News

Diebold uses ScanSoft's RealSpeak technology on Opteva ATMs

March 16, 2005

PEABODY, Mass. - Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) will use ScanSoft's RealSpeak text-to-speech technology to provide the capability of audio-assisted transactions for its Opteva ATMs.

The move will help Diebold customers meet guidelines set forth by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliant Board, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which require speech output to enhance efforts to make ATMs more accessible for people with visual impairments.

According to a news release, ScanSoft's RealSpeak technology guides visually impaired users through transactions with an easy-to-understand, natural-sounding voice in up to six languages on a single ATM. It also alerts ATM users to any errors that may have occurred during the transaction.

Opteva ATMs, powered by Diebold's Agilis software, also include accessibility features such as a more consistent transaction flow, pronounced bezels for card readers and headphone jacks, a single-style keypad that provides consistency across the entire line of ATMs and grouping of primary and secondary transaction functions.

"This premium voice engine is an important part of our solutions, and it will help us exceed accessibility requirements. Speech brings an important human element to our ATMs, and it enhances the many accessibility features we already provide to the consumer," said Danny O'Brien, senior vice president of global product marketing for Diebold. "

Both Diebold and ScanSoft worked with the National Federation of the Blind during the development of their products. Marc Maurer, president of the NFB, said it is important for all product manufacturers to consider the needs of people who are blind when developing products and services.

"Not all blind individuals can read Braille," Maurer said. "That is why, without a speech component, an ATM is not truly accessible to the blind."

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