U.S. patent application number 10/699978 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for automated banking system for dispensing money orders, wire transfer and bill payment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Capital Security Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gustin, Robin Haley, Livingston, Troy W., Park, Namsoo.
Application Number | 20050091161 10/699978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25347006 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050091161 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gustin, Robin Haley ; et
al. |
April 28, 2005 |
Automated banking system for dispensing money orders, wire transfer
and bill payment
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for conducting transactions
through a financial network using a document such as a check or
money order at an unattended automated machine. For security
purposes a signature detector detects the signature and the user
uses a card to operate the machine. A reader reads the amount on
the document; and, for a check, the LAR and CAR amounts are
compared. If the document is a money order, the user may be
prompted to endorse the money order if the signature detector fails
to detect a signature. A card writer writes an amount on the card
related to the amount of the transaction being done and a
calculator calculates the amount to be written on the card and
subtracts a user's service charge. A bill may be paid and a receipt
generator will provide a receipt preferably showing payment of the
bill and the service charge. If the check or money order is for an
amount greater than the bill and service charge amounts, the card
writer may write the difference on the card. A portion of the check
or money order may also be deposited in the user's account. A cash
acceptor in the machine accepts cash and a cash dispenser may
dispense cash.
Inventors: |
Gustin, Robin Haley;
(Chicago, IL) ; Livingston, Troy W.; (Northbrook,
IL) ; Park, Namsoo; (Schaumburg, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITCH EVEN TABIN AND FLANNERY
120 SOUTH LA SALLE STREET
SUITE 1600
CHICAGO
IL
60603-3406
US
|
Assignee: |
Capital Security Systems,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
25347006 |
Appl. No.: |
10/699978 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10699978 |
Nov 3, 2003 |
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09444197 |
Nov 19, 1999 |
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09444197 |
Nov 19, 1999 |
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08866140 |
May 30, 1997 |
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6012048 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/43 ; 235/379;
235/381 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 19/209 20130101;
G06Q 20/4014 20130101; G06Q 30/06 20130101; G06Q 20/04 20130101;
G07F 19/21 20130101; G07F 19/20 20130101; G06Q 20/14 20130101; G06Q
20/341 20130101; G06Q 20/1085 20130101; G07F 7/04 20130101; G06Q
20/10 20130101; G07F 19/202 20130101; G06Q 20/045 20130101; G07F
7/1008 20130101; G07F 19/203 20130101; G06Q 20/40 20130101; G06Q
20/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/043 ;
235/381; 235/379 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An unattended banking machine for performing a number of banking
and other transactions by a user, said banking machine comprising:
a cash acceptor for accepting cash from a user and for totalling
the amount of cash received; a cash dispenser for dispensing cash
to a user; a user interface and display operable by the user to
select transactions, enter commands, and to receive information
from the machine; a card acceptor for receiving and verifying a
qualified user's card; a receipt generator for generating receipts
for the user including the total of the amount of cash received; a
document cashing apparatus including a document receiver in the
machine; a reader for reading the cash amount for the document; and
a signature verifier for examining the signature of the user on a
document and for confirming if the signature is valid prior to
dispensing cash to the user from the cash dispenser.
2. A banking machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein a dispenser
is provided in the machine for dispensing end user items after
payment by the qualified user.
3. A banking machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein the user
interface and display comprises a keypad operable by the user; a
display screen to display transactions relating to cash for the
user; and a selector operable by the user to choose at least one
among several cash transactions available to the user.
4. A banking machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein the
document is a check and comprises: a reader for reading magnetic
ink character recognition data of a bank on the check; and a
communication network having a modem for connection through a
network to the bank identified on the check.
5. A machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein the document is a
money order, and the signature verifier includes a reader for
reading a cursive signature on the back of a money order.
6. A banking machine in accordance with claim 1 for paying a bill
by the user, comprising: a bill acceptor for receiving the bill
document; a scanner for scanning the bill document; a modem
communication network for communicating to the bill issuer's bank
account that the payment being made by the user; and a receipt
generator for generating a receipt of the paid bill to the
user.
7. A banking machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein: money
order blanks are stored in the machine; signals are generated by
the user at the user's interface and display to cause the printer
to print the amount on the money order blank to form a money order;
and a dispenser dispenses the money order to the machine user.
8. An automated banking system for receiving payment from a user
and for wire transfer of funds to a transferee in a banking
network, said system comprising: an automated machine having a card
receiver for receiving a card which identifies the user as being
qualified to use the banking network; an input device to enter the
amount to be transferred to another; a keypad to enter the identity
of the transferee's account; a payment acceptor for accepting
payment by the user for the wire transfer; a verifier to verify
that the transferee has an account in the banking network; and a
communication system having a modem in the banking network for wire
transfer through the banking network to the verified transferee's
account.
9. An automated banking system in accordance with claim 8 wherein
the payment acceptor comprises a cash receiver for receiving and
totalling the cash received.
10. An automated banking system in accordance with claim 8 wherein
the payment acceptor comprises: a card receiver for receiving a
card for payment for the wire transfer; and means for reading the
card and for causing a debit on the card related to the cash being
transferred by wire.
11. An automated banking system in accordance with claim 10 wherein
the payment acceptor comprises a credit card reader which reads the
credit card and performs a charge transaction over a credit card
network for an amount related to the cash being wired.
12. An automated banking system in accordance with claim 8 wherein:
payment is made with a smart card; and a smart card reader and
debit system reads the card to ascertain an amount on the card
sufficient for payment of the cash being wired, and writes down the
smart card by an amount related to the amount of cash being
transferred by wire.
13. An automated banking system in accordance with claim 8 wherein:
a printer prints a receipt for the sender of the wire transfer; and
a transactional record system makes and keeps a record of the wire
transfer.
14. A banking system in accordance with claim 13 wherein an input
device operable by the sender causes connection to the sender's
withdrawal account to withdraw therefrom an amount sufficient to
pay the wire transfer.
15. A banking system in accordance with claim 8 wherein a display
displays to the user a method of payment from among cash, credit
card, smart card or account withdrawal; and a selector is operable
by the user to select one of the methods of payment for the wire
transfer.
16. An automated banking system for payment of bills through a
bills payment network comprising: an automated machine having a
card receiver for receiving the user's card and for identifying the
user as being qualified to use the machine; a display for
displaying a selection of bills payable through a bills payment
network; a selector operable by the user to select a bill to be
paid from the bills being displayed; the display displaying several
methods of payment including payment by cash; a reader for reading
the amount of the bill and an identity of a bill payee; a
communications network including a modem for connection from the
machine to a bills payment network; a bill receiver for receiving
and storing the bill being paid; and a transaction recorder for
recording the bill transaction and payment.
17. An automated banking system in accordance with claim 16 further
comprising a card reader for reading a payment card for payment and
verifying that the payment card is qualified for use with the bill
payment network.
18. An automated banking system in accordance with claim 17 wherein
the payment card is a smart card, and further comprising: an
analyzer for analyzing that the smart card has sufficient funds
thereon to pay the bill; and a smart card writer to write off an
amount related to the bill being paid on the smart card.
19. An automated banking system in accordance with claim 17
wherein: the payment card is a credit card; and wherein a credit
card communication means is connected through a modem to charge the
bill amount to the credit card account of the user.
20. A banking system in accordance with claim 16 wherein: several
bills may be selected for payment; a totalizer totals the amounts
paid for each bill and for transactional charges; and a receipt
generator generates a receipt showing the bills paid, transactional
charges and the total amount paid by the user.
21. A method of providing an automated banking system machine with
the capability of wire transfer of funds from a user to a
transferee within the banking network, comprising: providing an
automated machine having a card receiver for receiving a card which
identifies the user as being qualified to use the machine and
banking network; putting into the machine an identification of the
bank through which the transfer is to be made along with the
account number of the transferee; entering the amount to be wire
transferred to the transferee; providing the machine with a method
of payment for the wire transfer; and communicating through the
bank system over a modem for wire transfer to the banking network
to the verified transferee's account in the receiving bank.
22. A method in accordance with claim 21 further comprising:
depositing cash for the wire transfer; counting the cash received
in the machine; and verifying it as being an amount to cover the
wire transferred amount and a transaction fee therefor.
23. A method in accordance with claim 21 further comprising:
selecting payment for the wire transfer from a card; and reading
the card and causing a debit on the card related to the amount of
cash being wired to the transferee.
24. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein the step of
providing a card includes the use of a credit card; and further
comprising communicating, over a credit card network, the amount of
the cash being wired and the transactional fee which are to be
charged to the user's credit card.
25. A method in accordance with claim 23 wherein the payment is
being made with a smart card and further comprising: reading the
smart card to ascertain if the amount on the card is sufficient for
payment of the transaction including the cash being wired; writing
down on the smart card the amount of the transaction for the wire
transfer; and returning the smart card to the user.
26. A method in accordance with claim 21 further comprising:
printing a receipt for the transactional cost of the wire transfer;
providing the receipt to the user; and recording, internally within
the machine, a transaction record of the wire transfer.
27. A method in accordance with claim 21 further comprising:
selecting payment from an account of the user; and connecting via a
communication network, including a modem to the user's bank, to
withdraw from the user's account, an amount sufficient to pay for
the wire transfer transaction.
28. A method in accordance with claim 21 wherein there is provided
a display to the user requesting a selection for the method of
payment from among the options of paying with cash, the user's
credit card, a smart card, or withdrawal from the user's account;
and the user selects one of the methods of payment for the wire
transfer.
29. A method for using an automated banking machine for the payment
of bills through a bill payment network, comprising: providing an
automated banking machine having a card receiver for receiving the
user's card and for identifying the user as being qualified to use
the machine; a display for displaying a selection of bill
transactions that are available to be paid through a bills payment
network connected to the automated machine; manually selecting one
of the bill transactions for paying a bill from those being
displayed to the user; displaying to the user several methods of
payment including payment by cash; inserting the bill into the
machine for reading the amount of the bill and the identity of the
bill payee; communicating over communications network including a
modem for connection from the machine to a bills payment network;
transmitting the information of payment being received from the
user for the bill; and storing the bill being paid in the
machine.
30. A method in accordance with claim 29 further comprising:
selecting the option of payment by a card; inserting the credit
card into the machine for reading; and verifying that the credit
card is qualified for use with the bill payment network.
31. A method in accordance with claim 29 wherein the payment card
comprises a smart card and further comprising: reading the funds
available for paying the bill on the smart card; and writing off
from the smart card an amount to cover the bill payment transaction
and the transactional cost.
32. A method in accordance with claim 29 wherein the payment card
comprises a credit card and further comprising communicating
through a modem to the credit card account, the amount to be
charged to the credit card account because of the wire transfer
transaction.
33. A method in accordance with claim 29 further comprising:
selecting several bills for payment; totalling the amount for each
bill and its associated transactional charges; and generating a
receipt showing the bills paid, transactional charges and the total
amount being paid by the user.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to automated banking systems and
machines including those which employ or are an improvement over
automatic teller machines (ATMS). ATMs are widely available and
receive a considerable amount of usage, particularly on weekends,
for dispensing cash. For instance, it is not unusual for an ATM to
dispense $250,000 worth of cash in the course of a single weekend.
The ATM user is provided with an ATM card as well as a personal
identification number (PIN) or password, so that if the card is
stolen or lost, the finder of the card will not be able to use it
to withdraw funds using the ATM card because of the lack of the PIN
number. Typically, the ATM user will use the card and PIN number at
an ATM to withdraw cash from the user's checking account, savings
account or as an advance from a credit card, or transferring money
from a savings account to his checking account. In other instances,
the ATM user will use the card and PIN number to access the ATM in
order to ascertain the user's account balances. In a few instances,
some ATMs have an incremental revenue opportunity from the capacity
to dispense stamps as an alternative to cash for the user.
[0002] Owners of ATMs have found them to be relatively profitable.
However, there is a need for increasing the profitability of the
ATMs which are principally now used as cash withdrawal machines.
Competing with the banks and with ATM machines are local currency
exchanges which perform a number of banking type services for their
"profiled customers." Profiled customers are those customers who
have signed a signature card or who otherwise have identity
confirmation information entered into a network of a local currency
exchange. These profiled customers are local to the area and are
not part of a large area or nationwide network. Often, the currency
exchange not only has the profiled customer's signature, but the
currency exchange agent often recognizes the customer. Currency
exchanges commonly cash a large volume of payroll checks for their
customers. The average fee for such a transaction is 1.6% of the
amount of the payroll check. This can yield quite substantial
revenue when a high volume of payroll checks is being cashed.
Currency exchanges compete with the ATM machines by cashing
personal checks for their profiled customers. Most often, a
currency exchange will not cash a personal check for a non-profiled
customer of the exchanges. If the currency exchange assumes the
risk and cashes such a check, however, the customer transaction
charges are extremely high, e.g., $20.00 or 20% of the value of the
check being cashed.
[0003] Another large volume transaction-type having the potential
for large volume for a currency exchange is the issuance of money
orders and cashing of money orders. On average, the customer charge
for such transactions is about 1.85% of the value of the money
order.
[0004] Other large revenue generators for currency exchanges are
fees collected when customers pay bills for utilities, such as
telephone! electric, gas, and water, as well as other bills, such
as cable, television or credit card bills. Typically, there is a
$0.60 per bill service charge to accept payment of a utility bill
or credit card bill or the like in a currency exchange. The
currency exchanges operate under contract with the local utilities
and/or credit card companies to provide such a service.
[0005] While currency exchanges are relatively profitable, one
significant expense cost of operation is due to employee theft of
currency. Also, from time to time, employees make mistakes when
cashing checks or money orders, or when issuing money orders.
Another shortcoming of currency exchanges as opposed to ATM
machines is that the exchanges are open only for limited hours,
while the ATM machines are generally available for transaction
processing 24 hours each day. In many instances, people prefer not
to let others at a currency exchange or bank have any knowledge of
their personal financial affairs and would prefer to use the ATM
machines, rather than currency exchanges if the ATM machines
provided some or all of the banking type services now provided by
the currency exchanges.
[0006] Often currency exchanges are used by local residents who do
not have a checking or savings account with a local bank, and who
do not use the ATM machines or have an ATM card. Thus, there is an
opportunity to acquire new customers for automatic banking machines
if the machines will have many of the functions performed by a
currency exchange or of a full service bank, such as cashing checks
or money orders.
[0007] Wire transfer of funds is another banking function which is
not generally available to the general public. Usually bank wire
transfers are for very large amounts of money. Rather than going to
a bank to wire transfer money, most individuals, as opposed to
businesses, commonly wire money through other companies such as
Western Union or through the American Express Company. Wire
transfer costs for consumer-related transactions are relatively
high. There is an average cost of between $13.00 to send a minimum
of $200.00 by wire and about $200.00 to send $5,000.00 by wire.
There are many times when people are traveling or when they have a
child at college when it would be desirable to be able to transfer
money by wire to their child's account so that the child has
immediate access to the money. If such a wire transfer service were
available for use in an automated banking machine, it would provide
a relatively inexpensive method of wire transfer for
individuals.
[0008] A new opportunity available to full service banks and to
currency exchanges is participation in the United States Federal
Government's Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (EBTP). The
program will distribute smart cards for use by recipients of Social
Security, Veteran's or welfare benefits. Payments for such benefits
may total as much as one-half trillion dollars per year. Clients
who have EBTP cards are already in the government's network. These
smart cards are intended to replace the food stamps, among other
things, whose use may lead to the clients being embarrassed. The
currency exchanges and the full service banks will be receiving a
transactional charge when writing an increase in balance onto the
smart card. Also, the service provider will be charging the smart
card user a fee for each transaction, for instance, when the smart
card's balance is decreased as it is being used to pay for food, a
utility bill, etc. This represents a large volume usage that could
be available to appropriate electronic automated banking machines
if they offered bill paying services and sale of items such as
telephone cards, lottery tickets, and the like.
[0009] Owners of ATMs are beginning to take advantage of such
incremental revenue opportunities, e.g., by selling stamps via the
ATM machine. This allows the owner of the ATM to gain more revenue
from it. For example, end user items such as theater tickets,
lottery tickets or stamps can be sold from dispensers in an ATM
machine. Because the purchase of end-user items is less susceptible
to fraud, they do not require the additional security for
transactions as cashing checks or money orders.
[0010] A number of security problems arise with the addition to
ATMs of functions performed by full service banks and currency
exchanges, such as cashing checks and money orders. The foremost
problem is integrity of the document being exchanged for cash, in
particular, verification of signatures on checks or money orders
being cashed. Also, the ability to read various types of documents
and to provide the user with a large number of payment methods
requires a relatively sophisticated machine beyond that of current
ATMs on the market and in widespread use by the general public. The
problem with checks is not only the signature verification of
hard-to-read handwriting, but also reading the amount, usually
written in cursive, on a legal line of the check. In addition, the
check has a second line which is the courtesy amount recognition
line ("CAR") which is written in numerals representing the value of
the check. Most checks also identify the bank and the maker's
account in magnetic ink.
[0011] Another consideration for transactions such as cashing
checks, paying bills, or other like things from a remote banking
machine is the need to record the transactions and to leave an
audit trail for later manual review, if required, of the
transactions.
[0012] A semi-automated system has been proposed to aid in the
cashing of checks and which reduces the access of the teller to the
money. This proposed system would require the user to operate the
machine and negotiate the check while in the electronic presence of
a teller, who being satisfied that the check should be cashed, then
verifies the cashing opportunity and operates the machine to
dispense automatically the funds to the machine user. Of course,
such a machine requires the attendance and the presence of the
teller, and therefore, is still not a fully automated system for
cashing checks.
[0013] Among some of the mechanical problems that have been
experienced with the remote ATM-type machines is that of providing
change in coins. Already, over a single weekend, ATMs are being
severely taxed often completely emptied of their contents, and they
do not have changemakers. The addition of a coin changemaker adds
considerable expense and maintenance problems to the machine to
provide the exact coin change to the user who is cashing a check or
performing some other function.
[0014] Another problem with providing a commercially practical
automated banking machine is that of the time needed for the
transactions. Preferably, the transactions should be relatively
brief and simple so that a minimal number of operator actions, such
as touch screen pushes or keystrokes, are required for each
transaction. If a particular transaction takes more than a minute
or two, the system would probably be too slow to adequately service
a line of people waiting to use the machine at a busy time on a
weekend. Also, if the machine offers a large number of transactions
like those of a full service bank or a currency exchange, the
machine should provide a wide range of funds delivery or payment
options to the user so that the payment can be made by cash, credit
card, smart card, or withdrawal from a checking or savings
account.
[0015] There is a need for an automatic banking machine which
includes an ATM-like machine that performs and allows a number of
service options, such as for example the withdrawing of cash, the
depositing of cash, the cashing of a check, the cashing of a money
order, the buying of a money order, the transferring of funds by
wire, paying a bill and purchasing of end user items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
an automated banking machine system, which performs the usual ATM
functions but which additionally issues money orders for the user
without the presence or the assistance of a teller. Additionally,
the preferred and illustrated, automated banking machine system
allows the depositing of cash into the machine and provides
additional functions, such as transferring money by wire, paying
bills or purchasing end user items from the machine.
[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
automated banking system machine recognizes the cash inserted into
the machine, totals it, and provides communication via a modem or
the like connected to a banking network to pay a bill or to
purchase of a money order. The user will write the amount into the
money order blank within the machine. After having been written,
the machine will dispense the money order to the user. The
automated method and apparatus provides for the cash purchase by
the user of items being dispensed from the machine such as lottery
tickets, theater tickets, postage stamps or the like.
[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
method and apparatus provide for the wire transfer of funds to a
transferee over a banking network. In order to carry out the wire
transfer, the user enters the name of the bank to which the wire
transfer is to made and the account number of the person who is to
receive the wire transfer. After providing payment for the funds to
be wire transferred, the wire transfer is communicated through a
modem of the machine to the banking network and thence to the
recipient's account in the receiving bank. Preferably, a receipt is
issued to the user showing the sum being wire transferred as well
as the associated transaction cost. In the preferred embodiment of
the invention, the payment for the wire transfer can be by cash, a
credit card, a smart card or from an account of the user.
[0019] In accordance with a still further embodiment of the
invention, the automated banking machine and apparatus allows the
payment of invoices or bills owed by the user. After having been
qualified as a user of the automated banking machine, the customer
will see a display of the selection of bills that are payable
through the machine. The user selects the type of bill to be paid
and also selects from the display, one of several methods of
payment, including the payment by cash. The bill to be paid is
inserted into the machine where it is read along with the identity
and account number of the bill payee. The reading of the amount and
the identification of the payor may be difficult because of the
many different formats of such bills. The machine automatically
communicates over a modem to a bill payment network. The bill is
stored in a bin, and a transaction tag is provided for the bill
payment transaction. Preferably, the method of payment includes
paying by cash, credit card, smart card or from the user's account.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the user may pay
several bills, and the total for each bill and its associated
transactional charges is accumulated. Finally, after payment, a
receipt is generated showing the bills paid, the transactional
charges, and the total expense incurred by the user in the payment
of these bills.
[0020] It will be seen from the foregoing that the preferred and
illustrated embodiment of the invention provides increased revenue
opportunities for owners of the automated banking machine to
perform many of the services performed by a currency exchange or by
a bank while charging a transactional fee for each transaction.
Transaction charges may be made for a withdrawal from the user's
account, the payment of a transaction, a deposit into the user's
account, cashing of a check or money order, transfer of funds by
wire, paying bills, purchasing end user items such as theater
tickets, lottery tickets, etc.
[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
automated banking system which does not need to dispense coins or
small denomination change to the user. Dispensing coins adds
complexity and time as well as frequent maintenance problems and
service problems associated with keeping the coin changer apparatus
functioning properly and filled with coins. The shutting down of
the coin operation due to an empty or broken dispenser would likely
result in the automatic banking machine being out-of-service
despite being able to perform other non-charge producing
transactions. Rather than dispensing coin change, the machine of
the present invention will transfer the amount of change onto a
credit card or a smart card balance and electronically dispense the
same to the user by storing the credit on the stored card balance.
Alternatively the machine will deposit the change balance into the
user's account. Thus, the necessity for storing and dispensing
bulky coin-type change is avoided.
[0022] Also, in order to limit the amount of servicing that is
needed, the preferred machine need not be provided with one dollar
bills. The lowest dispensable denomination would be, for example,
five dollars. Preferably, the cash bins within the machine are
provided with $5.00 and $20.00 bills only, so that the amount that
can be dispensed is sufficient for a weekend without being
replenished in most instances.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a front view of the apparatus embodying the novel
features of the invention including a left section, a central
section, and a right section;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the three sections of the
machine shown in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of an imaging station for scanning
a document;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a left side view of one section of the apparatus
shown in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the central section of the
apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the right section shown in
FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a enlarged view of the front of the apparatus of
FIG. 1 showing the various insertion slots or receiving slots on
the apparatus of FIG. 1 with identifying indicia thereon;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the machine shown in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a flow chart for showing the operations occurring
after insertion of the card and for verification;
[0032] FIG. 8A shows the screen with the instruction to PLEASE
INSERT YOUR CARD;
[0033] FIG. 8B shows a screen prompting entry of a user's
password;
[0034] FIG. 8C shows the progression of the password verification
operation;
[0035] FIG. 8D shows the screen when an incorrect password has been
entered;
[0036] FIG. 8E shows that the password is not correct and that the
card is being retained;
[0037] FIG. 8F shows a screen display prompting the user to make a
touch screen selection of the language in which the transactions
are to be processed;
[0038] FIG. 9 shows on the screen the money exchange or
transactions options available for the user;
[0039] FIG. 9A is a flow chart which shows the initial welcoming
and the various options available to the user;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a screen prompting a checking or savings step as
part of a transaction;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a screen showing different amounts for withdrawal
from checking;
[0042] FIG. 11A is a flow chart showing the operations for a
withdrawal transaction;
[0043] FIG. 12 is a view showing the screen of having an amount
prompt for a withdrawing from saving transaction;
[0044] FIG. 13 is a flow chart with respect to making a
deposit;
[0045] FIG. 13A is a screen showing the prompt for the source of a
deposit into checking;
[0046] FIG. 13B shows a screen providing for entry of the amount of
a check to be deposited;
[0047] FIG. 13C is a screen showing a prompt to endorse or sign the
back of the check;
[0048] FIG. 13D shows the screen with a message of showing progress
in confirming;
[0049] FIG. 13E shows a screen prompting the user to take a
transaction receipt;
[0050] FIG. 13F is a screen with respect to a transaction for a
deposit into saving;
[0051] FIG. 13G is a screen requesting the amount of cash to be
deposited;
[0052] FIG. 13H is a flow chart showing machine operations with
respect to a cash deposit;
[0053] FIG. 13I is a screen showing the amount of cash
deposited;
[0054] FIG. 13J shows a request to deposit the cash into the cash
acceptor slot;
[0055] FIG. 13K shows a machine verification of completion of the
cash deposit;
[0056] FIG. 14 is a flow chart with respect to the document
scanning and verification operations;
[0057] FIG. 15A is a screen that shows an inquiry to the user
requesting a decision as to making a further transaction;
[0058] FIG. 15B is a screen display of a touch screen version of
the screen display shown in FIG. 15A;
[0059] FIG. 16 is a view of the cashing check screen;
[0060] FIG. 16A is a flow chart showing the operations with respect
to cashing a check;
[0061] FIG. 16B shows a screen for requesting the manual entry of
the amount of the check to be cashed;
[0062] FIG. 16C requests the signing of the back of the check;
[0063] FIG. 16D is a screen showing a request to re-insert the
inverted check;
[0064] FIG. 16DD is a screen requesting the user to re-enter the
check amount;
[0065] FIG. 16E shows a bar graph of the progress with respect to
the reading of the check;
[0066] FIG. 16F shows a check cashing and the amount that is
available to be received in cash;
[0067] FIG. 16G shows the completion of the check cashing and the
receipt for the amount deposited to the user's account;
[0068] FIG. 16H is a touch screen display version of the screen
shown in FIG. 16B;
[0069] FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the operations with respect
to cashing a money order;
[0070] FIG. 17A is a screen shown to the user when cashing a money
order;
[0071] FIG. 17B requests the signing of the back of the money
order;
[0072] FIG. 17C states that the money order cannot be cashed;
[0073] FIG. 18 shows the screen used when typing in the name of the
payee with respect to a money order being purchased;
[0074] FIG. 18A shows the amount of the money order being
purchased;
[0075] FIG. 18B is a flow chart showing the various operations
being performed when buying a money order;
[0076] FIGS. 18C and 18D show the method of payment and the total
transaction at the screen that the money order is being printed and
the request to the user to take her receipt;
[0077] FIG. 19 is a screen display for wiring money;
[0078] FIG. 19A shows the account to which the money is to be wired
and the name of the bank having the account;
[0079] FIG. 19B shows and requests the entry of the Federal routing
code;
[0080] FIG. 19C shows the account number being added;
[0081] FIG. 19D shows a screen requesting the amount and shows a
service charge;
[0082] FIG. 19E is a flow chart showing the operations for a wire
transfer;
[0083] FIG. 19F shows the total of the transaction and requests a
selection of the method of payment;
[0084] FIG. 20 is a screen showing a number of bills that can be
paid through the apparatus;
[0085] FIG. 20A shows a telephone bill, service charge and total
amount to be charged for payment of the telephone bill;
[0086] FIG. 20B shows a screen requesting entry of the telephone
bill into the scanner slot;
[0087] FIG. 20C shows the selection of a gas bill for payment as
well as a telephone bill;
[0088] FIG. 20D requests insertion of the gas bill into the scanner
slot;
[0089] FIG. 20E shows the payment for a credit card bill;
[0090] FIG. 20F shows the amount of payment with respect to the
telephone, gas and credit card bills; and the request for the
method of payment;
[0091] FIG. 20G shows the screen when the bill is to paid by credit
card;
[0092] FIG. 20H is a flow chart showing the operations that occur
during a bill payment;
[0093] FIG. 20I shows a screen confirming payment of the bills;
[0094] FIG. 20J is a touch screen display version of the screen
shown in FIG. 20;
[0095] FIG. 21 shows a screen for purchase of items such as stamps,
smart cards or telephone cards;
[0096] FIG. 21A is a flow chart showing the various operations that
occur during the purchasing transaction;
[0097] FIG. 21B shows a screen displaying request for a purchase of
three smart cards and one telephone card;
[0098] FIG. 21C shows the total transaction and requests a
selection of the method of payment;
[0099] FIG. 21D shows a screen showing a $25.00 transaction and
showing how much has been inserted to pay for the transaction;
[0100] FIG. 21E shows that $20.00 has been paid;
[0101] FIG. 21F shows that $21.00 has been paid;
[0102] FIG. 21G shows that $24.00 has been paid;
[0103] FIG. 21H shows that the total of $25.00 has been paid and
shows a message on the screen to take the merchandise;
[0104] FIG. 21I is a touch screen display version of the screen
shown in FIG. 21;
[0105] FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the various operations with
respect to cash payment;
[0106] FIG. 23 shows the payment of change either by credit to a
card or by a deposit into a bank account;
[0107] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
and
[0108] FIG. 25 is a flow chart of a signature verification and
character recognition process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0109] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the
invention is embodied in an automated banking system that includes
an apparatus 10 having a housing 12 for housing the components of
the apparatus which are to receive an ATM card which can be
inserted through an insert, slot or opening 14 in a front wall 16
of the housing. The insert slot 14 will accept the usual ATM card,
credit cards, IC cards or smart cards. The card slot 14 is located
immediately above a user keyboard 18 and below a user display 20
comprising a touch screen of the type sold by Dyna-Pro under its
Model No. DTFP 95633. The user keyboard 18 supplies command signals
to a microcomputer 21, in this embodiment a 133 Mhz Pentium-based
personal computer having a 2.1 gigabyte hard disk drive for storing
software, a 32 megabyte random access memory for storing
instructions and operands, a 133 Mhz Pentium microprocessor, an ISA
bus, a PCI bus, a serial interface, and a parallel interface. (FIG.
3). The microcomputer 21 executes application software under
Windows 95, which among other things, responds to keystrokes on the
user keyboard 18, and signals from other input devices as set forth
below. The microcomputer 21 drives the output display 20 in
response to the software it is executing and the various signals it
receives from the input devices connected to transfer signals to
it.
[0110] Located immediately behind the insert card slot 14 is a
magnetic card reader 22 (FIG. 4) which will read the ATM card, send
signals to the microcomputer 21 through a serial communication card
21a, and immediately cause initialization, via the microcomputer
21, of all hardware and software parameters for an operation. The
touch screen 20 is provided to assist the user in identifying for
the machine the area of the image occupied by the account number
and dollar amount of a bill, as will be explained. The illustrated
keyboard 18 is a very tough, vandal-resistant, industrial keyboard,
such as the Model 300 manufactured by Everswitch USA of Silver
Springs, Md. The preferred display 20 is a flat LCD display panel
sold by Sony Corporation. The keyboard and display panels are
selected because they are considered to be tough, strong,
easy-to-use, and difficult for thieves or criminals to vandalize or
to misuse to illicitly obtain funds from the machine. A backup
storage device 23 connected to the computer 21 provides further
security for the software and data stored on the hard drive.
[0111] As shown in connection with the flow chart of FIG. 8
entitled "insert card and verify screen", the user will see on the
screen display 20 the welcome message and a prompt to insert the
banking (or ATM) card and to verify the password with the banking
network. The user will be prompted to select English or Spanish as
the language for the transactions as shown in FIG. 8F. The user
will then touch the screen display to select English or Spanish for
the transaction language.
[0112] In the card insert routine 300 a test is made in a step 302
to determine whether the magnetic striped identification card has
been placed in the card reader. If it has not, control is
transferred to a step 304 prompting the user to insert the card
through the card slot. The card is then read in a step 306 and the
user is prompted and enters a password in a step 308. A test is
made in a step 310 to determine whether the password is verifiable
with the banking network when communicated over the modem 29. If
the password is not, a test is made in a step 312 allowing the
password to be entered three more times. Assuming three
unsuccessful tries in a step 314, the incorrect password message is
displayed and process loops back to the step 308. If the password
is found to be correct after step 310 the transaction is proceeded
with in a step 316. If as a result of step 308 the transaction is
cancelled, control is transferred to a step 320 testing for whether
another transaction has been requested. This may be done by screen
prompts to be answered by the user as exemplified by the screen
displays shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The selection may be made by
keypads 26 and 27, as shown in FIG. 15A or by touch screen contact
with the appropriately labelled portion of the screen display shown
in FIG. 15B. If it is, a service option screen 322 is displayed. If
it is not, a test is made in step 324 to determine whether the card
is in the card reader. If the card reader does not have a card in
it the welcome screen is displayed in a step 326. If the card is in
the card reader it is ejected back to the customer in a step 328.
In the event that the password is entered more than three times
control is transferred to a step 330 causing the card to be eaten
or retained and placed in a card bin. In a step 332 the message is
displayed on the touch screen that the card has been retained and
the touch screen after that displays the welcome screen in the step
326.
[0113] The display shown in FIG. 8A prompts the user to insert the
card. After the insertion of the card, the display will prompt the
user to please enter the PIN or password number, as shown in FIG.
8B. The processing of the entered password is shown in FIG. 8C. If
an incorrect password has been used with the card, then the screen
display will display, as shown in FIG. 8D, the phrase "incorrect
password", and prompt the user to "please try again". If the
subsequent or second password is incorrect, the machine retains the
card and the screen display will show on its face, as shown in FIG.
8E, the statement that there still is an incorrect password, and
that the card is being retained. The card has been "eaten" by the
machine. The card can be retrieved only by contacting the financial
institution owning the machine. Having verified the card and having
verified the password or PIN number with the banking network over a
modem 29 or the like, the machine 10 is ready to proceed with a
transaction. The modem 29 communicates with the computer 21 through
the serial interface 21a to which it is connected.
[0114] The user display screen 20 will then display the transaction
options available to the user, such as those shown in FIG. 9 which
include 1) withdraw; 2) deposit; 3) cash check; 4) cash money
order; 5) buy money order; 6) wire transfer; 7) bill payments; 8)
purchase (lottery tickets, stamps and telephone cards). The display
shown in FIG. 9 will be on the panel display 20 and adjacent a pair
of flanking additional keypads 26 and 27 (FIGS. 1 and 6), which
have arrow keys which are aligned with these options 1-8. That is,
the pressing of the arrow key 26a opposite the number "1)"
"WITHDRAW" on the screen 20 will initiate a withdrawal. Whereas,
the operation of the second arrow key 27a in the right hand bank of
keys will initiate a "BUY MONEY ORDER" operation, to be described
hereinafter.
[0115] Assuming the user has selected the "1)"withdrawal option by
depressing the arrow key 26a opposite number "1) WITHDRAW", the
screen display 20 will then display a request to an account for a
withdrawal, i.e., from a checking or savings account. This is shown
in FIG. 10 with the display of a "1) CHECKING" and a "2) SAVINGS"
on the screen display opposite the arrow keys 26a and 26b. Assuming
that the user wishes to withdraw money from a checking account, the
user will press the arrow key 26a. The screen display 20 will then
show the display of FIG. 11 with the display labeled "WITHDRAW FROM
CHECKING" and with the monetary amounts "20", "40", "50", "100",
"200" and other listed opposite the selection arrow keys 26a-26c
and 27a-27c, respectively. By operating one of the particular arrow
keys, i.e., the arrow key $20.00 for withdrawal from checking, will
signal other positions of the apparatus 10 to perform a number of
operations shown on the flow chart entitled "WITHDRAW screen" shown
in FIG. 11A.
[0116] In a step 340 the withdraw screen is engaged and in a step
342 the user is prompted by the screen to insert the card and a
verify screen is displayed. If the card is verified control is
transferred to a step 344 allowing the user to choose from a
present withdrawal amount. If the user chooses to cancel the
transaction control is transferred to a step 346 testing for
another transaction. If the user chooses not to choose from a
preset withdrawal amount, the user may enter the withdrawal amount
in $5.00 increments in a step 348 or may cancel the transaction and
proceed to the other transaction test step 346. Assuming that the
withdrawal amount has been entered in $5.00 increments, the
withdrawal transaction is performed in a step 350 via checking over
the banking network. In a step 352 the cash dispenser dispenses the
withdrawn amount and in a step 354 the receipt is printed by the
receipt printed. Control is then transferred to the step 346
testing for additional transaction prompts. If there is, the
service option screen is then displayed in a step 360. If not, the
card is ejected from the card reader in a step 362 and the welcome
screen is displayed in a step 364.
[0117] A connection will then be made by the electronics network
and modem via the banking network to access the customer's account
in the bank; and then there will be an operation of a cash
dispenser 30 (FIGS. 1 and 5) to dispense $20.00 in cash. The cash
dispenser communicates with the computer 21 through the serial
communication device 21a to which it is connected, as shown in FIG.
24.
[0118] The cash dispenser 30 herein is a typical cash dispenser
unit used in an ATM machine. The illustrated cash dispenser is a G
& D America, Inc. Model ACD which is made by Giestcke and
Debrient America, Inc. The illustrated cash dispenser 30 has four
(4) bins. Each bin can hold four hundred notes. The preferred cash
dispenser 30 is loaded with four hundred $5.00 notes in one bin.
The other three bins are each loaded with four hundred $20.00
notes. Manifestly, more or less bins may be used and also different
cash dispensers may be used than that described herein.
[0119] The illustrated and preferred cash dispenser 30, as shown in
FIG. 5, is mounted for sliding horizontally to the right for
reloading, and is slid back into the position shown in FIG. 5 where
it is supported on slide tracks 32 mounted on the housing 12. The
cash being dispensed drops through a chute 36 into a hopper 38
having a pivoted axis door 40. The pivoted access door 40 allows
the dispensed cash to drop into a dispensed cash bin 42. As shown
in FIG. 6, in order to withdraw dispensed cash the user will reach
through a cash bin window 46 in the front housing wall 16 and
remove the cash from the bin 42. As shown in FIG. 7A, access to the
interior of the housing 12 and to the cash dispenser 30 for the
replenishing the cash is through a rear housing door 44. The rear
housing door 44 has a double security lock 47a and 47b and a handle
48. With the rear housing door 44 open, the cash bins can be
accessed and slid along the tracks 32. The double security lock 47a
and 47b provides security for the cash sections in the normal
manner of an ATM.
[0120] If the user had chosen the "SAVINGS ACCOUNT" on the display
20 for withdrawal transaction (shown in FIG. 10), she would have
pressed the arrow key 26b opposite the "SAVINGS ACCOUNT" prompt on
the screen display 20. As shown in FIG. 10, the display 20 would
then show the withdrawal from savings screen having the prompt
"WITHDRAW FROM SAVINGS." The user is requested to enter the amount
in $5.00 increments of the amount to be withdrawn. In this
instance, the user operates the keyboard to type in $500.00, the
amount to be withdrawn from savings. In such event, the withdraw
screen and flow chart shown in FIG. 12 is used to perform the
withdrawal from savings by the modem through the banking network,
and the cash dispenser 30 is then operated to dispense the cash
into the cash bin 42 for removal by the user.
[0121] For either a withdrawal from savings or a withdrawal from
checking, it is preferred to print out a receipt with a receipt
printer 50 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The receipt printer is connected
to the computer 21 through a parallel communication device 51. The
receipt printer 50 dispenses a printed paper receipt which is fed
therefrom and is issued, in this instance, from a receipt
dispensing slot 52 in the front wall 16 of housing 12. The user
will then receive the receipt which shows not only the amount being
withdrawn but also the transaction fee. Thus, the total withdrawn
from checking or savings for the transaction will include not only
the cash dispensed but also the transaction fee, i.e., $1.00 per
transaction.
[0122] The illustrated receipt printer 50 is preferably a Model
MP342F, manufactured by Star Micronics America, Inc. of Piscataway,
N.J. The receipt printer 50 has an automatic cutter for cutting the
receipt after printing. Manifestly, other printers or receipt
generators may be used than the model described herein.
[0123] The welcome screen is displayed in a step 220, as shown in
FIG. 9A. In a step 222 all hardware and software parameters are
initialized. In a step 224 the service options screen is displayed,
allowing a choice to enter. The withdrawal screen 226, the deposit
screen 228, the check cashing screen 230, the cashing of money
order screen 232, buy money order screen 234, the wire transfer
screen 236, the bill payment screen 238 or a make purchase screen
240.
[0124] Assuming now that the user had selected the deposit #2
option as shown in FIG. 9, and wanted to deposit into the checking
or savings account, the user would have pressed the arrow key 26b
of the keypad 26, which is opposite "DEPOSIT". This action results
in a request whether to deposit into a checking account or into a
savings account. Assuming the deposit was made into the checking
account, the flow chart of FIG. 13 shows the steps performed by
apparatus 10 which will be described in greater detail
hereinafter.
[0125] The deposit screen, which is displayed in a step 380,
requests insertion of the card and displays a verify screen in a
step 382. If the card is not inserted control is transferred to a
step 384 testing for whether any other transaction is to be carried
out. If it is, in a step 386 the service option screen is
displayed. If not, in a step 388 the card is ejected and the
welcome screen is displayed in a step 390. In the event that the
card has been verified a prompt is made to the user in the step 392
as to the type of deposit. If the user elects to cancel the
transaction, control is transferred to the step 384. If the user
selects "Cash", a cash deposit screen is displayed in a step 394.
If they select "Checking", a check deposit screen is displayed in a
step 396 and if they choose "Money Order," a money order deposit
screen is displayed in a step 398. Control is then transferred to a
step 400, causing the selected transaction to be performed by a
modem 29 through the banking network. In a step 402 the receipt is
printed out and control is then transferred to the other
transaction test step 384.
[0126] The deposit into checking screen display (FIG. 13A) prompts
the user with the statement: "WHAT WOULD LIKE TO DEPOSIT IN YOUR
CHECKING ACCOUNT 1) cash; 2) check; or 3) money order". Assuming
that the user has elected to deposit a check, the check transaction
will be selected by pressing the arrow key 26b of the keypad 26. As
shown in FIG. 13B, a request then will appear on the screen display
20 labeled " DEPOSIT CHECK" opposite a window 52 for the amount of
the check. In the window 52, the operator will then use the
keyboard 18 to enter the deposit amount of $675.52. In this
instance, a service charge in the amount of $1.00 will also be
displayed, as shown in FIG. 13B to the user. If the user has not
endorsed the check, the user will see, upon entering the amount,
will be that shown in FIG. 13C, which will request the user to
"sign the back of the check", and "when ready to insert the check
into a scanner slot". A scanner slot 54 is located above the user
display 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. In this instance, the check
will be inserted vertically. The illustrated slot 54 is
approximately 4".times.9", and the inserted check will be scanned
while it is in this vertical position, as will be described
hereinafter. As the check enters the slot 54, it is gripped by feed
rollers and moved along a feeding track 56 (FIG. 2). The check
feeds directly into and stops at an imaging station 55 where the
check is scanned or images of the front and the back sides of the
check are captured. A scanning and confirm flow chart is shown at
FIG. 14. It will be described in greater detail hereinafter with
respect to the software control and operations of the machine. As
shown in this flow chart, an optical character recognition (OCR)
scanner scans the document. A magnetic ink (MICR) reader reads the
magnetic ink data on the check, which will include the bank's
identification number as well as the user's checking account number
with the bank. Also, while the check is in this stopped position,
its legal line will be scanned, and the CAR line will be scanned to
verify that the check is for the correct amount, in this instance
$675.52. Also, while in the vertical stopped position, it is
preferred to have a camera unit 58 and 60 (FIG. 2) disposed on
opposite sides to capture images of both sides of the check and
connected through a SCSI device 59 to the computer 21. The images
are stored on a magnetic recording medium in TIFF format and are
provided with a tag so that the image file, as shown in FIG. 14,
can be later accessed if so desired.
[0127] At the beginning of the scanning operation, the check image
is processed to ascertain if the check has been inserted correctly.
In the scanning operation 420 the document is inserted in the
scanner slot in a step 422. The scanner using the camera 58 and 60
scans both sides of the documents and reads the magnetic ink via a
magnetic transducer in a step 424. The document is placed in the
holding area in a step 426 and a determination is made in a step
428 as to whether the document is a check or money order on the
basis of the presence or absence of the magnetic ink data. A check
is also made in a step 430 to determine whether the document is
inserted correctly. If it is not, the document is ejected from the
document slot in a step 432 and the touch screen displays if the
document is inserted incorrectly in a step 434 following which
control is transferred back to the step 422. If the document is not
a check or money order as determined in a step 428, control is
transferred to a step 440 causing both sides of the document to be
saved in a tagged image file format. If the document was inserted
correctly as tested for in step 430, both sides of the document are
saved in a step 440. In a step 442, the images are analyzed by
amount recognition software of the types supplied by Mitek of San
Diego, Calif., in particular its Quickstrokes Version 2.5 software.
Control is transferred to that software from step 442 and as may
best be seen in FIG. 25, in a step 450 the software is run. In a
step 452, the software recognition device is created and
initialized. The form files are read in a step 454, which form
files include the positions where the courtesy amount recognition
and where the signatures are likely stored in the fields within the
document. In a step 456 the scanned image file is read and in a
step 458 the neural network contained within the Quickstrokes
software recognizes the characters written in the signature line as
well as the characters written in the courtesy amount recognition
space and in the amount recognition line. The recognized characters
are then evaluated from the standpoint of a present confidence
level in a step 460, and character strings representative of those
characters are returned to the software set forth in FIG. 14 for
further evaluation. Referring now to FIG. 14 in a step 470, the
strings representing the signature verification as well as the
amount on the document are forwarded to the bank network by the
modem 29 for confirmation for payout. If there is no confirmation
control is transferred to a step 472 causing the document to be
ejected from the document slot and in a step 424 a document
rejection message is displayed. In a step 476 the current
transaction is denied. In the event that the documents are
confirmed in a step 470, the check or money order is stacked in an
accepted documents bin in a step 478 and confirmation on the
current transaction is sent to the banking network in a step
480.
[0128] If the images are not stored, the check is carried around
the U-shaped feed path 61 back to an eject slot 61a in the housing
wall 14 for retrieval by the user. The eject slot 61a is parallel
with and to the left of the insert slot 54. Assuming that the check
has been re-inserted correctly and images of both the front and
back have been captured, then the check is sent to an escrow or
holding area 64 in the check feed track. The holding area 64
communicates through the serial communication device 21a with the
computer 21, as shown in FIG. 24. As best seen in FIG. 4 at the
escrow area 64, the check is held for either depositing into a
store bin 66 if the check has been qualified and accepted, or the
check depositing transaction, the check will be fed from the escrow
area back to the eject slot 61a for removal by the user if failure
to verify the signature causes the check to be rejected for
deposit. Assuming that the banking network has been connected by
the modem 29 to other portions of the apparatus 10 and that the
check has been verified, the amount deposited is sent over the
banking network to the identified bank and identified account of
the user for deposit. The receipt printer 50 is then operated to
provide a written receipt to the user showing the amount deposited
minus the transaction charge of $1.00.
[0129] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the document handling of a
money order or a check will now be described in greater detail. The
check is inserted vertically through the scanner slot 54 and passes
in front of a pair of first infrared sensors 101 and 102, which
sense that the check has been inserted. These sensors are on
opposite sides of a guide or feed track 100 which includes a pair
of spaced parallel plates 103 and 103a extending inwardly to the
imaging station 55. Immediately beyond the infrared sensors 101 and
102, which detect the insertion of the document, is a pressure
roller 105 to push the check against the plate 103. The check is
pushed forwardly past a set of infrared sensors 110 and 112, which
will detect when the check is fully inserted into the scanner slot
and is gripped by a feeding belt 112 that runs through an entry
slot 114 between the image scanners 58 and 60 at the imaging
station 54. The feeding belt 112 extends through imaging station to
a large diameter roller 121 (FIG. 2B). The check pauses in its
travel at the imaging station 54, where the image taking video or
other scanners 58 and 60 take images of the front and back of the
check. Optical character recognition readers read the magnetic ink
recognition characters for the bank and for the customer's account.
Electronic signals from the image takers 58 and 60 provide
information concerning the signature for the check, the legal line
and the amount written thereon, and the CAR line and the amount
written thereon, all of which are stored magnetically, in this
instance, and provided with tag number for later recapture.
[0130] As best seen in FIG. 2B, a U-shaped track 120 is provided
around the large diameter roller 121 to guide the check to reverse
its direction of travel and to move into a slot between plates 122
and 123 of the check guide track 100 to a pair of inlet infrared
sensors 125 and 126, which sense the check coming into the inlet of
the escrow area 64. The feeding belt 112 is a cogged timing belt
which carries the checks about the drum 121 and between the plates
122 and 123 to the inlet to the escrow area. The cogged feeding
belt is driven by a stepper motor and travels about guide rollers
127.
[0131] At the escrow or holding area 64, there is provided a large
belt driving drum 130 which drives a cogged feeding belt 131 for
conveying the check first upwardly and to the left into the holding
area and from the latter into the deposit bin 66 above the holding
area 64. If the check is to be rejected, the feeding belt 131
reverses its direction of travel to eject the check through the
eject slot 62. The driving roller 130 includes a stepper motor 132,
which is mounted on the top of the roller 130. The stepper motor
132 is reversible in its rotation for rotating a drum 130 and the
feeding belt 131 in opposite directions and through a controlled
distance.
[0132] Infrared sensors 125 and 126 sense the passage of the check
from the imaging station 55 into the escrow area 64. The feeding
belt 131 is guided along and travels past a series of guide rollers
134a, 134b, 134c and 134d to the top of the holding area. The
endless timing belt 131 turns about the top guide roller 134d and
travels downwardly and to the right past a roller 136 to return to
a side of the drum 130, as seen in FIG. 2A.
[0133] The check is pushed against the timing belt 131 to travel
with the timing belt by four sets of pressure rollers 140a, 140b,
140c and 140d. At the top of the holding area is another pair of
infrared sensors 141 and 142, which sense the arrival of the upper
edge of the check and they signal that the check has been moved
completely into the holding area with the lower end of the check
being at or above the rollers 140a and 134a at the bottom of the
holding area and aligned with the eject slot 62. Once the check has
been accepted, the stepper motor 132 is turned to drive the drum
130 and the feeding belt 131 to cause the check to travel upwardly
into the overhead deposit bin 66. On the other hand if the check is
rejected as being unacceptable, the feeding belt travels in the
opposite downward direction to push the lower edge of the check
through the eject slot 62 and return it to the user. A lower end of
the guide plate and a spring guide finger 147 guide the outgoing
ejected check to slide and travel along a short guide plate 148 to
the aligned eject slot 62. Infrared sensors 150 and 151 (FIG. 2A)
at the bottom of the holding track sense when the check has been
removed from the eject slot by the machine user.
[0134] During the deposit transaction, the screen display 20 will
show a confirming message, such as shown in FIG. 13D, in the form
of a bar that progresses from left to right in window 69 being
viewed by the user. As the receipt is generated by receipt printer
50, the screen display 20 (FIG. 13E) will show that $674.52 "WILL
BE DEPOSITED INTO YOUR ACCOUNT. PLEASE TAKE THE RECEIPT WITH
YOU."
[0135] If, rather than depositing the check into a checking
account, the user had selected deposit into a savings account, the
screen will display the deposit into savings account shown in FIG.
13F. Then, the user would press the arrow key 26b for the "CHECK";
and the check would have been deposited the same as described above
with respect to deposit into the checking. A cash receipt would
have been provided to the user, as was the cash receipt generated
for the deposit into the checking account.
[0136] Assuming that the user had decided to deposit cash into
checking and had pushed the #1 cash button 26a of the keypad for
the display screen of FIG. 13A or had pressed the same button for a
cash deposit into savings (FIG. 13F), the processor would follow
the steps of the cash deposit flow chart shown in FIG. 13H.
[0137] In the cash deposit process 500 as set forth in FIG. 13H the
cash acceptor is initialized in a step 502. Money is inserted in
the cash acceptor in a step 504 and is accepted thereby. The bills
are read and are transferred to a cash bin in a step 506 and the
total of the bills presented in added up in a step 508. If the user
elects to deposit more bills in the cash deposit in a step 510
control is transferred back to step 5.04. If not, control is
transferred to a step 512 where the deposit transaction is
proceeded with.
[0138] The user display 20 as shown in FIG. 13G for deposit cash
would display the prompt "PLEASE INSERT YOUR. BILLS INTO THE
ACCEPTOR SLOT 60, WHICH IS SHOWN IN THE RIGHTHAND SECTION ABOVE THE
CASH DISPENSER." As may best be seen in FIG. 5, the cash dispenser
accepting slot 60 leads into a cash acceptor module 62, which
accepts cash, specifically bills in denominations of $1.00, $5.00,
$10.00 or $20.00. As shown in FIG. 24, the cash acceptor module 62
is connected to the computer 21 via a resistor network 62a having a
plurality of current limiting resistors. The resistor network is
connected to a digital I/O board 62b, in this embodiment a National
Instruments PC-DIO-96. The digital I/O board 62b is coupled to the
computer 21. The cash acceptor module 62 counts the deposited bills
and has a bin in a hopper 64 to receive the counted bills. The cash
acceptor module 62 is pivotally mounted at 66 to be swung to a
dotted line position for emptying deposited bills therefrom. The
preferred cash acceptor module 62 merely stacks the inserted bills
and counts the same. The cash acceptor module 62 is preferably a
Mars Electronic International Cash Acceptor Model AL4-L1-U1M, which
is one of several available cash acceptors. It will not only stack
the bills and retain them in a machine, but will add up the total
amount of cash. The cash flow chart shown in FIG. 13H will be
described in greater detail hereinafter in connection with the
software and overall control of the machine. The deposit
transaction proceed from the flow chart of FIG. 13H back to the
flow chart of FIG. 13 to proceed through the modem and banking
methods to make the deposit into the user's checking or savings
account. The machine 10 will operate the receipt printer 50 to
print a receipt to be dispensed to the user through the receipt
slot 52, showing the amount deposited less the transaction fee,
which is illustrated as $1.00 in this instance.
[0139] When depositing cash, the illustrated cash acceptor 62 will
total the cash received and show this cash being deposited, as
shown on the screen 20 which shows that the $20.00 has been
deposited after $45.00 more dollars have been deposited, making for
a total deposit of $65.00, as shown in FIG. 13J. A receipt will
then be printed by the receipt printer 50, and the user will be
notified that $65.00 will be deposited in the user's account (FIG.
13K).
[0140] Assuming that the user, when prompted by the options screen
of FIGS. 3 and 9, has elected to press the arrow key 26c to
initiate the check cashing transaction, the user display 20 will
prompt the user to enter the amount of the check into the window 68
(FIG. 16). The flow chart, with respect to cashing a check, is
shown in FIG. 16A.
[0141] The cash check process is entered at a point 520 and as a
result, the magnetic card reader accepts a magnetic identification
card in a step 522 and displays a verify screen. The user can exit
the transaction by transferring to a step 524 where he or she is
prompted for another transaction. If not, the amount of the check
is entered in a step 526 and the check is scanned and confirmed in
a step 528 as set forth previously. The user then enters an amount
in a step 530 to be received in cash and the banking network is
accessed in a step 532 to determine whether the check has a balance
from which the check may be cashed. If so, in a step 534 the cash
dispenser dispenses cash in the cash amount and in a step 536 the
receipt is printed by the receipt printer. Control is then
transferred to a step 524 and if another transaction is desired,
the service option screen is accessed in a step 526. If another
transaction is not wanted, control is transferred to a step 528
causing the card to be ejected from the card reader and in a step
530 the welcome screen is displayed.
[0142] The user enters through the keyboard 18 the amount, such as
$90.00, shown in FIG. 16B, the amount will be scanned and
confirmed, and the service charge of $1.00 is shown on the screen
display of FIG. 16. The user may select to continue the transaction
or to cancel it by pressing the appropriate button of keypads 26 or
27. The touch screen display shown in FIG. 16H allows the user to
make the selection by touching the portions of the display labelled
either CONTINUE or CANCEL. If the user has not signed the back of
the check, the user will be requested to do so (FIG. 16C). If the
check was inserted backwards, as it is viewed by the scanner, the
check will be returned through the rejected material outlet slot
62. The user will invert the check and insert it now in the correct
vertical position into the insert slot 54. From there the check
will be carried into the scanning imaging station where cameras 58
and 60 will capture the images of opposite sides of the check. The
processor by executing document verification software will then
analyze the signature image and compare it with the profile
signature of the user. Likewise, the processor by using the
verification software, will also read the cursive legal amount line
and the written numerical amount at the CAR line, as will be
described hereinafter in connection with the document verification
software in greater detail.
[0143] After re-insertion of the check, the user will be requested
to re-enter the amount of $90.00 (FIG. 16D). The check image will
again be processed and if the amounts match the keyed-in amount the
user display will show an "OK" for the amount (FIG. 16D). During
the scanning and the verification operations with communication to
the user's account, through the banking modem, the screen will
display "OCR" with a movable bar, as shown in FIG. 16E. The next
prompt shown on this screen will be to enter the portion of the
check amount that the user wants to receive in cash. The cash is
selected in $5.00 increments. The machine then informs the user any
remaining amount of the check will be received in cash (FIG. 16F).
With reference to the specific example given herein as shown in
FIG. 16F, the user's screen display 20 will show that there has
been a $90.00 check scan with a service charge of $1.00, leaving a
balance of $89.00. The operator will have used the keyboard to
enter the request for $40.00 cash, in $5.00 increments, as shown in
window 70. As will be explained in greater detail in connection
with check cashing flow chart of. FIG. 16A, the cash dispenser 30
will then be operated to dispense $40.00 into the cash bin 56,
which the user will then remove. As shown in FIG. 16G, the amount
of $40.00 will be deposited in the user's account through the
banking network; and the receipt printer 50 will print a receipt
for the deposit of $40.00.
[0144] The cashing of the money order is much like cashing a check.
It will be described hereinafter in connection with the flow chart
shown in FIG. 17, and in connection with the screen of FIG.
17A.
[0145] The cash money order process is accessed in a step 570. The
magnetic card is prompted to be inserted in a step 522 and a verify
screen is raised. If the user decides to exit the transaction, she
may so signal and control is transferred to a step 574, testing for
whether another transaction is desired. Assuming that the card is
verified and that the transaction is to proceed, the amount of the
money order to be paid out is entered in a step 576. In a step 578
the money order is inserted and scanned and confirmed, and in a
step 580, assuming the confirmation occurs, the user enters the
amount for the money order to receive in cash. In a step 580 a
query is generated by a modem to the banking network to determine
whether the amount of the money order is backed by funds. Assuming
that it is, in a step 584 the cash dispenser dispenses the cash
amount and a receipt is printed in a step 586. Control is then
transferred to the other transaction test step. If another
transaction is desired the service option screen is displayed in a
step 588 if not, the card reader is ejected in a step 590 and the
welcome screen is displayed in a step 592.
[0146] Assuming that the user, when viewing the options available
(FIG. 9) had pressed the arrow 26d opposite "cash money order", to
institute this transaction, a prompt is then made of the user, as
shown in FIG. 17A, to operate the keyboard 18 to enter the amount
of the money order, which, in this instance, is $750.00. The screen
will also show the transaction service charge of $1.00 and the
available amount of $100.00 in cash.
[0147] The cash money order screen displays $100.00 in a window 71
and prompts the operator to enter from the keyboard 18 the amount
of cash that the user would like to receive in $5.00 increments. In
this instance, the user has entered $100.00 into the window 71. In
a manner similar to that used for the scanning of the check, the
cameras 58 and 60 photograph both sides of the cash money order and
locate the indicia showing the amount of the money order and read
the amount indicia. The magnetic ink indicia identifying the issuer
and the account of the issuer are read; and the signature on the
back of the money order is scanned and confirmed. Then a
communications network via a modem is connected to the issuer's
account, indicating that the authenticity of the money order is
being checked. When the machine 10 receives signals that the money
order is authentic, the cash dispenser 30 is then operated to
transfer $100.00 cash into the cash bin 46 for removal by the user.
If the user had not signed the back of the money order, he would
have been informed to reinsert the money order, as shown in FIG.
17B. If the money order could not be processed, it would be
returned through the reject slot 62. The user display 20 would
state that the money order could not be processed and that the user
should check with his financial institution, as shown in FIG.
17C.
[0148] Assuming the user had selected, in FIG. 9, the #5 option of
buying a money order by pressing the right hand button 27a on the
keypad, then the buy money order screens and flow chart would have
been operative, as will now be described. The first prompt shown on
the purchase money order display 20 (FIG. 18), requests the name of
the person to whom the money order is to be paid. In this instance,
the name is John Doe, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 18A. Having operated
the user keyboard 18 to enter the payee's name, i.e., "John Doe,"
the operator will next enter the amount of $500.00, as shown in
window 72 in FIG. 18A. The service charge of $0.50 is shown so that
the total amount needed for the purchase of the money is $500.50.
As may best be seen in FIG. 18B, it is preferred to provide the
purchaser of the money order with a number of options for payment
including by cash, by credit card withdrawal from an account of the
user, and by a smart card. Or the user may return to the money
order, if he so desires. The flow chart for buying a money order is
shown in FIG. 18B.
[0149] In a buy money order transaction, the process is entered via
step 600 and the money order recipient's name is entered in a step
602 or if cancellation is desired, control is transferred to
another transaction test step 604. Assuming that the recipient's
name has been entered, the amount of the money order is entered in
a step 606 and in a step 608 a method of payment is chosen causing
prompts to occur via a cash payment screen 610, a credit card
screen 612, a smart card payment screen 614 or a balance withdrawal
screen 616. The particular transaction for payment is then
processed in a step 618 and the money order is printed out in a
step 620. A receipt is printed in a step 622 and the transaction
test 604 is then made. If further transactions are to occur, the
service option screen is displayed in a step 624. If not, a test is
done in a step 626 to determine if the card is in the card reader.
If it is, the card is ejected in a step 628 and the welcome screen
is displayed in a step 630.
[0150] The buy money order transaction will be tagged and through
the banking network, the printer 76 (FIG. 1) will print the money
order. The money order printer 76 is disposed, in this instance,
side-by-side with the receipt printer 50, as is shown in FIGS. 1
and 3 and is connected to the computer 21 through the parallel
communication device 51, as shown in FIG. 24. The printed money
order is dispensed from a money order dispensing slot 78, which is
adjacent to the receipt printing slot 72 in the front housing wall
16 of the apparatus 10. The illustrated money order printer may be
similar to the receipt printer 50 and is available from Star
Micronics America, Inc., Model MP3342F. It includes an automatic
cutter.
[0151] As shown in FIG. 18C, the user screen display 20 will then
display that $500.50 has been withdrawn from the user's account,
and that the money order is being printed. Both a money order and a
receipt will be issued from the money order slot 78 and the receipt
slot 52, respectively.
[0152] If the user had selected the wire transfer option in FIG. 9
and had depressed the arrow key 27a for wire transfer, the screen
of FIG. 19 would be displayed on the user's display 20 prompting
the user to use the keyboard 18 to enter the name of the person to
whom the money is to be wired. Then the screen display 20 would
request the name of the bank, as shown in FIG. 19A, which will be
entered, such as First American. The next request of the user is
shown in FIG. 19B and that is for the Federal routing code or the
routing for the bank for the transfer. The routing is to be typed
in by the user using the keyboard. The number "7896654" has been
typed in as the federal routing code in FIG. 19B. The account
number of the receiver is then requested, as shown in FIG. 19C. The
account number in this instance is shown as "987-87654" and has
been typed in by the user using the keyboard 18.
[0153] Having entered the information for the wire transfer to a
specific account, the screen display 20 requests the amount to be
sent, which in this instance, as shown in window 78 is $850.00. A
service charge of 10%, or $85.00 of the $850.00 amount charged is
shown to the user bringing the transaction total to $935.00, as
shown in window 78a. The flow chart for a wire transfer of money is
shown in FIG. 19E.
[0154] The wire transfer process 640 is started with a step 642 for
entering information related to the transfer related to the bank
the transfer is to be made to as well as the account. In a step 644
the amount to be transferred is entered. In a step 646 the method
of paying for the wire transfer is selected, causing control to
transfer to a cash payment screen 648, to a credit card screen 650,
to a smart card payment screen 652 or to a withdrawal screen 654.
Following that, in a step 656 the selected payment transfer occurs
and the wire transfer occurs via the modem over the banking
network. In a step 658 a receipt is printed and in a step 660 a
test is made for whether another transaction is to occur. If it is,
a service option screen is displayed in a step 662. If it is not, a
test is made in a step 664 to determine if the card is in the
reader. If so, the card is ejected in a step 666 and the welcome
screen is displayed in a step 668.
[0155] A request for the method, of payment which can be any of
four different payment methods, is shown in FIG. 19F. In this
instance, the options of cash, credit card, withdrawal from my
account, or smart card may be selected by operating the appropriate
keypads 26 and 27 along the display 20, shown in FIG. 19F. After
selecting the appropriate method of payment, the machine is then
connected over the banking network (FIG. 19E) to the bank to
deposit $850.00 in John Doe's account no. 987-87654. The printer
will cause a printout of the receipt showing a payment and wire
transfer to John Doe of $850.00 and a total transaction fee of
$935.00, the latter may be charged by credit card, smart card, or
withdrawal from my account, as shown in FIG. 19E. On the other
hand, the user could have deposited cash of $935.00 to the cash
acceptor slot 60, which would then count and hold the cash in the
cash acceptor 34. Having finished the transaction, the charge card
(if used for payment) would be ejected, as shown in FIG. 19E.
[0156] Returning again to the options available as shown in FIG. 9,
if the operator had pressed the key 47c on the keypad 47 to select
the "bill payments" option, then a bill option screen (FIG. 20)
would have been shown on the user display 20. The bills which may
be paid are listed on the display 20, viz., telephone, electric,
gas, cable, water and credit cards. The operator will use one of
the keypad buttons on keypads 46 and 47 to select from the screen
of FIG. 4 the particular bill to be paid. In the alternative the
bill payment selection may be made by touching the appropriately
labelled region of the menu display on the touch screen display
shown in FIG. 20J. It will be requested on the user display, as
shown in FIG. 20A, to enter the amount for the bill selected, such
as $129.67 for the telephone bill. Then, the telephone bill may be
inserted into the scanning material insert slot 54 where the images
of both sides of the bill will be captured. The particular bill
payments have to be qualified with the user's account beforehand,
and the particular bill has to be recognized so that the amount of
the bill and the field of the money can be located as well as the
identity of the company--the telephone company, in this instance.
The verifier will read the customer's account number, the payee's
account number, and the amount of the bill. The position of this
data on the bill as well as the script, font, etc. will vary
greatly. To aid in reading the bill, a keypad may be provided for
operation by the user. Having manually identified for the processor
all of the fields on the image of bill, the interpretation of the
field image is done in the same manner as analyzing a check or
money order. The bill is verified, and if OK, the request is then
stated as to the total amount to be paid for the transaction. The
user then will receive the request to enter the amount to pay on
the telephone bill, as shown in FIG. 20A, which in this instance,
is $129.67. The service charge of $0.60 will be also displayed to
the user on the user display 20 along with the total, which is
shown in the window at the bottom of the screen. For instance, the
total charge of $130.27 (FIG. 20A) to pay the particular telephone
bill.
[0157] When paying a telephone bill the screen will then
interrogate the user as to whether she wishes to pay another bill
via an inquiry, such as the inquiry shown in FIG. 20C wherein it is
desired to pay a gas bill of $45.22. The sum of $45.22 is entered
by the user using the keyboard 18. As shown in FIG. 20D, the user
is then prompted to load the gas bill into the scanner slot. The
gas bill will be read in the same manner as the telephone bill was
read by the cameras 58 and 60. The magnetic or the other optical
character recognition information on the bill will be analyzed to
connect the payment of $45.22 to the appropriate account to the
bill paying network. If the user also decides to pay a gas bill,
the user will press "continue". Herein, the user decided to pay a
credit card bill of $96.82 as shown in FIG. 20E for a third service
charge of $0.60, which will bring the of the total service charges
to $1.80.
[0158] The total amount of the three bills, the telephone bill, the
gas bill and the credit card bill plus the service charge will be
$273.51.
[0159] Next, the method of payment is requested (FIG. 20F); and if
the user elects to pay with credit card, he will press the keypad
button 26b and cause the screen FIG. 20G to be shown on the user
panel 20, requesting that the user insert the credit card bill into
the slot. The bill payments have been made over the bills payment
network and the bills will have been collected in the receiver bin.
This process is set forth as shown in FIG. 20H.
[0160] The bill payment process 720 is entered by selecting the
type of bill such as telephone bill, electric bill, to be paid in a
step 722. The bill is scanned and verified in a step 724 and the
amount to be paid is entered manually in a step 726. A test is made
in a step 728 to determine whether other bills are to be paid. If
so, control is transferred to step 722. If not, control is
transferred to a step 730, testing for other transactions. A method
of payment inquiry is made in a step 732 and in response thereto, a
cash screen is displayed in a step 734 or a credit card payment
screen is displayed in a step 736. A smart card payment screen is
displayed in a step 738 or a withdrawal screen is displayed in a
step 740. After selecting the payment method, the funds are then
transferred so that the bill is paid via modem connection in a step
742 and a receipt is printed out in a step 744. If another
transaction is desired from step 730, the service option screen is
displayed in a step 746. Otherwise, a test is made to determine if
the card is in a card reader in a step 748. The card is ejected in
a step 750 and the welcome screen is displayed in a step 752.
[0161] When finished with the bill payment, the screen display
shows that $273.51 has been withdrawn from the account in FIG. 20H
with a notation that "your bills are paid". As flow chart for the
bill payment shows in FIG. 20H, the receipt is printed by the
receipt printer 50 which then ejects the receipt through the slot
52 to the user. The ATM card is then ejected from the card reader
back to the user.
[0162] If the user had elected in FIG. 9 to buy lottery tickets,
stamps or telephone calling cards, the purchase option would be
selected by depressing the keypad button 47d to cause the purchase
display screen of FIG. 21 to be present on the user display 20,
which shows the option of buying stamps at $6.50 a booklet, a smart
card at $5.00 a card, or a telephone card at $10.00 a card
obviously, the number of items to be purchased could be enlarged to
include lottery tickets or other end user items, which could be
dispensed easily through purchasing goods dispensing slots 84, 85
and 86 shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 below three goods dispenser units
comprising a lottery ticket dispenser 87, a stamp dispenser 88, a
telephone calling card dispenser 89 and a smart card transaction
vendor or handler 89a, all connected to the digital I/O board 62b
via the resistor network 62a for communication with the computer
21. The dispenser receiving slots are located in the front wall 16
of the housing 12, and the dispensers for the stamps, telephone
cards or smart card are mounted on rails 90, as best seen in FIG.
3. The rails 90 allow for sliding movement so that they can be
accessed through a rear service door 94 (FIG. 7). The rear service
door 94 has its own security lock 96 for denying unauthorized
access to the interior of the housing 12 and to the goods
dispensers 87, 88 and 89. A central door 97 having a security lock
98 can be opened to access the central portion of the machine 10
having the checks and the bills 66, the cameras 58 and 60, etc.
While a variety of dispensers could be used, the illustrated
dispensers are card dispensers which are made by Asahi Seiko USA,
Inc., Model CD1000. Manifestly, dispensers may be used other than
those card dispensers herein described by way of example.
[0163] As shown in FIG. 21, the user may select one or more of the
various items to be purchased. A telephone card may be selected by
pushing the key 46c to select one $10.00 card. By pressing the
"continue" button, the user is then provided with a screen display,
as shown in FIG. 21B for buying smart cards or stamps. In the
alternative the touch screen display shown in FIG. 21I can be used
to make the selection by touching the appropriately labelled region
of the screen display. In this instance, three smart cards at $5.00
a card have been selected by operating keypad button 46b to result
in a grand total of $25.00 in purchases. The next screen to be
shown on the display 20 prompts the user to select the method of
payment for the $25.00 purchase. The user will then operate one of
the keypads to select by cash, credit, withdrawal from account or
smart card as a payment mode, as shown in FIG. 21C.
[0164] In this instance, the operator has decided to pay with cash
and has punched the arrow key 26a on the keypad 26. The screen
shown in FIG. 21D will then be provided on the display 20
requesting the insertion of the cash into the cash acceptor slot
60. The cash is then verified as counted, FIG. 21E shows that the
user has inserted only $20.00, which has been accepted by the cash
acceptor 64 and counted. The screen will then show to the user in
FIG. 21F that the payment of $21.00 is insufficient for the total
transaction of $25.00. If the user only inserts another $3.00, the
transaction screen will show that the payment is still $1.00 short,
as shown in FIG. 21G wherein the transaction is $25.00. If another
dollar bill is inserted into the machine, then the user will see
the screen shown in FIG. 21H, which will inform the user to take
his merchandise with him. Dispensing of the merchandise occurs as
shown in the flow chart of FIG. 21A, and the machine control
operates the receipt printer 50 to print a receipt for the user
which will be dispensed at the dispensing receipt slot 52.
[0165] In order to make a purchase, the purchase process is entered
in a step 770. The item to be purchased, such as smart card
balance, telephone calling card, stamps or lottery tickets are
selected in a step 772, or if desired, the transaction can be
cancelled, causing control to be transferred to another transaction
test step 774. Assuming that an item is chosen to purchased such as
a lottery ticket, the quantity of the item is prompted for in a
step 776 and entered, and a test is made in a step 778 as to
whether another purchase is to be made. If it is, control is
transferred back to step 772. If not, in a step 780 the method of
payment is selected, causing a cash payment screen to be displayed
in a step 782 or a credit card screen to be displayed in a step
784, or a smart card payment screen to be displayed in a step 786
or a withdrawal screen to be displayed in a step 778, following
which the funds are accepted and the merchandise, such as the
lottery ticket, is dispensed, in a step 790. The receipt is printed
in the step 792 and another transaction is tested for in step 774.
If another transaction is desired, the service options display
screen is displayed in step 794. If it is not, a test is made to
determine if the card is in the card reader in a step 796. The card
is ejected in step 798 and the welcome screen is displayed in step
800.
[0166] As above described herein, it is preferred not to have any
coins or coin changers in the machine; and to provide $5.00 bills
as the lowest denomination bills that will be paid out in change.
Usually, the cash payment process will follow the flow chart shown
in FIG. 22.
[0167] In order to effect a cash payment for one of the
transactions such as the purchase of lottery tickets, transfer of a
balance into the smart card or into a checking account or the like,
the process is entered in a step 810 and the cash acceptor is
initialized in a step 812. The currency is accepted in a step 814
and is totaled in a step 816. The accepted bills are stacked in the
holding area in step 818 and a test is made to determine whether
the total covers the transaction amount in a step 820. If it does
not, more money is accepted in a step 814. If the transaction is
covered a step is made in a step 822 to determine if change is due.
If change is due, it is given in $5.00 increments with the
remainder credited to the smart card in a step 824 and the
transaction proceeds in a step 826.
[0168] The $5.00 and $20.00 dollar bills available for change are
stacked in the four cash bins. If the payment calculation shows
that cash tendered covers the transaction, and that change is due,
the change will be in cash in $5.00 increments by operation of the
cash dispenser. Alternatively, any remaining change of less than
$5.00 will be credited to a smart card or to a bank account to
avoid the necessity of storing and handling small denomination
bills and coins. The option will be exercised by the user with
respect to change as shown on the screen display (FIG. 23). The
user can insert a smart card into the card slot 14, and the smart
card writer 89a (FIG. 1) will write the change by increasing the
balance on the smart card, and then return the smart card to the
user. If the user wants to deposit the change into his account, the
user will operate arrow key 26b to cause the deposit transaction to
occur over the banking network.
[0169] It will be appreciated that although various aspects of the
invention have been described with respect to specific embodiments,
alternatives and modifications will be apparent from the present
disclosure, which are within the spirit and scope of the present
invention as set forth in the following claims.
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