Automated banking machine audible user interface system and method

• US 7,413,115 B1
• Filed: 10/11/2002
• Issued: 08/19/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Diebold Incorporated (Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated)
• Inventors: Tula, Pedro, Schuster, Ray, Vaishnav, Dolar Harshadrai, Cole, Bill A
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee; Seung H
• Application Number:
  US10/269,418
• Time in Patent Office: 2,139 Days
• Field of Search: 235/379, 235/380, 235/381, 235/451, 705/35, 705/43, 902/8
• US Class Current: 235/379
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/1085 involving automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/20 Automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/201 Accessories of ATMs
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 21/006 using audible presentation of the information

Abstract

An automated banking machine is operative to output a visual and audible user interface which enables a consumer to operate the machine. The visual user interface includes a plurality of hierarchically organized visual screens. For each visual screen, the exemplary machine includes corresponding verbal instructions which are output through external loudspeakers or a headphone placed in operative connection with an external port of the machine. Upon insertion of the headphone into the port, the machine is operative to mute the output to any external loudspeakers and set the audio output through the headphone to a minimum or medium volume level. The automated banking machine is responsive to operating at least one volume control key to cycle the audible output through a plurality of different volume levels. For each input, the machine is operative to output verbal description of the function associated with the input.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

a) detecting through operation of at least one computer a connection of a portable speaker device to an external port of an automated banking machine, wherein the automated banking machine includes at least one input device, wherein the at least one input device includes a keypad, wherein the keypad includes a plurality of keys including a first key;

b) responsive to detecting the connection of the portable speaker device and a first state of a program operating in the at least one computer, causing the external port to produce a first audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the first audible output includes first verbal instructions for operating the automated banking machine having the first state, wherein the first verbal instructions indicate that the volume level may be changed by actuating the first key of the keypad;

c) receiving a first received input through operation of the keypad corresponding to an actuation of the first key; and

d) performing a first function with the automated banking machine responsive to the first received input, wherein the first function includes changing a volume level at which further audible outputs are outputted through the portable speaker device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein after step (c) further comprising:

e) producing a second audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the second audible output includes a verbal description of the first received input.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein in step (e) the verbal description includes at least one spoken word synonymous with the term “

volume”

.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein in step (e) the second audible output is directed through the portable speaker device at a changed volume level relative to an original volume level of the first audible output.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein in step (a) the portable speaker device includes a headphone.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first audible output is outputted in (b) at a first volume level, and further comprising:

e) subsequent to (d), producing a second audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the second audible output is outputted at a second volume level different from the first volume level responsive to (d).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein in step (b) the first key corresponds to the pound “

#”

key of the keypad.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step (a) the external port includes a base which is not flush with an adjacent fascia portion of the automated banking machine.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step (b) the first verbal instructions further describe a location of the at least one input device on the automated banking machine.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein in step (b) the first verbal instructions further describe a configuration of the at least one input device.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein in step (b) the first verbal instructions further describe how to use the at least one input device.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step (d) the first function includes producing a second audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the second audible output includes a repeat of the first verbal instructions.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein when step (c) occurs before the first verbal instruction has been completely output through the portable speaker device, step (d) includes interrupting the first audible output.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first verbal instructions further direct a user to provide a first specified input through operation of the at least one input device, wherein the first audible output is output in (b) at a first volume level, and further comprising:

e) receiving the first specified input through operation of the at least one input device;

f) responsive to (e) placing the automated banking machine in a second state of the program;

g) producing a second audible output through the portable speaker device responsive to the program having a second state, wherein the second audible output is outputted at a second volume level different from the first volume level responsive to (d), wherein the second audible output includes second verbal instructions for operating the automated banking machine, wherein the second verbal instructions direct the user to provide a second specified input through the at least one input device of the automated banking machine.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein in step (e), the first specified input is generated responsive to operating a key of the keypad.

16. A method comprising:

a) detecting through operation of at least one computer a connection of a portable speaker device to an external port of an automated banking machine, wherein the portable speaker device includes a headphone, wherein the automated banking machine includes at least one input device, wherein the at least one input device includes a keypad, wherein the keypad includes a plurality of keys including a first key; and

b) responsive to detecting the connection of the portable speaker device and a first state of a program operating in the at least one computer, causing the external port to produce a first audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the portable speaker device includes a volume level, wherein the first audible output includes first verbal instructions for operating the automated banking machine having a first state, wherein the first verbal instructions direct a user to provide a first specified input through an input device of the automated banking machine, wherein in step (b) the first verbal instructions indicate that the volume level may be changed by actuating the first key of the keypad;

c) receiving a first received input through the input device, wherein the first received input includes actuation of the first key of the keypad;

d) performing a first function with the automated banking machine responsive to the first received input, wherein the first function corresponds to changing the volume level of the portable speaker device; and

d) producing a second audible output through a portable speaker device, wherein the second audible output includes a verbal description of the first received input, wherein the verbal description includes at least one spoken word synonymous with the term “

volume”

.

17. Computer readable media bearing computer executable instructions operative to cause at least one computer in an automated banking machine to cause the automated banking machine to carry out a method comprising:

a) detecting responsive to operation of the at least one computer, connection of a portable speaker device to an external port of the automated banking machine, wherein the automated banking machine includes at least one input device, wherein the at least one input device includes a keypad, wherein the keypad includes a plurality of keys including a first key;

b) responsive to detecting connection of the portable speaker device and a program operating in the at least one computer having a first state, causing the external port to produce a first audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the first audible output includes first verbal instructions for operating the automated banking machine with the program having the first state, wherein the first verbal instructions indicate that the volume level may be changed by actuating the first key of the keypad;

c) receiving a first received input through operation of the keypad, wherein the first received input includes actuation of the first key; and

d) performing a first function with the automated banking machine responsive to the first received input, wherein the first function includes changing a volume level at which further audible outputs are outputted through the portable speaker device.

18. A method comprising:

a) detecting a connection of a portable speaker device to an external port of an automated banking machine;

b) responsive to detecting the connection of the portable speaker device, enabling the automated banking machine to produce audible outputs through the portable speaker device which outputs include verbal information;

c) causing the automated banking machine to operate to provide through the portable speaker device a first audible output with first verbal instructions, wherein the first verbal instructions indicate that an amount of value may be entered through operation of a keypad of the automated banking machine;

d) receiving through the keypad a first input, wherein the first input includes operating a first numeric key of the keypad;

e) responsive to (d), storing in a memory of the automated banking machine, data corresponding to a first amount of value, wherein the first amount of value corresponds to a first number associated with the first numeric key;

f) responsive to (d), causing the automated banking machine to operate to provide through the portable speaker device a second audible output, wherein the second audible output includes a verbal description of the first input, wherein the verbal description includes the first number associated with the first numeric key;

g) receiving through the keypad a consecutive input sequence of;

a second input including operating a second key of the keypad that does not include the first numeric key;

followed by a third input including operating the first numeric key; and

h) responsive to (g), causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a third audible output through the portable speaker device without storing in the memory an amount of value derived responsive to the third input, wherein the third audible output includes the verbal description of the first number associated with the first numeric key.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising:

i) receiving through the keypad a fourth input including operating a third key of the keypad, wherein the third key does not correspond to numeric keys of the keypad or the second key; and

j) providing through the portable speaker device a fourth audible output, wherein the fourth audible output includes a verbal statement that indicates the first amount of value.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the third key corresponds to a repeat key of the keypad.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the third key corresponds to an enter key of the keypad, and wherein the fourth audible output includes second verbal instructions requesting confirmation of the first amount of value by operating a fifth key of the keypad, and further comprising:

k) receiving through the keypad a third input including operating the fifth key of the keypad; and

l) performing a transaction function responsive to the first amount of value.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein step (l) includes dispensing cash from a cash dispenser of the automated banking machine, wherein an amount of the cash corresponds to the first amount of value.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising:

m) providing through the portable speaker device a fifth audible output, wherein the fifth audible output includes third verbal instructions requesting that the dispensed amount of cash be taken.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein in step (m) the third verbal instructions include a description of a location on the automated banking machine from which the dispensed amount of cash may be taken.

25. Computer readable media bearing computer executable instructions operative to cause at least one computer in an automated banking machine to cause the automated banking machine to carry a method comprising:

a) detecting a portable speaker device being operatively connected with an external port of the automated banking machine;

b) responsive to detecting connection of the portable speaker device, causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce audible outputs through the portable speaker device, which outputs include verbal information;

c) causing the automated banking machine to operate to provide through the portable speaker device, a first audible output which includes first verbal instructions, wherein the first verbal instructions indicate that an amount of value may be entered through operation of a keypad of the automated banking machine;

d) receiving through the keypad a first input, wherein the first input includes operating a first numeric key of the keypad;

e) responsive to (d), storing in a memory of the automated banking machine, a first amount of value, wherein the first amount of value corresponds to a first number associated with the first numeric key;

f) responsive to (d), causing the automated banking machine to operate to provide through the portable speaker device, a second audible output, wherein the second audible output includes a verbal description of the first input, wherein the verbal description includes the first number associated with the first numeric key;

g) receiving through the keypad a consecutive input sequence of;

a second input including operating a second key of the keypad that does not include the first numeric key;

followed by a third input including operating the first numeric key; and

h) responsive to (g), causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a third audible output through the portable speaker device without storing in the memory an amount of value associated with the third input, wherein the third audible output includes the verbal description of the first number associated with the first numeric key.

26. A method comprising:

a) detecting through operation of a computer in an automated banking machine a connection of a portable speaker device to an external port of the automated banking machine; and

b) responsive to detecting the connection of the portable speaker device, causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce audible outputs through the portable speaker device which include verbal information;

c) causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a first audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the first audible output includes first verbal instructions for operating the automated banking machine, wherein the first verbal instructions direct a user to provide one of a plurality of inputs through at least one input device of the automated banking machine, wherein the plurality of inputs are associated with different functions of the automated banking machine;

d) detecting through operation of at least one computer a first input received through the at least one input device;

e) detecting through operation of the at least one computer a second input received through the at least one input device, wherein the second input corresponds to one of the plurality of inputs described in the first verbal instructions; and

f) responsive to detecting the first input prior to detecting the second input, causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a second audible output through the portable speaker device without causing the automated banking machine to perform a function associated with the second input, wherein the second audible output includes a verbal description of the function associated with the second input.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein in step (d), the input device includes a keypad and the first input includes operating a first key of the keypad, wherein in step (e) the second input includes operating a second key of the keypad.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein in step (c) the first verbal instructions indicate that verbal descriptions of each of the keys of the keypad may be obtained by operating the first key prior to operating a further key of the keypad.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein in step (c) the first verbal instructions indicate a location of the first key on the keypad, wherein in step (d) the first key corresponds to a star “

*”

key of the keypad.

30. The method according to claim 28, wherein in step (c) the automated banking machine includes a program operating in the at least one computer, wherein the program is in a first state which causes the machine to be operative to accept an input of an amount of value with the keypad, wherein in step (e) the second key corresponds to a numeric key, wherein in step (f) the verbal description includes a number corresponding to the second key, wherein the automated banking machine does not store an amount of value in a memory of the automated banking machine responsive to the second input.

31. The method according to claim 28, wherein in step (c) the automated banking machine includes a program operating in the at least one computer, wherein the program is in a first state which causes the machine to be operative to enable the selection of one of a plurality of transaction functions to be performed with the automated banking machine, wherein in step (e) the second key is associated with the selection of a first transaction function, wherein in step (f) the verbal description includes a name of the first transaction function, wherein the program does not change to a second state associated with the first transaction function.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein in step (e) the first transaction function corresponds to a withdrawal transaction function, wherein in step (f) the verbal description includes at least one spoken word representative of the function “

withdrawal”

.

33. The method according to claim 27, wherein in step (f) when the second input does not corresponds to one of the plurality of inputs described in the first verbal instructions, the verbal description includes at least one spoken word representative of the term “

un-used”

.

34. Computer readable media bearing computer executable instructions operative to cause at least one computer in an automated banking machine to cause the automated banking machine to carry out a method comprising:

a) detecting through operation of at least one computer in the automated banking machine a portable speaker device being in operative connection with an external port of the automated banking machine;

b) responsive to detecting the connection of the portable speaker device, causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce audible outputs through the portable speaker device which include verbal information;

c) causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a first audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the first audible output includes first verbal instructions concerning operation of the automated banking machine, wherein the first verbal instructions direct a user to provide one of a plurality of inputs through at least one input device of the automated banking machine, wherein the plurality of inputs are associated with different functions of the automated banking machine;

d) detecting through operation of at least one computer a first input received through the at least one input device;

e) detecting through operation of the at least one computer a second input received through the at least one input device, wherein the second input corresponds to one of the plurality of inputs described in the first verbal instructions; and

f) responsive to detecting the first input prior to detecting the second input, causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a second audible output through the portable speaker device without causing the automated banking machine to perform a function associated with the second input, wherein the second audible output includes a verbal description of the function associated with the second input.

35. A method comprising:

a) detecting responsive to operation of at least one computer in an automated banking machine, operative connection of a portable speaker device to an external port of an automated banking machine, wherein the automated banking machine includes a keypad including a plurality of keys, wherein the plurality of keys includes a first key and a second key; and

b) responsive to detecting connection of the portable speaker device, causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce audible outputs through the portable speaker device which include verbal information;

c) operating a computer program in the at least one computer, wherein the program is capable of being in a plurality of states;

d) responsive to the program being in a first state, causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a first audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the first audible output includes first verbal instructions for operating the automated banking machine, wherein the first verbal instructions indicate which of the plurality of keys of the keypad are respectively associated with each of a plurality of different transaction functions the automated banking machine is capable of performing, and wherein responsive to the program being in the first state the automated banking machine is operative to enable selection of each of the plurality of transaction functions through actuation of different keys of the keypad, and wherein actuation of the second key of the keypad corresponds to selection of a first transaction function;

e) through operation of the automated banking machine, receiving inputs including a first received input including actuation of the first key of the keypad immediately sequentially followed by a second received input including actuation of the second key of the keypad;

f) responsive to (e), causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a second audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the second audible output includes a verbal description of the first transaction function, wherein during the second audible output the program remains in the first state;

g) through operation of the automated banking machine, receiving a third received input including actuation of the second key of the keypad, wherein the third received input does not immediately sequentially follow actuation of the first key of the keypad; and

h) responsive to (g), causing the automated banking machine to operate such that the program changes from being in the first state of the program to being in a second state of the program, wherein in the second state of the program the automated banking machine is operative to perform the first transaction function.

36. The method according to claim 35, and further comprising:

i) responsive to (g) causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a third audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the third audible output includes a verbal description of the first transaction function.

37. The method according to claim 36, and further comprising:

i) performing the first transaction function with the automated banking machine, including operating a first transaction function device of the automated banking machine.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein in step (j) the first transaction function device includes a cash dispenser, wherein the first transaction function corresponds to dispensing cash with the cash dispenser, wherein in step (f) the verbal description includes at least one spoken word representative of the term “

withdrawal”

.

39. The method according to claim 38 further comprising:

k) causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce fourth audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the fourth audible output includes a second verbal instruction requesting that the dispensed amount of cash be taken.

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein in step (k) the second verbal instruction includes a description of a location on the automated banking machine from which the dispensed amount of cash may be taken.

41. Computer readable media bearing computer executable instructions operative to cause at least one computer in an automated banking machine to cause the automated banking machine to carry out a method comprising:

a) detecting responsive to operation of at least one computer in an automated banking machine, operative connection of a portable speaker device to an external port of the automated banking machine, wherein the automated banking machine includes a keypad including a plurality of keys, wherein the plurality of keys includes a first key and a second key; and

b) responsive to detecting connection of the portable speaker device, causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce audible outputs through the portable speaker device which include verbal information;

c) operating a computer program in the at least one computer, wherein the computer program is capable of being in a plurality of states;

d) responsive to the program being in a first state, causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a first audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the first audible output includes first verbal instructions for operating the automated banking machine, wherein the first verbal instructions indicate which of the plurality of keys of the keypad are respectively associated with each of a plurality of different transaction functions the automated banking machine is capable of performing, and wherein responsive to the program being in the first state the automated banking machine is operative to enable selection of each of the plurality of transaction functions through actuation of different keys of the keypad, and wherein actuation of the second key corresponds to selection of a first transaction function;

e) through operation of the automated banking machine, receiving inputs including a first received input including actuation of the first key of the keypad immediately sequentially followed by a second received input including actuation of the second key of the keypad;

f) responsive to (e) causing the automated banking machine to operate to produce a second audible output through the portable speaker device, wherein the second audible output includes a verbal description of the first transaction function, wherein during the second audible output the program remains in the first state;

g) through operation of the automated banking machine, receiving a third received input including actuation of the second key of the keypad, wherein the third received inputs does not immediately sequentially follow actuation of the first key of the keypad; and

h) responsive to (g) causing the automated banking machine to operate such that the program changes from being in the first state of the program to being in a second state of the program, wherein in the second state of the program the automated banking machine is operative to perform the first transaction function.

42. A method comprising:

a) detecting responsive to operation of at least one computer in an automated teller machine (ATM), operative connection of a headphone to an external port of the ATM, wherein the ATM includes a cash dispenser, and a keypad, wherein the keypad includes a plurality of keys including a first key;

b) responsive to detecting the connection of the headphone in (a), causing the ATM to operate to set a volume level of a first audible output through the external port to a predetermined level, wherein the predetermined level is less than a maximum level for the first audible output;

c) including in the audible output, responsive to a program operative in at least one computer of the ATM having a first state, first verbal instructions for operating the ATM when the program has such first state, wherein the first verbal instructions direct a user to provide a first input through the keypad of the ATM, wherein the first verbal instructions further indicate that the volume level may be changed by actuating the second key of the keypad;

d) receiving the first input through the keypad of the ATM; and

e) responsive to the receipt of the first input, operating the at least one computer to cause the program to have a second state.

43. The method according to claim 42, and further comprising:

f) responsive to (a), muting a second audible output being directed through an external loud speaker device of the ATM.

44. The method according to claim 42, and further comprising:

f) detecting the disconnection of the headphone from the external port; and

g) muting the first audible output being directed through the external port.

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein after step (a) further comprising:

h) muting a second audible output being directed through an external loud speaker device of the ATM; and

wherein after step (f) further comprising;

i) instituting the audible output through the external loud speaker device.

46. The method according to claim 42, wherein after step (e) further comprising:

f) changing a local output of a sound system device of the ATM to a first condition, wherein the first condition corresponds to the headphone being connected to the external port;

g) monitoring the logical output of the sound system through operation of a software application operative in the ATM; and

h) detecting through operation of the software application that the logical output is in the first condition, wherein step (c) is performed responsive to the software application detecting that the logical output is in the first condition.

47. The method according to claim 46, wherein step (c) includes generating the first audible output responsive to a sound file stored in operative connection with the ATM, wherein the sound file is associated with the first state of the ATM.

48. The method according to claim 46, wherein step (c) includes generating the first audible output responsive to an alphanumeric text message stored in operative connection with the ATM, wherein the alphanumeric text message is associated with the first state of the program.

49. The method according to claim 42, wherein in step (a) the headphone includes a wireless headphone, wherein the external port is operative to transmit a wireless signal to the wireless headphones, wherein in step (c) the first audible output is included in the wireless signal.

50. The method according to claim 42, further comprising:

f) receiving a plurality of second inputs including actuation of the second key of the keypad,

wherein when the volume level of the first audio output is less than the maximum level, increasing the volume level of the first audio output; and

wherein when the volume level of the first audio output is at the maximum level, setting the volume level of the first audible output to the predetermined level.

51. Computer readable media bearing computer executable instructions operative to cause at least one computer in an ATM to cause the ATM to carry out a method comprising:

a) detecting responsive to operation of at least one computer in an automated teller machine (ATM), operative connection of a headphone to an external port of the ATM, wherein the ATM includes a cash dispenser, and a keypad, wherein the keypad includes a plurality of keys including a first key;

b) responsive to detecting the connection of the headphone in (a) causing the ATM to operate to set a volume level of a first audible output through the external port to a predetermined level, wherein the predetermined level is less than a maximum level for the first audible output;

c) including in the audible output, responsive to a program operative in at least one computer of the ATM having a first state, first verbal instructions for operating the ATM when the program has such first state, wherein the first verbal instructions direct a user to provide a first input through the keypad of the ATM, wherein the first verbal instructions further indicate that the volume level may be changed by actuating the second key of the keypad;

d) receiving the first input through the keypad of the ATM; and

e) responsive to the receipt of the first input, operating the at least one computer to cause the program to have a second state.