AU2023270314A1

AU2023270314A1 - Cash transaction system and method

Info

Publication number: AU2023270314A1
Application number: AU2023270314A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Glen David
Original assignee: Banktech Group Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Banktech Group Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-05
Filing date: 2023-11-23
Publication date: 2023-12-14
Also published as: AU2021107597A4; AU2021200770A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and a method of operating an ATM to conduct a cash transaction in relation to a user's financial account and to conduct a cash transaction in relation to a user's account with a vendor of a good or a service. The method includes receiving in a selection interface of the ATM a selection to make a cash transaction in relation to an account with a vendor of goods or services and operating a scanning device of the ATM to scan a machine readable code provided by a user device, such as a QR code displayed in a smartphone to identify the user's account with the vendor.

Description

CASH TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for transacting with cash using an automated teller machine (ATM), such as using cash to pay for goods and/or services. The present invention is particularly, although not exclusively directed to systems comprising cash handling machines such as automated teller machines (ATMs), cash dispensing kiosks, cash redemption terminals and networks.

BACKGROUND

[002] A variety of different cash handling machines exist that are used for a variety of purposes. These include ATMs which can be found in locations such as banks, retail stores, shopping centres, pubs, clubs and casinos. Other types of cash handling machines exist including cash dispensing kiosks and cash redemption terminals and these are often found in locations in which gaming machine services are provided such as in pubs, clubs and casinos.

[003] ATMs are the most common type of cash handling machine. ATMs are standalone electronic and mechanical devices typically comprising a card reader, a display screen, a keypad, a printer, a banknote dispensing unit and a repository of banknotes within a vault or safe, all of which are contained within a housing. The ATM is controlled by an on-board processor which is linked to a telecommunications network through which the ATM is connected to an ATM transaction switch server which processes transactions with the card issuer server.

[004] Traditionally, a user would use a card, embedded with a magnetic strip or near field communication (NFC) chip and a personal identification number (PIN) to enter a financial transaction request into the ATM. The transaction request may include a request for an amount of cash to be withdrawn and the account from which the withdrawal is to be made (e.g. savings, cheque, credit card etc.). The ATM communicates with the transaction switch server which in turn communicates with the card issuer server to obtain approval for the financial transaction. Upon receipt of approval the ATM dispenses cash to the user and the card issuer server deducts the amount from the user's financial account.

[005] In addition to withdrawals, an ATM can be configured to enable a financial account holder to perform other financial transactions, such as cash deposits, cheque deposits, funds transfers, or obtaining account information. ATMs that facilitate cash deposits include a bank note accepted module which is a device that can receive a banknote and to verify the validity of the bank note. The bank note accepter is typically provided as a means for a user to deposit an amount of cash into the user's financial account held with the card issuer.

[006] Because ATM's are located in many venues including retail stores, shopping centres, pubs, clubs and a variety of other physical locations it is desirable to expand the range of transactions that can be conducted using ATMs and thereby create new income streams for the ATM operator or for the venue in which the ATM is located.

[007] Any discussion of background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that any of the documents or other material referred to was published, known or forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating an automated teller machine (ATM) for a user to conduct a cash transaction in relation to an account of a user maintained with a vendor of a good or a service, the method including: receiving in a selection interface of the ATM a user selection to make a cash transaction in relation to an account of the user maintained in a server of a vendor of a good or a service; scanning by a scanning device of the ATM a machine readable code provided by a user device in response to a user selection to make a cash transaction in relation to the account of the user maintained in the vendor server; decoding in a processor the machine readable code and deriving data indicative of the account of the user maintained in the vendor server; completing the cash transaction in response to receiving in the ATM authorisation to complete the cash transaction; and causing the vendor server to update the account of the user when the cash transaction is completed.

[009] In embodiments, the invention is directed towards improvements to a method of operating an ATM whereby not only can the ATM communicate with an external ATM transaction switch or processing server to conduct a cash transaction in relation to a user's financial account, the ATM is operable to conduct a cash transaction in relation to an account of a user maintained in a server of a vendor of a good or a service which the user can use to purchase goods or services from the vendor. For example to deposit or withdraw cash into an account or a digital wallet with a vendor of goods and/or services such as a wagering services provider, a utilities service provider or a digital wallet service provider for traditional currency or cryptocurrency.

[0010] Throughout the specification, reference is made to methods and system comprising cash handling machines in the form of automated teller machines (ATMs). It is to be appreciated that methods and systems comprising cash dispensing kiosks, cash redemption terminals and the like are also envisaged.

[0011] In embodiments, the method includes decoding at least in part the machine readable code in a processer in the ATM to derive data indicative of the account of the user maintained in the vendor server.

[0012] In embodiments, the method includes authenticating the derived data to confirm that the machine readable code is encoding data indicative of a user account maintained in the vendor server.

[0013] Preferably, authenticating the derived data includes comparing the derived data with user account data maintained in the vendor server.

[0014] In embodiments, the method includes receiving in the selection interface a user selection to make a cash deposit transaction and operating a banknote accepter to accept an amount of cash from the user if the cash deposit transaction is authorised.

[0015] In embodiments, the method includes causing the vendor server to update the account of the user with a credit indicative of the amount of cash accepted by the banknote accepter.

[0016] In embodiments, the method includes receiving in the selection interface a user selection to make a cash withdrawal transaction and operating a banknote dispenser to dispense an amount of cash to the user if the cash withdrawal transaction is authorised.

[0017] Preferably, the user selection to make a cash deposit or a cash withdrawal transaction is received and is preferably intercepted in a transaction switch server from the ATM, such as an ATM transaction switch server. Preferably, the transaction switch server ascertains the nature of the selection to determine where data received form the ATM in relation to the cash transaction should be routed and to cause the banknote accepter or the dispenser in the ATM to accept or to dispense an amount of cash.

[0018] In embodiments, the method includes causing the vendor server to update the account of the user with a debit indicative of the amount of cash dispensed by the banknote dispenser.

[0019] In embodiments, the method includes displaying indicia associated with the vendor in response to receiving in the selection interface a user selection relating to the vendor.

[0020] In embodiments, the method includes receiving in a selection interface of the ATM a user selection to purchase a good or a service from the vendor.

[0021] In embodiments, the method includes displaying a selection of a good or a service to be purchased from the vendor.

[0022] Preferably, the ATM additionally communicates with an external ATM transaction processing server to conduct a cash transaction in relation to a user's financial account including financial account identification and verification information and cash deposit or withdrawal transaction information.

[0023] Preferably, the vendor server relates to a vendor of a good or a service that includes any one or more of a digital wallet service, a wagering service or a utility service.

[0024] In embodiments of aspects of the invention, the user device displays a machine-readable code such as a QR code that is unique to any one or more of the vendor, to the user and to the product or the service. In another embodiment, the machine readable code is provided by an NFC chip in the user device, which is preferably a smartphone.

[0025] In embodiments of aspects of the invention, the user device is configured to receive data from the vendor server to cause the user device to display the machine readable code. In preferred embodiments, the user device is a smartphone executing an application that may communicate securely via the world wide web with the vendor server. The vendor server can transmit to the application executed in the smartphone data to cause the smartphone to display the machine readable code or to otherwise cause an NFC chip in the smartphone to provide a machine readable code.

[0026] In another aspect, the invention provides an automated teller machine (ATM) system adapted for a user to conduct a cash transaction in relation to an account of a user maintained with a vendor of a good or a service, the system including: an ATM including a display, a selection interface, a machine readable code scanner, a banknote dispenser, a banknote accepter, a communications interface and one or more processors for controlling at least in part the operation of the ATM; a server of a vendor of a good or a service for maintaining accounts of one or more users with which to purchase a good or a service from the vendor; wherein in response to a user selection in the selection interface to make a cash transaction in relation to an account of the user maintained in the vendor server the scanning device scans a machine readable code provided by a user device and data is derived from the machine readable code indicative of the account of the user maintained in the vendor server; completing the cash transaction in the ATM in response to receiving authorisation; and causing the vendor server to update the account of the user when the cash transaction is completed.

[0027] In embodiments, the data is derived from the machine readable code by decoding at least in part the machine readable code in a processer.

[0028] Embodiments include authenticating the derived data by comparing the derived data with user account data maintained in the vendor server.

[0029] In embodiments, the derived data and the user account data maintained in the vendor server are compared in part or in full in any one or more of a processor in the ATM or in an external transaction server in communication with the ATM or in the vendor server.

[0030] Preferably, in response to receiving in the selection interface a user selection to make a cash deposit transaction the banknote accepter operates to accept an amount of cash from the user if the cash deposit transaction is authorised and the vendor server updates the account of the user with a credit indicative of the amount of cash accepted.

[0031] Preferably, in response to receiving in the selection interface a user selection to make a cash withdrawal transaction the banknote dispenser operates to dispense an amount of cash to the user if the cash withdrawal transaction is authorised and the vendor server updates the account of the user with a debit indicative of the amount of cash dispensed.

[0032] In embodiments, the ATM is programmed to display indicia associated with the vendor in response to receiving in the selection interface a user selection relating to the vendor.

[0033] In embodiments, the ATM is programmed to display indicia associated with the vendor in response to receiving data indicative of user and/or user account identification and transaction authorisation from the vendor server or the external transaction server.

[0034] In embodiments, the ATM is configured to receive a user selection to purchase a good or a service from the vendor and communicates the user selection to purchase the good or the service to the vendor server.

[0035] In embodiments, the system includes an external ATM transaction processing server for communicating with the ATM to conduct a cash transaction in relation to a user's financial account including financial account identification and verification information and cash deposit or withdrawal transaction information.

[0036] In embodiments, the vendor server relates to a vendor of a good or a service that includes any one or more of a digital wallet service, a wagering service or a utility service.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0037] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0038] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating components of an ATM system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention including an ATM transaction processing system to withdrawals facilitate cash deposits and to be debited or credited to a user's financial account with a financial institution and a vendor transaction system to facilitate cash deposits and withdrawal to be debited or credited to a user's account with a third party vendor of a good or a service;

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic representation in accordance with an embodiment of the ATM system of Figure 1 illustrating a flow of communications between components of the system in a transaction to deposit cash into the ATM and to credit the account of a user maintained in a server of a third party vendor wherein, preferably, the user scans a machine readable code displayed on a user device to identify and/or authenticate the user's account with the third party vendor;

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic representation in accordance with an embodiment of the ATM system of Figure 1 illustrating a flow of communications between components of the system in a transaction to withdraw cash from the ATM and debiting the account of a user maintained in a server of a third party vendor, wherein, preferably, the user scans a machine readable code displayed on a user device to identify and/or authenticate the user's account with the third party vendor;

[0041] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment and components of the ATM system of Figure 1 wherein the ATM device and vendor server which are maintained in a cloud computing environment and with a financial institution or card issuer host server;

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating an ATM for a user to deposit cash to be credited into the user's account with a third party vendor of a good or a service in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and using a machine readable code to identify and/or authenticate the user's account with the third party vendor;

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating an ATM system for a user to deposit cash to be credited into the user's account with a third party vendor of a good or a service and using a machine readable code to identify and/or authenticate the user's account with the third party vendor;

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating an ATM for a user to withdraw cash to be debited from the user's account with a third party vendor of a good or a service in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and using a machine readable code to identify and/or authenticate the user's account with the third party vendor; and

[0045] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating an ATM system for a user to withdraw cash to be debited from the user's account with a third party vendor of a good or a service and using a machine readable code to identify and/or authenticate the user's account with the third party vendor.

[0046] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but rather is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In embodiments, the invention is directed towards improvements in methods of operating an ATM, an ATM system or a network comprised of ATMs. In particular embodiments, where the ATM is configured to provide a cash deposit function, by permitting a user to deposit cash into an account of the user maintained in a server of a vendor which can be used as payment for a good or a service from the vendor. In embodiments, the invention is directed towards improvements to an ATM system or network comprised of ATMs that are configured to provide a cash dispensing function, by permitting a user to withdraw cash from an account of the user maintained in a server of a vendor of a good or a service. In other embodiments, the server may be a server of a digital wallet service provider for traditional currency and/or cryptocurrency or may be a server of a digital wagering service provider to name but a few examples.

[0048] In embodiments, the invention is directed towards improvements to methods of operating an ATM whereby not only is the ATM operable to communicate with an external ATM transaction processing server to conduct a cash transaction in relation to a user's financial account, the ATM is operable to conduct a cash transaction in relation to an account of a user maintained in a server of a vendor of a good or a service which the user can use to purchase goods or services from the vendor. For example, to deposit into or withdraw cash from an account or a digital wallet with a vendor of goods and/or services such as a wagering services provider, a utilities service provider or a digital wallet service provider for traditional currency or cryptocurrency.

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of an ATM system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The system 10 includes an ATM device or terminal 20 and an external ATM network 30. The ATM device 20 may be in a venue such as a club, pub or a gaming venue or casino. The ATM device 20 includes a communication interface with a telecommunications network through which the ATM device 20 communicates with the external ATM network 30. The external ATM network 30 is configured, in conjunction with the ATM device 20, to facilitate functions of the ATM system.

[0050] The external ATM network 30 is configured with an ATM transaction switch server 32 to facilitate financial account transactions using the ATM device 20, such as cash withdrawal and deposit transactions. The external ATM network 30 is also configured to communicate with an external vendor transaction system 40 that includes a vendor transaction server 34 including processing means to facilitate functions and interactions, such as communications, data exchanges and transactions, with a vendor server 41 as will be described in further detail below.

[0051] The ATM transaction switch server 32 of the external ATM network 30 is configured to manage messages from the ATM to other places, also known as routing. The ATM transaction switch server 32 routes transaction request information between the ATM terminal 20 and a card issuer server 50, such as a financial institution or bank server.

[0052] As described in more detail below, the ATM transaction switch server 32 receives information from the ATM 20 in relation to a proposed transaction, such as a cash withdrawal or deposit transaction, and communicates with the card issuer host server 50. If the card issuer host server 50 clears the transaction then this is communicated to the transaction switch server 32. In another embodiment, the transaction switch server 32 is operable for clearing the transaction by interrogating data maintained in the card issuer host server 50. In the case of a cash withdrawal transaction, if the withdrawal transaction is cleared then the transaction switch server 32 communicates approval to the ATM 20 to dispense cash and causes the card issuer host server 50 to debit the user's account with the user's financial institution or bank. In the case of a cash deposit transaction, if the cash deposit is confirmed then the transaction switch server 32 communicates with the card issuer host server 50 to cause a credit to appear in the user's account with the user's financial institution or bank.

[0053] ATMs need to be highly secure, and part of this security is that the messages from the ATM 20 to the switch server 32 and in turn to the card issuer host server 50, in particular card data, are encrypted. The switch server 32 needs to decrypt messages from the ATM 20 to the switch server 32 so it can understand the message and it will also encrypt again before sending a transaction approval request message to the card issuer server 50. Similarly, the switch server 32 will receive and decrypt transaction clearance information from the card issuer host server 50 before encrypting and communicating clearance to the ATM device 20. The routing of messages may be conducted in accordance with a protocol such IS08583 or AS2805 or other proprietary message protocols. The switch server 32 will log all transactions, and create files, which are used as part of the settlement process.

[0054] Encryption between the ATM device 20 and ATM network 30 is via a secure VPN tunnel connection between the ATM device 20 and ATM network firewalls via which all data sent therebetween is authenticated and encrypted and decrypted. Likewise, there is a secure VPN tunnel connection between the ATM network 30 and the card issuer host server 50 via which all data sent therebetween is encrypted and decrypted. In addition, all card data and personal identification number (PIN) information is transmitted using secure encryption.

[0055] The ATM device 20 is a specific purpose, standalone electronic and mechanical device comprising a card reader, a display screen, a keypad, a printer, a barcode scanning device, a banknote dispenser, a banknote accepter and a repository of banknotes within a vault or safe, all of which are contained within a housing. The card reader, display screen, keypad, printer, barcode scanning device, banknote dispenser and the banknote accepter of the ATM are controlled by an on-board processor which is configured via an interface to be linked to a wired communications network (e.g. PSTN, ISDN, ADSL) or an optical link or through a wireless link (WAN or mobile telecommunications network) through which the ATM device 20 is connected to the ATM network , including the ATM transaction switch server 32 and the vendor transaction server 34.

[0056] In use, the user would enter into the card reader a financial account card such as a key card or credit card, embedded with a magnetic strip or near field communication (NFC) chip. The user would also enter a personal identification number (PIN) into the keypad or touchscreen. Alternatively, the user would place a smartphone embedded with an NFC chip near an NFC reader of the ATM, if the smartphone is configured to perform financial transactions. Optionally, the user would also enter a personal identification number (PIN) or a passcode into the keypad or touchscreen. The user would then also enter a financial transaction request into the ATM device 20 using the keypad or touchscreen. The transaction request may include a request for an amount of cash to be withdrawn and the account from which the withdrawal is to be made (e.g. savings, cheque, credit card etc.). Alternatively, the transaction request may relate to a cash deposit transaction for the user to deposit an amount of cash into the banknote accepter to be deposited in an account of the user.

[0057] In the case of a cash withdrawal transaction, the ATM terminal software gathers transaction details from the user as described above and sends these details in an encrypted transaction request message to the transaction switch server 32. The transaction switch server 32 decrypts the message to ascertain the nature of the message and to determine where the message should be routed. The transaction switch server 32 encrypts and sends transaction request information to the card issuer server 50 to obtain approval for the cash withdrawal transaction. The transaction switch server 32 receives an approval from the card issuer server 50 and in turn the transaction switch server 32 sends an instruction to the ATM 20 to issue cash to the user according to the approved request. Having approved the transaction request, the card issuer server 50 debits the relevant amount from the user's financial account. All messages between the ATM 20, the transaction switch server 32 and the card issuer server 50 are encrypted before sending and decrypted upon receipt to ensure security of the ATM network.

[0058] A fee may be debited from the financial account of the user by the ATM service provider for the service of providing the cash withdrawal transaction, known as ATM direct charging. The card issuer server 50 debits the relevant direct charge fee amount from the user's financial account and this is paid to the ATM service provider.

[0059] In the case of a cash deposit transaction, the ATM terminal software gathers transaction details from the user as described above and sends these details in an encrypted transaction request message to the transaction switch server 32. The transaction switch server 32 decrypts the message to ascertain the nature of the message and to determine where the message should be routed. The transaction switch server 32 encrypts and sends transaction request information to the card issuer server 50 to obtain approval for the cash deposit transaction. The transaction switch server 32 receives an approval from the card issuer server 50 and in turn the transaction switch server 32 sends an instruction to the ATM 20 to activate the banknote accepter in the ATM 20 to accept cash to be deposited by the user. The ATM 20 communicates confirmation of the receipt of cash deposited in the banknote accepter to the card issuer server 50 to credit the relevant amount into the user's financial account. Once again, all messages between the ATM 20, the transaction switch server 32 and the card issuer server 50 are encrypted before sending and decrypted upon receipt to ensure security of the ATM network.

[0060] A fee may be debited from the financial account of the user by the ATM service provider for the service of providing the cash deposit transaction.

[0061] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the ATM system 10 additionally or alternatively comprises a vendor transaction system that includes a vendor transaction server 34. Such embodiments provide a network of ATM devices 20 configured to enable a user to deposit cash at the ATM device 20 which is then credited to an account of the user maintained by a vendor of a good or a service, that may then be used as payment for a good or a service supplied by the vendor, or to withdraw cash from the ATM device which is debited from the account of the user maintained by a vendor of a good or a service. In exemplary embodiments, the ATM system 10 enables a user to deposit into or withdraw cash from an account or a digital wallet with a vendor of goods and/or services such as a wagering services provider, a utilities service provider or a digital wallet service provider for traditional currency or cryptocurrency.

[0062] The external vendor transaction system 40 comprises the vendor transaction server 34, including a processing means, and the vendor server 41. The external vendor transaction system 40 can be comprised of a network of physical servers or can be configured in a cloud computing environment.

[0063] For example, as illustrated in Figure 4, the ATM device 20 and ATM transaction switch server 32 are maintained in a virtual private network. The ATM device 20 and ATM transaction switch server 32 are configured to communicate with the external vendor transaction system 40 comprising the vendor transaction server 34 and the vendor server 41 maintained in a cloud computing environment. The ATM device 20 and ATM transaction switch server 32 are preferably also configured to communicate with a financial institution or card issuer host server 50.

[0064] The vendor transaction server 34 is configured to manage messages from the ATM 20 directly or, preferably, via the ATM transaction switch server 32 to route transaction request information between the ATM terminal 20 and the vendor transaction server 40.

[0065] As described in greater detail below in the context of exemplary embodiments, in response to a user selection to deposit an amount of cash via the ATM 20 into an account of the user maintained in the vendor transaction server 40 the ATM transaction switch server 32 receives information from the ATM 20 in relation to the proposed deposit transaction. If the receipt of a deposit of cash is confirmed by the ATM 20 then the transaction switch server 32 communicates with the vendor transaction server 34 to cause a credit to appear in the user's account with the vendor maintained in the vendor server 41.

[0066] The switch server 32 decrypts messages from the ATM 20 so it can understand the message and it will also encrypt again before sending a transaction related information to the vendor transaction server 34. Similarly, the switch server 32 will receive and decrypt transaction related information from the vendor server 41 via the vendor transaction server 34 before encrypting and communicating transaction related information to the ATM device 20, such as confirmation of a credit being recorded in the user's account with the vendor maintained in the vendor server 41. The routing of messages may be conducted in accordance with a protocol such IS08583 or AS2805 or other proprietary message protocols. The switch server 32 will log all transactions, and create files, which are used as part of the settlement process.

[0067] Encryption between the ATM device 20 and the switch server 32 is via a secure VPN tunnel connection between the ATM device 20 and switch server

32 firewalls via which all data sent therebetween is authenticated and encrypted and decrypted. Likewise, there is a secure VPN tunnel connection between the transaction switch server 32 and the vendor transaction system 40 via which all data sent therebetween is encrypted and decrypted. In addition, all account data and personal identification number (PIN) information is transmitted using secure encryption.

[0068] The ATM 20 may be connected with the transaction switch server 32 through a wired network, a local area network such as an ethernet network, broadband over powerline (BPL), fibre-optic, or a wired communications network (e.g. PSTN, ISDN, ADSL) or an optical link or through a wireless link (WAN or mobile telecommunications network), or wireless local network such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee.

[0069] The vendor transaction system 40, including the vendor transaction server 34 and the vendor server 41, may be located and maintained remotely from the transaction switch server 32 such as in a remote data centre.

Cash Deposit System and Method

[0070] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of the ATM system 110 and the sequence of steps carried out to deposit cash at the ATM 20 to be credited to an account of the user maintained by a vendor of a good or a service.

[0071] In embodiments, the ATM 20 includes ATM terminal software that is adapted to drive ordinary financial account and cash withdrawal or deposit functions of the ATM 20. The ATM 20 is also configured with vendor transaction system software adapted to support the vendor transaction system functions of the ATM 20. The ATM device 20 displays a prompt for a user to select the option to deposit cash at the ATM 20 to be credited into an account of the user with a vendor of a good or a service. For example, the vendor may be a provider of online wagering services or a digital wallet service provider. If the user selects the option to deposit cash at the ATM 20 to be credited into an account of the user 101 with the vendor then the ATM 20 will display a prompt 102 for the user to scan a code, such as a QR code, using the barcode scanning device of the ATM 20 or to input via a touch screen or a keypad of the ATM 20 other user account verification information such as a user's account username and password.

[0072] In embodiments in which the user elects to scan a QR code, the user executes an application in a user device, such as a smartphone, to cause a QR code to be displayed in the user device. The application executed in the user device is a downloadable application. In an embodiment, the application executed in the user device is an application configured specifically for the use with the ATM system 110. In another embodiment, the application executed in the user device is an application configured specifically by the vendor of the good or the service for use by holders of an account with the vendor.

[0073] The user will scan the QR code 103 using the barcode reader of the ATM 20. A processor in the ATM 20 will decode the QR code to extract data such as identification information which can include vendor identification information and/or identification information in relation to the account of the user maintained with the vendor. The ATM 20 may also be configured to prompt the user to enter other identification information, such as a password or number or biometric data for authenticating the user.

[0074] The ATM 20 communicates data to the transaction switch server 32 which is operable for encrypting and decrypting data for the purpose of identification and authorisation. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the ATM 20 terminal software communicates 105 identification information to the vendor system software which in turn communicates 120 the identification information derived from the QR code and any other additional authentication data to the transaction switch server 32. The transaction switch server 32 encrypts and sends the data to the vendor transaction system 40. Preferably, the encrypted identification information is received 130 by the vendor transaction server 34 which is configured decrypt the data and to communicate with the vendor server 41 to authenticate the user identification information and to identify the user. Authentication of the user identification information includes confirming that the user has an account with the vendor server 41 and that any additional identification information, such as a password or number or biometric data, matches with data held in the vendor server 41.

[0075] In one embodiment, the user identification information is communicated 140 from the vendor transaction server 34 to the vendor server 41 and is authenticated in the vendor server 41. Authentication is then communicated 142 from the vendor server 41 to the vendor transaction server 34. In another embodiment, the user identification information is authenticated in the vendor transaction server 34. In this embodiment, the vendor transaction server 34 is configured to access data maintained in the vendor server 41 including data relating to user accounts maintained in the vendor server 41. The vendor transaction server 34 compares the user identification information received from the ATM 20 with the library of user account information maintained in the vendor server 41. The vendor transaction server 34 determines if the user has an account with the vendor and determines if any additional identification information, such as a password or number or biometric data, matches with data maintained in the vendor server 41.

[0076] If the user identification information is authenticated then the vendor transaction server 34 communicates to the ATM 20, preferably via first communicating 144 to the ATM transaction switch server 32 which in turn communicates 150 with the ATM 20, to authorise the ATM 20 continue with the selected deposit transaction. The vendor system software causes the ATM 20 to display 160 to the user that the user account with the vendor has been authenticated and prompts the user 196 to insert cash in the banknote accepter in the ATM 20.

[0077] Upon depositing an amount of cash 197 into the banknote accepter, a processor in the ATM 20 controlling the banknote accepter calculates the amount of cash that has been deposited by the user. The processor communicates data 198 indicative of the amount of cash deposited by the user, preferably via the ATM transaction switch server 32, which in turn communicates 200 to the vendor transaction server 34.

[0078] The vendor transaction server 34 is configured to communicate 210 with the vendor server 41 to cause a credit to be recorded in the account of the user maintained in the vendor server 41. The credit amount is equivalent to the amount of cash deposited by the user in the ATM 20. The vendor server 41 communicates 220 with the vendor transaction server 34 to confirm that the credit has been successfully recorded in the account of the user.

[0079] In one embodiment, the vendor server 41 is configured to modify data maintained in the vendor server 41 to update the account of the user to record a credit equivalent to the amount of cash deposited by the user. In another embodiment, the vendor transaction server 34 is configured to modify data maintained in the vendor server 41 to update the account of the user to record a credit equivalent to the amount of cash deposited by the user. The vendor server 41 or the vendor transaction server 34 can be configured to instantaneously and in real time update the account of the user to record the credit.

[0080] In another embodiment, the vendor server 41 or the vendor transaction server 34 may be configured to modify data maintained in the vendor server 41 to record data indicative of a pending deposit into the account of the user. In this embodiment, the system 10 may be configured to first require reconciliation of the amount of cash received in the banknote accepter in the ATM 20 before the vendor server 41 or the vendor transaction server 34 will further modify data maintained in the vendor server 41 to modify the data indicative of a pending deposit into data indicative of a confirmed deposit into the account of the user.

[0081] The vendor transaction server 34 encrypts and communicates 230 data to the ATM transaction switch server 32 confirming that the credit has been successfully recorded in the account of the user. The ATM transaction switch server 32 decrypts and in turn communicates data 190 to the vendor system software executed in the ATM 20 confirming that the credit has been successfully recorded in the account of the user. The vendor system software communicates 195 with the ATM terminal software to cause the ATM 20 to display 240 to the user that the user account with the vendor has been credited by an amount equivalent to the amount of cash deposited by the user in the ATM 20 and preferably also that the deposit transaction has been completed. In an embodiment in which the vendor server 41 records data indicative of a pending deposit into the account of the user then the vendor transaction server 34 causes the ATM 20 to display to the user a pending deposit into the user account with the vendor.

[0082] The ATM system 10 is preferably also configured to facilitate financial account transactions using the ATM device 20, such as cash withdrawal and deposit transactions in relation to a user's financial account maintained with a financial institution. For a cash withdrawal transaction, the ATM terminal software is configured to prompt the user to enter their financial account card (key card or credit card) and other verification information, such as a personal identification (PIN) number, and a desired cash withdrawal amount into the ATM device. The ATM terminal software receives user's card and verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and transmits this information to the transaction switch server 32. The transaction switch server 32 processes the information and communicates a request 240 to the card issuer host server 50 for clearance. The card issuer host server 50 communicates clearance 250 to the transaction switch server 32. If the cash withdrawal transaction is cleared then the transaction switch server communicates approval to the ATM 20 to cause the ATM to dispense cash to the user.

Cash Withdrawal System and Method

[0083] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of the ATM system 310 and a sequence of steps carried out to withdraw cash at the ATM 20 to be debited from an account of the user maintained by a vendor of a good or a service.

[0084] The ATM device 20 displays a prompt for a user to select the option to withdraw cash at the ATM 20 to be debited from an account of the user with a vendor of a good or a service. For example, the vendor may be a provider of online wagering services or a digital wallet service provider. If the user selects 301 the option to withdraw cash at the ATM 20 to be debited from an account of the user with the vendor then the ATM 20 will display a prompt 302 for the user to scan a code, such as a QR code, using the barcode scanning device of the ATM or to input via a touch screen or a keypad of the ATM 20 other user verification information such as a user's account username and password.

[0085] In embodiments in which the user elects to scan a QR code, the user executes an application in a user device, such as a smartphone, to cause a QR code to be displayed in the user device. The user will scan 303 the QR code using the barcode reader of the ATM 20. A processor in the ATM 20 will decode the QR code to extract data such as identification information data including vendor identification information and identification information in relation to the account of the user maintained with the vendor. The ATM 20 may also be configured to prompt the user to enter other identification information, such as a password or number or biometric data for authenticating the user.

[0086] The ATM 20 terminal software communicates 305 identification information data to the vendor system software which in turn communicates 320 the identification information data to the transaction switch server 32 derived from the QR code and any other additional authentication data. The transaction switch server 32 encodes the data and transmits 330 the encoded data to the vendor transaction server 34 where the data is decoded. The vendor transaction server 34 is configured to communicate 340 with the vendor server 41 to authenticate the user identification information. Authentication of the user identification information includes confirming that the user has an account with the vendor server 41 and that any additional identification information, such as a password or number or biometric data, matches with data held in the vendor server 41.

[0087] In one embodiment, the user identification information is authenticated in the vendor server 41 and authentication is communicated 342 from the vendor server 41 to the vendor transaction server 34. In another embodiment, the user identification information is authenticated in the vendor transaction server 34. In this embodiment, the vendor transaction server 34 is configured to access data maintained in the vendor server 41 including data relating to user accounts maintained in the vendor server 41. The vendor transaction server 34 compares the user identification information received from the ATM with the library of user account information maintained in the vendor server 41. The vendor transaction server 34 determines if the user has an account with the vendor and determines if any additional identification information, such as a password or number or biometric data, matches with data maintained in the vendor server 41.

[0088] If the user identification information is authenticated, then the vendor transaction server 34 encrypts and communicates 344 data confirming that the user account has been authenticated to the ATM transaction switch server 32 which in turn communicates 350 to the ATM 20 to authorise the ATM 20 continue with the selected withdrawal transaction. The vendor system software executed in the ATM causes the ATM 20 to display 360 to the user that the user account with the vendor has been authenticated and prompts the user to input 370, via a physical keypad or a keypad represented on a touchscreen of the ATM 20, an amount of cash to be withdrawn from the ATM 20.

[0089] The ATM 20 communicates data 375 indicative of the amount of cash selected for withdrawal by the user to the ATM transaction switch 32 which in turn encodes and communicates 400 the selected amount to the vendor transaction server 34. The vendor transaction server 34 communicates 410 with the vendor server 41 to determine if the user account maintained with the vendor has sufficient credit for the amount of cash selected for withdrawal.

[0090] In one embodiment, the vendor server 41 is configured to access data maintained in the vendor server 41 including data relating to an amount of credit in the account of the user maintained in the vendor server 41. The vendor server 41 compares the amount of credit data with the selected cash withdrawal amount data and determines if the user account has sufficient credit for the cash withdrawal transaction. If the vendor server 41 determines that the user account has sufficient credit for the cash withdrawal transaction then the vendor server 41 communicates 420 to the vendor transaction server 34 to authorise the withdrawal transaction. The vendor transaction server 34 encodes and communicates 430 transaction authorisation data to the transaction switch server 32. The transaction switch server 32 decodes the data and communicates 390 with the ATM 20 to cause the vendor system software executed in the ATM 20 to authorise 195 the ATM terminal software to complete the withdrawal transaction selected by the user and to dispense cash 396 from the cash dispenser equivalent to the amount of cash selected for withdrawal.

[0091] The ATM 20 communicates 398 to the transaction switch server 32 to confirm that the selected amount of cash has been dispensed. The transaction switch server 32 encodes and communicates 480 data with the vendor transaction server 34 indicative of the cash having been dispensed. The vendor transaction server 34 communicates 485 with the vendor server 41 to cause data maintained in the vendor server 41 to be modified to update the account of the user to record a debit equivalent to the amount of cash dispensed by the user ATM 20. The vendor server 41 encodes and communicates 490 data to the vendor transaction server 34 confirming that the account of the user has been updated.

[0092] In another embodiment, the vendor transaction server 34 is configured to access data maintained in the vendor server 41 including data relating to an amount of credit in the account of the user maintained in the vendor server 41. The vendor transaction server 34 is also configured to compare the amount of credit data with the selected cash withdrawal amount data and to determine if the user account has sufficient credit for the cash withdrawal transaction. The vendor transaction server 34 communicates to the ATM 20, preferably via the transaction switch server 32, to cause the ATM 20 to display authorisation of the withdrawal transaction selected by the user and to dispense cash from the cash dispenser equivalent to the amount of cash selected for withdrawal. The

ATM 20 communicates to the vendor transaction server 34 to confirm that the selected amount of cash has been dispensed. The vendor transaction server 34 modifies data maintained in the vendor server 41 to update the account of the user to record a debit equivalent to the amount of cash dispensed by the user ATM 20.

[0093] The vendor transaction server 34 communicates 500 to the ATM transaction switch server 32 confirmation that the account of the user has been debited by the appropriate amount. The ATM transaction switch 32 communicates 520 with the ATM 20 to cause the ATM transaction software to display 540 on the ATM 20 that the user account with the vendor has been debited by an amount equivalent to the amount of cash dispensed by the ATM 20. Preferably, the ATM 20 also displays to the user that the withdrawal transaction has been completed.

[0094] The ATM system 10 is preferably also configured to facilitate financial account transactions using the ATM device 20, such as cash withdrawal and deposit transactions in relation to a user's financial account maintained with a financial institution.

Further Methods

[0095] Referring to Figure 5 there is shown a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the ATM 20 for a user to deposit cash to be credited into the user's account with a third party vendor of a good or a service in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and using a machine readable code to identify and/or authenticate the user's account with the third party vendor. Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating the ATM 20 for a user to withdraw cash to be debited from the user's account with the third party vendor and again using a machine readable code to identify and/or authenticate the user's account.

[0096] Referring to Figure 5, the method includes a user making a selection on the ATM to make a payment with cash for a good or a service from the vendor or to otherwise make a deposit in the user's account with the vendor 502. The user then scans a machine readable code, such as a QR code, displayed on a device of the user such as a smartphone by using a code scanning device of the ATM 504. A processor in the ATM decodes data from the scanned code that is indicative of a particular vendor of a good or a service and also of an account of a user or some other user specific identification and/or authentication information 506. The ATM authenticates the decoded data indicative of the vendor and of the user and/or the user's account 508. A banknote accepter of the ATM receives an amount of cash deposited by the user 510. The processor in the ATM receives data indicative of the amount of cash received by the banknote accepter 512. The ATM causes a vendor server at which the user's account is maintained to record a credit equivalent to, or which is a function of, the amount of cash deposited by the user into the banknote accepter of the ATM 514.

[0097] Referring to Figure 7, the method includes a user making a selection on the ATM to withdraw cash and for a debit to be recorded on an account of the user with the vendor 602. The user then scans a machine readable code, such as a QR code, displayed on a device of the user such as a smartphone by using a code scanning device of the ATM 604. A processor in the ATM decodes data from the scanned code that is indicative of a particular vendor of a good or a service and also of an account of a user or other user specific identification and/or authentication information 606. The ATM authenticates the decoded data indicative of the vendor and of the user or the user's account 608. A banknote dispenser of the ATM dispenses an amount of cash to the user 610. The processor in the ATM receives data indicative of the amount of cash dispensed by the dispenser of the ATM 612. The ATM causes a vendor server at which the user's account is maintained to record a debit equivalent to, or which is a function of, the amount of cash dispensed by the ATM to the user 614.

[0098] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating an ATM system for a user to deposit cash to be credited into the user's account with a third party vendor of a good or a service and using a machine readable code to identify and/or authenticate the user's account with the third party vendor. The method includes a user making a selection on the ATM to make a payment with cash for a good or a service from the vendor or to otherwise make a deposit in the user's account with the vendor 702. The ATM prompts the user to present a device displaying a machine readable code, such as a QR code or some other machine readable medium such as an NFC chip 703. The user then scans the machine readable code, such as a QR code, displayed on a device of the user such as a smartphone by using a code scanning device of the ATM 704. A processor in the ATM decodes data from the scanned code that is indicative of a particular vendor of a good or a service and also of an account of a user or some other user specific identification and/or authentication information 706. The ATM authenticates the decoded data indicative of the vendor and of the user or the user's account 708. The vendor server authenticates the user and communicates authentication to the ATM 709. The ATM displays an approval to the user and prompts the user to deposit an amount of cash into the banknote accepter of the ATM 710. Cash is received by the cash accepter and the processor receives data indicative of the amount of cash received in the cash accepter 711. The ATM communicates to the vendor server data indicative of the amount of cash deposited in the cash accepter 712. The server credits the account of the user by an amount equivalent to the amount of cash deposited by the user into the ATM 713. The ATM displays to the user confirmation of the credit in the user's account with the vendor 71.

[0099] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating an ATM for a user to withdraw cash to be debited from the user's account with a third party vendor of a good or a service in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and using a machine readable code to identify and/or authenticate the user's account with the third party vendor. The method includes a user making a selection on the ATM to make withdraw cash from the ATM to be debited from the user's account with the vendor 802. The ATM prompts the user to present a device displaying a machine readable code, such as a QR code or some other machine readable medium such as an NFC chip 803. The user then scans the machine readable code, such as a QR code, displayed on a device of the user such as a smartphone by using a code scanning device of the ATM 804. A processor in the ATM decodes data from the scanned code that is indicative of a particular vendor of a good or a service and also of an account of a user or some other user specific identification and/or authentication information 806. The ATM authenticates the decoded data indicative of the vendor and of the user or the user's account 808. The vendor server authenticates the user and communicates authentication to the ATM 809. The ATM displays an approval to the user and prompts the user to select an amount of cash to be withdrawn from the ATM by entering into a keypad or touchscreen of the ATM 810. The processor receives data indicative of the amount of cash to be withdrawn 811. The ATM communicates to the vendor server to determine if the transaction is approved, such as by determining if the user account has sufficient credit for the withdrawal 812. The ATM cash dispenser dispenses an amount of cash according to the approved withdrawal transaction and causes the server to debit the account of the user by an amount equivalent to the amount of cash dispensed by the ATM 813. The ATM displays to the user confirmation of the debit in the user's account with the vendor 814.

[00100] While various embodiments of the invention have been set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method of operating an automated teller machine (ATM) for a user to conduct a cash transaction in relation to an account of a user maintained with a vendor of a good or a service, the method including:

receiving in a selection interface of the ATM a user selection to make a cash transaction in relation to an account of the user maintained in a server of a vendor of a good or a service;

scanning by a scanning device of the ATM a machine readable code provided by a user device in response to a user selection to make a cash transaction in relation to the account of the user maintained in the vendor server;

decoding in a processor the machine readable code and deriving data indicative of the account of the user maintained in the vendor server;

completing the cash transaction in response to receiving in the ATM authorisation to complete the cash transaction; and

causing the vendor server to update the account of the user when the cash transaction is completed.

2. The method of claim 1, including decoding at least in part the machine readable code in a processer in the ATM to derive data indicative of the account of the user maintained in the vendor server.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, including authenticating the derived data to confirm that the machine readable code is encoding data indicative of a user account maintained in the vendor server.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein authenticating the derived data includes comparing the derived data with user account data maintained in the vendor server.

5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, including receiving in the selection interface a user selection to make a cash deposit transaction and operating a banknote accepter to accept an amount of cash from the user if the cash deposit transaction is authorised.

6. The method of claim 5, including causing the vendor server to update the account of the user with a credit indicative of the amount of cash accepted by the banknote accepter.

7. The method of any one of the preceding claims, including receiving in the selection interface a user selection to make a cash withdrawal transaction and operating a banknote dispenser to dispense an amount of cash to the user if the cash withdrawal transaction is authorised.

8. The method of claim 7, including causing the vendor server to update the account of the user with a debit indicative of the amount of cash dispensed by the banknote dispenser.

9. The method of any one of the preceding claims, including displaying indicia associated with the vendor in response to receiving in the selection interface a user selection relating to the vendor.

10. The method of any one of the preceding claims, including receiving in a selection interface of the ATM a user selection to purchase a good or a service from the vendor.

11. The method of claim 10, including displaying a selection of a good or a service to be purchased from the vendor.

12. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ATM additionally communicates with an external ATM transaction processing server to conduct a cash transaction in relation to a user's financial account including financial account identification and verification information and cash deposit or withdrawal transaction information.

13. An automated teller machine (ATM) system adapted for a user to conduct a cash transaction in relation to an account of a user maintained with a vendor of a good or a service, the system including:

an ATM including a display, a selection interface, a machine readable code scanner, a banknote dispenser, a banknote accepter, a communications interface and one or more processors for controlling at least in part the operation of the ATM;

a server of a vendor of a good or a service for maintaining accounts of one or more users with which to purchase a good or a service from the vendor;

wherein in response to a user selection in the selection interface to make a cash transaction in relation to an account of the user maintained in the vendor server the scanning device scans a machine readable code provided by a user device and data is derived from the machine readable code indicative of the account of the user maintained in the vendor server;

completing the cash transaction in the ATM in response to receiving authorisation; and

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the data is derived from the machine readable code by decoding at least in part the machine readable code in a processer.

15. The system of claim 13 or claim 14, including authenticating the derived data by comparing the derived data with user account data maintained in the vendor server.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the derived data and the user account data maintained in the vendor server are compared in part or in full in any one or more of a processor in the ATM or in an external server in communication with the ATM or in the vendor server.

17. The system of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein in response to receiving in the selection interface a user selection to make a cash deposit transaction the banknote accepter operates to accept an amount of cash from the user if the cash deposit transaction is authorised and the vendor server updates the account of the user with a credit indicative of the amount of cash accepted.

18. The system of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein in response to receiving in the selection interface a user selection to make a cash withdrawal transaction the banknote dispenser operates to dispense an amount of cash to the user if the cash withdrawal transaction is authorised and the vendor server updates the account of the user with a debit indicative of the amount of cash dispensed.

19. The system of any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the ATM is programmed to display indicia associated with the vendor in response to receiving in the selection interface a user selection relating to the vendor.

20. The system of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the ATM is configured to receive a user selection to purchase a good or a service from the vendor and communicates the user selection to purchase the good or the service to the vendor server.

21. The system of any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the system includes an external ATM transaction processing server for communicating with the ATM to conduct a cash transaction in relation to a user's financial account including financial account identification and verification information and cash deposit or withdrawal transaction information.

22. The method or system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vendor server relates to a vendor of a good or a service that includes any one or more of a digital wallet service, a wagering service or a utility service.

23. The method or system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user device displays a machine-readable code such as a QR code that is unique to any one or more of the vendor, to the user and to the product or the service.

24. The method or system of claim 23, wherein the user device is configured to receive data from the vendor server to cause the user device to display the machine readable code.

1 /7 1/7 23 Nov 2023

Figure 11 Figure 10 10

External ATM External ATM 20 20 Network- Network - Vendor Payment Vendor Payment TransactionSwitch Transaction Switch 30, 32, Server/Vendor Server/Vendor ATMDevice Device 30,32, 2023270314

ATM 34 34 Server Server

40, 41 40,41

O

50 50

Financial Financial Institution Server Institution Server