PRE-ENTRY FOR DISTRIBUTED TRANSACTIONS

A computer-implemented method includes receiving a pre-entry request for a distributed transaction from a mobile device. The method also includes querying a bank server for permission to execute the distributed transaction. Additionally, the method includes issuing a completion code for the distributed transaction to the mobile device. Further, the method includes receiving the completion code at an automated teller machine (ATM) from the mobile device that verifies authorization of the ATM to complete the distributed transaction. Furthermore, the method includes actuating the ATM in compliance with the distributed transaction to complete the distributed transaction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to distributed transactions and, more particularly (although not necessarily exclusively), distributed transactions performed using transaction pre-entry information from remote devices.

BACKGROUND

Automated teller machines (ATMs) are electronic devices that enable customers of financial institutions to perform financial transactions such as cash withdrawals, deposits, transfers of funds, balance inquiries, or other account information inquiries. ATMs may allow customers to perform such transactions at any time without the need for direct interaction with banking staff.

Mobile banking software provided by a financial institution may allow customers to conduct financial transactions remotely using computing devices such as smartphones or laptop computers. Transactions through mobile banking may include obtaining account balances, obtaining a list of latest transactions, electronic bill payments, remove check deposits, and fund transfers between customer accounts. But there is typically very little interaction between mobile banking software and the ATMs.

SUMMARY

In an example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that are executable by a processing device for causing the processing device to perform operations. The operations include receiving a pre-entry request for a distributed transaction from a mobile device. The operations also include querying a bank server for permission to execute the distributed transaction. Additionally, the operations include issuing a completion code for the distributed transaction to the mobile device. Further, the operations include receiving the completion code at an automated teller machine (ATM) from the mobile device that verifies authorization of the ATM to complete the distributed transaction. Furthermore, the operations include actuating the ATM in compliance with the distributed transaction to complete the distributed transaction.

In an additional example, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a pre-entry request for a distributed transaction from a mobile device. The method also includes querying a bank server for permission to execute the distributed transaction. Additionally, the method includes issuing a completion code for the distributed transaction to the mobile device. Further, the method includes receiving the completion code at an automated teller machine (ATM) from the mobile device that verifies authorization of the ATM to complete the distributed transaction. Furthermore, the method includes actuating the ATM in compliance with the distributed transaction to complete the distributed transaction.

In an additional example, a system includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions that are executable by a processing device for causing the processing device to perform operations. The operations include receiving a pre-entry request for a distributed transaction from a mobile device. The operations also include querying a bank server for permission to execute the distributed transaction. Additionally, the operations include issuing a completion code for the distributed transaction to the mobile device. Further, the operations include receiving the completion code at an automated teller machine (ATM) from the mobile device that verifies authorization of the ATM to complete the distributed transaction. Furthermore, the operations include actuating the ATM in compliance with the distributed transaction to complete the distributed transaction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain aspects and examples of the present disclosure relate to distributed transactions performed using transaction pre-entry information from remote devices. The transaction pre-entry of information may be populated at a personal electronic device and transmitted for use by automated teller machine (ATM) transactions. The pre-entry of information may involve partially completing an ATM transaction with a computing device before finalizing the ATM transaction at a physical ATM location. Partially completing an ATM transaction may include navigating a menu or selecting actions for an ATM to perform. Finalizing the ATM transaction may include any banking transaction that cannot be completed by a computing device, such as receiving physical cash. The computing device may be any device capable of electronic communication with a financial institution. Example computing devices may include smartphones and tablet computers.

Executing an ATM transaction, in person, from start to finish, can create several obstacles for a user. In person, a user may be susceptible to identity theft when entering or navigating personal financial information. Skimming, the theft of personal financial information from illegitimate payment card readers affixed to legitimate payment card readers, may be another risk of ATM transactions. Some ATMs may not offer accessibility options for particular disabilities. Some ATMs may simply be in physically inconvenient positions, such as drive-through ATMs which may require users to awkwardly position themselves to physically access push-buttons of the ATM.

Partially completing an ATM transaction through a computing device may mitigate some risks, inconveniences, and accessibility hurdles imposed by ATMs. For example, a visually impaired user may be able to complete button entries on a laptop computer or other computing device which may wirelessly communicate with an ATM to release train tickets. As another example, a banking customer using an ATM in a heavily trafficked area may execute a cash withdrawal with greater peace of mind by displaying a quick response (QR) code to a camera of an ATM rather than publicly displaying the amount of cash withdrawn by navigating a screen of an ATM or by using an ATM card or debit card at the ATM. As another example, a banking customer may prefer to navigate an ATM via a smartphone and receive cash by displaying a QR code to minimize time spent awkwardly positioning themselves within a vehicle that is either too tall or too short to comfortably interface with the buttons of an ATM.

In some examples, a computing device may allow a user to locate an ATM for completing an ATM transaction. The user may be able to enter commands through a variety of means. Examples may include virtual assistant software, voice commands, a smartphone application with a graphical user interface, a computing device with a refreshable braille display, or assistive input devices such as sip-and-puff systems or electronic pointing devices.

Example ATM transactions may include cash withdrawals, cash advances from lines of credits, purchasing stamps, purchasing ticks, cash deposits, cash payments to other parties, or printing receipts reflecting banking information.

FIG.1is a schematic of a banking environment100in which a user112can partially complete an automated teller machine (ATM) transaction with a computing device before finalizing the ATM transaction at a physical ATM according to one example of the present disclosure. Included in the banking environment100are the user112, one or more sensing devices130, one or more communication networks140, an ATM134, and a computing device132. The one or more sensing devices130and the ATM134may send or receive communication with the computing device132over the one or more communication networks140. The one or more communication networks140may correspond to one or more Wide Area Networks (“WANs”), such as the Internet, through which the one or more sensing devices130, the ATM134, and the computing device132may communicate with servers via web browsers or client-side applications, to establish communication sessions, request and receive web-based resources, and access other features of applications or services. Although illustrated separate from the ATM134in the banking environment100, in certain examples, the computing device132can be included within the ATM134and in other examples, the computing device132can be situated in a remote location away from the banking environment100.

The one or more sensing devices130, which can include suitable sensor devices for accessing web-based resources or application-based resources, can be capable of accessing and establishing communication sessions with the computing device132through the one or more communication networks140. As illustrated inFIG.1, sensing devices130a-130ccorrespond to mobile devices, including tablet computers130a, smartphones130b, and smart watches130c, which may access the computing device132via a Local Area Network (“LAN”) or Wide Area Network (“WAN”), as well as mobile telecommunication networks, short-range wireless networks, or various other communication network types (e.g., cable or satellite networks). Sensing devices130d-130fcorrespond to sensing devices associated with the ATM, including an ATM camera130d, an ATM microphone130e, and an ATM keypad130f. Although certain examples herein are described in terms of mobile devices, in other examples, the one or more sensing devices130may additionally or alternatively include other mobile or non-mobile devices (e.g., desktop computers, laptop computers, and the like) capable of accessing the computing device132via the one or more communications networks140. The one or more sensing devices130and the ATM134can be capable of recording audio or video of an ATM operation.

The one or more sensing devices130can detect inputs from the user112. The computing device132can receive notification of the inputs and determine an intent of the inputs from the one or more sensing devices130. In some examples, the input to the received at the one or more sensing devices130a-130cmay be a transaction pre-entry for the ATM134. For example, the computing device132can receive the input from the user112and transmit a transaction request associated with the input to the ATM134. The ATM134may pre-process the request and await the arrival of the user112at the physical location of the ATM134. Once the user112reaches the ATM134, the user may present a QR code identifying the user112, and the ATM134may automatically complete the ATM transaction requested by the user at the sensing device130a-130c. In additional examples, the ATM134may confirm the identity of the user112through other techniques, such as facial recognition, voice recognition, or any other identification techniques.

FIG.2is a block diagram of an example computing device according to one example of the present disclosure. The computing device200includes a processor202that is communicatively coupled to a memory204. In some examples, the processor202and the memory204may be distributed from (e.g., remote to) one another. The processor202can include one processing device or multiple processing devices. Non-limiting examples of the processor202include a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, etc. The processor202can execute instructions206stored in the memory204to perform operations. In some examples, the instructions206can include processor-specific instructions generated by a compiler or an interpreter from code written in a suitable computer-programming language, such as C, C++, C #, etc.

The memory204can include one memory or multiple memories. The memory204can be non-volatile and may include any type of memory that retains stored information when powered off. Non-limiting examples of the memory204include electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, or any other type of non-volatile memory. At least some of the memory204can include a non-transitory, computer-readable medium form which the processor202can read instructions206. The memory204may also include transaction commands received from the user112for controlling an ATM212through, for example, a banking server210. In some examples, the memory204may also store a completion code209that the user112may present to the ATM212to complete a distributed transaction. The computer-readable medium of the memory204can include electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage devices capable of providing the processor202with computer-readable instructions or other program code. Non-limiting examples of a computer-readable medium include magnetic disk(s), memory chip(s), ROM, random-access memory (RAM), an ASIC, a configured processor, optical storage, or any other medium from which a computer processor can read the instructions206. The computing device200may be in operable communication with an automated teller machine (ATM)212.

FIG.3is a flowchart of an example of a process for implementing some aspects of the present disclosure. In block300, the computing device200may receive an automated teller machine (ATM) transaction command208from a mobile device, such as the computing device200. The transaction command208may be to fulfil an electronic bill payment with a cash deposit, a check deposit, or some other suitable type of deposit. The transaction command208may be to withdraw cash from any account or deposit cash into any account. The transaction command208may be a request for a cash advance from a line of credit, such as a cred it card. The transaction command208may be to withdraw a non-monetary physical item from the ATM. Example non-monetary physical items that can be withdrawn from an ATM may include postage stamps, train tickets, plane tickets, event tickets, lottery tickets, gold, silver, or tokens such as poker chips. The transaction command208may also be for obtaining travelers checks. The transaction command208may be for issuing a money order.

In block302, the computing device200may query a banking server210for permission to execute the transaction command208. The banking server210may grant or withhold permission to execute the transaction command208based on information related to a banking customer associated with the transaction command208. For example, the banking server210may grant or withhold permission to execute the transaction command208based on an account balance or a credit limit of the customer. The banking server210may grant or withhold permission to execute the transaction command208based on the functionality of an ATM212. For example, the banking server210may withhold permission to execute the transaction command208if the transaction command208is for purchasing postage stamps at an ATM212that does not sell postage stamps. The banking server210may also provide the computing device200with locations of ATMs suitable for executing a particular transaction command.

In block304, the banking server210may issue a completion code209for the transaction command208to the computing device200. The completion code209may be a quick response (QR) code for scanning by a camera of the ATM212. The completion code209may be a barcode for scanning by a camera or laser of the ATM212. The completion code209may be a near field communication (NFC) protocol wireless communication with the ATM212. The completion code209may be any other suitable wireless radio frequency communication with the ATM212. The completion code209may be a numerical code. In some examples, the completion code may be facial recognition or other biometric recognition of the user at the ATM212.

In block306, the banking server210may receive the completion code209at the ATM212. Reception of the code may be confirmed by global positioning system (GPS) data provided by the computing device200based on the location of the computing device200. In some examples, the ATM212may receive the completion code209without communicating with the banking server210.

In block308, the ATM212may actuate in compliance with the transaction command208. The ATM212may dispense cash, dispense traveler's checks, dispense non-monetary physical goods, accept cash, execute transfers of funds, accept bills, print receipts, or perform any other action or series of actions to satisfy the transaction command208.

In block310, the banking server210or the ATM212may record execution of the transaction command208. The banking server210may send an email, text message, or a message through a virtual assistant confirming the transaction to the computing device200. The ATM212may also print a receipt of the transaction.

FIG.4is an example of a user interface (UI) for a virtual assistant module400, according to some aspects of the present disclosure. The virtual assistant module400may be displayed on a computing device, such as a display of the computing device200. At block404, a user asks the virtual assistant400where the closest ATM is. The virtual assistant400responds406with a message informing the user that the virtual assistant400is executing a search. Messages informing the user a search, or any other process, is underway may assure the user the virtual assistant is operational. The virtual assistant400provides a map408displaying the nearest ATM relative to the user's mobile device. The virtual assistant may inform410the user that pre-entry is compatible with this particular ATM.

The user may request412an ATM operation to initiate a pre-entry process. The virtual assistant400may ask the user questions414,418,422to complete the pre-entry process. The user may respond416,420,424to the questions to complete the pre-entry process. In alternative examples, the user may complete the pre-entry process with a process consisting of more questions, less questions, or different questions. In alternative examples, the user may complete the pre-entry process with an alternative user interface that may use icons, drop-down menus, or any combination of suitable user interface items. Further, the user may enter responses to the virtual assistant questions using voice instructions received at a microphone of a computing device displaying the virtual assistant400.

The virtual assistant400may inform426the user an ATM has received pre-entry instructions, may remind428the user to bring their mobile device, and may inform429the user their mobile device is near the ATM. The example process continues inFIG.5.

FIG.5is an example of a UI for the virtual assistant module400, according to some aspects of the present disclosure.FIG.5is an extension of the example illustrated inFIG.4. The virtual assistant400may provide instructions430,434to the user after the user has arrived at the ATM. The virtual assistant400may prompt436the user to enter personal information to complete the ATM transaction. While a numerical keypad is illustrated, other forms of entering personal information are possible, such as gesture recognition, facial recognition, or any combination of suitable means. The virtual assistant400may prompt438the user to present a quick response (QR) code440to the ATM. The QR code440may serve as a means of instructing the ATM. Other means of passing instructions from the user's mobile device to the ATM are also possible, such as near-field communication.

The virtual assistant400may inform442the user the transaction has been completed, ask446the user if they would like to perform any other ATM transactions, and conclude450the interaction with an appropriate message.