U.S. patent application number 09/833345 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-17 for method and apparatus for bill payments at an automatic teller machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Banerjee, Dwip N., Dutta, Rabindranath.
Application Number | 20020152165 09/833345 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25264163 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020152165 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dutta, Rabindranath ; et
al. |
October 17, 2002 |
Method and apparatus for bill payments at an automatic teller
machine
Abstract
A method, apparatus and computer implemented instructions for
processing a bill in an automatic teller machine. The bill is
scanned to form a bill image in which the bill includes a markup
language providing payment information. Optical character
recognition is performed on the bill image to identify the payment
information. The bill is processed using the payment information.
Bills, such as waterbills, mortgages, credit card statements, and
tax bills may be made in this manner.
Inventors: |
Dutta, Rabindranath;
(Austin, TX) ; Banerjee, Dwip N.; (Austin,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Duke W. Yee
Carstens, Yee & Cahoon, LLP
P.O. Box 802334
Dallas
TX
75380
US
|
Assignee: |
International Business Machines
Corporation
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
25264163 |
Appl. No.: |
09/833345 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/43 ; 705/41;
705/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/105 20130101;
G06Q 20/14 20130101; G06Q 20/40 20130101; G06Q 20/04 20130101; G07F
19/201 20130101; G06Q 20/1085 20130101; G06Q 40/123 20131203; G07F
19/20 20130101; G06Q 30/04 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/43 ; 705/41;
705/44 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method in an automatic teller machine for processing a bill,
the method comprising: scanning the bill to form a bill image,
wherein the bill image includes a markup language providing payment
information; performing optical character recognition on the bill
image to identify the payment information; and processing the bill
using the payment information.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein a user presents the bill for
scanning at the automatic teller machine and further comprising:
generating a video recording of the user during the processing of
the bill.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the markup language is in a form
of a text or a bar code.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: adding a time stamp to
the bill image.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the processing step includes:
presenting payment options to a user; and initiating a transfer of
funds to pay the bill in response to a selected user input using a
payment option selected by the user.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the processing step includes:
displaying an amount of the bill to a user.
7. A method in an automatic teller machine for processing a tax
form, the method comprising: scanning the tax form from a user to
create an image of the tax form; scanning supporting documents for
the tax form to generate additional images; performing optical
character recognition on the image of the tax form to generate
data; and processing the tax form based on the data.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein processing of the tax form
generates a result and further comprising: confirming the result of
processing with the user.
9. The method of claim 7 further comprising: recording a video of
user during scanning and processing of the tax form at the
automatic teller machine.
10. A data processing system comprising: a bus system; a
communications unit connected to the bus system; a memory connected
to the bus system, wherein the memory includes as set of
instructions; and a processing unit connected to the bus system,
wherein the processing unit executes the set of instructions to
scan the bill to form a bill image, wherein the bill includes a
markup language providing payment information; perform optical
character recognition on the bill image to identify the payment
information; and process the bill using the payment
information.
11. A data processing system comprising: a bus system; a
communications unit connected to the bus system; a memory connected
to the bus system, wherein the memory includes as set of
instructions; and a processing unit connected to the bus system,
wherein the processing unit executes the set of instructions to
scan the tax form from a user to create an image of the tax form;
scan supporting documents for the tax form to generate additional
images; perform optical character recognition on the image of the
tax form to generate data; and process the tax form based on the
data.
12. A data processing system in an automatic teller machine for
processing a bill, the data processing system comprising: scanning
means for scanning the bill to form a bill image, wherein the bill
includes a markup language providing payment information;
performing means for performing optical character recognition on
the bill image to identify the payment information; and processing
means for processing the bill using the payment information.
13. The data processing system of claim 12, wherein a user presents
the bill for scanning at the automatic teller machine and further
comprising: generating means for generating a video recording of
the user during the processing of the bill.
14. The data processing system of claim 12, wherein the markup
language is in a form of a text or a bar code.
15. The data processing system of claim 12 further comprising:
adding means for adding a time stamp to the bill image.
16. The data processing system of claim 12, wherein the processing
means includes: means for presenting payment options to a user; and
means for initiating a transfer of funds to pay the bill in
response to a selected user input using a payment option selected
by the user.
17. The data processing system of claim 12, wherein the processing
means includes: means for displaying an amount of the bill to a
user.
18. A data processing system in an automatic teller machine for
processing a tax form, the data processing system comprising: first
scanning means for scanning the tax form from a user to create an
image of the tax form; second scanning means for scanning
supporting documents for the tax form to generate additional
images; performing means for performing optical character
recognition on the image of the tax form to generate data; and
processing means for processing the tax form based on the data.
19. The data processing system of claim 18, wherein processing of
the tax form generates a result and further comprising: confirming
means for confirming the result of processing with the user.
20. The data processing system of claim 18 further comprising:
recording means for recording a video of user during scanning and
processing of the tax form at the automatic teller machine.
21. A computer program product in a computer readable medium in an
automatic teller machine for processing a bill, the computer
program product comprising: first instructions for scanning the
bill to form a bill image, wherein the bill includes a markup
language providing payment information; second instructions for
performing optical character recognition on the bill image to
identify the payment information; and third instructions for
processing the bill using the payment information.
22. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein a user
presents the bill for scanning at the automatic teller machine and
further comprising: fourth instructions for generating a video
recording of the user during the processing of the bill.
23. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the markup
language is in a form of a text or a bar code.
24. The computer program product of claim 21 further comprising:
fourth instructions for adding a time stamp to the bill image.
25. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the third
instruction for processing includes: first sub-instructions for
presenting payment options to a user; and second sub-instructions
for initiating a transfer of funds to pay the bill in response to a
selected user input using a payment option selected by the
user.
26. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the third
instructions for processing includes: sub-instructions for
displaying an amount of the bill to a user.
27. A computer program product in a computer readable medium in an
automatic teller machine for processing a tax form, the computer
program product comprising: first instructions for scanning the tax
form from a user to create an image of the tax form; second
instructions for scanning supporting documents for the tax form to
generate additional images; third instructions for performing
optical character recognition on the image of the tax form to
generate data; and fourth instructions for processing the tax form
based on the data.
28. The computer program product of claim 27, wherein processing of
the tax form generates a result and further comprising: fifth
instructions for confirming the result of processing with the
user.
29. The computer program product of claim 27 further comprising:
fifth instructions for recording a video of user during scanning
and processing of the tax form at the automatic teller machine.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention is related to the following
applications: Method and Apparatus for Processing Checks at an
Automatic Teller Machine for Electronic Transfer, Seri. No. ______,
attorney docket no. AUS920010211US1; Method and Apparatus for
Processing a Check within a Financial System, Ser. No. ______,
attorney docket no. AUS920010213US1; Method and Apparatus for
Incorporating Scanned Checks into Financial Applications, Ser. No.
______, attorney docket no. AUS920010214US1; and Method and
Apparatus for Facilitating Transactions at an Automatic Teller
Machine, Ser. No. ______, attorney docket no. AUS920010216US1,
filed even date hereof, assigned to the same assignee, and
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to an improved data
processing system and in particular to a method and apparatus for
processing bills in a data processing system. Still more
particularly, the present invention provides a method and apparatus
for bills and bill payments at an automatic teller machine.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Automatic teller machines (ATMS) are widely available
devices used for dispensing cash. An ATM user is provided with an
ATM card as well as a personal identification number (PIN) or
password for use in withdrawing funds. Typically, the ATM user
withdraws cash from a checking account, a savings account, or as an
advance from a credit card. A user also may use an ATM to transfer
money from a savings account to a checking account. In other
instances the user uses the ATM to ascertain an account balance for
a checking account or savings account.
[0006] Other uses have been added to ATMs other than dispensing
cash. For example, some ATMs now provide a feature in which stamps
are dispensed to the user rather than cash. Another use is an
ability to deposit cash or checks through an ATM. A user places
cash or a check in an envelope provided at the ATM. Next, the user
places the ATM card into the ATM, enters a PIN number, and selects
an option to make a deposit. The user then enters the amount being
deposited and places the envelope into the ATM. Deposits are then
later collected and processed. ATMs are widely used because they
provide convenient services that are often not available at a
business location of a financial institution. For example, a at ATM
a user may obtain cash 24 hours a day. Although these types of ATM
services are becoming more widespread and easy to access, the
variety in the type of services provided by an ATM are still
limited.
[0007] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an improved
method and apparatus for providing additional services at an
ATM.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a method, apparatus and
computer implemented instructions for processing a bill in an
automatic teller machine. The bill is scanned to form a bill image
in which the bill includes a markup language providing payment
information. Optical character recognition is performed on the bill
image to identify the payment information. The bill is processed
using the payment information. Bills, such as water bills,
mortgages, credit card statements, and tax bills may be paid in
this manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself,
however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a pictorial representation of a network of
data processing systems in which the present invention may be
implemented;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a data processing system that
may be implemented as a server in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a client in the form of a personal
digital assistant (PDA) in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a PDA in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an automatic teller machine
(ATM) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an ATM in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating transfer of information for
import into a financial application in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating data flow in creating a
check image in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a bill in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating software components in an
ATM in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a process used for processing a
bill and a bill payment in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a process used for paying a tax
bill in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] With reference now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a
pictorial representation of a network of data processing systems in
which the present invention may be implemented. Network data
processing system 100 is a network of computers in which the
present invention may be implemented. Network data processing
system 100 contains a network 102, which is the medium used to
provide communications links between various devices and computers
connected together within network data processing system 100.
Network 102 may include connections, such as wire, wireless
communication links, or fiber optic cables.
[0023] In the depicted example, a server 104 is connected to
network 102 along with storage unit 106. Server 104 is a computer
located at a financial institution, such as a bank, a credit union,
a mortgage company, or a brokerage firm.
[0024] Server 104 is used to provide various functions relating to
daily financial transactions handled by the bank, such as deposits
and withdrawals of funds. In addition, ATMs 108, 110, and 112 also
are connected to network 102. ATMs 108, 110, and 112 are clients to
server 104. Server 104 is in communication with ATMs 108, 110, and
112 to handle various transactions that users may initiate at these
devices. For example, if a user withdraws cash from ATM 108, the
debiting of the account is handled by server 104.
[0025] Server 114 and server 116 also are connected to network 102
and may represent computers located at other financial
institutions. ATMs 108, 110, and 112 also may be clients to these
servers depending on the particular user accessing ATMs 108, 110
and 112. Additionally, these servers also may represent computers
located at other financial institutions, such as a regional
clearinghouse, a national clearinghouse, or a Federal Reserve
Bank.
[0026] The present invention provides for scanning of checks or
bills at an ATM, such as ATM 108, when a user deposits a check with
the financial institution or desires to pay a bill. With a check,
an image of both sides of the check is made when the check is
deposited. Additionally, optical character recognition is performed
on the check to obtain information, such as the recipient of the
check, and the amount of funds to be transferred from the account.
Further, a magnetic ink reader reads magnetic ink data on the check
to obtain information, such as the bank's identification number as
well as the user's checking account number with the bank. A markup
language document is created containing this other information
obtained from the check. The markup language document forms an
electronic check. Additionally, the image of the check also may be
associated with the markup language document as part of the
electronic check. This electronic check is then sent from ATM 108
to server 104 for processing.
[0027] When a bill is to be processed for payment, the bill is
scanned in and particular payment information is identified from
markup language information located in the bill. This information
may include, for example, the name of the company originating the
bill, a payment address, and a payment amount, as well as any
information needed to facilitate payment of the bill by a user at
an ATM. Additionally, the present invention also provides other
services, such as converting a regular check to a certified check
and issuing temporary identification documents.
[0028] Network data processing system 100 may include additional
servers, clients, and other devices not shown. In the depicted
example, network data processing system 100 is the Internet with
network 102 representing a worldwide collection of networks and
gateways that use the TCP/IP suite of protocols to communicate with
one another. Of course, network data processing system 100 also may
be implemented as a number of different types of networks, such as
for example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide
area network (WAN). FIG. 1 is intended as an example, and not as an
architectural limitation for the present invention.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a data processing
system that may be implemented as a server, such as server 104,
114, or 116 in FIG. 1, is depicted in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Data processing system 200 may
be a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system including a plurality of
processors 202 and 204 connected to system bus 206. Alternatively,
a single processor system may be employed. Also connected to system
bus 206 is memory controller/cache 208, which provides an interface
to local memory 209. I/O bus bridge 210 is connected to system bus
206 and provides an interface to I/O bus 212. Memory
controller/cache 208 and I/O bus bridge 210 may be integrated as
depicted. Peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus bridge 214
connected to I/O bus 212 provides an interface to PCI local bus
216. A number of modems may be connected to PCI local bus 216.
Typical PCI bus implementations will support four PCI expansion
slots or add-in connectors. Communications links to ATMs 108-112 in
FIG. 1 may be provided through modem 218 and network adapter 220
connected to PCI local bus 216 through add-in boards.
[0030] Additional PCI bus bridges 222 and 224 provide interfaces
for additional PCI local buses 226 and 228, from which additional
modems or network adapters may be supported. In this manner, data
processing system 200 allows connections to multiple network
computers. A memory-mapped graphics adapter 230 and hard disk 232
may also be connected to I/O bus 212 as depicted, either directly
or indirectly.
[0031] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
hardware depicted in FIG. 2 may vary. For example, other peripheral
devices, such as optical disk drives and the like, also may be used
in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted. The depicted
example is not meant to imply architectural limitations with
respect to the present invention.
[0032] The data processing system depicted in FIG. 2 may be, for
example, an IBM e-Server pSeries system, a product of International
Business Machines Corporation in Armonk, N.Y., running the Advanced
Interactive Executive (AIX) operating system.
[0033] With reference now to FIG. 3, a diagram of a client in the
form of a personal digital assistant (PDA) is depicted in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
PDA 300 may be used to receive a confirmation of a bill payment or
a check deposit. Further, a user may pre-scan a bill into PDA 300
and transmit that image to an ATM, such as ATM 108 in FIG. 1 for
payment processing.
[0034] PDA 300 includes a display 302 for presenting textual and
graphical information. Display 302 may be a known display device,
such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The display may be
used to present a map or directions, calendar information, a
telephone directory, or an electronic mail message. In these
examples, display 302 may receive user input using an input device
such as, for example, stylus 310.
[0035] PDA 300 may also include keypad 304, speaker 306, and
antenna 308. Keypad 304 may be used to receive user input in
addition to using display 302. Speaker 306 provides a mechanism for
audio output, such as presentation of an audio file. Antenna 308
provides a mechanism used in establishing a wireless communications
link between PDA 300 and a network, such as network 102 in FIG.
1.
[0036] PDA 300 also preferably includes a graphical user interface
that may be implemented by means of systems software residing in
computer readable media in operation within PDA 300.
[0037] Turning now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of a PDA is shown in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
PDA 400 is an example of a PDA, such as PDA 300 in FIG. 3, in which
code or instructions implementing the processes of the present
invention may be located. PDA 400 includes a bus 402 to which
processor 404 and main memory 406 are connected. Display adapter
408, keypad adapter 410, storage 412, and audio adapter 414 also
are connected to bus 402. Cradle link 416 provides a mechanism to
connect PDA 400 to a cradle used in synchronizing data in PDA 400
with another data processing system. Further, display adapter 408
also includes a mechanism to receive user input from a stylus when
a touch screen display is employed.
[0038] An operating system runs on processor 404 and is used to
coordinate and provide control of various components within PDA 400
in FIG. 4. The operating system may be, for example, a commercially
available operating system such as Windows CE, which is available
from Microsoft Corporation. Instructions for the operating system
and applications or programs are located on storage devices, such
as storage 412, and may be loaded into main memory 406 for
execution by processor 404.
[0039] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
hardware in FIG. 4 may vary depending on the implementation. Other
internal hardware or peripheral devices, such as flash ROM (or
equivalent nonvolatile memory) or optical disk drives and the like,
may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted in
FIG. 4.
[0040] Turning next to FIG. 5, a diagram illustrating an automatic
teller machine (ATM) is depicted in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. ATM 500 is an illustration of
an ATM, such as ATM 108, 110 or 112 in FIG. 1.
[0041] In this example, an ATM card or a smart card may be received
in slot 502. ATM 500 also includes an input slot 504 and an output
slot 506. Input slot 504 is used to receive items, such as cash or
a check for deposit. Cash dispenser slot 508 is used to dispense
cash to a user. Keypad 510 provides an input device for a user to
input information, such as an amount of money that is to be
deposited or to make selections, such as receiving an account
balance or an amount of cash to withdraw. Display 512 is used to
present information to the user. Video camera 514 provides for
recording transactions. Additionally, video camera 514 may be used
to capture an image of the user at ATM 500.
[0042] Turning next to FIG. 6, a block diagram illustrating an ATM
is depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. ATM 600 may be implemented as in ATM 108, 110,
or 112 in FIG. 1.
[0043] In the depicted examples, bus 602 connects processor unit
604, memory 606, hard disk drive 608, I/O controller 610, and
communications unit 612. Computer instructions may be located in
memory 606 or in hard disk drive 608. These instructions are
processed by processor unit 604 to provide ATM functions as well as
the check scanning and electronic check creation processes of the
present invention. Additionally, transaction information may also
be stored on hard disk drive 608. Communications unit 612
establishes a communications link with a server, such as server
104, 114 or 116 in FIG. 1 through a network, such as network 102 in
FIG. 1. I/O controller 610 provides a mechanism for input/output
devices, such as, for example, display 614, card reader 616,
printer 618, output slot feeder 620, input slot feeder 622, scanner
624, keypad 626, check processing unit 628, and cash dispenser 630.
Display 614 provides a mechanism to present information to the ATM
user. Card reader 616 is used to read an ATM card or a smart card
inserted into the ATM. Printer 618 is used to print a receipt or
other information in response to a user input. Keypad 626 is used
to receive user input. Output slot feeder 620 is used to feed
receipts generated by printer 618 to an output slot, such as output
slot 506 in FIG. 5. Input slot reader 622 is used to receive
checks, documents, or cash placed into an input slot, such as input
slot 504 in FIG. 5. Check processing unit 628 is used to move a
check within the ATM. In particular, check processing unit 628 may
move a check into a position for scanning by scanner 624 and then
move the check into storage. If a check is not accepted, the check
may be returned to output slot feeder 620 for return to a user.
Additionally, check processing unit 628 may be employed to position
other documents for scanning by scanner 624. For example, this unit
may be used to position a bill for scanning. Cash dispenser 630 is
used to dispense cash when a user withdraws funds from a user
account.
[0044] The components depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6 are provided for
purposes of illustration and are not meant to imply architectural
limitations to the present invention.
[0045] With reference now to FIG. 7, a diagram illustrating
transfer of information for import into a financial application is
depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. A user may deposit a check at ATM 700 for credit to the
user's account with a financial institution. Alternatively, the
user may deposit a document, such as a bill, for processing at ATM
700. In these examples, the check or bill is scanned within ATM 700
to create an image of the check or bill. In the case of a check,
the image of the check and information obtained from the check may
be sent to server 702 located at the financial institution through
network 704.
[0046] Information regarding the deposit of the check may be
returned to ATM 700 from server 702. This information as well as an
image of the check may be downloaded to the user through a mobile
device, such as PDA 706. PDA 706 is shown for purposes of
illustration and other mobile devices, such as a mobile phone, also
may be used. In the depicted examples, the information is placed
into a format that may be imported by various financial programs.
The user may then upload the information to client 708 for import
to financial program 710. In this manner, check images and other
financial information may be easily integrated into financial
programs or applications. Financial programs also could be located
in PDA 706 depending on the implementation.
[0047] Additionally, the check image and other financial
information may be sent or made available to a user through a Web
site or sending of an e-mail. For example, the check image and
information may be placed into a file in a format for import to a
financial program on a secure Web site. The user accesses the Web
site through client 708 by entering an appropriate ID and password.
The user may then download the file for import and use in the
financial program. The transfer takes place using a secure
connection, such as that provided by the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
protocol. Alternatively, the information may be sent in an e-mail
or as an attachment to an e-mail in an encrypted form.
[0048] In addition, a user may process bills for payment at ATM
700. A user may scan in bill 712 at ATM 700 or transfer an
electronic copy of the bill from a mobile device, such as, for
example, PDA 706. If the bill is a physical one, ATM 700 will scan
bill 712 to create an image of the bill. In the depicted examples,
bill 712 includes payment information 714, which is in a markup
language format in these examples. Financial services markup
language (FSML) or other markup languages, such as extensible
markup language (XML) may be used. Payment information 714 may take
different forms, such as text or a bar code, depending on the
implementation. The scanned image is searched to identify payment
information 714, which is used to process the bill for the user at
ATM 700.
[0049] The user may be presented with various payment options to
pay the bill as well as select a payment amount if some amount
other than the full payment is acceptable as identified from
payment information 714. Payment options may include, for example,
through a direct transfer of funds, a check, or a credit card.
[0050] Turning next to FIG. 8, a diagram illustrating data flow in
creating a check image is depicted in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Paper document 800 is input or
placed into an ATM, such as ATM 500 through input slot 504 in FIG.
5. In this example, paper document 800 is a check. Scanner 802
scans both sides of paper document 800. In this manner,
endorsements as well as signature and amount information from the
front of the check may be obtained. Digital document 804 is
generated by scanner 802 and stored in memory 806 for further
processing. Optical character recognition processes (OCR) may be
initiated to process digital document 804 to generate information
used in creating a markup language representation of paper document
800. In these examples, this markup language representation form is
an electronic check.
[0051] Turning next to FIG. 9, a diagram illustrating a bill is
depicted in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Bill 900 is an example of a bill, which may be processes
by scanner 802 in FIG. 8. Bill 900 contains information, which may
be read by a user in paying bill 900 through conventional means.
For example, bill 900 includes amount due 902, minimum payment 904,
and payment address 906.
[0052] Bill 900 also allows for bill payment through scanning of
bill 900 into an ATM or other scanning device. This type of bill
payment is facilitated through markup language information 908
located in bill 900. This information may not be in a user readable
format. For example, the markup language information may take the
form of a bar code in addition to text. Markup language information
908 contains the information needed to facilitate a bill payment
for the user at an ATM. For example, markup language information
908 may include amount due, a minimum payment, and a payment
address as well as the name of the company to which the payment is
to be sent. This information is described for purposes of
illustration and other information may be included or in place of
the described information depending on the particular
implementation.
[0053] Turning next to FIG. 10, a diagram illustrating software
components in an ATM is depicted in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the software
components in an ATM include operating system 1000, scanner device
driver 1002, printer device driver 1004, video device driver 1006,
network device driver 1008, ATM transaction application 1010, ATM
transcode application 1012, and ATM scan application 1014.
[0054] The device drivers provide the components needed to operate
devices within an ATM. These device drivers are used by ATM
transaction application 1010, ATM transcode application 1012, and
ATM scan application 1014 to perform various input/output
functions.
[0055] ATM transaction application 1010 provides a process for
various transactions by a user. Cash withdrawals, balance
inquiries, fund transfers, deposits, and bill processing and
payments are examples of transactions that may be handled through
ATM transaction application 1010. Additionally, ATM transaction
application 1010 handles the transmission and receipt of
information to and from various financial institutions. When a
check is deposited, ATM scan application 1014 is initiated to
create an image of the check. In the depicted examples, the image
is of both sides of the check. Additionally, ATM scan application
1014 also will include optical character recognition processes to
obtain data for use in creating an electronic check. This data is
used by ATM transcode application 1012 to generate a markup
language representation of the check.
[0056] With respect to bills, payment information may be included
on the bill in a markup language format, such as financial services
markup language (FSML) or extensible markup language. This payment
information may include, for example, amount of the bill, a minimum
payment amount, the recipient of the bill, the originator of the
bill, address for payments, and a due date for payment.
[0057] ATM transaction application 1010 also may transfer the image
of a check and other information to a user mobile device, such as a
PDA or mobile phone. The user may then upload that information to a
computer containing a financial program. The image and information
is placed into a format that allows for its import into the
financial program.
[0058] In these examples, the markup language may be financial
services markup language (FSML) and signed document markup language
(SDML). FSML is used to implement electronic checks and other
secure financial documents. FSML defines a method to structure
documents into blocks of tagged content. Unlike HTML, which uses
tags to inform processors about how to display content, FSML uses
tags to inform processors about how to use the document content in
financial applications. The FSML content blocks in an FSML document
can be cryptographically sealed and signed in any combination
needed by business applications. Document processors may also
remove blocks without invalidating the signatures on the remaining
blocks. They may combine signed documents and then sign blocks
contained in the combined documents. Signatures are themselves
structured as FSML blocks, as are the X.509 certificates needed by
downstream processors to verify the signatures. Thus signatures and
certificates become part of the FSML document, so they can be
verified and countersigned by later signers.
[0059] SDML is designed to tag the individual text items making up
a document, group the text items into document parts which can have
business meaning and can be signed individually or together, allow
document parts to be added and deleted without invalidating
previous signatures, and allow signing, cosigning, endorsing,
co-endorsing, and witnessing operations on documents and document
parts. The signatures become part of the SDML document and can be
verified by subsequent recipients as the document travels through
the business process. SDML does not define encryption, since
encryption is between each sender and receiver in the business
process and can differ for each link depending on the transport
used. SDML is the generic document structuring and signing part of
the FSML.
[0060] In the depicted examples, the markup language document forms
an electronic check. Depending on the implementation, the
electronic check also may include the image of the check.
[0061] Turning next to FIG. 11 an illustration of a message sent
from an ATM to a financial institution is depicted in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Message 1100
is an example of a message that may be sent from an ATM to a
financial institution. For example, an electronic check or a bill
payment generated at an ATM, such as ATM 108, may be sent to server
104 in FIG. 1 for processing. The electronic check or bill payment
may be sent within message 1100.
[0062] Message 1100 includes header 1102 and body 1104. Header 1102
may include information, such as an identification of attachments
and a delivery route for the message. Body 1104 may include
signature 1106 as well as content 1108. Signature 1106 may be
obtained from scanning of the check or via a digital signature from
a smart card held by the user. Content 1108 may contain the digital
image of the check and/or an electronic check. The electronic check
may be a document created using FSML and SDML.
[0063] Turning now to FIG. 12, a flowchart of a process used for
processing a bill and a bill payment is depicted in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The process
illustrated in FIG. 12 may be implemented in a program, such as ATM
transaction application 1010 in FIG. 10.
[0064] The process begins by receiving an image of a bill (step
1200). In these examples, the bill is scanned at the ATM to create
the image. The bill includes payment information in a markup
language format, such as FSML. This markup language information may
be, for example, in text, a bar code, or other forms depending on
the implementation. OCR is performed on this image (step 1202).
Next, the payment information in the bill is identified (step
1204). Payment amount and routing information is obtained from the
payment information (step 1206). Payment amount and payment options
are then presented to the user (step 1208). These options may
include paying a lesser amount if a full payment is not required.
For example, a minimum payment may be allowed. The user may choose
to pay the bill through various means, such as, for example, a
direct transfer of funds, a credit card, or a check.
[0065] Fund transfers are initiated based on the user's input (step
1210). The bill image is time stamped (step 1212) with the process
terminating thereafter. The time stamping may be used to verify
when the payment occurred.
[0066] With reference now to FIG. 13, a flowchart of a process used
for paying a tax bill is depicted in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The process illustrated in
FIG. 13 may be implemented in a program, such as ATM transaction
application 1010 in FIG. 10.
[0067] The process begins by receiving input from a user
identifying a form of submission of a tax form (step 1300). The
form of submission in these examples may be a physical tax form or
an electronic one. Video recording of the transmission begins (step
1302). A determination is then made as to whether the tax form is
physical or electronic (step 1304).
[0068] If the tax form is physical, it is scanned to form an image
of the tax form (step 1306). OCR is then performed on the image of
the tax form to identify payment or refund data (step 1308). The
information may be identified using templates to identify locations
of information on the image. Most tax forms are standardized,
allowing for the use of templates. Also, the information also may
be in a markup language form, similar to the payment information as
described above with respect to FIG. 12.
[0069] Next, supporting documents are requested (step 1310).
Supporting documents are scanned in (step 1312). Payment is then
received or a refund process is initiated depending on the tax form
(step 1314). The scanned documents are time stamped (step 1316),
and the video recording of the transaction ends (step 1318). A
receipt is then generated (step 1320). The receipt is sent to the
user (step 1322) with the process terminating thereafter. This
receipt may be sent, for example, by printing the receipt at the
ATM, by sending an electronic receipt to a mobile device carried by
the user, or an e-mail message to the user.
[0070] With reference again to step 1304, if the tax form is
electronic, the tax form is received from a mobile device (step
1324) with the process proceeding to step 1310 as described
above.
[0071] It is important to note that while the present invention has
been described in the context of a fully functioning data
processing system, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that the processes of the present invention are capable
of being distributed in the form of a computer readable medium of
instructions and a variety of forms and that the present invention
applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing
media actually used to carry out the distribution. Examples of
computer readable media include recordable-type media, such as a
floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a RAM, CD-ROMS, DVD-ROMs, and
transmission-type media, such as digital and analog communications
links, wired or wireless communications links using transmission
forms, such as, for example, radio frequency and light wave
transmissions. The computer readable media may take the form of
coded formats that are decoded for actual use in a particular data
processing system.
[0072] The description of the present invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended
to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art. For example, the smart card may be
replaced by a regular credit card or an ATM card with some loss in
functionality. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention, the practical
application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to
understand the invention for various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
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