GB2360616A

GB2360616A - Network of self-service terminals

Info

Publication number: GB2360616A
Application number: GB0006738A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bob Tramontano
Original assignee: NCR International Inc
Current assignee: NCR International Inc
Priority date: 2000-03-20
Filing date: 2000-03-20
Publication date: 2001-09-26
Also published as: GB0006738D0

Abstract

A network of ATMs is disclosed which comprises ATMs, which have means for verifying a user's authorisation. Each of the ATMs is located within a retail outlet of a chain of retail outlets. The network also includes a central processing unit located within a central office of the chain of retail outlets and a communications server. The ATMs, central office CPU and communication server are each linked together through a TCP/IP communications network. The network is operable so as to disseminate business information 85 to authorised users within the individual outlets through the use of the ATMs, using a different level of access than used for financial services 78.

Description

2360616 A NETWORK OF SELF SERVICE TERMINALS The present invention relates

to a Network of Self Service Terminal (SSTs), and in particular to a network of automated teller machines (ATMs).

ATMs have been utilised traditionally by financial institutions, such as banks or building societies, to provide an access channel through which customers can obtain cash. With time ATMs have been developed that provide additional financial services for customers, such as enabling a user to request account statements or personal cheque books and allowing customers to see account balances online.

ATMs are generally associated with an individual financial institution and form a network of ATMs accessible by the customers of that financial institution. In order to increase customer convenience most, if not all, financial institutions have opened up their ATM networks to each other's customers, allowing those customers to obtain cash from a larger number of ATMs.

Another area of growth for ATMs is in ATMs operated by retail outlets for the convenience of their customers. Those retail outlets that provide this service make an additional income by from charging for the use of this service. Consequently, ATMs may now be found in small retail outlets, such as petrol stations, nightclubs, pubs or corner convenience stores. These ATMs provide ATM services excessible to customers of any financial institutions recognised by the AM Commonly these ATMs are, so called, 2 entry level ATMs which provide only minimal services, such as cash dispensing.

As stated above, to-date ATMs have generally been limited to the provision of financial services and the financial institutions operating the ATMs have perceived themselves as having a single body of clients or customers with requirements for similar services from the ATM, namely simple or complex financial services.

Consequently it is an object of the present invention to broaden the functionality of some instore self service terminals.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a network of self service terminals having means for verifying a user's authorisation, wherein users with a first level of authorisation are provided access to personal financial services and users with a second level of authorisation are provided access to unrelated services.

For example, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention the financial services in question include the dispensing of cash and may in addition include other financial services such as the provision of account balances, etc. as discussed above. Whereas, the unrelated services include information provided to the management of an individual retail outlet, in a chain of outlets, from the outlet's head office regarding management of the operation of the retail outlet.

3 Preferably, the terminals are automated Teller Machines (ATMs) Preferably, the means for verifying a user's authorisation, includes either a smart card, magnetic strip reader or a biometrics identification device such as a retinal image scanner.

Preferably, the terminals include a display for presenting information to users.

Most preferably, the network as described above includes a central processing unit (CPU) for location in a central office of a chain of retail outlets and the terminals are located in one or more of the retail outlets, the terminals being arranged to receive information from the CPU.

Still more preferably the first set of users includes members of the public and the second set of users includes authorised personnel, preferably managers, from each retail outlet Preferably, the information includes commercial /business information of value to the managers in operating the retail outlet.

Preferably, the terminals are linked to a printer in order to print information received.

optionally, the terminals are linked to an electronic price label (EPL) system within a retail outlet.

4 Information may be transmitted from the terminal to the EPL system with or without the authorised user's approval.

Most preferably, the terminals are additionally arranged for outward email communications. Preferably the network of self-service terminals utilises a TCP/IP protocol communications network.

Preferably, the network includes a communication server arranged to receive telecommunications messages f rom the central office CPU, the messages being accessible by authorised users through the terminals in the network.

Preferably, the communications network comprises an intranet of devices associated with a single commercial entity.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a self service terminal comprising means for presenting information to users and access to means for identifying a user, wherein users with a first level of authorisation may be provided access to financial services and users with a second level of authorisation are provided access to unrelated services.

Preferably the terminal is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Preferably, the terminal is arranged for connection to a communications network.

Preferably, the network is a TCP/IP protocol communications network.

Preferably, the terminal is also connected to a printer in order to print information from the terminal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a group of commercially connected retail outlets the method including disseminating business information to authorised personnel within the individual outlets through the use of self service terminals located in each of the outlets.

Preferably, the information includes details of a special offer to be advertised to customers of the retail outlet.

Preferably, if the authorised user agrees to participate in the special offer, by actuating the terminal in a fashion to transmit an acceptance signal to the CPU in the head office, a list of quantities of produce required for participation in the offer is then presented to the user.

Additionally, the authorised user may then indicate produce that is not presently in stock in suitable quantities in store. Thereafter, the terminals are arranged to provide pre-configured e-mails for transmission to third parties in order to request the produce necessary to bring the instore quantities up to requirements f or participation in the special offer.

6 Preferably the authorised users are members of the management of the retail outlets.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operation of a self service terminal comprising means for presenting information to users and means for verifying a user's authorisation, wherein users with a first level of authorisation are provided access to financial services and users with a second level of authorisation are provided access to unrelated services.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer readable medium having stored therein instructions for causing a processor to execute a method of operating a group of commercially connected retail outlets the method including disseminating business information to authorised personnel within the individual outlets through the use of self service terminals located in each of the outlets.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer readable medium having stored therein instructions for causing a processor to execute a method of operation of a network of self service terminals having means for verifying a user's authorisation, wherein users with first level of authorisation are provided access to financial services and users with a second level of authorisation are provided access to unrelated services.

7 According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a network of ATMs having means for verifying a user's authorisation, each of the ATMs being located within a retail outlet of a chain of retail outlets, a central processing unit located within a central office of the chain of retail outlets; and a communications server; the ATMs, central office CPU and communication server each being linked together through a TCP/IP communications network, wherein, the network is operable so as to disseminate business information to authorised users within the individual outlets through the use of the ATMs.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a propagation signal from a CPU to an ATM within a network of ATMs, the signal containing data which indicates to the ATM whether or not a user may use the ATM and if so to what services the user may gain access, the CPU making that determination after interrogating a memory, containing a relevant authorisation data structure.

An embodiment at present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig.1 illusrates a network of self service terminals in accordance with the present invention; Fig.2 is a schematic representation of an ATM in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a second representation of the ATM of Fig. 2; Fig.4 is a representation of the head office computer of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a flow diagram, which illustrates the provision of financial services using the ATM of Figs 2 & 3; and Fig. 6 is a flow diagram, which illustrates a method of operation of the network of Fig. 1, in accordance with the present invention.

Regarding Fig.1 there is presented a network 10 of selfservice terminals in the form of ATMs 12. Each of the ATMs 12 comprises a means 14 of identifying a user, which may be a smart card or magnetic strip reader or a biometrics identification device such as a retinal image scanner. These devices are well known in the field and will not be discussed further herein. However, the interaction of the means 14 with a head office computer 16, which is required in order to verify a user's level of authorisation, will be discussed further below.

Users with a first level of authorisation are provided access to personal financial services and users with a second level of authorisation are provided access to unrelated services. The financial services in question include the dispensing of cash and may in addition include other financial services such as the provision of account balances or the ability to request a statement or a new cheque book. All of these personal financial services are the sort of service normally provided by a cash dispensing ATM.

The unrelated services, in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, include allowing a user 9 access to information provided from another source. In this case allowing an authorised person, such as a store manager, access to information provided by the head office of a chain of retail outlets. The information in question may include any information which would be of value to a store manager in operating the store, such as information on a special offer which is to be advertised in the store in the near future.

more information will be provided on this aspect of the invention below.

Each of the ATMs 12 also includes a display 18 for displaying information to users, as can be seen more clearly in Fig.3.

As can be seen in Fig.4, the network 10 also includes a central processing unit 64 within the PC 16 located in the central office 20 of the chain of retail outlets 22, as discussed above. Each of the ATMs 12 is located in one of the retail outlets 22 and each is arranged to receive information from the central office computer 16 through a TCP/IP protocol communication network 24. The network 24 may be the internet or may be an exclusive intranet arranged only between the head office and the stores within the network. Fig.1 illustrates a TCP/IP gateway 34, which allows access between the intranet and the internet. This gateway will also act as a firewall to prevent unauthorised access to the ATMs through the communications network 24.

The network 10 also includes a printer 26 connected to an ATM 12 in each store 22 (only one illustrated) in order to print information received through the ATMs 12.

In addition the ATMS 12 may be linked to an electronic price label (EPL) system 28 (only one illustrated). Information relating to product prices may then be transmitted from the ATM 12 to the EPL system 28. This transmission may or may not require the authorised user's approval.

The ATMs 12 are also arranged for outward e-mail communication. The presentation of information to the ATMs 12 and the outward e-mail function of the ATMs 12 are arranged through the communication server 30, which in this case is located at the head office 20, although it may be located elsewhere as is convenient. The server is a standard TCP/IP communication server and will not be described in detail further herein. Thus the outward e-mail connection enables authorised users at the ATMs 12 to send e-mails, at least, to specified addresses such as the address of a supplier 32 as required in order to run the store 22, as will be discussed in detail below.

Fig. 2 shows an ATM 12 of Fig. 1 in more detail. The ATM 12 includes a display module 36 and encrypting keypad module 38, a magnetic card reader/writer (MCRW) module 40, a receipt printer 42, a cash dispenser module 44, an ATM central processor (CPU) module 46 for controlling the operations of various modules and a network connection module 48 for communication with the server 30 through the TCP/IP network 11 24. A proprietary internal bus 52 interconnects all of the modules within the ATM 12. The magnetic card reader/writer module 40 forms part of a means for verifying a user's authorisation and display module 36 includes a display 18 for the presentation of information to users.

Fig. 3 illustrates the user interface of an ATM 12 in accordance with the present invention. The ATM 12 is a standard ATM with a display 18, including FDK keys 56, a card receiving slot 54, a cash dispensing slot 58 and an encrypting key pad 59.

Fig.4 illustrates the computer 16 at the central head office 20, which includes a memory 62 containing an authorisation data structure, a central processing unit 64 and a communications card 66 arranged for TCP/IP communication with the server 30. During operation, as will be disclosed in more detail below, a signal will be sent from an ATM 12 through the network 24 to the central head office PC 16 requesting verification of a user's level of authorisation. This request causes the CPU 64 to interrogate the memory 62 in order to ascertain the level of authorisation of the user. The memory 62 locates the user in question in the authorisation data structure and determines through which ATMs in the network and to what level of service the user may gain access. The PC 16 then transmits a signal to the ATM from which the request originated through the communications card 66 and the network 24, which indicates whether or not the user may use that ATM and what level of service the user may access.

12 Fig.5 is a flow diagram that illustrates the use of an ATM 12, in accordance with the present invention, for the provision of financial services. The process begins (box 70) by a user inserting a card into a card slot 54 (Fig. 3) where it can be read by a MCRW module 40 (Fig. 2). Clearly, in another embodiment other means of identification such as smart cards or biometrics techniques may be utilised. The ATM display 18 (Fig.3) then displays a request for the user's pin number (box 72). The user responds by entering the pin number (box 74) utilising a keypad 59 (Fig.3). The ATM then sends a request to the PC 16 in the head office 20 (Fig.1) in order to have the user's authorisation level determined using the system disclosed above in relation to Fig.4 (box 76). If the user has only a limited authorisation i.e. not authorised to use additional services then the ATM 12 will display a menu of possible financial services on the display screen 18 (box 78). The user can then use FDK keys 56 in order to select the service required (box 80). For example, say that the user wishes to withdraw cash. The ATM 12 will go through the normal process for requesting amounts of cash and dispensing cash through a cash slot 58 (Fig.3) in the normal manner (box 82). This may or may not require the financial institution in question making a second determination as to the user's authorisation to withdraw cash from the ATM 12, which in turn may require the user to enter a PIN number f or a second time.

However, if the authorisation process indicates that the user is an authorised user i.e. authorised to use additional services then a menu offering the user either financial services or additional services will be displayed by the 13 display screen 18 (Fig.3). If the user then requests financial services the above mentioned process will enable the user to avail himself or herself of the ATM's normal financial services, as discussed above. However, if the user requests additional services then those services will be provided as illustrated in Fig.6.

using the method of operation, in accordance with the present invention, described below enables the management of a chain of retail outlets to run the chain from a remote head office. The method includes dispensing business information to authorised personnel such as managers of individual stores within the chain through the use of a network of self service terminals, each of which is located in one of the outlets in the chain.

Regarding Fig.6 we will assume that the authorised person has gone through the initial process, as described within respect to Fig.5 and has requested additional services. At that point the authorised user will be able to review new messages received from head office which will be displayed on the screen 18 of the ATM 12 (Fig. 3) (box 86). The user may then open a message (box 88). Fig.6 displays two example messages, the first being that:

"Tissues are on special offer, two for the price of one, as of X date" (box 90).

The ATM 12 then automatically displays a question:

"Do you wish to participate?" 14 to the authorised user (box 92) If the user indicates that he or she does not wish to avail themselves of this offer by the use of one of the FDK keys 56 (Fig.3), then the user may move to a next message or to read old messages or to close this session with the ATM (box 94). However, if the authorised user indicates that they do wish to participate in the special offer then the ATM displays an additional question:

"Do you have enough stock, Y boxes in-store?" (box 96).

The authorised user then keys in "yes" or "no" and if the answer is "no", after a prompt, the user keys the number of boxes required to bring the store up to, at least, the minimum necessary to participate in the special offer (box 98). The ATM automatically e-mails a request for the required number of boxes to a supplier 32 (Fig. 1) and confirms participation in the special offer by sending an additional message to the head office (box 100).

Additionally, a message with the necessary pricing information is then sent to the in-store EPL system 28 (Fig. 1) by the ATM 12 (box 102). This information will include the start and end dates of the special offer as well as the price during the offer period. The in-store EPL tags may then be adjusted to the new price during the offer period and returned to the original price after the offer has ended, without additional human input. The ATM 12 may or may not prompt the authorised user for approval before transmitting the signal to the EPL, depending on how the system is configured.

Fig. 6 also illustrates an example message, which is a message from head office, which includes advertising information for use in the store (box 104). On receipt of this message the ATM 12 displays the following question to the authorised user:

"Do you wish to use this information?" (box 106).

If the user indicates by using the FDK key 56 that they do not wish to participate in the process then the process ends. However, if the user indicates that they do wish to use the advertising information then the message containing the information is automatically sent to a printer 26 (Fig.1) which is connected to the ATM 12 and the advertising information is printed (box 108).

Although the invention has been described with particular reference to a particular preferred embodiment thereof, variations or modifications nay be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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Claims

Claims:

1. A network of self service terminals having means for verifying a user's authorisation, wherein users with a first level of authorisation are provided access to personal financial services and users with a second level of authorisation are provided access to unrelated services.

2. A network as claimed in claim 1, wherein the terminals are Automated Teller machines (ATms)

3. A network as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means for verifying a user's authorisation includes either a smart card, magnetic strip reader or a biometrics identification device such as a retinal image scanner.

4. A network as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminals include a display for presenting information to users.

5. A network as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the network includes a central processing unit (CPU) for location in a central office of a chain of retail outlets.

6. A network as claimed in claim 5, wherein the terminals are located in one or more of the retail outlets, the terminals being arranged to receive information from the CPU.

7. A network as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the first set of users includes members of the public and the 17 second set of users includes authorised personnel f rom each of the retail outlets.

8. A network as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the information includes commercial/business information of value to the managers in operating the retail outlet.

9. A network as claimed in any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the terminals are linked to a printer.

10. A network as claimed in any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the terminals are linked to an electronic price label (EPL) system within a retail outlet.

11. A network as claimed in claim 10, wherein information may be transmitted from the terminal to the EPL.

12. A network as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the terminals are additionally arranged for outward e-mail communications.

13. A network as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the network utilises a TCP/IP protocol communications network.

14. A network as claimed in any of claims 5 to 13, wherein the network includes a communication server arranged to receive telecommunications messages from the central office CPU, the messages being accessible by authorised users through the terminals in the network.

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15. A network as claimed in claim 5, wherein the network comprises an intranet of devices associated with a single commercial entity.

16. A self service terminal comprising means for presenting information to users and access to means for identifying a user, wherein users with a first level of authorisation may be provided access to financial services and users with a second level of authorisation are provided access to unrelated services.

17. A terminal as claimed in claim 16, wherein the terminal is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

18. A terminal as claimed in claim 16 or claim17, arranged for connection to a communications network.

19. A terminal as claimed in any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the communications network is a TCP/IP protocol communications network.

20. A terminal as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the terminal is also connected to a printer.

21. A method of operating a group of commercially connected retail outlets the method including disseminating business information to authorised personnel within the individual outlets through the use of self service terminals located in each of the outlets.

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22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the information includes details of a special offer to be advertised to customers of the retail outlet.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22, wherein if the authorised user agrees to participate in the special offer, by actuating the terminal in a f ashion to transmit an acceptance signal to the CPU in the head office, a list of quantities of produce required for participation in the offer is then presented to the user.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein an authorised user may then indicate produce that is not presently in stock in suitable quantities in store.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the terminals are arranged to provide pre-configured emails for transmission to third parties in order to request the produce necessary to bring the in-store quantities up to requirements for participation in the special offer.

26. A method as claimed in any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the authorised users are members of the management of the retail outlets.

27. A method of operation of a self service terminal comprising means for presenting information to users and means for verifying a user's authorisation, wherein users with a first level of authorisation are provided access to financial services and users with a second level of authorisation are provided access to unrelated services.

28. A computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for causing a processor to execute a method of operating a group of commercially connected retail outlets the method including disseminating business information to authorised personnel within the individual outlets through the use of self service terminals located in each of the outlets.

29. A computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for causing a processor to execute a method of operation of a network of self service terminals having means for verifying a user's authorisation, wherein users with a first level of authorisation are provided access to financial services and users with a second level of authorisation are provided access to unrelated services.

30. A network of ATMs having means for verifying a user's authorisation. each of the ATMs being located within a retail outlet of a chain of retail outlets, a central processing unit located within a central office of the chain of retail outlets; and a communications server; the ATMs, central office CPU and communication server each being linked together through a TCP/IP communications network, wherein, the network is operable so as to disseminate business information to authorised users within the individual outlets through the use of the ATMs.

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31. A propagation signal from a CPU to an ATM within a network of ATMs, the signal containing data which indicates to the ATM whether or not a user may use the ATM and if so to what services the user may gain access, the CPU making that determination after interrogating a memory, containing a relevant authorisation data structure.