Patent Application
20060193004
The invention relates to the field of kiosks, and more particularly, to a combined kiosk for photographic image producing image goods and/or service kiosks and non-imaging products and/or services such as an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) kiosk, providing many secured functions.
Image-producing kiosks are well known. An example is the Kodak Picture Maker™. This kiosk is capable of scanning prints to create a digital image file, importing digital image files from various media or from remote storage via a network connection, and creating reprints and enlargements from the scan or digital image file. The kiosk can also add borders and do other manipulations to the image to increase its value. It is known to network image-producing kiosks, capable of sending files to and receiving files from a remote location, as well as providing credit card transaction processing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,819 is directed to a kiosk focused on the flexibility of generating a combined, composite image from a variety of source images and is limited to image generation, which, in part, provides the input for the image producing products/services functionality of the integrated kiosk.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,623,581 and 5,913,019 are both limited to capturing an image, superimposing it on a selected background, and having the composite image printed as a set of stickers. They do not address the flexibility of creating an image from a single or multiple set of image captures and performing edits and enhancements to produce a multiplicity of image products and services.
Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) kiosks are also well known. Such kiosks are capable of accessing a customer financial banking account for status, as well as crediting, debiting, and transferring monetary funds. They are also capable of accepting a physical monetary deposit and/or withdrawal, along with disbursing funds. They are typically networked through the financial institution infrastructure. They may also have a security monitoring camera device. ATMs today are limited to disbursement of bank notes/cash or goods, as from a vending machine. They do not address the generation of personal bank products using imaging (either in the process or integral to the bank product), nor do they address the creation of imaging goods or provide imaging services as part of their disbursement process.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,789 discloses the use of biometrics as part of the personal authentication process for customers to access their financial account. It does not address the use of biometrics as a digital watermark to secure a transaction nor incorporation into a kiosk product.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,859,920; 5,905,819; 6,044,182; and 6,136,752 disclose a method of embedding digital information in an image and of providing image authentication. It does not address the flexibility and enhancement in the use of watermarked images in non-imaging applications or incorporation into a kiosk product/service.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,663 discloses the communications between a customer and a specific financial institution. This patent does not address employing a third party in the financial transaction process.
Internet kiosks are also known. Through browser technology and Internet access, one can search the World Wide Web (WWW) to gain access to a number of web sites. U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,071 discloses the use of browser technology as the kiosk graphical user interface interaction with the user for a standalone, Internet-accessible kiosk. It does not address the image and non-imaging functionality within the integrated kiosk for providing products and services associated with that functionality. These web sites can only offer a wide variety of imaging and non-imaging (such as banking) products/services that can be fulfilled within their supporting infrastructure and then distributed to the customer either via the Internet or physically shipped.
Kiosks for providing identification documents such as licenses, passports, and credit cards are known, as described in WO 99/66448. Such kiosks use biometric data and/or images for identification. Kiosks providing such biometric information on a card for use with the kiosk for future product or service orders are also known, as described in WO 99/30267.
The above patents fail to teach or suggest a method by which the functionality of an imaging producing kiosk is integrated with the functionality of a non-imaging producing kiosk, such as an ATM kiosk, into a single kiosk that dispenses products and services associated with both types of functionality at the kiosk.
There is a need to provide a kiosk with the ability to import photographic images (i.e.; scanned from film; transferred digitally from a digital still camera, hand-held device or memory device; or downloaded from an Internet-enabled storage location); process digital photographic images (i.e., remove “red eye,” zoom and crop, add borders and text, etc.); provide print fulfillment services (i.e., outputting hardcopy print product or a digital file at the kiosk, sending e-mail product services, uploading and downloading the digital file to/from an Internet-enabled remote storage location, or remotely printing and distributing images); and the ability to conduct a plurality of financial transactions that use imaging as part of the product/service.
A kiosk made in accordance with the present invention leverages the usage of the existing infrastructure, as well as equipment and networking capabilities across functionality types (that is, imaging and non-imaging), replacing two or more kiosks with one. Cost reduction is achieved through elimination of redundant equipment and efficiency of use of the kiosk.
The present invention also provides the ability to generate custom financial instruments (e.g., debit card, credit card, traveler checks) with a specific selected image, for example an image of the recipient, to provide added security against fraudulent transactions. Through image processing techniques, the subject is isolated from the background to provide a distinct image for these financial instruments, as well as for image products. Enhanced security and authorization are also achieved by applying the image captured with a personal identifier scanning device, or other biometric data, for comparison to a local database or a remote database via a communication network. Also, utilizing the network, remote financial transactions using personal identification information can be rendered locally at the kiosk. A variety of secured transactions can be performed, including deposit of secure documents, notarization of documents, provision of identification cards or tags, ticketing, or like functionalities.
This invention describes the methods for using an individually integrated kiosk that combines the photographic imaging products/services functionality of an imaging kiosk, with the non-imaging products/services functionality of a non-imaging type kiosk, including Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) functionality.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of conducting a secured kiosk transaction, comprising:
In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Personal data as used herein can include any information capable of identifying an individual when used alone or in combination with other information. Examples of personal data can include, but are not limited to, customer's birth date, social security number, mother's maiden name, full name, password, personal identification number, account number, tax identification number, vehicle identification number, real estate parcel number, license number, passport or visa number, or credit card, debit card or smart card number.
Biometric data can include any measurable physical characteristic or personal behavioral trait reasonably identified with a specific individual. For example, biometric data can include face recognition, fingerprint recognition, iris or retina pattern recognition, voice recognition, vascular pattern recognition of arteries or veins, hand recognition, or DNA matching. Other forms of measurable biometric data are also contemplated for use herein.
Any user data such as personal data or biometric data can be verified by comparison to a database as conducted by a computer or by a person, or by real-time review and confirmation by a person connected to the kiosk at the same time as the customer.
For a financial transaction requiring a monetary deposit, the customer uses the envelope deposit slot 104. For transactions requiring a credit card, debit card or smart card, for example, imaging or ATM transactions, the consumer swipes the card through a multi-card reader 116. Where a product or service requires the consumer to provide biometric identification through a written signature or a fingerprint, a writing pad/sensor plate 114 provided on kiosk 100 is used. The imaging camera 101 can be used for biometric identification, providing visualization verification of the customer or other individual at kiosk 100 as well as being a capture device for other biometric data such as iris scanning or retinal scanning. Upon payment approval, imaging and financial products can be generated by kiosk 100. A small size image printer 110 provided on kiosk 100 can be used for small-sized various imaging products. In the embodiment illustrated, printer 110 can be used to produce personalized financial instruments such as traveler checks as illustrated in
The kiosk 100 can be used for ordering of image products and/or services or as an ATM. Referring to
As part of the options during the image product/service process, the customer has the ability to embed into the image personal identification information 210, for example, as a digital watermark (for example, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,859,920; 5,905,819; 6,044,182; and 6,136,752) through the user interface 102, the writing pad/sensor plate 114, the imaging camera 101, or a scanner.
Referring to
Additional security measures can be taken to secure transactions 304. For example, when a signature is desired, the writing pad/sensor plate 114 can be used to authenticate the transaction process 306, or a signature can be scanned using the scanner for comparison to one on file. Alternately, any other biometric identification, such as a fingerprint, iris scan, retinal scan, hand scan, vein/artery pattern scan, voice sample, or DNA sample, can be taken for comparison to data on file. The information obtained can be analyzed and compared with stored information or information accessed over the communication network for verification. This verification can be done at the kiosk 100 or at the remote location. The verification can be by computer program, with or without human oversight, or by human interaction.
An envelope deposit slot 104 can provided for cash deposit transactions or document deposits. The multi-card reader 116 can provide non-cash deposit and withdrawal capability. The customer can follow the ATM prompts on the user interface 102, resulting in a financial transaction, which can include a cash disbursement at the financial instrument dispenser 108. After the financial transaction has been completed, the smaller size printer 110 can provide a receipt as a record of the transaction 324, 346, 354.
In the prior two uses of the kiosk 100, the transaction and payment are made by the customer at the kiosk 100. The present invention allows for third party disbursement of funds 310 or payment on behalf of the customer at the kiosk 100. In one form of operation of the kiosk 100, the customer requesting the funds or services contacts a third party 355 (see
In another form of operation, the third party agrees to a specific time to approve and forward the cash to the requestor 312 kiosk 100. The requester (customer) goes to the integrated kiosk 100 and follows the user interface 102 prompts to capture an image of the requestor 314 from the imaging camera 101 and forward it via e-mail 316 or web link, such as Netmeeting or Instant Messenger, over a communications network connection 118, such as the internet, to the third party at home or at any other location where the third party will be located. Simultaneously, the third party accesses the communication network and opens e-mail or the web link to verify that the image is that of the requestor 318. The e-mail or web link can be used to identify the secure web site where the third party can link to conduct the transaction and approve the cash disbursement. Depending upon the Internet access capability of the third party, the third party could view the requestor for visual verification. Depending on the kiosk network connection 118 and configuration, the third party could alternatively view a live camera broadcast of the requester on the designated web site. Meanwhile, the user interface 102 can be checking the status of the third party activities 320. Upon approval 322, the requestor initiates the cash disbursement and the cash is dispensed 324 at the financial instrument dispenser 108. A receipt is then generated at the smaller sized printer 110. Also, a receipt via e-mail or text message can be sent to the third party to acknowledge that the transaction has been completed. An example of the above could be when a child, the customer, wishes to obtain funds from a parent or other individual from a remote location. The parent would then authorize the issuance of the funds at the kiosk.
In another form of operation of kiosk 100, the kiosk also has the capability to generate personalized financial instruments 330, 332, 400. As one of the ATM transaction options, a customer can purchase personalized checks, travelers checks, or other financial instruments through an appropriate financial institution 350, where the financial instruments incorporate an image 401 of the bearer, a fingerprint of the bearer, and/or the bearer's signature 402. For example, a personal identification icon 404 can be printed to provide visual authentication in using the financial instrument. Through the user interface 102, the customer is instructed 334 to either get an image captured 336 via the imaging camera 101, to scan a photograph on the image scanner 106, or to download an image. The customer reviews 338 and selects the desired image for the financial instrument. For securing the selected financial instrument 330, the customer optionally uses the writing pad/sensor plate 114 to capture the bearer's signature and/or fingerprint for printing a signature and/or fingerprint representation of the bearer. While the customer interfaces with the kiosk to identify the disbursement amount and payment method 342, the application software within the computer 112 digitally watermarks 340 the image using the customer's unique information (e.g., customer biometric information). The watermark provides the authentication of the financial instrument provided by kiosk 100. Use of watermarking is well known. Through the user interface 102 and network connection 118, the transaction process is initiated 344 and statused back to the customer. Upon approval of payment 346, the watermarked image, signature, and/or personal identification indicator 404 is printed on the financial instrument. The personal identification indicator 404 provides a visual indication to the bearer and receiver of the financial instrument that it is a registered financial instrument where the image is secured by an embedded digital watermark. The correct number of financial instruments, such as travelers checks, are dispensed into the financial instrument dispenser 108 or printed on an appropriate printer to equal the amount purchased. When the financial instrument is presented for payment at a desired merchant, the image on the financial instrument can be compared to the presenter; the presenter can be asked to provide a second signature, for example, at location 403 on a traveler's check, for comparison and verification of the signature; or a fingerprint of the presenter can be taken for comparison.
In the above embodiment, the financial instrument is obtained at kiosk 100 and presented to a desired merchant. It is also contemplated that a financial instrument having biometric information of the presenter could be cashed by the kiosk 100. For example if a financial instrument is made by a first kiosk 100, or by any other device, at a first location by a customer, the financial instrument could be presented to a second kiosk 100 for payment. The customer would follow the instructions and prompts on the user interface 102. The financial instrument would be inserted into a scanner in kiosk 100 that would obtain the biometric information on the instrument. Then the customer could sign the writing pad/sensor pad 114, or submit to a fingerprint, iris, retinal, face, hand, or vascular pattern scan, or provide a voiceprint or DNA. The computer could then apply an appropriate algorithm for verification of the signature and/or other biometric data. The imaging camera 101 could capture the image of the presenter and the computer could apply an image comparison program for verifying that the image captured by imaging camera 101 is the same as the image on the instrument. Upon approval, the customer would insert the signed financial instrument into the envelope deposit slot 104, have its value verified and then cash would then be disbursed at the financial instrument dispenser 108.
The kiosk can also provide secured transactions requiring verification of customer identification for generation of identification documents, financial cards, travel documentation, or legal purposes. For example, once the customer has been identified by one or more form of biometric data or personal data, a driver's license, passport, visa, identification card, or credit/debit card can be issued to the customer. Such card manufacturing devices are known and can be provided in the kiosk, or a receipt can be provided to the customer to pick up such an item at a retail counter or other specified location, or the item can be mailed to the user's home address. Necessary information can be entered through any peripheral devices already described, including scanning or imaging of necessary documents. Such interactions can require third party identification or authorization, wherein the third party is connected to the kiosk as described elsewhere herein or the third party is an attendant or clerk at the kiosk location, or the interaction can be automated, provided the customer's biometric and/or personal data can be verified by the system. The system can note any problems with identification or verification of the customer, and print a receipt or electronically transfer such information so the customer can proceed to the proper authority to correct the problem, such as a passport office or Department of Motor Vehicles.
The kiosk, having ATM functionalities, can also receive payments due after customer verification. In this manner, Department of Motor Vehicles registration or tax fees can be paid through the kiosk and properly credited. Similarly, a customer can pay other bills, including utility and local tax bills, using the kiosk. Recordation of property transfers and payment of applicable government fees and taxes can be made using the kiosk through connection to the appropriate state or local government database, and identification of the user through real estate identification number, tax payer identification number, parcel number, or vehicle identification number.
The customer can purchase tickets, such as airline, rail, bus, or vessel tickets once verification of the customer's identity is made, or print out a boarding pass for a previously purchased ticket. At transportation stations, each customer can also print luggage identification tickets as needed for attachment to shipped or carry-on luggage. Use of such a device could remove the need for identification checks, quickening security checks to only physical searches of persons and articles in transportation areas.
The kiosk can also be used to check employee location, particularly where an employee is on extensive travel or works from home. Weekly or daily check-in through the kiosk can be required, providing the employee with a receipt showing time of the check-in and the location of the kiosk. This can also be used for check-in with probation or parole officers, particularly if two-way communication through telephone or Internet is enabled. The kiosk enables verification of the identity of the customer, the time and place where they were at check-in, and provides the customer a receipt showing such information as proof of compliance with legal requirements of sentencing.
In another form of operation of kiosk 100, the customer can also have access to a personal Digital Safe Deposit Box (DSDB) at a financial institution 350, or another secure location or server. Following the instructions on the user interface 102, the customer can deposit, transfer, or withdraw contents 352 from an existing DSDB account, or into an account created during the transaction. To deposit into the DSDB account, the customer can either use the imaging camera 101 or the image scanner 106 to capture an image, or import a digital file at the computer 112 using the available peripherals, or from remote storage using the network connection 118. To withdraw from the DSDB account, an item image in the DSDB account can be generated at the image printer 120, or sent to the storage medium designated by the customer. Preferably, the physical print out and the digital file are marked with the date and time of withdrawal, visibly or by means of a watermark. A receipt can be generated 354 at the completion of the DSDB transaction indicating what items were added or removed, how they were transmitted (physical or digital), and, if digital, to or from what type of device or server. The document can be identified on the receipt by a document title, signatory name(s), an image of the document, or some combination thereof. If desired, the physical document can be placed in the kiosk through the slot for delivery to the financial institution or other document deposit holder.
The kiosk can also serve a notary function by verifying the identity of the customer and providing a receipt with customer name; personal identification such as personal data or biometric information; date and time; identification of the notarized document, for example, by title, a thumbnail, or reduced size image of the document; or some combination thereof. The kiosk can notarize documents by receiving a scanned or other digital image of the document, and printing out a copy of the document with an indication of notarization, including the time, date, and identification of the kiosk used.
Other transactions requiring security can be performed, as is evident to readers of this document. Recognizing that both secure and non-secure access is required to maintain the integrated kiosk, it is envisioned that a kiosk made in accordance with the present invention will have separate access means to handle each need (e.g., routine consumer replenishment, printer servicing, cash deposit removal, etc.).
For bank-related transactions, such as DSDB or notarization, a fee can be charged to the customer before the transaction can be completed. The fee can be based on whether the customer is using a kiosk associated with customer's financial institution, as is currently practiced with ATM access.
Various other types of non-imaging products/services kiosks share common features with an imaging kiosk, and can be integrated therewith as described herein to accommodate various combinations of functions, including imaging, financial transactions, and transactions requiring verification of customer's identity.
The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.
This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/779,335, filed Feb. 8, 2001 entitled “METHOD OF INTEGRATING IMAGING PRODUCTS/SERVICES WITH NON-IMAGING PRODUCTS/SERVICES IN A SINGLE KIOSK” by Jerome J. Wasilewski et al.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 09779335 | Feb 2001 | US |
| Child | 11370492 | Mar 2006 | US |
