Registers – Systems controlled by data bearing records – Banking systems
Reexamination Certificate
2001-11-13
2003-11-18
Le, Thien M. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Systems controlled by data bearing records
Banking systems
Reexamination Certificate
active
06648220
ABSTRACT:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/248,382 filed Nov. 14, 2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically this invention relates to an automated banking machine and method of operation of a system including automated banking machines.
BACKGROUND ART
Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. A common type of automated banking machine is an automated teller machine (“ATM”). ATMs are used by consumers to carry out transactions. Such transactions may include cash withdrawals, deposits, account transfers, bill payments, check cashing, issuing scrip, issuing money orders and other types of financial transactions. Automated banking machines may be configured to carry out various types of transactions depending upon the needs of the operator and the transaction function devices that are included within the machine. For purposes of this disclosure an automated banking machine shall be considered to include ATMs and any other machines that carry out electronic transactions including transfers of value.
Automated banking machines have traditionally been operated by banks. Automated banking machines enable banking customers to carry out transactions conveniently without the intervention of a human teller. In recent years automated banking machines have been installed in other types of business establishments. For example automated banking machines are becoming more common in hotels, sports venues, restaurants, service stations and grocery stores. The ability of operators of ATMs to impose transaction fees has increased the number of automated banking machines. This is because the entities who install such machines are provided with a financial incentive which will often outweigh the cost of acquiring the machine and its operation.
While automated banking machines are more prevalent now than in the past, there is still a substantial cost associated with installing and operating a machine. This is because automated banking machines typically cost several thousand dollars. In addition a person wishing to install an automated banking machine must provide a communications link to a financial transaction processing network which processes the messages that allow the machine to carry out transactions. Further the operator of the machine must often contract with a network switch operator that can route transaction messages to and from the various other networks which communicate with banks and other entities and which can process debit and/or credit transactions.
Further costs-associated with operating an automated banking machine often include purchasing a service contract. A service contract is required so that if the machine malfunctions, it is placed back in service promptly. Further, in many situations store owners and others who operate their own ATMs retain a cash handling service to securely replenish the cash within the machine. Such services may also serve to replenish consumable items such as receipt paper, printer cartridges and other items that need periodic replacement.
The costs associated with obtaining and operating an automated banking machine limit the number of establishments that can provide this convenience to their customers. Thus there exists a need for a more economical automated banking machine and a method of deploying and operating such machines that will result in such machines being more widely available.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of an exemplary embodiment of the invention to provide an automated banking machine.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is economical to manufacture.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is economical to obtain and install.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is economical to operate.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that requires reduced labor to install.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that may be relatively readily serviced.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that can often be replaced rather than repaired at the operating site.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that may be provided at little or no cost to the operator.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine in which cash and consumable items may be readily replenished.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is readily operated by a consumer.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is readily securely mounted in a facility.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that may be mounted in numerous configurations.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a system which may be used by consumers to carry out transactions.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a system in which a merchant may participate and receive revenue from transaction fees paid on transactions carried out at an automated banking machine.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a method of deploying an automated banking machine.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a method by which a user may obtain an automated banking machine for their business or other type establishment at little or no cost.
It is a further object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a method in which a merchant may participate in receiving income from transaction fees carried out at an automated banking machine.
Further objects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be made apparent in the following Best Modes For Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.
The foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention by an automated banking machine and a method of deploying and operating such automated banking machines. The exemplary automated banking machine includes a compact housing which may be mounted either on or in an interior wall of a facility. Alternatively the housing may be mounted on a pedestal, all of which mounting approaches are generally secure and relatively low in cost.
The exemplary automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser. The dispenser is operative to dispense currency bills or notes. The cash dispenser may be readily accessed by authorized persons and replenished as needed. The automated banking machine further includes a printing device which may be used for printing receipts or other documents for a user. The exemplary automated banking machine further includes input and output devices for receiving identifying inputs from a user and for communicating therewith. In the exemplary embodiment the input devices include a card reader and a keypad. The output devices include a display. Of course these input and output devices are exemplary and in other embodiments other or additional devices may be used. In an exemplary embodiment the input and output devices provide a convenient user interface for providing outputs and receiving inputs, and for delivering cash and receipts.
In the exemplary embodiment the automated banking machine is configured at the point of manufacture or pre-installation preparation to communicate
Beskitt William
Bowser Robert
Force Matthew
Junkins Andrew
Ryan Mike
Caputo Lisa M.
Diebold Incorporated
Jocke Ralph E.
Le Thien M.
Walker & Jocke
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