We are developing modern solutions to provide more accessibility to blind people, using our Voicium platform. We create new experiences, to provide a connection with surrounding technology to blind people integrated with the user’s smartphone.
Bank Voice
Our patent-pending solution provides ATMs with wireless voice feedback capabilities to make ATMs accessible to blind people. Bank Voice is a small simple device (70x60x40mm) that can be installed on the ATM. The device uses a Bluetooth interface to (unidirectionally) send information from the ATM to the user’s smartphone.
The solution delivers voice feedback directly to the user’s smart device (it may be then relayed to the user’s wireless headset). This eliminates requirements for cable connection of headphones to the ATMs audio jack. Moreover, the audio jack (and volume control knobs) are not necessary anymore. The smartphone uses Bank Voice application to work with ATMs (the functionality may be integrated into other applications using Voicium SDK).
Integration
The solution can be installed in virtually any ATM. The ATM software needs only minor modification: to enable wireless audio feedback, users have to activate this mode to prevent unauthorized listening. Activation can be done in various ways (dependent on ATM software), mainly by using an ATM keyboard or touch screen. Different ATMs may use different methods of activation.
- If the ATM already has voice functionality (via handset jack and Talking ATM software),
it can be easily converted to a more advanced version of accessible ATMs; - As the audio jack is not needed anymore, the source ATM may not have voice hardware installed,
with Bank Voice, it can be converted to an accessible ATM (it just needs to have an audio analog or digital path to the device).
Before user start
The solution (independently and in advance) may inform the user about:
- Machine location, control elements layout
- How to activate wireless operations (key sequence required, etc)
- Guide the user on how to use the machine
The solution may also (on the user’s request) provide the user with audio feedback about the machine’s physical location (via buzzer, like a sound beacon).
Activation
This may done in valous ways, depending on ATMs software adaptation. Typical scenarios:
- Press and holding the ATM function key on the upper left of the screen for 5 seconds
- Press and holding the ATM PIN pad “CLEAR” key for 5 seconds before the transaction (before card is inserted)
- Enter a predefined number “0000” on PIN pad before the transaction (before the card is inserted)
- Press and hold finger on the machine touch screen for 5 seconds
Advanced functions
Moreover, the solution may provide the user with much more information:
- Machine operation status
- Information about baking service available
- Virtually any other useful information provided by the central server in a cloud
Deep Integration
The solution may also:
- Provide the user with a receipt on the user’s smartphone, instead of printing it.
- Provide the user with other information (like balance, etc) on the user’s smartphone.
Security
As a basic operation mode, the solution serves as an “output only” device for ATM hardware and software, so the solution does not have any ability to disrupt ATM software or hardware operation. This leads to high-security standards and PCI DSS compliance.
POS Voice
The solution, similar to Bank Voice can be used for POS terminals. The solution may:
- Inform user about ammount of the transaction
- Send receipt to user’s smartphone, instead of printing it (the receipt can be readback by smartphone voice over functionality)
Vending Voice
The solution, similar to Bank Voice can be used for vending machines. Moreover, with the “Vending Voice Extra” solution for vending machines, users even may order goods from vending system using his/her smartphones.