초록 ▼

A method and system for providing global self-service transaction terminals or automatic teller machines (ATMs) affords worldwide web content to ATM customers, centralized management for ATM operators, and supports local and remote administration for ATM field service personnel. The system includes

A method and system for providing global self-service transaction terminals or automatic teller machines (ATMs) affords worldwide web content to ATM customers, centralized management for ATM operators, and supports local and remote administration for ATM field service personnel. The system includes multiple ATMs coupled over a network to a host, and the ATMs are provided with a touch screen interface and an interface for visually impaired persons. The ATMs enable both local and remote administration of ATM operations by bank personnel and an integrated network control. The ATMs are web-enabled, and ATM communications are performed over a communications network.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A computer implemented method for providing worldwide web content, centralized management, and local and remote administration for a self-service visually impaired person (VIP) Global customer activated transaction (CAT) terminal with an audio amplifier board having software

What is claimed is: 1. A computer implemented method for providing worldwide web content, centralized management, and local and remote administration for a self-service visually impaired person (VIP) Global customer activated transaction (CAT) terminal with an audio amplifier board having software control of the amplifier board, said method, comprising: receiving a request for a startup of at least one transaction terminal process by a process controller of the transaction terminal selected from a group of transaction terminal processes consisting of a system monitor, a session manager, a device manager, a system manager, a diagnostics application, an intelligent maintenance panel, a log manager, an installation framework, and a configuration framework, in addition to screen reader and audio processes; starting the at least one requested process by the process controller, in addition to the screen reader and audio processes by the process controller; providing a screen layout with navigation selections exclusively by touchscreen for the visually impaired user; performing at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function by the at least one started process, in addition to performing screen reader and audio application functions by the screen reader and audio processes consisting at least in part of reading text that is presented on a screen of the transaction terminal and converting the text to audible speech and diverting the audible speech to a headphone for a visually impaired user, wherein headphone insertion triggers the VIP application from the initial "Hello" screen, and touching the display screen in a predefined manner disables the VIP application; and wherein the VIP application controls audio output, such that audio output is not routed to the external speakers at the transaction terminal until the completion and timing out of a VIP session, regardless of continued headphone insertion; and if a command to shutdown is received, coordinating an orderly shutdown of the transaction terminal by the process controller. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the request further comprises receiving the request from one of an integrated network control and an operator interface. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein receiving the request further comprises receiving the request from the integrated network control over a network. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein receiving the request further comprises receiving the request from the integrated network control coupled over the network to a plurality of self-service transaction terminals. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein receiving the request further comprises receiving the request from an operator interface touchpoint consisting of one of a front screen of the transaction terminal, a personal computer on a network, a video screen, and a personal data assistant. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein starting the at least one requested process by the process controller further comprises at least one of monitoring the process by the process controller, restarting the at least one requested process by the process controller, rebooting a transaction terminal system by the process controller, and maintaining a registry of the at least one started process by the process controller. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one started process comprises the system monitor and wherein performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises performing a system monitor function selected from a group of system monitor functions consisting of blanking a screen display, unblanking the screen display, resetting a hardware watchdog timer, resetting a hardware watchdog timeout value, and sending a system reset notification to an integrated network control. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one started process comprises the audio application and wherein performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises performing an audio application function selected from a group of audio application functions consisting of controlling routing of an audio amplifier output, controlling the audio amplifier board, and diagnostic testing of the amplifier board. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one started process comprises the session manager and wherein performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises performing a session manager function selected from a group of session manager functions consisting of bringing up a browser, coordinating one of a customer session, an operator session, and a hardware diagnostics session, supporting one of a transaction terminal start function and a transaction terminal stop function, displaying an out-of-service transaction terminal screen, recovering from an out-of-service condition of the transaction terminal, reporting pre-selected transaction terminal status information, reporting one of an out-of-service and a back-in-service condition of the transaction terminal, and reporting a state of the transaction terminal as one of in use, idle, diagnostics running, and back administration utility running. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one started process comprises the device manager and wherein performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises performing a device manager function selected from a group of device manager functions consisting of coordinating and allocating one of a cash dispensing module, a depositor, a dynamic reader, a touchscreen, a printer, a switch, and an indicator. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one started process comprises the system manager and wherein performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises performing a system manager function selected from a group of system manager functions consisting of transaction terminal status monitoring, inquiry and control commands, file transfer and remote command execution, software distribution, remote peruse, log upload, auto configuration, load balancing support, device MIS, customer MIS, and time synchronization. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one started process comprises the diagnostics application and wherein performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises performing a diagnostics application function selected from a group of diagnostics application functions consisting of executing diagnostics requests, communicating with a physical device handler, diagnostic testing of a peripheral device, and providing a list of devices to a client. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one started process comprises the intelligent maintenance panel and wherein performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises performing an intelligent maintenance panel function selected from a group of intelligent maintenance panel functions consisting of obtaining status of one of a session and a device, performing one of a shutdown and a reboot through an operator request, performing an operator interface log on via an operator selection, allowing a service mode entry, and requesting a diagnostic test. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one started process comprises the log manager and wherein performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises performing a log manager function selected from a group of log manager functions consisting of maintaining a business log and maintaining a runtime log. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one started process comprises the installation framework and wherein performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises performing an installation framework function selected from a group of installation framework functions consisting of distribution of software release packages, activation of software release packages, cutover of software release packages, fallback to a previously running version of software, and backing out of a last distributed software release package and reinstalling a previous software versions. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one started process comprises the configuration framework and wherein performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises performing a configuration framework function selected from a group of configuration framework functions consisting of installing and configuring software and configuring the transaction terminal. 17. A system for providing worldwide web content, centralized management, and local and remote administration for a self-service visually impaired person (VIP) Global customer activated transaction (CAT) terminal with an audio amplifier board having software control of the amplifier board, said method, comprising: means for receiving a request for a startup of at least one transaction terminal process of the transaction terminal selected from a group of transaction terminal processes consisting of a system monitor, a session manager, a device manager, a system manager, a diagnostics application, an intelligent maintenance panel, a log manager, an installation framework, and a configuration framework, in addition to screen reader and audio processes; means for starting the at least one requested process, in addition to the screen reader and audio processes; providing a screen layout with navigation selections exclusively by touchscreen for the visually impaired user; means for performing at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function by the at least one started process, in addition to performing screen reader and audio application functions by the screen reader and audio processes consisting at least in part of reading text that is presented on a screen of the transaction terminal and converting the text to audible speech and diverting the audible speech to a headphone for a visually impaired user, wherein headphone insertion triggers the VIP application from the initial "Hello" screen, and touching the display screen in a predefined manner disables the VIP application; and wherein the VIP application controls audio output, such that audio output is not routed to the external speakers at the transaction terminal until the completion and timing out of a VIP session, regardless of continued headphone insertion; and if a command to shutdown is received, means for coordinating an orderly shutdown of the transaction terminal. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for receiving the request further comprises a process controller of the transaction terminal. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for receiving the request, starting the requested process, and coordinating an orderly shutdown further comprises a process controller of the transaction terminal coupled to one of an integrated network control and an operator interface. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the means for receiving the request further comprises the process controller coupled to the integrated network control over a network. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the means for receiving the request further comprises the process controller coupled to an operator interface touchpoint consisting of one of a front screen of the transaction terminal, a personal computer on a network, a video screen, and a personal data assistant. 22. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one requested process by the process controller further comprises at least one of means for monitoring the at least one started process by the process controller, means for restarting the at least one started process by the process controller, means for rebooting a transaction terminal system by the process controller, and means for maintaining a registry of the at least one started process by the process controller. 23. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one process comprises means for starting the system monitor and wherein the means for performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises means for performing a system monitor function selected from a group of system monitor functions consisting of blanking a screen display, unblanking the screen display, resetting a hardware watchdog timer, resetting a hardware watchdog timeout value, and sending a system reset notification to an integrated network control. 24. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one process comprises means for starting the audio application and wherein the means for performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises means for performing an audio application function selected from a group of audio application functions consisting of controlling routing of an audio amplifier output, controlling the audio amplifier board, and diagnostic testing of the amplifier board. 25. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one process comprises means for starting the session manager and wherein the means for performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises means for performing a session manager function selected from a group of session manager functions consisting of bringing up a browser, coordinating one of a customer session, an operator session, and a hardware diagnostics session, supporting one of a transaction terminal start function and a transaction terminal stop function, displaying an out-of-service transaction terminal screen, recovering from an out-of-service condition of the transaction terminal, reporting pre-selected transaction terminal status information, reporting one of an out-of-service and a back-in-service condition of the transaction terminal, and reporting a state of the transaction terminal as one of in use, idle, diagnostics running, and back administration utility running. 26. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one process comprises means for starting the device manager and wherein the means for performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises means for performing a device manager function selected from a group of device manager functions consisting of coordinating and allocating one of a cash dispensing module, a depositor, a dynamic reader, a touchscreen, a printer, a switch, and an indicator. 27. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one process comprises means for starting the system manager and wherein the means for performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises means for performing a system manager function selected from a group of system manager functions consisting of transaction terminal status monitoring, inquiry and control commands, file transfer and remote command execution, software distribution, remote peruse, log upload, auto configuration, load balancing support, device MIS, customer MIS, and time synchronization. 28. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one process comprises means for starting the diagnostics application and wherein the means for performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises means for performing a diagnostics application function selected from a group of diagnostics application functions consisting of executing diagnostics requests, communicating with a physical device handler, diagnostic testing of a peripheral device, and providing a list of devices to a client. 29. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one process comprises means for starting the intelligent maintenance panel and wherein the means for performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises means for performing an intelligent maintenance panel function selected from a group of intelligent maintenance panel functions consisting of obtaining status of one of a session and a device, performing one of a shutdown and a reboot through an operator request, performing an operator interface log on via an operator selection, allowing a service mode entry, and requesting a diagnostic test. 30. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one process comprises means for starting the log manager and wherein the means for performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises means for performing a log manager function selected from a group of log manager functions consisting of maintaining a business log and maintaining a runtime log. 31. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one process comprises means for starting the installation framework and wherein the means for performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises means for performing an installation framework function selected from a group of installation framework functions consisting of distribution of software release packages, activation of software release packages, cutover of software release packages, fallback to a previously running version of software, and backing out of a last distributed software release package and reinstalling a previous software versions. 32. The system of claim 17, wherein the means for starting the at least one process comprises means for starting the configuration framework and wherein the means for performing the at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function further comprises means for performing a configuration framework function selected from a group of configuration framework functions consisting of installing and configuring software and configuring the transaction terminal. 33. A computer implemented method for providing worldwide web content, centralized management, and local and remote administration for a self-service visually impaired person (VIP) Global customer activated transaction (CAT) terminal with an audio amplifier board having software control of the amplifier board, said method, comprising: receiving a request for a startup of at least one transaction terminal process by a process controller of the transaction terminal from one of an integrated network control and an operator interface, in addition to screen reader and audio processes; starting the at least one requested process by the process controller, in addition to the screen reader and audio processes by the process controller; providing a screen layout with navigation selections exclusively by touchscreen for the visually impaired user; performing at least one pre-defined transaction terminal function by the started process, in addition to performing screen reader and audio application functions by the screen reader and audio processes consisting at least in part of reading text that is presented on a screen of the transaction terminal and converting the text to audible speech and diverting the audible speech to a headphone for a visually impaired user, wherein headphone insertion triggers the VIP application from the initial "Hello" screen, and touching the display screen in a predefined manner disables the VIP application; and wherein the VIP application controls audio output, such that audio output is not routed to the external speakers at the transaction terminal until the completion and timing out of a VIP session, regardless of continued headphone insertion; and if a command to shutdown is received, coordinating an orderly shutdown of the transaction terminal by the process controller. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein receiving the request further comprises receiving the request from the integrated network control over a network. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein receiving the request further comprises receiving the request from the integrated network control coupled over the network to a plurality of self-service transaction terminals. 36. The method of claim 33, wherein receiving the request further comprises receiving the request from an operator interface touchpoint consisting of one of a front screen of the transaction terminal, a personal computer on a network, a video screen, and a personal data assistant.