Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
RECYCLING VALUE INSTRUMENTS IN AN AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE
FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to handling value instruments
received
for deposit in automated teller machines (ATMs) and, more particularly, to
selective
recycling of value instruments received by ATMs for use in servicing
subsequent
withdrawals.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Automated teller machines (ATMs) or automated banking machines
(ABMs) allow certain banking activities to be performed without resort to a
human
teller. For example, withdrawals can be made and fulfilled by value
instruments (in
many cases, banknotes) dispensed by the machine. In another example, deposits
can be made with value instruments inserted into the machine.
[0003] Deposits are made up of one or more value instruments. In most
existing ATMs, value instruments making up deposits are packaged by the
depositor
into an envelope and are then inserted into the ATM using an envelope. These
envelopes are then retained by the ATM and the amount of each deposit is
verified
after the ATM is serviced and the envelopes are opened.
[0004] More recently, some so-called "envelope-free" ATMs allow value
instruments to be received by an ATM without using an envelope. Such ATMs may
include a scanner that captures images of value instruments received by the
ATM.
This may facilitate technologies such as image-based cheque clearing
(sometimes
referred to as "cheque truncation") which can allow the handling of the
physical
cheque in the cheque clearing process to be replaced with electronic transfers
of
images.
[0005] When the cassette(s) from which cash is dispensed to fulfill
withdrawals are low or empty, the ATM must be serviced. For example, an
armored
car service may visit the ATM to refill those cassettes. An ATM may also
require
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servicing if a deposit cassette used to retain deposit items has become full.
Indeed,
servicing may also involve picking up value instruments retained from
deposits.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Embodiments are described in detail below, with reference to the
following drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic operation diagram illustrating an operating
environment of an example embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing components of an example
automated teller machine;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a logical block diagram of the example automated teller
machine of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a high-level operation diagram of an example computing
device;
[0011] FIG. 5 depicts an example simplified software organization of the
example computing device of FIG. 4;
[0012] FIG. 6 provides a flowchart depicting example operations
performed in
automatically handling a deposited value instrument as may be recycled;
[0013] FIG. 7 provides a stylized depiction of a banknote;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a schematic operation diagram illustrating an operating
environment of an example embodiment; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram depicting communications between
computer systems during handling of a deposit, exemplary of the example
embodiment of FIG. 8.
[0016] Like reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote like
elements and features.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0017] According to the subject matter of the present application, there
may
be provided a computer-implemented method. The method may include receiving an
image of a value instrument obtained by an automated teller machine for
deposit.
The image of the value instrument may be analyzed to determine a condition of
the
value instrument. Based on the condition of the value instrument, it may be
determined whether the value instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill
withdrawals. Upon determining that the value instrument is suitable for
recycling to
fulfill withdrawals, recycling of the value instrument by the automated teller
machine
may be initiated. Further, it may be that indication reflecting the recycling
is
generated to influence when a next servicing of the automated teller machine
will
Occur.
[0018] In this way, value instruments (e.g., cash) received by the
automated
teller machine may be recycled for use in servicing subsequent withdrawals.
Further,
the indication reflecting this recycling may allow influencing of when a next
servicing
of the automated teller machine will occur. For example, where sufficient
value
instruments are recycled, servicing (e.g., to replenish the automated teller
machine
with value instruments) may be deferred.
[0019] By contrast in existing ATMs (even "envelope-free" ATMs), if a
customer goes to an ATM and withdraws cash, that cash is dispensed from a
cassette. Meanwhile, if a different (or the same) customer deposits cash or
other
value instruments into that same ATM, those value instruments go into a
separate
cassette that is not used to fulfill withdrawals. Notably, this may mean that
servicing
of an existing ATM may be required to refill one or more cassettes with value
instruments (e.g., banknotes) even while that same ATM has another cassette
full of
same or similar value instruments from deposits. Conveniently, it may be that
an
implementation of the subject matter of the present application may avoid or
limit
such unnecessary servicing.
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[0020] The value instrument may be a banknote. Alternatively, it may be
that
the value instrument is a coin.
[0021] In some implementations, the method may further include receiving
an
image of a second value instrument obtained by the automated teller machine
for
deposit. The image of the second value instrument may be analyzed to determine
a
condition of the second value instrument. Based on the condition of the second
value
instrument, it may be determined that the second value instrument is
unsuitable for
recycling to fulfill withdrawals. Upon determining that the second value
instrument is
unsuitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals, retaining of the second value
instrument
by the automated teller machine for pick-up when the automated teller machine
is
serviced may be initiated.
[0022] In some implementations, determining the condition of the value
instrument may include determining a condition score reflective of the
condition of
the value instrument. It may be that determining that the value instrument is
suitable
for recycling to fulfill withdrawals includes determining that the condition
score is
greater than a threshold score.
[0023] In some implementations, analyzing the image of the value
instrument
to determine the condition of the value instrument may include comparing the
image
of the value instrument to a digital specimen value instrument.
[0024] In some implementations, the condition includes a counterfeit
status of
the value instrument. It may be that analyzing the image of the value
instrument to
determine the condition of the value instrument includes verifying, using the
image,
one or more security features of the value instrument.
[0025] In some implementations, the indication reflecting the recycling
to
influence when a next servicing of the automated teller machine will occur may
include an indication of a level of recycled value instruments retained in the
automated teller machine and the method may further include sending the
indication
of the level of recycled value instruments retained in the automated teller
machine to
an automated scheduling component. It may be that the automated scheduling
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component is configured to schedule servicing of the automated teller machine
based on the level of recycled value instruments.
[0026] In some implementations, the automated scheduling component is
configured to schedule servicing of the automated teller machine by deferring
a
scheduled service visit where at least a threshold quantity of value
instruments has
been retained in the automated teller machine for recycling. It may be that
the
automated scheduling component is further configured to determine a projected
level
of value instruments in the automated teller machine based on cash withdrawal
activity using the automated teller machine and cash deposit activity using
the
automated teller machine. The automated scheduling component may be further
configured to schedule servicing of the automated teller machine based on the
projected level of value instruments in the automated teller machine.
[0027] In some implementations, the method may further include
determining,
based on previous deposits by a customer associated with the deposit, whether
deposits including value instruments like the value instrument are typical for
the
customer. Determining that the value instrument is suitable for recycling to
fulfill
withdrawals may be further based on whether the deposit is typical for the
customer.
[0028] According to the subject matter of the present application, there
may
be provided a computer system configured to perform the above-described
method.
Such a computer system may include a processor and a memory. The memory may
be coupled to the processor. The memory may store instructions that, when
executed by the computer system, cause the computer system to perform the
above
described method.
[0029] In a particular example, there may be provided a computer system
including a processor and a memory. The memory may be coupled to the
processor.
The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the computer system,
cause the computer system to receive an image of a value instrument obtained
by
an automated teller machine for deposit; analyze the image of the value
instrument
to determine a condition of the value instrument; determine, based on the
condition
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of the value instrument, that the value instrument is suitable for recycling
to fulfill
withdrawals; and upon determining that the value instrument is suitable for
recycling
to fulfill withdrawals, initiate recycling of the value instrument by the
automated teller
machine and generate an indication reflecting the recycling to influence when
a next
servicing of the automated teller machine will occur.
[0030] According to the subject matter of the present application, there
may
be provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing
instructions
that, when executed by a processor of a computer system, cause the computer
system to perform the above-described method.
[0031] In a particular example, there may be provided non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a
processor of a computer system, cause the computer system to: receive an image
of
a value instrument obtained by an automated teller machine for deposit;
analyze the
image of the value instrument to determine a condition of the value
instrument;
determine, based on the condition of the value instrument, that the value
instrument
is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals; and upon determining that
the value
instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals, initiate
recycling of the value
instrument by the automated teller machine and generate an indication
reflecting the
recycling to influence when a next servicing of the automated teller machine
will
occur.
[0032] According to the subject matter of the present application, there
may
be provided an automated teller machine. The automated teller machine may
include
an item receiver / dispenser, an item scanner, a controller, a display, and
one or
more cassettes. The automated teller machine may receive, via the item
receiver /
dispenser, a value instrument for deposit. The automated teller machine may
scan
the received value instrument using the item scanner to produce a scanned
image of
the value instrument. The automated teller machine may recycle the value
instrument using a recycling one of the one or more cassettes where, based on
a
condition determined based on an analysis of the scanned image of the value
instrument, that the value instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill
withdrawals. It
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may be that, further to the recycling, an indication reflecting the recycling
is
generated to influence when a next servicing of the automated teller machine
will
occur.
[0033] Other aspects and features of the present application will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from a review of the
following
description of examples in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
[0034] In the present application, the term "and/or" is intended to
cover all
possible combinations and sub-combinations of the listed elements, including
any
one of the listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of the elements,
and
without necessarily excluding additional elements.
[0035] In the present application, the phrase "at least one of ...or..."
is
intended to cover any one or more of the listed elements, including any one of
the
listed elements alone, any sub-combination, or all of the elements, without
necessarily excluding any additional elements, and without necessarily
requiring all
of the elements.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic operation diagram illustrating an operating
environment of an example embodiment.
[0037] As illustrated, an automated teller machine 100 and a back-office
server system 110 communicate via a network 120.
[0038] The automated teller machine 100 and the back-office server
system
110 may be in geographically disparate locations. Put differently, the
automated teller
machine 100 may be remote from the back-office server system 110.
[0039] As further explained below, the automated teller machine 100 and
the
back-office server system 110 are computer systems.
[0040] The automated teller machine 100 is adapted to provide access to
banking services such as, for example, withdrawals and deposits. As further
explained below, the automated teller machine 100 is configured to scan (e.g.,
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capture a digital image of) at least some of the value instruments it
receives. As
such, the automated teller machine 100 may be an "envelope-free" automated
teller
machine.
[0041] The back-office server system 110 is a server that provides one
or
more back-office services to a financial institution including, for example,
maintenance of accounts, payment processing, fraud detection and the like. The
back-office server system 110 may, for example, be a mainframe computer, a
minicomputer, or the like. In some embodiments, the back-office server system
110
may be formed of or may include one or more computing devices. For example,
the
back-office server system 110 may include and/or may communicate with multiple
computing devices such as, for example, database servers, compute servers, and
the like. Multiple computing devices such as these may be in communication
using a
computer network. For example, such computing devices may communicate using a
local-area network (LAN). In some embodiments, the back-office server system
110
may include multiple computing devices organized in a tiered arrangement. For
example, the back-office server system 110 may include middle tier and back-
end
computing devices. In some embodiments, the back-office server system 110 may
be a cluster formed of a plurality of interoperating computing devices.
[0042] The network 120 is a computer network. In some embodiments, the
network 120 may be an internetwork such as may be formed of one or more
interconnected computer networks. For example, the network 120 may be or may
include an Ethernet network, an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network, a
wireless network, and/or the like. Additionally or alternatively, one or more
devices
may communicate with the computer network by way of a plain-old telephone
service
(POTS) line such as using a modem. In a particular example, the automated
teller
machine 100 may communicate with the back-office server system 110, directly
or
indirectly, by way of a POTS line.
[0043] Example components of the automated teller machine 100 will now
be
described with reference to FIG. 2.
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[0044] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing the automated teller
machine
100 with an access panel 200 opened to reveal certain internal components.
[0045] As illustrated, the automated teller machine 100 may include a
controller 210, a display 220, a keypad 230, an item receiver / dispenser 240,
cassettes 250, and a card reader 260.
[0046] As further described below, the controller 210 is a computing
device.
For example, the controller 210 may include a processor that executes
instructions
retrieved from a computer-readable medium thereby causing the automated teller
machine 100 to perform operations for providing access to banking services
including handling deposits of value instruments which may then be recycled.
[0047] The display 220 may for example, be a liquid-crystal display
(LCD), a
cathode-ray tube (CRT), or the like. The display 220 is for presenting
information
such as to a user of the automated teller machine 100. The display 220 may
present
information under control of the controller 210.
[0048] The keypad 230 is an input device allowing input to be provided
to the
automated teller machine 100. Input received via the keypad 230 may be
conveyed
to the controller 210. Notably, the keypad 230 may be used by a user to
provide a
personal identification number (PIN) to the automated teller machine 100 as a
part of
authenticating to the automated teller machine 100.
[0049] The item receiver / dispenser 240 is a mechanical device
allowing
value instruments to be obtained by and dispensed by the automated teller
machine
100. For example, it may be that the item receiver / dispenser 240 provides a
single
slot through which value instruments are received and dispensed. Additionally
or
alternatively, the item receiver / dispenser 240 may provide multiple slots
such as, for
example, one or more slots for receiving value instruments and one or more
slots for
dispensing value instruments. In some embodiments, the item receiver /
dispenser
240 may consist of multiple mechanical units. Each such mechanical unit may be
in
communication with a respective slot of the automated teller machine 100.
Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the mechanical units may
communicate
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with the same slot¨i.e., a shared slot. It may be that components or units of
the item
receiver / dispenser 240 are specialized to a particular type or types of
value
instrument. For example, a particular component or unit of the item receiver /
dispenser 240 may be adapted to receiving and/or dispensing banknotes of one
denomination, while another component or unit may be adapted to receiving
and/or
dispensing banknotes of another denomination. Alternatively, it may be that
the item
receiver / dispenser 240 is a monolithic unit that handles all manner of value
instruments.
[0050] The item receiver / dispenser 240 is in communication with the
cassettes 250. Each of the cassettes 250 is adapted to receive and/or dispense
value instruments. For example, a deposit cassette of the cassettes 250 may be
adapted to receive value instruments that are provided for deposit. A deposit
cassette may be or may include a bin. In another example, a cash cassette of
the
cassettes 250 may be loaded with bank notes that can be dispensed to satisfy
withdrawals. In another example, there may, as further described below, be
provided
one or more recycling cassettes of the cassettes 250 that can both receive
deposited
value instruments and then dispense them in order to satisfy withdrawals.
Notably,
recycling cassettes may be loaded into the automated teller machine 100 empty
or,
alternatively, may be loaded into the automated teller machine 100 full or
partially
full. In a particular example, a recycling cassette may be a cash cassette.
[0051] The card reader 260 allows data to be read from a card such as,
for
example, a common ISO-sized ATM or cheque card. For example, the card reader
260 may allow data to be read from magnetic stripe cards and/or chip cards. In
some
embodiments, the card reader 260 may require a card to be swiped through it to
be
read (a so-called "swipe reader") and/or it may allow a card to be inserted
into it for
reading (a so-called "dip reader"). In some embodiments, the card reader 260
may
be adapted to allow inserted cards to be retained by the automated teller
machine
100 indefinitely (such as if fraud is suspected) and/or for the period of a
session.
[0052] FIG. 3 is a logical block diagram of the automated teller machine
100.
As described above, the automated teller machine 100 may include a controller
210,
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a display 220, a keypad 230, an item receiver / dispenser 240, cassettes 250,
and a
card reader 260 as described above. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, the
automated
teller machine 100 may include an item scanner 310 and a communications module
320.
[0053] The item scanner 310 is adapted to scan some or all of the value
instruments received by the automated teller machine 100. For example, the
item
scanner 310 may scan value instruments (such as, for example, bank notes,
negotiable instruments like cheques, money orders, bank drafts, warrants of
payment, etc.) as they are received by the automated teller machine 100 such
as, for
example, by way of the item receiver / dispenser 240. The item scanner 310 may
be
a colour, black and white, or a greyscale scanner. In some cases, the item
scanner
310 may, additionally or alternatively, be an ultraviolet scanner. An
ultraviolet scanner
may, for example, allow security features of some value instruments to be
identified
such as, for example, for counterfeit detection. The item scanner 310 may use
one
or more of a variety of scanning technologies. For example, the item scanner
310
may be or may employ a contact image sensor (CIS), a charge-coupled device
(CCD), and/or the like.
[0054] The communications module 320 allows the automated teller machine
100 to communicate with other computing devices and/or various communications
networks such as, for example, the network 120. In other words, the
communications
module 320 may allow the automated teller machine 100 to send or receive
communications signals. Communications signals may be sent or received
according
to one or more protocols or according to one or more standards. For example,
the
communications module 320 may allow the automated teller machine 100 to
communicate via an Ethernet network, an ATM network, a telephone network,
and/or
via cellular data network, such as for example, according to one or more
standards
such as, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code
Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), Long-term
Evolution (LTE) or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the communications
module
320 may allow the automated teller machine 100 to communicate using near-field
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communication (NEC), via Wi-El (TM), using Bluetooth (TM) or via some
combination
of one or more networks or protocols.
[0055] FIG. 4 is a high-level operation diagram of an example computing
device 400. In some embodiments, the example computing device 400 may be
exemplary of one or more of the controller 210 (FIG. 2) and the back-office
server
system 110 (FIG. 1). As will be discussed in greater detail below, each of the
automated teller machine 100 (FIG. 1) (and, potentially, the controller 210 in
particular) and the back-office server system 110 includes software that
adapts it to
perform a particular function. More particularly, software of each of the
automated
teller machine 100 and the back-office server system 110 cooperates, with
communication between the automated teller machine 100 and the back-office
server system 110 in order to handle deposits of value instruments and to
recycle
value instruments received by the automated teller machine 100 as a part of
such
deposits for use in servicing subsequent withdrawals.
[0056] The example computing device 400 includes a variety of modules.
For
example, as illustrated, the example computing device 400 may include a
processor
410, a memory 420, and an input/output (I/O) module 430. As illustrated, the
foregoing example modules of the example computing device 400 are in
communication over a bus 440.
[0057] The processor 410 is a hardware processor. The processor 410 may,
for example, be one or more ARM, Intel x86, PowerPC processors or the like.
[0058] The memory 420 allows data to be stored and retrieved. The memory
420 may include, for example, random access memory, read-only memory, and
persistent storage. Persistent storage may be, for example, flash memory, a
solid-
state drive or the like. Read-only memory and persistent storage are each a
non-
transitory computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable medium may be
organized using a file system such as may be administered by an operating
system
governing overall operation of the example computing device 400.
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[0059] The I/O module 430 allows the example computing device 400 to
interact with devices such as, for example, peripherals to send and receive
data. The
I/O module 430 may, for example, allow the example computing device 400 to
interface with input devices such as, for example, keypads, keyboards,
pointing
devices, and the like. In another example, the I/O module 430 may, for
example,
allow the example computing device 400 to interface with output devices such
as, for
example, displays, printers, and the like. In a particular example, where the
example
computing device 400 forms a part of the automated teller machine 100 (FIG. 1)
such as, for example, if the example computing device 400 is or forms a part
of the
controller 210 (FIG. 2) of the automated teller machine 100, the I/O module
430 may
allow the example computing device 400 to interface with one or more of the
display
220, the keypad 230, the item receiver / dispenser 240, the card reader 260,
the item
scanner 310, and/or the communications module 320.
[0060] Software comprising instructions is executed by the processor 410
from a computer-readable medium. For example, software may be loaded into
random-access memory from persistent storage of the memory 420. Additionally
or
alternatively, instructions may be executed by the processor 410 directly from
read-
only memory of the memory 420.
[0061] FIG. 5 depicts a simplified organization of software components
stored
in the memory 420 of the example computing device 400. As illustrated these
software components include an operating system 500 and application
software510.
[0062] The operating system 500 is software. The operating system 500
allows the application software 510 to access the processor 410, the memory
420,
and the I/O module 430. The operating system 500 may be, for example, UNIX
(TM),
Linux (TM), Microsoft (TM) Windows (TM), Apple OSX (TM) or the like.
[0063] The application software 510 adapts the example computing device
400, in combination with the operating system 500, to operate as a device
performing a particular function. For example, the application software 510
may
cooperate with the operating system 500 to adapt a suitable embodiment of the
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example computing device 400 to operate as the controller 210 (FIG. 2) of the
automated teller machine 100 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) or as the back-office server
system
110 (FIG. 1).
[0064] Operations performed by the automated teller machine 100 and the
back-office server system 110 will be described below with reference to FIG.
6.
[0065] FIG. 6 provides a flowchart 600 depicting example operations
performed in automatically handling value instruments received for deposit.
Operations 610 and onward are performed by one or more processors of one or
more computing device, such as, for example, the processor 410 (FIG. 4) of one
or
more suitably configured instances of the example computing device 400 (FIG.
4),
executing software such as, for example, a suitable instance of the
application
software 510 (FIG. 5). In a particular example, one or more of the operations
610
and onward may be performed by a processor of the controller 210 (FIG. 2) of
the
automated teller machine 100 and/or a processor of the back-office server
system
110.
[0066] At the operation 610, a value instrument is obtained by the
automated
teller machine 100 (FIGS. 1-3) for deposit. The value instrument may, for
example,
be a banknote. The value instrument may be received by the item receiver /
dispenser 240. The value instrument is scanned by the automated teller machine
100 to provide an electronic image (e.g., a bitmap) representing the value
instrument. The value instrument may be scanned by the item scanner 310 (FIG.
2).
[0067] After scanning, at an operation 620, the image of the value
instrument
(for example, a scanned image of a received banknote) obtained by the
automated
teller machine 100 for deposit may be received by the controller 210.
Additionally or
alternatively, the scanned image of the value instrument, may be transmitted
to and
received by another computing device such as, for example, the back-office
server
system 110.
[0068] Following the operation 620, at an operation 630, the scanned
image of
the value instrument is analyzed to determine whether the associated value
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instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals. For example, it
may be
determined, based on the condition of the value instrument, whether or not the
value
instrument is suitable for recycling.
[0069] A value instrument may be considered fit for recycling if it
meets certain
standards of quality or fitness. For example, it may be that the value
instrument is
required to not be overly mutilated or damaged. In another example, it may be
that
the value instrument is required not to present any indicia of being a
possible
counterfeit. Manners of determining whether a value instrument is fit for
recycling
based on an image of it will now be discussed with reference to the example of
a
banknote as may correspond to a deposited value instrument.
[0070] FIG. 7 provides a stylized depiction of a banknote 700. It may be
that
the scanned image of a deposited value instrument corresponds to a banknote
such
as the banknote 700.
[0071] The banknote 700 may, as illustrated, correspond to a United
States
one hundred dollar ($100) Federal Reserve Note.
[0072] The face of the banknote 700 bears an images and numerous visual
elements including a security ribbon 710, a seal 720, and a portrait 730, the
presence and integrity of which can be verified by visually inspecting a
physical
banknote. The presence of the pair of serial numbers 740 may also be verified
by
visual inspection. Corresponding verification and/or additional verification
of the
banknote 700 may be provided based on an image thereof as further described
below.
[0073] For example, the condition of the banknote 700 may be verified by
comparing such an image of the banknote 700 to a digital specimen value
instrument. Such a digital specimen of a value instrument may be or may
include, for
example, reference images for one or more portions of banknotes of a
particular type
such as, for example, for the security ribbon 710, the seal 720 and/or the
portrait
730. Some minor deviations of the image of the banknote 700 from the digital
specimen may correspond to minor problems of condition (e.g., where the
banknote
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700 is showing effects of wear from circulation). More substantial deviations
of the
image of the banknote 700 from the digital specimen may correspond to more
serious problems of condition (e.g., where the banknote 700 has been
mutilated).
[0074] It may be that a condition score is determined reflective of the
condition
of a value instrument such as, for example, a banknote, based on the results
of the
comparison of one or more banknote features to digital specimen(s). Where a
condition score is generated, determining that a value instrument (e.g., the
banknote
700) is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals may include determining
that such a
condition score is greater than a threshold score.
[0075] Additionally or alternatively, determining the condition of the
banknote
700 may include determining a counterfeit status of the banknote 700. A
counterfeit
status of the banknote 700 may be determined based on a scanned image of the
banknote 700. For example, one or more security features of the banknote 700
as
reproduced in an image thereof may be compared to digital specimen(s) so as to
verify the security features. Notably, such digital specimen(s) may be the
same as,
included in, in addition to, or different from the digital specimen(s) as may
be
employed for assessing bill condition as regards mutilation and/or damage.
Based
on comparison(s) to digital specimen(s), a counterfeit status of the banknote
700
may be determined. Where a counterfeit status is generated, determining that a
value instrument (e.g., the banknote 700) is suitable for recycling to fulfill
withdrawals
may include determining that such a counterfeit score is less than a threshold
score.
[0076] Additionally or alternatively, one or more algorithms may be used
to
verify other elements of the scanned image of the banknote 700 such as, for
example, security features such as, for example, a digital watermark hidden
(not
shown) in the image of the face of the banknote 700 and/or the presence of a
EURion constellation (also not shown) in the scanned image.
[0077] In another example, beyond verifying the presence of the pair of
serial
numbers 740, the value of the serial number of the banknote 700 may be
extracted
and analyzed in one or more ways. The value of the serial number of the
banknote
16
CA 3018372 2018-09-24
700 may be extracted from the pair of serial numbers 740 by way of, for
example,
optical character recognition (OCR) techniques. Notably, the serial number of
the
banknote 700 may be extracted from one or both of the serial numbers of the
pair of
serial numbers 740. Where the value is extracted from both of the serial
numbers of
the pair of serial numbers 740, the extracted values may be compared to
determine
whether they match. Notably, where they do not match the banknote 700 may be
considered to be a likely or probable counterfeit and may be considered to be
unsuitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals.
[0078] Additionally or alternatively, the extracted value may be
analyzed to
determine whether it corresponds to an expected format. Notably, again, where
the
extracted serial number doesn't match an expected format, the banknote 700 may
be considered to be a likely or probable counterfeit and may be considered to
be
unsuitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals.
[0079] Additionally or alternatively, the extracted value may be
compared
against a database of serial numbers known to be associated with counterfeit
bills.
Such a database may, for example, include a list of serial numbers of known or
suspected counterfeits and / or ranges of values known to be associated with
known
or suspected counterfeit bills. Notably, again, where there is a match against
such a
database, the banknote 700 may be considered to be a likely or probable
counterfeit
and may be considered to be unsuitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals.
[0080] The above description is by way of example but serves to
illustrate
how, for example, by using analysis of the image of a value instrument
obtained by
the automated teller machine, it may be determined whether a value instrument
is
suitable for recycling. Other value instruments may be analyzed in similar
manners.
[0081] Notably, where the item scanner 310 is or includes an ultraviolet
scanner an image of the value instrument may, additionally or alternatively,
be
obtained of a deposited value instrument under ultraviolet light.
Conveniently, in this
way, features of a value instrument visible only under ultraviolet light
(and/or more
apparent under such light) such as, for example, various security features,
may be
17
CA 3018372 2018-09-24
verified based on that image such as, for example, in manners similar to those
described above with reference to the banknote 700.
[0082] Notably,
not all security features of a deposited value instrument will
necessarily be checked by the automated teller machine 100. For example, an
ATM
may not be equipped to check for raised features on the surface of the bill.
In
another example, the automated teller machine 100 may, additionally or
alternatively,
not be equipped to verify holograms. For this and other reasons, recycling of
value
instruments may be integrated with existing fraud systems of a financial
institution
and some value instruments may not be recycled for reasons other than bill
quality.
In other words, it may be that beyond inspection of the image of a value
instrument,
other factors are, additionally or alternatively, considered in determining
whether a
value instrument is suitable for recycling. For example, it may be that a
denomination
or value of the value instrument is determined based on the image thereof. It
may
then be determined, based on previous deposits by a customer associated with
the
deposit (e.g., the cardholder of a card used to authenticate with the ATM
and/or the
accountholder of then account into which the deposit is being made) whether a
deposit including such a value instrument (e.g., deposits including value
instruments
of similar denominations or of a similar overall value) is typical for that
customer. If
such a deposit is typical, then it may be considered that there is a lower
likelihood of
fraud than if it is atypical. As such, so as to minimize fraud, determining
that a value
instrument is suitable for recycling to fulfill withdrawals may also be based
on
whether such a deposit is typical for the customer. In particular, recycling
may be
foregone for deposits that are sufficiently atypical, while recycling may be
favoured
for deposits that are sufficiently typical. This may, for example, be
determined by
assigning, based on one or more factors (e.g., value instrument denomination,
overall deposit value, time of deposit, location of deposit etc.), a score or
scores
related to the "typical-ness" of a deposit for the customer and comparing that
score
to one or more thresholds. In another example, accounts associated with known
or
suspected deposits of counterfeit funds may be flagged and recycling may be
foregone for deposits to such accounts.
18
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[0083] Referring back to FIG. 6, following determination of whether the
obtained value instrument is suitable for recycling at the operation 630, if
it
determined that the value instrument is unsuitable for recycling, an operation
640 is
next. By contrast, if it is determined that the value instrument is suitable
for recycling,
an operation 650 is next.
[0084] At the operation 640, retaining of the value instrument by the
automated teller machine 100 is initiated. In particular, the automated teller
machine
100 may be retained by the automated teller machine 100 for pick-up when the
automated teller machine 100 is serviced. For example, the automated teller
machine 100 may transfer the value instrument to a deposit cassette of the
cassettes
250 such as, for example, by way of the item receiver / dispenser 240.
[0085] As noted above, from the operation 630, if it is determined that
the
value instrument is suitable for recycling, the operation 650 is next.
[0086] At the operation 650, the value instrument is transferred to a
recycling
cassette of the cassettes 250 for use in fulfilling future withdrawals.
Conveniently, in
this way, the automated teller machine 100 may require less frequent servicing
such
as, for example, to replenish (e.g., refill) it with value instruments. For
example,
where the value instrument is a banknote, it may allow deferral of servicing
of the
automated teller machine 100 to replenish one or more cash cassettes of the
cassettes 250.
[0087] Following the operation 650, an operation 660 is next. At the
operation
660, it is determined whether there are further value instruments in the
deposit. For
example, it may be that input is received by the automated teller machine 100
indicating whether the deposit is complete. In a particular example, input may
be
received by way of the keypad 230. Such input may, for example, be received
responsive to a prompt displayed, for example, by way of the display 220.
Additionally or alternatively, whether there are further value instruments in
the
deposit may be detected such, as for example, based on whether a further value
instrument is received by the item receiver / dispenser 240. For example, it
may be
19
CA 3018372 2018-09-24
determined whether there are further value instruments in the deposit based on
a
next item being received within a defined timeout period. In a particular
example,
such a determination made be made based on whether the item receiver /
dispenser
240 receives a further value instrument within the defined timeout period.
[0088] If it is determined that there are more value instruments in the
deposit,
control returns back to the operation 610 to receive the next value
instrument.
Alternatively, if there are no further value instruments in the deposit, an
operation
670 is next.
[0089] At the operation 670, the deposit is handled. For example, the
automated teller machine 100 may handle the deposit consistent with typical
handling of deposits by automated teller machines. For example, an account may
be
credited in the amount of the deposit.
[0090] Following handling of the deposit at the operation 670, an
operation
680 is next.
[0091] At the operation 680, the automated teller machine 100 generates
an
indication reflecting the recycling (if any). The indication may be sent to a
back-end
system responsible for management of the automated teller machine 100. For
example, it may be sent to the back-office server system 110. In any event,
the
generation of the indication may serve to influence when a next servicing of
the
automated teller machine 100 will occur.
[0092] Notably, financial institution back-end systems may maintain
information about the status of each automated teller machine of that
financial
institution. Such information may, for example, include what value instruments
are
available to dispense by a particular ATM such as, for example, the automated
teller
machine 100. Such information, may, for example, be used for reconciliation.
Additionally or alternatively, such information may be used in scheduling
servicing of
ATMs such as, for example, for replenishment of value instruments (e.g.,
cash).
Notably, however, cash recycling may affect when such servicing (e.g., for
replenishment) needs to occur. Accordingly, the state information maintained
by such
CA 3018372 2018-09-24
back-end systems should reflect recycling of value instruments so that
servicing can
be adjusted accordingly. Such systems may, for example, be updated to reflect
recycling responsive to input such as, for example, the aforementioned
indication
reflecting any recycling.
[0093] For example, it may be that the indication generated at the
operation
680 includes an indication of a level of recycled value instruments retained
in the
automated teller machine 100. Such an indication (e.g., of the level of
recycled value
instruments) may be sent by the automated teller machine 100 to an automated
scheduling component such as, for example, using the communications module
320.
Such an automated scheduling component may be configured to schedule servicing
of the automated teller machine 100 based on the level of recycled value
instruments. For example, the automated servicing component may be configured
to
schedule servicing of the automated teller machine 100 by deferring a
scheduled
service visit where at least a threshold quantity of value instruments have
been
retained in the automated teller machine 100 for recycling (e.g., where such a
level is
considered predictive that service on the scheduled service date will not be
required
such as, for example, to replenish the automated teller machine 100 after it
runs out
of or low on banknotes and/or banknotes of a particular denomination).
[0094] In another example, the automated scheduling component may,
additionally or alternatively, be further configured to determine a projected
level of
value instruments in the automated teller machine 100 based on deposit and
withdrawal activity (e.g., recent, typical, and/or historical activity) such
as, for
example, deposit and withdrawal activity using the automated teller machine
100
and/or similarly situated machines. For example, where the value instruments
are
banknotes, the projected level of value instruments (i.e., cash in that case)
in the
automated teller machine 100 may be determined based on cash withdrawal
activity
using the automated teller machine and cash deposit activity using the
automated
teller machine. The automated scheduling component may be further configured
to
schedule servicing of the automated teller machine 100 based on the project
level of
value instruments (cash or otherwise).
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[0095] It is noted that the handling and recycling of a given value
instrument
must be made in real-time or near real-time in order to free up the item
receiver /
dispenser 240 to handle a next value instrument.
[0096] The method and process described above with reference to the
flowchart 600 is capable of variation. A non-exhaustive sampling of possible
variations will now be provided.
[0097] In a first example of possible variations, it may be that whether
or not to
recycle value instruments is determined on the basis of an entire deposit
(e.g., of all
of the value instruments making of the deposit) rather than on the basis on of
individual value instruments of a deposit. Conveniently, in this way, the
condition of
each of the various value instruments of a deposit may be considered
collectively. In
a particular example, if some (or even one) of the value instruments of a
deposit
show indicia of possible being counterfeit, it may be that the entirety of the
deposit is
deemed unsuitable for recycling. In some implementations of such a variation,
it may
be that an interim or holding one of the cassettes 250 is used to hold the
value
instruments of a deposit, from which those value instruments can later be
transferred
to a deposit cassette or a recycling cassette following a determination of
whether the
value instruments of the deposit should recycled (i.e., transferred to the
recycling
cassette rather than the deposit cassette) following processing and analysis
of the
deposit as whole. Notably, even if the deposit is assessed as a whole, the
handling
and recycling of the deposit must be made in real-time or near real-time in
order to
free up the item receiver / dispenser 240 to a next transaction.
[0098] In another example of possible variations, it may be that whether
or not
a particular value instrument is recycled is based in part on the condition of
the
automated teller machine 100. For example, it may be that whether a particular
value
instrument is accepted for recycling is dependent on a fill level of one or
more of the
cassettes 250 (FIG. 2) of the automated teller machine 100. In a particular
example,
it may be that where the condition of a particular value instrument is
considered poor
based on, for example, mutilation, but that value instrument is also not
suspected to
be a counterfeit, then that value instrument may be transferred for recycling
where fill
22
CA 3018372 2018-09-24
levels are low but may be transferred to a deposit cassette (and not recycled)
if fill
levels are higher. In particular, where a value instrument is dependent on
comparison
of a condition score to a threshold, that threshold may be adapted based on a
fill
level of one or more of the cassettes 250 (FIG. 2) of the automated teller
machine
100. Conveniently, in this way, the automated teller machine 100 may adapt its
recycling to avoid or defer a running out of value instruments to fulfill
withdrawals
while also attempting to maximize the quality of recycled deposit items as
circumstances permit.
[0099] Referring again to FIG. 1, it is restated that the arrangement of
FIG. 1
is merely by way of example and, indeed, is capable of variation without
deviating
from the subject matter of the present application. For example, the back-
office
server system 110 may include more than one computing device and/or may
communicate with other computer servers in order to provide functionality such
as,
for example, functionality related to or a part of the subject matter of the
present
application.
[0100] FIG. 8 is a schematic operation diagram illustrating an operating
environment of another example embodiment.
[0101] As illustrated, an automated teller machine 800 is in
communication
with an ATM switch 810 and an ATM middle tier 812. The ATM switch 810 is in
communication with back-end infrastructure 820. The ATM middle tier 812 is in
communication with a financial transaction adapter 814. The financial
transaction
adapter 814 is in communication with the back-end infrastructure 820.
[0102] The automated teller machine 800 is an automated teller machine
100
identical or similar to the automated teller machine 100 described above.
[0103] The ATM switch 810 and the ATM middle tier 812 are computer
systems. For example, one or both of the ATM switch 810 and the ATM middle
tier
812 may be a suitably configured instance of the example computing device 400.
23
CA 3018372 2018-09-24
[0104] The financial transaction adapter 814 and the back-end
infrastructure
820 each represent services provided by computer systems. For example, such
services may be provided by one or more suitably configured computer systems
such as, for example, by one or more suitably configured instances of the
example
computing device 400.
[0105] FIG. 9 illustrates a sequence diagram 900, similar to a Unified
Modelling Language (UML) sequence diagram, that shows how automated teller
machine 800, ATM switch 810, the ATM middle tier 812, the financial
transaction
adapter 814, and the back-end infrastructure 820 may communicate in some
embodiments, and, in particular, depicting messages exchanged therebetween in
automatically handling, in real-time or near-real time, deposits of value
instruments
while also potentially recycling value instruments received by the automated
teller
machine 800 as the part of such deposits.
[0106] In the following description of the sequence diagram 900,
discussion is
made of various messages being sent and received via a computer network. In
some
embodiments, the exchanged messages may be implemented as messages.
However, in other embodiments, some or all of the illustrated messages may not
correspond to messages per se when sent over the computer network but may
instead be implemented using techniques such as for example remote procedure
call
(RPC) and/or web services application programming interfaces (APIs). For
example,
it may be that the various message pairs illustrated in FIG. 9¨e.g. messages
910
and 920¨correspond, respectively, to an RPC or a web service API call and a
reply
or callback in response to that call.
[0107] Notably, the messages illustrated in the sequence diagram 900 may
correspond to messages as may be exchanged in the architecture of FIG. 8 in
carrying out a process for automatically handling and selectively recycling,
in real-
time or near-real time, a value instrument received by the automated teller
machine
800. Such a method may correspond to the method depicted in the flowchart 600
(FIG. 6) or some variation thereof.
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CA 3018372 2018-09-24
[0108] As illustrated, at the beginning of the sequence depicted in the
sequence diagram 900, the automated teller machine 800 may send a message 910
to the ATM middle tier 812. Such a message may include information related to
a
value instrument such as may have been obtained by and scanned at the
automated
teller machine 800 akin to the operation 610 and the operation 620 (FIG. 6).
It may
be that the automated teller machine 800 sends the image of the scanned value
instrument to the ATM middle tier 812 by way of the message 910. Additionally
or
alternatively, the automated teller machine may conduct an analysis of the
value
instrument such as, for example, to determine a condition score. In such
embodiments, the message 910 may include the results of such an analysis. In
some embodiments, the automated teller machine 800 may perform a partial
analysis and may send the results of that partial analysis to the ATM middle
tier 812
by way of the message 910. For example, the automated teller machine 800 may
extract portions of the value instrument required for counterfeit detection
and/or other
condition assessment and may send only those portions of the image of the
scanned
value instrument by way of the message 910.
[0109] Next, responsive to the message 910, the ATM middle tier 812 may
send a message 920 to the financial transaction adapter 814. In some
embodiments,
the message 920 may be considered a reply to the message 910. For example, it
may be that the ATM middle tier 812 performs operations akin to the operation
630
(FIG. 6), with what operations are performed depending on factors such as, for
example, the circumstances and, potentially, on what processing has already
been
performed by the automated teller machine 800. For example, the ATM middle
tier
812 may analyze an image of a value instrument to assess its condition such
as, for
example, as regards whether it may be mutilated and/or potentially
counterfeit. In a
particular example, processing at the ATM middle tier 812 may assign one or
more
scores for condition, etc. as described above. The message 920 may be sent
responsive to such processing and may provide information stemming therefrom.
In
a particular example, the message 920 may provide a counterfeit score, a
condition
score, and/or information related to or deriving therefrom. Additionally or
alternatively, the ATM middle tier 812 may receive one or more such scores or
such
CA 3018372 2018-09-24
information from the automated teller machine 800 (e.g., by way of the message
910) and/or may generate such scores based on an analysis and, in either case,
may compare them to a threshold score such as may be determined by the ATM
middle tier 812 and/or received by the ATM middle tier 812 from another source
(e.g., the automated teller machine 800). The message 920 may include the
results
of such a comparison (e.g., a determination of whether a value instrument
should be
recycled).
[0110] The
financial transaction adapter 814 is responsible to act as an
intermediary between the ATM middle tier 812 and the back-end infrastructure
820
such as, for example, to convey information related to handling of the value
instrument. Further to processing (such as, for example, the processing
described
above as may occur responsive to the message 910), a message 930 may be sent
by the ATM middle tier 812 to the financial transaction adapter 814. The
message
930 may include information related to the analysis of the value instrument.
For
example, the message 930 may include information also included in the message
920 or information based on such information. In a particular example, the
message
930 may include information similar to the indication reflecting the recycling
(if any)
akin to indications as may be generated at the operation 680 (FIG. 6).
Notably, such
an instance of the message 930 may correspond to intended recycling rather
than
recycling that has already occurred. Additionally or alternatively, it may be
that the
message 930 (or another message which is not shown) is sent providing an
indication when recycling of one or more value instruments has occurred. For
example, it may be that such a message is sent to the financial transaction
adapter
814 responsive to a message received by the ATM middle tier 812 that was
itself
responsive to a message (not shown) from the automated teller machine 800.
Responsive to messages such, as for example, messages indicating recycling the
financial transaction adapter may, in some embodiments, send one or more
further
messages (not shown) to the back-end infrastructure 820. For example, such
further
messages may serve to send one or more indications (e.g., of the level of
recycled
value instruments) to an automated scheduling component of the back-end
infrastructure 820 akin to communication with an automated scheduling
component
26
CA 3018372 2018-09-24
as described above. Conveniently, in this way, when a next servicing of the
automated teller machine will occur may be influenced.
[0111] Responsive to the message 920, a message 940 is sent by the
automated teller machine 800 to the ATM switch 810. The ATM switch 810 is
responsible for completing and/or initiating completion of operations of
transaction(s)
related to handling of the value instrument. For example, the ATM switch 810
may
initiate or perform operations related to crediting the payee's account in the
amount
of the deposit. In a particular example, the ATM switch 810, may initiate a
credit to
the account into which the deposit including the value instrument is made. In
summary, the ATM switch 810 may perform or initiate operations akin to the
operation 670 (FIG. 6).
[0112] In performing or initiating operations, the ATM switch 810 may
communicate with the back-end infrastructure 820. For example, the ATM switch
810
may send a message 950 to the back-end infrastructure 820 and/or may receive a
message 960 from the back-end infrastructure 820. In some embodiments, the
message 960 may be considered a reply to the message 950. In a particular
example, the ATM switch 810 may communicate with the back-end infrastructure
820
such as, for example, to effect a credit corresponding to the deposit.
[0113] Upon completing processing and/or initiating processing, the ATM
switch 810 may send a message 970 to the automated teller machine 800. In some
embodiments, the message 970 may be considered a reply to the message 940.
Additionally or alternatively, it may be that the message 970 is sent
responsive to the
message 960.
[0114] The message 970 may act as an indication to the automated teller
machine 800 that the payee's account has been credited in the amount of the
value
instrument.
[0115] In some embodiments, the automated teller machine 800 may
communicate repeatedly with the ATM middle tier (e.g., similar to the exchange
of
the message 910 and the message 920) for each value instrument making up a
27
CA 3018372 2018-09-24
deposit before communicating with the ATM switch 810 to complete the deposit
(e.g.,
similar to the sending of the message 940, etc.).
[0116] Example embodiments of the present application are not limited to
any
particular operating system, system architecture, mobile device architecture,
server
architecture, or computer programming language.
[0117] It will be understood that the applications, modules, routines,
processes, threads, or other software components implementing the described
method/process may be realized using standard computer programming techniques
and languages. The present application is not limited to particular
processors,
computer languages, computer programming conventions, data structures, or
other
such implementation details. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the
described
processes may be implemented as a part of computer-executable code stored in
volatile or non-volatile memory, as part of an application-specific integrated
chip
(ASIC), etc.
[0118] As noted, certain adaptations and modifications of the described
embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are
considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.
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