Registers – Systems controlled by data bearing records – Banking systems
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-02
2001-10-30
Frech, Karl D. (Department: 2876)
Registers
Systems controlled by data bearing records
Banking systems
C902S004000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308887
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a network architecture for multi-transactional processing, and more particularly, to automated transaction terminals with multi-transactional capability.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Although conventional automated teller machines (ATM) are convenient because they provide access to funds in a multitude of locations and after normal banking hours, and enable customers to avoid the long lines that are typical in savings & loans and banks, the convenience is limited. The convenience is limited because conventional ATMs do not provide customers services beyond normal banking transactions. What is needed is an ATM with multi-transactional capability which would be capable of accepting currency, debit cards, credit cards, smart cards, and sell products and services.
In conventional ATMs, ATM events are single-destination transactions; i.e., a transaction would be routed to either the ATM or credit card issuer only. In the Super-ATM structure, multiple-destination transactions are supported where one transaction can result in different messages being routed to any number of destinations.
Previously, only published, industry standard protocols/message sets were supported for all communication along the transaction path, limiting transaction types to those defined in ISO 8583. In the Super-ATM system, an unlimited number and combination of “standard” and proprietary protocols or message sets can be utilized to facilitate a transaction, and ISO 8583 is only used for that portion of a message that requests authorization from an ATM or credit card issuer.
In the past, bank and regional network software were not capable of receiving credit card (POS) trasactions through ATMs, because, among the other things, the fee settlement paradigm for standard ATM transaction (issuer pays routing costs) directly opposes that for POS transactions (acquirer pays costs). In contrast, the Super-ATM and the host (or “back end”) record and report ATM transactions and POS transactions separately for settlement purposes, appearing as if originated by separate ATM or POS terminals. The protocol used between a Super-ATM and the host is proprietary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an automated transaction terminal, by way of example, an ATM with capabilities not previously provided (Super-ATM), that may process any number or subset of a variety of transactions. The automated transaction terminal communicates with a variety of service providers in the protocols and message formats of the service providers. The automated transaction terminal, in response to a first user input may execute a transaction with a first service provider by sending a message to the first service provider in the first service provider's message format, and the automated transaction terminal, in response to a second user input, may execute another transaction with a second service provider by sending a message to the second service provider in the second service provider's message format.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the automated transaction terminal, in response to one user input, may execute a transaction with several service providers by sending messages to the service providers in their respective message formats.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the automated transaction terminal may send a message to a service provider which then returns a message to the automated transaction terminal, whereupon the automated transaction terminal, based on the return message, automatically selects another service provider to execute a transaction with and sends a message to the selected service provider.
A number of embodiments of the present invention are particularly applicable to machines that provide an array of services, including standard ATM services, and services not previously available on an ATM, through a new proprietary ATM network architecture that overcomes limitations of the ATM/Point-of-sale (POS) industry International Standards Organization (ISO) 8583 standard message set. The machine can also perform kiosk functions that do not require critical network support.
The essential differences between the Super-ATM architecture and the conventional ATM network architecture are: (1) the Super-ATM architecture supports multiple-destination transactions rather than supporting only single-destination transactions; (2) the Super-ATM architecture supports a variety of protocols rather than supporting only industry standard protocols; and (3) the Super-ATM architecture supports POS transactions in addition to ATM transactions rather than supporting only ATM transactions; (4) the Super-ATM architecture processes transactions asynchronously; and (5) the Super-ATM architecture can interface with networks that have not previously been interfaced.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Super-ATM system can process messages asynchronously and in parallel. Existing ATM and POS networks do not optimize multiple network events, whereas the Super-ATM system does multi-threading and multi-state processing. The Super-ATM includes a host computer system that manages and executes events simultaneously.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to an integrated financial transaction terminal that satisfies the need for greater user convenience by allowing the user to perform a variety of transactions, from paying bills to making purchases, utilizing a variety of payment means, including coins, currency, credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, and the like.
The multi-transaction Super-ATM machine offers a significant improvement over conventional ATMs by offering a user a variety of payment options. The user can effect a desired transaction utilizing a variety of payment means. The user can use any of the following or combination of the following payment means: currency, credit card, debit card, smart card, etc. In addition, a user may elect to receive a receipt for cash or credit towards purchases at a store. A user may also, among other transactions, pay bills, buy lottery tickets, buy catalog merchandise, buy event tickets, buy movie tickets, buy airline tickets, deposit the money in a bank account, etc.
An attractive feature of preferred embodiments of the present invention is the ability to provide the general public access to electronic financial transactions, rather than restricting electronic transactions only to those with credit cards. A user can complete a variety of transactions electronically. For example, purchase of airline tickets could now be accomplished without the use of a credit card.
It is understood that other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The described embodiments of the invention are illustrative of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments and its details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
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Bergman Darryl Jesse
Korman Bruce R.
Cash Technologies, Inc.
Frech Karl D.
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
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