Abstract:
A method of integrating photographic imaging products and services functionality with non-imaging functionality using the automatic teller machine (ATM) functions for providing financial transactions as the preferred embodiment wherein a single kiosk is disclosed. This invention provides the consumer with the flexibility to generate imaging products and conduct imaging services or perform ATM-related transactions independent of one another; to incorporate images into producing customized financial instruments at the kiosk; to access financial institution services to store or retrieve images as part of providing either imaging products/services or ATM financial instruments; and to utilize the customer&#39;s financial accounts and/or financial instruments as a means for payment of imaging products/services rendered at the kiosk. The present invention leverages the infrastructure, equipment and networking capabilities of both sets of functionality to provide an economy of scale and an increased value of differentiation not currently available.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    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.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    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 to and receiving files from a remote location, as well as providing credit card transaction processing.  
           [0003]    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.  
           [0004]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,623,581; 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; it does 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.  
           [0005]    Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) kiosks are also well known. This kiosk is capable of accessing a customer financial banking account for status, as well as to credit, debit and transfer monetary funds. It is also capable to accept a physical monetary deposit and/or withdrawal, along with disbursement of 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 does it address the creation of imaging goods and providing of imaging services as part of its disbursement process.  
           [0006]    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 its use as a digital watermark to secure a transaction nor its incorporation into a kiosk product.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,859,920; 5,905,819; 6,044,182; 6,136,752 disclose the 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 into non-imaging applications or its incorporation into a kiosk product/service.  
           [0008]    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.  
           [0009]    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; however, 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.  
           [0010]    However, the prior art fails 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.  
           [0011]    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 digital file at the kiosk, sending e-mail product services, uploading &amp; downloading the digital file to/from an Internet-enabled remote storage location or to remotely print and distribute images); and the ability to conduct a plurality of financial transactions that use imaging as part of its product/service.  
           [0012]    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) verses the placement of two separate, individual kiosks. Cost reduction, through elimination of redundant equipment and more use efficiency of the kiosk is achieved.  
           [0013]    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 is also achieved by applying the image captured with a personal identifier scanning device for comparison to a remote database via the communication network. Also, utilizing the network, remote financial transactions using personal identification information can be rendered locally at the integrated kiosk.  
           [0014]    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.).  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0015]    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, using Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) functionality as the preferred embodiment.  
           [0016]    According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumer kiosk for providing at least one imaging service and at least one non-imaging service, the kiosk comprising:  
           [0017]    a customer input device;  
           [0018]    a computer device;  
           [0019]    a display device; and  
           [0020]    an image capture device for capturing an image at the kiosk which is to be utilized by each of the at least two different services.  
           [0021]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a customer kiosk for providing financial and imaging goods and/or services, comprising:  
           [0022]    a customer input device;  
           [0023]    a display device;  
           [0024]    a mechanism for receiving and/or providing monetary transfer by the customer; and  
           [0025]    a scanning device for scanning of documents provided to the kiosk.  
           [0026]    In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for providing remote financial transactions, comprising:  
           [0027]    a customer kiosk for providing financial and imaging goods and/or services, the kiosk having a customer input device; a display device; a mechanism for receiving and/or providing monetary transfer by the customer; and a scanning device for scanning of documents provided to the kiosk; and a communication mechanism for communicating with a computer system at a remote location and providing information to the computer system obtained by the scanning mechanism;  
           [0028]    the computer system having a display device for viewing of information provide by the kiosk, a software program for analyzing the information for confirming the information is authentic and authorizing a financial transaction based on the analyzing of the information.  
           [0029]    In still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing financial and imaging goods and/or services from a kiosk having a customer input scanning device and a display device, the method comprising:  
           [0030]    providing a financial document to the input scanning device, the financial document being issued to the user and having user identification;  
           [0031]    scanning the financial document provided to the kiosk and obtaining the user identification; and  
           [0032]    providing confirmation data to the kiosk for verification of the user identification.  
           [0033]    In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided method for conducting a financial transaction by a customer at a remote kiosk, comprising the steps of:  
           [0034]    a. obtaining initial information about the customer at the kiosk;  
           [0035]    b. obtaining corresponding information about the customer from a remote location;  
           [0036]    c. comparing the initial information with the corresponding information for confirming the authenticity of the initial information; and  
           [0037]    d. conducting a financial transaction based on the confirmation of the authenticity of the initial information.  
           [0038]    In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer software product comprising a computer readable storage medium having a computer program which when loaded into a computer in a kiosk having a customer input scanning device and a display device causes the computer to perform the following steps:  
           [0039]    a. scanning the financial document provided to the kiosk and obtaining the user identification; and  
           [0040]    b. providing confirmation data to the kiosk for verification of the user identification.  
           [0041]    In yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer software product comprising a computer readable storage medium having a computer program which when loaded into a computer in a kiosk causes the computer to perform the following steps:  
           [0042]    a. obtaining initial information about the customer at the kiosk;  
           [0043]    b. obtaining corresponding information about the customer from a remote location;  
           [0044]    c. comparing the initial information with the corresponding information for confirming the authenticity of the initial information; and  
           [0045]    d. conducting a financial transaction based on the confirmation of the authenticity of the initial information.  
           [0046]    These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0047]    In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art image-producing kiosk;  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art ATM kiosk, as a non-imaging producing kiosk;  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 3 illustrates an integrated kiosk made in accordance with the present invention having the capability to provide both imaging and non-imaging products/services;  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 4 set forth a list of common architecture elements of a prior art kiosk of FIG. 1 and prior art kiosk of FIG. 2;  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of method for dispensing imaging products and/or services from an integrated kiosk made in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of methods for dispensing ATM products/services from an integrated kiosk made in accordance with present invention;  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 7 illustrated a custom product produced from a kiosk made in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 8 illustrated a system for utilizing remote services and applications of an integrated kiosk made in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0056]    Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a prior art kiosk  10  which provides imaging products and services. Kiosk  10  represents a composite of key components for producing imaging products and providing imaging services. The kiosk  10  includes a touch screen user interface  11  which provides user instructions and/or prompts and allows data entry by the user to kiosk  10 . In the embodiment illustrated the screen user interface  11  comprises a touch screen as is well known in the art. The user can scan a photo or other document using the image scanner  22  or, if available, use an attached digital image camera  14  to capture a digital image. A computer  16  is provided in kiosk  10  for controlling operation of the kiosk  10 . The kiosk  10  may also be equipped with peripherals to read digital image files from various sources such memory cards and portable storage devices like CDs, memory sticks, camera memory cards and floppy/zip disks. Through the user interface  11  and application software that resides in the computer  16 , the consumer/customer selects an imaging product or service, and is then instructed to perform the appropriate set of operations. This may include financial transaction payment of the imaging product/service using a multi-card reader  20  for credit card, debit card or smart card processing. A network connection  24  is provided in kiosk  10  that is used to support the transaction processing, as well as provide other appropriate network services and support. Upon approval of payment, image product is generated. For example a small size image printer  12  is provided in kiosk  10  for use in generating photo ID or small sticker sheet output. In addition a larger size image printer  18  may be provided for generating larger image reproduction or large sticker sheet output. Other image product outputs are provided over-the-counter or sent to the consumer.  
         [0057]    Referring to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a typical prior art ATM kiosk  40  used for financial transactions provided by a financial institution. A security camera  50  typically monitors the consumer at the kiosk  40 . Through a user display device  52  provided on kiosk  40 , the consumer is instructed to select the desired transaction and use data entry device  54  for selections and data entry. In the embodiment illustrated display device  52  comprises a CRT and data entry device  54  comprises a key pad. It is to be understood that display device  52  and data entry device  54  may be any well known substitute. Kiosk  40  includes control and application software that resides on an associated computer  58  also provided in kiosk  40 . A network connection  64  is provided in kiosk  40  to support the transaction processing. For any deposits, the consumer uses an envelope deposit slot  66  provided on kiosk  40 . For transactions requiring a credit card, debit card or smart card, the consumer swipes it through the multi-card reader  62  provided on kiosk  40 . When a transaction requires the consumer to provide a written signature or a biometric fingerprint, the writing pad/sensor plate  60  provided on kiosk  40  is used. Any disbursement transaction would be made to the consumer via the financial instrument dispenser  68 . The receipt printer  56  provided on kiosk  40  generates a printout confirmation of the processed transaction.  
         [0058]    Referring to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a kiosk  100  made in accordance with the present invention. The kiosk  100  incorporates the functionality of both an imaging kiosk and an ATM kiosk into a single kiosk unit. FIG. 4 set forth a list of common architecture elements of a prior art kiosk of FIG. 1 and prior art kiosk of FIG. 2. The kiosk  100  includes a customer input device and display device. In the embodiment illustrated, the kiosk  100  uses a touch display screen user interface  102  as a display device to display instructions and prompts, and as an input device to for allowing a customer to enter data for conducting its business. It is of course understood that any appropriate display device and/or data entry device may be employed to support the functions of the kiosk  100 . The kiosk  100  includes an imaging camera  101  provides both security monitoring, personal identification and a means for capturing an image for image-based products. Alternately, the customer can capture a digital image from a photograph using the image scanner  106  provided on kiosk  100  or import a digital image file stored on various media (e.g., CD, memory card/stick or disk) using the various input devices not shown, but provided, on kiosk  100 . These devices are appropriately connected to a computer  112  provided in kiosk  100 . The computer  112  also controls kiosk  100  and uses the appropriate software applications for supporting operations at kiosk  100 . The kiosk  100  also includes a communication device  117  for providing communication over a network connection  118  that supports the transaction processing and other application communication network services and support, such as “back lab processing” for high volume image printing. The network connection  118  may be of a broad bandwidth type or of a low bandwidth type, the broad bandwidth being used for large files, such as image files, and the low bandwidth type being used for transmission of small data files. For example, a phone line may be used for the small data files and a cable type connection could be used for large image type files. Preferably, the kiosk  100  would have both types of connections. In addition the kiosk  100  may employ data compression algorithms to support transmission of data.  
         [0059]    For a financial transaction requiring a monetary deposit, the consumer uses the envelope deposit slot  104 . For imaging or ATM transactions requiring a credit card, debit card or smart card, the consumer swipes it through the multi-card reader  116 . Where a product or service requires the consumer to provide personal identification through a written signature or a biometric fingerprint, a writing pad/sensor plate  114  provided on kiosk  100  is used. The imaging camera  101  would be used for personal identification, providing visualization verification of the customer or other individual at kiosk  100  as well as being the capture device for biometric iris scanning. Upon payment approval, imaging and financial products are generated by kiosk  100 . A small size image printer  110  provided on kiosk  100  is 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 FIG. 7. Kiosk  100  in the preferred embodiment also included a large size image printer  120  for larger-sized imaging products. Financial instrument disbursements, as part of a financial transaction, are made to the consumer using the financial instrument dispenser  108 . A receipt printout, confirming the processed transaction, is generated by smaller size printer  110   
         [0060]    The kiosk  100  may be used for ordering of image products and/or services or as an ATM. Referring to FIG. 5 there is shown a flow diagram of one type of operation of the kiosk  100 . When a customer, desires to request an image product and/or service  200 , the customer initiates a request on kiosk  100  and follows the prompts on the touch screen user interface  102 . The customer selects the image source  202  of an image. For example obtain an image from a remote location via the network connection  118 , imaging camera  101 , image scanner  106 , or from a file stored on media such as a CD, memory card/stick, disk using the peripheral options available on the computer  112 , so as to begin the image acquisition process  204 . Once the image is acquired, the customer can perform any image edits or enhancements allowed by kiosk  100  to get the desired image  206  for the image product/service. The customer is also prompted to select the particular image product/service  208 . Prior to rendering the image product/service, the customer is prompted to select desired payment method, for example debit card, credit card, smart card, payment via ATM functionality using uses either the multi-card reader  116  or ATM process  214 ;  216 , via communication device  117  over the network connection  118 . The multi-card reader  116  has magnetic, optical and computer chip reading capability to perform the transaction for the image product/service. Upon payment approval, the kiosk dispenses the requested image product or service  218 . If selected, digital prints are generated at the large size image printer  120 . Photo ID or Photo Sticker selections are produced at the small size image printer  110 . Other outputs at the kiosk include CD, memory card/stick and disk using the computer  112  peripherals.  
         [0061]    Also, 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 , as a digital watermark (for example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,859,920; 5,905,819; 6,044,182; 6,136,752 which are hereby incorporated it their entirety) to uniquely identify the generation of the image product through the user interface  102 , the writing pad/sensor plate  114  or the imaging camera  101 .  
         [0062]    Referring to FIG. 6 there is illustrated various other forms of operation of the kiosk  100  in accordance with the present invention. For example, when a customer is interested in conducting a financial transaction  300 , using kiosk  100 , the customer would utilize user interface  102  and its associated screen prompts  302 . In addition (or as an alternative) to using a PIN, an image of the customer is captured by imaging camera  101  and sent to a remote database  353 , financial institution  350  or third party  355  (see FIG. 8) for authorization in conducting some ATM transactions. For example the image of the customer could be sent to the third party responsible for the disbursement for visual verification, or verification by comparing the captured image of the customer using image recognition software to an image on file. Additional security measures can be taken to secure transactions  304 . For example when signature (e.g.; via hand-written or biometrics) is desired, the writing pad/sensor plate  114  (or the imaging camera  101  for an iris scan implementation) is used to authenticate the transaction process  306 . The information obtained by these devices is analyzed and compared with stored information or information accessed over the communication network for verification. This verification may be done at the kiosk  100  or at the remote location. An envelope deposit slot  104  is provided for cash deposit transactions; similarly, card swiping, using the multicard reader  116 , provides non-cash deposits/withdrawal capability. The customer follows the ATM prompts on the user interface  102 , resulting in the financial transaction, which may include a cash disbursement, at the financial instrument dispenser  108 . After the financial transaction has been completed, the smaller size printer  110  provides a receipt, as a record of the transaction  324 ;  346 ;  354 .  
         [0063]    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 FIG. 8) over a communication network. One such example is over the internet using a telephone connected to the kiosk  100 . Once the third party is connected to the kiosk  100 , appropriate information can be entered by the third party over the communication network. This could be a valid credit card number, bank account etc. This information need not be given to the customer, but instead the information could be entered directly to the kiosk  100  over the communication network. The phone provided at kiosk is used to provide verification that the customer is who the third party  355  wishes to make payment for or authorize the release of funds to. The imaging camera  101  could allow visual verification of the customer at the kiosk  100  when the communication network is the internet and the third party is accessing the kiosk by a computer or other similar device. This allows the third party to view the customer for visual verification. The requested money or payment would then be authorized by the third party.  
         [0064]    In another form of operation the third party agrees to a specific time to approve and forward the cash to the requester  312  kiosk  100  at an agreed-upon time. 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  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 to verify that the image is that of the requestor  318 . The e-mail also identifies the secure web site where the third party links 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 would alternatively view a live cam broadcast of the requester on the designated web site. Meanwhile the user interface  102  is statusing 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 is 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.  
         [0065]    In another form of operation of kiosk  100 , the customer can also have access to its own Digital Safe Deposit Box (DSDB) at the financial institution  350 . Following the instructions on the user interface  102 , from the DSDB account the customer can deposit, transfer or withdraw contents  352 . 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 . A receipt is then generated  354  at the smaller sized printer  110  at the completion of the DSDB transaction.  
         [0066]    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  incorporating an image  401  of the bearer and/or the bearer&#39;s signature  402  printed on the travelers checks. For example a personal identification icon  404  is printed to provide visual authentication in using the travelers check. Through the user interface  102 , the customer is instructed  334  to either get an image captured  336  via the imaging camera  101  or to scan a photograph on the image scanner  106 . The customer reviews  338  and selects the desired image for the travelers check. For securing the selected financial instrument  330 , the customer optionally uses the writing pad/sensor plate  114  to capture the bearer&#39;s signature for printing a signature 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&#39;s unique information (e.g. customer signature and biometric information). The watermark provides the authentication of financial instrument provided by kiosk  100 . Use of watermarking is well known in its prior art. 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  to equal the amount purchased. When the financial instrument is presented for payment at a desired merchant, the image on the financial can be compared to the presenter and the presenter can be asked to provide a second signature at location  403  for comparison and verification of the signature.  
         [0067]    In the above embodiment the financial instrument is obtained at kiosk  100  and presented at desired merchant. It is also contemplated that financial instrument having the image and/or signature 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 image and signature on the instrument. Then the customer could sign writing pad/sensor pad  114 . The computer could then apply an appropriate algorithm for verification of the signature. In addition, the imaging camera  101  could capture the image of the presenter and the computer would 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 .  
         [0068]    While in the preferred invention is directed to the use of the ATM products/services with imaging products/services, the present invention is not so limited. Various other types of non-imaging products/services kiosks would share common features with an imaging kiosk, as an integrated kiosk, may be employed in the present invention.  
         [0069]    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.  
       Parts List  
       [0070]    [0070] 10  Kiosk (Imaging)  
         [0071]    [0071] 11  User Interface  
         [0072]    [0072] 12  Image Printer (Small Size)  
         [0073]    [0073] 14  Digital Image Camera  
         [0074]    [0074] 16  Computer  
         [0075]    [0075] 18  Image Printer (Large Size)  
         [0076]    [0076] 20  Multi-Card Reader  
         [0077]    [0077] 22  Image Scanner  
         [0078]    [0078] 24  Network Connection  
         [0079]    [0079] 40  Kiosk (ATM)  
         [0080]    [0080] 50  Security Camera  
         [0081]    [0081] 52  Display Device  
         [0082]    [0082] 54  Data Entry Device  
         [0083]    [0083] 56  Receipt Printer  
         [0084]    [0084] 58  Computer  
         [0085]    [0085] 60  Writing Pad/Sensor Plate  
         [0086]    [0086] 62  Multi-Card Reader  
         [0087]    [0087] 64  Network Connection  
         [0088]    [0088] 66  Envelope Deposit Slot  
         [0089]    [0089] 68  Financial Instrument Dispenser  
         [0090]    [0090] 100  Integrated Kiosk  
         [0091]    [0091] 101  Imaging Camera  
         [0092]    [0092] 102  User Interface  
         [0093]    [0093] 104  Envelope Deposit Slot  
         [0094]    [0094] 106  Image Scanner  
         [0095]    [0095] 108  Financial Instrument Dispenser  
         [0096]    [0096] 110  Small Size Image Printer  
         [0097]    [0097] 112  Computer (including peripherals &amp; supporting software)  
         [0098]    [0098] 114  Writing Pad/Sensor Plate  
         [0099]    [0099] 116  Multi-Card Reader  
         [0100]    [0100] 117  Communication Device  
         [0101]    [0101] 118  Network Connection (communications network)  
         [0102]    [0102] 120  Large Size Image Printer  
         [0103]    [0103] 200  Step  
         [0104]    [0104] 202  Step  
         [0105]    [0105] 204  Step  
         [0106]    [0106] 206  Step  
         [0107]    [0107] 208  Step  
         [0108]    [0108] 210  Step  
         [0109]    [0109] 214  Step  
         [0110]    [0110] 216  Step  
         [0111]    [0111] 218  Step  
         [0112]    [0112] 300  Step  
         [0113]    [0113] 302  Step  
         [0114]    [0114] 304  Step  
         [0115]    [0115] 306  Step  
         [0116]    [0116] 310  Step  
         [0117]    [0117] 312  Step  
         [0118]    [0118] 314  Step  
         [0119]    [0119] 316  Step  
         [0120]    [0120] 318  Step  
         [0121]    [0121] 320  Step  
         [0122]    [0122] 322  Step  
         [0123]    [0123] 324  Step  
         [0124]    [0124] 330  Step  
         [0125]    [0125] 332  Step  
         [0126]    [0126] 334  Step  
         [0127]    [0127] 336  Step  
         [0128]    [0128] 338  Step  
         [0129]    [0129] 340  Step  
         [0130]    [0130] 342  Step  
         [0131]    [0131] 344  Step  
         [0132]    [0132] 346  Step  
         [0133]    [0133] 350  Step  
         [0134]    [0134] 351  Financial Institution  
         [0135]    [0135] 352  Step  
         [0136]    [0136] 353  Remote Database  
         [0137]    [0137] 354  Step  
         [0138]    [0138] 355  Third Party  
         [0139]    [0139] 400  Financial Instrument (custom product)  
         [0140]    [0140] 401  Image  
         [0141]    [0141] 402  Bearer&#39;s Signature  
         [0142]    [0142] 403  Location  
         [0143]    [0143] 404  Personal Identification Icon