Automated Device Interface Sequence for Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
User interactions with automated devices, such as ATMs, are often time-consuming and frustrating due to the need for numerous inputs and inadequate or excessive information, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those uncomfortable with technology.
Innovation Solution
An automated device with a display screen, communication module, and processor that guides users through a sequence of interfaces for data transfer, including destination and source account selection, data value input, and processing, providing contextual information and options to streamline the interaction and reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a high number of inputs are required to complete a desired action, then the device can perform more comprehensive functions, but the interaction becomes more time-consuming and frustrating for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer process into distinct interface screens, each handling a specific aspect (destination selection, source selection, value input, confirmation). This allows users to progress through comprehensive functions in manageable steps rather than being overwhelmed by all inputs at once, reducing perceived interaction time while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically retrieving and displaying account information, available destinations, and transfer options without requiring users to manually search or input these details. This pre-population of data reduces the number of active inputs users must provide while still enabling comprehensive data transfer functionality.
2Loss of information
If too much information is provided during interaction, then users have more context, but the interface becomes more complex and overwhelming
Solution Approach 1:
Each interface screen in the patent provides information locally relevant to that specific step of the data transfer process. For example, the destination selection screen shows only destination-related information, while the confirmation screen displays only summary information about the transfer details. This localized information presentation maintains completeness without overwhelming users with irrelevant data at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The information is segmented across multiple interface screens rather than presented all at once. Each screen focuses on a specific aspect of the data transfer, providing necessary context while avoiding information overload. Users receive comprehensive information progressively as they move through the workflow.
3Device complexity
If too little information is provided during interaction, then the interface remains simple, but users experience more errors and frustration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms throughout the interface sequence, including confirmation displays showing selected accounts and transfer values, error messages guiding users to correct input issues, and status indicators showing processing progress. This feedback provides users with sufficient information to understand the system state and avoid errors while maintaining interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation and error prevention by checking account availability, verifying transfer values, and confirming user selections before processing the data transfer. This preliminary anti-action prevents errors from occurring in the first place rather than merely detecting and correcting them later, reducing frustration while keeping the interface simple.
4Reliability
If the interface requires multiple sequential steps, then the device can ensure proper validation and processing, but the interaction becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by allowing users to progress through the interface sequence without unnecessary interruptions or repetitions. Each screen builds upon previous selections, and the system continuously processes user inputs in real-time, providing immediate feedback and advancing the transaction rather than requiring users to restart or re-enter information.
Solution Approach 2:
Validation and processing checks are performed preliminarily at each interface stage rather than all at the end. Account availability, transfer limits, and user selections are verified as users progress through the sequence, preventing invalid transactions from reaching later stages and reducing the need for corrective rework that would increase transaction time.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing physical input at an automated device are described. An automated device provides a sequence of interfaces. The automated device communicates with a server to exchange data, which is used to dynamically populate one or more of the interfaces in the sequence. The interface sequences includes: a home interface providing options for performing an action using the automated device; a destination selection interface for selecting a destination account for a data transfer; a source selection interface for selecting a source account for the data transfer; a data value selection interface for receiving a data value for the data transfer; a data transfer processing interface indicating processing of the data transfer; an acknowledgement interface indicating completion of the data transfer; and a record preview interface providing a preview of a session record.