User configurable alerts for ATM transactions

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to automatic teller machines (ATMs) and specifically to client transactions on ATMs. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for enhancing customer transactions at ATMs.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Automated teller machines (“ATM”) are well known and widely utilized in the banking industry. ATMs are utilized by customers to carry out banking transactions, such as cash dispensing, receipt of deposits, transfer of funds between accounts, and account balance inquiries. The type of banking transactions a customer can carry out are determined by hardware and programming capabilities of the particular ATM as well as the support provided by the banking institution's computer system.

[0005] Today, virtually all banking institutions offer customers the ability to conduct a limited number of electronic transactions either from a local ATM located on-site at the institution's branch office, or from a remote ATM of an affiliated institution. When these transactions are completed, ATMs typically provide customers with a printed receipt indicating the particulars of the transactions conducted at the machine.

[0006] The information printed on current ATM receipts is very limited. For example, with some ATMs, the customer's receipt may only provide the date of the transaction, the amount of the transaction, and perhaps an ending balance for the corresponding account. Customers today tend to have a bit more savvy and often desire to have more information than is provided by current ATMs. Each customer also has different needs.

[0007] With conventional ATMs, customers have to go into the banking institution or access their backing accounts/record online or via an automated phone service. The present invention realizes that each customer is unique and has specific alerts that he/she may desire to receive during completion of an ATM transaction. The present invention also recognizes that it would be desirable to enable a customer to identify/select and receive specific alerts, which the customer wishes to be provided during completion of an ATM transaction. These and other benefits are provided by the invention described herein.

[0008] Disclosed is a method, system and computer program product for enabling user-customization of an alert received from an automated teller machine (ATM) during an ATM transaction. The customer/user of the ATM is able to create/customize specific alerts that the customer wishes to receive when the customer utilizes an ATM. These alerts may be printed on the screen or they may be printed on the transaction receipt.

[0009] The user is provided with an avenue for accessing his banking account and selecting from a laundry list of available alerts that are to be outputted following an ATM transaction. Access to the user account may be via a telephone service of via online (Internet) connection. The telephone access may be automated or assisted. Irrespective of the method of access, the customer is provided with the list from which the customer selects alerts for output during ATM transactions. The banking institution links the selected alerts to the customer's ATM account (i.e., database of customer accounts maintained by the banking institution).

[0010] In one implementation, the user is able to adjust the selection of whether an alert is printed on a transaction receipt. Since the banking institution maintains specific proprietary ATMs, the institution may program the alert feature into those ATMs and ATMs of partner institutions that share this functionality.

[0011] The above as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description.

[0019] The present invention provides a method, system and computer program product that enables user-customization of an alert received by a user during a transaction at an automated teller machine (ATM). The customer/user of the ATM creates specific alerts that the customer wishes to receive when the customer utilizes an ATM. These alerts are then provided to the customer when the customer later utilizes an ATM.

[0020] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1A, there is illustrated a schematic of ATM network 100. ATM network 100 includes background/supporting network to which is connected a plurality of ATMs, of which exemplary local ATM 120 and remote ATM 122 are illustrated. Local ATM 120 is connected to a computer system 110 of a home bank (referred to hereinafter as home bank computer system (HBCS) 110).

[0021] Home bank computer system 110 is the computer system that is operated by the bank or other institution which has primary responsibility for the ATMs 120. Home bank computer system 110 is connected to one or more of local ATMs 120 through wide area network (WAN)/intranet 115. In the illustrative embodiment, local ATM 120 is connected to HBCS 110 via a local area network (LAN) 115. However, it is understood that the ATM may be connected to HBCS via a direct connection. Intranet/WAN 115 is preferably a local or proprietary network that provides communication between the computer system 110 and the ATMs 120 using messages in a transmission format, such as the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) format. The messages sent through intranet 115 may be sent in an encrypted or unencrypted form depending on the nature of the system and the security needs of the home bank or ATM 120.

[0022] HBCS 110 is illustrated connected to an ATM server 130, which has an associated customer account database 135. Account database 135 may be the central account database for all customer data (i.e., not just ATM related data) while ATM server 130 may be a central server of the bank that also supports the ATM capabilities and transactions inc addition to normal banking transactions and general customer account profiles. Alternatively, account database 135 may be a specialized database at which ATM-specific information for each customer's ATM capabilities and transactions are stored.

[0023] According to the illustrative embodiment, ATM server 130 is connected to a wide area network 140 (or data network (DNET)). In some embodiments of the invention the wide area network 140 is the Internet, while in other embodiments, other types of WANs/DNETs may be utilized. WAN 140 may communicate data/messages via TCP/IP between numerous computer systems (and/or servers) connected to the wide area network. From the perspective of a home bank, ATM server 130 and HBCS 110 represent local systems in the ATM network. However, by utilization of WAN 140, local systems may be expanded to connect to remote systems that include ATM remote server 150. Remote server 150 may be of another banking/financial institution that provides ATM services in a location or at ATM machines that are not owned/operated/controlled by the home bank. Thus, remote server 150 supports a remote ATM network 155 to which remote ATM 122 is connected.

[0024] ATM 120 is an intelligent computer-based machine that is connected to a banking/finance institution that supports customer access to funds and other financial/banking information, as described below. A key feature of the invention is the ability of a customer/ATM user to configure his account to provide specific alerts during ATM transactions.

[0025] As illustrated by FIG. 1A, customer access to the customer's account is provided in one of several different methods. Thus, customer setup 105 is completed via customer interfacing with the banking system home computer 110 utilizing a telephone connection, a branch office clerk and/or an online network connection. Telephone connection occurs via a telephone interface set up through a public switch telephone network (PSTN) 106, by which the customer is able to call into a special automated line (e.g., 1-800 banking number) and follow voice prompts to set up specific alerts during ATM transactions. The telephone access may be automated or assisted. Alternatively, the customer simply goes into a branch office at which branch office personnel, such as branch clerk 107 directly enters the requested customer alerts into the bank's computing system. Finally, the customer may utilize a computer to connect online to HBCS 110 via a LAN/WAN 108 and set up and select the ATM alerts. This later method is further described below and illustrated by other figures presented herewith.

[0026] Notably, in one embodiment, the customer is provided with selectable alerts at ATM 120 eliminating the need for the user to access his/her account via online or telephone connection. Restrictions on this method may be provided for security reasons. These restrictions may include enabling ATM selections at only ATMs physically located in or at a branch office of the bank at which the user's account exists. Irrespective of the method of selection, later completion of an ATM transaction by the customer automatically triggers the selected alerts to be displayed on the ATM screen, printed on the ATM receipt, or audibly relayed to the customer.

[0027] FIG. 1B illustrates interconnected components that make up the local ATMs 120 illustrated within FIG. 1A. Notably, remote ATM 122 may be similarly configured to local ATM 120, but not necessarily so. ATMs produced by different manufacturers may differ in key placement and number of keys, key legends, screen size, etc. However, given the trend towards standardization of these features to increase user comfort with using “remote” ATMs, the description herein assumes that the ATMs have similar hardware and software components and exhibit similar functionality. Description of ATM 120 is thus generally applicable to each ATM illustrated, unless a specific reference to remote ATM 122 is made.

[0028] With specific reference to FIG. 1B, there is displayed a schematic view of components of ATM 120 utilized in connection with one exemplary embodiment. ATM 120 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 125, a card reader 160, a keypad 128, cash dispenser (with dispenser slot) 165, depository device (with deposit slot) 175. Additionally, ATM 120 includes a processor 170, receipt printer 180, a security camera 185, and network interface device 190. Each of the devices is operatively connected to an internal control bus 195 by which the intercommunications among the various devices are completed.

[0029] In the illustrative embodiment, GUI 125 includes a touch screen 127 (as well as a display screen), which serves as an input/output (I/O) device for communicating with a user of the machine. As an input device, touch screen 127 receives input from the user while the user is interacting with the ATM. Alternate embodiments may include other types and/or additional I/O devices, such as audio speakers. In other embodiments also, fewer or more functional devices may be utilized. It should be further understood that while the described embodiment is of an ATM, the principles may be employed in other types of customer-accessible transaction machines that may not necessarily carry out banking transactions (e.g., ticket issuing machines for an electronic vendor).

[0030] For functional operation, ATM 120 includes several software programs that are executable therein, including software for displaying the various screens by which information is visually relayed to the user and software for connecting to a host computer system to initiate security checks (e.g., request for a pin number) when the user enters his ATM card into the card reader slot. Other software code is provided for a host of other functions including managing security and printing receipts following termination of a user transaction. Those skilled in the art understand that the invention necessarily includes a fully functioning ATM with at least the basic ATM features described herein.

[0031] As described above, ATM 120 may be physically co-located with the ATM's banking institution (HBCS 110), or may be remotely located with respect thereto. In operation, ATM 120 serves as an interface between a user (banking customer) and the ATM network to receive input from the user and to provide necessary output (and funds, when necessary) to the user. ATM 120 receives appropriate associated PIN information and transaction information from the user. This information is passed to the HBCS 110 for verification and processing, respectively.

[0032] For transactions at remote ATM 122, the associated/background computer system identifies the home bank from the information retrieved from the user's ATM card, and passes the necessary transaction information entered by the user to the appropriate HBCS 110 (several may be connected via WAN 140). HBCS 110 verifies the user's account data and then forwards an authorization message (either a deny transaction message or proceed with transaction message, for example) to the remote ATM 122. Based on the authorization received, the remote ATM 122 provides customized alerts and funds, if requested, to the user.

[0033] Turning now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a flow chart of the process by which a user customizes his account for ATM-specific alerts, according to one embodiment of the invention. The flow chart is better understood by reference to FIG. 3, which illustrates a GUI (web browser) of an online customer account at the home bank computer system 110.

[0034] As described above, customers are provided with several avenues for accessing their account and a laundry list of available ATM-specific alerts from which the customer selects alerts to receive during an ATM transaction. The exemplary embodiment provided herein describes the online method. However, the features described are applicable irrespective of the method of accessing and customizing the alerts linked to customer's account. Notably also, while the invention is described with specific reference to alerts delivered during an ATM transaction, the invention may be implemented with a different user interface than the ATM. Thus, the interface within which the alert is provided may be a web interface or interface accessed via phone or downloaded to a phone. With these alternate embodiments, the alerts may be provided independently of a user accessing an ATM machine.

[0035] The flow chart of FIG. 2 begins at block 202 with the customer accessing his/her account at the URL (universal resource locator) of the banking institution's computer/server. The customer is provided, at block 203, with the list of customer selectable alerts for print, audible output, and/or display during ATM transactions.

[0036] An exemplary embodiment of a user interface (preferably a browser GUI) by which the customer selects his desired ATM alerts via online access to the customer's account profile is provided by FIG. 3. GUI 300 includes several of the standards browser-styled items, e.g., top-level menu items 305 and search items 315. Additionally, GUI 300 includes bank identification 302, customer identification 320 and selections bar 310 of available bank features.

[0037] Illustrated by shaded block within selections bar 310 is ATM alert-customization feature 312. When selected by the customer, an associated ATM customization window 330 opens within GUI 300. As illustrated, ATM customization window 330 includes a list of user selectable alerts 340 each selected by the user placing a check within a selection box adjacent to the selectable alert. Specific ones of selectable alerts include (1) withdrawals over a specific amount, (2) scheduled automatic payment adjustment, (3) customer service emails, (4) pending transactions, (5) specific check numbers cashed and (6) reminder notes.

[0038] “Scheduled automatic payments” enables the user to be alerted of amounts of money that are to be automatically withdrawn from the account within a predefined period of days following the transaction (e.g., 3 days). This feature may be time-limited, e.g., payments scheduled within 3 days of the withdrawal. Thus, as illustrated, a specific time period may be entered into a day counter 343 by the customer when the option for receipt of an alert for an automatic payment adjustment is selected/checked. This provides the user with a more accurate picture of his/her available balance. In practical implementation, this feature prevents a user from withdrawing more funds than he has available to cover pending payments, and prevents an overdraft on the account.

[0039] “Customer service emails” enables HBCS-transmitted emails to be displayed to a customer who is expecting email communication from a bank representative. For example, during disputes regarding a posted transaction, customer service personnel occasionally provides online customers with an email response, and this feature of the invention enables an alert that an email has been received from the HBCS 110 to be given to the customer during the ATM transaction. “Pending transactions” share similarities with the scheduled automatic payments. A deposit/withdrawal by a co-user of the account or posting of a check may still be pending and not reflected on the current balance shown to the user. Finally, “reminder alerts” represents actual alerts the user types into an alert entry box 342 to display/print out when the user next goes to the ATM. An example is a reminder to pay a bill when the user knows that he/she will need additional cash for that payment during a next trip to the ATM.

[0040] Below the list of selectable alerts, are several output options 350 by which the user indicates whether the selected alerts are to be printed or displayed and/or audibly relayed. An alternative embodiment enables a first (confidential) alert to be linked by the customer for printing while a second (un-confidential) alert is linked for display or audible output. The alert may also be outputted in a combination of the available output methods, including printed, and display, and/or audible alert.

[0041] ATM customization window 330 includes several navigation buttons, including “next” button 345 to display/scroll additional available options, “save” button 370 to store the selections made by the customer, and “agree’ button 360 by which the customer indicates agreement with the disclaimer presented within disclaimer bar 355.

[0042] Additionally, several notices are shown within ATM customization window 330. A first notice at the base of the screen explains a limitation on the possible customer selections. In this exemplary embodiment, the options are available only at ATMs of the banking institution of affiliated/partner banks. A second notice at the top of the screen, informs the customer that the customer may select up to five of the displayed alerts.

[0043] The limit on the number of available alerts is imposed in this exemplary embodiment to prevent a user selecting to receive too many alerts during an ATM transaction, which restriction may be imposed due to available bandwidth and/or other practical reasons. For example, the display screen of the ATM has a limited display area and the receipt rolls are also limited in size (with conventional ATMs). Requesting too many alerts would lead to a cumbersome ATM interaction and would prove costly if each customer desired to print entire laundry lists of alerts on the limited rolls of receipt paper each machine can hold. Other security related or practical reasons may limit the amount or type of alerts that a user may select from customization window 330.

[0044] Returning to the process flow of FIG. 2, at block 204, the customer selects his/her desired ATM customization alerts. Notably, in one implementation, this selection may also include selecting whether the alert format is for display only, print only, audible relay only, or some combination of the two or three forms of output. The server of the banking institution updates the customer's ATM customization alerts at block 206 and then stores the updates in the customer account (at the database of customer accounts maintained by the banking institution) at block 208.

[0045] Turning now to the flow chart of FIG. 5 and illustrated GUIs of FIGS. 4A-4C, actual ATM transactions and output of pre-selected customization alerts are illustrated. The process begins at block 502 at which the customer enters his card and pin at the ATM. A determination is made at block 504 whether the entered pin is correct, and if not, the user is refused access to the customer account and a security process is initiated as shown at block 506.

[0046] Once a correct pin is entered, however, the customer account profile is retrieved at block 508, and access to the customer account linked to the card is provided to complete the user transactions, as indicted at block 510. The software of the ATM displays the information transmitted to it on the display monitor of the ATM. The HBCS checks the customer account at block 512 to determine whether special customization alerts have been pre-selected by the customer. When no alerts have been selected, the standard ATM display is provided and a receipt with the standard information is printed at completion of the transaction, as shown at block 514.

[0047] However, when the customer has pre-selected to receive one or more alerts, the standard ATM display and/or receipt are enhanced with the alerts selected by the customer for display and/or printing, as shown at block 516. The alerts may be displayed only after the transaction is completed, or if print-only option was selected by the customer, the alert is not displayed but printed on the receipt generated for the transaction. The user then logs off the customer account and removes the ATM card as shown at block 518.

[0048] In one implementation, the user is provided the option of selecting which alerts to print when the ATM cash transaction is completed. The user may then decide whether to print the alert on the transaction receipt. Since the banking institution maintains specific proprietary ATMs, the institution may program this feature into their ATMs and ATMs of other institutions that share the user-customized display and/or receipt printing functionality.

[0049] With the above features of the invention, a user of an ATM is able to create specific ATM alerts for actions that the user wished to be aware of or other alerts the user wishes to receive during subsequent visits to an ATM. FIGS. 4A-4B illustrates exemplary screens displayed to the user at the ATM. Screen 125 of FIG. 4A is an ATM screen displaying a summary of the current transaction and account balance. Below this information is the prompt for the user to view customized alerts. In one implementation, this prompt is triggered to appear only when there are customized alerts pre-selected by the user. When the user selects no, the GUI screen changes to the print screen (FIG. 4C) at which the user is then prompted whether he wishes to also print the customized alerts. This screen is valuable for situations in which the user does not wish the alert provided on the screen to be viewed by the built-in camera or someone standing immediately behind him/her, who may have a view (or partial view) of the screen.

[0050] When the user selects yes from the main screen (FIG. 4A), the screen of FIG. 4B is displayed with the list of customized alerts. From this screen, the user is prompted whether to print the customized alerts with the receipt of the transaction. This enables the user to complete the transaction, then view the customizable alerts without having to print these alerts on the transaction receipt. When the alert is a reminder note, for example, it may be sufficient for the user to receive the reminder without having the reminder printed on his transaction receipt.

[0051] As explained above, one implementation of this feature allows a check of the primary account for scheduled direct/electronic payments (e.g., through bill pay service) on the customer's account. That is, in addition to the current balance, the customer also receives an alert with the total or list of automatic payments schedule to be taken from the account so the customer knows the “real” balance of disposable funds in his/her account. Other information that may be provided via the alerts includes: single withdrawals over a specific amount; electronic deposits; paycheck deposits; specific check numbers cached; deposit at an ATM of personal checks; etc.

[0052] As a final matter, it is important that while an illustrative embodiment of the present invention has been, and will continue to be, described in the context of a fully functional computer system with installed management software, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the software aspects of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment of the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal bearing media include recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, and transmission type media such as digital and analogue communication links.

[0053] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the invention is described with specific reference to alerts delivered during an ATM transaction, the invention may be implemented with a different user interface than the ATM. Thus, the interface within which the alert is provided may be a web interface or interface accessed via phone or downloaded to a phone. Irrespective of the interface selected, the alerts can be provided independently of the user accessing an ATM machine.