WO2004027723A1

WO2004027723A1 - A self-service touchscreen kiosk for use in banks.

Info

Publication number: WO2004027723A1
Application number: PCT/IN2002/000188
Authority: WO
Inventors: Murthy Gopinath Ram
Original assignee: Murthy Gopinath Ram
Priority date: 2002-09-18
Filing date: 2002-09-18
Publication date: 2004-04-01
Also published as: AU2002341381A1

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a self-service Touchscreen kiosk for use in Banks (1) comprising: a. A touchscreen enabled monitor (2); b. Microprocessor, Memory, Hard disk, Floppy disk, CD-ROM and associated hardware like modem, network connectivity, required device drivers and a set of Software instructions to dynamically generate and display on the touch screen the transaction instructions and the result of such transactions; c. A printer (4a) d. MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) Reader (4e, 4g) e. A known kiosk enclosure having a lockable door, power distribution points, castor wheels, leveling screws, fans for ventilation, provision to fix translite and sufficient space to fix the parts mentioned in steps a to d.

Description

A SELF-SERVICE TOUCHSCREEN KIOSK FOR USE IN BANKS.

FIELD OF INVENTION:

The device is a touchscreen monitor combined with a computer system, executable software to control a defined sequence of operations and a variety of devices that allow a user to conduct a variety of banking transactions in an efficient manner.

BACKGROUND:

Touchscreens, by their inherent intuitive characteristics, are finding increasing use in self- service kiosk applications. Particularly for transaction kiosks, it becomes very efficient to provide a specific choice of descriptive icons to aid a user to touch upon which the display changes in a predetermined sequence. This sequence is designed to result in a particular transaction being completed. In kiosk environments a keyboard is not accessible hence the user can only touch icons on the screen, thus the chances of accidentally or intentionally tampering or accessing information other than what is required is eliminated. The user cannot switch off the computer or alter any of the settings.

In a transaction kiosk applications the software will be capable of allowing the user to enter information using an on-screen virtual keyboard that has only those keys that are required to input information. To correct wrong inputs a backspace button can be provided. Apart from these the software can allow the user to scroll up or down a table and select one of the options. Touching the OK icon will imply the information input is OK and the GUI (Graphic User Interface) reads the information & performs checks with the database as per the requirement of that transaction step and displays the next screen as per the sequence. If the check results are not OK, relevant screens can be displayed as per predetermined criteria say, to allow the user to try again a number of times. This allows authorizing the user to perform transactions after the Identity is verified.

Information can be captured by, or output to a variety of devices connected to the kiosk like MICR reader, magnetic card, smart card, web camera, receipt printer, barcode printer, biometric sensor etc. Transaction kiosks are useful to perform repetitive, high frequency tasks which otherwise would be perfoπned by persons leading to longer waiting times, varying efficiencies & possibilities of errors.

CURRENT SCENARIO:

Banks across India have been following a procedure for over 40 years at the Customer front end, for simple transactions like cash withdrawal, cash deposits, Instrument Purchase, check balance, print statement etc.

Millions of customers, on a regular basis have to undergo cumbersome procedures to effect simple transactions as explained below.

The Method:

• To withdraw cash a customer fills up a cheque or a voucher which the clerk manually examines, issues a metal token, enters & updates the transaction using a computer terminal, which is again verified and approved by an accountant on another computer terminal and then passed over to the cashier, who calls out the token number and the customer hands over the token & collects cash.

• To deposit Cash or an Instrument, a pay-in slip is filled in duplicate-triplicate in some cases (account number, date, amount in figures & words and signature), cash is given to cashier who counts & stamps counterfoil, and Instrument is given to clerk who verifies & stamps counterfoil.

• To purchase instrument, voucher is filled in duplicate (date, beneficiary, amount, commission, total, location), handed to clerk with a cheque payable to bank (or cash to cashier), clerk passes to accountant who prepares Instrument and hands to customer

• To update pass-book clerk receives it accesses account and updates using printer. • To issue new cheque-book, clerk receives requisition, enters account number on each cheque leaf, records numbers against account numbers and hands over cheque book generally never on the same day. Shortcomings & Problems:

It is very obvious to observe that these procedures create bottle-necks in the work process. The same clerk handles varied jobs which leads to increased waiting times when customer traffic is high. A customer wishing to conduct a simple transaction needing a few minutes has to needlessly wait for other customers' transactions in process to be complete; after filling up mundane details like date, account number, name in duplicate.

To elaborate- issuing withdrawal slips, checking for withdrawal, updating pass book, issuing cheque book, opening new accounts is performed by the clerk. A sub-staff moves vouchers & tokens to & fro between the clerk, accountant and cashier. The accountant verifies every withdrawal, issues Instruments, allows OD, verifies new accounts, accepts Investments, authorizes loans etc. The clerk issues & accepts cash. Each of these staff possesses varying degrees of efficiency, patience and capacity for repetitive tasks.

The existing method in spite of computerization results in crowding at service counters, long queues harassed staff & customers. Besides, under the above circumstances, cash & non-cash transactions being serviced in the same area poses a risk to customers as any person (with possible devious intentions) can walk into a bank branch and pose innocent queries about certain banking services. Aged persons, disabled persons find it very tedious to perform simple transactions.

The following URLs are included herein by way of reference wherein the current banking scenario is discussed in detail: http://www.banknetindia.com/ http://www.barjtoietindia.com banking/features.htm httpJ/www.banknetindia.com/banking/art.htm http://v^ww.barj netindia.com/banking/bsoftware.htm htτp://www.bantoιetindia.com/harjJ ng/bi1φresentlevel.htm The convenience that the current banking system provides for personal as well as business purposes is limited by the fact that these transactions need to be conducted from the branch where the account exists.

• Cash withdrawal is not possible in any branch (other than branch where account exists) of the same bank (without magnetic swipe card or smart card).

• Cash Deposit is not possible at any branch of the same bank (other than branch where account exists).

• Instrument Purchase is not possible at any branch of the same bank (other than branch where account exists).

• Standing Instructions cannot be issued from any branch of same bank (other than branch where account exists).

• Account Balance cannot be checked from any branch of the same bank (other than branch where account exists).

In trying to leverage a wide presence across the country, banks in India are exploring initiatives to deploy the latest in Banking Automation Software like:

i) Stand-alone branch-level packages-

These are usually written in FoxPro, C or Dbase and handle specific functions at branches; these are sometimes networked on a LAN to simulate a TBA environment. But there are also high-end packages with a central Server (which can be a Pentium PC or NT or a MINI or even a Main Frame, supported by multiple (dumb or intelligent) terminals. Some of them use sophisticated RDBMS like ORACLE as back-end and provide user-friendly front-end with

Windows GUI. ii) Multi-branch solutions - These are used to network a cluster of branches in a city (or spread over several cities); the account maintenance can be central (where facilities like Anywhere Banking are required) or can be distributed, networking being achieved through Wide Area Network (WAN) on terrestrial lines / high speed lines/ satellite networks - and now even wireless. iii) Foreign Packages - Examples are Bank Master, Kappiti, Sanchez etc. These need to be extensively customized to suit Indian requirements - but their strength lie in their proven capabilities in developing and offering modern / global banking products / services that India is just ushering in. iv) Packages for specialized niche areas -

Like Asset Liability Management (ALM), Treasury Management, Trading / Dealing Room activities, Custodial Services/ Depository Participant etc. These are high-end packages with sophisticated analytical and decision tools. v) Service Branch / high-volume transaction processing packages -

These include, clearing, drafts issue/ payments / reconciliation (Remittances), Bills

(payments/ collection/ purchases), Dividend Warrant Processing, inter-branch reconciliation etc. These are often developed and implemented by service providers to whom the work is outsourced. vi) IT Services -

These are not Packages in the sense, these are developed to handle specific problems like disaster recovery, virus protection, security handling, linking / networking multiple legacy systems between themselves or to new platforms or to new delivery channels like ATMs, etc.

New initiatives like Net-Banking, Tele-Banking, Mobile-Banking, are being deployed, but these can cater to only a fraction of the population with the situation in about 40,000 odd branches remaining unchanged.

The Banking automation software available in the market does not focus on improving the service times or overcome the shortcomings existing at the front-end customer service counters. There is no definite solution that will:

• Simplify, streamline & optimize the workflow at the customer front-end

• Eliminate, minimize the bottle-necks & problems at service counters • Allow flexibility to withdraw, deposit cash, purchase Instrument in any branch

(without magnetic / smarts).

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

It is the objective of the invention to provide a new, simple method to facilitate retail-banking transactions using a touchscreen transaction kiosk that offers self-service with the following features & advantages:

Optimal sequence of operations by user

User friendly, training for usage not required

Reduces waiting time for customers

Reduces crowding at service counters • First-come-first-serve

Multi-lingual

Customers are not made to wait for jobs in queue

Customers need not interact with bank staff for simple queries

Saves time & effort put in by Bank staff in performing repetitive & mundane chores • Frees up bank staff to offer better personalized services

Utilize existing human resources for better operations

Improve the work process flow

Allows customers to withdraw / deposit cash, Purchase Instrument, Issue Standing

Instructions, Transfer Cash from any branch • Improve the security in bank premises

Allow the banks to expand services with minimum infrastructure

Deployable at Merchant establishments to accept payments by fund transfer • Scalable to adapt to new technology

• Economical to purchase & maintain

• Portable: can be located within premises or at external establishment • Minimizes use of paper vouchers, cheques

• Can be designed to be user friendly for the disabled.

This invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig 1 shows the self-service kiosk system ATK-100;

Fig 2 shows the connection between ATK-100, the database and the computer in the bank; Display Graphics DG1 to DG33 shows the various screen displays during operation; Flow Charts FC1 to FC13 shows the operational chart during various transactions; and Print outs POl to PO7 shows the various print outs that can be generated after the transactions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: This invention combines the functionality of a touchscreen monitor, computer system, executable software and several hardware devices, to enable self-service transactions to be performed.

The self-service kiosk system ATK100 comprises: (Refer Fig. 1.)

1. Enclosure 1 is fabricated out of metal or wood or Fibre reinforced plastic or aluminum or a combination of these. The enclosure will be accessible to authorized persons by unlocking a door (not shown) located in the rear or front or the sides, depending on the design. Sufficient storage space will be available inside the enclosure to store the keyboard, mouse, stationary, spares and tools.

2. Touch screen monitor is identified by reference numeral 2. It is a CRT or LCD TFT type; Touch technology: Capacitive, Resistive, Surface

Acoustic Wave, Infrared or Near Field Imaging type. Microprocessor 3 along with Memory, Hard disk, Floppy disk, CD-ROM and associated hardware like modem, network connectivity, required device drivers (not shown) and a set of Software instructions to dynamically generate and display on the touch screen the transaction instructions and the result of such transactions to effect the following results:

• To display the main menu on touching the welcome screen or touching the Main Menu button on the monitor screen;

• Display graphics in a predetermined sequence depending on the transaction selected to be conducted;

• To control operations of the various hardware devices described herein after;

• Allow user inputs using the on-screen keyboard like account number, PIN, amount, scroll location, backspace using Button-C, operation OK using Button- OK;

• Read the magnetic characters sensed by MICR Reader;

• Read & verify such input information by checking with the database;

• Generate a transaction number as per predetermined criteria;

• Updating the database; • To track transactions by keying transaction number or, account number,

PIN, finger print, name;

• Outputting required information to the printer for printing as per predetermined formats;

• Allow restricted access to format graphics, Instructions, languages; • Generate Alarms when authentication conditions are not met;

• Capable of operating automatic doors after verifying Identity; and

• Capable of communicating with different Operating Systems and Database. 4. Other hardware components (Refer to Fig. 1): (inclusive of necessary cables for connectivity & software drivers)

4a. Receipt Printer 4b. Alphanumeric Keypad

4c. Barcode Printer

4d. Barcode Scanner

4e. MICR Reader

4f. Biometric Fingerprint Scanner 4g. Magnetic Swipe Card Reader

4i. Smart Card reader/ writer

4j. Web Camera

4k. Alarm System: Visual or Audible.

The ATK-100 is connected to the database (DB) and the computer (5) in the bank through cables. Since it is well known as to connections should be made, the figures do not show the cables necessary to establish connectivity.

DG1 shows a screen display Graphic on Touch screen monitor 2. This is the Main Menu.

• It is understood that the button images, Bank Name, Welcome message and Instructions may be formatted or edited to any functionally acceptable size, color, location, grammar or language on the screen as per the desire of the service provider.

• This applies to all such button images, graphic prompts, display graphics and Print out formats that have been shown in the document for ease of explanation. • These button images may be located together on a single Display Graphic or separately on several Display Graphics as per the convenience of the ATK100 service provider. • To aid the user to navigate better, the user may add image buttons to control actions like 'previous display', next display', 'go to ', if & when necessary.

A user starts a transaction by touching a button image pertaining to the service required.

Each of the button Images once touched will lead the user through a predetermined sequence of display graphics that will appear on the ATK100 monitor screen-2.

These Display Graphics will display Information, animated graphics and Instructions for the user to conduct transactions intuitively & in a simple manner.

Every printout from the printers- 4a and 4d will by default have the time, date, bank, branch details, transaction type, account number, name of account holder and a distinct transaction number. Other details on the printout will depend upon the transaction type.

Operating Features:

The operation of the touch screen kiosk is explained hereinafter. It may be noted that the Display Graphics and the Print Outs are shown as samples for purpose of illustration.

The Instruction - ENTER ACCOUNT NUMBER, PIN, AMOUNT means that the user enters his / her account number using the on-screen alpha- numeric keypad, using B-C (Button -C) to correct wrong entries & touching B-OK to transit to the next Display Graphic and action as per the sequence of that particular transaction.

Function: Withdrawal Touching the button Image 1 -Withdrawals in Figure 1 initiates change from DGl to DG2.

l.Function: Withdrawal- Self:

Touching button image -Self (B-Self) in DG2 will change DG2 to DG3. Refer to Flowchart FC1. In FC1, BLOCK 10 checks whether the entered account number matches with at least one entry in the existing database. If NO then DG3 displays a new Instruction stating wrong entry and to re-enter account number. Re-entering is permitted for a maximum of 3 attempts after which an alarm is initiated.

If a match is found in the database, the display changes to DG4.

BLOCK 20 checks ifthe PIN entered in DG4 matches with the PIN recorded against the entered account number in the database. A correct match changes display to DG5. Wrong entry scenario is same as above.

BLOCK 30 checks if the amount entered is within permissible limits set by the bank. If

YES then display changes to DG6, and Receipt Printer 4a prints token with transaction details as shown in Printout 1 (POl). The display changes to DGl after 5 seconds.

The person having completed the transaction at the ATK100, collects the token from the printer 4a, affixes signature, surrenders the token to the Cashier and collects Cash as stated in the transaction.

Option:

The person can transfer amount to another account 'X' within the same branch. Refer FC1- (Option). After BLOCK30, DG32 is displayed, BLOCK10 checks if the entered account number of beneficiary exists and displays the name of account holder in DG33, and the value of amount to be transferred is displayed. Touching B-C changes display to DG32. Touching B-OK debits amount from account and credits to account 'X' and printer 4a, prints token with transaction details as shown in Fig PO7. 2. Function Withdrawal: Bearer

Touching B- Bearer in DG2 changes graphic to DG3 as shown in FC2.

In FC2, BLOCK 10 & BLOCK 30 - procedure is same as in FC1 explained above.

Ifthe amount entered is within permissible limits set by the bank, display changes to DG6.

The display then changes to DGl after 5 seconds.

The person having completed the transaction at the ATKIOO, collects the printout (PO2) from the printer 4a, surrenders token & cheque to the Cashier, who verifies the cheque & token and delivers Cash as stated in the transaction & mentioned in cheque.

The ATKIOO service provider may also alter this procedure as follows: The user may get the PO2 & cheque verified by the clerk before going to the cashier.

Option 1:

DG3 & BLOCK 10 can be replaced by DG3.1 & BLOCK10.1, as shown in FC2.1, where instead of entering Account number, the cheque number can be entered. BLOCK10.1 will match the cheque number with the account number against which it has been issued. Rest of the procedure is same as above.

Option 2:

DG7 & BLOCK 50 can replace DG3 & Block 10, where instead of entering Account number, the display prompts the user to insert cheque into MICR Reader. BLOCK 50 reads the Magnetic Characters on Instrument, searches for the place, branch, and cheque number in the MICR Code Directory and locates the account number pertaining to the issued cheque. Rest of the procedure is the same as above.

Function: Deposits

Touching Button image 3 in DGl, changes display to DG9. 3. Function: Deposits - Cash:

Touching B- CASH changes DG9 to DG3 as shown in FC3 In FC3, BLOCK 10 operation is same as explained above Amount to be deposited is entered in DG5 and on touching B-OK the display changes to DG10. Printer 4a prints pay-in slip PO3. After 5 seconds display changes to DGl.

User enters the denomination of currency, affixes signature and hands over to Cashier.

4. Function: Deposits - Instrument: Touching B- Instrument changes the display from DG9 to DG3 as shown in FC4. In FC4, BLOCK 10 operation is same as explained above.

Amount to be deposited is entered in DG5 and on touching B-OK the display changes to DG16.

DGl 6 asks for number of cheques to be deposited. Upon entering number of cheques & touching B-OK display changes to DG7, which instructs the user to insert cheque into the MICR Reader 4e.

BLOCK 50 reads the Magnetic Characters on Instrument, searches for the place, branch, and bank details in the MICR Code Directory.

Display changes to DGl 7 that instructs the user to remove check from MICR Reader output, and asks if there are any more cheques to be deposited. On Touching B-YES, Display changes to DG5. Touching B-NO changes display to DG8 after 5 seconds changes to DGl.

The user collects the print out PO4 & Instruments, affixes signature and hands over to Clerk at counter who stamps the slip and returns the counterfoil to the user. Option: refer FC4.1

DG3 & BLOCK10 operation is same as explained previously.

In DG7.1 user enters the MICR CODE ie the entire code comprising cheque number & bank code.

BLOCK51 searches for the bank details in the Code Directory.

DG5 asks for the amount of cheque and BLOCK 40 prints the pay-in slip PO4.

5.Function: Purchase Instrument:

Touching B- 3 on DGl changes the display to DG3. Refer to FC5. In FC5, BLOCK 10 checks whether the entered account number matches with at least one entry in the existing records. If NO then DG3 displays an Instruction stating wrong entry and to re-enter account number. Re-entering is permitted for a maximum of 3 attempts after which an alarm is initiated.

On a correct match display changes to DG4. BLOCK 20 checks if the entered PIN matches with the PIN recorded against the entered account number in the records and on a correct match, display changes to DG5. Wrong entry scenario is same as above.

BLOCK 30 checks if the amount entered is within permissible limits set by the bank. If YES then display changes to DGl 1.

DG11 enables the user to select the geographical location where the Instrument will be payable at.

Here the user can key in the location name using the on-screen virtual alphabetic keyboard OR touch the B- SEARCH whereupon the display changes to DG12.

In case the user keys in the location, then a check is performed in BLOCK 70 in FC5 to ascertain that the bank has a branch in that location. If the check is OK then in BLOCK 55 commission for the amount of Instrument purchased and the total amount is calculated and the display changes to DGl 3. DGl 2 enables the user to scroll UP or DOWN and select one of the locations that have been entered in the records. (A multiple level search can be incorporated e.g. first level could be locate region, second level search could be search city) After selecting the location the user touches B-OK. In this case there will be no need to check if the location exists and here BLOCK 55 calculates commission for the amount of Instrument purchased and the total amount and the display changes to DGl 3.

DGl 3 shows the amount, commission, total and location payable. B-C can be used to correct any previous entries ie touching B-C will return the display to the previous display. If OK, user touches B-OK and initiates BLOCK 60 where the details are printed as shown in PO5. DG6 prompts the user to collect printed slip, enter the name of the beneficiary manually, and present the application to the accountant.

6. Function: Check Balance and Print Statement

On touching Button Image- Balance (this button image may be located in Main Menu or under General Information as per the service providers choice), the DG will change to DG3 as shown in FC6. After accessing the account by satisfying the authentication conditions, DGl 4 is displayed. Here further actions may be performed if user desires by touching on the button images - PP, NP, PS, MM or exit. This is performed in BLOCK 75.

Touching B-PP, will display the previous page of the account transactions. B-NP will display the next page

B-PS will initiate print action of the page displayed -PO6 B-MM will display the Main Menu- Figl B-exit will change display to the looping display Function: Any Branch Banking:

Functions like A. Cash withdrawal- Self, B. Cash Withdrawal - Bearer, C. Cash Deposit, E. Purchase Instrument and F. Check Balance & Print Statement can be performed from any bank branch within certain geographical areas decided by the ATK100 service provider. It could be within city limits, within districts, within states or within the country.

The description below details the case in which transactions can be conducted within the country.

7. Function: Any Branch Banking- Cash Withdrawal- Self: Assume the user has an account in Bankl, Branchl, located in Cityl, which is located in Statel.

The user wishes to transact the above function using an ATKIOO, located in Bankl, Branchl 0, Cityl 0, and Statel 0 where the user does NOT have an account.

Refer FC-10 DG20 allows the user to locate State 1, using the scroll buttons. On touching B-OK the list of cities in State 1 where Bank 1 has branches is fed the list into the search table of DG21. DG21 allows the user to scroll the list in the table and locate City 1.

On touching B-Ok in DG21, the list of branches of Bankl existing in City 1 is fed into the search table in DG22. In DG22, user locates Branchl where he/she has an account and touches B-OK. DG23 allows the user to enter account number, PIN & amount.

BLOCK 100 connects ATKIOO in BranchlO, CitylO to the computer in Branchl, Cityl which could be by using Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and establishes Identities at both ends.

BLOCK110 sends the Account number, PIN and amount entered in ATKIOO at BranchlO, City 10 to computer in Branchl , Cityl . BLOCK120 the computer in Branchl, Cityl checks ifthe Account number, PIN & amount is as per records and whether it can be permitted. If the parameters do not match then the computer informs the ATKIOO in BranchlO to display graphics DG 24 to correct the erroneous parameter.

Even after 3 attempts if any of the parameters do not match then an alarm is activated and connection is disconnected.

If the Check result is OK then in BLOCK 130 computer in Branchl, Cityl authorizes ATKIOO in Branch 10, City 10 to accept the transaction.

BLOCK140 disconnects the established link to Branchl, Cityl and stops the Timer. The communication charges and applicable commission is calculated as per norms.

BLOCK40 instructs the printer 4a of ATKIOO in BranchlO, CitylO to print receipt that has all details of the transaction similar to POl but with more details, as required by the service provider. The User collects the receipt, affixes signature and collects cash from the Cashier in BranchlO, CitylO.

Option:

Instead of DG21 in FC10, DG7.1 can be displayed where the user can enter the MICR code indicating the place, branch & bank details. BLOCK 60 searches for the place, branch & bank details against the code and if yes displays DG23 and rest of the procedure is followed. If not alarm is activated.

BLOCK100 action and the rest of the procedure follow as per FC10.

8. Function: Any Branch Banking- Cash Withdrawal- Bearer:

This function allows a bearer cheque to be encashed in the same bank, any branch in any city. Assume that a person having an account in Bankl, Branchl, Cityl issues a bearer cheque to person in CitylO.

Using the ATKIOO located in any. branch of Bankl, CitylO the bearer can withdraw cash. Refer FC11

The bearer presents the cheque to the accountant who verifies the date and eliminates the possibility of the cheque being a counterfeit and grants permission to the bearer to use the ATKIOO.

The bearer navigates to the menu option: Any Branch Banking - Cash Withdrawal- Bearer.

DG7 is displayed which instructs the bearer to insert the cheque into the MICR Reader 4e of ATKIOO in CitylO.

BLOCK 50 reads the Magnetic Ink Characters on the cheque and searches for the place, branch, and bank details in the MICR Code Directory. If code has a problem then alarm is activated else DG30 is displayed where user enters the cheque number and the amount mentioned in the cheque.

BLOCK100 the ATKIOO in City 10 establishes connection with Bankl, Branchl, and Cityl same as explained in previous function.

Then BLOCK210 sends the information entered in DG30 ie the account number, cheque number and the amount entered in DG5 to the computer in Bankl , branchl , Cityl .

In BLOCK220, the computer in Bankl, branchl, Cityl checks whether the cheque number matches with the cheque issued to that account number and whether there is sufficient balance or not. If there is no match then the DG30 instructs the user to correct the wrong entry. More than 3 attempts will trigger an alarm. IF BLOCK220 condition is OK then BLOCK230 Instructs the Bankl, CitylO branch that payment may be authorized subject to manual signature verification and sends the signature sample as per records of the cheque issuer to the computer. Line is disconnected.

In BLOCK240 the accountant in the branch in Cityl manually verifies the signature on the cheque with the sample sent which appears on the accountants computer monitor screen as shown in DG31. If the Accountant finds the signature OK, then he enters his authorization code into DG31. If not satisfactory, transaction is cancelled.

BLOCK250 calculates the details of the transaction including charges deducted as commission and communication expenses as per the norms of the Bank. BLOCK 40 prints receipt with relevant transaction details. The bearer affixes signature on the receipt and collects cash from the cashier

Option 1:

Instead of DG7 being displayed DG7.1 can be displayed where the user is prompted to enter the MICR code ie the cheque number and the code indicating the place, branch & bank.

BLOCK 60 searches for the place, branch & bank details against the code and if yes displays DG30 and rest of the procedure is followed. If not alarm is activated.

Option 2:

Instead of entering MICR Code, or inserting Cheque into MICR Reader the User can search for the location, branch & bank using DG20, DG21, and DG22. Remaining procedure follows as per FC11.

9.Function: Any Branch Banking- Cash Deposit:

This function allows a person holding an account in Bank 1, branchl, Cityl to deposit Cash in Bankl, any branch and any city. Refer FC12 DG20, DG21, DG22, DG3 and DG5 allow the user to locate the branch where the account exists and enter the account number & amount to be deposited. On touching B-OK in DG5 the pay-in slip is printed which is similar to PO3 with a few more details.

The person remits cash with the pay-in slip. This amount is credited to the person's account in branchl, cityl.

lO.Function: Any Branch Banking- Purchase Instrument:

This function allows a person holding an account in Bank 1, branchl, Cityl to purchase an Instrument from Bankl , any branch and any city. Refer FC 13.

The person uses the ATKIOO in any branch, any city to access the account similar as explained previously. BLOCK99 allows search for location (same as in 5. Function - Purchase Instrument), calculates commission and adds it to the amount of Instrument mentioned in DG23 and totals. BLOCK 100 -BLOCK140 is same as in 5. Function- Purchase Instrument. BLOCK 140 adds the extra cost of communication & other charges.

The Instrument application is printed in BLOCK40.

DG6 prompts the person to collect application from printer.

Person enters beneficiary details and hands over to Accountant.

Display changes to DGl after 5 seconds.

Optional Features Configurable for Authenticating User Identity: a. Biometric Fingerprint Identification:

Opting for this feature will imply that users need not enter PIN to conduct transactions that require PIN entry. Thus BLOCK20 appearing in FCl, FC4 will be substituted by BLOCK80 as shown independently in FC7.

GD4 will be substituted by DGl 5 where instructions on which finger can be placed and the position of the fingerprint scanner -4f in the ATKIOO can be indicated.

In case of records not matching even after 3 attempts, alarm will be activated. In this case Retina based Identity check could also be implemented. b. Alphanumeric Keypad:

An alphanumeric keypad - 4b can be integrated at the Cashier / Teller. The user may be asked to re-enter the PIN on the numeric keypad as a cross check before cash is delivered, in the case of 1. Function: Withdrawal - Self A correct PIN entry will match with the transaction conducted, and verify the user.

Wrong entry will imply that the credentials of the person demanding cash are doubtful.

This option can be used in conjunction with the choice and procedure of getting a print out with transaction details OR entirely dispensing with the print out for cash withdrawal - Self- transactions.

c. Barcode Printer:

For transactions in numbered paragraph 1 above i.e. Function: Withdrawal - Self, barcode printer- 4c can be configured to output a printout that will print the transaction details in the form of a barcode in the case of a successful transaction.

This bar-coded printout can then be handed over to the cashier / teller who will scan this printout using a barcode scanner- 4d which will read and display the details of the transactions on a computer monitor display located at the cashier's workplace. d. Magnetic Card Reader:

Customers can be issued magnetic swipe cards that can be swiped at the Swipe card reader - 4g. This will eliminate the steps where the user is required to enter account number. The user only needs to enter PIN and continue the subsequent procedure instructed by the ATKIOO.

e. Smart card reader/ writer

Customers can be issued Smart cards, which when inserted into the Smart Card Reader / Writer - 4i identifies the user. Only the PIN needs to be entered and continue with the transactions. Depending on the facilities incorporated in the Organization, the Smart card can be updated with the latest transactions.

f. Web Camera:

A web camera - 4j can be located in the ATKIOO, which will capture a photograph of the user after each successful transaction. In case the user is an account holder then photograph can be compared with the existing photograph in the records together on the computer monitor screen located at the cahier / teller workplace.

In case the person is encashing a bearer's cheque ie the user is not an account holder then the photograph can be stored against that transaction for a limited time period. In case of any fraud in the future the bank authorities will have some lead to follow.

General:

The Invention has been detailed with an arrangement of hardware devices, features and a process of operations to result in particular transactions.

However many more similar or newer transactions will be possible using, omitting or altering the process and features.

To name a few:

It will be possible to include further validation checks such as 'check for stop-payment Instructions' issued for bearer withdrawals. It will be possible to deploy this kiosk in a merchant establishment to enable payments to be transferred to merchant for services availed from Customer's account by customer.

It will be possible for a person to withdraw cash-self without a printed token, using only a web cam, or only numeric keypad, or with only the cashier monitoring the transaction.

It will be possible to configure a set of speakers to play recorded voice instructions to instruct the user to conduct transactions.

It will be possible to allot a one time PIN dedicated to a particular amount of cash, which can be supplied to a beneficiary located in another city, who can use the ATKIOO to withdraw cash for the single occasion.

It will be possible for a person to deposit a cheque in any city.

It will be possible for a person to check account balance and get an account statement from any branch, in any city. It will be possible for a person to change PIN .

It will be possible to person to make deposits into loan accounts.

It will be possible to Issue Standing Instructions.

It will be possible for an administrator to monitor the transactions in a network scenario.

It will be possible that, high-risk, non-secure areas during late hours, having conducted a transaction in the lobby, the user could need to enter PIN or swipe card to access entry to the premises to receive cash.

It will be possible to transfer cash from account to a smart cash card. (Load a smart card)

It will be possible to make Utility bill payments.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A Self-service Touchscreen kiosk for use in Banks comprising: a. A touchscreen enabled monitor; b. Microprocessor, Memory, Hard disk, Floppy disk, CD-ROM and associated hardware like modem, network connectivity, required device drivers and a set of Software instructions to dynamically generate and display on the touch screen the transaction instructions and the result of such transactions; c. A printer; d. MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) Reader and e. A known kiosk enclosure having a lockable door, power distribution points, castor wheels, leveling screws, fans for ventilation, provision to fix translite and sufficient space to fix the parts mentioned in steps a to d.

2. A Self-service Touch screen kiosk of Claim 1, further comprising a sequence of interactive operations performed by user on kiosk and with bank personnel.

3. A Self-service Touch screen kiosk of Claiml & 2, comprising a camera such as a web camera.

4. A Self-service Touch screen kiosk of claim 1 to 3, comprising a biometric identification system.

5. A Self-service Touch screen kiosk of Claim 1 to 4, comprising a magnetic swipe card reader.

6. A Self-service Touch screen kiosk of Claim 1 to 5, comprising a smart card reader/ writer.

7. A Self-service Touch screen kiosk of Claim 1 to 6, comprising a barcode printer.

8. A Self-service Touch screen kiosk of Claim 1 to 7, comprising an alphanumeric keyboard.

9. A Self-service Touch screen kiosk of Claim 1 to 8, comprising an Alarm (audible/Visual).

0. A Self-service Touch screen kiosk of Claim 1 to 8, wherein the said software instructions execute one or more of the following: a. To display the main menu on touching the welcome screen or touching the Main Menu button on the monitor screen; b. Display graphics in a predetermined sequence depending on the transaction selected to be conducted; c. To control operations of the various hardware devices (4a~4d and others mentioned under General); d. Allow user inputs using the on-screen keyboard like account number, PIN, amount, scroll location, backspace using Button-C, operation OK using Button- OK; e. Read the magnetic characters sensed by MICR Reader; f. Read & verify such input information by checking with the database; g. Generate a transaction number as per predetermined criteria; h. Updating the database; i. To track transactions by keying transaction number or, account number, PIN, finger print, name; j. Outputting required information to the printer for printing as per predetermined formats; k. Allow restricted access to format graphics, Instructions, languages; 1. Generate Alarm when check conditions are not met; m. Capable of operating automatic doors after verifying Identity; and n. Capable of communicating with different Operating Systems.