ATM QR Code Teller Link for Private Audio Video
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) require specialized hardware at ATMs for audio and video communication, which is costly, limits placement options due to space constraints, and raises privacy concerns, especially in drive-up units where public speakers are used.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a bi-directional audio and video communication link between a mobile application on a user's device and a bank teller's computing device using QR codes, eliminating the need for additional hardware on the ATM and enabling communication through the user's mobile device, thus enhancing privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized hardware (handset, video camera, public speakers) is installed at the ATM to enable Interactive Teller functionality, then audio and video communication between user and teller is enabled, but the ATM requires significant fascia and internal space, increasing device complexity and limiting placement options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio-video communication functionality from the ATM hardware and relocates it to the user's mobile device. The ATM only displays a QR code, while the mobile device handles all audio-video communication through its own camera, microphone, speakers, and processing capabilities. This eliminates the need for specialized ITM hardware at the ATM location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a QR code as an intermediary that enables communication between the ATM and the user's mobile device. The QR code contains encoded information that allows the mobile device to establish a communication session with the ATM's backend system, serving as a bridge without requiring direct hardware integration.
2Ease of operation
If public audio speakers are used at drive-up ATMs to enable teller communication, then audio functionality is provided, but user privacy is compromised as personal information is broadcast publicly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the public speaker component from the ATM system entirely. Audio output is extracted and redirected to the user's mobile device, which provides private audio playback through the user's own device speakers or connected headphones, eliminating public broadcast of sensitive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The user's mobile device serves itself as the audio output device. Instead of relying on the ATM's public speakers, the mobile device uses its own audio capabilities (speakers, headphones, or other audio output devices) to provide private audio communication between the user and the teller.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specialized ITM modules are retrofitted into existing ATMs to upgrade them to Interactive Teller Machines, then ITM functionality is added, but significant hardware upgrade costs are incurred and some ATMs cannot be upgraded due to initial configuration limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ITM functionality requirements from the ATM hardware and relocates them to the user's mobile device. This allows any existing ATM (regardless of its initial configuration) to provide ITM functionality by simply displaying a QR code, without requiring any hardware modifications or retrofits to the ATM itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ATM system universal by enabling ITM functionality through a software-based QR code approach that can be deployed on any existing ATM without hardware modifications. The mobile device becomes the universal platform for audio-video communication, allowing any ATM to function as an ITM.
4Reliability
If a handset is affixed to a walk-up ATM to enable teller communication, then audio communication is enabled, but valuable fascia and top-box space on the ATM is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical handset and video camera from the ATM fascia. These communication components are extracted and relocated to the user's mobile device, allowing the ATM to maintain full teller communication capability while preserving all fascia space for other functions or aesthetic purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a computing system for detecting, at an ATM, an input event indicating that a user of the ATM wants to communicate with a bank teller, responsive to detecting the input event, displaying a machine-readable code, comprising information enabling establishment of a communication link with a teller application executing on a computing device of a remote bank teller, on a display of the ATM; and responsive to the user scanning the machine-readable code with the mobile device, establishing, by a mobile application executing on the mobile device, a communication link with the teller application.