U.S. patent application number 11/388539 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-27 for bill payment systems and methods using a kiosk.
This patent application is currently assigned to First Data Corporation. Invention is credited to Kenneth Algiene, Paul A. Blair, Donald R. Crowell, Mark Thompson.
Application Number | 20060167794 11/388539 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31887003 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060167794 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crowell; Donald R. ; et
al. |
July 27, 2006 |
Bill payment systems and methods using a kiosk
Abstract
A method of transferring funds includes providing a first kiosk
having a negotiable instrument acceptor. The negotiable instrument
acceptor is configured to acquire information from a negotiable
instrument. The method further includes providing a first kiosk
access device to a first customer. Providing the first kiosk access
device includes receiving and storing personal information
associated with the first customer. The method also includes, at
the first kiosk, acquiring access information from the first kiosk
access device, based at least in part on the access information,
determining whether to provide access to the kiosk, via the
negotiable instrument acceptor, receiving a negotiable instrument,
acquiring negotiable instrument information from the negotiable
instrument, and, based at least in part on the negotiable
instrument information, determining whether to provide the customer
access to value represented by the negotiable instrument.
Inventors: |
Crowell; Donald R.;
(Glassboro, NJ) ; Blair; Paul A.; (Parker, CO)
; Algiene; Kenneth; (Littleton, CO) ; Thompson;
Mark; (Parker, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
First Data Corporation
Englewood
CO
|
Family ID: |
31887003 |
Appl. No.: |
11/388539 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11241810 |
Sep 29, 2005 |
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11388539 |
Mar 23, 2006 |
|
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10225410 |
Aug 20, 2002 |
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11241810 |
Sep 29, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/14 20130101;
G07F 19/20 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101; G06Q 20/1085 20130101;
G06Q 20/10 20130101; G07F 19/203 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/040 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/00 20060101
G06Q040/00 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A method for paying a bill using a kiosk, the method
comprising: accessing a kiosk having a display screen, a keypad and
a communication device to permit the kiosk to communicate over a
network; displaying on the display screen a bill payment option;
selecting the bill payment option; selecting a method of payment to
pay the bill; entering into the kiosk account information;
transmitting from the kiosk to a host computer system an electronic
file containing transaction data relating to payment of the bill;
receiving at the kiosk a verification of the transaction data;
displaying on the display screen a summary of the transaction data
including any services charges; prompting for a remittance of funds
to consummate payment of the bill.
20. A method as in claim 19, wherein the kiosk includes a cash
dispenser, and further comprising dispensing cash from the cash
dispenser, and further comprising remitting cash to consummate
payment of the bill.
21. A method as in claim 19, wherein the kiosk further includes a
value acceptance port for receiving value to pay for the bill, and
further comprising entering a negotiable instrument into the value
acceptance port to pay for the bill.
22. A method as in claim 19, wherein the kiosk further includes a
card reader, and further comprising reading payment information
from a card to provide funds to pay for the bill.
23. A method as in claim 19, wherein the method of payment to pay
the bill is selected from a group consisting of cash, a debit card,
a credit card, a money order, a check and a stored value card.
24. A method as in claim 19, further comprising entering into the
kiosk a password and a sender PIN.
25. A method as in claim 19, wherein the kiosk includes a
telephone, and further comprising communicating with a customer
service representative using the telephone to assist with payment
of the bill.
26. A method as in claim 19, wherein the kiosk includes a speaker,
and further comprising communicating with a customer service
representative using the speaker to assist with payment of the
bill.
27. A kiosk comprising: a housing; a display screen coupled to the
housing; a keypad coupled to the housing; a communication device to
permit the kiosk to communicate over a network; a processor in
communication with the display screen, the keypad and the
communication device, wherein the processor configured to: display
on the display screen a bill payment option; receive a selection of
the bill payment option; receive a selection of a method of payment
to pay the bill; receive account information; transmit to a host
computer system an electronic file containing transaction data
relating to payment of the bill; receive a verification of the
transaction data; display on the display screen a summary of the
transaction data including any services charges; prompt for a
remittance of funds to consummate payment of the bill.
28. A kiosk as in claim 27, further comprising a cash dispenser,
and wherein the processor is configured to dispense cash from the
cash dispenser and to process a cash payment for payment of the
bill.
29. A kiosk as in claim 27, further comprising a value acceptance
port for receiving a negotiable instrument to pay for the bill.
30. A kiosk as in claim 27, further comprising a reader that is
configured to read payment information from a card to provide funds
to pay for the bill.
31. A kiosk as in claim 27, further comprising a reader is
configured to read data from a group of instruments consisting of
cash, a debit card, a credit card, a money order, a check and a
stored value card.
32. A kiosk as in claim 27, wherein the processor is further
configured to receive a password and a sender PIN.
33. A kiosk as in claim 27, further comprising a telephone to
permit a user to communicate with a customer service representative
to assist with payment of the bill.
34. A kiosk as in claim 27, further comprising a speaker to permit
a user to communicate with a customer service representative to
assist with payment of the bill.
35. A method for paying a bill using a kiosk, the method
comprising: accessing a kiosk having a display screen, a keypad and
a communication device to permit the kiosk to communicate over a
network; displaying on the display screen a bill payment option;
selecting the bill payment option; selecting a method of payment to
pay the bill; contacting a customer service representative to
receive a sender identifier; entering into the kiosk the sender
identifier; entering into the kiosk account information;
transmitting from the kiosk to a host computer system an electronic
file containing transaction data relating to payment of the bill;
receiving at the kiosk a verification of the transaction data;
displaying on the display screen a summary of the transaction data
including any services charges; prompting for a remittance of funds
to consummate payment of the bill; and entering into the kiosk
payment information to pay for the bill.
36. A method as in claim 35, wherein the kiosk includes a cash
dispenser, and further comprising dispensing cash from the cash
dispenser, and further comprising remitting cash to consummate
payment of the bill.
37. A method as in claim 35, wherein the kiosk further includes a
value acceptance port for receiving value to pay for the bill, and
further comprising entering a negotiable instrument into the value
acceptance port to pay for the bill.
38. A method as in claim 35, wherein the kiosk further includes a
card reader, and further comprising reading payment information
from a card to provide funds to pay for the bill.
39. A method as in claim 35, wherein the method of payment to pay
the bill is selected from a group consisting of cash, a debit card,
a credit card, a money order, a check and a stored value card.
40. A method as in claim 35, wherein the kiosk further includes a
printer, and further comprising printing a receipt.
41. A method for associating additional value with a stored value
instrument using a kiosk, the method comprising: accessing a kiosk
having a display screen, a keypad, a presentation instrument
reader, a cash dispenser, a value acceptance port and a
communication device to permit the kiosk to communicate over a
network; receiving a cash payout from the cash dispenser; reading
information from a presentation instrument that is associated with
an account that has a previously stored value associated therewith;
entering into the kiosk an additional amount of value to add to the
presentation instrument; entering cash into the value acceptance
port; and associating the additional amount of value with the
account.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/241,810, entitled MULTI-PURPOSE KIOSK AND
METHODS, filed on Sep. 29, 2005 by Crowell et al, which is a
continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of, co-pending,
commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/225,410,
entitled MULTI-PURPOSE KIOSK AND METHODS," filed on Aug. 20, 2002,
by Blair, et al., the entire disclosure of which is herein
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
[0002] This application is related to the following co-pending,
commonly-assigned United States Patent Applications: U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/737,912, entitled, "ONLINE METHOD AND
SYSTEM FOR ORDERING AND HAVING DELIVERED A PAPER GREETING MESSAGE
AND PAYMENT INSTRUMENT" (Attorney Docket No. 020375-001000US),
filed on Dec. 15, 2000, by Peter Karas and James Cowell; U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/010,068, entitled, "ELECTRONIC GIFT
GREETING" (Attorney Docket No. 020375-000610US), filed on Dec. 6,
2001, by Peter Karas, James Cowell, James R. Yoder, Matt F. Golub,
and Aamer Ali Baig; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/346,363, entitled, "METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING
MONEY-ORDER REQUESTS" (Attorney Docket No. 020375-007610US), filed
on Jan. 4, 2002, by Joseph Cachey, III, Dean Seifert, Mark
Thompson, Judy Fleming, and Carol Darlan; U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/321,783, entitled, "METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING
TRANSACTION REQUESTS" (Attorney Docket No. 020375-007630US), filed
on Dec. 16, 2002, by Joseph Cachey III, Dean A. Seifert, Mark
Thompson, Judy Fleming, Carol Darland and Ken Algiene; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/955,747, entitled, "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR
TRANSFERRING STORED VALUE" (Attorney Docket No. 020375-000300US),
filed on Sep. 18, 2001, by Kurt Hansen and Joseph Cachey, III; and
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/040,568, entitled, "SYSTEMS AND
METHODS OF INTRODUCING AND RECEIVING INFORMATION ACROSS A COMPUTER
NETWORK" (Attorney Docket No. 020375-003000US), filed on Jan. 4,
2002, by Dean Seifert and Mark Thompson, which applications are
herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to financial
transactions. The present invention relates more specifically to
systems and methods for sending and receiving value using unmanned
financial transaction kiosks.
[0004] Third party money transfer services are well known, one
example of which is the service provided by Western Union, a
subsidiary of First Data Corporation of Greenwood Village, Colo.
The services are used extensively by the unbanked to transfer money
and pay bills through the use of wire transfers, money orders, and
the like. The use of such services, however, usually requires
face-to-face contact between an individual representing the third
party service provider and the sender and/or the receiver. For
example, if a sender is "wiring" money to a receiver, the money is
typically deposited with the third party in person, and the sender
typically obtains the money from the third party in person. If the
money is transferred in the form of a money order, the sender
typically deposits the money with the third party in person and
receives a money order.
[0005] For a number of reasons, systems and methods are needed that
provide convenient access to money transfer services with less
dependency on manned money transfer locations.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Embodiments of the invention provide a method of
transferring funds. The method includes providing a first kiosk
having a negotiable instrument acceptor. The negotiable instrument
acceptor is configured to acquire information from a negotiable
instrument. The method further includes providing a first kiosk
access device to a first customer. Providing the first kiosk access
device includes receiving and storing personal information
associated with the first customer. The method also includes, at
the first kiosk, acquiring access information from the first kiosk
access device, based at least in part on the access information,
determining whether to provide access to the kiosk, via the
negotiable instrument acceptor, receiving a negotiable instrument,
acquiring negotiable instrument information from the negotiable
instrument, and, based at least in part on the negotiable
instrument information, determining whether to provide the customer
access to value represented by the negotiable instrument.
[0007] In some cases, the method further includes providing an
access code to the first customer. The method may include providing
a second kiosk having a currency dispenser, communicable coupling
the first and second kiosks, at the second kiosk, receiving the
transaction identifier from a second customer, receiving a request
from the second customer to dispense funds associated with the
transaction identifier, and dispensing the finds from the cash
dispenser. The method also may include providing a second kiosk
having a currency dispenser, communicable coupling the first and
second kiosks, at the second kiosk, receiving the transaction
identifier from the first customer, receiving a request from the
customer to dispense funds associated with the transaction
identifier, and dispensing the finds from the cash dispenser. The
method may include providing a currency dispenser at the first
kiosk, at the first kiosk, receiving the transaction identifier
from a second customer, receiving a request from the second
customer to dispense funds associated with the transaction
identifier, and dispensing the finds from the cash dispenser.
Determining whether to provide the customer access to value
represented by the negotiable instrument may include transmitting
the negotiable instrument information to a negotiable instrument
verification service and receiving a verification message from the
negotiable instrument verification service. The negotiable
instrument information includes at least an account number and a
financial institution identifier. The verification message may
include a score, in which case determining whether to provide the
customer access to value represented by the negotiable instrument
may include comparing the score to a predetermined threshold and,
based at least in part on the comparison, determining whether to
provide the customer access to the value represented by the
negotiable instrument. The method may include providing a currency
dispenser at the first kiosk, receiving a request from the customer
to receive the value represented by the negotiable instrument, and
dispensing the finds from the cash dispenser. The first kiosk may
be an Automated Teller Machine. The first kiosk access device may
be an ATM access card.
[0008] In other embodiments, a method of transferring money from a
sender to a recipient includes providing an Automated Teller
Machine (ATM) access card to a first customer, including receiving
personal information associated with the first customer and storing
the personal information at a host computer system. The ATM access
card has an access key associated therewith. The method also
includes providing an ATM having a check acceptor. The check
acceptor includes a Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
reader. The method also includes, at the ATM, acquiring the access
key from ATM access card, sending the access key to the host
computer system, at the host computer system, determining whether
to allow the first customer access to the ATM, and providing a
message to the ATM based on the determination. The message includes
at least a portion of the personal information associated with the
first customer. The method also includes, at the ATM, receiving a
check from the customer via the check acceptor, acquiring check
information from the check using the MICR reader, sending at least
a portion of the check information and at least a portion of the
personal information associated with the first customer to a
third-party check verification service, at the ATM, receiving a
verification message from the third-party check verification
service, and based at least in part on the verification message,
determining whether to allow the first customer access to funds
associated with the check.
[0009] The method may include receiving an input from the first
customer to transfer funds and providing a transaction identifier
to the first customer. The method also may include providing a
kiosk having a currency dispenser, communicable coupling the ATM
and the kiosk, at the kiosk, receiving the transaction identifier
from a second customer, receiving an input from the second customer
to receive the funds associated with the transaction identifier,
and dispensing the finds from the cash dispenser. The method also
may include providing a cash dispenser associated with the ATM,
receiving an input from the first customer to receive the funds as
currency, and dispensing the currency to the first customer. The
check instrument information may include at least an account number
and a financial institution identifier. The verification message
may include a score, in which case determining whether to provide
the customer access to funds associated with the check may include
comparing the score to a predetermined threshold and based at least
in part on the comparison, determining whether to provide the
customer access to funds associated with the check.
[0010] In still other embodiments, a method of transferring money
from a sender to a recipient includes providing an Automated Teller
Machine (ATM) access card to a first customer, including receiving
personal information associated with the first customer and storing
the personal information at a host computer system. The ATM access
card has an access key associated therewith. The method also
includes providing an ATM having a currency acceptor, at the ATM,
acquiring the access key from ATM access card, sending the access
key to the host computer system, at the host computer system,
determining whether to allow the first customer access to the ATM,
and providing a message to the ATM based on the determination. The
message may include at least a portion of the personal information
associated with the first customer. The method further includes, at
the ATM, receiving currency from the customer via the currency
acceptor, receiving an input from the first customer to transfer
funds, and providing a transaction identifier to the first
customer. The method further includes providing a kiosk having a
currency dispenser, communicable coupling the ATM and the kiosk, at
the kiosk, receiving the transaction identifier from a second
customer, receiving an input from the second customer to receive
the funds associated with the transaction identifier, and
dispensing the finds from the cash dispenser.
[0011] Reference to the remaining portions of the specification,
including the drawings and claims, will realize other features and
advantages of the present invention. Further features and
advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and
operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are
described in detail below with respect to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the
present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining
portions of the specification and the drawings wherein like
reference numerals are used throughout the several drawings to
refer to similar components. Further, various components of the
same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by
a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar
components. If only the first reference label is used in the
specification, the description is applicable to any one of the
similar components having the same first reference label
irrespective of the second reference label.
[0013] FIG. 1A illustrates a multi-purpose kiosk according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 1B illustrates a system for performing money transfers
that includes kiosks, such as the kiosk of FIG. 1A.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a method of performing financial
transactions according to embodiments of the invention, which
method may use the kiosk of FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a method of paying a bill according to
embodiments of the invention, which method may use the kiosk of
FIG. 1A.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a method of sending funds according to
embodiments of the invention, which method may use the kiosk of
FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a method of composing a gift message
according to embodiments of the invention, which method may use the
kiosk of FIG. 1A.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a method of receiving funds according to
embodiments of the invention, which method may use the kiosk of
FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a method of receiving value according to
embodiments of the invention, which method may use the kiosk of
FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a method of purchasing a money order
according to embodiments of the invention, which method may use the
kiosk of FIG. 1A.
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a method of cashing a check according to
embodiments of the invention, which method may use the kiosk of
FIG. 1A.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a method of transacting using value
cards according to embodiments of the invention, which method may
use the kiosk of FIG. 1A.
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates the send side of a money transfer
process according to further embodiments of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a receive side of a money transfer
process according to further embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention provides systems and methods for
transferring value between individuals using unmanned terminals,
such as kiosks, automated teller machines (ATMs), and/or the like
(hereinafter collective referred to as "kiosks"). Herein, "value"
refers to both monetary value and non-monetary value, such as long
distance minutes, airline miles, customer loyalty points, and the
like.
[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, customers are
able to transfer value to a recipient without establishing a
deposit account with a bank or other financial institution,
although the infrastructure of such institutions may be used. In
some embodiments, the source of funds may be cash or negotiable
instruments, such as third party checks, money orders, and the
like.
[0028] In some embodiments, customers acquire access cards for
which they provide personal information. While not necessary
technically, such cards may be necessary to comply with legal
requirements related to money transfers.
[0029] According to embodiments of the invention, a sender accesses
a kiosk, possibly using a personalized access card. The customer
then deposits funds, either in the form of cash or a negotiable
instrument. In the case of a negotiable instrument, a check reader
of the kiosk acquires information from the instrument and performs
a verification. The verification may include determining that the
instrument is associated with a known financial institution, that
the instrument is "live" (e.g., not reported lost or stolen and not
already cashed), and that sufficient funds exist to cover the
negotiable instrument amount. In some embodiments, performing the
validation includes sending necessary information to a third party
check verification service.
[0030] Once the funds are available to the sender, the sender can
designate an amount to be transferred to a recipient. The amount
may be all of the amount deposited or only a portion of it. In some
cases, the amount comes from multiple checks or a combination of
cash and checks. Any amount not transferred may be dispensed to the
sender or transferred to a different recipient.
[0031] The recipient need not be specified. For example, the sender
may receive a transaction identifier which may be used by a
recipient to access the funds at a kiosk. In some cases, the
transaction identifier includes a password; in others the
transaction identifier, in combination with an amount of money
transferred, serves as a transaction identifier/password
combination.
[0032] Thereafter, anyone in possession of the transaction
identifier (and password and/or amount, in some embodiments) is
able to access the funds at a kiosk, which may be the same kiosk or
a different kiosk. In some embodiments, the recipient also accesses
the machine using a personalized access card, although this is not
a requirement.
[0033] In other embodiments, the present invention provides
multi-purpose kiosks that allow money transfer service providers to
reach more potential customers without the need for agents. The
kiosks provide customers with means for communicating
electronically with money transfer service providers or third party
intermediaries, and allow the service providers to collect funds,
verify identifications, dispense funds, and perform other necessary
functions. Additionally, the kiosks may be equipped to provide
services, such as, for example, sending greeting messages and
exchanging value among value cards or accounts. Such multi-purpose
kiosks and methods for using them are described in more detail
below.
[0034] Herein, "value card" is used to refer to any of a wide
variety of stored or representative value cards. Such cards include
cash cards, smart cards, phone cards, point-of-purchase cards, and
the like. Value cards may actually store the value on the cards
themselves, or store account information relating to an account
wherein the value is stored. Terminals such as hypercom terminals
may be used to read account or value information from value
cards.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a multi-purpose kiosk 100
according to embodiments of the invention. The kiosk 100 is
presented as an illustration only, and this example should not be
considered limiting. In light of the disclosure herein, many other
examples of kiosks according to the present invention are apparent
to those skilled in the art.
[0036] Kiosks, such as the multi-purpose kiosk 100, may be located
wherever customers might obtain access to them. For example,
shopping malls, airports, postal facilities, and the like, would
all be ideal locations for such kiosks. Kiosks may be connected to
a network, such as a telephone system, via a wire line or wireless
connection. A computing device, such as a central processor 101,
controls many of the functions of the kiosk.
[0037] The kiosk 100 includes a monitor 102 and a keypad 104. The
monitor may include a touchscreen that allows users to enter
information by touching buttons displayed on the screen.
Alternatively or additionally, users may enter information using
the keypad 104. The keypad 104 may contain both numbers and
letters. Additionally, the keypad 104 may include special purpose
buttons for selecting functions according to the invention.
[0038] The kiosk 100 also includes a camera 106, a speaker 108, and
a microphone 110. The camera 106, speaker 108, and microphone 110
may be used to interact with a customer service representative,
among other functions. The customer service representative's image
may appear on the monitor 102. Alternatively or additionally, a
telephone 112 may be used to interact with the customer service
representative.
[0039] The kiosk 100 also includes a cash dispenser 114 and a coin
dispenser 116. Some embodiments of the invention do not include the
coin dispenser in favor of other alternatives for transacting in
amounts less than the lowest denomination of paper currency used in
conjunction with the kiosk, as will be described. A cash/check
scanner 118 is provided for receiving funds in the form of currency
or certain types of paper instruments. For example, an optical
character reader, such as a MICR reader, may be used to read
account information from checks, money orders, and other negotiable
instruments. In addition, a card reader 120, such as a hypercom
terminal, is provided for using any of a wide variety of currency
exchange media. For example, the card reader 120 may read magnetic
strips, such as those commonly found on credit and debit cards,
customer loyalty cards, value cards, and the like. The card reader
120 may also read "chips," such as those associated with certain
types of "smart cards." The card reader 120 may also read other
types of currency exchange media, including infrared and radio
frequency devices. For instance, a customer may be able to "beam"
account information into the card reader 120 using an infrared
transmitter associated with a PDA (personal digital assistant).
Thus, reader 120 may perform any of a wide variety of reading
functions. Additionally, the card reader 120 may be able to write
information to value cards, and the like.
[0040] The kiosk 100 also includes a receipt printer 122, a money
order printer 124, and a cash card dispenser 126. The receipt
printer 122 provides users with receipts of transactions and other
information, as will be explained in more detail hereinafter. The
money order printer 124 prints money orders in amounts requested by
users, as will be described. Examples of money order printers are
described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,087, entitled
"APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ISSUING DOCUMENTS OF VALUE," which patent
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/751,126, entitled "MONEY ORDER
ENCASHMENT VIA THE FDX 400," filed on Dec. 28, 2000, by Earney
Stoutenburg et al., which application is incorporated herein by
reference. The cash card dispenser 126 dispenses cash cards, or
other value cards, that may store value or store account
information that users may use to access currency or other value.
The cash card dispenser 126 may be used in combination with the
card reader 120, wherein the cash card dispenser 126 dispenses
value cards and the card reader 120 writes information to the value
cards. The kiosk 100 may also contain holders such as marketing
material holder 128 for educating users regarding the use of the
kiosk 100, or to provide users with supplies needed in the course
of conducting transactions using the kiosk 100.
[0041] FIG. 1A illustrates a system 129 within which one or more of
kiosk 100 may be used. The system includes a plurality of kiosks
100, each connected to the other in an environment via a network
130. The network 130 may be any of a wide variety of networks,
including, for example, a wide area network, a local area network,
the Internet, and the like. The system also includes a computer 132
that may be used by a representative of a third party money (or
other value) transfer service to access information relating to
transactions within the system. Transaction information may be
stored at, for example, a database 134. Additionally, the system
may include an exchange server 136 for exchanging value represented
in different units according to predetermined exchange rates, as
will be described further hereinafter.
[0042] The kiosks 100 may also be connected to a second network,
such as a telephone network 138. The telephone network 138
facilitates communication between the telephone 112 at each kiosk
and a customer service representative telephone 140. Thus, a
customer service representative 142 may communicate by telephone to
a customer at a kiosk 100 and use the computer 132 to, for example,
access information, authorize transactions, resolve problems, and
the like. These and other functions of the system 129 will be
described further below. It is also possible for the kiosk to use
either the telephone network 138 or the network 130 exclusively for
all communication.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for performing transactions
using the kiosk 100 according to embodiments of the invention. As a
user approaches, the kiosk 100 may be in a dormant, or passive,
mode. For example, the kiosk 100 may have an advertising message
appearing on the monitor 102. Alternatively, the kiosk 100 may be
displaying a brief message to educate users on the use of the kiosk
100. In order to begin using the kiosk, the user may initiate
operation of the kiosk 100 by, for example, touching the monitor
102, as indicated by operation 202. In response, a transaction menu
screen may be displayed, providing a menu of functions from which
the user may choose. Possible functions include, but are not
limited to: sending and receiving funds 204; cashing a check 206;
receiving a money order 208; and transacting using value accounts
210. Each of these functions will be explained in more detail
hereinafter.
[0044] If the user selects to send or receive funds 204, a second
function menu may be displayed having additional options. These may
include, for example, pay bill 212, send funds 214 and receive
funds 216, each of which will be explained further.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates the pay bill option 212 in more detail. A
user selects the pay bill option at operation 302. A display screen
allows the user to select a method of payment. For example, the
user may elect to pay using cash, debit or credit card, money
order, check, stored or representative value card, and the like.
Thus, the user selects a method of payment at operation 304. The
user is then requested to enter a password, a sender PIN, account
information, or the like at operation 306. If the user does not yet
have a sender PIN or other appropriate information, the user may
contact a customer service representative to obtain authorization
at operation 308. The telephone 112 may be configured to auto-dial
a customer service representative when the handset is lifted.
Alternatively, the telephone 112 may have one or more speed-dial
buttons that allow the user to contact a customer service
representative. In some embodiments of the invention, the user may
interact with a customer service representative using the monitor
102, camera 106, speaker 108, and microphone 110. The customer
service representative gathers sufficient information from the user
to complete the transaction and associate the transaction with a
sender PIN, password or other identifier.
[0046] At operation 310, the kiosk may transmit an electronic file
containing a summary of the transaction to a host computer for
verification. Once the transaction is verified, the kiosk presents
the user with a summary of the transaction, including any
applicable service charges, and gives the user an opportunity to
accept or cancel the transaction, also at operation 310. The user
is then prompted to remit the funds necessary to complete the
transaction at operation 312.
[0047] Many options are available for remitting funds. The user may
insert cash or an acceptable check into the cash/check scanner 118
of the kiosk 100. Alternatively or additionally, the user may swipe
a debit card, a credit card, or a stored or representative value
card using the card reader 120, some of which may result in the
user being prompted to enter a PIN associated with the card. If the
user has received funds at the kiosk 100 (as will be explained in
detail hereinafter), the user may use those funds to complete the
transaction. Other means for remitting funds are possible. For
example, the user may "beam" funds (i.e., account information
representing funds) from a PDA into an infrared reader associated
with, for example, the card reader 120. After the user remits
sufficient funds, the kiosk may verify the funds and, if
acceptable, provide the user with a receipt at operation 314, which
may be printed by the receipt printer 122.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates the send funds option 214 in more detail.
A user selects the send funds option at operation 402. At operation
404, the kiosk 100 prompts the user to select a method of payment.
The kiosk 100 may be configured to accept any of a number of
different types of payment, including, for example, cash, debit or
credit card, money order, stored or representative value card, cash
card, and/or funds received in a previous kiosk transaction. In
response to the prompt, the user selects a method of payment. At
operation 406, the user contacts a customer service representative
to arrange a transaction and receive a sender PIN or other
identifier. The user may provide the customer service
representative with, for example, the name or other unique
identifier of the recipient, the recipient's address, the amount of
money to transfer, and/or the like. The user then enters the
identifier at operation 408. The user may contact the customer
service representative using the means previously discussed with
reference to operation 308 of FIG. 3. At operation 410, the kiosk
may verify the transaction, which may include communicating with a
host computer, and provide the user with the opportunity to accept
the transaction in response to a display screen that details the
transaction and service charges. At operation 412, the user remits
the necessary funds in a manner explained previously with reference
to operation 312 of FIG. 3. Prior to completing the transaction, at
operation 414 the user may compose a gift card to accompany the
transaction. Composing a gift card will be explained in more detail
immediately hereinafter. The transaction information is transmitted
to a host computer or database, such as the database 134. The user
may obtain a receipt of the transaction at operation 416.
[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates the operation 414 of composing a gift
card in more detail. Methods for including gift cards with money
transfers are more fully explained in previously incorporated U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/010,068, entitled, "ELECTRONIC GIFT
GREETING" (Attorney Docket No. 020375-000610US). According to the
present invention, a sender may include an electronic gift card
with a money transfer initiated via the kiosk 100. The gift card
may include a card design and greeting of the sender's choice.
Additionally, the gift card may include audio and video greetings
composed by the user at the kiosk 100 using, for example, the
camera 106 and microphone 110. The audiovisual greeting may be
observed by a receiver at a kiosk or through a web site, as will be
described further below.
[0050] The user selects the option to compose a gift card at
operation 502. At operation 504, the user selects a type of
greeting (e.g., Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Congratulations,
Get Well, etc.). At operation 506, the user selects whether to
include audio and/or video greetings with the gift card. The video
greeting may include, for example, a still photo, an animated video
clip, live video clip, and/or the like. At operation 508 the user
composes the audio and/or video portions of the greeting using the
camera 106 and microphone 110. At operation 510, the user selects a
card design, which the user may customize. At operation 512, the
user approves the gift card, including the audiovisual portion,
which is then transferred to a host computer or database to await
delivery.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates the receive funds option 216 in greater
detail. At operation 602, the user selects the receive funds
operation. At operation 604, the user contacts a customer service
representative to obtain a receiver PIN. To obtain the receiver
PIN, the receiver may be required to provide identifying
information to the customer service representative. The information
may include a unique security question designed to prevent
unauthorized access to the funds. For example, the sender may
provide the customer service representative and the receiver with a
security question and answer, which the receiver must provide to
the customer service representative in order to receive the
receiver PIN. At operation 606, the receiver enters the receiver
PIN. After verifying the transaction, which may include sending a
file to a host computer and receiving a response, the kiosk
presents the user with several options respecting what to do with
the received funds. For example, the user may receive the funds
608, send the funds 610, pay a bill 212, or purchase a money order
612. If the transfer of funds includes a gift card, the user may
view and/or hear the gift card at operation 614. Additionally or
alternatively, the user may receive a web site address where the
user may view the gift card and/or listen to the audio message
using a personal computer to access the web site.
[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates the receive funds option 608 in greater
detail. At operation 702, a user selects to receive the funds. The
user may receive the funds as currency, or as a representation of
currency on a stored of representative value card. By selecting the
latter, the user may receive a cash card for the full amount of the
transaction at operation 704. The cash card may be dispensed by the
kiosk 100 via cash card printer 124. Alternatively, if the user
already has a cash card or a stored or representative value card,
the user may receive the funds on the existing card by swiping the
card through the card reader 120. In some embodiments, the cash
card printer 124 dispenses a blank card which the user swipes
through the card reader 120 to establish the value associated with
the card.
[0053] Alternatively, the user may elect to receive the funds in
currency. The user receives the cash portion of the currency at
operation 706. If the kiosk is so equipped, the user may receive
the coinage portion of the funds at operation 708. If the kiosk is
not equipped to dispense currency or if the user elects otherwise,
the user may receive value representing the coinage in one of
several ways. First, the user may elect to donate the coinage to
charity at operation 710. In doing so, the user may be presented
with a list of charities from which to select the recipient.
Second, the user may receive a money order representing the coinage
at operation 712. Alternatively, at operation 714, the user may
receive a cash card, receive value on an existing card, or receive
a credit to an existing value account representing the coinage.
[0054] FIG. 8 illustrates the receive money order operation 208 in
greater detail. At operation 802, the user selects the purchase
money order option. At operation 804, the user selects a method for
paying for the money order. The user enters the amount of the money
order at operation 806. At operation 808, the users remits the
funds in a manner similar to that described with reference to
operation 312 of FIG. 3. After the kiosk verifies the transaction,
the user approves the transaction at operation 810 and receives the
money order at operation 812. The user obtains a receipt at
operation 814.
[0055] FIG. 9 illustrates the cash check option 206 in greater
detail. Cashing a check using the kiosk 100 includes a number of
security and fraud risks similar to the well known risks of cashing
checks generally (e.g., identification verification, forgery,
insufficient funds, and the like). Thus, it may be the case that
not all users can cash checks at kiosk 100 and/or that only certain
types of checks may be cashed. Other options may include a delay
period wherein the user's check is held until the funds are
transferred to the kiosk operator. The present invention may
include other well know security measures for mitigating the risks
associated with providing cash in exchange for a check.
[0056] At operation 902 of FIG. 9, the user selects the cash check
option. The user then contacts a customer service representative to
approve the transaction and receive a PIN or other identifier. The
user then inserts the check into the cash/check reader 118. It may
be the case that only certain types of printed checks may be read
by the cash/check reader 118. A MICR reader may be used to read the
account number off the check, after which the kiosk communicates
with a host system to verify the funds. The user may then receive
the funds at operation 908, purchase a money order at operation
910, or send funds at operation 912.
[0057] FIG. 10 illustrates the value card transaction option 210 in
more detail. For purposes of this discussion, a value card may
include stored or representative value cards, and may include types
of value other than Unites States currency. Some methods for
exchanging value among such cards are more fully described in
previously incorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/955,747, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING STORED
VALUE" (Attorney Docket No. 020375-000300US). The kiosk 100 may be
used to transfer value among value cards or receive funds from
value cards. Such transactions may also be accomplished via
electronic terminals, such as hypercom terminals, not associated
with the kiosk.
[0058] At operation 1002, the user selects the value card
transaction option. If the user desires to transfer value among
value cards, the user selects the transfer option at operation
1004. The user is then provided with a series of instructional
display screens that direct the user to swipe the cards among which
the user wishes to exchange value. Alternatively, the user may
enter account information without swiping a card. During the
process, the kiosk may communicate with a value exchange server,
such at the exchange server 136 of FIG. 1B. For example, if the
user is transferring value between value accounts having different
units, the kiosk may send a request for an account balance to the
exchange server 136 after receiving account information from a
first account. In return, the exchange server may transmit
information relating to the amount of value in the account.
Further, after receiving the account information relating to the
second account, the kiosk may send a request to the exchange server
136 seeking the exchange rate between the accounts. Then, the kiosk
may present the information to the user and request the user to
specify the amount of value to exchange. Alternatively, the kiosk
may compile all the information for the transaction before sending
the information to the exchange server, in which case the kiosk may
store a file locally having the exchange rates between all possible
value accounts. Other examples are possible.
[0059] If the user wishes to receive funds from a value card, the
user selects the receive funds option at operation 1006. The user
is then directed to swipe the card or enter account information
from which to receive value and is prompted to enter the amount of
value to receive from the account. If the user wishes to receive
cash and the value account is in units other than dollars, the
kiosk may contact the exchange server 136 to obtain the user's
account balance and the exchange rate between the units of the
account and cash. The user may also add funds to value cards in a
similar manner.
[0060] FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary method 1100 according
to embodiments of the invention, which method may be implanted in
the system of FIG. 1 or other appropriate system. According to this
embodiment, a first customer accesses funds from either cash or a
negotiable instrument. Thereafter the customer may transfer the
funds to a second customer and/or receive funds back in the form of
cash or a negotiable instrument. Both customers use, for example, a
kiosk 100, which is an ATM in a specific embodiment. Neither
customer need be a customer of the owner/operator of the kiosk or
ATM.
[0061] The method 1100 optionally begins at block 1102 at which
point a first customer obtains a kiosk access device (a.k.a., ATM
access card, access device, access card etc.), which may include
disclosing personal information, which personal information is
stored at a host computer system. The access device has an access
key (e.g., number, letters, symbols, or combination). This step is
optional since all embodiments do not include using an access card
to obtain access to the kiosk. At block 1104, the customer accesses
a kiosk 100, which may include inserting the access card and
entering a password or other security feature (e.g., biometric,
etc.). In some embodiments, a personal ID, such as a credit card or
driver's license may serve as an access card.
[0062] Once the customer obtains access to the kiosk, the customer
remits funds as either cash or a negotiable instrument. This
includes inserting the negotiable instrument into the cash/check
scanner 118 at block 1106 or inserting currency at block 1108.
[0063] If the customer Inserts a negotiable instrument, then the
negotiable instrument is validated at block 1110. This may include
reading an account number, routing ID, check number, amount, payee,
endorsement, and/or the like from the negotiable instrument. In
some cases, this is done using a MICR reader; in other cases,
Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Other embodiments are
possible. Once the information is read, it may be sent to a third
party negotiable instrument verification/validation service 180
from FIG. 1B, such as that provided by TELECHECK.RTM., a First Data
Company. Many different methods exist for validating the negotiable
instrument, including verifying the existence of the bank and
account number associated with the negotiable, confirming
sufficient deposits to cover the negotiable instrument, determining
whether the negotiable instrument is live (i.e., not reported lost,
stolen, cashed, and/or canceled), and/or the like. In some
embodiments, the third party service 180 returns a score that may
include any number of factors that relate to the risk associated
with accepting the check.
[0064] At block 1112, a decision is made whether to consider the
negotiable instrument valid. In some embodiments, this includes
comparing the score returned from the third party service to a
threshold score, comparing the payee information to the personal
information supplied by the customer to obtain the access card,
and/or the like. If the negotiable instrument is considered valid,
then the customer may receive cash at block 1114 or send funds at
block 1116. If the negotiable instrument is not considered valid,
then the customer may insert cash into the cash/check scanner 118
at block 1108.
[0065] If the customer send funds at block 1116, the customer need
not designate a recipient. The customer may simply designate the
funds to be held, after which the customer receives a transaction
ID at block 1118. The customer also may receive a password or be
allowed to enter a password to be used in combination with the
transaction ID to access the funds. In some cases the transaction
ID in combination with the amount deposited may serve as the
transaction ID/password combination. Thereafter, the funds may be
accessed by the customer or anyone that the customer allows to
accesses the funds by virtue of having the transaction ID/password
combination.
[0066] It should be appreciated that the customer may segment the
funds into two or more transactions to facilitate sending money to
different recipients. It should also be appreciated that the
operator of the kiosk and associated system may charge a fee for
the service it provides. The fee may be a percentage of the
transaction amount, a flat fee per transaction, or some
combination.
[0067] Attention is directed to FIG. 12, which illustrates an
exemplary method 1200 of accessing funds held on deposit according
to embodiments of the invention. The method may be performed by the
original customer or a designee of the original customer,
hereinafter collectively "recipient." As with the
previously-describe method 1100, the method 1200 begins by
optionally obtaining an access card at block 1202 and accessing the
kiosk at block 1204. Thereafter, the recipient enters the
transaction ID at block 1206. This also may include entering the
password, amount, or other security feature. Once the recipient
obtains access to the funds, the recipient may elect to receive the
funds or some portion thereof at block 1208 and/or send all or any
portion of the funds to another at block 1210 (i.e., redeposit the
funds according to the method 1100 of FIG. 11).
[0068] Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized
by those of skill in the art that various modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without
departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, a number
of well known processes and elements have not been described in
order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. For
example, those skilled in the art know how to connect computing
devices to a network and configure multiprocessors to control the
operation of peripheral devices and communicate with other
computers. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken
as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *