Registers – Systems controlled by data bearing records – Banking systems
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-19
2001-05-01
Le, Thien M. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Systems controlled by data bearing records
Banking systems
C705S042000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223983
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for a remote interactive point access financial and information system implemented to provide an integrated platform of services including videoconferencing, a customized automated teller machine (ATM) and commercial depository. The system provides a full service virtual bank to a customer and enables transactional engagement, remotely, on a demand basis at high levels of availability, preferably, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Specifically, the videoconferencing unit is integrally implemented to provide real-time, face-to-face sessions with a bank representative based on audio-visual communications and interface remotely initiable by the customer. More specifically, the system enables the customer to access and execute all major transactions on a demand basis including withdrawals, deposits, loans and investment information and further serves as a medium for information from multiple sources.
2. Description of Related Art
The use of a remotely installed access banking center (ABC), such as an ATM, is well known in the prior art. Particularly in the last decade, ATMs have evolved as a preferred center for consumers to remotely withdraw monies and execute specialized deposits. While each ATM is tailored to comply with certain marketing and service objectives of the proprietary institution the structural organization including the technology of ATMs remain generally familiar and unchanged.
It is well known that commercial banks operate in a highly competitive environment. The popularity of ATMs has prompted a proliferation of remote services including small staff offices located in strategic consumer-frequented forums such as supermarkets, theaters, shopping malls, airports and similar locations. These small offices operate as extensions of the main office and serve customers on site to execute various transactions which are not normally handled by an ATM. Accordingly, the competitive imperatives and consumer preferences impose an increasing demand to access the full service of a personal bank, on a year round 24-hour basis, at a remote location. In this regard, the small extension offices are not only limited in number, availability and the type of services they could provide but are also labor intensive and not conducive to a broad network and universal distribution of remote ABCs.
There is a paradigm shift in remote banking services. This is primarily driven by technology and customers' preference to execute personal banking and financial transactions at a place close, for example, to their residence, work place, shopping, entertainment and or travel location. High speed digital communications including advances in data, image transfer/exchange and the internet have empowered customers to have virtual access and command of their bank and investment accounts. A more likely future development is to enable customers to have remote access to a full banking service via the internet. Yet another likely future development may include the use of a digital cellular phone which incorporates a modem and a PC function to remotely access full banking services and may be a feasible medium for remote video teleconferencing.
While some of these developing technologies are set to change the nature of personal banking services, current methods remain for the most part limited to ATMs and low level technology-based peripheral services. For example the only current method for a user/customer to access account information or to make a transaction, is to call the bank via a phone or to use Infobank
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.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a remote banking station with comprehensive features to enable timely and efficient access for customers to banking services including provision of information on investment and related products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive point access financial services, transaction, investment and information system structured to be modularly expandable. The system preferably includes, inter alia, a remote ATM, videoconferencing, information and data displays and commercial depository platforms structured to enable a customer to remotely access and execute a number of desired transactions including deposits, withdrawals, loans and further interact with a bank representative in real time.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an interactive point access financial and information system for processing banking transactions to enable at least one customer and a banker to remotely exchange real-time data, sound and image to process transactions based on the customer's choices. The system includes modularly structured and integrated platforms at the customer station. These platforms are independently activated by the customer to access and execute various transactions. Specifically, the customer is able to access an ATM with customized features, a night depository and a videoconferencing system. Further, the remote station is equipped with interactive information resources selectively operable by the remote customer.
Yet a further object of the invention includes a virtual financial services system including a virtual retail work station wherein an ATM, a commercial depository, a videoconferencing module, information and transaction platforms are integrated to provide an expandable interactive banking module. The system is operated by a computer-implemented software which enables direct access to data and transactions by the customer. Specifically, the customer is enabled to remotely process checking accounts, use a cash card or check card, Charge a check
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, use Infobank
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, check order/reorder, execute direct deposit authorization, access saving account information and review personal financial profiles. Further new account applications may be submitted using a scanner. The scanner is also implemented to remotely submit identification and similar information to enhance remote security and promote remote processing of applications and transactions which require personal identification. Accounts may be opened with a zero balance. Deposits may be made through direct deposit options or via the commercial depository with the original documents from the account opening.
Another object of the present invention includes an interactive video conferencing system which enables face-to-face interview and conversation with a bank representative. The system includes after hour message features which enable customers to leave messages for future contact with bank representatives. Generally, the videoconferencing system incorporates video and sound processing systems including a telephone receiver, a scanner and printer at the customer station. Further, at the representative station in the bank, the video conferencing system includes an alert system to indicate to the representative the presence of a customer at the remote station, a video and sound processing system, and a printer. The representative may assist the remote customer in opening new deposit accounts, assist in direct deposit capability, reorder checks, provide general information regarding loans, forward loan application for completion, discuss additional product offerings of the bank and answer customer service related questions. The system also incorporate on screen information regarding the bank's new products and services and further incorporates a deposit and loan calculator. In the event the representative is not available to the customer a menu option presents a split screen to enable the customer to submit personal data, such as e-mail address for example, so that a banker may contact the client at a later time.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an ATM machine with enhanced features to cooperate with the other elements of the invention. Some of the major features of the ATM include cash withdrawal, deposits and provision of coupons for the bank products or services. The ATM als
Andreas David L.
Kjonaas Donald W.
Le Thien M.
National City Bank
Patterson Thuente Skaar & Christensen P.A.
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