Abstract:
A system, method, and computer program product is provided that is capable of receiving and processing payments from a payor. In one embodiment, the system includes a processing element capable of identifying a payor account, the payor account being associated with a payor and with one of a plurality of billers, and the payor account comprising payor account data. The processing element also is capable of accessing the payor account data. The processing element also is capable of receiving data representing a payment from the payor to satisfy a financial obligation evidenced by the payor account. The processing element is further capable of sending a notice to the one of a plurality of billers indicating that the payment has been received.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/640,923, filed Dec. 31, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to receiving and processing payments, and more particularly, to systems, methods, and computer program products for receiving payments via an interactive customer interface.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Receiving and processing payments for services rendered is critical to the financial health of any business. This is especially true for businesses that provide ongoing or recurring services and bill their customers on a periodic basis (such as monthly) for those services. Examples of these types of businesses include alarm service provides, electric service providers, telephone service providers, Internet service providers, cable television service providers, and natural gas service providers.  
         [0004]     While receiving and processing payments for services is a necessary and important activity for these businesses, it is also a costly and time-consuming activity. Conventional payment receiving and processing methods typically require customers to mail their payments to a central receiving location, sometimes referred to as a lockbox operation. These central receiving locations are often affiliated with a bank or other financial service provider. Customers mail in the remittance stub they receive from the business, along with a form of payment. The form of payment may be a personal check, a bank check, a money order, or possibly a credit card authorization. The central receiving location opens the received mail, electronically scans the payment to record the information, and then deposits the checks or money orders in the business&#39;s bank account, or processes a credit card charge. The payment information, known as remittance advice, may comprise the customer name and address, the account number, and the payment amount and date. The payment information is electronically compiled and periodically transmitted in a data file to the business.  
         [0005]     While conventional lockbox operations are widely utilized, there are several drawbacks to this system. One drawback is the time it takes to complete the payment cycle. The cycle begins when payment is sent from the customer to the central receiving location, typically via the U.S. Postal Service. The transit time for the payment will typically be two to three days. The payment must then be removed from the envelope and scanned. The check must then be deposited. After the check is deposited, it may take a week for the money to be received by the business from the customer&#39;s bank. It is also possible that the U.S. Postal Service may misdirect the payment, thereby further delaying receipt and processing of the payment.  
         [0006]     Another drawback of conventional lockbox operations is the requirement for the customer to send payment in the form of a check or a credit card authorization. Most businesses strongly discourage customers from sending cash because it may easily be lost or stolen during processing of the payment. In addition, many customers, particularly those with low incomes, do not have checking accounts or credit cards. These individuals must purchase a money order as their method of payment. However, money orders can be expensive and inconvenient to obtain.  
         [0007]     The delay in receiving and processing payments from low-income customers can also be a problem for businesses since low-income customers sometimes delay sending payments as long as possible because of lack of money. Sometimes the customer may delay sending the payment until right before the service is to be terminated for lack of payment. If the customer waits too long, or if the mail is misdirected, this delay may cause the payment to be received late, which may in turn cause the business to terminate the service it is providing to the customer resulting in either the customer or the business having to incur the expense associated with reconnecting the service.  
         [0008]     An alternative system of payment receiving and processing involves on-line bill payment. In one version of an on-line bill payment system, the customer accesses the customer&#39;s account via the business&#39;s Internet site. The customer may then provide payment directly to the business by authorizing a credit card payment, or by providing checking account information that will allow the business to request and receive payment electronically from the customer&#39;s bank. In another version of an on-line bill payment system, the customer accesses the customer&#39;s bank account via the bank&#39;s Internet site. The customer may then authorize the customer&#39;s bank to send a payment electronically directly to the business&#39;s bank account.  
         [0009]     The on-line bill payment system addresses some of the drawbacks of conventional lockbox operations. However, the on-line bill payment system still requires the customer to have a bank account or a credit card. Additionally, the customer must have Internet access. Therefore, the on-line bill payment system may not be a suitable solution for some low-income customers.  
         [0010]     Another alternative system of payment receiving and processing involves in-person bill payment. In such an in-person payment system, the customer must go to a specified location and tender payment. This may involve the customer going to the location of the business whose bill is to be paid or to an in-person service center operated by the business; for example, going to the office of the electric service provider to pay the bill for the electric service. This method allows the customer to pay using a variety of payment methods, including cash. However, the location of the business or the in-person service center operated by the business may be far from the location of the customer, thereby making it infeasible or undesirable for the customer to travel to the location of the business or in-person service center. In addition, operating such in-person service centers for receipt and processing of payments can be expensive for the business thereby decreasing what may already be a relatively small profit margin.  
         [0011]     In some in-person payment receiving and processing systems, the payment may be tendered to a third party, who then forwards the payment to the appropriate business. A given third party may accept payments for numerous different businesses. These third parties are often grocery stores. These third parties accept these payments as a convenience to their customers (i.e., the customer may be located closer to the third party than the business or in-person service center and, thus, more convenient for the customers) and also because the third party receives a fee for every payment accepted (i.e., a commission). Additionally, a few states require by law that grocery stores accept payments for utility bills. This type of in-person bill payment system has the advantage that the cost associated with collecting the payments is less than the business operating its own in-person service center, since the cost is split among all of the business utilizing the third party&#39;s collection services. However, a drawback to this type of in-person bill payment system is that it requires an employee of the third party to accept the payment. This prevents this employee from performing the employee&#39;s main duties during the time the employee is accepting payments. Because of this, the third parties demand a larger commission than would be demanded if accepting the payment did not require use of the third parties&#39; employees. Additionally, the employee accepting the payment must record the payment. It is possible that the employee could make a mistake while recording the payment and that could prevent the customer&#39;s account from being properly credited. Also, the payments received by the third party must be transferred to the appropriate business, thereby delaying the business&#39; receipt of the remittance advice and money. The delay caused by the processing time for paper checks is also inherent in this system.  
         [0012]     Another alternative system for receiving and processing payments involves an interactive customer interface, such as a kiosk. Examples of these systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,902 to Cooley et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0152165 to Dutta et al., which was published on Oct. 17, 2002, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0097332 to Golasinski et al., which was published on May 22, 2003. There are many benefits to an interactive customer interface system for receiving and processing payments. Such a system may allow several different forms of payment, such as cash, credit card, debit card, or check. Additionally, using such a system allows a customer to avoid the delay inherent in sending a payment by mail. Such systems, in the form of kiosks, may be placed in a variety of locations, such as retail stores, allowing them to be conveniently located near customers. Such systems may be capable of accepting payments for a variety of different businesses. Such systems also allow payments to be accepted without requiring any action by an employee of the retail store where the kiosk is located.  
         [0013]     While these interactive customer interface systems provide a number of benefits, these systems do not provide either the customer or business real-time access to customer account information or access to a customer&#39;s payment history. As such, the customer generally must know the balance due and the payment due date to make a payment. Additionally, the customer may be required to physically possess the bill when making a payment, as these systems may require that the bill be scanned. These conventional interactive customer interface systems also must be periodically monitored by the business to remove payments and/or confirm operation of the interface, which can be an inefficient use of an employee&#39;s time (particularly, where the interface has room for additional payments and/or is operating fine). In addition, while such interfaces provide a more efficient system for collecting payments in comparison to other conventional in-person payment systems, such systems do not assist the business in selling or expanding its service offering to customers as perhaps would be done by an employee in an in-person service center.  
         [0014]     As such, there remains a need for a system, method, and computer program product for receiving and processing payments whereby a customer can make a payment to a variety of businesses at any one of a variety of locations using a variety of payment options, whereby the customer has real-time access to account information, and whereby the businesses have real-time access to the payment information. In addition, the system, method, and computer program product for receiving and processing payments should assist the business in selling or expanding its service offering to customers.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     The present invention provides a system that is capable of receiving and processing payments from a customer (also referred to herein as a “payor” or “user”) to one or more businesses (also referred to herein as “billers”). According to one embodiment, the system includes a processing element capable of identifying a payor account, wherein the payor account is associated with a payor and with one of a plurality of billers, and wherein the payor account comprises payor account data. In one embodiment, the processing element is capable of identifying a payor account by proposing to the payor a plurality of biller categories, wherein each one of the plurality of billers is associated with at least one of the plurality of biller categories. The processing element is capable of receiving data representing the one of a plurality of biller categories selected by the payor and is capable of proposing to the payor at least one biller associated with the selected one of the plurality of biller categories. The processing element is capable of receiving data representing the biller selected by the payor. The processing element is capable of receiving data representing a personal account identifier associated with the payor account, and wherein the processing element is also capable of verifying the account identifier. In one embodiment, the processing element is capable of verifying the account identifier by at least one of using a verification algorithm associated with the biller selected by the payor or matching verifying data against the payor account data.  
         [0016]     The processing element is capable of accessing the payor account data. In one embodiment, the payor account data includes an amount due, a payment due date, the amount of prior payments, and/or the dates of prior payments. In another embodiment, the processing element is capable of at least one of accessing the payor account data from a data cache received periodically from the one of a plurality of billers or receiving the payor account data in real-time from the one of a plurality of billers.  
         [0017]     The processing element is capable of receiving data representing a payment from the payor to satisfy a financial obligation evidenced by the payor account. The processing element is capable of sending a notice to the one of a plurality of billers indicating that the payment has been received. In one embodiment, the processing element is capable of sending a notice to the one of a plurality of billers by at least one of periodically sending batch payment data to the one of a plurality of billers or sending real-time payment data for each payor to the one of a plurality of billers when the payment is received. In another embodiment, the processing element is capable of sending a notice to the one of a plurality of billers upon receipt of a payment from a payor in a predefined subset of payors. In still another embodiment, the processing element is capable of processing the payment by sending instructions to transfer funds in an amount equal to the payment from the payor to a bank account of the one of a plurality of billers.  
         [0018]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the processing element is capable of enforcing a payor-specific payment limitation. For example, in one embodiment, the payor-specific payment limitation specifies that the payment must be in paper currency.  
         [0019]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the processing element is capable of proposing to the payor at least one of a plurality of targeted messages, wherein the at least one of a plurality of targeted messages that is proposed is determined based upon at least one of a plurality of attributes. For example, in one embodiment, the at least one of a plurality of attributes includes the date the payment is received in relation to the date the payment is due, payor account data, the one of a plurality of billers, or one of a plurality of biller categories. In one embodiment, the at least one of a plurality of targeted messages includes an offer to the payor to subscribe to a service option from the one of a plurality of billers to which the payor does not currently subscribe. In another embodiment, the processing element is capable of receiving the payor&#39;s acceptance of the subscription offer, and wherein the processing element is further capable of sending a notice to the one of a plurality of billers indicating the payor&#39;s acceptance.  
         [0020]     In still another embodiment of the present invention, the processing element is capable of counting the paper currency received in a receptacle from the payor to determine the amount of paper currency received from the payor, wherein the receptacle has a maximum capacity of paper currency that can be received. The processing element is further capable of calculating a capacity percentage, wherein the capacity percentage is equal to the amount of paper currency received in the receptacle divided by the maximum capacity of paper currency that can be received in the receptacle. In one embodiment, the processing element is capable of sending a notification when the capacity percentage reaches a predefined value. In another embodiment, the processing element is capable of storing data representing the capacity percentage as a function of elapsed time. The processing element also is capable of estimating, based at least in part upon the stored data, the amount of time that will elapse before the capacity percentage will reach a predefined value, and wherein the processing element is further capable of sending a notification based upon the estimated elapsed time.  
         [0021]     The present invention also provides a computer program product for processing payments from a payor to a biller, the computer program product comprises a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein. In one embodiment, the computer-readable program code portions comprise an executable portion for identifying a payor account, the payor account being associated with a payor and with one of a plurality of billers, and wherein the payor account comprises payor account data. In one embodiment, the executable portion identifies the payor account by proposing to the payor a plurality of biller categories, wherein each one of the plurality of billers is associated with at least one of the plurality of biller categories. The executable portion receives data representing the one of the plurality of biller categories selected by the payor. The executable portion proposes to the payor at least one biller associated with the selected one of the plurality of biller categories. The executable portion receives data representing the biller selected by the payor. The executable portion receives data representing an account identifier associated with the payor account, and wherein the executable portion verifies the account identifier. In one embodiment, the executable portion verifies the account identifier by at least one of using a verification algorithm associated with the biller selected by the payor or matching verifying data against the payor account data.  
         [0022]     The executable portion accesses the payor account data. In one embodiment, the payor account data includes an amount due, a payment due date, the amount of prior payments, and/or the dates of prior payments. In another embodiment, the executable portion accesses the payor account data by at least one of accessing a data cache received periodically from the one of a plurality of billers or receiving the payor account data in real-time from the one of a plurality of billers.  
         [0023]     The executable portion receives data representing a payment from the payor to satisfy a financial obligation evidenced by the payor account. The executable portion sends a notice to the one of a plurality of billers indicating that the payment has been received. In one embodiment, the executable portion sends the notice by at least one of periodically sending batch payment data for a plurality of payors to the one of a plurality of billers or sending real-time payment data for each payor to the one of a plurality of billers when the payment is received. In another embodiment, the executable portion sends the notice upon receipt of a payment from a payor in a predefined subset of payors. In still another embodiment, the executable portion processes the payment by sending instructions to transfer funds in an amount equal to the payment from the payor to a bank account of the one of a plurality of billers.  
         [0024]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the executable portion enforces a payor-specific payment limitation. For example, in one embodiment, the payor-specific payment limitation specifies that the payment must be in paper currency.  
         [0025]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the executable portion proposes to the payor at least one of a plurality of targeted messages, wherein the at least one of a plurality of targeted messages that is proposed is determined based upon at least one of a plurality of attributes. For example, in one embodiment, the at least one of a plurality of attributes includes the date the payment is received in relation to the date the payment is due, payor account data, the one of a plurality of billers, or one of a plurality of biller categories. In one embodiment, the at least one of a plurality of targeted messages includes an offer to the payor to subscribe to a service option from the one of a plurality of billers to which the payor does not currently subscribe. In another embodiment, the executable portion receives the payor&#39;s acceptance of the subscription offer, and wherein the executable portion sends a notice to the one of a plurality of billers indicating the payor&#39;s acceptance.  
         [0026]     In still another embodiment of the present invention, the executable portion counts the paper currency received in a receptacle from the payor to determine the amount of paper currency received from the payor, wherein the receptacle has a maximum capacity of paper currency that can be received. The executable portion calculates a capacity percentage, wherein the capacity percentage is equal to the amount of paper currency received in the receptacle divided by the maximum capacity of paper currency that can be received in the receptacle. In one embodiment, the executable portion sends a notification when the capacity percentage reaches a predefined value. In another embodiment, the executable portion stores data representing the capacity percentage as a function of elapsed time. The executable portion estimates, based at least in part upon the stored data, the amount of time that will elapse before the capacity percentage will reach a predefined value, and wherein the executable portion sends a notification based upon the estimated elapsed time.  
         [0027]     The present invention also provides a method for receiving and processing payments from a payor to a biller. According to one embodiment, the method includes identifying a payor account, the payor account being associated with a payor and with one of a plurality of billers, and wherein the payor account comprises payor account data. In one embodiment, the identifying step includes proposing to the payor a plurality of biller categories, wherein each one of the plurality of billers is associated with at least one of the plurality of biller categories. The identifying step includes receiving data representing the one of the plurality of biller categories selected by the payor. The identifying step includes proposing to the payor at least one biller associated with the selected one of the plurality of biller categories. The identifying step includes receiving data representing the biller selected by the payor, receiving data representing an account identifier associated with the payor account, and verifying the account identifier. In one embodiment, the verifying step comprises at least one of using a verification algorithm associated with the biller selected by the payor or matching verifying data against the payor account data.  
         [0028]     The method for receiving and processing payments from a payor to a biller includes accessing the payor account data. In one embodiment, the payor account data includes an amount due, a payment due date, the amount of prior payments and/or the dates of prior payments. In another embodiment, the accessing step includes at least one of accessing the payor account data from a data cache received periodically from the one of a plurality of billers or receiving the payor account data in real-time from the one of a plurality of billers.  
         [0029]     The method for receiving and processing payments from a payor to a biller includes receiving a payment from the payor to satisfy a financial obligation evidenced by the payor account. The method includes sending a notice to the one of a plurality of billers indicating that the payment has been received and processing the payment. In one embodiment, the sending step comprises at least one of periodically sending batch payment data for a plurality of payors to the one of a plurality of billers or sending real-time payment data for each payor to the one of a plurality of billers when the payment is received. In another embodiment, the sending step is performed upon receipt of a payment from a payor in a predefined subset of payors. In one embodiment, the processing step comprises sending instructions to transfer funds in an amount equal to the payment from the payor to a bank account of the one of a plurality of billers.  
         [0030]     In another embodiment, the method for receiving and processing payments includes enforcing a payor-specific payment limitation. For example, in one embodiment, the payor-specific payment limitation specifies that the payment must be in paper currency.  
         [0031]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes proposing to the payor at least one of a plurality of targeted messages, wherein the at least one of a plurality of targeted messages that is proposed is determined based upon at least one of a plurality of attributes. For example, in one embodiment, the at least one of a plurality of attributes includes the date the payment is received in relation to the date the payment is due, payor account data, the one of a plurality of billers, or one of a plurality of biller categories. In one embodiment, the at least one of a plurality of targeted messages comprises an offer to the payor to subscribe to a service option from the one of a plurality of billers to which the payor does not currently subscribe. In another embodiment, the method includes receiving the payor&#39;s acceptance of the subscription offer and sending a notice to the one of a plurality of billers indicating the payor&#39;s acceptance.  
         [0032]     In still another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes counting the paper currency received in a receptacle from the payor to determine the amount of paper currency received from the payor, wherein the receptacle has a maximum capacity of paper currency that can be deposited. The method includes calculating a capacity percentage, wherein the capacity percentage is equal to the amount of paper currency received in the receptacle divided by the maximum capacity of paper currency that can be received in the receptacle. In one embodiment, the method includes sending a notification when the capacity percentage reaches a predefined value. In another embodiment, the method includes storing data representing the capacity percentage as a function of elapsed time; estimating, based at least in part upon the stored data, the amount of time that will elapse before the capacity percentage will reach a predefined value; and sending a notification based upon the estimated elapsed time. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)  
       [0033]     Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:  
         [0034]      FIG. 1 ( a ) is a flowchart of a method used in receiving payments from a payor to a biller, according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 1 ( b ) is a continuation of the flowchart of  FIG. 1 ( a );  
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart of a method used in processing payments from a payor to a biller, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of system for receiving and processing payments, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0038]     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.  
         [0039]     While embodiments of the present invention will be described in terms of a system of kiosks and related infrastructure capable of receiving and processing payments (referred to herein generally as system  120 ), it should be appreciated that the present invention may be used with any interactive customer interface capable of receiving and processing payments. Interactive customer interfaces capable of receiving and processing payments exist in many forms and include, but are not limited to, Internet applications, automated telephonic applications such as an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, and live telephonic applications such as a customer service call centers.  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is illustrated a schematic block diagram of a system  120  for receiving and processing payments, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary system  120  of  FIG. 3 , the kiosk  140  comprises a processor  142 , a touch screen  144 , a keypad  146 , a cash receiver  148 , a storage bin  150 , a magnetic strip reader  152 , a check scanner  154 , and a communication element  156 . As discussed more fully below, the processor  142  of the kiosk  140  controls the functions of the other elements of the kiosk  140 . In addition, the processor  142  can also function as a verification element wherein it verifies the account identifier entered by the payor, e.g., using the biller&#39;s verification algorithm. The processor  142  can also function as a counting element wherein it counts the paper currency as it is received in the storage bin  150 . The processor  142  can also function as a calculating element wherein it calculates the capacity percentage of the storage bin  150 , as discussed more fully below.  
         [0041]     The kiosk  140  includes a touch screen  144  that functions as a display element. In this regard, messages to the payor, such as “Enter Account Number,” targeted messages, the payor&#39;s account data, etc., can be displayed on the touch screen  144  by the processor  142 . The touch screen  144  and the keypad  146  are also capable of functioning as selection elements whereby selections, such as the biller category and the payment method, can be made by the payor by touching the corresponding portion of touch screen or entering a response via the keypad. The touch screen  144  and the keypad  146  are also capable of functioning as data entry elements through which the payor can enter data such as an account number or the amount of a payment being made by the payor.  
         [0042]     The cash receiver  148 , magnetic strip reader  152 , and check scanner  154  are all capable of functioning as receiving elements to receive a payment from a payor. The cash receiver  148  receives paper currency if the payor is submitting a payment in cash. The paper currency submitted as payment is placed in storage bin  150 , which holds the currency until the kiosk  140  can be serviced (for example, by an armored car service) at which time storage bin  150  is emptied. The magnetic strip reader  152  is used by the payor to swipe a credit card, such that the credit card data is read from the magnetic strip. The check scanner  154  receives a blank check if the payor is submitting a payment by check, and reads the account number and routing number from the check.  
         [0043]     The communication element  156  functions as a data retrieval element and manages all communication between the kiosk  140  and the network server  160 . In this regard, the communication element  156  is in communication (via the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, etc.) with communication element  166  of the network server  160  to send and receive payor account data and payment data.  
         [0044]     In the exemplary system of  FIG. 3 , the network server  160  comprises a processor  162 , data storage  164 , and a communication element  166 . The processor  162  controls the functions of the other elements of the network server  160 . In addition, the processor  162  can also function as a prediction element, such that in one embodiment of the invention the processor analyzes past usage of a kiosk  140 , along with the current capacity percentage and information about upcoming anticipated heavy usage, to predict at which point in time storage bin  150  of the kiosk is likely to reach full capacity.  
         [0045]     The communication element  166  manages all communication between the network server  160  and other devices both internal and external to the payment receiving and processing system  120 . The network server  160  communicates, through communication element  166 , with kiosk  140 , biller access terminal  170 , biller account database  172 , credit card issuer  180 , and service provider bank  178 .  
         [0046]     The data storage element  164  of the network server  160  stores the payor account data for those billers who transmit the data periodically in a batch file to the network server  160 . The payor account data batch file is sent to the network server  160  from biller account database  172 . The payor account data for a particular payor can be accessed from data storage element  164  when such account data is requested by a kiosk  140 . For those billers who are capable of providing payor account data in response to real-time queries, payor account data for a particular payor is requested by the kiosk  140  (through the network server  160 ) from the biller account database  172  when such account data is requested from the kiosk  140  by the payor. In such a situation, the payor account data can be transmitted from biller account database  172  through network server  160  and to kiosk  140  without being stored in data storage element  164 .  
         [0047]     When a payment has been received and processed, the network server  160  sends the payment information to the biller account database  172 , either periodically in a batch file or in real-time when the payment is processed. A payment history for payments received by the kiosks  140  for each biller can be stored in the data storage element  164 . A biller is able to view this payment history in data storage element  164  using biller access terminal  170 , which can communicate with the network server  160 . The biller can view a particular payment to confirm the payment has been received from a particular payor, or the biller can generate ad hoc reports to review large amounts of payment data.  
         [0048]     According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a credit card payment is processed, the network server  160  submits the credit card transaction to the credit card issuer  180 . The credit card issuer  180  transmits payment to the service provider bank  178 . When the payment is received by the service provider bank  178 , the network server  160  instructs the service provider bank  178  to send the payment to the biller bank  174 .  
         [0049]     According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a check payment is processed, the network server  160  communicates with the service provider bank  178  to initiate an ACH transfer request. This ACH transfer request is sent to the payor bank  176 . When the ACH transfer is received by the service provider bank  178 , the network server  160  instructs the service provider bank  178  to send the payment to the biller bank  174 .  
         [0050]     According to one embodiment of the present invention, when a cash payment is processed by a kiosk  140 , the network server  160  instructs the service provider bank  178  to send the payment to the biller bank  174 .  
         [0051]     In the exemplary system of  FIG. 3 , one kiosk  140  is shown in communication with one network server  160 . It should be appreciated that the present invention contemplates the use of a plurality of kiosks  140 , each at a separate physical location, and each in communication with one or more network servers  160 . Additionally, as explained above, other interactive customer interfaces may be in communication with the network server(s)  160 . In one embodiment of the invention, the payment receiving and processing system  120  of the present invention comprises a plurality of kiosks  140 , which may be physically located in a variety of locations, and one or more network servers  160 . The kiosks  140  may be located, for example, in retail establishments, such as grocery stores and convenience stores. To increase the convenience for customers needing to pay their bills, these kiosks  140  may be placed in a large number of different locations. The kiosks  140  are in communication over one or more network communication systems to the network server  160 , such as via the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, etc.  
         [0052]     The payment receiving and processing system  120  of the present invention can be provided by a third-party service provider that is not affiliated with a particular business, or biller. This service provider can contract with a number of different billers to receive and process payments for the billers. For example, a service provider can receive and process payments for several utility and service companies, such as electric, water, natural gas, telecommunications, alarm, lawn care, pool care, insurance, loans, etc. Because the service provider is capable of receiving and processing payments for a number of different billers, a customer or “payor” can use the present invention to pay bills from several different billers. For example, a payor may use one kiosk  140  provided by the service provider to pay the payor&#39;s electric service bill, car insurance bill, and home mortgage.  
         [0053]     The network server(s)  160  are in communication with the different billers (via the biller access terminals  170 ) over one or more communications networks, such as via the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, etc. Each biller may provide account information to a network server  160  for all of the biller&#39;s customers via the biller account database  172 . This account information for each customer can include, but is not limited to, the customer&#39;s name and address, an account identifier such as an account number, the current amount due as payment for the service provided, the payment due date, and any payment history (e.g., the dates and amounts of prior payments by this customer). This information may be provided by the biller in a batch file sent periodically at predefined intervals, such as once daily. Alternatively, this information may be sent by the biller real-time, in response to a query by the network server  160 . The network server  160  may directly retrieve this information from the biller account database  172 , if the biller&#39;s billing system is capable of allowing such direct retrieval of data.  
         [0054]     When a payor desires to pay a bill received from one of the billers that has contracted with the service provider, the payor may utilize one of the kiosks  140  provided by the service provider. The payor may access the customer&#39;s account via the kiosk  140  in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the payor first selects a category of biller to which the particular biller belongs. Next, the payor selects the particular biller to be paid. The payor would then enter the account identifier corresponding to the payor&#39;s account with that particular biller (for example, using a numeric keypad  146 ). Alternatively, the kiosk  140  may have the capability to scan a card having a magnetic strip upon which is encoded information identifying the customer (for example, using the magnetic strip reader  152 ). When the payor enters an account identifier, the kiosk  140  will verify the account identifier using one of several potential methods (for example, a verification algorithm).  
         [0055]     The kiosks  140  provided by the service provider are in communication with the network server  160  over one or more communications networks, such as via the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, etc. In one embodiment, the kiosks  140  communicate with the network server  160  over a point-to-point frame relay. After the payor selects the biller to be paid and enters a verified account identifier, the kiosk  140  will typically request the account information corresponding to this biller and account identifier from the network server  160 . As discussed above, this account information can be sent periodically in a batch file from the biller&#39;s biller account database  172  to the network server  160 . In such an embodiment, the network server  160  accesses the account information from the batch file which is stored in the data storage  164  of the network server  160 . Alternatively, when the kiosk  140  requests the account information, the network server  160  can obtain the account information real-time from the biller&#39;s billing system (i.e., biller access terminal  170  and biller account database  172 ).  
         [0056]     The account information, which can include the amount currently due, the due date, and prior payment history, is displayed on the kiosk  140  (for example, the touch screen  144 ) for the payor to view. The payor may then elect to pay some or all of amount due. The kiosk  140  will accept payment using one or more payment options, including, but not limited to, cash, credit card, debit card, or check. The available payment methods can vary.  
         [0057]     As discussed above, payment by cash entails the Payor depositing paper currency (i.e., bills), and possibly coins, into the kiosk  140 . Payment by check typically entails using the kiosk  140  to scan a check to retrieve the account number and routing number, then the payor entering the amount of the payment desired. Payment by credit card typically involves using the kiosk  140  to read the magnetic strip on the credit card to retrieve the account number, then the payor entering the amount of the payment desired. Payment by debit card is typically similar to payment by credit card, but usually requires entering a password.  
         [0058]     The network server  160  and/or a particular biller&#39;s account information may include customer specific payment limitations. For example, a particular biller may require that a particular payor pay by cash or credit card because a prior payment by check was returned for insufficient funds. Additionally, a particular payor may be prohibited from using the system  120  to pay any biller because of a pattern of improper payments to one or more billers. These improper payments, called returns, may be checks returned for insufficient funds, fraudulent credit card charges, or cancelled Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions. The payment limitations may be set based on the number of returns a particular payor has had.  
         [0059]     When the payor submits a payment to a kiosk  140 , the payment information is transmitted over a communications network to the network server  160 . The payment information can include the amount of the payment, the date and time the payment was made, the biller, and the payment method. The network server  160  transmits the payment information over a communications network to the corresponding biller. The payment information may be transmitted periodically in a batch file, or it may be transmitted in real-time as it is received by the network server  160 . In one embodiment, the network server  160  may enter the payment information directly into the biller&#39;s billing system.  
         [0060]     In addition to the payment information transmitted to the biller for entry into the biller&#39;s billing system, the network server  160  can provide notification to the biller in particular circumstances. For example, when the biller sends account information to the service provider, the biller may indicate those accounts for which service is scheduled to be terminated if payment is not received before the scheduled termination date. If payment is received for one of these indicated accounts, the service provider may be requested to send an additional notification, such as by e-mail or text message, to the biller&#39;s service dispatcher who can then cancel the service termination.  
         [0061]     The biller may also have access to the payment information in the data storage  164  of the network server  160 . The biller may be able to view payment information, such as by account or by the kiosk  140 . This will allow the biller to verify a recent payment made by a customer. Additionally, the biller may be able to generate and download ad hoc reports from the data in the network server  160 . Thus, the payor has real-time access to account information, and the businesses have real-time access to the payment information.  
         [0062]     After the payment is received by the kiosk  140 , the payment is typically applied to the payor&#39;s account at the corresponding biller. The process of applying the payment to the payor&#39;s account may vary depending on the method of payment. For example, if the payment is in cash, the amount of the payment may be aggregated with all other payments made that same day for that same biller, and the total amount may be electronically transferred from the service provider&#39;s bank account (at the service provider bank  178 ) to the biller&#39;s bank account (at the biller bank  174 ). If the payment is by check, an Automated Clearing House (ACH) transaction is typically created to electronically transfer the amount of the payment from the payor&#39;s bank account (at the payor bank  176 ) to the service provider&#39;s bank account. When that transfer is complete, then the service provider will typically electronically transfer the amount of the payment from the service provider&#39;s bank account to the biller&#39;s bank account. This may also be aggregated with other payments. If the payment is by credit card, the authorized charge is transmitted to the credit card issuer, and the credit card issuer electronically transmits the amount of the payment to the service provider&#39;s bank account. When that transfer is complete, then the service provider will typically electronically transfer the amount of the payment from the service provider&#39;s bank account to the biller&#39;s bank account.  
         [0063]     While the payor is using the kiosk  140 , targeted messages may be displayed on the kiosk (e.g., on the touch screen  144 ). These targeted messages can be transmitted over the communications network from the network server  160  to the kiosk  140  while the transaction is being conducted. These targeted messages may be advertisements (in a visual, aural, or audio-visual format) or may be information about the particular payor&#39;s account. The messages may be targeted based on one or more different aspects of the transaction. The messages may be targeted based on information about the particular payor, such as displaying an advertisement for a retail establishment that is located near the payor&#39;s home address.  
         [0064]     When the payor is submitting a payment using cash, the paper currency is stored in a storage bin  150  within the kiosk  140 . The processor  142  of the kiosk  140  will count the denomination of every bill accepted, along with the order in which each bill was accepted. This count facilitates verifying or disputing claims that a payment was incorrectly recorded. The processor  142  of the kiosk  140  can also count the number of bills accepted since the storage bin  150  was most recently emptied. Each storage bin  150  will have a maximum storage capacity, which varies by kiosk model, and which can be expressed as the total number of bills the storage bin is capable of storing. By dividing the maximum storage capacity by the number of bills accepted, the processor  142  of the kiosk  140  is capable of calculating how full the storage bin  150  is, expressed as a capacity percentage (e.g., 50% full). When the capacity percentage of a particular kiosk  140  reaches a predetermined threshold (e.g., 67%), the network server  160  may transmit a notification to an armored car service (over one or more communications networks, such as via the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, etc.) requesting that the particular kiosk be serviced within a predefined period of time (e.g., 72 hours).  
         [0065]     The network server  160  may also be capable of monitoring the supply of consumable materials used in the kiosk  140 , such as paper and ink. The network server  160  may transmit a notification (over one or more communications networks, such as via the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, etc.) to the appropriate personnel at the service provider or at a third-party servicing company to request replenishment.  
         [0066]     In addition to the touch screen  144  used as a customer interface and to display targeted messages and account information to the payor, the kiosk  140  may have an auxiliary display screen and/or one or more speakers to display advertisements. The auxiliary display screen will typically be positioned so that it can be viewed by the payor and by other people who are near the kiosk  140 . Because people other than the payor using the kiosk  140  can see the advertisements, these advertisements are typically not targeted to the particular payor. These advertisements may, however, be targeted to the particular geographic location of the kiosk  140 , or to the nature of the retail establishment where the kiosk is located. The advertisements are typically transmitted from the network server  160  to the kiosk  140  during times of low usage of the kiosk, such as late at night, to avoid slowing other network transmissions that are related to payments.  
         [0067]     In another embodiment of the invention, the network server  160  may host a secure website that is access controlled using passwords. Access to the secure website may be given to companies that provide maintenance and repair services for the kiosks  140 . These companies may access the website to record the repair history of any kiosk  140 . This repair history may also be used to build a knowledge base that other maintenance and repair companies can use to research a problem.  
         [0068]     Referring to FIGS.  1 ( a ) and  1 ( b ), there is illustrated a method used in receiving payments from a payor to a biller, according to one embodiment of the present invention. While embodiments of the present invention will be described in terms of a payment receiving and processing system utilizing a kiosk  140 , it should be appreciated that the present invention may encompass a payment receiving and processing system utilizing any interactive customer interface.  
         [0069]     The initial display presented on the kiosk to a payor who is using the kiosk to submit a payment may be a choice of biller categories from which the payor may select the category corresponding to the biller to be paid. See Block  10 . Each biller is associated with at least one of a plurality of biller categories. The payor then selects the biller category using, for example, a touch screen or a numeric keypad. See Block  12 . For example, if the payor desired to pay a bill from XYZ Electric Company, an electric service provider, the payor may select the “utilities” category. A list of one or more billers in the selected biller category would then be displayed on the kiosk (for example, the touch screen  144 ). See Block  14 . This predetermined list would generally contain all the billers which have authorized the service provider to receive and process payments and which belong to or are associated with the selected biller category. The payor then selects the particular biller to whom the payor desires to send a payment. See Block  16 . Again, this selection may be made using a touch screen or numeric keypad, or any other suitable device. It should be appreciated that presenting the billers to a payor for selection can be accomplished in a number of ways. For example, biller categories need not be used, rather the payor may only be presented an alphabetical list of billers from which to select. Alternatively, multiple levels of biller categories may be used. For example, to select a particular electric service provider, the payor may first select a biller category called “Utilities” and may next select a sub-category called “Electric Service Providers.” 
         [0070]     After the payor had selected the particular biller, the payor then provides an account identifier so that the payor&#39;s particular account data can be accessed. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by prompting the payor to enter the payor&#39;s account number corresponding to the payor&#39;s account with that particular biller. See Block  18 . The payor would then enter the appropriate account number using a touch screen, a numeric keypad, a scanning device, or a full QWERTY keyboard. See Block  20 . It should be appreciated that identifying the particular account number to access may be accomplished in a number of ways, other than by having the payor key in an account number. In one embodiment, the payor may be asked to slide (“swipe”) a card having a magnetic strip, such as a credit card or, in some states, a driver&#39;s license, through a magnetic strip reader. The magnetic strip reader would determine the payor&#39;s identity using the information encoded on the magnetic strip and use that information to identify the particular account to access.  
         [0071]     The account number entered by the payor would then be verified to assure that it was entered correctly. See Blocks  22  and  24 . One verification method is to prompt the customer to enter the account identifier a second time and check that the same identifier was entered both times. Another method is to use a verification algorithm, if the biller has one. The biller&#39;s verification algorithm may require that the account identifier always have a predefined number of digits or always begin with a predefined number, or it may utilize a checksum. Another verification method is to require the payor to enter additional data that is compared to the account data, such as the last four digits of the payor&#39;s social security number or the payor&#39;s telephone number. If the account number provided by the payor is not valid (i. e., not verified), then the payor would be asked to re-enter the number. See Block  26 .  
         [0072]     After the account number entered by the payor has been verified, the data in the payor&#39;s account is accessed. In one embodiment of the invention, that may involve determining whether that particular biller provides account data to the service provider in a batch file or in response to real-time queries. See Block  28 . If the biller provides account data periodically in a batch file, then that account data would typically be stored in a batch file in the data storage of the network server provided by the service provider. This batch file would be queried to retrieve the payor&#39;s account data. See Block  30 . If the biller provides account data to the service provider on a real-time basis, then the kiosk would send a query which would typically be routed through the network server to the biller account database. See Block  32 .  
         [0073]     Whether the account data is obtained from a batch file or by real-time access to the biller account database, the account data will typically contain the current amount of money due to the biller from the payor (the “amount due”), the date by which the payor is expected to pay the amount due (the “due date”), and dates and amounts of prior payments the payor made to the biller. This account data is displayed on the kiosk (for example, on the touch screen) for the payor to view. See Block  34 .  
         [0074]     In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes determining if a targeted message is to be displayed to the payor. See Block  36 . The messages may be targeted based on information about the particular account, such as displaying an advertisement for a particular service option to which the payor does not currently subscribe. For example, a payor submitting a payment to a telephone service provider may be asked to subscribe to an optional service such as three-way calling. In one embodiment of the invention, the payor may be given the option of subscribing during the payment transaction, in which case the service provider would typically send a message to the biller notifying the biller of the payor&#39;s request. Another example would be displaying an advertisement for a payday loan provider to customers whose accounts indicate a past-due amount. Additionally, where an account may be scheduled for service termination, the kiosk could display a message informing the payor that a payment must be made within a specified time to avoid service termination. The messages may also be targeted based on information about the particular biller. For example, a payor submitting a payment to a natural gas utility company may be shown an advertisement for gas log fireplaces. If it is determined that a targeted message is to be displayed, it will be displayed to the payor (for example, on the touch screen or an auxiliary display). See Block  38 . It should be appreciated that the targeted message may be displayed to the payor anytime after the payor&#39;s account has been identified.  
         [0075]     The next step would typically be to determine if there is a payment limitation for this payor. See Block  40 . A payment limitation may be set for a payor because, for example, the payor has had checks returned for insufficient funds. The payment limitation may limit the payment methods the payor is allowed to use. For example, the payor may only be allowed to make a payment using guaranteed funds, such as cash or a credit card. If there is such a payment limitation, then only those payment methods which the payor is allowed to use will be displayed to the payor. See Block  44 . For example, if the payor is only allowed to make payments using guaranteed funds, then the option to pay by check will not be displayed. If there is no payment limitation for this payor, then all payment options supported by the kiosk will be displayed. See Block  42 . For example, a kiosk may support payments by cash, credit card, debit card, or check. In a payment receiving and processing system using a different interactive customer interface, such as IVR, different payment options may be supported.  
         [0076]     The payor then selects the payment method the payor desires to use for this payment from the displayed options. See Block  46 . The payor then enters the amount of the payment to be submitted. See Block  50 .  
         [0077]     If the payor selected the option to pay in cash, several steps would typically be performed. First, the payor would be prompted to insert cash into the kiosk, see Block  54 , and the payor would insert cash as prompted, see Block  56 . Then, the kiosk would scan the cash to determine the denomination, record the amount of cash inserted, add to a running count of the number of bills received, and store the received cash in a receptacle or storage bin  150 . See Block  58 .  
         [0078]     If the payor selects the option to pay by credit card, several different steps would typically be performed. First, the payor would be prompted to swipe a credit card in the kiosk&#39;s magnetic strip reader, see Block  60 , which the payor would do, see Block  62 . When the credit card is swiped, the kiosk reads and records the information encoded in the magnetic strip. See Block  64 . A similar process is performed if the payor selects the option to pay by debit card, except that the kiosk would solicit the payor to provide the payor&#39;s security code for his/her account, as is provided when using an ATM.  
         [0079]     If the payor selects the option to pay by check, several different steps would typically be performed. First, the payor would be prompted to insert a blank check into a check scanner in the kiosk, see Block  66 , which the payor would do, see Block  68 . When the check is inserted, the kiosk scans and records the account number and routing number on the check, then ejects the check to return it to the payor. See Block  70 .  
         [0080]     The final step in receiving the payment is typically printing a receipt for the payor. See Block  72 . The receipt would typically include a unique transaction identifier, payment amount, type, fee, time and date, etc.  
         [0081]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated a method of processing a payment that has been received from a payor, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method includes a network server receiving the payment data, see Block  80 , that was transmitted by the kiosk. The payment data is transmitted to the appropriate biller. See Block  82 . This transmission of the payment data to the biller may be accomplished in a number of different ways, depending on the capabilities of the biller. The payment data for a particular biller may be accumulated by the network server and transmitted to the biller periodically in a batch file. The biller may need to reformat the batch file to input the payment data into its billing system. Alternatively, the biller may need to manually enter the payment data into its billing system. The payment data for a particular biller may be transmitted real-time as it is received by the network server. This would result possibly in numerous transmissions each day. Again, this data may need to be reformatted to be input to the biller&#39;s billing system. If the biller&#39;s billing system has the capability, it is possible that the network server could directly input the payment data into the billing system. This would allow the payment data to be rapidly input and therefore accessed by the biller.  
         [0082]     The method includes determining if the particular payor has been put on a watch list by the biller, which may cause the biller to be separately notified of any payments from this payor. See Block  84 . A payor may be put on a watch list if the biller is planning on terminating the service it provides to the payor. The watch list would allow the biller to be quickly informed of a payment so the service termination can be cancelled. If the payor is determined to be on a watch list, then a separate notification is sent to the biller. See Block  86 . For example, this separate notification may be an e-mail message or a text message, and it may be sent to the biller&#39;s service dispatcher.  
         [0083]     In one embodiment, the method includes determining if the amount of cash in the kiosk&#39;s storage bin has reached a predefined threshold. See Block  88 . When the capacity percentage of a particular kiosk reaches a predetermined threshold (e.g., 67%), the network server may transmit a notification to an armored car service requesting that the particular kiosk be serviced within a predefined period of time (e.g., 72 hours). See Block  90 . The notification would be sent to an armored car service whose service area includes the location of the particular kiosk. This notification is typically sent by e-mail. If the capacity percentage of the particular kiosk reaches another, higher, predetermined threshold (e.g., 75%), then the network server will typically transmit a notification to personnel working for the service provider to ensure that the kiosk is serviced promptly.  
         [0084]     In one embodiment, instead of calling for service at a predetermined capacity percentage threshold, the network server is capable of analyzing past usage of the kiosk to determine trends. Using this past trend information, along with the current capacity percentage and information about upcoming traditional paydays and distributions of government benefit checks, the network server is capable of predicting at which point in time the kiosk storage bin is likely to reach full capacity and calling for service of the kiosk a predetermined number of hours in advance of that point in time. For example, a particular kiosk may typically see a large amount of usage on the first and second days of the month, because the last day of the month is a traditional payday. If the first day of the month occurs in 72 hours, the network server may request service of that kiosk, even though it may only be 50% full, because of the upcoming predicted heavy usage.  
         [0085]     The settlement process is typically conducted using ACH. A deposit is sent to the biller&#39;s financial institution for all payments. Any returned items from either a customer&#39;s bank or credit card issuer are included in the next day&#39;s settlement process.  
         [0086]     According to one aspect of the present invention, all or a portion of the system of the present invention generally operate under control of a computer program product. The computer program product for performing the methods of embodiments of the present invention includes a computer-readable storage medium, such as a non-volatile storage medium, and computer-readable program code portions, such as a series of computer instructions, embodied in the computer-readable storage medium.  
         [0087]     In this regard, FIGS.  1 ( a ),  1 ( b ),  2  and  3 , are flowcharts of methods, systems and program products according to the invention. It will be understood that each block or step of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s) or step(s). These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function specified in the flowchart block(s) or step(s). The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s) or step(s).  
         [0088]     Accordingly, blocks or steps of the flowcharts support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block or step of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks or steps in the flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems which perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.  
         [0089]     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.