A Review of the Use of Self-Service Terminal Devices

      In the era of rapid technological development, self-service terminal devices have quietly integrated into every corner of our lives, bringing great convenience to the handling of daily affairs. Divided by application fields, self-service terminals are rich and diverse in categories.

     Public service self-service terminals are equally indispensable. Automatic fare vending and checking machines in subway and high-speed rail stations allow people to purchase tickets and check in smoothly in one go. The long queues in front of ticket windows in the past have been greatly alleviated, significantly improving the travel efficiency of passengers. In libraries, self-service library service machines enable self-service book borrowing and returning. Readers only need to place books in designated positions and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the borrowing or returning process in a short time, saving the waiting time in queues at manual service desks. In addition, self-service tax machines provide new channels for enterprises and individuals to handle tax affairs. Tax declaration, invoice collection and other services can be handled independently, making tax handling more efficient and convenient.

     In the consumer retail industry, vending machines are widely distributed. Vending machines selling beverages and snacks can be seen on streets and alleys, inside shopping malls, and in office buildings. Consumers can quickly buy their favorite products by inserting corresponding amounts or through mobile payments. At gas stations, self-service fuel dispensers allow car owners to complete the refueling process by themselves without waiting for attendants, saving refueling time. Self-service ordering machines in restaurants are also gradually becoming popular. Customers can independently select dishes according to their personal tastes, add remarks, and view dish prices and total amounts in real time, making the ordering process more autonomous and transparent.

     Medical service self-service terminals provide many conveniences for patients seeking medical treatment. Self-service registration machines in hospital lobbies allow patients to choose departments, doctors, and appointment times according to their needs, without long queues at manual registration windows. After examinations and tests, patients can also quickly obtain inspection reports through self-service report printers, reducing waiting time and making the medical process smoother.

     There are many types of self-service terminal devices, and with the continuous development of technology, their functions and application scenarios are still expanding. These self-service terminal devices have greatly improved people's living and working efficiency, becoming an indispensable part of modern society's operation.