Stimulating A Voiced Aided ATM System For Blind And Visually Impaired Customers Of Nigeria Banks

1.0 Introduction

The Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is a self-service machine that dispenses cash and performs some human teller functions like balance enquiry, bills payments, mini statements and so on. ATM transactions are carried out through the use of a debit/credit card which enables the card holder(s) to access and carry out banking transactions without a teller.

Nearly every adult has used an ATM, probably without much thought about who owns and operates it. Many ATMs belong to banks. ATMs are placed not only near or inside the premises of banks, but also in locations such as shopping centres/malls, airports, grocery stores, petrol/gas stations, restaurants, or anywhere frequented by large numbers of people these people typically offer the ATM as a convenience for their customer base and even for non-customers. This companies and firm provides afterhours access to a host of transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits, and transfers, but manyare placed by independent businesses that operate ATMs for profit.

Using an ATM, customers can access their bank accounts in order to make cash withdrawals, debit card cash advances, and check their account balances as well as purchase pre-paid mobile phone credit. Banks have become the principal deplorers of ATMs. Globally, Banks have become the principal deployers of ATMs.

In this project, we describe a simulated voice aided ATM system, which is truly accessible to blind customers. It has all the features of a real ATM machine like withdrawal of cash, changing of default PIN number, checking of balance etc.

1.1 Aims and Objectives

This project is aimed at stimulating a voiced aided ATM system for blind and visually impaired customers of Nigeria banks that will help them check Balance, change their default PIN, and recharge their mobile phone and Withdraw cash with the following objectives

To design a robust and friendly user interface voice aided ATM system that is easy to use by blind customer with little assistant from bank staff.

To provide better banking options to blind customer.

To provide solution alternatives to the operations inherent in the existing system.

To review existing literature on voice aided ATM system.

To examine the relevant of adopting a voice aided ATM system.

To offer useful recommendations on how do improve on existing ATM systems.

1.2 Limitations of the Study

Some of the constraints encountered during this project design include the following:

Financial Constraints:

The design was achieved but not without some financial involvements. One had to pay for the computer time. Also the typing and planning of the work has its own financial involvements.

High programming Technique:

The programming aspect of this project posed a lot of problematic bugs that took me some days to solve. Problems such as database connections using visual basic.NET and access database posed a lot of challenges.

Few Literature Sources:

The topic though seems to be a common term; it is not a popular topic to surf from the Internet. It had fewer literature sources.

1.3 Scope of the Study

The research work is restricted to ATM operated by financial institution and for deaf and blind customer will cover among other things:

Changing of customer default PIN.

Withdrawal of fund.

Checking of balance.

Funds transfer

1.4 Statement of Problem

It is only in developed countries of the world that nearly all banks deploy Voice aided ATM for it blind customer. Operating by Blind customers is not easy as they are easily defrauded by bank staffs or their close assistance without their knowledge. The processes involved in the process of using ATM has no provision for blind customers and has some negative effects to both customers and banks. These problems necessitated for a prompt action that will require a voice aided or talking ATM system that will bring succour, comfort and security to blind customers.

1.5. Significance of the Theory

This project when implemented will directly benefits both the financial institutions using ATM and all its blind customers and will also reduce queue in ATM terminals. It will rebrand the image of Nigerian banking system as fully ICT inclined. This study will in many ways promote good management in Nigeria banking sector.

1.6. Definition of Terms

i. Cash Machine:

A cash machine (ATM) is a computerized telecommunications device that enables the clients of a financial institution to perform financial transactions without the need for a cashier, human clerk or bank teller.

ii. Virtual Reality:

This is the act of imitating the behaviour of a working system or situation or real-world process over time.

iii. Cash Card:

Cash card (ATM Card) is also like magnetic strip card. It is also a data carrier which electronically reads and writes data. ATM cards are mainly a debit card.

iv. Scheme:

This is a group of interacting, interrelated or interdependent computers that share a central storage system and various peripheral devices.

v. Deed:

This is a legal agreement or activities in banking halls between a customer and the bank. Those activities may include Lodging money into a bank account and withdrawing of money, checking of balance.

vi. Voice Aided ATM:

Are automatic teller machines that provide the ability to conduct transactions using both visual and auditory components.

vii. Receiver:

These are electro-acoustic transducer for converting electric signals into sounds.

Viii. Con:

This is a wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain