ATM Currency Dispensing with Tactile Marks for Visually Impaired Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blind or visually impaired individuals face difficulties in distinguishing between different denominations of currency, as paper bills in many currencies have the same size and shape, making it impossible to identify them without sight.
Innovation Solution
An automated teller machine (ATM) system that interacts with users based on pre-established preferences, including audible signals for bill denominations, dispensing preferred denominations, and folding bills to facilitate tactile identification, allowing users to customize their experience and improve accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard paper bills are used for currency dispensing, then the ATM can dispense multiple denominations efficiently, but visually impaired users cannot distinguish between different denominations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying specific regions of the bill with tactile marks at predetermined locations. Different denominations receive different tactile mark patterns (e.g., number of marks, arrangements) at specific positions on the bill, allowing visually impaired users to identify denominations through touch while maintaining the standard bill structure for efficient dispensing
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile mark serves as an intermediary element between the bill and the visually impaired user. These marks translate visual information (denomination) into tactile information that can be perceived by touch, enabling identification without sight while not interfering with the bill's primary function as currency
2Ease of operation
If tactile marks are added to bills, then visually impaired users can identify denominations, but the bill modification process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bill modification system is segmented into independent marking positions on the bill. Each denomination is identified by a specific pattern of tactile marks at predetermined locations, allowing the system to apply marks in a systematic, modular fashion rather than requiring complex overall redesign of the bill structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the bill by adding tactile marks with specific characteristics (number, position, arrangement) that encode denomination information. These parameter changes are minimal and localized, affecting only specific regions of the bill while maintaining overall bill integrity and simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ATM provides customized interaction based on user preferences, then user experience is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing user preferences in advance in a database. When a user approaches the ATM, the system automatically retrieves and applies the pre-stored preferences without requiring real-time configuration, thereby providing customization while minimizing system complexity during actual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to define and store their own preferences autonomously. The ATM then automatically applies these user-defined preferences without requiring complex system-level configuration or intervention, reducing the burden on the system while maintaining high adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses, methods, and computer program products that allow for interaction with a user at an automated teller machine (ATM) based on pre-established user preferences. For example, an ATM is provided having: (1) a user interface configured to receive user identifying information from a user; and (2) a processing device operatively coupled to the user interface and configured to use the user identifying information to determine a pre-established user preference, wherein the processing device is further configured to use the user interface to interact with the user based at least partially on the pre-established user preference.