Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
AUTOMATED DEVICE FOR DATA TRANSFER
Technical Field
[0001]
The present disclosure is related to an automated device, and in
particular, to an automated device providing an interface enabling data
transfers.
Background
[0002]
An automated device may enable a user to perform a variety of
actions related to a user account. The automated device may enable exchange of
data with a backend server that manages the user account to update, output
information about, or otherwise perform an action related to the user account.
The
automated device may provide a sequence of interfaces to enable the user to
perform a selected action related to the user account. For example, the
automated
device may be an automated teller machine (ATM), which may provide a sequence
of interfaces to enable the user to perform an action related to the user's
account at
a service provider such as a financial institution.
[0003]
User interaction with such an automated device may be time-
consuming and frustrating for a number of reasons. For example, a user may
find it
time-consuming when there are a high number of inputs required to complete a
desired action, or a user may find it frustrating when there is too much or
too little
information provided during the interaction. Further, interactions with the
automated device can be challenging and prone to errors for certain users,
particularly seniors, users with disabilities, users with language
comprehension
challenges, and users who are uncomfortable with technology. Accordingly,
there is
a need for improved methods, devices and systems related to user interactions
with
automated devices.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0004]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automated device in accordance
with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
1
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing some internal components of
the
automated device of FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an example network
environment in
which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for initiating a session
at an
automated device in accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 5A and 5B are flowcharts illustrating methods for
performing a
data transfer at an automated device in accordance with example embodiments of
the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for ending a
session at an
automated device in accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 7 is an example welcome interface in accordance with
example
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 8 is an example authentication interface in accordance
with
example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 9 is an example authentication waiting interface in
accordance
with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 10A is a home interface that provides options for performing an
action using the automated device in accordance with example embodiments of
the
present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 10B is an alternate home interface showing the current
states of
selectable accounts in accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
2
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[0015] FIG. 11A is a source selection interface providing options for
selecting
a destination account for a data transfer in accordance with example
embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 11B is an alternate source selection interface showing
information
about historical data transfers in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 11C is an account activity interface showing information
about
historical data transfers in accordance with example embodiments of the
present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 12A is a destination selection interface that provides options
for
selecting a source account for a data transfer in accordance with example
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 12B is an alternate destination selection interface
showing the
current states of selectable accounts in accordance with example embodiments
of
the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a data value selection interface for receiving a
data value for
a data transfer in accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a processing waiting interface providing output
indicating
processing of a data transfer in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 15 is an example transaction acknowledgment interface
indicating
completion of the data transfer in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a record preview interface in accordance with
example
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 17 is a goodbye interface for providing customer
appreciation
information in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
3
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[0025] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for
performing a
data transfer at an automated device in accordance with another example
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 19A is a destination selection interface providing
options for
selecting a destination account for a data transfer via the method of FIG. 18
in
accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 19B is an alternate destination selection interface
showing
information about historical data transfers via the method of FIG. 18 in
accordance
with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 20A is a source selection interface that provides options for
selecting a source account for a data transfer via the method of FIG. 18 in
accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 20B is an alternate source selection interface showing
the current
states of selectable accounts in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a data value selection interface for receiving a
data value for
a data transfer via the method of FIG. 18 in accordance with example
embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 22 is an acknowledgement interface indicating completion
of the
data transfer via the method of FIG. 18 in accordance with example embodiments
of the present disclosure.
Description of Example Embodiments
[0032] The present disclosure is made with reference to the
accompanying
drawings, in which embodiments are shown. However, many different embodiments
may be used, and thus the description should not be construed as limited to
the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that
this
disclosure will be thorough and complete. Wherever possible, the same
reference
4
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the
same
elements, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements, operations
or
steps in alternative embodiments. Separate boxes or illustrated separation of
functional elements of illustrated systems and devices does not necessarily
require
physical separation of such functions, as communication between such elements
may occur by way of messaging, function calls, shared memory space, and so on,
without any such physical separation. As such, functions need not be
implemented
in physically or logically separated platforms, although they are illustrated
separately for ease of explanation herein. Different devices may have
different
designs, such that although some devices implement some functions in fixed
function hardware, other devices may implement such functions in a
programmable
processor with code obtained from a machine-readable medium. Lastly, elements
referred to in the singular may be plural and vice versa, except where
indicated
otherwise either explicitly or inherently by context. The term "directly" is
used
herein to mean automatically and without intervening operations.
[0033] The present disclosure provides an automated device for data
transfer
and associated methods. The automated device communicates with a server to
exchange data which is used to dynamically populate one or more of the
interfaces
in a sequence of interfaces.
[0034] In accordance with one embodiment of a first aspect of the present
disclosure, there is provided an automated device comprising: a display
screen; a
communication module for communication with a server; a processor coupled to
the
display screen and the communication module; and a memory coupled to the
processor, the memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereon,
the instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the automated device
to,
during a session: display, on the display screen, a welcome interface
providing a
plurality of selectable options for performing an action using the automated
device;
directly in response to selection of an option to initiate a data transfer
from the
welcome interface, display, on the display screen, an authentication interface
providing an input field for receiving an authentication code associated with
an
access card inserted into the automated device; directly in response to
receipt of
5
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
validation of an input received in the input field of the authentication
interface,
display, on the display screen, a source selection interface providing a
selectable
option for selecting a source account for the data transfer; directly in
response to a
selection of the source account, display, on the display screen, a destination
selection interface providing a selectable option for selecting a destination
account
for the data transfer; directly in response to the selection of the
destination
account, display, on the display screen, a data value selection interface
providing
an input field for receiving a data value for the data transfer; directly in
response to
a receipt of confirmation of an input received in the input field of the data
value
.. selection interface, send a signal to the server, via the communication
module, the
signal including the source account, the destination account and the data
value for
the data transfer; directly in response to receipt of a signal including an
indication
that the data transfer was completed from the server via the communication
module, display, on the display screen, a transaction acknowledgment interface
indicating completion of the data transfer, the transaction acknowledgment
interface providing an option to end the session and an option to continue the
session; and directly in response to selection of the option to end the
session in the
transaction acknowledgment interface, display, on the display screen, a record
preview interface providing a preview of a record of the session and an option
to
generate output of the record.
[0035] In accordance with another embodiment of the first aspect of
the
present disclosure, there is provided a method at an automated device,
comprising:
displaying a welcome interface providing a plurality of selectable options for
performing an action using the automated device; directly in response to a
.. selection of an option to initiate a data transfer from the welcome
interface,
displaying an authentication interface providing an input field for receiving
an
authentication code associated with an access card inserted into the automated
device; directly in response to receipt of validation of an input received in
the input
field of the authentication interface, displaying a source selection interface
providing a selectable option for selecting a source account for the data
transfer;
directly in response to selection of the source account, displaying a
destination
selection interface providing a selectable option for selecting a destination
account
6
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
for the data transfer; directly in response to selection of the destination
account,
displaying a data value selection interface providing an input field for
receiving a
data value for the data transfer; directly in response to receipt of
confirmation of an
input received in the input field of the data value selection interface,
sending a
signal to a server in communication with the automated device, via a
communication module, the signal including the source account, the destination
account and the data value for the data transfer; directly in response to
receipt of a
signal including an indication that the data transfer was completed from the
server
via the communication module, displaying a transaction acknowledgment
interface
indicating completion of the data transfer, the transaction acknowledgment
interface providing an option to end the session and an option to continue the
session; and directly in response to selection of the option to end the
session in the
transaction acknowledgment interface, displaying a record preview interface
providing a preview of a record of the session and an option to generate
output of
the record.
[0036] In accordance with one embodiment of a second aspect of the
present
disclosure, there is provided an automated device comprising: a display
screen; a
communication module for communication with a server; a processor coupled to
the
display screen and the communication module; and a memory coupled to the
processor, the memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereon,
the instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the automated device
to,
during a session: display, on the display screen, a welcome interface
providing a
plurality of selectable options for performing an action using the automated
device;
directly in response to selection of an option to display more available
actions,
display, on the display screen, an authentication interface providing an input
field
for receiving an authentication code associated with an access card inserted
into
the automated device; directly in response to receipt of validation of an
input
received in the input field of the authentication interface, display, on the
display
screen, a home interface providing a plurality of selectable options for
performing
an action using the automated device, wherein the selectable options of the
home
interface include additional selectable options that are not present on the
welcome
interface; directly in response to selection of an option to initiate a data
transfer
7
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
from the home interface, display, on the display screen, a source selection
interface
providing a selectable option for selecting a source account for the data
transfer;
directly in response to selection of the source account, display, on the
display
screen, a destination selection interface providing a selectable option for
selecting a
destination account for the data transfer; directly in response to selection
of the
destination account, display, on the display screen, a data value selection
interface
providing an input field for receiving a data value for the data transfer;
directly in
response to receipt of confirmation of an input received in the input field of
the data
value selection interface, send a signal to the server, via the communication
module, the signal including the source account, the destination account and
the
data value for the data transfer; directly in response to receipt of a signal
from the
server including an indication that the data transfer was completed via the
communication module, display, on the display screen, a transaction
acknowledgment interface indicating completion of the data transfer, the
transaction acknowledgment interface providing an option to end the session
and
an option to continue the session; and directly in response to selection of
the option
to end the session in the transaction acknowledgment interface, display, on
the
display screen, a record preview interface providing a preview of a record of
the
session and an option to generate output of the record.
[0037] In accordance with another embodiment of the second aspect of the
present disclosure, there is provided a method at an automated device,
comprising:
displaying a welcome interface providing a plurality of selectable options for
performing an action using the automated device; directly in response to
selection
of an option to display more available actions, displaying an authentication
interface
providing an input field for receiving an authentication code associated with
an
access card inserted into the automated device; directly in response to
receipt of
validation of an input received in the input field of the authentication
interface,
displaying a home interface providing a plurality of selectable options for
performing an action using the automated device, wherein the selectable
options of
the home interface include additional selectable options that are not present
on the
welcome interface; directly in response to selection of an option to initiate
a data
transfer from the home interface, displaying a source selection interface
providing a
8
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
selectable option for selecting a source account for the data transfer;
directly in
response to selection of the source account, displaying a destination
selection
interface providing a selectable option for selecting a destination account
for the
data transfer; directly in response to selection of the destination account,
displaying
a data value selection interface providing an input field for receiving a data
value
for the data transfer; directly in response to receipt of confirmation of an
input
received in the input field of the data value selection interface, sending a
signal to
the server, via the communication module, the signal including the source
account,
the destination account and the data value for the data transfer; directly in
response to receipt of a signal from the server including an indication that
the data
transfer was completed via the communication module, displaying a transaction
acknowledgment interface indicating completion of the data transfer, the
transaction acknowledgment interface providing an option to end the session
and
an option to continue the session; and directly in response to selection of
the option
to end the session in the transaction acknowledgment interface, displaying a
record
preview interface providing a preview of a record of the session and an option
to
generate output of the record.
[0038] In accordance with one embodiment of a third aspect of the
present
disclosure, there is provided an automated device comprising: a display
screen; a
communication module for communication with a server; a processor coupled to
the
display screen and the communication module; and a memory coupled to the
processor, the memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereon,
the instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the automated device
to,
during a session: display, on the display screen, a welcome interface
providing a
plurality of selectable options for performing an action using the automated
device;
directly in response to selection of an option to display more available
actions,
display, on the display screen, an authentication interface providing an input
field
for receiving an authentication code associated with an access card inserted
into
the automated device; directly in response to receipt of validation of an
input
received in the input field of the authentication interface, display, on the
display
screen, a home interface providing a plurality of selectable options for
performing
an action using the automated device, wherein the selectable options for
9
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
performing an action of the home interface include additional selectable
options for
performing an action that are not present on the welcome interface and one or
more selectable account options; directly in response to selection of an
account
option from the home interface, display, on the display screen, an account
history
interface providing a listing of recent exchanges of data performed for the
account
and a plurality of selectable options for performing an action using the
automated
device; directly in response to selection of an option to initiate a data
transfer from
the account history interface, display, on the display screen, a destination
selection
interface providing a selectable option for selecting a destination account
for the
data transfer; directly in response to selection of the destination account,
display,
on the display screen, a data value selection interface providing an input
field for
receiving a data value for the data transfer; directly in response to receipt
of
confirmation of an input received in the input field of the data value
selection
interface, send a signal to the server, via the communication module, the
signal
including the source account, the destination account and the data value for
the
data transfer; directly in response to receipt of a signal from the server,
via the
communication module, including an indication that the data transfer was
completed, display, on the display screen, a transaction acknowledgment
interface
indicating completion of the data transfer, the transaction acknowledgment
interface providing an option to end the session and an option to continue the
session; and directly in response to selection of the option to end the
session in the
transaction acknowledgment interface, display, on the display screen, a record
preview interface providing a preview of a record of the session and an option
to
generate output of the record.
[0039] In accordance with another embodiment of the third aspect of the
present disclosure, there is provided a method at an automated device,
comprising:
displaying a welcome interface providing a plurality of selectable options for
performing an action using the automated device; directly in response to
selection
of an option to display more available actions, displaying an authentication
interface
providing an input field for receiving an authentication code associated with
an
access card inserted into the automated device; directly in response to
receipt of
validation of an input received in the input field of the authentication
interface,
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
displaying a home interface providing a plurality of selectable options for
performing an action using the automated device, wherein the selectable
options
for performing an action of the home interface include additional selectable
options
for performing an action that are not present on the welcome interface and one
or
more selectable account options; directly in response to selection of an
account
option from the home interface, displaying an account history interface
providing a
listing of recent exchanges of data performed for the account and a plurality
of
selectable options for performing an action using the automated device;
directly in
response to selection of an option to initiate a data transfer from the
account
history interface, displaying a destination selection interface providing a
selectable
option for selecting a destination account for the data transfer; directly in
response
to selection of the destination account, displaying a data value selection
interface
providing an input field for receiving a data value for the data transfer;
directly in
response to receipt of confirmation of an input received in the input field of
the data
value selection interface, sending a signal to the server, via the
communication
module, the signal including the source account, the destination account and
the
data value for the data transfer; directly in response to receipt of a signal
from the
server including an indication that the data transfer was completed via the
communication module, displaying a transaction acknowledgment interface
indicating completion of the data transfer, the transaction acknowledgment
interface providing an option to end the session and an option to continue the
session; and directly in response to selection of the option to end the
session in the
transaction acknowledgment interface, displaying a record preview interface
providing a preview of a record of the session and an option to generate
output of
the record.
[0040] In accordance with one embodiment of a fourth aspect of the
present
disclosure, there is provided an automated device comprising: a display
screen; a
communication module for communication with a first party server; a processor
coupled to the display screen and to the communication module; and a memory
coupled to the processor, the memory having machine-executable instructions
stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the
automated device to, during a session: display, on the display screen, a home
11
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
interface providing a plurality of selectable options for performing an action
using
the automated device; directly in response to selection of an option to
initiate a
data transfer, display, on the display screen, a destination selection
interface
providing a selectable option for selecting a destination account to receive
the data
transfer, the destination account being managed by a third-party service
provider,
the destination account being identified using information received via a
first signal
from the first party server; directly in response to selection of the
destination
account, display, on the display screen, a source selection interface
providing a
selectable option for selecting a source account for the data transfer;
directly in
response to selection of the source account, display, on the display screen, a
data
value selection interface for receiving a first input indicating a data value
for the
data transfer; directly in response to receipt of the first input indicating
the data
value, transmit a second signal to the first party server, via the
communication
module, the second signal including the data value and including information
identifying the source account and the destination account; display, on the
display
screen, a data transfer processing interface providing output indicating
processing
of the data transfer; directly in response to receipt of a third signal from
the first
party server, via the communication module acknowledging the data transfer,
display, on the display screen, an acknowledgement interface indicating
completion
of the data transfer, the acknowledgement interface further providing an
option to
end the session and an option to continue the session; and directly in
response to
selection of the option to end the session, display, on the display screen, a
record
preview interface, the record preview interface providing a preview of a
record of
the session, the record preview interface further providing an option to
generate
output of the record.
[0041] In the fourth aspect, the option to generate output of the
record may
include an option to transmit the output of the record to an email address
linked to
the account, wherein a fourth signal is received from the first party server,
via the
communication module, the fourth signal including the email address, and
wherein
the option to transmit the output of the record to the email address includes
a
preview of the email address.
12
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[0042] In the fourth aspect, the instructions may further cause the
automated
device to: directly in response to selection of an option on the record
preview
interface, display, on the display screen, a goodbye interface, the goodbye
interface
providing non-sensitive customer appreciation information specific to the
account.
[0043] In the fourth aspect, the destination selection interface, source
selection interface and data value selection interface may each includes a
respective context indicator indicating that the destination selection
interface,
source selection interface and data value selection interface each is provided
in the
context of the data transfer.
[0044] In the fourth aspect, the context indicator of the source selection
interface may further indicate the destination account for the data transfer,
and
wherein the context indicator of the data value selection interface further
indicates
the destination account and the source account for the data transfer.
[0045] In the fourth aspect, the instructions may further cause the
automated
device to: extract information from an access card inserted into the automated
device; transmit a fifth signal to the first party server, via the
communication
module, the fifth signal including the information extracted from the access
card; in
response to receipt of a sixth signal from the first party server, via the
communication module, the sixth signal providing information identifying at
least
the source account associated with the access card, display, on the display
screen,
a welcome interface, the welcome interface providing at least some of the
plurality
of selectable options for performing an action using the automated device;
directly
in response to selection of one of the selectable options provided by the
welcome
interface, display, on the display screen, an authentication interface for
receiving an
authentication code for the source account; transmit a seventh signal to the
first
party server, via the communication module, the seventh signal including a
second
input received via the authentication interface; display, on the display
screen, an
authentication waiting interface providing output indicating processing of the
second input; and in response to receipt of an eighth signal from the first
party
13
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
server, via the communication module, that the second input is validated for
the
source account, proceed to display of the home interface.
[0046] In the fourth aspect, at least one of the home interface and
the source
selection interface may provide an option to display a current status of the
source
account.
[0047] In the fourth aspect, the destination selection interface may
provide an
option to display information about a historical data transfer to the
destination
account.
[0048] In the fourth aspect, the data value selection interface may
provide an
option to select a predetermined data value for the data transfer, the
predetermined data value being a historical data value of a historical data
transfer
to the destination account.
[0049] In the fourth aspect, the instructions may further cause the
automated
device to: directly in response to selection, on the acknowledgement
interface, of
the option to continue the session, display, on the display screen, the home
interface.
[0050] In accordance with another embodiment of the fourth aspect of
the
present disclosure, there is provided a method at an automated device, the
method
comprising: displaying a home interface providing a plurality of selectable
options
for performing an action using the automated device; directly in response to
selection of an option to initiate a data transfer, displaying a destination
selection
interface providing a selectable option for selecting a destination account to
receive
the data transfer, the destination account being managed by a third-party
service
provider, the destination account being identified using information received
via a
first signal from a first party server that is in communication with the
automated
device; directly in response to selection of the destination account,
displaying a
source selection interface providing a selectable option for selecting a
source
account for the data transfer; directly in response to selection of the source
14
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
account, displaying a data value selection interface for receiving a first
input
indicating a data value for the data transfer; directly in response to receipt
of the
first input indicating the data value, transmitting a second signal to the
first party
server, via a communication module of the automated device, the second signal
including the data value and including information identifying the source
account
and the destination account; displaying a data transfer processing interface
providing output indicating processing of the data transfer; directly in
response to
receipt of a third signal from the first party server, via the communication
module
acknowledging the data transfer, displaying an acknowledgement interface
.. indicating completion of the data transfer, the acknowledgement interface
further
providing an option to end a session and an option to continue the session;
and
directly in response to selection of the option to end the session, displaying
a record
preview interface, the record preview interface providing a preview of a
record of
the session, the record preview interface further providing an option to
generate
output of the record.
[0051] In accordance with further embodiments of the present
disclosure,
there are provided non-transitory machine-readable mediums having tangibly
stored thereon executable instructions for execution by a processor of a
computing
device such as a server. The executable instructions, when executed by the
processor, cause the computing device to perform the methods described above
and herein.
[0052] FIGs. 1 and 2 show an example automated device 100 that may be
used to implement example embodiments of the present disclosure. The automated
device 100 includes one or more input and/or output (I/O) devices that
facilitate
.. interaction between the user and the automated device 100. As shown, a
display
screen 102 is provided which may be a touchscreen or non-touchscreen display.
When the display screen 102 is a touchscreen display, the display screen 102
may
serve as both an input device as well as an output device. A graphical user
interface
(GUI) may be displayed on the display screen 102 to enable any suitable
textual
and/or graphical output/input.
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[0053] The example automated device 100 includes a keypad 104 which
may
be used to provide input to the automated device 100, for example to enter an
authentication code (e.g., personal identification number (PIN)) and/or to
provide
numerical/non-numerical inputs. The keypad 104 may include keys for
confirming/cancelling a particular action, and/or navigating through the
interface
provided by the automated device 100. In some examples, the keypad 104 may
include function keys 106 that may be used for specific input (e.g., "Accept",
"Cancel"), in addition to multi-function or alphanumeric input keys. In some
embodiments, the keypad 104 may be equipped with braille (or other forms of
tactile indicators) to improve accessibility for visually impaired users. The
automated device 100 may include audio input/output devices, such as a
microphone (not shown) for receiving audio user input and, as shown, one or
more
speakers 108 for providing audio output. Other examples of I/O devices may
include, for example, a mouse, an optical reader, and/or a stylus (or other
input
device(s)) through which a user of the automated device 100 may provide input.
[0054] An access card may be received, through a card slot 110, into
the
automated device 100 to be read by a card reader 112. In some examples, the
card
reader 112 reads a magnetic strip on the back of the access card to extract
information stored thereon. Information may be stored in an integrated circuit
(IC)
chip embedded within the access card in addition to, or instead of, the
magnetic
strip, which may be read by the card reader 112. The information read by the
card
reader 112 may be used to perform functions such as card authentication, card
holder validation, and/or account information retrieval.
[0055] User interactions with the automated device 100 may include
insertion
of physical input (e.g., cash and/or check, or other physical representations
of
data) through one or more input slots 114. The automated device 100 may
incorporate sensors (e.g., an optical scanner 122) and/or a digital image
processor
(not shown) to process the received physical input. Physical output, such as
cash,
may be extracted from a vault 116 inside the automated device 100 and
dispensed
to the user through an output slot 118. Another output slot 119 may be used to
provide a physical record, such as a paper receipt, of the user's interactions
with
16
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
the automated device 100 during a session. A session on the automated device
100
may be defined to include the inputs, outputs provided on the automated device
100 from the start of user interaction with the automated device 100 (e.g.,
starting
with insertion of an access card into the card slot 110) and ending when the
user
chooses to end interactions with the automated device 100 (e.g., user provides
input to the automated device 100 indicating that all desired actions have
completed and/or user logs out). The physical record may be generated by a
printer
120 inside the automated device 100. Additionally or alternatively, a record
of the
session may be emailed to the user. The automated device 100 may include a
camera 124, which may be used to record video (e.g., for security purposes)
and/or
to facilitate interaction between the user and a local or remote agent.
[0056] Internally, the automated device 100 includes a processing
unit 126
for controlling overall operation of the automated device 100. The processing
unit
126 may be operably coupled to one or more of random access memory (RAM)
128, read-only memory (ROM) 130, memory 132, and input/output (I/O) devices
such as those described above. Machine-executable instructions may be stored
within memory 132 and/or other storage to provide instructions to the
processing
unit 126 for enabling the automated device 100 to perform various functions.
For
example, the memory 132 may store instructions for implementing an operating
system 134, and one or more application programs 136. The memory 132 may also
store data 138 locally. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the
machine-
executable instructions for the automated device 100 may be embodied in
hardware or firmware (not shown). In this example, the automated device 100
further includes a communication module 140, for wired and/or wireless
communication with other network devices (see FIG. 3, for example).
[0057] FIG. 3 shows an example network 300 in which the example
automated device 100 may be implemented. In this example, a plurality of
automated devices 100a-10On may be connected through a communication
network 304 to a first-party server 306 via any suitable communications links,
such
as network links, wireless links, hard-wired links, and the like. Each of the
automated devices 100a-10On may be an instance of the automated device 100 of
17
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
FIG. 1, or other suitable automated device. The automated devices 100a-100n
may
be the same or different from each other.
[0058] The communication network 304 may include any one or more
suitable
computer networks including, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a wide-
area
network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a local-area network (LAN), a wireless
LAN (WLAN), a wireless network, a digital subscriber line (DSL) network, a
frame
relay network, an asynchronous transfer mode network, a virtual private
network
(VPN), a public-switched telephone network (PSTN), or a public-land mobile
network (PLMN), or any combination of any of the same. Network communications
may be facilitated through the use of any suitable communication such as
TCP/IP,
Ethernet, FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, and the like. The communication network 304 may
be,
or comprise, the interbank network (also referred to as the ATM consortium or
ATM
network).
[0059] The first-party server 306 may be a backend server associated
with
the same service provider as the automated devices 100a-100e. The first-party
server 306 may be operable to communicate signals and exchange data with each
of the plurality of automated devices 100a-100e. The first-party server 306 in
this
example network 300 is also coupled to a database 308 that may store data
accessible by the first-party server 306. The data stored by the database 308
comprises user account information and provisioning data for data transfers in
corresponding records. The database 308 is located externally to and remote
from
the automated devices 100. The first-party server 306 in this example network
300
is also coupled to a third-party server 310, which may provide third-party
services,
such as authentication services, or may be associated with another service
provider
(e.g., another financial institution). The first-party server 306 may be
coupled to
the database 308 and/or the third-party server 310 via one or more networks
(not
shown). It is to be appreciated that although one instance each of the first-
party
server 306, database 308, third-party server 310 and communication network 304
are shown, any of the components in FIG. 3 may be present in any number.
[0060] The first-party server 306 comprises a controller comprising at
least
18
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
one processor which controls the overall operation of the first-party server
306. The
processor is coupled to a plurality of components via a communication bus
which
provides a communication path between the components and the processor. The
processor is coupled to a communication module that communicates with
corresponding communication modules of automated devices 100 and third-party
server 310 by sending and receiving corresponding signals. The first-party
server
306 may comprise, or communicate with, a data transfer server which generates
data transfer instructions via an instruction generation module, sends and/or
receives data transfer instructions between various endpoints (e.g., automated
devices 100, first-party server 306, third-party server 310, etc.) and which
processes data transfer instructions via an instruction processing module.
[0061] The implementation of the methods described herein include a
sequence of interfaces, also referred to as user interfaces or graphical user
interfaces (GUIs), to be provided by the automated device, as discussed below.
One
or more interfaces in the interface sequence may provide one or more
selectable
options as discussed below, each selectable option being selectable, for
example by
interacting with a touchscreen and/or a keypad 104 of the automated device
100.
The selection options are provided in onscreen buttons or other user interface
elements. The selectable options, when selected via corresponding interaction,
cause different interfaces to be displayed which may, in some instances,
involve
communications between the automated device 100 and the first-party server 306
to obtain information to dynamically populate interfaces in the interface
sequence.
The methods described herein may be implemented during a session with the
automated device 100, for example as a portion of the session. The methods
described herein may be implemented together to provide a sequence of
interfaces.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example method 400 for initiating
a session
on the automated device 100 in accordance with example embodiments of the
present disclosure. The method 400 may be performed by the automated device
100 illustrated in FIG. 1, for example. For convenience, reference will be
made to
the automated device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 although automated devices
having
different features may be used in other embodiments. The session is initiated
to
19
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
perform one or more actions using the automated device 100. In the present
disclosure, the session is initiated to perform a data transfer using the
automated
device 100. A data transfer may involve transfer of data from a source account
to a
destination account. The source account and the destination account may be
managed by a first-party service provider that also manages the automated
device
100. The data transfer may involve sending and receiving data between a source
account and a destination account, or transferring a data value from the
source
account to the destination account, which may include updating the source
account
to deduct (or debit) the data value and updating the destination account to
add (or
credit) the data value. The source account and destination accounts may be
associated with, or managed by, the same or different data providers depending
on
the type of data transfer. The data transfer information, also known as
provisioning
data, specifies how to send and/or receive data transfers, including data
transfer
signals and other communications and any messages contained therein. The data
transfers may comprise messages.
[0063] The data transfers, when comprising financial transactions,
may
comprise remittances in which case the data transfer information may comprise
remittance data, for example, involve one or both of the first-party service
provider
and the third-party service provider. The remittances may be bill payments,
bill
payment instructions or electronic funds transfer instructions, in which case
the
data transfer information may comprise biller remittance data. Completion of a
data
transfer may involve reconciliation of accounts between respective backend
servers
of the first-party service provider and the third-party service provider.
[0064] At operation 402, an access card is received by the automated
device
100 via the card slot 118.
[0065] At operation 404, the access card is processed by the
automated
device 100 via the card reader 112 to extract information stored on the access
card. The information extracted from the access card may include information
used
to identify whether the access card is associated with an account that is
managed
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
by the first-party service provider (e.g., financial institution) that owns or
operates
the automated device 100.
[0066] At operation 406, the automated device 100 sends information
extracted from the access card to a backend server, for example, a first-party
server 306 owned or operated by the first-party service provider that owns or
operates the automated device 100, to identify and/or retrieve information
about
one or more accounts associated with a user to whom the access card is
assigned.
When the first-party server 306 determines that the access card is not
associated
with an account that is managed by the first-party service provider, the first-
party
server 306 may further communicate with a service provider network to obtain
account information from another service provider.
[0067] The first-party server 306 sends to the automated device 100 a
signal
providing information identifying the account(s) associated with the access
card.
The information provided by the first-party server 306 may include information
indicating whether the access card is associated with an account that is
managed
by another service provider, for example.
[0068] At operation 408, in response to receipt of the information
from the
first-party server 306, the automated device 100 displays the welcome
interface
700 shown in FIG. 7. The welcome interface 700 includes a plurality of
selectable
options 702a-702d (generally referred to as options 702), which may be
selected to
initiate an action using the automated device 100. The options 702 displayed
at the
welcome interface 700 may be a subset of all available actions that may be
performed using the automated device 100. In some examples, the options 702
displayed at the welcome interface 700 may depend on the capabilities of the
automated device 100 and/or the actions that are permissible for the
account(s),
which are determined based on the inserted access card as described above. For
example, if the account is not managed by the first-party service provider,
the
options 702 may be more limited than if the account is managed by the first-
party
service provider that owns the automated device 100. The provided options 702
may depend on the capabilities of the automated device 100, for example
whether
21
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
the automated device 100 is able to provide certain types of output (e.g.,
cash or
foreign currency). The options 702 may also be dynamically modified based on
the
current state of the automated device 100. For example, the automated device
may
normally be capable of providing a certain type of output (e.g., cash) but may
be in
a current state in which that capability is not available (e.g., the automated
device
100 has run out of cash).
[0069] The displayed selectable options 702 in FIG. 7 include an
option 702a
for providing express physical output (e.g., express withdrawal of cash), an
option
702b for providing physical output (e.g., regular withdrawal of cash), an
option
702c for providing physical input (e.g., deposit of cash and/or check), and an
option
702d for performing a data transfer between first-party accounts. The welcome
interface 700 also provides a selectable option 704 for displaying more
available
actions.
[0070] The welcome interface 700 in this example also includes
selectable
general options 710a-710c (generally referred to as general options 710). The
general options 710 may include options concerning general operation of the
automated device 100, and may not be related to any specific action or
workflow
performed using the automated device 100. In the shown embodiment of FIG. 7,
the general options 710 are provided in a lower portion 712 of the welcome
interface 700, for example, in bar, panel or frame at the bottom of the
welcome
interface 700. The general options 710 in this example include an option 710a
for
returning to a previous interface in the sequence of interfaces, an option
710b for
displaying accessibility options, and an option 710c to cancel the current
action (in
this case, the exchange of data using physical input). In the shown embodiment
of
FIG. 7, the option 710a is displayed on the left side of the lower portion
712, the
option 710b is displayed at the middle of the lower portion 712, and the
option
710c is displayed on the right side of the lower portion 712. Other locations
for the
general options 710 may be used. The general options 710 may each be provided
at the same location over a plurality of interfaces during the session, which
may
help a user to more easily find each of the general options 710. In
particular, the
22
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
location of the option 710b may enable a user with limited mobility and/or
limited
reach to more easily select the option 710b for displaying accessibility
options.
[0071] The welcome interface 700 may also include a message 714. In
the
shown embodiment, the message is a greeting comprising the text "Welcome" and
the "What would you like to do first?" In some examples, the greeting 714 may
include non-sensitive customized information based on account information,
such
as a name associated with the account. Such customized information may be
obtained via communication between the automated device 100 and the first-
party
server 306. For example, such information may be provided to the automated
device 100 together with identification of the account(s) associated with the
access
card.
[0072] At operation 409, the automated device 100 monitors for
selection of
one of the options 702, 704 in the welcome interface 700.
[0073] At operation 410, directly in response to selection of one of
the options
702, 704, the automated device 100 proceeds to display the authentication
interface 800 of FIG. 8 (also be referred to as the authentication code entry
screen
or PIN entry screen). The authentication interface 800 enables receipt of
input of an
authentication code associated with the account.
[0074] The authentication interface 800 provides an input field 802
for entry
of an authentication code (e.g., PIN) associated with the account (e.g., as
identified
via the inserted access card). When multiple accounts are associated with the
access card, the same authentication code may be used for all of the accounts.
In
this sense, the authentication code may also be considered to be an
authentication
code that has been set for the access card. For example, a user may use the
keypad 104 of the automated device 100 to provide input into the input field
802.
The keypad 104 may also provide the ability to backspace or cancel input.
Other
input mechanisms may also be used. The authentication interface 800 provides a
confirmation button 804 to confirm entry of the authentication code. The
authentication interface 800 also provides the general options 710 as
discussed
above. When the confirmation button 804 is selected, the input into the input
field
23
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
802 is received by the automated device 100. In some examples, instead of
selecting the confirmation button 804, the user may use a physical button
(e.g., a
physical confirmation button or "OK" button, which may be part of the keypad
104)
to confirm entry of the authentication code. Input using a physical
confirmation
button may be interpreted to be selection of the confirmation button 804. It
should
be generally understood that, in the present disclosure, selection of any
confirmation button may be alternatively input using a physical confirmation
button, such as an "OK" button on the keypad.
[0075] At operation 412, the automated device 100 sends the received
input
to the first-party server 306 for validation of the input authentication code.
[0076] At operation 414, while the first-party server 306 performs
validation,
the automated device 100 may display the authentication waiting interface 900
of
FIG. 9 (also referred to as the authentication processing screen) after
receiving the
input via the authentication interface 800 and before a response signal is
received
from the first-party server 306.
[0077] The authentication waiting interface 900 in this embodiment
includes
an animation 902 to indicate processing. Other indicators, with or without
animation, may be used in other embodiments. The authentication waiting
interface
900 in this embodiment also displays information 904. The displayed
information
904 may or may not be related to the current action being performed, may or
may
not be specific to the account, and may or may not be specific to the
associated
service provider.
[0078] The information 904 may be used to inform the user of features
and
options provided by the automated device 100 and/or service provider
associated
with the automated device 100. This may enable new features/options, useful
features/options or rarely used features/options to be brought to the user's
attention. The information 904 may also provide general user appreciation
information, marketing information, or other customized or non-customized
information. In some examples, the information 904 may provide customized
information, for example customer appreciation information associated with the
24
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
account, or marketing information customized to the account. Such customized
information may be dynamically generated, based on account information
provided
by the server. In some examples, the information 904 may include dynamic
information (e.g., time of day, current temperature, etc.) which may be
updated by
the automated device, or may be provided to the automated device by the first-
party server. The authentication waiting interface 900 may be omitted in other
embodiments in which the processing or waiting time is negligible.
[0079] At operation 416, the first-party server 306 performs
validation, for
example by comparing the received input to an authentication code associated
with
the account. If the validation is successful (i.e., the received input matches
the
authentication code associated with the account), the first-party server 306
sends a
signal to the automated device 100 to indicate that validation is successful.
If the
validation is not successful (i.e., the received input does not match the
authentication code associated with the account), the first-party server 306
sends a
signal to the automated device 100 to indicate that validation failed.
[0080] If validation failed, the automated device 100 may generate
output
(e.g., a visual display) to indicate that the received input does not match
the
authentication code associated with the account. The automated device 100 may
again display the authentication interface 800 for the user to re-enter the
authentication code.
[0081] At operation 418, in response to receipt a signal from the
first-party
server 306 that the input received at operation 410 is validated, the
automated
device 100 proceeds to display the home interface 1000 of FIG. 10A discussed
further below when option 704 is selected from the welcome interface 700 or an
action specific interface, such as the source selection interface 1100 of FIG.
11A
associated with a data transfer when the option 702d is selected from the
welcome
interface 700.
[0082] FIG. 5A is a flowchart of a method 500 for performing a data
transfer
at an automated device in accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure. The method 500 may follow the method 400 described above. The
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
method 500 may be performed by the automated device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1,
for example. For convenience, reference will be made to the automated device
100
illustrated in FIG. 1 although automated devices having different features may
be
used in other embodiments.
[0083] At operation
502, the automated device 100 displays the home
interface 1000 of FIG. 10A (also referred to as the main interface). The home
interface 1000 is displayed directly from the authentication screen 800 or
authentication waiting screen 900 in response to selection of the selectable
option
704 for displaying more available actions on the welcome interface 700. This
operation is optional. When one of the selectable options 1002 is selected on
the
welcome interface 700 rather than the selectable option 704, the operation 502
and
the display the home interface 1000 is skipped and an action-specific
interface
corresponding to the selected selectable option 702 is displayed directly from
the
authentication screen 800 or authentication waiting screen 900 in response to
selection of the corresponding selectable option 702, such as the source
selection
interface 1100 of FIG. 11A associated with a data transfer when the option
702d is
selected from the welcome interface 700.
[0084] The home
interface 1000 provides a plurality of selectable options 702
as discussed below, each selectable option being selectable for example by
interacting with a touchscreen and/or a keypad 104 of the automated device
100.
The home interface 1000 provides a plurality of selectable options 1002a-1002f
for
performing an action using the automated device 100. The action may be
performed in the context of a selected account. The selected account may be
selected from one or more accounts identified via an access card inserted into
the
automated device 100. The account may be a user account that is managed by the
first-party service provider (e.g., financial institution) that is associated
with the
automated device 100.
[0085] The
selectable options 1002 are similar to the options 702 provided by
the welcome interface 700 of FIG. 7 but include additional options not
displayed in
the welcome interface 700. The selectable options 1002 involve exchanging =or
26
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
updating data contained in the account and managed by the service provider.
One
or more of the selectable options 1002 may involve accepting physical input(s)
and/or providing physical output(s) in addition to the exchange of data. The
selection options 1002 may also include one or more options for transferring
data
between accounts, including between two first-party accounts managed by the
same first-party service provider, or between a first-party account and a
third-party
account that is managed by a third-party service provider.
[0086] In this example, the selectable options 1002 include an option
1002a
for providing express physical output (e.g., express withdrawal of cash), an
option
1002b for providing physical output (e.g., regular withdrawal of cash), an
option
1002c for providing physical input (e.g., a deposit of cash and/or check), an
option
1002d for performing a transfer (e.g., of data or funds) between first-party
accounts, an option 1002e for performing a data transfer to a third-party
account,
and an option 1002f for changing an authentication code (e.g., a PIN)
associated
with the account. The home interface 1000 also includes general options 710 as
discussed above.
[0087] Optionally, the home interface 1000 may include a greeting
1014. In
some examples, the greeting 1014 may include non-sensitive personalized
information, such as a name associated with the user account. As discussed
above,
such customized information may be dynamically generated using information
received from the server.
[0088] The home interface 1000 also displays one or more selectable
account
options 1020a-1020d (generally referred to as account option 1020) for
selecting
an account that has been identified, for example via the inserted access card
and
via communications with the first-party server 306 as discussed above. There
may
be a plurality of accounts associated with the access card, each of which may
be
associated with different data and which may be used for performing different
data
exchange actions. Each account option 1020 may provide some identifying
information about the account associated with the respective option, but the
identifying information may be at least partially protected (e.g., using *
symbols) to
27
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
avoid sensitive information being inadvertently exposed. In this example, the
account options 1020 include options 1020a and 1020b to select a checking
account, an option 1020c to select a savings account, and an option 1020d to
select
a credit card account.
[0089] Each account option 1020 may be selectable to display further
information (e.g., recent data history such as recent exchanges of data on
that
account) about the individual account associated with the selected option 1020
and/or to initiate an action for that individual account. In the shown
embodiment,
the home interface 1000 provides a selectable option 1022 to display further
information about all the accounts associated with the displayed account
options
1020. For example, the selectable option 1022 may be selected to cause the
account options 1020 to display the current state (e.g., current balance) of
each
associated account. In the shown example, the selectable option 1022 comprises
the message "Show balance" and a representative icon or other visual indicator
to
provide visual cue to users. The further information may be received from the
first-
party server 306. The information may be dynamically received, for example in
response to a selection of the selectable option 1022. In this way, the user
may be
provided with real-time, customized information. In this example, selecting
the
selectable option 1022 causes the alternate home interface 1050 of FIG. 10B to
be
displayed. The alternate home interface 1050 is similar to the home interface
1000,
and the two home interfaces 1000, 1050 have common visual elements. The home
interface 1050 may be considered a sub-screen, a variation or a transition of
the
home interface 1000. Thus, in some cases, the home interface 1000 and the home
interface 1050 may be considered to be the same interface.
[0090] The home interface 1050 provides further information about the
accounts associated with the selectable options 1020. For example, the
automated
device 100 may query the first-party server 306 to obtain further information
for
the accounts to dynamically generate the home interface 1050. The automated
device 100 may send a signal to the first-party server 306 indicating the
account(s)
(e.g., including an identifier for the account(s)) for which further
information is
requested. In response, the first-party server 306 may send a signal to the
28
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
automated device 100 providing current information about the account(s), such
as
the current state (e.g., current balance) of the account(s). In this way, the
automated device 100 may dynamically generate the home interface 1050 to
provide current information about the selected account in real-time.
[0091] In the home interface 1050, each selectable option 1020 is modified
to
include a visual indication of the current state of the respective associated
account
(e.g., shows the numerical current balance in each account), and the
selectable
option 1022 is replaced by a selectable option 1052 to hide the further
information
(e.g., current state of each account). In the shown example, the selectable
option
1052 comprises the message "Hide balance" and a representative icon or other
visual indicator to provide visual cue to users. The selection of options
1022, 1052
may enable a user to toggle or switch between the home interfaces 1000, 1050.
Generally, the selectable options and functions available at the home
interface 1000
are the same as at the home interface 1050 with the exception of the
selectable
options 1022, 1052.
[0092] When the number of accounts that have been identified for the
access
card exceeds the number of displayable selectable options 1020, the home
interfaces 1000, 1050 provide scroll options 1024 to scroll to display
additional
account options associated with additional accounts.
[0093] The information displayed for the selectable options 1020 (e.g.,
identification of the associated accounts and, in the home interface 1050,
further
information about the current state of each account) may be dynamically
provided
by the first-party server 306. For example, the automated device 100 may query
the first-party server 306 in real-time (e.g., in response to selection of the
option
1022) to obtain the account information to be displayed. Thus, the options
1020
may be customized in real-time to provide information that is relevant to the
current user, current action and current session at the automated device 100.
[0094] Next, the method 500 proceeds directly to operation 504 in
response
to selection of the option 1002d for performing a data transfer in which the
automated device 100 displays the source selection interface 1100 of FIG. 11A.
29
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
Alternatively, the source selection interface 1100 may be displayed directly
from
the authentication screen 800 or authentication waiting screen 900 in response
to
selection of the selectable option 702d for performing a transfer (e.g., of
data or
funds) between first-party accounts on the welcome interface 700.
[0095] The source selection interface 1100 includes a visual context
indicator
1102 indicating that the source selection interface 1100 is in the context of
performing a data transfer in accordance with the selection of the option 702d
=or
the 1002d in the preceding welcome interface 700 or home interface 1000,1050.
The visual context indicator 1102 comprises an icon and text label indicating
that
the source selection interface 1100 is in the context of performing a data
transfer in
the shown embodiment. The source selection interface 1100 provides one or more
selectable options 1120a-1120d (generally referred to as options 1120) for
selecting a source account for the data transfer. The account options 1120 are
dynamically populated with information received from the first-party server
306,
similar to the account options 1020 as discussed above. The source selection
interface 1100 also includes general options 710 as discussed above. The
source
selection interface 1100 also provides a selectable option 1122 to display
further
information about all the accounts associated with the displayed account
options
1120. For example, the selectable option 1122 may be selected to cause the
account options 1120 to display the current state (e.g., current balance) of
each
associated account. In the shown example, the selectable option 1122 comprises
the message "Show balance" and a representative icon or other visual indicator
to
provide visual cue to users.
[0096] In this example, selecting the selectable option 1122 causes
the
alternate source selection interface 1150 of FIG. 11B to be displayed. The
alternate
source selection interface 1150 is similar to the source selection interface
1100, and
the two source selection interfaces 1100, 1150 have common visual elements.
The
source selection interface 1150 may be considered a sub-screen, a variation or
a
transition of the source selection interface 1100. Thus, in some cases, the
source
selection interfaces 1100 and the source selection interface 1150 may be
considered to be the same interface. The source selection interface 1150 may
be
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
dynamically generated using information received from the first-party server
306,
similar to the manner in which the alternate home interface 1050 may be
dynamically generated, as discussed above. In this way, the automated device
100
may dynamically generate the source selection interface 1150 to provide
current
information about possible source accounts in real-time.
[0097] In the source selection interface 1150, each account option
1120 is
modified to include a visual indication of the current state of the respective
associated account (e.g., shows the numerical current balance in each
account),
and the option 1122 is replaced by an option 1152 to hide the further
information
(e.g., current state of each account). In the shown example, the selectable
option
1152 comprises the message "Hide balance" and a representative icon or other
visual indicator to provide visual cue to users. Selection of selectable
options 1122
and 1152 may enable a user to toggle or switch between the source selection
interfaces 1100 and 1150. Generally, the options and functions available at
the
source selection interface 1100 are the same at the source selection interface
1150,
with the exception of the options 1122, 1152.
[0098] When the number of accounts that have been identified for the
access
card exceeds the number of displayable selectable options 1120, the source
selection transfer interfaces 1100, 1150 also provides scroll options 1124 to
scroll
to display additional account options associated with additional accounts. The
destination selection interface 1200 also includes general options 710 as
discussed
above.
[0099] Referring briefly to FIG. 5B, an alternative method 520 will
be briefly
described. The method 520 is similar to the method 500 with the exception that
the
home interface 1000 is displayed directly from the authentication screen 800
or
authentication waiting screen 900 in response to selection of the selectable
option
704 for displaying more available actions on the welcome interface 700. There
is no
operation to skip the home interface 700 by selecting the operation 702d from
the
welcome interface 700. Moreover, rather than selecting rather than proceeding
directly to operation 504 from operation 502 in response to selection of the
option
31
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
1002d for performing a data transfer from the home interface, the method 520
proceeds directly to operation 524 in response to selection of an account
option
1020 in the home interface 1000 in which the automated device 100 displays the
account activity interface 1180 of FIG. 11C. In the shown embodiment, the
account
activity interface 1180 is for the account designated "Joint Family Savings"
and is
invoked by selecting the account option 1020c in the home interface 1000.
[00100] The account activity interface 1180 includes a visual context
indicator
1182 indicating that the account activity interface 1180 is in the context of
the
particular selected account. The account activity interface 1180 also provides
information about the selected account, such as information 1104 indicating
the
current state of the account (e.g., current amount of funds held in the
account) and
information 1106 including a listing of recent exchanges of data performed for
the
account. A scroll button 1108 may be provided to enable viewing of additional
information 1106.
[00101] The account activity interface 1180 includes a selectable option
1110
to provide output (e.g., a physical printed output, or an electronic output)
showing
the information 1106. The account activity interface 1100 also includes
selectable
options 1112a-1112c (generally referred to as options 1112) for updating the
selected account. The options 1112 may be a subset of the selectable options
1002
provided at the home interface 1000 of FIG. 10A. In the example shown, the
options 1112 include an option 1112a for providing physical output, an option
1112b for providing physical input, and an option 1112c for performing a
transfer
(e.g., of data or funds) between from the selected account to another first-
party
account. The account activity interface 1180 also includes general options 710
as
discussed above.
[00102] Next, the method 500 proceeds directly to operation 506 in
response
to selection of an option 1120 for the source account for performing a data
transfer
in which the automated device 100 and displays the destination selection
interface
1200 of FIG. 12A, or in response to selection of an option 1112c for
performing a
.. transfer (e.g., of data or funds) to another first-party account in the
account
32
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
activity interface 1180 of FIG. 11C. The destination selection interface 1200
includes a visual context indicator 1202 indicating that the destination
selection
interface 1200 is in the context of performing a data transfer in accordance
with the
selection of an option 1120 in the preceding source selection interfaces 1100,
1150.
The visual context indicator 1202 comprises an icon and text label indicating
that
the destination selection interface 1200 is in the context of performing a
data
transfer in the shown embodiment. The visual context indicator 1202 also
includes
an identification of the source account selected in the source selection
interface
1100, 1150, for example, in the form of a text label. The destination
selection
interface 1200 provides one or more selectable options 1220a-1220d (generally
referred to as options 1220) for selecting a destination account to receive
the data
transfer. The destination accounts are first-party accounts managed by the
same
first-party service provider that operates the automated device 100. The
selectable
options 1220 are dynamically populated with information about possible first-
party
destination accounts, similar to the account options 1020, 1120 as discussed
above.
Information about possible destination accounts may be received from the first-
party server 306. The information may be dynamically received from the first-
party
server 306 so that the selectable options 1220 may be populated with possible
destination accounts in real-time and dependent on the user.
[00103] In
the shown embodiment, the source account selected in the
preceding operation via the source selection interface 1100, 1150 or account
activity interface 1180 is shown by a visual context indicator 1230 which may
take
one of several different forms. The visual context indicator 1230 is not
selectable.
In the shown embodiment, the visual context indicator 1230 comprises a user
interface element, such as an onscreen button, having the same shape as the
selectable account options 1220 but is not selectable. In addition, the
appearance
of the visual context indicator 1230 is changed relative to the user interface
element of the selectable account options 1220 (e.g., the color of the
onscreen
button is changed to indicate the selected source account). The visual context
indicator 1230 may include account information of the same type as the
selectable
account options 1220 even though it is not selectable. In other embodiments,
the
= size and/or shape of the onscreen button may be changed relative to the
onscreen
33
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
buttons for the selectable account options 1220, for example the onscreen
button
associated with the selected source account may be enlarged in addition to, or
instead of, the color change. In yet other embodiments, the text of the
account
information contained inside the onscreen button may be changed in addition
to, or
instead of, the onscreen button itself. The visual context indicator 1230
provides a
visual cue (e.g., visual affordance, guidance or nudge) as to the selected
source
account and provides the user with an opportunity to identify an error in the
source
account selection. In other embodiments, the visual context indicator 1230 may
be
omitted and the selected source account may not be presented in the
destination
selection interface 1200.
[00104] The destination selection interface 1200 also includes general
options
710 as discussed above. The destination selection interface 1200 also provides
a
selectable option 1222 to display further information about all the accounts
associated with the displayed options 1220. For example, the selectable option
1222 may be selected to cause the account options 1220 to display the current
state (e.g., current balance) of each associated account. In the shown
example, the
selectable option 1222 comprises the message "Show balance" and a
representative
icon or other visual indicator to provide visual cue to users.
[00105] In this example, selecting the selectable option 1222 causes
the
alternate destination selection interface 1250 of FIG. 12B to be displayed.
The
alternate destination selection interface 1250 is similar to the destination
selection
interface 1200, and the two destination selection interfaces 1200, 1250 have
common visual elements. The destination selection interface 1250 may be
considered a sub-screen, a variation or a transition of the destination
selection
interface 1200. Thus, in some cases, the destination selection interface 1200
and
the destination selection interface 1250 may be considered to be the same
interface. The destination selection interface 1250 may be dynamically
generated
using information received from the first-party server 306, similar to the
manner in
which the alternate source selection interface 1150 and home interface 1050
may
be dynamically generated, as discussed above. In this way, the automated
device
34
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
100 may dynamically generate the destination selection interface 1250 to
provide
current information about possible source accounts in real-time.
[00106] In the destination selection interface 1250, each account
option 1220
is modified to include a visual indication of the current state of the
respective
associated account (e.g., shows the numerical current balance in each
account),
and the option 1222 is replaced by an option 1252 to hide the further
information
(e.g., current state of each account). In the shown example, the selectable
option
1252 comprises the message "Hide balance" and a representative icon or other
visual indicator to provide visual cue to users. Selection of selectable
options 1222
and 1252 may enable a user to toggle or switch between the destination
selection
interfaces 1200 and 1250. Generally, the options and functions available at
the
destination selection interface 1200 are the same at the destination selection
interface 1250, with the exception of the options 1222 and 1252.
[00107] When the number of destination accounts that have been
identified for
the access card exceeds the number of displayable selectable options 1220, the
destination selection transfer interfaces 1200, 1250 also provide scroll
options 1224
to scroll to display additional account options associated with additional
accounts.
[00108] Next, the method 500 proceeds directly to operation 508 in
response
to selection of an option 1120 for the destination account for performing a
data
transfer in which the automated device 100 and displays the data value
selection
interface 1300 of FIG. 13. The data value selection interface 1300 enables
receipt
of an input indicating a data value for the data transfer. The data value
selection
interface 1300 includes a visual context indicator 1302 indicating that the
data
value selection interface 1300 is in the context of performing a data
transfer, in
accordance with the selection of the option 702d, 1002d or 1112c received at a
preceding interface 700, 1000, 1050 or 1180 in the interface sequence. The
visual
context indicator 1302 comprises an icon and text label indicating that the
data
value selection interface 1300 is in the context of performing a data transfer
in the
shown embodiment. The visual context indicator 1302 also includes an
identification
of the source account and destination account for the data transfer in
accordance
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
with selections received at preceding interfaces 1100, 1150 or 1180, and 1200
or
1250, in the interface sequence. The data value selection interface 1300
includes
general options 710 as discussed above.
[00109] The data value selection interface 1300 includes an input
field 1304 for
entry of a data value for the data transfer. For example, a user may use the
keypad
104 of the automated device 100 to provide input into the input field 1304.
The
keypad 104 may also provide the ability to backspace or cancel input. Other
input
mechanisms may also be used. The data value selection interface 1300 includes
a
confirmation button 1306 to confirm entry of the entered data value. Input may
be
received at the data value selection interface 1300 via entry of a data value
into the
input field 1304 and selection of the confirmation button 1306.
[00110] When input is received via the data value selection interface
1300, the
method 500 proceeds to operation 510 at which the automated device 100 sends a
signal to the first-party server 306, for example using a communication module
of
the automated device 100, to provide the data value, and identification of the
source account and the destination account. In the context of FIG. 3, the
automated device 100 may send a signal to the first-party server 306 via the
communication network 304. The first-party server 306 may use the information
provided by the automated device 100 to initiate a data transfer between the
source account and destination account, both managed by the first-party server
306. The first-party server may process the data transfer information from the
automated device 100 (e.g., to ensure that the information is valid) and send
a
signal back to the automated device 100 acknowledging the data transfer.
[00111] Next, at operation 512, after sending the data transfer
information to
the first-party server 306 and before receiving the acknowledgement, the
automated device 100 may display the processing waiting interface 1400 of FIG.
14. The processing waiting interface 1400 may indicate processing of the data
transfer. The processing waiting interface 1400 in this example includes an
animation 1402 to indicate processing. Other indicators, with or without
animation,
may be used. The processing waiting interface 1400 in this example also
displays
36
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
information 1404, which may or may not be similar to the information 904 that
may
be displayed at the authentication waiting interface 900 of FIG. 9. The
processing
waiting interface 1400 may be omitted in other embodiments in which the
processing or waiting time is negligible.
[00112] In response to receipt of a signal from the first-party server 306
acknowledging the data transfer, the method 500 proceeds to the operation 514
at
which the automated device 100 displays the transaction acknowledgment
interface
1500 of FIG. 15. The transaction acknowledgment interface 1500 indicates
successful completion of the data transfer. The transaction acknowledgment
interface 1500 also provides a summary 1510 of the data transfer (e.g.,
showing
the data value, destination account and source account for the data transfer).
The
summary 1510 may also include tracking data, such as a confirmation number,
which may be used to track and/or confirm the data transfer. The tracking data
may have been generated by the first-party server 306 and sent to the
automated
device 100 together with or following the acknowledgement signal.
[00113] The transaction acknowledgment interface 1500 provides an
option
1502 to end the session and an option 1504 to continue the session. The
transaction acknowledgment interface 1500 may also include information 1506,
which may be the same as, similar to, or different from the information 904
provided by the authentication waiting interface 900 of FIG. 9. The
transaction
acknowledgment interface 1500 may also provide a selectable option 1508 to
provide additional information further to the information 1506.
[00114] If the option 1502 is selected, the automated device 100
returns to the
home interface 1000 of FIG. 10A to enable the session to continue, the method
500
returning to operation 502.
[00115] At operation 516, directly in response to selection of the
option 1504
to end the session, the automated device 100 displays the record preview
interface
1600 of FIG. 16. The record preview interface 1600 provides a preview 1602 of
a
record of the session (e.g., in a visual form similar to a paper receipt). The
record
includes all data exchanges performed during the session. The record preview
37
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
interface 1600 also provides one or more options 1604a-1604c (generally
referred
to as options 1604) to generate output of the record. The options 1604 in this
example include an option 1604a to generate a physical output (e.g., paper
receipt)
of the record, an option 1604b to generate a digital output (e.g.,
transmission of an
email or other digital communication) of the record, and an option 1604c to
generate both a physical and a digital output of the record. The record
preview
interface 1600 also provides an option 1606 to not generate output of the
record.
[00116] When a digital output is selected, the digital output may be
sent to an
email address linked to the account. For example, the automated device 100 may
receive a signal from the first-party server 306 providing the email address.
The
option 1604b to generate a digital output of the record can thus automatically
include at least a preview of the email address. In this way, a user can be
sure that
the digital output of the record (which may include sensitive, personal
information)
is being sent to the correct email address. When the digital output is an
email and
the option 1604b to generate the digital output is selected, the automated
device
100 sends a digital version of the record to a designated email address via
the
communication module 140. The email may be sent directly by the automated
device 100 via an email client or indirectly by sending a signal to the first-
party
server 306 via the communication module 140, the signal including information
for
all data exchanges performed during the session, which sends the email to the
designated email address. The designated email address has a predefined value
stored in the account information settings associated the accessed card and
associated accounts, thereby facilitating the speed of the interaction.
[00117] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an example method 1800 for
performing a
data transfer at an automated device in accordance with another example
embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 1800 may follow the method
400 described above. For convenience, reference will be made to the automated
device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 although automated devices having different
features may be used in other embodiments.
38
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[00118] At operation 1802, the automated device 100 displays the home
interface 1000 of FIG. 10A described above.
[00119] Directly in response to selection of the option 1002e for
performing a
data transfer, the method 1800 proceeds to 1804 in which the automated device
100 displays the destination selection interface 1900 of FIG. 19A.
[00120] The destination selection interface 1900 includes a context
indicator
1902 indicating that the destination selection interface 1900 is in the
context of
performing a data transfer from a first-party account to a third-party account
in
accordance with the selection of the option 1002e in preceding interface 1000
or
1050. The destination selection interface 1900 provides one or more selectable
options 1920a-1920d (generally referred to as options 1920) for selecting a
destination account to receive the data transfer. The destination account may
be a
third-party account managed by a third-party service provider. The options
1920
may be populated with information about possible third-party destination
accounts.
Information about possible destination accounts may be received from the first-
party server 306. The information may be dynamically received from the first-
party
server 306, so that the options 1920 may be populated with possible
destination
accounts in real-time and dependent on the user.
[00121] For example, a user profile stored at the first-party server
306 may
include a list of destination accounts that are associated with the user
account, as
identified using the access card. The destination accounts that are associated
with
the user account may have been previously set by the user and/or automatically
determined by the first-party server 306 (e.g., based on historical data
transfers
performed by the user). The information provided to the automated device 100
may include an identification of the third-party service provider associated
with a
selectable destination account, as well as an account number associated with a
selectable destination account.
[00122] Each option 1920 may provide some identifying information
about the
destination account associated with the respective option, but the identifying
39
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
information may be at least partially protected (e.g., using * symbols) to
avoid
sensitive information being inadvertently exposed.
[00123] The destination selection interface 1900 also provides a
selectable
option 1922 to display further information about all the accounts associated
with
the displayed options 1920. For example, the option 1922 may be selected to
display information about a historical data transfer (e.g., most recent data
transfer,
or last bill payment) for each associated destination account. The information
about
historical data transfers for each destination account may be received from
the
first-party server 306. Such information may be received from the first-party
server
306 together with the information identifying possible destination accounts,
as
discussed above. Alternatively, information about historical data transfers
may be
received from the first-party server 306 as needed, for example dynamically
received from the first-party server 306 in response to selection of the
option 1922.
In this way, the automated device 100 may dynamically generate the destination
selection interface 1950 to provide further information about possible
destination
accounts.
[00124] In this example, selecting the option 1922 causes the
destination
selection interface 1950 of FIG. 19B (also referred to as an alternate
destination
selection interface) to be displayed. The destination selection interface 1950
is
similar to the destination selection interface 1900, and the two interfaces
1950,
1900 have common elements. The destination selection interface 1950 may be
considered a sub-screen, a variation or a transition of the destination
selection
interface 1900. Thus, in some cases, the destination selection interface 1950
and
the interface 1900 may be considered to be the same interface. In the
destination
selection interface 1950, each destination account option 1920 is modified to
include a visual indication of a historical data transfer. In the example
shown, each
option 1920 displays a data value and date for a most recent data transfer to
each
respective destination account. The option 1922 is replaced by an option 1952
to
hide the further information. Selection of options 1922 and 1952 may enable a
user
to toggle or switch between the destination selection interfaces 1900 and
1950.
Generally, the options and functions available at the interface 1900 are the
same at
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
the destination selection interface 1950, with the exception of the options
1922 and
1952.
[00125] In cases where the number of destination accounts that have
been
identified exceed the number of displayable options 1920, the interface 1900
also
provides scroll options 1924 to scroll to display of additional account
options
associated with additional accounts. The interface 1900 also includes general
options 710 as discussed above.
[00126] Directly in response to selection of a destination account,
the method
1800 proceeds to operation 1806 to display the source selection interface 2000
of
FIG. 20A. The source selection interface 2000 provides a selectable option for
selecting a source account for the data transfer.
[00127] The source selection interface 2000 includes a context
indicator 2002
indicating that the selection of accounts is in the context of performing a
data
transfer, in accordance with the selection of the option 1002e in the earlier
interface 1000 or 1050. The source selection interface 2000 includes general
options 706, as discussed above. Further, the context indicator 2002 is
updated to
indicate the destination account for the data transfer, in accordance with the
selection received at the destination selection interface 1900 or 1950. The
source
selection interface 2000 includes general options 710 as discussed above.
[00128] The source selection interface 2000 displays one or more selectable
options 2020a-2020d (generally referred to as account option 2020) to select a
source account for the data transfer. The options 2020 are similar to the
account
options 1020 described above. The source selection interface 2000 also
provides a
selectable option 2022 to display further information about all the accounts
associated with the displayed account options 2020. For example, the option
2022
may be selected to cause the account options 2020 to display the current state
(e.g., current balance) of each associated account.
[00129] In this example, selecting the option 2022 causes the source
selection
interface 2050 of FIG. 20B (also referred to as an alternate source selection
41
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
interface) to be displayed. The source selection interface 2050 is similar to
the
source selection interface 2000, and the two source selection interfaces 2050,
2000
have common elements. The source selection interface 2050 may be considered a
sub-screen, a variation or a transition of the source selection interface
2000. Thus,
in some cases, the source selection interface 2050 and the source selection
interface 2000 may be considered to be the same interface. The source
selection
interface 2050 may be dynamically generated using information received from
the
server, similar to the manner in which the interface 1050 may be dynamically
generated, as discussed above. In this way, the automated device 100 may
dynamically generate the source selection interface 2050 to provide current
information about possible source accounts in real-time.
[00130] In the source selection interface 2050, each account option
2020 is
modified to include a visual indication of the current state of the respective
associated account (e.g., shows the numerical current balance in each
account),
and the option 2022 is replaced by an option 2052 to hide the further
information.
Selection of options 2022 and 2052 may enable a user to toggle or switch
between
the source selection interfaces 2000 and 2050. Generally, the options and
functions
available at the source selection interface 2000 are the same at the source
selection interface 2050, with the exception of the options 2022 and 2052.
[00131] In cases where the number of accounts that have been identified for
the access card exceed the number of displayable account options 2020, the
source
selection interface 2000 also provides scroll options 2024 to scroll to
display of
additional account options associated with additional accounts.
[00132] The account options 2020 may be dynamically populated with
information received from the server, similarly to the account options 1020 as
discussed above.
[00133] Directly in response to selection of an option 2020 for the
source
account, the method 1800 proceeds to operation 1808, to display the data value
selection interface 2100 of FIG. 21. The data value selection interface 2100
enables
receipt of an input indicating a data value for the data transfer. The data
value
42
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
selection interface 2100 includes a context indicator 2102 indicating that the
data
value selection interface 2100 is in the context of performing a data
transfer, in
accordance with the selection of the option 1002e received at preceding
interface
1000 or 1050 in the interface sequence. Further, the context indicator 2102 is
updated to indicate the destination account and the source for the data
transfer, in
accordance with selections received at preceding interfaces 1900 or 1950, and
2000
or 2050 in the interface sequence. The data value selection interface 2100
includes
general options 710 as discussed above.
[00134] The data value selection interface 2100 includes a field 2104
for entry
of a data value for the data transfer. For example, a user may use the keypad
of
the automated device 100 to provide input into the field 2104. The keypad may
also provide the ability to backspace or cancel input. Other input mechanisms
may
also be used. The data value selection interface 2100 includes a confirmation
button
2106 to confirm entry of the entered data value. The data value selection
interface
2100 also includes an option 2108 to select a predetermined data value for the
data
transfer. In this example, the predetermined data value is a historical data
value of
a historical data transfer (e.g., data value of most recent data transfer) to
the
destination account. The data value selection interface 2100 also provides
historical
information 2110 about the historical data transfer, for example the data
value and
date of the historical data transfer. As discussed above, information about
the
historical data transfer may be received in real-time from the first-party
server 306,
in order to populate the historical information 2110. Input may be received at
the
data value selection interface 2100 via entry of a data value into the field
2104 and
selection of the confirmation button 2106, or via selection of the option 2108
for
the predetermined data value.
[00135] When input is received via the data value selection interface
2100, the
automated device 100 at operation 1810 transmits a signal to the first-party
server
306, for example using a communication module of the automated device 100, to
provide the data value, and identification of the destination and source
accounts. In
the context of FIG. 3, the automated device 100 may transmit a signal to the
first-
party server 306 via the communication network 304.
43
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[00136] The first-party server 306 may use the information provided by
the
automated device 100 to initiate a data transfer between the first-party
source
account managed by the first-party server 306 and the third-party destination
account managed by a third-party server 310 of FIG. 3. The first-party server
306
and third-party server 310 may communicate with each other to, for example,
authenticate the data transfer and reconcile data values between the
destination
and source accounts. In some examples, the communication and reconciliation
between the first-party server 306 and the third-party server 310 may take
place at
a set time, not necessarily in real-time. For example, the first-party server
306 may
store data transfer information received from the automated device 100 until
the
end of each day, and reconcile all data transfers in bulk at the end of each
day.
[00137] The first-party server 306 may process the data transfer
information
from the automated device 100 (e.g., to ensure that the information is valid)
and
send a signal back to the automated device 100 acknowledging the data
transfer.
[00138] At operation 1812, after transmitting the data transfer information
to
the first-party server 306 and before receiving the acknowledgement, the
automated device 100 may display the interface 1400 of FIG. 14 (also referred
to
as a data transfer processing interface). The interface 1400 may indicate
processing
of the data transfer. The interface 1400 may also be referred to as a
processing
screen or a wait screen. The interface 1400 may be omitted in other
embodiments
in which the processing or waiting time is negligible.
[00139] The interface 1400 in this example includes an animation 1402
to
indicate processing. Other indicators, with or without animation, may be used.
The
user interface 1400 in this example also displays information 1404, which may
or
may not be similar to the information 904 that may be displayed at the
interface
900 of FIG. 9.
[00140] In response to receipt of a signal from the first-party server
306
acknowledging the data transfer, at operation 1814 the automated device 100
displays the acknowledgement interface 2200 of FIG. 22. The acknowledgement
interface 2200 indicates completion of the data transfer. It should be noted
that the
44
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
data transfer may actually be completed at a later time between the first-
party
server 306 and third-party server 310, as discussed above. The acknowledgement
interface 2200 also provides a summary 2210 of the data transfer (e.g.,
showing
the data value, destination account and source account for the data transfer).
The
summary 2210 may also include tracking data, such as a confirmation number,
which may be used to track and/or confirm the data transfer. The tracking data
may have been generated by the first-party server 306 and transmitted to the
automated device 100 together with or following the acknowledgement signal.
[00141] The acknowledgement interface 2200 provides an option 2202 to
end
the session and an option 2204 to continue the session. The acknowledgement
interface 2200 may also include information 2206, which may be the same as,
similar to, or different from the information 904 provided by the interface
900 of
FIG. 9. The acknowledgement interface 2200 may also provide a selectable
option
2208 to provide additional information further to the information 2206.
[00142] If the option 2202 is selected, the automated device 100 may return
to a previous interface or another interface to enable the session to
continue. For
example, the method 1800 may return to 1802 to display the interface 1000 of
FIG.
10.
[00143] At operation 1816, directly in response to selection of the
option 2204
to end the session, the automated device 100 displays the interface 1600 of
FIG. 16
(also referred to as a record preview interface). The interface 1600 provides
a
preview 1602 of a record of the session (e.g., in a visual form similar to a
paper
receipt). The record includes all data exchanges performed during the session.
The
interface 1600 also provides one or more options 1604a-1604c (generally
referred
to as options 1604) to generate output of the record. The options 1604 in this
example include an option 1604a to generate a physical output (e.g., paper
receipt)
of the record, an option 1604b to generate a digital output (e.g.,
transmission of an
email or other digital communication) of the record, and an option 1604c to
generate both a physical and a digital output of the record. The interface
1600 also
provides an option 1606 to not generate output of the record.
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[00144] Where a digital output is selected, the digital output may be
transmitted to an email address linked to the account. The email address may
be
predefined and associated with the account, thus avoiding the need for a user
to
manually input the email address and thereby facilitating a faster and more
convenience interaction. For example, the automated device 100 may receive a
signal from the first-party server 306 providing the email address. The option
1604b to generate a digital output of the record can thus automatically
include at
least a preview of the email address. In this way, a user can be sure that the
digital
output of the record (which may include sensitive, personal information) is
being
sent to the correct email address. When the digital output is an email and the
option 1604b to generate the digital output is selected, a digital version of
the
record is sent to the email address via the communication module 140. The
email
may be sent directly by the automated device 100 (e.g., via an email client)
or may
be sent via the first-party server 306. Where the email is sent via the first-
party
server 306, the automated device 100 may transmit a signal to the first-party
server 306 via the communication module, the signal including information for
generating the record, and the first-party server 306 in turn generates and
transmits the email to the email address.
[00145] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 600 for ending a session on
an
automated device 100 in accordance with example embodiments of the present
disclosure. The method 600 may follow the method 500 of FIG. 5A, the method
520
of FIG. 5B, or the method 1800 of FIG. 18. The method 600 may be performed by
the automated device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, for example. For convenience,
reference will be made to the automated device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1
although
automated devices having different features may be used in other embodiments.
[00146] At operation 602, the automated device 100 receives a selection
of an
option to proceed to end a current session on the automated device 100. For
example, making a selection of any of the options 1604, 1606 provided by the
record preview interface 1600 of FIG. 16.
46
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[00147] At operation 604, directly in response to the selection of any
of the
options 1604, 1606 listed above, the automated device 100 displays the goodbye
interface 1700 of FIG. 17. The goodbye interface 1700 provides customer
appreciation information 1702. The customer appreciation information 1702 may
include information specific to the account (e.g., number of days since the
account
was started with the service provider). The customer will appreciate
information
1702 may show only non-sensitive information. Certain information about the
account may be requested by the automated device from the first-party server
306
to dynamically generate account-specific customer appreciation information
1702.
The goodbye interface 1700 may also include other information 1704, such as a
general thank you message. Other types of information (e.g., similar to the
information 904 provided by the authentication waiting interface 900 of FIG.
9)
may be provided by the goodbye interface 1700. When the option 1604a or 1604c
was selected at the record preview interface 1600 of FIG. 16 to generate a
physical
output of the session record, the goodbye interface 1700 may provide reminder
information 1706 relevant to the physical output. When a physical output was
not
selected, the reminder information 1706 may be omitted or may be modified to
not
refer to the physical output.
[00148] At operation 606, the inserted access card is ejected from the
automated device 100. The access card may be ejected while the goodbye
interface
1700 is being displayed. The goodbye interface 1700 may be displayed for a
preset
length of time (e.g., 5 seconds), or until the automated device 100 detects
that the
access card has been removed.
[00149] Optionally, one or more of the user interfaces discussed above
may
include display of a background image (which may be the same or may differ
between different user interfaces within a session). The background image may
include animation, for example. The background image may be different for
different users, change depending on the season, change depending on the time
of
day, or have other such variations.
47
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[00150] Optionally, one or more of the interfaces discussed above may
also
include branding, such as the logo of a service provider associated with the
automated device 100.
[00151] In some examples, one or more processing or waiting screens
may be
skipped. For example, processing or waiting time may be negligible and the
corresponding processing or waiting screen may not be displayed when the
processing or waiting time is negligible.
[00152] The present disclosure provides an automated device for data
transfer
and associated methods. The automated device communicates with a server to
exchange data which is used to dynamically populate one or more of the
interfaces
in a sequence of interfaces. The sequences are believed to provide an improved
user experience with an automated device when performing actions related to
exchange of data managed by a service provider. For example, the sequences are
believed to be more efficient than conventional interfaces by reducing the
number
of interfaces a user navigates to complete an action, by ordering the
interfaces in
the sequences, and by including contextual or summary information in the
interfaces as a visual cue (e.g., visual affordance, guidance or nudge)
throughout
the sequence while completing the action without cluttering the interface with
unnecessary information.
[00153] The Applicant notes that designing an effective user interface is
not a
process which is predictable or which lends itself to trial and error given
the vast
number of permutations that are possible. Factors affecting whether a user
interface is effective include identifying efficient interactions which are
relatively
easy to perform, relatively easy to remember, have discoverability which
allows
users to discover functions during normal use without formal training, and
which
can be differentiated from other interactions by users and by the device
relatively
easily. Arbitrary or poorly considered user interfaces tend to create awkward
and
unnatural user experiences which make the required interaction harder to
perform,
harder to remember, undiscoverable (or at least less discoverable), and harder
to
differentiate from other interactions. Given the complex nature of human-
machine
48
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
interactions, effective user interfaces cannot be reliably predicted. This is
known to
the person of ordinary skill in the art of user interface design.
[00154] Studies performed by the Applicant with regard to the
sequences of
user interfaces disclosed in the present disclosure show increased user
satisfaction
with respect to interactions with the automated device across a variety of
user
groups, including users with accessibility issues such as seniors, users with
disabilities, users with language comprehension challenges, and users who are
uncomfortable with technology. Indeed, one consideration in the design of the
user
interface of the present disclosure is accessibility, and the design of a user
interface
that is effective for both users with and without accessibility issues.
[00155] The present disclosure provides an automated device in which
the
sequence of interfaces may begin with an interface that displays options that
are
available at the automated device. The options that are displayed may depend
on
the account(s) associated with an inserted access card, may depend on the
capabilities of the automated device and/or may depend on a current state of
the
automated device. In this way, a user is provided information about actions
that
may be performed using the automated device at the very start of the session,
prior to entry of an authentication code. This may enable the session to skip
displaying another interface that shows available options, and shorten the
interface
sequence. The user may also be able to determine from the start whether a
desired
action can or cannot be completed using the automated device.
[00156] The present disclosure provides an automated device in which
the
sequence of interfaces may include interfaces that implicitly or explicitly
confirm a
selection made in a prior interface. For example, an interface may display
contextual information that indicates the interface is part of an interface
sequence
used to perform a prior-selected action. An interface may also display
contextual
information to indicate that the action is being performed in the context of a
particular prior-selected account.
[00157] The present disclosure provides an automated device that may
provide
an interface that displays a preview of a record of the session (e.g., a
preview of a
49
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
transaction receipt). The interface may also provide options for outputting
the
record, for example printing a physical copy of the record (e.g., using a
printer
peripheral of the automated device) and/or outputting a digital copy of the
record
to an email address associated with the account. The interface may exchange
data
with the backend server to retrieve the email address associated with the
account
(e.g., a primary email address when multiple email addresses associated with
the
user account). In some cases, the interface may also display a preview of the
email
address (e.g., showing the first several characters of the email address), to
assure
the user the copy of the record is being sent to the correct email address.
The
interface may also provide an option to not generate an output of the record,
for
example the user may be satisfied after viewing the preview of the record on
the
interface.
[00158] The present disclosure provides an automated device that may
provide
an interface may display information that is personalized or customized based
on
the user account within active interfaces in which user interaction is
involved and
within passive interfaces displayed during processing delays (if any) and the
end of
the session. The customized information may be non-sensitive information
(e.g.,
not related to financial data). The non-sensitive information may be a form of
customer appreciation information. Such personalized information may be
displayed
without interfering with the sequence of interfaces required to perform an
action.
For example, such personalized information may be displayed at the beginning
of a
session, at the end of a session, or as part of an interface within the
sequence.
Displaying such non-sensitive, personalized information may help to convey a
sense
of appreciation, and help to engender user loyalty or goodwill towards the
service
provider. As an example, the number of days a user has been a customer of the
service provider may be displayed at the end of a session. The interface may
also
display information may be used to inform the user of features and options
provided by the automated device and/or service provider associated with the
automated device. This may enable new features/options, useful
features/options
or rarely used features/options to be brought to the user's attention. The
information may also provide general user appreciation information, marketing
information, or other customized or non-customized information.
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
[00159] The steps and/or operations in the flowcharts and drawings
described
herein are for purposes of example only. There may be many variations to these
steps and/or operations without departing from the teachings of the present
disclosure. For instance, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or
steps
may be added, deleted, or modified.
[00160] The coding of software for carrying out the above-described
methods
described is within the scope of a person of ordinary skill in the art having
regard to
the present disclosure. Machine-readable code executable by one or more
processors of one or more respective devices to perform the above-described
method may be stored in a machine-readable medium such as the memory of the
data manager. The terms "software" and "firmware" are interchangeable within
the
present disclosure and comprise any computer program stored in memory for
execution by a processor, comprising Random Access Memory (RAM) memory,
Read Only Memory (ROM) memory, erasable programmable ROM (EPROM)
memory, electrically EPROM (EEPROM) memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM)
memory. The above memory types are examples only, and are thus not limiting as
to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program.
General
[00161] All values and sub-ranges within disclosed ranges are also
disclosed.
Also, although the systems, devices and processes disclosed and shown herein
may
comprise a specific plurality of elements, the systems, devices and assemblies
may
be modified to comprise additional or fewer of such elements. Although several
example embodiments are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and
other
implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or
modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the
example methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering,
or
adding steps to the disclosed methods. In addition, numerous specific details
are
set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments
described herein. It will, however, be understood by those of ordinary skill
in the
art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without
these
51
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
specific details. Furthermore, well-known methods, procedures, and elements
have
not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments
described herein. The subject matter described herein intends to cover and
embrace all suitable changes in technology.
[00162]
Although the present disclosure is described at least in part in terms of
methods, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the
present
disclosure is also directed to the various elements for performing at least
some of
the aspects and features of the described methods, be it by way of hardware,
software or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the technical solution of the
present
disclosure may be embodied in a non-volatile or non-transitory machine-
readable
medium (e.g., optical disk, flash memory, etc.) having stored thereon
executable
instructions tangibly stored thereon that enable a processing device to
execute
examples of the methods disclosed herein.
[00163] The term "processor" may comprise any programmable system
comprising systems using microprocessors/controllers or
nanoprocessors/controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application
specific
integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) reduced
instruction set circuits (RISCs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or
processor
capable of executing the functions described herein. The term "database" may
refer
to either a body of data, a relational database management system (RDBMS), or
to
both. As used herein, a database may comprise any collection of data
comprising
hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-
relational
databases, object oriented databases, and any other structured collection of
records
or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are example
only,
and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of
the
terms "processor" or "database".
[00164]
The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the subject matter of the claims. The described example
embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being only illustrative
and not
restrictive. The present disclosure intends to cover and embrace all suitable
52
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
changes in technology. The scope of the present disclosure is, therefore,
described
by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. The scope of
the
claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but
should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as
a
.. whole.
[00165] The present disclosure includes figures showing designs in the
form of
user interfaces in which at least some of the elements are shown with boundary
lines illustrated as solid lines. The use of solid or dotted (broken) lines is
not
intended to be limiting for the purpose of design patent protection or
industrial
design protection. The designs of the present disclosure are not intended to
be
limited to the illustrated embodiments in which some design elements are shown
in
solid boundary lines and other design elements may be shown in dotted lines.
It is
contemplated that boundary lines that are depicted in the enclosed drawings as
solid lines may be disclaimed and replaced with broken boundary lines in some
.. embodiments for the purpose of design patent protection or industrial
design
protection, and vice versa.
53
CA 3019824 2018-10-04
