Adapter for Banking Terminal Accessibility via RF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Visually impaired individuals cannot access transaction information during banking transactions as existing POS terminals lack practical alternatives to visual displays for communication, and deploying audio output solutions on existing banking equipment is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a transaction terminal and a personal transaction device, where transaction information is communicated to a user via an adapter that receives and translates the information into voice or another perceivable form, using proximity radiofrequency or electrical contacts, and optionally includes wireless communication interfaces like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC, allowing the adapter to pair with devices such as smartphones or smart watches for real-time translation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If audio output interface is added to existing POS terminal, then visually impaired users can access transaction information, but hardware complexity and deployment cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary adapter device that acts as a mediator between the existing POS terminal and the user's personal device. The adapter receives transaction information from the terminal via proximity RF or electrical contacts, then relays it to the user's smartphone or wearable device which converts it to audio output. This intermediary approach enables accessibility without modifying the terminal itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution leverages the user's own personal devices (smartphone, wearable) which already have audio output capabilities and processing power. The user's device performs the translation and audio conversion functions, eliminating the need for the terminal to provide these services directly. This self-service approach shifts the complexity from the terminal to the user's existing equipment.
2Ease of operation
If audio output interface is integrated into banking terminal, then transaction information becomes accessible to visually impaired users, but deployment cost and infrastructure changes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the accessibility function into separate components: the terminal provides transaction data, the adapter handles data transmission via proximity RF or contacts, and the user's personal device performs audio conversion and output. This segmentation allows each component to remain simple and compatible with existing infrastructure, avoiding the need to modify expensive terminal equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device serves multiple functions: it acts as a proximity RF receiver, electrical contact interface, data translator, and wireless communication bridge to the user's device. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single compact adapter, reducing overall deployment complexity.
3Device complexity
If existing terminal display is used for communication, then hardware complexity remains low, but visually impaired users cannot access transaction information
Solution Approach 1:
The solution replaces the mechanical/visual display system with an electronic/audio-based information delivery system. Instead of relying on visual display that visually impaired users cannot access, the system uses proximity RF or electrical contacts to transmit data, then converts it to audio signals through the user's personal device, substituting visual mechanical interaction with electronic audio output.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables visually impaired users to receive transaction information in a perceivable format without requiring significant changes to existing hardware or software infrastructure, ensuring cost-effectiveness and practical deployment, thereby enhancing accessibility during banking transactions.
Implementation Method 1
configured with a first communication interface with proximity radiofrequency or electrical contacts included in the device in order to receive the transaction information directly
Implementation Method 2
said adapter being configured to receive, by wire or wirelessly, said information and to translate it into voice or another form that the user can perceive
Implementation Method 3
The second wireless communication interface (14, 34) may be selected from Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UHF, NFC, Li-Fi
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for performing a transaction with a system (1, 1A, 1B, 10) comprising a terminal (2) and a chip device (3), said system being configured to communicate to a user (6), during said transaction, transaction information from the terminal via an adapter (4), said adapter being configured to receive, by wire or wirelessly, said information (5) and to translate it into voice or another form, said information being obtained or collected in or via said chip device (3), characterized in that said chip device (3) is configured with a first communication interface with proximity radiofrequency or electrical (M3) contacts included in the device in order to receive the transaction information directly from a communication interface of the terminal. The invention also relates to the corresponding system.