Patent Publication Number: US-10783851-B2

Title: Systems and methods for adjustable polarization in service providing terminals

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/907,556, filed Feb. 28, 2018, currently pending, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/644,263, filed Jul. 7, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/359,368, filed Jul. 7, 2016. The contents of the above-referenced applications are hereby incorporated in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Many service-providing terminals, such as automated teller machines (ATMs), kiosks, user devices, and other terminals, include a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) display through which a user may interact with the service-providing terminal. Information is typically displayed on CRT and LCD displays by illuminating the display with non-polarized light, which is selectively polarized by the display to create images and/or text representing the information. 
     A user of a service-providing terminal may, in some cases, wear polarized eyewear, such as sunglasses. The polarization of the user&#39;s sunglasses and the selectively polarized display of the service-providing terminal may destructively interfere, making it difficult for the user to view the information displayed on the display. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosed embodiments may include systems and methods for adjustable polarization in service-providing terminals. 
     In one embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a display, an input device, an adjustable polarization screen, and a polarization adjuster, where the adjustable polarization screen is adjacent to the display. The system further includes a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to perform operations. The operations include providing illumination to the adjustable polarization screen through the display and controlling, via the polarization adjuster, a polarization of the adjustable polarization screen to a first polarization. The operations further include receiving, via the input device, a polarization selection input and, based on the polarization selection input, adjusting, via the polarization adjuster, the polarization of the adjustable polarization screen from the first polarization to a second polarization. 
     In another embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes providing a display and an adjustable polarization screen adjacent to the display; providing illumination to the adjustable polarization screen through the display; controlling a polarization of the adjustable polarization screen to a first polarization; receiving a polarization selection input; and, based on the polarization selection input, adjusting the polarization of the adjustable polarization screen from the first polarization to a second polarization. 
     In yet another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is disclosed storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include providing a display and an adjustable polarization screen adjacent to the display; providing illumination to the adjustable polarization screen through the display; controlling a polarization of the adjustable polarization screen to a first polarization; receiving a polarization selection input; and, based on the polarization selection input, adjusting the polarization of the adjustable polarization screen from the first polarization to a second polarization. 
     Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may include tangible computer-readable media that store software instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, are configured for and capable of performing and executing one or more of the methods, operations, and the like consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Also, aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be performed by one or more processors that are configured as special-purpose processor(s) based on software instructions that are programmed with logic and instructions that perform, when executed, one or more operations consistent with the disclosed embodiments. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example system, in accordance with disclosed embodiments; 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate example service-providing terminals, in accordance with disclosed embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is an example flow chart illustrating an adjustable polarization method, in accordance with disclosed embodiments; 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate operation of a service-providing terminal that does not include an adjustable polarization system; and 
         FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate operation of a service-providing terminal that includes an adjustable polarization system, in accordance with disclosed embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example system  100 , in accordance with disclosed embodiments. System  100  may include a service-providing terminal  102 . While one service-providing terminal  102  is shown, it will be understood that system  100  may include any number of service-providing terminals. 
     Service-providing terminal  102  may be any device configured for use by a user  104 . In some embodiments, service-providing terminal  102  may take the form of, for example, a device configured to provide a service to user  104 , such as an automated teller machine (ATM), a payment or purchase kiosk, an information kiosk, a point-of-sale device, or other device. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments service-providing terminal  102  may take the form of a user device, such as a mobile communication device, a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, or a wearable computing device, such as a watch or glasses. Service-providing terminal  102  may take other forms as well. Service-providing terminal  102  is described in further detail below in connection with  FIG. 2 . 
     In some embodiments, service-providing terminal  102  may be configured to communicate over a network  106 . Network  106  may be any type of network configured to provide communications between service-providing terminal  102  and one or more other entities. For example, network  106  may be any type of network (including infrastructure) that provides communications, exchanges information, and/or facilitates the exchange of information, such as the Internet, a Local Area Network, near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth™, Bluetooth LE™ (BLE), WiFi, or other suitable connection(s) that enables the sending and receiving of information between service-providing terminal  102  and one or more other entities. In other embodiments, service-providing terminal  102  may communicate with one or more other entities through a dedicated communication link(s). Network  106  may take other forms as well. 
     In some embodiments, service-providing terminal  102  may be configured to communicate, through network  106 , with a service-providing system  108 . Service-providing system  108  may be any system configured to support service-providing terminal  102 . For example, in embodiments where service-providing terminal  102  is an ATM, service-providing system  108  may be a financial service provider system configured to support financial services provided by service-providing terminal  102 . As another example, in embodiments where service-providing terminal  102  is a mobile communication device, service-providing system  108  may be a communication service provider system configured to support communication services provided by service-providing terminal  102 . Service-providing system  108  may take other forms as well. 
     While one network  106  and one service-providing system  108  are shown, it will be understood that system  100  may include any number of networks and/or service-providing systems. In some embodiments, for example, service-providing terminal  102  may be a stand-alone device, and no network  106  or service-providing system  108  may be included in system  100 . System  100  may take other forms as well. 
     It is to be understood that the configuration and boundaries of the functional building blocks of system  100  have been defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments. 
       FIG. 2A  is a block diagram illustrating an example service-providing terminal  200 , in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Service-providing terminal  200  may take any of the forms described above for service-providing terminal  102  in connection with  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown, service-providing terminal  200  may include an input/output device  202 . Input/output device  202  may be any device configured to receive inputted information and/or provide outputted information. In some embodiments, input/output device  202  may be configured to receive inputted information from and/or provide outputted information to a user of service-providing terminal  200 . 
     In some embodiments, input/output device  202  may include a display  204 . Display  204  may be any device configured to provide outputted information. In some embodiments, display  204  may take the form of one or more of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a plasma display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, or an organic LED (OLED) display. Display  204  may take other forms as well. 
     In some embodiments, display  204  may be configured to display information by selectively polarizing non-polarized light provided to display  204 . For example, display  204  may comprise a number of pixels, each of which includes a layer of liquid crystal between two polarizing filters. The liquid crystal may be configured to change orientation based on a provided voltage, and the changed orientation may cause a change in polarization. In this manner, by controlling a voltage provided to each pixel, display  204  may control the orientation of the liquid crystals in each pixel, thereby selectively polarizing the non-polarized light. Other polarization methods may be used to alter a viewing angle or visibility of display  204 . Operation of display  204  is further described below in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5D . 
     In some embodiments, input/output device  202  may include an input device  206 . Input device  206  may be any device configured to receive inputted information. In some embodiments, input device  206  may take the form of a mechanical input, such as a button, knob, or lever. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments input device  206  may take the form of an electrical input, such as a capacitive, resistive, or optical input. For example, input device  206  may take the form of an infrared input configured to detect movement of a user&#39;s hand(s). In some embodiments, input device  206  may take the form of a touch screen, and display  204  may be and/or may include the touch screen. Input device  206  may take other appropriate forms to enable information input by the user. 
     Service provider terminal  200  may further include an adjustable polarization system  208 , which may include an adjustable polarization screen  210  and a polarization adjuster  212 . Adjustable polarization screen  210  may be any screen configured to modify a polarization of illumination provided to the adjustable polarization screen  210 . In some embodiments, adjustable polarization screen  210  may be similar to an LCD display. Adjustable polarization screen  210  may take other forms as well. In some embodiments, part or all of adjustable polarization system  208  may be built into display  204 . 
     Adjustable polarization screen  210  may be configured such that a polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210  may be controlled by controlling a voltage provided to adjustable polarization screen  210 . In some embodiments, for example, adjustable polarization screen  210  may comprise a number of pixels, each of which includes a layer of liquid crystal between two polarizing filters. The liquid crystal may be configured to change orientation based on a provided voltage, and the changed orientation may cause a change in polarization. In this manner, by controlling a voltage provided to adjustable polarization screen  210 , the orientation of the liquid crystals may be adjusted, thereby adjusting polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210 . Operation of adjustable polarization screen  210  is further described below in connection with  FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5D . 
     Polarization adjuster  212  may be configured to control the polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210 . In some embodiments, polarization adjuster  212  may be configured to control a polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210  to any value between and including 0° and 90°. In some embodiments, for example, polarization adjuster  212  may be configured to control a polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210  to a first polarization between and including 0° and 90°. Further, polarization adjuster  212  may be configured to adjust the polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210  from the first polarization to a second polarization between and including 0° and 90°. The second polarization may be different from the first polarization. Further, the second polarization may be non-orthogonal to the first polarization. Other polarizations are possible as well. 
     In some embodiments, polarization adjuster  212  may include a driver configured to control a voltage provided to adjustable polarization screen  210 . The polarization adjuster  212  may be configured to control the adjustable polarization screen  210  to the first polarization by, for example, controlling the voltage provided to the adjustable polarization screen  210  to a first voltage. Further, the polarization adjuster  212  may be configured to adjust the adjustable polarization screen  210  from the first polarization to the second polarization by, for example, controlling the voltage provided to adjustable polarization screen  210  from the first voltage to a second voltage. 
     In some embodiments, input device  206  may be configured to receive a polarization selection input. For example, a user of service-providing terminal  200  may use input device  206  to select a polarization. In some embodiments, the user may select a polarization by adjusting an appearance of display  204 , such as a “brightness” or “contrast.” For example, the user may use input device  206  to increase or decrease the “brightness” or “contrast” of display  204 . As still another example, the polarization selection input may be pre-defined for a user, and a user may select the polarization by, for instance, providing identification of the user. The polarization selection input may take other forms as well. 
     In some embodiments, polarization adjuster  212  may adjust the polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210  as the polarization selection input is received. For example, as a user gradually adjusts a “brightness” or “contrast” of display  204  using input device  206 , polarization adjuster  212  may gradually adjust the polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210 , thereby adjusting a “brightness” or “contrast” of display  204 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, polarization adjuster  212  may adjust the polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210  after the polarization selection input is received. For example, as a user may select an increase in “brightness” or “contrast” of display  204  using input device  206 , and, upon receiving the polarization selection input, polarization adjuster  212  may adjust the polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210 , thereby increasing the “brightness” or “contrast” of display  204 . The polarization selection input may take other forms as well. 
     Processor(s)  214  may include one or more known single or multicore processing devices, such as a microprocessor from the Pentium™ or Xeon™ family manufactured by Intel™, the Turion™ family manufactured by AMD™, or any of various processors manufactured by Sun Microsystems, for example. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to any type of processor(s) otherwise configured to meet the computing demands of different components of service-providing terminal  200 . 
     Memory  216  may include one or more storage devices configured to store instructions used by processor(s)  214  to perform functions related to disclosed embodiments. For example, memory  216  may be configured to store software instructions, such as program(s)  218 , that may cause processor(s)  214  to perform one or more operations consistent with disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to separate programs or computers configured to perform dedicated tasks. For example, memory  216  may store a single program  218  that performs the functions of service-providing terminal  200 , or program(s)  218  may comprise multiple programs. Memory  216  may also store data  220  that is used by program(s)  218 . 
     In certain embodiments, memory  216  may store sets of instructions for carrying out the processes described below in connection with  FIG. 3 . Other instructions are possible as well. In general, instructions may be executed by processor(s)  214  to perform one or more processes consistent with disclosed embodiments. 
     The components of service-providing terminal  200  may be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, although one or more components of service-providing terminal  200  may be implemented as computer processing instructions, all or a portion of the functionality of service-providing terminal  200  may be implemented instead in dedicated electronics hardware. 
     It will be understood that service-providing terminal  200  may include more, fewer, or different components than those shown. In some embodiments, service-providing terminal  200  may include additional components associated with a service provided by terminal  200 . Service-providing terminal  200  may take other forms as well. 
     In some embodiments, service-providing terminal  200  may be configured to communicate, through a network, with one or more entities. For example, service-providing terminal  200  may be configured to communicate through a network, such as network  106  described above in connection with  FIG. 1 , with a service-providing system, such as service-providing system  108 . In some embodiments, service-providing terminal  200  may include a network interface  222 . Network interface  222  may include, for example, one or more digital and/or analog devices that allow network interface  222  to communicate with and/or detect other components, such as a network controller and/or wireless adaptor for communicating over the Internet. Network interface  222  may take other forms as well. 
       FIG. 2B  is an illustration of another service-providing terminal  200 , in accordance with disclosed embodiments. While service-providing terminal  200  is shown, for purposes of illustration, to take a certain form, it will be understood that service-providing terminal  200  may take other forms as well. 
     As shown, service-providing terminal  200  may include display  204  and input device  206 , as described above. Further, as shown, service-providing terminal  200  may include adjustable polarization screen  210 . Adjustable polarization screen  210  may be adjacent to display  204 , as shown. Alternatively or additionally, adjustable polarization screen  210  may be near, next to, in proximity to, or within a range of display  204 . Other positioning of adjustable polarization screen  210  and display  204  are possible as well. 
     In some embodiments, service-providing terminal  200  may further include illumination source  224  configured to provide illumination to display  204 . In some embodiments, illumination source  224  may be configured to provide non-polarized light to display  204 . For example, illumination source  224  may provide non-polarized light as backlight to display  204 . Display  204  may be configured to selectively polarize the non-polarized light and provide the selectively polarized light to adjustable polarization screen  210 . In some embodiments, illumination source  224  may be built into display  204 . 
     Service-providing terminal  200  may further include polarization adjuster  212 . In some embodiments, polarization adjuster  212  may be communicatively coupled to input device  206  and adjustable polarization screen  210 . Polarization adjuster  212  may be configured to control a polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210  to, for example, a first polarization by, for example, controlling a voltage provided to adjustable polarization screen  210  to a first voltage, thereby controlling an orientation of liquid crystals within pixels of adjustable polarization screen  210 . 
     Further, in some embodiments, input device  206  may be configured receive a polarization selection input from, for example, user  226 . Based on the polarization selection input, polarization adjuster  212  may be further configured to adjust a polarization of adjustable polarization screen  210  from, for example, the first polarization to a second polarization by, for example, controlling the voltage provided to adjustable polarization screen  210  from the first voltage to a second voltage, thereby adjusting the orientation of the liquid crystals within the pixels of adjustable polarization screen  210 . Service-providing terminal  200  may take other forms as well. 
       FIG. 3  is an example flow chart illustrating an adjustable polarization method  300 , in accordance with disclosed embodiments. As shown, method  300  may begin at step  302  with providing a display and an adjustable polarization screen adjacent to the display. The display and the adjustable polarization screen may, for example, take any of the forms described above for display  204  and adjustable polarization screen  210 , respectively, in connection with  FIGS. 2A-2B . 
     The method  300  may continue at step  304  with providing illumination to the adjustable polarization screen through the display. In some embodiments, providing illumination to the adjustable polarization screen through the display may involve providing non-polarized light to the display. The display may be configured to selectively polarize the non-polarized light and provide the selectively polarized light to the adjustable polarization screen. The illumination may be provided in other manners as well. 
     The method  300  may continue at step  306  with controlling a polarization of the adjustable polarization screen to a first polarization. In some embodiments, the polarization of the adjustable polarization screen may be controlled by a polarization adjuster, such as polarization adjuster  212  described above in connection with  FIGS. 2A-2B . Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments controlling the polarization of the adjustable polarization screen to the first polarization may involve controlling a voltage provided to the adjustable polarization screen. The polarization may be controlled in other manners as well. 
     The method  300  may continue at step  308  with receiving a polarization selection input. The polarization selection input may be received from, for example, a user. In some embodiments, the polarization selection input may be received via an input device, such as input device  206  described above in connection with  FIGS. 2A-2B . In some embodiments, the display may be or may include a touch screen, and receiving the polarization selection input may involve receiving the polarization selection input through the touch screen. The polarization selection input may be received in other manners as well. 
     The method  300  may continue at step  310  with, based on the polarization selection input, adjusting the polarization of the adjustable polarization screen from the first polarization to a second polarization. In some embodiments, the polarization of the adjustable polarization screen may be adjusted by a polarization adjuster, such as polarization adjuster  212  described above in connection with  FIGS. 2A-2B . Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments adjusting the polarization of the adjustable polarization screen from the first polarization to the second polarization may involve adjusting a voltage provided to the adjustable polarization screen from a first voltage to a second voltage. In some embodiments, the second polarization may be non-orthogonal to the first polarization. 
     Method  300  may include more or fewer steps than those shown and, in some embodiments, an order of one or more of steps  302 - 310  may vary. 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate operation of a service-providing terminal  400  that does not include an adjustable polarization system. As shown, service-providing terminal  400  may be configured to provide illumination  402  to a display  404 . Illumination  402  may be, for example, non-polarized illumination. 
     Display  404  may include a first polarization filter  406 . When non-polarized illumination  402  passes through the first polarization filter  406 , non-polarized illumination  402  may be polarized, resulting in polarized illumination  408 . Polarized illumination  408  may be passed through liquid crystals  410 . Liquid crystals  410  may be, for example, selectively oriented to provide information on display  404 . When polarized illumination  408  is passed through liquid crystals  410  and a second polarization filter  412 , polarized illumination  408  may be selectively polarized to produce selectively polarized illumination  414 . 
     When selectively polarized illumination  414  is viewed by a user through a polarized lens  416 , the polarizations of the polarized lens  416  and the selectively polarized illumination  414  may destructively interfere, making it difficult for the user to view the information displayed on the display  404 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . 
       FIGS. 5A-5D  illustrate operation of a service-providing terminal  500  that includes an adjustable polarization system, in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Like display  404  described in connection with  FIG. 4A , display  504  may include a first polarization filter  506  through which non-polarized illumination  502  may pass, resulting in polarized illumination  508 . When polarized illumination  508  is passed through liquid crystals  510  and second polarization filter  512 , polarized illumination  508  may be selectively polarized to produce selectively polarized illumination  514 . 
     Display terminal  500  may further include an adjustable polarization system, which may include an adjustable polarization screen  516  and a polarization adjuster  518  configured to control a polarization of the adjustable polarization screen  516 . The selectively polarized illumination  514  may pass through the adjustable polarization screen  516  before being viewed by a user through a polarized lens  522 . Adjustable polarization screen  516  may have, for example, a first polarization, resulting in first selectively polarized illumination  520 . 
     In some cases, when first selectively polarized illumination  520  is viewed by a user through a polarized lens  522 , the polarizations of the polarized lens  522  and the first selectively polarized illumination  520  may destructively interfere, making it difficult for the user to view the information displayed on the display  504 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5C . Use of the adjustable polarization system, however, may enable the user to adjust a polarization of the adjustable polarization screen  516  to improve the user&#39;s ability to view the information displayed on the display  504 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , for example, a user may adjust a polarization of the adjustable polarization screen  504  from the first polarization to a second polarization. To this end, the user may, for example, provide a polarization selection input to an input device  524  at service-providing terminal  500 . For example, the user may select to increase a “brightness” or “contrast” of display  504 . Other polarization selection inputs are possible as well. 
     Based on the polarization selection input, the polarization adjuster  518  may adjust the polarization of the adjustable polarization screen  516  from the first polarization to a second polarization, as shown, by, for example, adjusting a voltage provided to the adjustable polarization screen  516 . The second polarization may be non-orthogonal to the first polarization. 
     When selectively polarized illumination  514  passes through the adjustable polarization filter  516 , second selectively polarized illumination  526  may result. Second selectively polarized illumination  526  may have a different polarization than first selectively polarized illumination  520 . In some cases, when second selectively polarized illumination  526  is viewed by the user through a polarized lens  522 , the polarizations of the polarized lens  522  and the second selectively polarized illumination  526  may not destructively interfere or may destructively interfere less, making it easier for the user to view the information displayed on the display  504 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5D . In this manner, the adjustable polarization system may enable the user to adjust a polarization of the adjustable polarization screen  516  to improve the user&#39;s ability to view the information displayed on the display  504 . 
     In some examples, some or all of the logic for the above-described techniques may be implemented as a computer program or application or as a plug-in module or subcomponent of another application. The described techniques may be varied and are not limited to the examples or descriptions provided. 
     Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope thereof includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations as would be appreciated by those in the art based on the present disclosure. For example, the number and orientation of components shown in the exemplary systems may be modified. Further, with respect to the exemplary methods illustrated in the attached drawings, the order and sequence of steps may be modified, and steps may be added or deleted. 
     Thus, the foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration only. It is not exhaustive and is not limiting to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. 
     The claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present specification, which are to be construed as non-exclusive. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods may be modified in any manner, including by reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps. 
     Furthermore, although aspects of the disclosed embodiments are described as being associated with data stored in memory and other tangible computer-readable storage mediums, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these aspects can also be stored on and executed from many types of tangible computer-readable media, such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or CD-ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the above described examples, but instead is defined by the appended claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.