ATM Printer Template System for Cross-Device Document Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated banking machines require a system to easily customize document formats for various printer types, sizes, and configurations without the need for rewriting software components for each printer, and without requiring procedural programming language skills or detailed knowledge of ATM software and hardware systems.
Innovation Solution
An automated transaction machine with a data store containing document templates defined by XML tags, which specify information to be printed, destination printers, and template attributes for classification, allowing the selection of appropriate templates based on transaction characteristics and printer properties, enabling the machine to print documents efficiently across different printers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate software components are hard coded for each printer type, then document compatibility with specific printers is improved, but system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal document template system that can be used across multiple printer types and configurations. Instead of creating separate hard-coded software components for each printer, the system uses a single template format with parameters that can be adapted to different printers through attribute specifications, allowing one template to serve multiple printing destinations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the document content and the physical printer hardware. This intermediary consists of template attributes and printer configuration files that translate universal template instructions into printer-specific commands, eliminating the need for direct hard-coding for each printer type
2Manufacturing precision
If separate software components are created for each printer type, then printing precision for specific printers is improved, but time and effort required to update documents increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the document formatting into reusable template components with specific attributes (margins, fonts, layouts) that can be independently modified. This segmentation allows precise control over printing output while enabling bulk updates across multiple document types by changing only the template definitions rather than individual document contents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based template definitions where printer-specific characteristics are stored as modifiable attributes. When printer capabilities change or new printers are added, only the parameter values in the template attributes need to be updated, not the entire software component, thereby maintaining printing precision while reducing update time
3Adaptability or versatility
If document templates are customized for each printer configuration, then document format adaptability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service template system where the software automatically selects and configures appropriate templates based on printer attributes and document requirements. Users simply need to specify their printing needs at a high level, and the system handles the complex template selection and configuration automatically, maintaining adaptability while improving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
An automated banking machine (10) with customizable transaction receipts is provided. The automated banking machine may include a computer (30), at least one printer device (24, 44, 46), at least one input device (14, 16, 32) and at least one transaction function device (20, 22, 26, 36). The machine may be in communication with a further computer (37) which includes a data store (38) with document templates (42) stored therein. Each of the document templates may be associated with template attributes (48). A document template from the data store may be selected responsive to at least one characteristic of: a printer device of the machine, a consumer using the machine, and/or a transaction function being performed at the machine. The machine may generate and print one or more documents using one or more printer devices of the machine responsive to the document template and the transaction function.