WO2000075766A1

WO2000075766A1 - Self-service terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2000075766A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/001997
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald Macinnes; Alfredo Rizo-Patron; Huimin Fu
Original assignee: Ncr International, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-06-02
Filing date: 2000-05-24
Publication date: 2000-12-14
Also published as: AU5087800A

Abstract

A self-service terminal (510) having a touch sensitive screen is described. The terminal (510) comprises a screen (514) for displaying a plurality of selectable options, and touch sensing means (516) for detecting an area of the screen (514) that is in contact with a probe (562). The terminal (510) further comprises control means (552) responsive to the touch sensing means (516) for displaying on the screen an enlarged image of at least the area in contact with the probe (562) to assist selection of a selectable option (578, 580, 582) by a user. A method of assisting a user select options at a self-service terminal, and a touch sensitive screen are also described.

Description

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SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL

The present invention relates to a self-service terminal (SST) . In particular the invention relates to an SST having a touch sensitive screen.

SSTs are public access terminals that provide services for members of the public. SSTs that process cash are referred to as ATMs (automated teller machines) ; whereas SSTs that do not process cash are referred to as information kiosks .

SSTs are commonly sited in public areas, such as shopping centres, retail outlets, and such like. Typical services provided by SSTs include dispensing cash and providing users with information. With the increased use of the Internet, some SSTs are now Web-enabled, that is, they allow a user to browse the Internet.

A common user interface provided by SSTs is a touchscreen. As is well known in the art, a touchscreen enables a user to select areas on the display by pointing at the area using a probe, such as one of their fingers or a stylus . SST owners prefer not to provide a stylus because of the possibility of theft or vandalism of the stylus. Thus, users generally have to make selections using one of their fingers.

One problem associated with browsing the Internet at an SST is that Web pages are designed for use at a home or office computer having an accurate pointing device such as a mouse. Web pages generally include small hypertext links and other active areas not designed for touchscreen use. For a novice user of an SST, or for an SST user who is not used to selecting areas on the screen using his finger, it is very difficult to select the small hypertext links accurately. Partially-sighted users also experience problems in selecting small hypertext links.

Another problem associated with using some touchscreens is that there tends to be a difference between a point on the touchscreen and the corresponding point displayed on the screen. This difference is termed the drift. This means that the area on the screen that is pointed at by a user does not correspond exactly to the area sensed by the touchscreen. If two hypertext links are located in close proximity, a user may select one of the links but, because of drift in the touchscreen, the other link may be selected by the touchscreen.

Fig 1 illustrates a computer display 3, which presents a generic "web page" of the type downloaded from a public- access network, such as the Internet. The web page contains several options 6. A user (not shown) selects an option 6 by manipulating a cursor 9, using a pointing device (not shown), such as a mouse, as indicated in Fig 2.

A problem can arise using this approach, because of the size of the human finger. As shown in Fig 3, options 6 contain a cluster 7 of options. In a normal web page, the cluster may be small, compared with the size of the finger F. Further, the cluster 7 can become even smaller, if displayed on a small screen. Small screens are used, for example, in Automated Teller Machines, ATMs.

With a small cluster 7 of displayed options, a user's fingertip will almost necessarily contact more than one option at a given time, particularly if the screen is small. A single option cannot be selected from the cluster 7, using the fingertip.

It is among the objects of one or more embodiments of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the above disadvantages, or of other disadvantages associated with the prior art.

In one form of the invention, presence of a pointing device (such as a fingertip) near a touch-sensitive display screen is detected. Options near the pointing device (fingertip) are enlarged, and the enlarged options can be selected using the pointing device (fingertip).

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a self-service terminal comprising a screen for displaying a plurality of selectable options, and touch sensing means for detecting an area of the screen that is in contact with a probe, characterised in that the terminal further comprises control means responsive to the touch sensing means for displaying on the screen an enlarged image of at least the area in contact with the probe to assist selection of a selectable option by a user.

By virtue of this aspect of the invention, a user is able to see a magnified image of exactly what area of the screen the user's finger is touching, thereby enabling the user to move his finger slightly, if necessary, to select the desired selectable option. This avoids the user accidentally selecting an undesired selectable option due to, for example, the size of his finger, the angle of view, or touchscreen drift . By providing a magnified image of at least the area in contact with the probe, the size of any hypertext links is effectively increased.

By magnifying the area of the screen in contact with the probe, a user can determine exactly what point on the screen is in contact with the probe, so that the touch sensitive zones on the screen do not require enlargement . This is particularly advantageous when the screen is used for displaying numerous selectable options, such as is common on a "Web page" .

Preferably, the enlarged image includes the area in contact with the probe and the area in the immediate vicinity of the area in contact with the probe.

Preferably, the control means provides indication means for indicating what part of the enlarged image is in contact with the probe . The indication means may be in the form of a pointer. Alternatively, the indication means may be implemented by the control means highlighting the part of the enlarged image that is in contact with the probe.

This allows a user to modify the position of the probe so that the probe is located exactly where the user desires . This gives the user fine control over the placement of the probe on the screen, thereby minimising the possibility of accidental selection of an undesired option.

The control means may be operative to cease displaying the enlarged image on the screen when the probe is removed from contact with the screen. Alternatively, when the probe is removed from contact with the screen the control means may continue to display the enlarged image until the probe is re-applied to the screen and a new enlarged image is shown.

Preferably, the control means are operative to display the enlarged image on an area of the screen that is not obscured by a user's hand. Alternatively, the control means are operative to display the enlarged image on a fixed area of the screen, so that the enlarged image always appears in the same place.

Preferably, the touch sensing means are operable to select an option on removal of the probe from contact with the screen. Alternatively, an additional contact may be required to select an option.

The enlarged image may be displayed as a graphical window that is configurable by a user so that the user is able to resize the window. The window may also allow the user to select the desired magnification.

This has the advantage that the user can determine the size of the image to suit their preference or requirement. For example, a partially-sighted person may require a larger enlarged image than a person having perfect eyesight .

The control means may be implemented in software.

The SST may be an ATM.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of assisting a user select options at a self-service terminal having a touch sensitive screen, the method comprising the steps of: detecting an area of the screen that is in contact with a probe, and displaying on the screen an enlarged image of at least the area in contact with the probe. Preferably, the step of displaying on the screen an enlarged image of at least the area in contact with the probe includes displaying on the screen an area in the immediate vicinity of the area in contact with the probe.

Preferably, the method includes the further step of indicating on the enlarged image what part of the image is in contact with the probe.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a touch sensitive screen for displaying a plurality of selectable options, the screen including touch sensing means for detecting an area of the screen that is in contact with a probe, and control means responsive to the touch sensing means for displaying on the screen an enlarged image of at least the area in contact with the probe for assisting selection of a selectable option by a user.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a computer program product for use with a computer having a touch sensitive screen responsive to a probe, the product comprising computer program code means, when the program is loaded, for responding to touch sensing means and for displaying on the screen an enlarged image of at least an area in contact with the probe, and for displaying indication means for indicating what part of the enlarged image is in contact with the probe, for assisting selection of a selectable option by a user.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a computer display, the method comprising the following steps: a) detecting proximity of a human finger to a displayed option; and b) in response, enlarging the option.

The method may further comprise the following step, executed before the enlargement step: c) ascertaining whether spacing between the option and neighbouring options falls below a threshold.

The method may further comprise the step of enlarging options which neighbour the option.

The method may further comprise the step of detecting selection of an enlarged option.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a computer display which presents options to a user for selection, comprising the following steps: a) detecting proximity of a human-controlled object to an option; b) in response to the detected proximity, generating a pointing icon; and c) causing the pointing icon to follow motion of the object.

The method may further comprise the steps of: d) detecting proximity of the pointing icon to a target option; and e) providing a venue for the user to select the target option.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a system, comprising:

a) a display screen; and b) a system for i) presenting options in a region on a screen, ii) detecting contact between an external object and the region, iii) enlarging options contained within the region, and iv) detecting touch of an enlarged option.

The enlargement may only occur if spacing between the options within the region falls below a threshold.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising:

a) a touch-sensitive display screen; b) means for displaying multiple options within a space approximately the size of an average adult fingerprint; and c) means for allowing a user to select one of said options, using said touch-sensitive display.

The space may be approximately 12mm by 12 mm.

The system may further comprise an automated teller machine, which utilises the screen in its transactions.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following specific description, given by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs 1 to 2 illustrate events occurring in a prior-art touch-screen display;

Fig 3 illustrates an observation made by the inventor, regarding the displays of Figs 1 and 2, if operated under certain conditions; Figs 4 and 5 illustrate one form of the invention;

Fig 6 is a flow chart illustrating logic implemented by one form of the invention;

Figs 7 to 10 illustrate operation of another form of the invention;

Fig 11 is a flow chart illustrating logic implemented by one form of the invention;

Fig 12 illustrates another form of the invention;

Fig 13 illustrates part of Fig 12;

Figs 14 to 18 illustrate how the invention handles a specific problem;

Fig 19 illustrates spacing D between options;

Fig 20 illustrates one form of the invention;

Fig 21 is a simplified block diagram of a self-service terminal according to one embodiment of the present inven ion;

Fig 22 is a simplified block diagram of part of the terminal of Fig 21;

Fig 23 is a pictorial representation of a user interacting with the display of Fig 21; and

Fig 24 is a flowchart illustrating the steps used by the terminal of Fig 21.

In Fig 4, a user's fingertip F makes contact with a region of the touch-sensitive display 12. In response to this contact, the invention produces an enlargement of the region of contact, indicated by enlargement 15 in Fig 5. The enlarged options 6E are of sufficient size that the fingertip F can select one option, without interference by the others.

Fig 6 is a flow chart illustrating logic implemented by this form of the invention. Block 40 detects the touch of fingertip F in Fig 4. Block 45 in Fig 4 inquires whether the spacing of the option-buttons 6 in Fig 4 is below a threshold, thereby creating difficulty in selecting one button 6 over the others, using a human fingertip F. The threshold may require, for example, that a spacing 1/2 inch wide surround every option. Fig 19 illustrates this spacing as distance D.

If the answer to the inquiry is negative, block 60 in Fig 6 is reached, and processing of the signals produced by the touch screen 12 proceeds in the usual manner. If the answer is affirmative, block 50 is reached.

Block 50 represents the steps of generating an enlarged copy of a region surrounding the location of the touching, and displaying that copy on the screen. For example, the region may be one inch in diameter, or a square one inch on a side, and that region is enlarged. Image 15 in Fig 5 represents such an enlarged copy.

The enlargement is sufficiently great that the spacing between the options equals, or exceeds the threshold stated above. In this manner, two modes of operation arise. In one mode, if a fingertip approaches a cluster of "large" options, having a spacing which exceeds the threshold, then no enlargement is undertaken. In the second mode, if the fingertip approaches a cluster of "small" options, in which spacing fails to exceed the threshold, then the enlargement is undertaken. In either case, options having a spacing exceeding the threshold are presented to the customer. Block 55 in Fig 6 adjusts the co-ordinates assigned to the option-buttons 6E in Fig 5 within the enlargement. That is, region 15 in Fig 5 covers an area which was previously devoted to other display functions, and possibly contained other option-buttons (not shown). When region 15 is generated, those functions and buttons become displaced. The touch-screen system (not shown) which responds to the touching of the screen must, in effect, be re-programmed to recognise that the options 6E have been moved.

Accordingly, block 55 adjust the co-ordinates in question. It establishes the fact, when a touch occurs on one of the three enlarged buttons 6E in Fig 5, the touched button should be actuated, and not any buttons previously displayed, because the latter have been displaced by the enlarged buttons 6E. This is termed a "co-ordinate adjustment" because, for example, the co-ordinates (x = 6, y = 2) in Fig 5 are now occupied by an enlarged button 6E. That fact is recorded by block 55 in Fig 6.

Block 65 is then reached, wherein inquiry is made as to whether one of the enlarged buttons 6E in Fig 5 has been chosen. If so, block 70 is reached, wherein the option is executed, in the usual manner. Then block 75 restores the screen 12 to its previous condition, as indicated in Fig 4.

If the answer to the inquiry of block 65 is negative, block 80 is reached, which, together with block 85, implement a time-out function: the enlarged region 15 in Fig 5 is displayed for a specific, limited time, such as five seconds. After that time expires, region 15 is dissolved, and the screen 12 resumes its previous appearance, as in Fig 4. If, after block 55 is executed, an option is neither selected, nor the time of block 80 has expired, the logic idles in loop 90 until one of those two events occurs.

Second Embodiment

The preceding discussion was framed in terms of changing the relative size between (1) the option-buttons 6 in Fig 4 and (2) the size of the fingertip F. Another approach is to change the effective size of the fingertip F, as will now be explained.

In Fig 7, a screen 12 displays an image of a fingertip FI. An actual fingertip F is also shown. The owner of the fingertip F is instructed by a message M to place fingertip F over the image FI. When this occurs, as in Fig 8, the touch-sensitive screen detects the contact, and responds by surrounding the finger-image (not shown) with a disc, or halo H.

An arrow A is generated, which extends from the halo H. A message 100 is displayed, telling the user to move the arrow to the target option. In Fig 9, the user does so. The system responds by highlighting the option selected, as indicated.

The user must now select the option selected. A venue, or approach, for making this selection can be provided in numerous different ways. The system may instruct the user to hold the arrow at the selected option for a period of time, as indicated in Fig 9. When the time expires, the option becomes selected, and a confirming message is displayed so indicating, as in Fig 10.

In an alternate method of selection, the system displays a message stating, "Three beeps will sound. Hold the arrow at the desired option during all three beeps." Then, the system sounds three beeps through a speaker (not shown), and inquires whether the arrow A was held at an option during all three beeps. If so, the option is executed.

In yet another method of selection, the system displays a message stating, "To select this option, lift your finger, and press the halo again." The system looks for a termination of finger contact, followed by resumed contact in the same general vicinity.

Fig 11 is a flow chart of logic implemented by the second embodiment. Block 150 detects a touch on screen 12 in Fig 7 and, specifically, a touch of the finger image FI. If no touch is detected, the logic idles in loop 151 in Fig 11. When a touch is detected, the logic reaches block 155, which displays a message, such as message 100 in Fig 8.

Then the logic reaches block 160 in Fig 11, which inquires whether arrow A in Fig 8 has reached an option- button 6. If not, the logic idles in loop 161 in Fig 11. When an option-button is reached, the YES branch is taken from block 160, leading to block 165. The latter highlights the option, as indicated by the heavy rectangle in Fig 9.

Next, in Fig 11, block 170 is reached, wherein a message is generated telling the user how to select the highlighted option. One such message is shown in Fig 9. Several approaches to selecting the highlighted option were discussed above.

Third Embodiment

The two embodiments discussed above discussed a change in relative size between (1) the effective selection point of the finger F and (2) the option-buttons to be selected. In another embodiment, shown in Fig 11, a keypad 200 for moving a cursor C is displayed on the touch-sensitive screen 12.

That keypad contains five "hot spots." Four of them are identical in size and shape, and indicated by circles 205 in Fig 13. The circles 205 are about 5/8 inch in diameter, which is roughly the size of the U.S. ten-cent coin, or dime. Touching a circle 205 causes the cursor C to move in the corresponding direction.

The fifth hot spot occupies the "enter" key 210, which corresponds, in function, to the "enter" key on a computer keyboard. Thus, to select an option-button, the user would first move the cursor C to the option desired, using hot spots 205. When the option is reached, as indicated by highlighting, the user presses the "enter" button 210.

Circuitry and software, indicated by block 220 in Fig 12, interacts with keypad 200, as indicated by arrow 225, in order to implement the functions just described. Such implementation is known in the art.

Fourth Embodiment

In Fig 14, an option 6H is shown, and that option is about to be exercised. The exercise may cause immediate execution of a computer process (not shown), or, in other cases, cause a display of additional options 300, as in Fig 15.

Fig 16 illustrates how the invention can handle the display of the additional options 300. Assume that the original option 6H, together with its neighbours, were initially enlarged by the invention, as indicated by options 6E in Fig 16, and that enlarged option 6H was selected. Assume also that the result of exercising option 6H is to call up another menu of options, rather than causing execution of a computer process.

Under these assumptions, the invention displays the additional options 300 in Fig 16, in their ordinary size. That is, for example, the additional options 300, located on the right side of the Fig, are displayed as the same size as original options, such as 6H, located at the left side of the Fig.

One reason for this approach is the assumption that the designer who created the program which displays the additional options 300 made arrangements so that the options would fit into the display 3. Consequently, the invention does not enlarge additional options 300, because enlargement may prevent their fitting into the display 3.

However, even without enlargement, the additional options 300 may not fit the display 3, because the enlarged options 6E consume some space which the additional options 300 would have occupied. To prevent this problem, the invention dissolves the enlarged options 6E, as in Fig 18, whenever an enlarged option calls up additional options 300.

The additional options 300 can, themselves, call up further additional options. In such a case, the principles described in Figs 6 or 11 are applied to the additional options. That is, for example, if the user's fingertip touches them, and if their spacing falls below the threshold, they are enlarged. If not, they remain their normal size. These processes are repeated for yet additional options.

Consequently, in one form of the invention, options in the vicinity of a finger-touch on the screen 3 are enlarged. A user may select one of the enlarged options. If that option calls up additional options, the enlarged options, presently displayed, are removed, and the additional options are displayed in the usual manner.

If the additional options are too closely spaced when a user's finger approaches them, those in the vicinity of the finger are enlarged. If the user selects an enlarged option, and if the selected option calls up further options, the enlarged options are removed, and the further options are displayed in the usual manner. This process repeats, so long as additional options are called up by the enlarged options .

One Form of Invention

Fig 20 illustrates one form of the invention. A public kiosk 400, such as an Automated Teller Machine, ATM, contains a touch-sensitive screen 405. Among the components contained within the ATM are those contained within dashed box 410. A control system 415 for the touch screen 405 detects the positions on the screen 405 which are touched, and issues signals on line 416 indicating the co-ordinates of the touch-points. Computer 420 receives those coordinates, and uses them in execution of the processes described above. The computer 420 also controls the images displayed on screen 405.

Additional Considerations

1. It was stated above that enlargement of options in the vicinity of the finger is undertaken, if the options are spaced too closely. Fig 19 illustrates one type of spacing. If distance D is less than 0.5 inch, for example, then enlargement occurs if a touch occurs at point P. The options enlarged are those residing within, for example, 1.0 inch of point P. 2. In one form of the invention, a mere touch of the screen does not cause enlargement. That is, if a user touches the screen, but no options are located within the vicinity, such as within one inch, then no enlargement occurs. Consequently, a user may drag a finger across the screen, but nothing would happen, until an option comes within one inch of the finger.

This approach has the advantage of not distorting the screen. That is, if a magnified region of the screen jumped into view every time a person touched the screen, that may interfere with reading the screen.

3. In one embodiment, it is not necessary to evaluate the spacing between options. That is, whenever proximity of a finger, or other touching agent, is detected, the options within a certain radius of the finger are enlarged.

4. A touch screen was described above. Such screens are known in the art. Further, actual contact with the screen is not necessarily required. Proximity of a finger to the screen can be detected, as known in the art. That is, if a finger approaches within a small distance, such as 1/10 inch (2.54 mm), that proximity can be considered equivalent to contact, for purposes of option selection and enlargement .

Both situations can be classified as "tactile selection". Actual touching is clearly tactile. Close proximity is also viewed as tactile, because the proximity can be detected by equipment associated with the display screen.

5. It is not necessarily required that a human finger be used for the touching. For example, in cold weather, a human finger encased within a glove can be used. Alternately, a stylus, such as a pencil, held in a human hand, can be used.

A disabled person may not use a hand, but may use an artificial hand, or prosthesis. The prosthesis may hold the stylus just described.

In general, any object capable of touching the screen at a discrete spot of approximately the size of a human fingerprint can be used.

6. A two-stage selection process can be identified. First, a user makes a preliminary selection, by touching a cluster of closely-spaced options. In response, the invention enlarges options contained within the cluster.

The preliminary selection is not necessarily a selection of an option. The preliminary selection may be caused by physical contact with an option. However, in general, that situation will be accidental.

Next, a final selection is made, wherein the user selects one of the enlarged options. That option may be the same as the option described in the previous paragraph. That coincidence, in general, will be accidental.

7. In one form of the invention, multiple options are displayed, such as those shown in Fig 19. These options are sufficiently small that two, or more, fit into a space approximately the size of an average adult human fingerprint. That space is about 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch. Despite the small size of the displayed options, the invention allows a user to select a desired option, to the exclusion of others.

Another Form of the Invention Referring to Fig 21, there is shown a self-service terminal 510 having a user interface 512 comprising a screen 514 for displaying a plurality of selectable options (such as hypertext links) , touch sensing means 516 in the form of a touch panel aligned with and located adjacent to the screen 514, a card receiving slot 518 and a printer slot 520.

The screen 514 has an associated display driver 522, the touch panel 516 has a touch panel driver 524, the card receiving slot 518 has an associated motorised card reader module 526, and the printer slot 520 has an associated printer module 530. All of the drivers 522, 524 and the modules 526, 530 are connected to a terminal controller 532 that controls the operation of the terminal 510. The terminal controller 532 is also connected to a network connection 534 for communicating with an IP (Internet Protocol) network 536, such as the Internet, an Intranet, or an Extranet.

Referring to Fig 22, which is a block diagram of the terminal of Fig 21 excluding the user interface 512, the terminal controller 532 includes a processor 540, associated memory 542, and storage space 544 in the form of a hard disk drive. The hard disk 544 stores the operating system for the terminal 510, the application program that controls the terminal 510, and control means in the form of a zoom-in program. The zoom-in program may be based on a conventional zoom-in tool such as Zoo ln version 3.1 available from Microsoft (trade mark) Corporation. The zoom-in program is responsive to the touch panel driver 524 for displaying on the screen 514 an enlarged image of the area in contact with a probe.

Referring to Figs 22, 23 and 24, on power-up of the SST 510, the operating system kernel 50 (Fig 2) , the application program 52 (Fig 2) for controlling the terminal, and the zoom-in program 54 (Fig 2) are loaded into memory 42 (step 5100 of Fig 4) .

When a user 560 places a probe 562, such as his finger, in contact with the touch panel 516, the touch panel 516 senses this (step 602) and the panel driver 524 conveys coordinate data to the controller 532 for enabling the controller 532 to determine what pixel of the screen 514 has been touched by the user 560. The co-ordinate data is generally a single Cartesian (x,y) co-ordinate representing the pixel touched by the finger 562. As is known in the art the touch panel driver 524 performs calculations to determine from the plurality of pixels touched by the finger 562 what the centre pixel is; the co-ordinates of this centre pixel are sent to the controller 532.

The zoom-in program 554 uses this single co-ordinate to instruct the display driver 522 to display a magnification window 570 (step 604) having:

(1) an enlarged image of the area of the screen in the vicinity of the pixel represented by the single co-ordina e, and

(2) indication means 564, in the form of a pointer shaped like an arrow, pointing at the pixel represented by the single co-ordinate. It will be appreciated that a conventional zoom-in application such as Zoomln version 3.1 can be easily modified to include a pointer that points at the pixel represented by the single co-ordinate. The magnification window 570 overlies part of the main window 572 and is located so that it is not obscured by the user's hand.

The zoom-in program 554 instructs the display driver to display all of the pixels within a certain (x,y) distance of the pixel represented by the single co-ordinate so that a magnified image in the vicinity of the single co-ordinate is displayed on window 570.

Thus, the zoom-in program 554 enlarges the area around the finger 562 and adds a pointer 564 that points to the pixel represented by the single co-ordinate, it does not affect the size of any touch zones within the touch panel 516; thus, the operation of the touch panel 516 is unaffected by the zoom-in program 554. The pointer 564 gives the user 560 an indication of the exact area of the screen 514 he is pointing at.

As for conventional "windows" on screens, the magnification window 570 can be moved by the user to any desired position on the screen 514. As the technology used for creating and manipulating graphical windows on a display is well known in the art it will not be described in detail herein.

As shown in Fig 23, three small hypertext links 578,580,582 are displayed on screen 514. Initially, the user 560 places his finger 562 near to the desired hypertext link 580. When the user 560 touches the screen 514, the magnification window 570 is opened (step 604) and the user 560 is able to move his finger 562 to guide the pointer 564 to the desired hypertext link 580. The touch panel 516 continually monitors the position of the finger 562 to detect removal (step 606) or movement (step 608) of the finger 562.

If the pointer is moved then the touch panel driver 524 sends the new single co-ordinate and the zoom-in program 554 uses this co-ordinate to instruct the display driver 522 to update (step 610) the contents of the magnification window 570. When the user has moved his finger 562 so that the pointer 564 is located directly above the desired hypertext link 580, the user 560 then removes his finger 562 from the touch panel 516 and the hypertext link 580 is selected (step 612) by the touch panel driver 524. The magnification window 570 is then closed by the zoom-in program 554 until the touch panel 516 is touched again (step 602) .

It will be appreciated that the above embodiment has the advantage that any drift in the touch panel 516 is corrected because the user 560 can identify exactly what point on the screen 514 the touch panel 516 is sensing. The above embodiment also has the advantage that a user 560 is provided with a magnified view of what point he is touching.

It will now be appreciated that conventional web- enabled SSTs can be updated by adding a software module (the control means) to provide an SST according to one embodiment of the invention; this enables SSTs to be upgraded in the field, that is, existing SSTs may be retro-fitted with the control means to provide an embodiment of the invention.

Various modifications may be made to the above described embodiment within the scope of the invention, for example, the screen 514 and touch panel 516 may be incorporated into a single integral touchscreen unit. In other embodiments the probe may be a stylus. In other embodiments, the control means may be implemented in hardware or firmware.

Claims

1. A self-service terminal (510) comprising a screen (514) for displaying a plurality of selectable options, and touch sensing means (516) for detecting an area of the screen (514) that is in contact with a probe (562) , characterised in that the terminal (510) further comprises control means (552) responsive to the touch sensing means (516) for displaying on the screen an enlarged image of at least the area in contact with the probe (562) to assist selection of a selectable option (578,580,582) by a user.

2. A terminal according to claim 1, wherein the enlarged image includes the area in contact with the probe (562) and the area in the immediate vicinity of the area in contact with the probe (562) .

3. A terminal according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the control means (552) provides indication means (564) for indicating what part of the enlarged image is in contact with the probe (562) .

4. A terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein the control means (552) are operative to display the enlarged image on an area of the screen that is not obscured by a user' s hand.

5. A terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein the enlarged image is displayed as a graphical window that is configurable by a user so that the user is able to resize the window and to select a desired magnification.

6. A method of assisting a user select options at a self-service terminal having a touch sensitive screen, the method comprising the steps of: detecting (step 602) an area of the screen that is in contact with a probe, and displaying (step 604) on the screen an enlarged image of at least the area in contact with the probe.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the step of displaying on the screen an enlarged image of at least the area in contact with the probe includes displaying on the screen an area in the immediate vicinity of the area in contact with the probe.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the method includes the further step of indicating on the enlarged image what part of the image is in contact with the probe.

9. A touch sensitive screen for displaying a plurality of selectable options, the screen including touch sensing means (516) for detecting an area of the screen that is in contact with a probe, and control means responsive to the touch sensing means for displaying on the screen an enlarged image of at least the area in contact with the probe for assisting selection of a selectable option by a user.

10. A computer program product (552) for use with a computer (532) having a touch sensitive screen (514,516) responsive to a probe (562) , the product (52) comprising computer program code means, when the program is loaded, for responding to touch sensing means (516) and for displaying on the screen (514) an enlarged image of at least an area in contact with the probe (562) , and for displaying indication means (564) for indicating what part of the enlarged image is in contact with the probe (562) , for assisting selection of a selectable option by a user.