Unified Mobile Messaging Interface for Vending Automata
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Solution Overview
Problem
User interfaces for interacting with self-service terminals and automata are often heterogeneous and confusing, leading to increased transaction times and queues, as existing technologies lack a unified and efficient method for user interaction with these devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for interaction between a mobile terminal and a communicating automaton, utilizing a conversational agent that allows users to exchange messages through a unified interface, enabling the selection and interaction with nearby automata, such as ticket or drink vending machines, by inserting an entry into the terminal's address book and sending adapted messages to initiate interactions, which can include transactions via instant messaging protocols, with confirmation steps to secure transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional user interfaces are used for self-service terminals, then each automaton has its own specific interface, but this leads to heterogeneous and confusing interfaces that increase transaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a unified messaging interface that can interact with multiple different types of automata (vending machines, ticket machines, parking meters, etc.) through a single standardized protocol. The mobile terminal uses a common messaging application to communicate with diverse automata, eliminating the need for users to learn different interfaces for each device while maintaining compatibility with various automaton types
2Productivity
If traditional user interfaces are used for self-service terminals, then each automaton has its own specific interface, but this leads to increased transaction times and queues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing users to initiate transactions remotely through mobile messaging before actually reaching the automaton. Users can select automata from a list of nearby devices, send commands, and prepare transactions in advance, reducing the time spent at the physical device and decreasing queues while accelerating overall transaction throughput
3Ease of operation
If a unified messaging interface is implemented, then interaction with multiple automata is simplified, but this requires a new communication method between mobile terminals and automata
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using standardized messaging protocols (SMS, MMS, RCS) as a mediator between the mobile terminal and the automaton. These existing communication protocols serve as an intermediate layer that translates user messages into automaton commands and vice versa, simplifying the interface while managing communication complexity through established standards rather than requiring a completely new direct communication system
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for interaction between a mobile terminal and a communicating automaton, the communicating automaton comprising a conversational agent capable of exchanging messages with the terminal by means of a first communication interface. The method according to the invention is characterised in that it comprises steps of obtaining a piece of information according to which the communicating automaton is in the vicinity of the terminal, inserting, in an address book of the terminal, an entry relating to said communicating automaton comprising at least the piece of information obtained, and sending at least one message capable of initialising an interaction between the terminal and the communicating automaton when the inserted address book entry is selected.