Automated Teller Machine

Europäisches Patentamt *EP001542182A2* (19) European Patent Office

Office européen des brevets (11) EP 1 542 182 A2

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication: (51) Int Cl.7: G07F 19/00, G07D 11/00 15.06.2005 Bulletin 2005/24

(21) Application number: 04256769.3

(22) Date of filing: 03.11.2004

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR • Smith, Martin Reginald HU IE IS IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR Dundee DD2 2AL (GB) Designated Extension States: • Paton, Grant Charles AL HR LT LV MK YU Dundee DD4 7QG (GB)

(30) Priority: 11.12.2003 GB 0328720 (74) Representative: Williamson, Brian 02.06.2004 GB 0412199 NCR Limited International Patent Department (71) Applicant: NCR International, Inc. 206 Marylebone Road Dayton, Ohio 45479 (US) London NW1 6LY (GB)

(54) Automated teller machine

(57) An automated teller machine (10) comprises a fascia (12) having a cheque entry/exit slot (56), and a cheque processing module (60) for processing cheques entered via the slot (56). The terminal (10) includes a control means (86), biometric data capture means (112, 156, 158), a printer (74) and a cheque transport mechanism (70) for transporting cheques between the slot (56) and the printer (74). The control means is arranged to cause the printer (74) to print a representation of a biometric characteristic of a user onto a cheque during an attempt to deposit the cheque in the terminal (10). EP 1 542 182 A2

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Description [0010] It is among the objects of an embodiment of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the above [0001] The present invention relates to an automated disadvantage or other disadvantages of prior art auto- teller machine (SST), such as an automated teller ma- mated teller machines. chine (ATM). In particular, the invention relates to an 5 [0011] According to a first aspect of the present inven- SST for cashing cheques, such as a cheque cashing tion there is provided an automated teller machine com- ATM. prising a fascia having a cheque entry/exit slot, and a [0002] A cheque cashing ATM allows a registered us- cheque processing module for processing cheques en- er, who typically does not have a bank account, to cash tered via the slot; where the terminal includes a control a cheque and receive money from the ATM in a public 10 means, biometric data capture means, a printer and a access, unattended environment. A user typically reg- cheque transport mechanism for transporting cheques isters with an institution that owns or operates cheque between the slot and the printer, the control means be- cashing ATMs, and provides identification information ing arranged to cause the printer to print a representa- (such as a social security number) and information tion of a biometric characteristic of a user onto a cheque about a cheque (usually a pay cheque) that he/she reg- 15 during an attempt to deposit the cheque in the terminal. ularly receives. The registered user is typically provided [0012] Preferably, the characteristic is only printed on with a card to initiate a cheque cashing transaction at a the cheque, if the control means determines that the ter- cheque cashing ATM. minal can accept deposit of the cheque. [0003] The cheque information typically includes de- [0013] Preferably, the characteristic is a naturalistic, tails of how frequently a cheque is paid (for example, 20 human-readable represent of the user's biometric char- every week), who the cheque is paid by (that is, the pay- acteristic. or of the cheque), the payor's bank details (for example, [0014] Alternatively, the characteristic is a machine- a bank code identifying the name of the bank), the typ- readable representation of the user's biometric charac- ical amount that the cheque is made out for, and such teristic. like. 25 [0015] Preferably, the transport mechanism is ar- [0004] To cash a cheque, a user enters his/her card ranged to transport unacceptable cheques to a reject at a cheque cashing ATM, then enters a cheque to be bin. cashed through a cheque slot in the ATM's fascia. The [0016] Alternatively, the transport mechanism is ar- ATM draws in and processes this cheque. If the cheque ranged to return unacceptable cheques to the user. is valid, and the details printed on the cheque match the 30 [0017] Preferably, the terminal is specifically arranged cheque information provided during registration, then for the deposit of a financial cheque, the terminal being the ATM informs the user of a surcharge that will be ap- arranged to provide the user with cash in return for the plied if the user wishes to cash the cheque. depositing of the cheque. [0005] If the user agrees to the surcharge then cash [0018] Preferably, the biometric data capture means is dispensed to the user and the cheque is stored within 35 includes a finger print scanner. the ATM. If the user does not agree to the surcharge [0019] Alternatively, the biometric data capture then the cheque is returned to the user via the cheque means includes an Iris scanner, hand geometry or voice slot. signature detection means. [0006] The cheque may be returned to the user for [0020] Preferably, the terminal includes a display other reasons, for example, if the cheque is not com- 40 screen and control means arranged to control the dis- plete, if the cheque has not been endorsed by the user, play screen to present the user with an image of the de- if the ATM decides that the details printed on the cheque posited cheque including the representation of his or her do not match the cheque information provided by the biometric characteristic, during the deposit process. user during registration, and such like. [0021] According to a second aspect of the present [0007] On other embodiments cheques can be 45 invention there is provided a cheque processing module cashed or merely deposited in a user's account without having an entrance port, control means, biometric data the aforementioned logging of regular cheques. capture means, a printer and a cheque transport mech- [0008] One problem associated with cheque cashing anism for transporting cheques between the slot and the ATMs relates to fraud and a further to tracing individual printer, the control means being arranged to cause the cheques to users (who have accounts). 50 printer to print a representation of a biometric charac- [0009] If a user can be persuaded that an invalid teristic of a user onto a cheque during an attempt to de- cheque, if deposited at an ATM, can be traced back to posit the cheque in the terminal. them, especially if that trace in incontrovertible then it is [0022] According to a third aspect of the present in- believed that fraud at deposit ATMs would be reduced. vention there is provided a method of cashing financial However, the problem of how to achieve this is as yet 55 instruments, the method comprising the steps of: trans- not entirely satisfactorily solved, despite the prolifera- porting the financial instrument from an entrance slot to tion of security means available to the financial services a process zone; determining whether to accept or reject industry. the instrument; electronically acquiring a representation

2 3 EP 1 542 182 A2 4 of a biometric characteristic of a user; printing the afore- 12 is closed, the slots and tray align with corresponding mentioned representation on the financial instrument; ATM modules mounted within the ATM's chassis (not and in the event of accepting the instrument, dispensing shown). cash or depositing said cash in a user's account. [0028] The user interface features described above [0023] These and other aspects of the present inven- 5 are all provided on an NCR PERSONAS (trade mark) tion will be apparent from the following specific descrip- 5878 financial services centre ATM, available from NCR tion, given by way of example, with reference to the ac- Financial Solutions Group Limited, Discovery Centre, 3 companying drawings, in which: Fulton Road, Dundee, DD2 4SW, Scotland. [0029] However, in this embodiment of the invention Fig 1 is a pictorial diagram of an automated teller 10 an NCR PERSONAS (trade mark) 5878 ATM has been machine according to one embodiment of the modified to include a lower dispense area 58. The dis- present invention; pense area 58 is located beneath the cheque input/output slot 56 and is fed by a cheque processing module Fig 2 is a simplified schematic sectional diagram 60 located within the ATM chassis (not shown). showing a part (the cheque processing module) of 15 [0030] The fascia also includes a biometric module the terminal of Fig 1; 112 mounted in the shelf portion and includes (i.) a sensor 156 for receiving a human finger and for capturing Fig 3 is a pictorial diagram of a part (the lower dis- fingerprint details, and (ii.) an interface 158 for encrypt- pense area) of the terminal of Fig 1; ing and relaying a captured fingerprint image. The sen- 20 sor 156 protrudes through an aperture in the shelf por- Figs 4a &4b are illustrations of cheques with printed tion, and the interface 158 is mounted behind the shelf biometric data in accordance with the present in- portion. vention; [0031] The biometric sensor 156 is a Fingerloc (trade mark) AF-S2 fingerprint sensor, available from Authen- Fig 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in 25 tec, Inc., P.O. Box 2719, Melbourne, FL 32902-2719, U. a cheque cashing operation in accordance with the S.A. present invention. (See Fig. 4) [0032] The sensor 156 comprises an array of pixels [0024] Reference is first made to Fig 1, which illus- arranged in rows and columns. A fingerprint image is trates an automated teller machine 10 in the form of a 30 scanned by digitising outputs from each row in a pro- cheque cashing ATM. The ATM 10 comprises a fascia grammed sequence. 12 pivotably coupled to a chassis (not shown); an upper [0033] In other embodiments other biometric charac- panel 14 mounted to the chassis and defining an aper- teristics, such as Iris recognition can be utilised and ap- ture 16 through which a camera (not shown) images a propriate scan means will be employed. user of the ATM 10; and a lower panel 18 hingeably cou- 35 [0034] The cheque processing module (CPM) 60 will pled to the chassis (not shown) so that the lower panel now be described with reference to Fig 2 and Fig 3. Fig 18 can be opened to reveal a safe (not shown) mounted 2 is a simplified schematic sectional diagram (along line in the chassis (not shown). 2-2 in Fig 1) showing part of the fascia 12 and lower [0025] When the lower panel 18 is open, the fascia 12 panel 18, and the main parts of the CPM 60. Fig 3 is a can be pivoted upwards to reveal ATM modules mount- 40 block diagram illustrating the main elements in the CPM ed within the chassis (not shown). 60. [0026] The fascia 12 and lower panel 18 provide a us- [0035] The CPM 60 is a modified version of a conven- er interface 20 for allowing a user to execute a transac- tional cheque processing module, such as the cheque tion. The fascia 12 includes a handset 30 and a tele- processing module provided with the PERSONAS phone keypad 32 for allowing a user to contact a remote 45 (trade mark) 5878 NCR ATM. operator (not shown) typically located in a call centre [0036] The CPM 60 comprises the following ele- (not shown). ments: a cheque input/output transport mechanism 70 The fascia 12 also includes an encrypting keyboard 34 including an alignment mechanism for aligning a for allowing a user to enter transaction details, and a cheque; a MICR head 72 for reading magnetic details display 36 for presenting screens to a user. 50 on a code line of a cheque; an imager 74 including an [0027] The fascia 12 also defines eight slots for re- upper 74a and lower 74b CCD camera for capturing an ceiving and dispensing media items, and a tray 40 into image of each side of a cheque (front and rear); a printer which coins can be dispensed. The slots include: a mon- 76 for endorsing a cheque; and a storage bin 78 for stor- ey order printer slot 42, a bunch note input slot 44, a ing processed cheques. The transport mechanism 70 bunch note exit slot 46, a statement output slot 48, a 55 includes two divert gates 80a, 80b for diverting cheques cash dispense slot 50, a card reader slot 52, a card issue to either a reject bin 82 or a chute bin 84. The elements slot 54, and a cheque input/output slot 56. The slots 42 (70 to 82) are conventional and will not be described in to 56 and tray 40 are arranged so that when the fascia detail herein.

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[0037] The CPM 60 also includes a controller 86 for 60 prints endorsement data onto the cheque (step 126), controlling the operation of the elements (70 to 80) with- including printing an image of the user's fingerprint on in the CPM 60. the cheque. [0038] The chute bin 84 includes a chute 88 in the [0050] The ATM 10 then displays an image of the form of a steep, sloping plastics guide arranged to de- 5 cheque with the fingerprint printed thereon to the user liver a cheque from the transport mechanism 70 to the on the display 36 (step 128) and dispenses cash (step dispense area 58 using the force of gravity. 130) to the value of the courtesy amount of the cheque [0039] The CPM 60 also includes an entrance shutter minus the charge levied for cashing the cheque. 90 for opening and closing the cheque input/output slot [0051] The CPM 60 then transports the cheque to the 56, and a dispense area shutter 92 for allowing user ac- 10 storage bin 78 (step 132) for subsequent collection and cess to the chute 88. further processing. [0040] The controller 86, is adapted to control the [0052] Various modifications may be made to the printer 74 to print either a direct image or encrypted data above described embodiment within the scope of the in- characteristic of an image of the user's biometric char- vention. acteristic on the cheque, as illustrated in Figures 5a and 15 [0053] In other embodiments, other cheques may be 5b. deposited than cheques. [0041] A variation of this system would involve an en- [0054] Also, the fingerprint sensor (or other biometric coded version of the biometric being printed on to the device) should also be capable of differentiating be- cheque or other media. For example, a 2D barcode or tween a live person and a fake biometric. This is impor- similar digital encoding scheme might be used to en- 20 tant in an unattended, self-service environment. code a digital representation of the fingerprint data. This [0055] This system has a number of advantages prin- has the advantage of reducing the dependence that the cipally, it does not require the on-line verification of bio- printing resolution needs to be high enough to print de- metric data since its purpose is more geared towards tailed fingerprints (as long as it is high enough to print a fraud prevention (by discouragement) and collection of 2D barcode that is sufficient). Additionally, barcode 25 additional data for the audit trail. readers are more prevalent than optical fingerprint im- [0056] Finally, instead of printing a representation of age readers. the biometric characteristic on the cheque, as per step [0042] A typical transaction will now be described with 126 of Fig 6, the control means 86 stores that represen- reference to Fig 6, which is a flowchart illustrating the tation in a memory associated with the image of the steps involved in a cheque cashing transaction, and also 30 cheque. This embodiment could be utilised, for exam- with reference to Figs 1 to 5. Initially, the user enters ple, in an ATM arranged to provide cheque images for their account card into the card reader slot 52, selects bank backroom processing instead of forwarding actual "cheque cashing" from a list of transaction options pre- cheques. sented on the display 36, and inserts the cheque to be cashed through the cheque input/output slot 56. 35 [0043] The CPM controller 30 opens the slot shutter Claims 90 to receive the cheque, and transports the received cheque (step 110) to the MICR head 72 where a code 1. An automated teller machine (ATM) (10) comprising line on the cheque is read (step 112). a fascia (12) having a cheque entry/exit slot (56), [0044] The transport mechanism 70 then transports 40 and a cheque processing module (60) for process- the cheque to the imager, where both sides of the ing cheques entered via the slot (56); where the ter- cheque are imaged (step 114). minal (10) includes a control means (86), biometric [0045] The ATM 10 then verifies that the cheque has data capture means (112, 156, 158), a printer (74) been completed correctly (step 116). If the cheque is in- and a cheque transport mechanism (70) for trans- complete, then the CPM 60 initiates a standard cheque 45 porting cheques between the slot (56) and the print- return operation (STEP 118), which will not be described er (74), the control means being arranged to cause herein. the printer to print a representation of a biometric [0046] If the cheque is complete, then the ATM 10 re- characteristic of a user onto a cheque during an at- quests the user to input a biometric characteristic, in this tempt to deposit the cheque in the terminal (10). case supply a fingerprint (step 120) 50 [0047] In this embodiment the ATM 10 displays a 2. An ATM as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charac- charge that will be deducted for cashing the cheque teristic is only printed on the cheque, if the control (step 122) and requests the user to confirm that he is means (86) determines that the terminal (10) can willing to pay this charge to cash the cheque (step 124). accept deposit of the cheque. [0048] If the user does not wish to pay the charge, 55 then the CPM 60 initiates the aforementioned cheque 3. An ATM as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein return operation (step 118). the characteristic is a naturalistic, human-readable [0049] If the user accepts the charge, then the CPM represent of the user's biometric characteristic.

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4. An ATM as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein 17. A module as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, where- the characteristic is a machine-readable represen- in the characteristic is a machine-readable repre- tation of the user's biometric characteristic. sentation of the user's biometric characteristic.

5. An ATM as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein 5 18. A module as claimed in any of claims 14 to 17, the transport mechanism (70) is arranged to trans- wherein the transport mechanism (70) is arranged port unacceptable cheques to a reject bin (82). to transport unacceptable cheques to a reject bin (82). 6. An ATM as claimed in any of claim s 1 to 4, wherein the transport mechanism (70) is arranged to return 10 19. A module as claimed in any of claims 14 to 17, unacceptable cheques to the user. wherein the transport mechanism (70) is arranged to return unacceptable cheques to the user. 7. An ATM as claimed in any preceding claim, including a MICR reader (72). 20. A module as claimed in any of claims 14 to 19, spe- 15 cifically arranged for the deposit of a financial 8. An ATM as claimed in any preceding claim, specif- cheque. ically arranged for the deposit of a financial cheque. 21. A module as claimed in claim 20, wherein the mod- 9. An ATM as claimed in claim 8, wherein the terminal ule is arranged to provide the user with cash in re- is arranged to provide the user with cash in return 20 turn for the depositing of the cheque. for the depositing of the cheque. 22. A module as claimed in any of claims 14 to 21, 10. An ATM as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein wherein the biometric data capture means (112, the biometric data capture means (112, 156, 158) 156, 158) includes a finger print imager (156). includes a finger print imager (156). 25 23. A module as claimed in any of claims 14 to 21, 11. An ATM as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein wherein the biometric data capture means includes the biometric data capture means includes an Iris an Iris scanner, hand geometry or voice signature scanner. detector. 30 12. An ATM as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein 24. A method of cashing financial instruments, the the terminal includes a display screen 36. method comprising the steps of:

13. An ATM as claimed in claim 12, wherein the control a) transporting the financial instrument from an means (86) is arranged to control the display screen 35 entrance slot to a process zone; to present the user with an image of the deposited cheque including the representation of his or her bi- b) determining whether to accept or reject the ometric characteristic, during the deposit process. instrument;

14. A cheque processing module (60) having an en- 40 c) electronically acquiring a representation of a trance port (56), control means (86), biometric data biometric characteristic of a user; capture means (112, 156, 158), a printer (74) and a cheque transport mechanism (70) for transporting d) printing the aforementioned representation cheques between the slot (56) and the printer (74), on the financial instrument; and the control means (86) being arranged to cause the 45 printer (74) to print a representation of a biometric e) in the event of accepting the instrument, dis- characteristic of a user onto a cheque during an at- pensing cash or depositing said cash in a finan- tempt to deposit the cheque in the terminal (10). cial institution account.

15. A module as claimed in claim 14, wherein the char- 50 25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein in the acteristic is only printed on the cheque, if the control event of rejecting the instrument, the instrument is means (86) determines that the module (60) can ac- returned to the user. cept deposit of the cheque. 26. A method as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the 16. A module as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, where- 55 step of printing the representation on the financial in the characteristic is a naturalistic, human-reada- instrument is only carried out if the instrument is ble represent of the user's biometric characteristic. cashed.

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27. A method as claimed in any of claims 24 to claim 39. An ATM as claimed in claim 38, wherein the terminal 26, wherein the financial instrument is a cheque. is arranged to provide the user with cash in return for the depositing of the cheque. 28. A method as claimed in any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the biometric characteristic is a fingerprint. 5 40. An ATM as claimed in any of claims 31 to 38, wherein the biometric data capture means (112, 156, 158) 29. A method as claimed in any of claims 24 to 27, includes a finger print imager (156). wherein the biometric characteristic is an Iris scan, hand geometry or voice signature detection. 41. An ATM as claimed in any of claims 31 to 39, where- 10 in the biometric data capture means includes an Iris 30. A method as claimed in any of claims 24 to 29, in- scanner. cluding the step of presenting the user with an image of the deposited financial instrument including 42. A cheque processing module (60) having an en- the representation of his or her biometric character- trance port (56), control means (86), biometric data istic. 15 capture means (112, 156, 158), a printer (74) and a cheque transport mechanism (70) for transporting 31. An automated teller machine (10) comprising a fas- cheques between the slot (56) and the printer (74), cia (12) having a cheque entry/exit slot (56), and a the control means (86) being arranged to cause the cheque processing module (60) for processing at printer (74) to print a representation of a biometric least a cheque entered via the slot (56) by a user; 20 characteristic of a user onto a cheque during an at- where the terminal (10) includes a control means tempt to deposit the cheque in the terminal (10). (86), a note imaging means (74), the imaging means being arranged to scan said at least one 43. A method of cashing financial instruments, the cheque and store an image of said cheque, and bi- method comprising the steps of: ometric data capture means (112, 156, 158) for cap- 25 turing biometric data of said user, the control means f) transporting the financial instrument from an being arranged to store a representation of a bio- entrance slot to a process zone; metric characteristic of said user in a file associated with the stored image of said cheque, during an at- g) determining whether to accept or reject the tempt to deposit the cheque in the terminal (10). 30 instrument;

32. An ATM as claimed in claim 31, wherein the char- h) electronically acquiring a representation of a acteristic is only stored, if the control means (86) biometric characteristic of a user; determines that the terminal (10) can accept deposit of the cheque. 35 i) storing the aforementioned representation in association with the financial instrument; and 33. An ATM as claimed in claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the characteristic is a naturalistic, human-readable j) in the event of accepting the instrument, dis- represent of the user's biometric characteristic. pensing cash or depositing said cash in a finan- 40 cial institution account. 34. An ATM as claimed in claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the characteristic is a machine-readable represen- 44. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein the step tation of the user's biometric characteristic. of storing the representation is only carried out if the instrument is cashed. 35. An ATM as claimed in any of claims 31 to 34, where- 45 in the transport mechanism (70) is arranged to 45. A method as claimed in either claim 43 or claim 44, transport unacceptable cheques to a reject bin (82). wherein the financial instrument is a cheque.

36. An ATM as claimed in any of claim s 31 to 34, wherein the transport mechanism (70) is arranged to re- 50 turn unacceptable cheques to the user.

37. An ATM as claimed in any of claims 31 to 36, including a MICR reader (72). 55 38. An ATM as claimed in any of claims 31 to 37, specifically arranged for the deposit of a financial cheque.

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