102may be configured to communicate each floor that is reached and/or passed by the elevator and may communicate hardware data associated with the floor through NFC communication signals to the portable device104. The contactless control application110may be configured to present a user interface graphic310upon the contactless control panel user interface306that may present the respective floor(s). This functionality may further allow the user124to utilize the portable device104as a remote command input means and data output means that is associated with the hardware102.

Referring again toFIG. 1, the components of the hardware102may be operably controlled by a processor118of the hardware102. The processor118may include its own memory (not shown), a disk (not shown), and an input/output (I/O) interface (not shown), which are each operably connected for computer communication via a bus (not shown). The I/O interface provides software and hardware to facilitate data input and output between the components of the hardware102and other components, networks, and data sources, of the system100.

In one embodiment, the processor118may execute one or more operating systems, applications, and/or interfaces that are associated with the hardware102and may be associated with one or more physical control panels and associated physical inputs buttons and/or touch input icon buttons of the hardware102. In one configuration, the processor118may execute a particular type of software and/or version of software that may be executed to perform one or more functions of the hardware102. In some configurations, the processor118may also execute the contactless control application110to enable contactless control of the hardware102through NFC communication with the portable device104.

In some configurations, the processor118may be in communication with one or more display units120of the hardware102. The processor118may execute one or more instructions to present one or more graphical human machine interfaces that may be based on inputs received through the physical control panels and/or through the contactless control application110based on user inputs provided through the contactless control panel user interface. In some configurations, the one or more graphical human machine interfaces may be configured as physical control panels that include physical input means such as touch input icons that may be presented in a graphical format through the one or more display units120of the hardware102(as shown inFIG. 3A).

As discussed above, the QR code108may be configured as a physical QR code tag that is disposed upon the hardware102to be scanned by the user124. Additionally or alternatively, the QR code108may be configured as a graphically generated QR code that is presented to the user124in a graphical manner through one or more of the display units120. In one embodiment, the processor118may utilize the contactless control application110to execute a QR code generator (not shown) to generate and present the graphically generated QR code through the one or more display units120of the hardware102. The portable device104may be used by the user124to scan the QR code108to utilize the contactless control application110to complete one or more functions the hardware102.

As discussed above, during a process of completing an NFC connection between the portable device104and the hardware102based on the portable device104being placed within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116, the NFC handshake may occur between the hardware102and the portable device104. Upon the occurrence of the NFC handshake, one or more graphical human machine interfaces may present an active NFC connection user interface icon through one or more display units120of the hardware102and/or through the portable device104to allow the user124to determine that there is an active communication of NFC signals between the portable device104and the hardware102. In other words, the user124may be able to discern that the portable device104is located within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116to enable the NFC communication between the portable device104and the hardware102. In some embodiments, the one or more graphical human machine interfaces may present an icon that informs the user124that the graphical representations of the one or more respective graphical human machine interfaces being presented through the one or more display units120of the hardware102are being presented by the application110upon the contactless control panel user interface through the portable device104.

In an exemplary embodiment, the processor118may be operably connected to a storage unit122of the hardware102. The storage unit122may store one or more operating systems, applications, associated operating system data, application data, hardware system and subsystem user interface data, and the like that are executed by the processor118and one or more applications executed by the processor118including the contactless control application110. In one embodiment, the storage unit122may store a hardware profile (not shown) that is associated with the hardware102.

The hardware profile may include identifying information that pertains to the hardware102. In one configuration, the hardware profile may include the version of the hardware102. The version of the hardware102may include a make/model of the hardware102, a model year of the hardware102, a manufactures version of the hardware102, a type and version of software that may be executed through the hardware102. In one or more embodiments, the contactless control application110may be configured to access the storage unit122of the hardware102to retrieve the hardware profile to identify the hardware102that is associated with the QR code108as scanned by the portable device104to present the contactless control panel user interface that includes graphical representations of one or more physical control panels of the hardware102.

In some embodiments, in addition to identifying information that pertain to the hardware102, the hardware profile stored on the storage unit122may include control layout data that pertains to the functions of the type of hardware102and the functions of the physical input means of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102. For example, if the type of hardware102is an ATM, the control layout data may include data associated with the functions of the ATM, including, but not limited to, depositing funds, withdrawing funds, and the like. The control layout data may also include data associated with the functions of each of the physical input means of the one or more physical control panels of the ATM such as alpha-numeric inputs, enter input, cancel input, language selection input, and the like.

In some configurations, the contactless control application110may be configured to access the storage unit122of the hardware102to analyze the hardware profile to identify the hardware102and to retrieve the control layout data that pertains to the functions of the type of hardware102. As discussed below, in one embodiment, the contactless control application110may be configured to retrieve the control layout data and present the contactless control panel user interface as a default layout that is associated with the type of hardware102. In particular, the contactless control panel user interface may be presented as a default layout that is associated with the type of hardware102(e.g., ATM, elevator, kiosk). As discussed below, the default layout may be presented in a grid format that may be presented with one or more graphic widgets that may be associated with the functions of the type of hardware102and/or the physical input means of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102.

In an exemplary embodiment, the processor118may be operably connected to the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102. As discussed, the NFC transceiver114may be operably connected to and associated with the NFC tag116that is associated with the hardware102. In one configuration, the NFC transceiver114may be utilized to initiate one or more NFC connections between the hardware102and the portable device104to complete the NFC handshake that occurs between the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102and the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104. As discussed below, the NFC handshake may allow the hardware102to complete NFC communication with the portable device104through NFC communication of data between the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104and the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102. The bi-directional NFC communication between the NFC transceiver112and the NFC transceiver114of may be utilized to enable the user124to provide contactless inputs that are received and registered by the processor106of the hardware102and the communication of hardware data to the user124that is associated with messages, status updates, and/or additional customized input requests that may be communicated from the hardware102to the portable device104to be presented through the contactless control panel user interface.

With particular reference to the portable device104, the portable device104may be configured as a smart phone, a tablet device, a laptop, a hand-held reader, a gaming device and/or a smart wearable device (e.g., smart watch). The portable device104may be manufactured by various manufacturers and may be configured in a plurality of form factors, designs, and/or configurations. As discussed above, the processor106of the portable device104may be configured execute the contactless control application110. The processor106may include a disk (not shown), and an input/output (I/O) interface (not shown), which are each operably connected for computer communication via a bus (not shown). The I/O interface provides software and hardware to facilitate data input and output between the components of the portable device104and other components, networks, and data sources, of the system100. In one embodiment, the processor106may execute one or more operating systems, applications, and/or interfaces that are associated with the portable device104. In one configuration, the processor106may execute a particular type of software and/or version of software that may be executed to execute one or more functions of the portable device104.

In addition to executing the contactless control application110, the processor106may execute one or more third-party applications that may be stored upon a storage unit126of the portable device104. The third-party applications may be associated with one or more third-party institutions that may be associated with the hardware102. The one or more third-party institutions may include, but may not be limited to institutions that own, maintain, and/or provide the hardware102to be utilized by the user124(e.g., and additional authorized/public users). For example, if the hardware102is configured as an ATM, the user124may utilize a third-party online banking application associated with a third-party institution bank that owns/operates the hardware102to gain account access to complete one or more functions associated with the user's bank account. In another example, if the hardware102is an elevator operated by a third-party institution corporation, the user124may utilize a third-party security application associated with a building security infrastructure of the corporation to gain security access to certain floors of a particular building.

In some configurations, the contactless control application110may be configured to access data associated with the one or more third-party applications to retrieve credential information (e.g., debit card information, security card information) to enable the application110to provide access to functions of the hardware102without requiring the user124to physically input user credentials (e.g., input an ATM card to the hardware102, input a pin, scan a card upon the hardware102) to the hardware102. This functionality may enable the user124to fully access and complete functions of the hardware102through the use of the contactless control application110on the portable device104. In other words, the application110may enable the user124to fully access and complete functions of the hardware102without any physical interaction between the user124, objects being held by the user124, and the hardware102itself.

In an exemplary embodiment, the processor106may also be operably connected to a storage unit126of the portable device104. The storage unit126may store one or more operating systems, applications, associated operating system data, application data, hardware system and subsystem user interface data, and the like that are executed by the processor106and one or more applications executed by the processor106including the contactless control application110and one or more third-party applications.

In one embodiment, the storage unit126may store a profile repository128that includes a user profile that is associated with the user124of the contactless control application110and the hardware102. In particular, during an initial usage of the contactless control application110to control operation of the hardware102, the application110may present the user124with a user profile creation user interface (not shown) through the portable device104. The user profile creation user interface may include fields that pertain to identifying information of the user124(e.g., name, address, phone number, etc.) The user profile creation interface may also include one or more fields that pertain to one or more security credentials that may be inputted by the user124that may enable the user124to access the hardware102and/or one or more functions of the hardware102. For example, the one or more security credentials that may be inputted by the user124through the one or more fields may include an ATM card number, a PIN, and/or a security code that may allow the user124to access and utilize the functions of the hardware102configured as an ATM.

Upon the population of the fields of the user profile creation interface, the contactless control application110may be configured to populate the user profile upon the profile repository128stored on the storage unit126. Accordingly, when the user124uses the contactless control application110to utilize one or more functions of the hardware102, the application110may be utilized to provide access to functions of the hardware102without requiring the user124to input physical credentials. This functionality may enable the user124to fully access and utilize the functions of the hardware102through the use of the contactless control application110on the portable device104without physically inputting a card, a pin, user credentials, and the like. Accordingly, the application110may enable the user124to utilize the hardware102without any physical interaction between the user124, objects being held by the user124, and the hardware102itself.

In one embodiment, a camera system134of the portable device104may include one or more cameras (not shown) that are disposed at one or more portions of the portable device104. The camera system134may be utilized to capture an image of the QR code108when the user124is located near (e.g., within 0-6 feet) the hardware102to scan the QR code108. Upon the scanning of the QR code108, the camera system134may communicate data pertaining to the scanned QR code to the contactless control application110.

In an exemplary embodiment, the storage unit126of the portable device104may also be configured to store a QR code repository130. The QR code repository130may include QR data that is associated with the QR code108and is used to identify the hardware102. More specifically, the QR data is associated with the QR code108to enable the application110to identify that the user124has scanned the QR code108to utilize the contactless control application110to execute one or more respective functions of the hardware102.

The QR data stored upon the QR code repository130may include data points that include image data that pertain to an image of the QR code108. The QR data may additionally include an encrypted hardware identification data code that pertains to the identification of the hardware102, the type of hardware102(e.g., ATM, elevator, kiosk), and the configurations of one or more physical control panels of the hardware102. The hardware identification code may include a numeric/alpha-numeric code that matches a model number, serial number, and/or identification number associated with the hardware102.

In one embodiment, the hardware identification code may pertain to a description of the types of physical input means that are included as part of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102and their respective functionality with respect to the execution of one or more functions of the hardware102. For example, the configurations of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102may include a description of the keys of a key pad of the hardware102configured as an ATM and the respective functionality of each key (when inputted) as executed by the processor118of the hardware102.

As discussed below, when the user124scans the QR code108using the portable device104, the camera system134may be configured to communicate image data that is associated with the QR code108. The application110may be configured to query the QR code repository130to retrieve QR data that includes data points that match the image data to identify the user's utilization of the application110to utilize one or more functions of the hardware102and to further decrypt the hardware identification data code. Accordingly, the user functionality of the application110to present the contactless control panel user interface to interact with the hardware102through the portable device104may be enabled based on the scanning of the QR code108.

In one configuration, the QR code repository130may be populated based on data that is communicated to the portable device104from a web server140that is managed by one or more third-party organizations that own, operate, and/or maintain the hardware102. The web server140may store the QR data that is associated with the QR code108that is disposed upon the hardware102and/or is electronically generated to be presented through one or more display units120of the hardware102based on data that is uploaded to the web server140by the one or more third-party institutions. The web server140may be configured to communicate the QR data to the portable device104to populate the QR code repository130with the QR data that includes data points that match image data of the QR code108and the encrypted hardware identification code.

In an exemplary embodiment, the storage unit126may additionally store a control panel user interface repository132. The control panel user interface repository132may be populated with control panel graphical data that may include codified computer executable data (e.g., computer programming language data) that pertain to respective graphical formats of the contactless control panel user interface. The control panel graphical data may be executed to present one or more graphical representations to replicate the layout and functionality of one or more respective physical control panels of the hardware102. In particular, the control panel graphical data may be executed to present the graphical representations that provide the layout of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102and functionality of physical input means of the physical control panels.

In one embodiment, the control panel user interface repository132may be populated with the control panel graphical data that is associated (e.g., electronically linked) with the hardware identification code that is analyzed to identify the hardware102. As discussed, the hardware identification code may include a numeric/alpha-numeric code that matches a model number, serial number, and/or identification number associated with the hardware102. Additionally, the hardware identification code may pertain to a description of the types of physical input means that are included as part of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102and their respective functionality with respect to the execution of one or more functions of the hardware102.

The control panel user interface repository132may be populated with the control panel graphical data and the associated hardware identification code based on a communication of the data from the web server140to the portable device104. In particular, the web server140may store control panel graphical data and the associated hardware identification code pertaining to the hardware102based on data that is uploaded to the web server140by one or more third-party institutions that own, maintain, and/or provide the hardware102to be utilized by the user124. The web server140may be configured to communicate the control panel graphical data and the associated hardware identification code to the portable device104to populate the control panel user interface repository132to be utilized by the contactless control application110to present the contactless control panel user interface through the portable device104.

In one configuration, upon retrieving the QR data and identifying the hardware102based on the hardware identification code encrypted within the QR data stored upon the QR code repository130, the contactless control application110may be configured to access and query the control panel user interface repository132to retrieve control panel graphical data that is associated with the hardware identification code as decrypted from the QR data. Accordingly, the contactless control application110may be configured to retrieve the control panel graphical data that pertains to graphical representations of the particular configurations of the physical control panels of the hardware102.

The contactless control application110may thereby present the contactless control panel user interface that includes graphical representations of the one or more physical control panels associated with the hardware102with user interface inputs that may be inputted by the user124to provide contactless inputs to the hardware102through the portable device104. As discussed below, upon the presentation of the contactless control panel user interface, if the portable device104is located within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116of the hardware102, input data associated with one or more inputs provided by the user124to one or more user interface inputs of the contactless control panel user interface may be communicated through NFC communication signals from the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104to the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102to provide contactless inputs to the hardware102.

In an exemplary embodiment, the processor106of the portable device104may additionally be operably connected to a communication system136of the portable device104. The communication system136may include antennas and components that may be utilized for wired and wireless computer connections and communications via various protocols. The communication system136may be capable of providing a wireless system using various protocols including, but not limited to, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15.1, Bluetooth®, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a point-to-point system, a circuit switching system, a packet switching system, a cellular network system (e.g., CDMA, GSM, LTE, 3G, 4G), a universal serial bus, and the like.

In one or more alternate embodiments, the communication system136may be utilized to communicate input data from the portable device104to the hardware102using one or more of the various wireless protocols (e.g., Bluetooth®, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a point-to-point system). Accordingly, input data associated with one or more inputs provided by the user124to one or more user interface inputs of the contactless control panel user interface may be communicated by the communication system136using one or more of the various wireless protocols to provide contactless inputs to the hardware102. Similarly, hardware data may be communicated to the portable device104from the hardware102through one or more of the various wireless protocols to be presented through the portable device104.

In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system136may be configured to wirelessly connect (e.g., through one or more of the aforementioned wireless network communication protocols) to an internet cloud (not shown) to send and receive communication signals to and from the web server140. The communication signals may include, but may not be limited to, QR data, control panel graphical data and associated hardware identification codes, and/or additional application data that may be executed to update and/or enhance the functionality of the contactless control application110.

In one embodiment, the web server140may be configured to communicate data through the internet cloud to be received by the communication system136of the portable device104. In some alternate embodiments, the web server140may be configured to communicate data (e.g., software updates, firmware updates) through the internet cloud to be received by the hardware102. As discussed, the web server140may be managed by one or more third-party organizations that own, operate, and/or maintain the hardware102. The web server140may be periodically updated with various forms of data that are associated with the hardware102and one or more physical control panels of the hardware102.

In some configurations, upon the updating of the web server140, the web server140may be configured to communicate the updated data to the contactless control application110. In one embodiment, if the hardware102is updated with a new QR code (e.g., a new QR code is disposed upon the hardware102and/or a new QR code is graphically generated by the processor118), the web server140may be updated with QR data that includes the encrypted hardware identification code that identifies the hardware102associated with the new QR code. In one embodiment, upon updating of the web server140, the QR data that pertains to the new QR code may be communicated to the contactless control application110to be stored upon the QR code repository130to enable the application110to identify the user's utilization of the application110to complete one or more functions of the hardware102.

In some circumstances, one or more of the physical control panels of the hardware102may be updated and/or replaced by one or more third-party organizations. For example, if the hardware102is configured as an ATM, a keypad and a touch input user interface may be replaced and updated with a newer version keypad and touch input user interface. In such a circumstance, the one or more third-party organizations may update the web server140with control panel graphical data and the associated hardware identification code that pertain to the one or more updated physical control panel of the hardware102. Upon updating of the web server140, the control panel graphical data may be communicated to the contactless control application110to be stored upon the control panel user interface repository132to provide the user124with the contactless control panel user interface that includes updated graphical representations of the one or more updated physical control panels of the hardware102. This functionality may ensure that the contactless control application110may present one or more graphical representations to replicate the layout and functionality of one or more respective physical control panels of the hardware102as they are updated and/or replaced.

II. The Contactless Touch-Free Hardware Control Application and Methods Executed by the Application

The contactless control application110and its components will now be described in more detail according to an exemplary embodiment and with continued reference toFIG. 1. In one or more embodiments, the contactless control application110may be stored on the storage unit126of the portable device104and/or the storage unit122of the hardware102and may be executed by the processor106of the portable device104and/or the processor118of the hardware102. In another embodiment, the contactless control application110may be stored on the web server140and may be accessed by the portable device104through the communication system136and/or by a wireless data communication with the hardware102.

FIG. 4is a schematic view of a plurality of modules402-406of the contactless control application110that may execute computer-implemented instructions for providing contactless control of the hardware102according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of modules402-406may include a utilization determination module402, a control panel presentation module404, and a contactless control module406. It is appreciated that the contactless control application110may include one or more additional or alternative modules and/or sub-modules that are included in addition to or in lieu of the modules402-406. Computer-implemented methods that are executed by the modules402-406for providing contactless control of the hardware102using NFC communication between the portable device104and the hardware102will now be described.

FIG. 5is a process flow diagram of a method500for presenting the control panel user interface with a graphical representation of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 5will be described in reference to the components ofFIG. 1andFIG. 4, though it is to be appreciated that the method500may be used with additional and/or alternative system components. The method500may begin at block502, wherein the method500may include receiving image data associated with a captured image of the QR code108associated with the hardware102.

As discussed below, the QR code108associated with the hardware102may be disposed upon the hardware102and/or presented in a graphically generated format that is presented through one or more display units120of the hardware102. In an exemplary embodiment, upon enabling the contactless control application110, the utilization determination module402of the application110may be configured to present a user interface QR code scanning graphic prompt to the user124through the portable device104. The user interface QR code scanning graphic prompt may direct the user124to capture an image of the QR code108associated with the hardware102to scan the QR code108to enable the contactless control application110to present the contactless control panel user interface that is associated with one or more physical control panels of the hardware102.

In one embodiment, upon presenting the user interface QR code scanning graphic prompt, the utilization determination module402may be configured to communicate with the camera system134to receive image data associated with the QR code108scanned by the user124based on an image of the QR code108captured by the camera system134. In particular, upon the user scanning the QR code108by utilizing the portable device104to capture the image of the QR code108, the image data associated with the captured image of the QR code108may be communicated by the camera system134to the utilization determination module402to be analyzed.

The method500may proceed to block504, wherein the method500may include analyzing the QR code108and identifying the hardware102. In an exemplary embodiment, upon receiving the image data associated with the captured image of the QR code108from the camera system134, the utilization determination module402may be configured to access the QR code repository130stored on the storage unit126of the portable device104. As discussed above, the QR code repository130may store QR data that is associated with the QR code108to enable the application110to determine that the user124has scanned the QR code108to utilize the contactless control application110to execute one or more respective functions of the hardware102.

In one embodiment, upon accessing the QR code repository130, the utilization determination module402may be configured to query the QR code repository130for QR data that includes data points that match the image data to enable user functionality of the application110to interact with the hardware102through the portable device104. Stated differently, the utilization determination module402may query the QR code repository130to retrieve QR data associated with the QR code108in order to recognize the QR code108that is associated with the hardware102has been scanned by the user124to utilize one or more functions of the hardware102.

Upon retrieval of the QR data that includes data points that match the image data, the utilization determination module402may analyze the QR data to decrypt the encrypted hardware identification code to identify the hardware102. As discussed, the hardware identification code may pertain to a description of the types of physical input means that are included as part of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102and their respective functionality with respect to the execution of one or more functions of the hardware102. In one embodiment, upon decrypting the hardware identification code, the utilization determination module402may be configured to identify the type of hardware102and may determine data associated with the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102. The utilization determination module402may thereby communicate the decrypted hardware identification code to the control panel presentation module404of the contactless control application110.

With continued reference to the method500ofFIG. 5, the method500may proceed to block506, wherein the method500may include retrieving control panel graphical data that is associated with the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102. In an exemplary embodiment, upon receiving the decrypted hardware identification code communicated by the utilization determination module402, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to access the control panel user interface repository132stored upon the storage unit126of the portable device104. As discussed above, the control panel user interface repository132may store control panel graphical data that pertains to graphical representations of the particular configurations of the physical control panels of the hardware102as identified based on the hardware identification code that is associated with the control panel graphical data.

In one embodiment, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to query the control panel user interface repository132to retrieve control panel graphical data that is associated with a hardware identification code that matches the decrypted hardware identification code. Stated differently, the control panel presentation module404may query the control panel user interface repository132with the decrypted hardware identification code to retrieve control panel control panel graphical data that is associated with a matching hardware identification code. This functionality enables the retrieval of control panel graphical data that pertains to graphical representations of the particular configurations of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102.

In another embodiment, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to utilize the communication system136of the portable device104to communicate with the web server140through the internet cloud. In particular, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to utilize the communication system136to communicate the decrypted hardware identification code to the web server140to receive control panel graphical data that is associated with a matching hardware identification code. In one configuration, the web server140may communicate the control panel graphical data that pertains to graphical representations of the particular configurations of the physical control panels of the hardware102to the control panel presentation module404through wireless communications with the communication system136of the portable device104.

The method500may proceed to block508, wherein the method500may include presenting the contactless control panel user interface that is associated with the hardware102. In an exemplary embodiment, upon retrieving/receiving the control panel graphical data that pertains to graphical representations of the particular configurations of the physical control panels of the hardware102, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to execute the control panel graphical data.

The execution of the control panel graphical data may include providing computer-implemented instructions to the processor106of the portable device104to present the contactless control panel user interface that is associated with the hardware102. As discussed above with respect to the illustrative examples ofFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B, the control panel user interface may include one or more graphical representations of the one or more of the respective physical control panels of the hardware102based on the execution of the control panel graphical data. The one or more graphical representations presented upon the contactless control panel user interface may include user interface inputs that replicate a layout and a functionality of each of the physical input means of the respective physical control panels of the hardware102.

FIG. 6is a process flow diagram of a method600for communicating input data and hardware data through the NFC communication protocol according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 6will be described in reference to the components ofFIG. 1andFIG. 4, though it is to be appreciated that the method600may be used with additional and/or alternative system components. The method600ofFIG. 6may begin at block602, wherein the method600may include establishing an NFC handshake between the hardware102and the portable device104.

In an exemplary embodiment, upon the execution of the control panel graphical data and presenting the contactless control panel user interface through the portable device104, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to present an NFC initialization user interface graphic prompt to the user124. The NFC initialization user interface graphic prompt may prompt the user124to place the portable device104within the predetermined proximity of the NFC tag116. In one configuration, upon presentation of the NFC initialization user interface graphic prompt, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to communicate data pertaining to the presentation of the user interface prompt to the contactless control module406of the contactless control application110.

In an exemplary embodiment, the contactless control module406may be configured to communicate with the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104to determine if the portable device104is placed within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116associated with the hardware102based on a receipt of NFC signals that are transmitted by the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104to the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102that is operably connected to an NFC tag116. Additionally or alternatively, upon presentation of the user interface prompt, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to communicate with the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104to determine if the portable device104is placed within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116associated with the hardware102based on a receipt of NFC signals that are transmitted by the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102to the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104.

In an exemplary embodiment, if it is determined that the portable device104is placed within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116based on the receipt of NFC signals, the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104and the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102may establish the NFC handshake. As discussed above, the NFC handshake may occur to commence the exchange of NFC communication signals between the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104and the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102.

The method600may proceed to block604, wherein the method600may include communicating input data associated with user inputs received upon the contactless control panel user interface through the NFC communication protocol. In an exemplary embodiment, the contactless control module406may be configured to communicate with the control panel presentation module404to determine one or more inputs that may be provided by the user124to one or more user inputs of the contactless control panel user interface. In particular, when the user124utilizes the contactless control panel user interface to input one or more user inputs that graphically represent one or more respective physical input means of one or more physical control panels of the hardware102, the control panel presentation module404may communicate respective input data to the contactless control module406. The contactless control module406may thereby determine the one or more inputs that may be provided by the user124.

In an exemplary embodiment, the contactless control module406may utilize the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104to communicate the input data through NFC communication signals to be received by the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102. In one configuration, during the communication of NFC communication signals, the control panel presentation module404may present a NFC active communication user interface graphic prompt through the portable device104. The NFC active communication user interface graphic prompt may prompt the user124to continue to place the portable device104within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116to continue the bi-directional NFC communication between the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104and the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102. Accordingly, as the portable device104continues to be placed within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116, the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104communicates the input data through NFC communication signals that may be received by the hardware102through the NFC transceiver114.

In one embodiment, upon the receipt of input data through the NFC communication signals that are received through the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102, the NFC transceiver114may be configured to communicate the input data to the processor118of the hardware102. The processor118may be configured to operably control the functionality of one or more components of the hardware102to complete respective functions of the hardware102based on the received contactless inputs provided by the user124through the contactless control panel user interface provided on the portable device104.

With continued reference toFIG. 6, the method600may proceed to block606, wherein the method600may include communicating hardware data that is associated with messages, status updates, and/or additional customized input requests through the NFC communication protocol. In one embodiment, the hardware102may be configured to communicate hardware data to be communicated to the user124through the contactless control application110.

In particular, the hardware102may be configured to utilize the contactless control application110to communicate messages, status updates, and/or additional customized input requests to the user124through the contactless control panel user interface on the portable device104. In one configuration, the contactless control module406may be configured to utilize the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102to communicate the input data through NFC communication signals to be received by the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104. Accordingly, as the portable device104continues to be placed within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116, the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104may receive the hardware data communicated through NFC communication signals that may be transmitted by the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102.

As discussed above, the profile repository128stored upon the storage unit126of the portable device104may store the user profile that is associated with the user124. In one embodiment, if the user124is presented with messages, status updates, and/or additional customized input requests to the user124that request the user124to input credentials, the contactless control module406may be configured to access the user credentials from the user profile stored upon the profile repository128to be communicated to the hardware102through the NFC communication signals between the NFC transceivers112,114. Accordingly, the contactless control application110may enable the user124to utilize the hardware102without any physical interaction between the user124, objects being held by the user124, and the hardware102itself.

It is to be appreciated that as the portable device104is placed within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116, bi-directional NFC communication may be continually utilized to communicate input data, hardware data, user credentials, and additional data points between the portable device104and the hardware102to enable the hardware102to provide one or more functions to the user124. Accordingly, the user124may utilize the portable device104to provide inputs to the hardware102to enable the hardware102to perform one or more functions and to receive data associated with one or more functions of the hardware102without requiring the user124to physically touch input the physical input means of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102.

In one or more embodiments, during the bi-directional NFC communication between the portable device104and the hardware102, the contactless control module406may communicate with the NFC transceiver112to determine when the portable device104is no longer placed within the predetermined proximity of the hardware102. If it is determined that the portable device104is no longer placed within the predetermined proximity of the hardware102, the contactless control module406may communicate respective data to the control panel presentation module404. The control panel presentation module404may thereby present a contactless session end conformation user interface input upon the contactless control unit user interface that may enable the user124to actively end an active contactless control session between the portable device104and the hardware102. Accordingly, if the user124inputs the contactless session end conformation user interface input, the contactless control module406may thereby cease presentation of the contactless control panel user interface through the portable device104and may thereby end contactless control of the hardware102.

In an alternate embodiment, it is determined that the portable device104is no longer placed within the predetermined proximity of the hardware102, the contactless control module406may initiate a session discontinuation timer. The session discontinuation may be configured as a timer that is implemented for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 minutes) to be used to end the active contactless control session between the portable device104and the hardware102. In other words, the session discontinuation timer may be utilized as a period of time in which the NFC communication between the portable device104and the hardware102is no longer established based on discontinuation of the placement of the portable device104within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116. Accordingly, if the session disconsolation timer expires, the contactless control module406may thereby cease presentation of the contactless control panel user interface through the portable device104and may thereby end contactless control of the hardware102.

FIG. 7is a process flow diagram of a method700for providing a contactless control panel user interface that is associated with the type of hardware102according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 7will be described in reference to the components ofFIG. 1andFIG. 4, though it is to be appreciated that the method700may be used with additional and/or alternative system components. The method700may begin at block702, wherein the method700may include receiving image data associated with a captured image of the QR code108associated with the hardware102.

As discussed, the QR code108associated with the hardware102may be disposed upon the hardware102and/or presented in a graphically generated format that is presented through one or more display units120of the hardware102. Upon enabling the contactless control application110, the utilization determination module402of the application110may be configured to present a user interface QR code scanning graphic prompt to the user124through the portable device104.

In one embodiment, upon presenting the user interface QR code scanning graphic prompt, the utilization determination module402may be configured to communicate with the camera system134to receive image data associated with the QR code108scanned by the user124based on an image of the QR code108captured by the camera system134. In particular, upon the user scanning the QR code108by utilizing the portable device104to capture the image of the QR code108, the image data associated with the captured image of the QR code108may be communicated by the camera system134to the utilization determination module402to be analyzed.

The method700may proceed to block704, wherein the method700may include analyzing the QR code108and identifying the hardware102. In an one embodiment, upon receiving the image data associated with the captured image of the QR code108from the camera system134, the utilization determination module402may be configured to access the QR code repository130stored on the storage unit126of the portable device104. In one embodiment, upon accessing the QR code repository130, the utilization determination module402may query the QR code repository130to retrieve QR data associated with the QR code108in order to recognize the QR code108that is associated with the hardware102has been scanned by the user124to utilize one or more functions of the hardware102.

Upon retrieval of the QR data, the utilization determination module402may analyze the QR data to decrypt the encrypted hardware identification code to identify the hardware102. In one embodiment, the hardware identification code may pertain to a description of the type of hardware102(e.g., ATM, elevator, kiosk). In one embodiment, upon decrypting the hardware identification code, the utilization determination module402may be configured to identify the type of hardware102. Upon identifying the type of hardware102, based on the QR data associated with the captured QR code108, the utilization determination module402may be configured to communicate the type of hardware102to the control panel presentation module404of the contactless control application110.

The method700may proceed to block706, wherein the method700may include establishing an NFC handshake between the hardware102and the portable device104. In one embodiment, upon determining the type of hardware102, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to present the NFC initialization user interface graphic prompt to the user124. In one configuration, upon presentation of the NFC initialization user interface graphic prompt, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to communicate data pertaining to the presentation of the user interface prompt to the contactless control module406of the contactless control application110.

The contactless control module406may be configured to communicate with the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104to determine if the portable device104is placed within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116associated with the hardware102. Additionally or alternatively, upon presentation of the user interface prompt, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to communicate with the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104to determine if the portable device104is placed within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116associated with the hardware102based on a receipt of NFC signals that are transmitted by the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102to the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104.

In an exemplary embodiment, if it is determined that the portable device104is placed within the predetermined proximity range of the NFC tag116based on the receipt of NFC signals, the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104and the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102may establish the NFC handshake. In one embodiment, the NFC handshake may occur to commence the exchange of NFC communication signals between the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104and the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102.

With continued reference toFIG. 7, the method700may proceed to block708, wherein the method700may include retrieving control layout data associated with the hardware102. In an exemplary embodiment, upon establishing the NFC handshake to commence the exchange of NFC communication signals between the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104and the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to access the hardware profile associated with the hardware102and stored upon the storage unit122to retrieve control layout data stored upon the hardware profile. As discussed above, the hardware profile stored on the storage unit122may include control layout data that pertains to the functions of the type of hardware102and the functions of the physical input means of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102.

In one embodiment, upon retrieving the control layout data, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to utilize the NFC transceiver114of the hardware102to communicate the control layout data through NFC communication signals to the NFC transceiver112of the portable device104. In other words, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to communicate the control layout data from the hardware102to the portable device104through NFC communication.

The method700may proceed to block710, wherein the method700may include presenting the contactless control panel user interface that is associated with the type of hardware102. In an exemplary embodiment, upon communication of the control layout data from the hardware102to the portable device104through NFC communication, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to analyze the control layout data to determine the functions of the type of hardware102and the functions of physical input means of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102.

In one configuration, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to present the contactless control panel user interface that is associated with the type of hardware102. The contactless control panel user interface may be presented as a default layout that is associated with the type of hardware102(e.g., ATM, elevator, kiosk). The default layout may be presented in a grid format (e.g., gridded configuration) that may be presented with one or more graphic widgets that may be associated with the functions of the type of hardware102and/or the physical input means of the one or more physical control panels of the hardware102. In one configuration, the presentation of the default layout that is associated with the type of hardware102is not based on control panel graphical data that is retrieved from the control panel user interface repository132and that pertains to graphical representations of the particular configurations of the physical control panels of the hardware102. Rather, the presentation of the default layout is presented in a default grid format that may be populated with one or more widgets that replicate the functions of the type of hardware102(e.g., deposit, withdraw) and one or more physical input means of the hardware102(e.g., select language, cancel, accept).

In one embodiment, the contactless control module406may be configured to communicate with the control panel presentation module404to determine one or more inputs that may be provided by the user124through one or more widgets of the default layout of the contactless control panel user interface. In particular, when the user124utilizes the contactless control panel user interface to input one or more widgets that are provided in a grid format, the control panel presentation module404may communicate respective input data to the contactless control module406. The contactless control module406may thereby determine the one or more inputs that may be provided by the user124.

As one or more inputs are received, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to access and retrieve control layout data that pertains to one or more additional functions of the type of hardware102and/or the one or more physical input means of the hardware102that may pertain to the type of input received. Accordingly, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to utilize the NFC transceiver112to communicate the control layout data through NFC communication to the portable device104to thereby present one or more additional default layouts of the contactless control panel user interface. For example, if the user124selects a widget that is associated with a deposit of funds of a hardware102configured as an ATM, the control panel presentation module404may be configured to access and retrieve control layout data that pertains to selection of an amount of funds and/or a funding account that may be presented upon the contactless control panel user interface presented through the portable device104.

FIG. 8is a process flow diagram of a method800for providing contactless control of hardware102according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 8will be described in reference to the components ofFIG. 1andFIG. 4, though it is to be appreciated that the method800may be used with additional and/or alternative system components. The method800may begin at block802, wherein the method800may include receiving an image of a digitally encrypted code that is associated with the hardware102.

The method800may proceed to block804, wherein the method800may include presenting a contactless control panel user interface on a portable device104that includes a graphical representation of at least one physical control panel of the hardware102. The method800may proceed to block806, wherein the method800may include communicating the at least one user input provided upon the contactless control panel user interface to the hardware102through NFC communication between the portable device104and the hardware102. The method800may proceed to block808, wherein the method800may include controlling the hardware102to execute at least one function based on the at least one user input received by the hardware102through the NFC communication.

It should be apparent from the foregoing description that various exemplary embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware. Furthermore, various exemplary embodiments may be implemented as instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, such as a volatile or non-volatile memory, which may be read and executed by at least one processor to perform the operations described in detail herein. A machine-readable storage medium may include any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine, such as a personal or laptop computer, a server, or other computing device. Thus, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium excludes transitory signals but may include both volatile and non-volatile memories, including but not limited to read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash-memory devices, and similar storage media.