Card activated cash dispensing automated transaction machine system and method

An automated transaction machine comprising:

• at least one computer;
• a plurality of transaction function devices including a card reader and a cash dispenser in operative connection with the at least one computer, wherein the plurality of transaction function devices includes at least one transaction function device of a first type, wherein the at least one transaction function device is capable of operation to carry out at least one first transaction function, wherein the at least one transaction function device is in operative connection with the at least one computer, wherein the at least one transaction function device includes;
• an extensions for financial services (XFS) manager software layer operative in the at least one computer;
• a service provider software layer operative in the at least one computer, wherein the service provider software layer is operative responsive to the XFS manager software layer to control operation of the at least one transaction function device, wherein the service provider software layer includes at least one of a plurality of differently programmed service provider software components, wherein each respective service provider software component is operative to control a corresponding transaction function device of the first type, wherein a plurality of mechanically different devices of the first type are capable of being operated in automated transaction machines to carry out the at least one first transaction function, wherein at least one first service provider software component included in the service provider software layer of the machine is operative to control the at least one transaction function device of the machine;
• a further software layer, wherein at least a portion of the further software layer is installed in operative connection with the at least one computer, wherein the XFS manager layer is operative responsive to the further software layer to communicate with the service provider software layer, and wherein the further software layer includes a plurality of differently programmed further software components, wherein each respective further software component is operative in conjunction with a respective corresponding one of the plurality of service provider components, wherein the at least a portion of the further software layer installed in operative connection with the at least one computer includes at least one first further software component adapted to operate in conjunction with the at least one first service provider component;
• and
• a terminal software application operative in the at least one computer, wherein the at least one first further software component is operative responsive to at least one communication from the terminal software application to cause the at least one first service provider software component to cause the at least one transaction function device of the machine to carry out the at least one first transaction function responsive to communication through the XFS manager layer, wherein a plurality of the further software components included in the further software layer are operative responsive to a common at least one communication from the terminal software application, to cause at least one respective different communication through the XFS manager layer, wherein each respective at least one communication through the XFS manager layer is capable of causing a respective corresponding service provider software component to cause a respective one of a plurality of mechanically different transaction function devices to carry out a common at least one transaction function.