Patent ID: 12190688

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, disclosed are systems, methods and non-transitory computer-readable media for a housing device that facilitates a service operation for a transaction device such as an ATM. In an example illustrative scenario, a transaction device (e.g., an ATM, a cash recycler, a POS device, and so on) may provide an indication of a need for service by a user (e.g., a provider employee), including removing excess banknotes or refilling depleted banknotes. For example, the transaction device may detect by one or more sensors that the transaction device requires additional banknotes. The transaction device may alert a computing system, such as a remote computing system, a cloud computing system, a service provider computing system, or other computing system. The computing system may alert the user that the transaction device requires service. The computing system may also select one or more transfer cassettes to facilitate the service. For example, the computing system may select empty or nearly empty transfer cassettes to receive banknotes form the transaction device if the transaction device has too many banknotes. The computing system may select a full or nearly full transfer cassette to provide banknotes to the transaction device if the transaction device does not have a sufficient number of banknotes. The computing system may also select a transfer cassette based on banknote denomination (e.g., one dollar bills, ten dollar bills, and so on). In some example scenarios, the computing system may be connected to multiple transaction devices. Accordingly, the computing system may also provide a notification to the user indicating which transaction device require service.

In an example operating scenario, a transaction device may detect (e.g., via one or more sensors) a fill level of one or more storage cassettes stored by the transaction device. The fill level may indicate a total number of banknotes stored in all the storage cassettes, a number of banknotes stored by at least one storage cassette, a value of banknotes stored, a quantity of each denomination of banknote stored, and/or other storage parameters. The transaction device may alert a user (e.g., via a provider computing system) that the transaction device is in need of a service operation based on the fill level of the storage cassettes. The service operation may include providing additional banknotes to the transaction device and/or removing banknotes form the transaction device.

In some arrangements, the provider computing system may select one or more transfer cassettes to perform the service operation based, for example, on the type of service operation. The provider computing system may provide a notification to the user indicating which transfer cassettes to use in the service operation. In some arrangements, the provider computing system may provide instructions regarding a particular adapter housing to facilitate the service operation. For example, the provider computing system is structured to identify a particular adapter housing of a plurality of adapter housing. The provider computing system provides instructions to a user to use the particular adapter housing to facilitate the service operation. In some arrangements, the particular adapter housing is selected based on a cassette associated with the particular adapter housing and/or any other information associated with the particular adapter housing.

In some arrangements, the user may couple the adapter housing to the transaction device on a user facing side of the transaction device. The adapter housing may couple to a media aperture of the transaction device such that banknotes can be transferred to/from the transaction device via the media aperture. The user may couple (i.e. dock) the transfer cassette to the adapter housing before or after coupling the adapter housing to the transaction device.

When the adapter housing is coupled to the transaction device, the transaction device may enter a service mode. In some arrangements, the user inputs a security token (e.g., a password, a security card, a biometric, and the like), to initiate the service mode. When the transaction device is in the service mode, the adapter housing may facilitate transferring bills to/from the transaction device. In a filling operation, the adapter housing may facilitate transferring bills form the docked transfer cassette to the transaction device. In a removal operation, the adapter housing may facilitate transferring bills from the transaction device to the docked transfer cassette. In some arrangements, the service operation may include any combination of filling operations and removal operations and/or may include multiple of each operation type. In these arrangements, the service operation may be partially completed when a transfer cassette is docked. Transfer cassettes may be sequentially and/or serially docked with the adapter housing until the service operation is fully completed.

During the service operation, the transaction device may display and update a service mode user interface. The interface may be updated based on service operation parameters, such as a transfer cassette serial number, a transfer cassette capacity, a value of banknotes stored by the transfer cassette, a service operation type, a service operation date, a service operation identification number, an indication of whether the service operation is completed, an indication of whether a new transfer cassette should be installed, and/or other parameters of the service operation. In some arrangements, the service mode UI is structured to receive a user input. The user input may include an indication to start the service operation, restart the service operation (e.g., after a new transfer cassette has been installed), stop the service operation, decouple/remove the adapter housing, exit the service mode, etc.

In some arrangements, the transaction device is retrofit with an adapter housing. The provider computing system may identify one or more transfer cassettes to perform the service operation based, for example, on the type of service operation. The provider computing system may provide a notification to the user indicating which transfer cassettes to use in the service operation.

In some arrangements, the user may couple the one or more transfer cassettes to the retrofit adapter housing. The retrofit adapter housing may couple to a transport apparatus of the transaction device such that banknotes can be transferred to/from the transaction device via the transport apparatus.

When the one or more transfer cassettes are coupled to the retrofit adapter housing, the transaction device may enter a service mode. In some arrangements, the user inputs a security token (e.g., a password, a security card, a biometric, and the like), to initiate the service mode. When the transaction device is in the service mode, the retrofit adapter housing may facilitate transferring bills to/from the transaction device. In a filling operation, the adapter housing may facilitate transferring bills form the docked transfer cassette to the transaction device. In a removal operation, the adapter housing may facilitate transferring bills from the transaction device to the docked transfer cassette. In some arrangements, the service operation may include any combination of filling operations and removal operations and/or may include multiple of each operation type. In these arrangements, the service operation may be partially completed when a transfer cassette is docked. Transfer cassettes may be sequentially and/or serially docked with the retrofit adapter housing until the service operation is fully completed.

During the service operation, the retrofit adapter housing may display and update a service mode user interface. The interface may be updated based on service operation parameters, such as a transfer cassette serial number, a transfer cassette capacity, a value of banknotes stored by the transfer cassette, a service operation type, a service operation date, a service operation identification number, an indication of whether the service operation is completed, an indication of whether a new transfer cassette should be installed, and/or other parameters of the service operation. In some arrangements, the service mode UI is structured to receive a user input. The user input may include an indication to start the service operation, restart the service operation (e.g., after a new transfer cassette has been installed), stop the service operation, decouple/remove the transfer cassette(s), exit the service mode, etc.

In some arrangements, an adapter housing is provided in one or more cassette ports of the transaction device. The provider computing system may identify one or more transfer cassettes to perform the service operation based, for example, on the type of service operation. The provider computing system may provide a notification to the user indicating which transfer cassettes to use in the service operation.

In some arrangements, the user may couple the one or more transfer cassettes to the adapter housing. The adapter housing may couple to a transport apparatus of the transaction device, via a cassette port, such that banknotes can be transferred to/from the transaction device via the transport apparatus.

When the one or more transfer cassettes are coupled to the adapter housing, the transaction device may enter a service mode. In some arrangements, the user inputs a security token (e.g., a password, a security card, a biometric, and the like), to initiate the service mode. When the transaction device is in the service mode, the adapter housing may facilitate transferring bills to/from the transaction device. In a filling operation, the adapter housing may facilitate transferring bills form the docked transfer cassette to the transaction device. In a removal operation, the adapter housing may facilitate transferring bills from the transaction device to the docked transfer cassette. In some arrangements, the service operation may include any combination of filling operations and removal operations and/or may include multiple of each operation type. In these arrangements, the service operation may be partially completed when a transfer cassette is docked. Transfer cassettes may be sequentially and/or serially docked with the retrofit adapter housing until the service operation is fully completed.

During the service operation, the retrofit adapter housing may display and update a service mode user interface. The interface may be updated based on service operation parameters, such as a transfer cassette serial number, a transfer cassette capacity, a value of banknotes stored by the transfer cassette, a service operation type, a service operation date, a service operation identification number, an indication of whether the service operation is completed, an indication of whether a new transfer cassette should be installed, and/or other parameters of the service operation. In some arrangements, the service mode UI is structured to receive a user input. The user input may include an indication to start the service operation, restart the service operation (e.g., after a new transfer cassette has been installed), stop the service operation, decouple/remove the transfer cassette(s), exit the service mode, etc.

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain example embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIG.1is a block diagram of a transaction computing system100, according to an example arrangement. In some arrangements, the system100is associated with a service provider such as a business, a financial institution, and the like, which provides transaction devices for customers to perform transactions (e.g., deposits, withdrawals, purchases, or other transactions). In some arrangements, and as shown inFIG.1, the system100includes a provider computing system110, a transaction device computing system150, a housing control computing system210, and one or more transfer cassettes108. Each of the computing systems of the system100are in communication with each other and are connected by a network105. Specifically, the provider computing system110, the transaction device computing system150, the housing control computing system210, and the transfer cassettes108are communicatively coupled to the network105such that the network105permits the direct or indirect exchange of data, values, instructions, messages, and the like (represented by the double-headed arrows inFIG.1). In some arrangements, the network105is configured to communicatively couple to additional computing system(s). For example, the network105may facilitate communication of data between the provider computing system110and other computing systems associated with the service provider or with a customer of the service provider such as a user device (e.g., a mobile device, smartphone, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, or any other computing system). The network105may include one or more of a cellular network, the Internet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, a proprietary provider network, a proprietary retail or service provider network, and/or any other kind of wireless or wired network.

In some arrangements, the provider computing system110may be a local computing system at a business location (e.g., a branch of a financial institution, a retail store location, or any other physical location). In some arrangements, the provider computing system110may be a remote computing system such as a remote server, a cloud computing system, and the like. In some arrangements, the provider computing system may be part of a larger computing system such as a multi-purpose server or other multi-purpose computing system. In some arrangements, the provider computing system110may be implemented on a third-party computing device operated by a third-party service provider (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP, and/or other third party computing services).

As shown inFIG.1, the provider computing system110includes a processing circuit112, input/output (I/O) circuit120, one or more specialized processing circuits shown as a cassette management circuit122and a database130. The processing circuit112may be coupled to the input/output circuit120, the specialized processing circuits, and/or the database130. The processing circuit112may include a processor114and a memory116. The memory116may be one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described herein. The memory116may be or include non-transient volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and non-transitory computer storage media. The memory116may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described herein. The memory116may be communicatively coupled to the processor114and include computer code or instructions for executing one or more processes described herein. The processor114may be implemented as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. As such, the computing system110is configured to run a variety of application programs and store associated data in a database of the memory116(e.g., database130).

The input/output circuit120is structured to receive communications from and provide communications to other computing devices, users, and the like associated with the provider computing system110. The input/output circuit120is structured to exchange data, communications, instructions, and the like with an input/output device of the components of the system100. In some arrangements, the input/output circuit120includes communication circuitry for facilitating the exchange of data, values, messages, and the like between the input/output device120and the components of the provider computing system110. In some arrangements, the input/output device120includes machine-readable media for facilitating the exchange of information between the input/output circuit120and the components of the provider computing system110. In some arrangements, the input/output circuit120includes any combination of hardware components, communication circuitry, and machine-readable media.

In some arrangements, the I/O circuit120may include a network interface. The network interface may be used to establish connections with other computing devices by way of the network105. The network interface may include program logic that facilitates connection of the provider computing system110to the network105. In some arrangements, the network interface may include any combination of a wireless network transceiver (e.g., a cellular modem, a Bluetooth transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver) and/or a wired network transceiver (e.g., an Ethernet transceiver). For example, the I/O circuit120may include an Ethernet device such as an Ethernet card and machine-readable media such as an Ethernet driver configured to facilitate connections with the network105. In some arrangements, the network interface includes the hardware and machine-readable media sufficient to support communication over multiple channels of data communication. Further, in some arrangements, the network interface includes cryptography capabilities to establish a secure or relatively secure communication session in which data communicated over the session is encrypted.

In some arrangements, the I/O circuit120includes suitable input/output ports and/or uses an interconnect bus (e.g., bus502inFIG.9) for interconnection with a local display (e.g., a liquid crystal display, a touchscreen display) and/or keyboard/mouse devices (when applicable), or the like, serving as a local user interface for programming and/or data entry, retrieval, or other user interaction purposes. As such, the input/output circuit120may provide an interface for the user to interact with various applications and/or executables stored on the provider computing system110. For example, the input/output circuit120may include a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, joystick, a touch screen, a microphone, a biometric device, a virtual reality headset, smart glasses, and the like. As another example, input/output circuit120, may include, but is not limited to, a television monitor, a computer monitor, a printer, a facsimile, a speaker, and so on.

The memory116may store a database130, according to some arrangements. The database may retrievably store data associated with the provider computing system110and/or any other component of the system100. That is, the data may include information associated with each of the components of the system100. For example, the data may include information about the transaction device computing system150and, if the system100includes more than one transaction device, information about each respective transaction device computing system150. The data may also include information associated with the housing control computing system210and/or transfer cassettes108. The data may be retrievable, viewable, and/or editable by the provider computing system110(e.g., by user input via the I/O circuit120). The database130may be configured to store one or more applications and/or executables to facilitate transactions, track one or more cassettes, or any other operation described herein. In some arrangements, the applications and/or executables may be incorporated with an existing application in use by the provider computing system110. In some arrangements, the applications and/or executables are separate software applications implemented on the provider computing system110. The applications and/or executables may be downloaded by the provider computing system110prior to its usage, hard coded into the memory116of the processing circuit112, or be a network-based or web-based interface application such that the provider computing system110may provide a web browser to access the application, which may be executed remotely from the provider computing system110(e.g., by a user device). Accordingly, the provider computing system110may include software and/or hardware capable of implementing a network-based or web-based application. For example, in some instances, the applications and/or executables include software such as HTML, XML, WML, SGML, PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor), CGI, and like languages.

In the latter instance, a user (e.g., a provider employee) may log onto or access the web-based interface before usage of the applications and/or executables. In this regard, the applications and/or executables may be supported by a separate computing system including one or more servers, processors, network interface, and so on, that transmit applications for use to the provider computing system110.

In some arrangements, the provider computing system110includes hardware, software, or any combination of hardware and software structured to facilitate operations of the components of the system100. For example, and as shown inFIG.1, the provider computing system includes a cassette management circuit122that includes any combination of hardware and software for managing the transfer cassettes108. In some embodiments, the provider computing system110may include any combination of hardware and software including specialized processing circuits, applications, executables, and the like for controlling, managing, or facilitating the operation of the other computing systems of the system100including the transaction device computing system150and the housing control computing system210. For example, the provider computing system110may include a transaction device circuit and associated software and/or a housing control circuit and associated software. The additional specialized circuits may be substantially similar to the cassette management circuit122described herein below.

In some arrangements, the cassette management circuit122is structured to facilitate managing the transfer cassettes108. In some arrangements, the cassette management circuit122is structured to detect by one or more sensors a parameter associated with each of the transfer cassettes108. For example, the cassette management circuit122may track by one or more sensors, a location, a fill level, an operational status, or any other parameter associated with each of the transfer cassettes108. The cassette management circuit122may detect, via the one or more sensors, the parameter in real-time/continuously (e.g., every second, every minute, at every event change, and so on) or periodically (e.g., every day, every hour, and so on). In some arrangements, the sensors may be positioned within a transaction device and/or positioned on or around the physical location of the transaction device. In some arrangements, the sensors may be positioned on or within each of the transfer cassettes108. For example and as described below, each of the transfer cassettes108may include an internal sensor for detecting a fill level and/or a denomination of the transfer cassette108.

In some arrangements, each of the transfer cassettes108is structured to store, dispense, and receive banknotes (e.g., currency such as dollars, pounds sterling, euros, and the like). Accordingly, the transfer cassettes108may include a storage area for storing banknotes and a apparatus for transferring banknotes to/from the storage area. The transfer cassettes108may include security features such that only an authorized user may access the storage area. In some arrangements, the transfer cassettes108may be structured to dispense and receive one or more types of transaction media such as banknotes, coins, checks, and/or any other transaction media.

In some arrangements, the transfer cassettes108includes one or more sensors structured to detect one or more parameters of banknotes stored by the transfer cassettes108. For example, the one or more sensors may detect a denomination of the banknote(s), (e.g., by an optical character recognition (OCR) sensor, a size sensor). In some arrangements, the one or more sensors may detect a fill level of the storage area (e.g., by a weight sensor, a pressure sensor, a visual sensor, or other sensor). In some arrangements, the one or more sensors may detect a location of the transfer cassettes108(e.g., by a GPS, or other positioning sensor).

In some arrangements, the transfer cassettes108include an I/O circuit similar to or the same as the I/O circuit120for transferring data via the network105. For example, the transfer cassettes108may be structured to provide sensor data to other components of the system100(e.g., via the I/O circuit and/or the network105). The other components of the system100may accordingly use the sensor data provided by the transfer cassettes108. In some arrangements, the transfer cassettes108also include an onboard computing system such that the sensor data may be interpreted or processed before the sensor data is provided to the other components of the system100.

In some arrangements, the transaction device computing system150is a computing system for a transaction device (e.g., the transaction device140ofFIG.2, described in detail herein below). In some arrangements, the transaction device computing system150may be provided on or within the transaction device140. For example, the transaction device computing system150may be fully contained within the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the transaction device computing system150may be provided partially remotely from, or completely remote from the transaction device140. For example, the transaction device computing system150may be implemented, at least partially, in a remote computing system such as a server or cloud computing system. In some arrangements, the system100includes more than one transaction device. In some arrangements, each transaction device includes a respective transaction device computing system150. In some arrangements, one transaction device computing system150may be structured to control multiple transaction devices140.

As shown inFIG.1, the transaction device computing system150includes a processing circuit150, an I/O circuit160, one or more specialized processing circuits shown as a cassette management circuit162and a housing management circuit164, and a database170. In some arrangements, the processing circuit152, the I/O circuit160, and the database170are the same or substantially similar to the processing circuit112, the I/O circuit120, and the database130of the provider computing system110. For example, the processing circuit152may include a processor, shown as processor154, and memory, shown as memory156, that is the same as or substantially similar to the processor114and memory116.

The cassette management circuit162may be the same as or substantially similar to the cassette management circuit122. For example, the cassette management circuit162may be structured to track the transfer cassettes108. In some arrangements, the cassette management circuit162is structured to manage storage cassettes positioned within the transaction device140. For example, the cassette management circuit162may track a denomination, fill level, and/or other parameters associated with the storage cassettes. In some arrangements, the cassette management circuit162may determine the parameters based on a detection made by one or more sensors (e.g., in the transaction device140, or in the storage cassettes). In some arrangements, the cassette management circuit162may determine the parameters based on a predetermined sorting feature. For example, the cassette management circuit162may be structured to count the number of banknotes entering or exiting each of the storage cassettes. In some arrangements, the transaction device140may be structured to store a different denomination of banknote in each storage cassette such that the cassette management circuit162can determine the amount of banknotes of each denomination stored in each storage cassette.

The housing management circuit164is structured to facilitate communications with the housing control computing system210. For example, when a housing device, such as the housing device200ofFIG.3A-3C, is installed or positioned near the transaction device140, the adapter management circuit164may facilitate communication (e.g., via the I/O circuit160and/or the network105) with the housing control computing system210. In some arrangements, the adapter management circuit164may be structured to facilitate transferring sensor data between the transaction device computing system150and the housing control computing system210.

In some arrangements, the transaction device computing system150is structured to facilitate transactions for a user (e.g., a customer) such as a deposit transaction, a withdrawal transaction, a purchase transaction and so on. Accordingly, the transaction device computing system150may include any combination of hardware and software such as specialized circuits, programs, executables, or any other hardware and/or software necessary to facilitate the transaction operations in the database170.

In some arrangements, the database170is structured to retrievably store a service executable172. The service executable172may be structured to facilitate servicing the transaction device140. For example, the transaction device computing system150may be placed in a service mode manually (e.g., by a user input) or automatically (e.g., responsive to an indication from another component of the system100). The transaction device computing system150may retrieve and execute the service executable172to initiate the service mode. In some arrangements, the service mode may prevent a user (e.g., a customer) from accessing the transaction operations of the transaction device computing system150. In some arrangements, the service executable172may require a user input to verify that the user (e.g., bank employee) is authorized to initiate and/or utilize the service executable172.

In some arrangements, the housing control computing system210is a computing system for a housing device (e.g., the housing device200ofFIG.3A-3C, described in detail herein below). In some arrangements, the housing control computing system210may be provided on or within the housing device200. For example, the housing control computing system210may be partially or fully contained within the housing device200. In some arrangements, the housing control computing system210may be provided partially remote from, or completely remote from the housing device200. For example, the housing control computing system210may be implemented, at least partially, in a remote computing system such as a server or cloud computing system. In some arrangements, the system100includes more than one housing device200. In some arrangements, each housing device200includes a respective transaction device computing system150. In some arrangements, one housing control computing system210may be structured to control housing devices200.

As shown inFIG.1, the housing computing system210includes a processing circuit212, an I/O circuit220, one or more specialized processing circuits shown as a cassette management circuit222and a transaction device circuit224, and a database230. In some arrangements, the processing circuit212, the I/O circuit220, and the database230are the same or substantially similar to the processing circuit112, the I/O circuit120, and the database130of the provider computing system110. For example, the processing circuit210may include a processor, shown as processor212, and memory, shown as memory216, that is the same as to or substantially similar to the processor114and memory116.

The cassette management circuit222may be the same as or substantially similar to the cassette management circuit122and/or the cassette management circuit162. For example, the cassette management circuit222may be structured to track the transfer cassettes108. In some arrangements, the cassette management circuit222is structured to manage a transfer cassette108positioned within a housing device200. For example, the cassette management circuit222may track a denomination, fill level, and/or other parameters associated with the transfer cassette108. In some arrangements, the cassette management circuit222may determine the parameters based on a detection made by one or more sensors (e.g., a sensor in the housing device200, or a sensor in the transfer cassette108). In some arrangements, the cassette management circuit222may determine the parameters based on a predetermined sorting feature/system component. For example, the cassette management circuit222may be structured to count the number of banknotes entering or exiting the transfer cassette108.

In some arrangements, the database230includes a service executable232. The service executable232may be substantially similar to or the same as the service executable172. For example, the service executable232may include pre-compiled or otherwise computer-executable instructions that are executable by the processing circuit152and, when executed by the processing circuit152, cause the transaction device computing system to enter a service mode. In some arrangements, the service executable232is structured to also be executable by the processing circuit212and, when executed by the processing circuit212, to cause the housing control computing system210to initiate a service operation. The service operation may include transferring banknotes to and from the transaction device140.

The transaction device circuit224is structured to facilitate interfacing with the transaction device computing system150. For example, when the housing device200is installed or positioned near the transaction device140, the transaction device circuit224may facilitate communication (e.g., via the I/O circuit220and/or the network105) between the housing control computing system210and the transaction device computing system150. In some arrangements, the transaction device circuit224may be structured to facilitate a transfer of sensor data between the transaction device computing system150and the housing control computing system210.

FIG.2is a block diagram of a transaction device140, according to an example arrangement. In some arrangements, the transaction device140may include one or more of an automated teller machine (ATM), a teller station, a point of sale (POS) device, and/or any other transaction device or cash recycling device. In some arrangements and as shown inFIG.2, the transaction device140includes the transaction device computing system150ofFIG.1. In some arrangements, the transaction device computing system150is provided at least partially locally (e.g., on or within the transaction device140). In some arrangements, the transaction device computing system is provided completely remote form the transaction device140. In some arrangements, and as shown inFIG.2, the transaction device140also includes a user interface apparatus180, a transport apparatus190, and a vault192. The user interface apparatus180includes a media aperture182, a display184, and one or more input/output devices186. The user interface apparatus180may be positioned on a user (e.g., customer) facing side of the transaction device140such that the user may interact with the transaction device (e.g., to perform a transaction).

The media aperture182is structured to facilitate dispensing and/or receiving transaction media such as banknotes, coins, checks, and the like. In some arrangements, the media aperture182includes a media pocket that a user (e.g., a customer) can reach into to pick up or drop transaction media. In some arrangements, the user interface apparatus180includes one or more media apertures182. For example, in some arrangements, the user interface apparatus180may include a first media aperture182structured and/or designated for dispensing transaction media and a second media aperture182structured and/or designated for receiving transaction media. In some arrangements, the user interface apparatus180may include a first media aperture182structured and/or designated for dispensing and/or receiving a first type transaction media (e.g., banknotes) and a second media aperture182structured and/or designated for dispensing and/or receiving a second type of transaction media (e.g., coins). In some arrangements, the media aperture182includes one or more sensors structured to detect a parameter relating to the transaction media received or dispensed by the media aperture182. For example, a media aperture sensor may detect a denomination, an amount, a legitimacy (e.g., whether the transaction media is likely to be legitimate or counterfeit), a quality, or any other parameter of the transaction media.

The display184is structured to display information to a user. In some arrangements, the display184is structured to communicatively couple to the transaction device computing system150(e.g., via the I/O circuit160ofFIG.1) such that the display184can display a user interface generated by the transaction device computing system150. In some arrangements, the display184is also structured to receive a user input. In some arrangements, the user input may be provided by an additional device (e.g., via the I/O device186, the transaction device computing system150, and/or a component of the I/O circuit160ofFIG.1). In some arrangements, the display184is structured as a touchscreen display such that the user input may be provided via the display184. In these arrangements, the display184is structured to provide the user input to the transaction device computing system150(e.g., via the I/O circuit160).

In some arrangements, the display184is structured to display a user interface (UI). The user interface displayed by the display184may be generated by the transaction device computing system150. The user interface may include a transaction user interface structured to facilitate a transaction for a user (e.g., a customer). The transaction user interface may include various UI elements structured to display information associated with the transaction such as a transaction type, a transaction amount, and/or any other UI elements. In some arrangements, the display184is structured to display a service mode user interface such as the service mode user interface400ofFIG.8, described in detail herein below. In some arrangements, the service mode user interface400is structured to facilitate a service mode operation such as extracting excess banknotes or replacing depleted banknotes.

In some arrangements, the I/O devices168are structured to facilitate user interaction with the transaction device computing system150. The I/O devices168may be communicatively coupled to the transaction device computing system150(e.g., via the I/O circuit160) such that an input received by the I/O devices168may be provided to the transaction device computing system150and/or the transaction device computing system150may provide an output to the I/O devices168. In some arrangements, the I/O devices186may include devices for facilitating a transaction at the transaction device140. For example, the I/O devices may include a card reader (e.g., for receiving a transaction card such as an ATM card, a debit card, a credit card, or a gift card and reading a magnetic strip, a security chip, or contactless input), typing interface (e.g., a keypad, a keyboard, and/or a touchscreen keyboard), a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an eye sensor, and the like), a speaker, a microphone, a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor, and/or any other input or output device.

The transport apparatus190is structured to facilitate transporting transaction media between the user interface apparatus180and the vault192. Specifically, the transport apparatus190may transport transaction media between the media aperture182and one or more storage cassettes stored in the vault192. In some arrangements, the transport apparatus190includes belts, rollers, mechanical arms, or any other transport device for transporting transaction media between the vault192and the user interface apparatus180. In some arrangements, the transport apparatus190includes belts and/or rollers for transporting paper transaction media such as banknotes or checks. In some arrangements, the transport apparatus190includes a coin receiving and sorting apparatus. For example, the transport apparatus190may include slotted tracks, conveyer belts, rollers, and the like for transporting and/or sorting coins. In some arrangements, the transport apparatus includes one or more mechanical arms. As used herein, the terms mechanical arms, transport arms, and similar terms refer to an extendable/retractable or repositionable portion of a transport apparatus that is structured to facilitate transporting transaction media. The mechanical arms may include belts, rollers, and/or any other transport device. The transport devices provided on the mechanical arms may be structured to be adjustable and/or deformable such that the transport devices can transport the transaction media when the mechanical arm is extended, retracted, or repositioned in any position. The mechanical arms also may be structured to grab or release transaction media (e.g., by a grabber arm, a claw, or other grasping apparatus). In some arrangements, the transport apparatus190is also structured to couple to a storage cassette housing194of the vault192. For example, the transport apparatus190may be structured to retrieve and/or store transaction media in one or more storage cassettes in the storage cassette housing194.

The vault192is a storage area of the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the vault192is structured to dispense, receive, and store transaction media, such as and/or including banknotes. The vault192may include security features such as a lockable portal (e.g., door) to prevent or mitigate against unauthorized access to the vault192. In some arrangements, the vault192is structured to couple to the transport apparatus190such that the transport apparatus190can retrieve transaction media from or provide transaction media to the vault192.

In some arrangements, the vault192includes a storage cassette housing194. The storage cassette housing194is a portion of the vault192and is structured to store one or more storage cassettes. In some arrangements, the storage cassette housing192is structured to interface with the transport apparatus190to facilitate transferring transaction media between the storage cassettes in the cassette housing194and the media aperture182. In some arrangements, the storage cassette housing194includes slots and/or shelves that interface with the transport apparatus190. The storage cassettes may dock with or couple to the slots of the cassette housing194such that the storage cassettes may interface with the transport apparatus190directly. In some arrangements, a user (e.g., a provider employee) may insert or dock a storage cassette into an empty slot of the storage cassette housing194. In some arrangements, the storage cassettes may be retrievably stored by the storage cassette housing194such that the storage cassettes may be removed (e.g., by a user) from the storage cassette housing194. Accordingly, the storage cassettes may be added, removed, or replaced by a user such as a provider employee. In some arrangements, the storage cassette housing194includes one or more security features such that only an authorized user may insert or remove a storage cassette from the storage cassette housing194. In some arrangements, the security feature may include a keyed lock, a keypad, a biometric sensor, and the like.

In some arrangements, the vault192defines an area196. In some arrangements, the area196may be separate from the storage cassette housing194. In some arrangements, the area196at least partially overlaps the storage cassette housing196. In some arrangements, the area196is substantially empty (e.g., free of storage cassettes) and one or more devices (e.g., the retrofit housing204ofFIG.3B) may be placed in the area196. In some arrangements, the vault192does not include an area196and/or the area196may be defined completely by the storage cassette housing194. In the latter arrangements, the internal housing adapter206may be positioned in the area196.

Referring toFIGS.3A-3Cin general, block diagrams of various example arrangements of a housing device200are shown as an adapter housing202, a retrofit housing204, and an internal adapter housing206inFIGS.3A,3B, and3C, respectively. According to the various example arrangements shown herein, the housing devices200may include similar components or features represented by similar blocks and referenced by similar numerals. For example, each or some of the housing devices200may include a user interface apparatus240as shown inFIGS.3A-3C. It should be understood that the blocks and reference numerals that refer to a particular component or feature may be implemented differently on each of the housing devices200. For example, the user interface apparatus240may be positioned differently, include different subcomponents, and/or have a different appearance when implemented on the adapter housing202, the retrofit housing204and the internal adapter housing206, respectively.

In some arrangements, the housing devices200are structured to facilitate a service operation for a transaction device140. In some arrangements, the housing devices200are structured to facilitate the service operation for any type of transaction device140such as an ATM, a cash recycler, a POS device, and the like. In some arrangements, the service operation includes a filling operation that includes transferring transaction media such as banknotes from the transfer cassettes108to the transaction device140(e.g., to replace depleted transaction media). In some arrangements, the service operation includes a removal operation that includes transfer transaction media from the transaction device140to the transfer cassettes108(e.g., to reduce excess storage). In some arrangements, the service operation includes any combination of a filling operation and a removal operation.

Now specifically referring toFIG.3A,FIG.3Ais a block diagram of an adapter housing202, according to an example arrangement. The adapter housing202is a housing for facilitating a service operation. In some arrangements, the adapter housing202is structured to facilitate interfacing the transfer cassettes108ofFIG.1with the transaction device140ofFIG.2. For example, the adapter housing202may be structured to receive one or more of the transfer cassettes108and facilitate transferring transaction media between the transfer cassette108and the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the adapter housing202is structured to couple to a front (e.g., user facing) side of the transaction device140. The adapter housing202may facilitate transferring transaction media to and from the transaction device140via the media aperture182.

In some arrangements and as shown inFIG.3A, the adapter housing202includes the housing control computing system210ofFIG.1. In some arrangements, the housing control computing system210is provided at least partially locally (e.g., on or within the adapter housing202). In some arrangements, the housing control computing system210is provided completely remote form the adapter housing202. In some arrangements, and as shown inFIG.3A, the adapter housing202also includes a user interface apparatus240, a transfer cassette interface246, a transport apparatus248, and a transaction device interface250.

The user interface apparatus240is a portion of the exterior of the adapter housing202. In some arrangements, the user interface apparatus240includes a security device242and one or more input/output devices244. In some arrangements, the user interface apparatus240may be positioned on one or more surfaces of the adapter housing202. For example, the security device242may be positioned on a first surface of a first side of the adapter housing202, a first device of the one or more input/output devices244may be positioned on a second surface of the first side of the adapter housing202, and a second device of the one or more input/output devices244may be positioned on a first surface of a second side of the adapter housing202. In some arrangements, the security device242and/or the I/O devices244are structured to communicatively couple to the housing control computing system210. For example, the I/O devices244may be wired (e.g., when the housing control computing system210is provided at least partially in with the adapter housing202) or may be wirelessly (e.g., when the housing control computing system210is provided at least partially remote from the adapter housing202) coupled to the I/O circuit220.

In some arrangements, the security device242is structured to prevent or mitigate against an unauthorized user from accessing the adapter housing202. For example, the security device242may be structured to prevent or mitigate against an unauthorized user accessing a transfer cassette108that is docked with the adapter housing202. The security device242may be structured to allow an authorized user to access the transfer cassette108such that the authorized user can insert or remove the transfer cassette108in/from the adapter housing202and/or dock/remove the adapter housing202with/from the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the security device242may include one or more of a keyed lock, a keypad, a biometric sensor, and/or any other security device.

The I/O devices244may include one or more devices structured to provide operational status output and/or receive input from a user. In some arrangements, the I/O devices244are structured to receive user inputs and provide the user inputs to the housing computing system210(e.g., via the I/O circuit220). In some arrangements, the I/O devices244are structured to receive an output from the housing control computing system210(e.g., via the I/O circuit220) and provide or display the output to a user.

In some arrangements, the I/O devices244may include one or more status indication devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), displays, or other indication devices. In some arrangements, the I/O devices244may indicate one or more of (i) whether a transfer cassette108is interfaced with the adapter housing202, (ii) a fill level of the transfer cassette108that is interfaced with the adapter housing202, (iii) whether the adapter housing202is interfaced with the transaction device140, (iv) whether the adapter housing202is interfaced with the correct transaction device140, or any other operational status of the adapter housing202, a transfer cassette108docked with the adapter housing202and/or the transaction device140that the adapter housing202is docked with. In some arrangements, the I/O devices244may include any other input device or output device.

In some arrangements, the I/O devices244include a communication device structured to interface with the I/O circuit160of the transaction device computing system150ofFIG.1. For example, the I/O devices244may include an RFID tag or sensor, a Bluetooth device, a near field communication (NFC) device, or any other communication device structured to interface with the I/O circuit160. In some arrangements, when a user positions the adapter housing202near the transaction device140, the I/O devices244may communicate with the I/O circuit160and cause the housing control computing system210to communicatively couple to the transaction device computing system150. In some arrangements, the I/O devices244are structured to cause the housing control computing system210to communicatively couple to the transaction device computing system150responsive to the adapter housing202physically coupling to the transaction device140. For example, the I/O devices244may be structured to provide a signal to the transaction device computing system150to initiate a communication interface when the adapter housing202is physically connected to the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the interface between the adapter housing202and the transaction device140is facilitated by the transaction device interface150. Transfer cassettes may likewise include an RFID tag or sensor, a Bluetooth device, a near field communication (NFC) device, or any other communication device structured to interface with the I/O circuit160. In some arrangements, a computing system may store a predetermined list of allowable transaction device and adapter housing, transaction device and transfer cassette, and/or transfer cassette and adapter housing combinations and an alert (e.g., in the form of a status light on the transaction device, an automatic lock to prevent any transfers of banknotes, etc.) may be generated if a non-recognized adapter housing and/or transfer cassette are coupled to the transaction device. Advantageously, such configurations may provide an additional layer of security to prevent theft or unauthorized transfers of banknotes.

The transfer cassette interface246can be a receptacle for receiving (i.e. docking) a transfer cassette108with the adapter housing202. In some arrangements, the transfer cassette interface246includes one or more sensors structured to detect whether a transfer cassette108is docked in the transfer cassette interface246. In some arrangements, the transfer cassette interface246includes a security feature such as a lock to substantially prevent or mitigate against an unauthorized user from removing or inserting a transfer cassette from/into the housing202. The security feature may be operable via the security device244of the adapter housing202such that an authorized user may provide a security token to the security device244to unlock the transfer cassette interface246and dock or remove a transfer cassette108with/from the adapter housing202. In some arrangements, the transfer cassette interface246may be structured to receive one or more transfer cassettes. In these arrangements, the transfer cassette interface246may have a number of portals (e.g., openings, doors, and the like) for each transfer cassette108that the transfer cassette interface146can receive.

In some arrangements, the transfer cassette interface246is structured to couple to the transport apparatus248. In these arrangements, the transfer cassette interface246is structured to facilitate operatively coupling the transport apparatus248with a docked transfer cassette108. For example, the transfer cassette interface246may facilitate coupling the transport apparatus248to the transfer cassette108when the transfer cassette108is docked with the adapter housing202via the transfer cassette interface such that the transport apparatus248is operable to retrieve transaction media from or provide transaction media to the transfer cassette108.

The transport apparatus248includes any combination of transport belts, conveyors, rollers, transport arms, and/or any other transport devices for transporting transaction media between a docked transfer cassette108(e.g., via the transfer cassette interface264) and the transaction device140(e.g., via the transaction device interface250).

In some arrangements, the transport apparatus248is structured to couple to a docked transfer cassette108via the transfer cassette interface. When coupled in this way, the transport apparatus248is operable to access the storage of the transfer cassette108to retrieve or store transaction media therein. For example, the transport apparatus248may retrieve banknotes stored in the transfer cassette108and/or provide banknotes to the transfer cassette108.

In some arrangements, the transport apparatus248is structured to couple to a portion of the transaction device140. Specifically, the transport apparatus248is structured to couple to the transaction device140via the transaction device interface250. In some arrangements, the transaction device interface250may include at least a portion of the transport apparatus248. For example, the transaction device interface250may include a transfer arm254. In some arrangements, when the adapter housing202is installed on the transaction device140, the transport apparatus248is structured to couple to a portion of the transaction device140such that the transport apparatus248is operable to facilitate transferring transaction media to/from the transaction device. In some embodiments, when the transaction device140receives the transaction media form the transport apparatus248, the transaction device transport apparatus190is structured to facilitate transporting the transaction media within the transaction device140, as described above.

In some arrangements, the transaction device interface250does not include any portion of the transport apparatus248. In these arrangements, the transport apparatus248is structured to directly couple to a portion of the transaction device140. For example, the transport apparatus248may directly couple to at least one of the transaction device transfer apparatus190(e.g., via the media aperture182or via storage cassette housing194), and/or the transport apparatus248may be appended onto the transaction device transfer apparatus190when the housing device200is installed on/in the transaction device140.

The transaction device interface250is an interface for operably coupling the adapter housing202to the transaction device140. In some arrangements, and as shown inFIG.3A, the transaction device interface includes one or more sensors252and a portion of the transport apparatus248shown as transfer arm254. In some arrangements, transaction device interface250of the adapter housing202is structured to interface with a front facing (i.e. customer facing) portion of the transaction device140. For example, the transaction device interface250may be structured to interface with the media aperture182of the transaction device140(i.e., the transaction device interface250is a media aperture interface). In some arrangements, the transaction device interface250may be structured to interface with the media aperture182if the media aperture182is a standardized media aperture182. In some arrangements, the transaction device interface250is adaptable (e.g., by changing the extension length of the transfer arm254) such that the transaction device interface250is operable to interface with the media aperture182even if the media aperture182is not standardized.

In some arrangements, the transaction device interface250includes one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, magnetic fasteners, snap fit fasteners, and the like) structured to removably couple the adapter housing202to the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the transaction device interface250includes a tool-less design such that the adapter housing202may be coupled to the transaction device without the use of tools.

The sensor(s)252may be structured to detect one or more parameters of a transfer or service operation. In some arrangements the sensors252are communicatively coupled to the housing control computing system210and can provide sensor data to the housing control computing system210. The parameters may include one or more parameters associated with transaction media that passes through the transaction device interface250. For example the sensors252may detect a denomination, amount, quality, legitimacy, or other parameters of transaction media as it passes through the transaction device interface250. In some arrangements, the parameters may include an indication of whether the adapter housing202is properly installed on the transaction device140. For example, the sensors252may detect whether the adapter housing202is properly coupled (e.g., via the one or more fasteners) to the transaction device140.

In some arrangements, the sensors252may detect one or more parameters related to the media aperture182. For example, the sensors252may detect whether banknotes are present in or near the media aperture182, whether the media aperture182is open or closed, and/or any other parameter related to the media aperture182. In some arrangements the sensors252may detect whether a foreign object such as debris, non-transaction media items, or a user (e.g., a customer, a provider employee, etc.) is at least partially positioned between the adapter housing202and the transaction device140. In these arrangements, the sensors252may provide an indication to the housing control computing system210that a foreign object is between the adapter housing202and the transaction device140and/or cause the housing control computing system210to substantially prevent a service operation form being performed responsive to detecting a foreign object between the adapter housing202and the transaction device140.

In some arrangements, the transaction device interface250includes a transfer arm254. In some arrangements, the transfer arm254is a portion of the transport apparatus248provided on or near the transaction device interface250. In some arrangements, the transfer arm254is a separate apparatus and is coupled to the transport apparatus248. In some arrangements, the transfer arm254is structured to be extendable through an opening of the transaction device interface150such that the transfer arm254is operable to reach near or into the media aperture182. For example, the transfer arm254may be operable between an extended position (e.g., when the adapter housing202is coupled to the transaction device140) and a retracted position (e.g., when the adapter housing is not coupled to the transaction device140).

As described above, the transfer arm254may include any combination of rollers, belts, or other transfer devices structured to facilitate transferring transaction media. In some arrangements, the transfer arm254includes rollers, belts, and/or other transfer devices such that, when the transfer arm254is in an extended position, transfer arm254may facilitate retrieving/providing transaction media from/to the transaction device140via the media aperture182. In some arrangements, the transfer arm254may receive transaction media from the transport apparatus248and facilitate inserting the transaction media into the media aperture182. As described above, the transaction device transport apparatus190is operable to retrieve the transaction media provided in the media aperture182. In some arrangements, the transfer arm254may receive transaction media from the media aperture182and provide the transaction media to the transport apparatus248.

FIG.3Bis a block diagram of a retrofit housing204, according to an example arrangement. In some arrangements and as shown inFIG.3B, the retrofit housing204includes similar components as the adapter housing202. For example, the retrofit housing204may include a housing control computing system210(provided locally, partially locally, or remotely), a user interface apparatus240, a transfer cassette interface246, a transport apparatus248, and a transaction device interface250. In some arrangements, the user interface apparatus240, security device242, the I/O devices244, the transfer cassette interface246, and the transport apparatus248are substantially similar to or the same as the similar components of the adapter housing202.

In some arrangements, the retrofit housing204is structured to be positioned within the vault192. For example, the retrofit housing204may be positioned in the area196. In some arrangements, the transaction device transport apparatus190is “retrofitted” (i.e., reconfigured) to receive the retrofit housing204. In some arrangements, the transaction device interface250may be structured to facilitate coupling the housing transport apparatus248to the transaction device transport apparatus190such that the housing transport apparatus248is operable to transfer transaction media to and from the transaction device140via the transaction device transport apparatus190.

FIG.3Cis a block diagram of an internal adapter housing206, according to an example arrangement. In some arrangements and as shown inFIG.3C, the internal adapter housing206includes similar components as the adapter housing202and/or the retrofit housing204. For example, the internal adapter housing206may include a housing control computing system210(provided locally, partially locally, or remotely), a user interface apparatus240, a transfer cassette interface246, a transport apparatus248, and a transaction device interface250. In some arrangements, the user interface apparatus240, security device242, the I/O devices244, and the transfer cassette interface246, are substantially similar to or the same as the similar components of the adapter housing202and/or the retrofit housing204.

In some arrangements, the internal adapter housing206is structured to be positioned within the vault192. For example, the internal adapter housing206may be positioned on or near the storage cassette housing194. In some arrangements, the internal adapter housing206is structured to be positioned on or dock with a cassette slot of the storage cassette housing194. In some arrangements, the transaction device interface250may be structured to facilitate coupling the transfer cassette interface246to the transaction device transport apparatus190via the storage cassette housing194such that the transaction device transport apparatus190is operable to transfer transaction media to and from the transfer cassette108.

Now referring toFIGS.4A and4B, the transaction device140is shown according to various example arrangements. Specifically a front, user (e.g., customer) facing portion of the transaction device140is shown inFIG.4Aand an internal portion (e.g., vault192) of the transaction device140is shown inFIG.4B. In some arrangements, and as shown inFIGS.4A and4B, the transaction device140is an ATM; however, it should be understood that the transaction device140may be any transaction device or cash recycler such as a POS device, a teller station, and the like.

FIG.4Ais a front elevated view of the transaction device140ofFIG.2, according to an example arrangement. As shown inFIG.4A, the transaction device140includes at least one media aperture182, a display184, and one or more input/output device186. In some arrangements, the transaction device140also includes one or more mounting devices188.

As shown inFIG.4A, the transaction device140includes a media aperture182. In some arrangements, the transaction device140may include more than one media aperture182. In these arrangements, each media aperture182may be structured to receive and/or dispense a type of transaction media (e.g., banknotes, coins, checks). In some arrangements, the media aperture182is a media pocket and a user (e.g., customer) can retrieve and/or place transaction media from/in the media pocket. In some arrangements, the media aperture182is operable between an open position and a closed position. For example, the media aperture182may be operable to the open position when receiving or dispensing transaction media and operable to the closed position when the transaction device is inactive.

The display184is a display output structured to display a user interface. The user interface (UI) may include a transactional UI structured to facilitate a transaction. The transactional UI may be displayed during transaction operations performed by the transaction device. The UI may also include a service mode UI structured to facilitate a service operation. The service mode UI may be displayed responsive to the transaction device computing system150executing the service mode executable172. The service mode UI, described in detail herein below, may include any number of interactive elements or icons for facilitating the service operation.

The I/O devices186may include at least one I/O device for facilitating an operation (e.g., a transactional operation and/or a service mode operation) at the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the I/O devices186include a card reader structured to receive an input from a transaction card (e.g., an ATM card, a credit card, a debit card, a gift card) and/or a security card (e.g., an identification card). The input may include a RFID signal, a magnetic strip, a security chip, and/or any other input signal. In some arrangements, the I/O devices186may include a keypad, keyboard, touchscreen keyboard, or other typing device structured to receive a user input including an alphanumeric input, or other touch input. In some arrangements, the I/O devices186includes a biometric sensor structured to receive a biometric from a user such as a fingerprint scan, an eye scan, a face scan and the like.

The one or more mounting devices188may include any combination of fasteners, pins, magnets, snap fit devices, holes, and/or receptacles for coupling the transaction device140to the adapter housing202. In some arrangements, when the adapter housing202is coupled to the transaction device via the mounting devices188, the adapter housing202is substantially aligned with the media aperture182such that the adapter housing202can facilitate transferring banknotes to/from the transaction device140via the media aperture182.

FIG.4Bis an internal view of the transaction device140ofFIG.2, according to an example arrangement. As shown the vault192includes a storage cassette housing194having one or more cassette slots198. In some arrangements, the transaction device transport apparatus190is coupled to the storage cassette housing194and/or each of the one or more cassette slots198. In some arrangements, the cassette slots198are structured to receive a storage cassette. In some arrangements, the transaction device140may access the storage cassettes in the cassette slots198. For example, the transaction device140may retrievably store transaction media in the storage cassettes and transport the transaction media to/from the storage cassettes via the transport apparatus190. In some arrangements, the transaction device140may define a maximum and/or minimum storage parameter based on the number of storage cassettes docked in the cassette slots198. For example, the transaction device140may define a maximum storage parameter based on the maximum number of banknotes that can be stored in the docked storage cassettes. The transaction device may also define a minimum parameter (i.e., minimum threshold) for a number of banknotes required to facilitate transaction operations based at least partially on the number of storage cassettes docked in the storage cassette housing194. In some arrangements, the vault192at least partially defines an area196. In some arrangements, and as shown inFIG.4B, the area196is at least partially defined by the storage cassette housing194.

FIG.5Ais a front elevated view of the transaction device140ofFIG.2and the adapter housing202ofFIG.3A, according to an example arrangement. As shown inFIG.5A, the adapter housing202is coupled to the front, user facing side of the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the adapter housing202couples to the one or more mounting devices188. In some arrangements, and as shown inFIG.5A, the adapter housing202is substantially aligned with the media aperture182. In some arrangements, and as shown inFIG.5A, the transfer cassette interface246faces outwardly from the transaction device140when the adapter housing202is installed on the transaction device140. In some arrangements, a user (e.g., a provider employee) may install or remove a transfer cassette while the adapter housing202is installed on the transaction device140.

FIG.5Bis a detailed rear view of the adapter housing202ofFIG.3A, according to an example arrangement. In some arrangements, and as shown inFIG.5B, the adapter housing202includes a transport apparatus248, a transaction device interface250, a sensor252, a transfer arm254, a portal256, a security skirt258, and one or more mounting device260. As described above, the transport apparatus248is structured to facilitate transporting transaction media (e.g., to/from the transfer cassette108and the transaction device140). The transaction device interface250is structured to facilitate interfacing with the transaction device140. The sensor252is structured to detect one or more parameters of a service operation, transaction media entering or exiting the adapter housing202, and/or any other parameter near the transaction device interface250. The transport arm254is structured to at least partially extend out of the adapter housing202when in an extended position (as shown). As described above, the transport arm may, at least partially, extend into a portion of the transaction device140such as the media aperture182.

The portal256is a door that is operable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed positon, the portal256substantially prevents or mitigates against a user from reaching into the adapter housing202. In the open position the portal265defines an opening that allows the transfer arm254to extend out of the adapter housing202. In some arrangements the portal256is one of a hinged door, a sliding door, or other openable portal. In some arrangements, the portal256is operable by the housing control computing system210. For example, the housing control computing system210may receive a first signal from one or more sensors (e.g., sensor252) indicating that the adapter housing202is coupled to the transaction device140. Responsive to receiving the first signal, the housing control computing system210may operate the portal256from the closed position to the open position. In some arrangements, the housing control computing system210may operate the portal256from the open position to the closed position based on a second signal indicating at least one of a sensor detection of a foreign object between the adapter housing202and the transaction device140, a sensor detection that the security skirt258is not in an extended position, an indication that the service operation is completed, and/or other parameter related to the service operation.

The security skirt258is a skirt that extend around a periphery of the opening defined by the portal256. In some arrangements, the security skirt is operable between a first position and a second position. The first position may be a retracted position. In the first position the security skirt258may be substantially flush with an external surface of the adapter housing202. In the second position, the security skirt258may be extended away from the outer surface of the adapter housing202. In some arrangements, the security skirt258is structured to operate from the first position to the second position responsive to the adapter housing202being coupled to the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the security skirt258is structured to contact an outer surface of the transaction device140in the second position such that a user is substantially prevented from reaching between the transaction device140and the adapter housing202. In some arrangements, the sensor252may detect whether the security skirt258is in the second position. In some arrangements, the portal256may remain in the closed position until the security skirt is in the second position.

In some arrangements, the security skirt258is operable by the housing control computing system210. For example, the housing control computing system210may receive a first signal from one or more sensors (e.g., sensor252) indicating that the adapter housing202is coupled to the transaction device140. Responsive to receiving the first signal, the housing control computing system210may operate the security skirt258from the first position to the second position. In some arrangements, the housing control computing system210may operate the security skirt258from the second position to the first position based on a second signal indicating at least one of a sensor detection of a foreign object between the adapter housing202and the transaction device140, a sensor detection that the portal256is in the closed position, an indication that the service operation is completed, and/or other parameter related to the service operation.

As shown inFIG.5B, the adapter housing202includes one or more mounting device260structured to interface with the mounting devices188of the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the mounting device260include a complementary mounting device (e.g., bolt, fastener, screw, hole, receptacle, magnet, snap-fit arrangement, and so on) such that the mounting devices188of the transaction device140and the mounting device260of the adapter housing202facilitate coupling the adapter housing202to the transaction device140.

FIG.5Cis a detailed front view of the adapter housing202ofFIG.3A, according to an example arrangement. As shown, the adapter housing202includes a user interface apparatus240which includes one or more I/O device242and a security device244. In some arrangements, the I/O device242is communicatively coupled to the housing control computing system210may such that the I/O device242may receive user input and/or provide an output to a user. In some arrangements, and as shown inFIG.5C, the I/O device242may include one or more status indication lights structured to indicate an operational status of the adapter housing202and/or an status of a service operation. For example the I/O device242may indicate whether a transfer cassette108is installed in the adapter housing202, whether the adapter housing202is installed on a transaction device140, whether the correct transfer cassette108is installed in the adapter housing202, whether the adapter housing202is installed on a correct transaction device140, whether a service operation has started, whether a service operation has been completed, and/or any other parameter.

In some arrangements, the adapter housing202also includes the transfer cassette interface246on a front side. In some arrangements, the transfer cassette interface246defines a receptacle or slot structured to receive one or more of the transfer cassettes108. In some arrangements, the transfer cassette interface246includes a lock operable between an unlocked state and a locked state structured to prevent an unauthorized user from inserting and/or removing a transfer cassette108from the slot. In some arrangements the lock is operable by housing control computing system210. For example, the housing control computing system210may receive a security token from the security device244and set the lock to the unlocked state. In some arrangements, the housing control computing system210may automatically set the lock to the locked state (e.g., after a predetermined amount of time, after receiving a sensor indication that a transfer cassette108has been docked or removed). In some arrangements, the housing control computing system210may set the lock to the locked state after receiving an additional or subsequent security token via the security device244.

FIG.5Dis a flow diagram of a method300of facilitating a service operation with the adapter housing202ofFIG.3A, according to an example arrangement. In some arrangements, one or more of the computing systems of the system100may be configured to perform method300. For example, the provider computing system110, the transaction device computing system150, and/or the housing control computing system210, may be structured to perform the method300. In some arrangements, one or more of the transaction device140and the adapter housing202may be configured to perform the method300. In an example arrangement, the transaction device140and transaction device computing system150may, alone or in combination with other devices such as the adapter housing202and the housing control computing system210, and/or the provider computing system110may perform the method300. In an example arrangement, the method300is performed by the adapter housing202in combination with the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the method300may include user inputs from a user (e.g., a provider employee) one or more user devices (such as devices of provider employees), another computing device on the network105, and the like.

In broad overview of method300, at step302, the adapter housing202connects to the transaction device140. At step304, the transaction device140is set to service mode. At step306, the adapter housing202receives a transfer cassette108. At step308, the adapter housing202facilitates transferring banknotes between the transfer cassette and the transaction device140. At step310, the transaction device140updates the service mode user interface (e.g., the UI400ofFIG.8). At step312, the adapter housing202is disconnected from the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the steps of the method300may be performed in a different order than as shown inFIG.5D. For example, step306may be performed before step302. In some arrangements, the method300may include more or fewer steps than as shown inFIG.5D.

Referring to the method300in more detail, at step302, the adapter housing202is connected to the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the connection includes a physical connection where the mounting device188,260facilitate coupling the adapter housing202to the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the connection includes communicatively coupling the transaction device computing system150and the housing control computing system210. In some arrangements, communication is established via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., via the network105).

In some arrangements, step302includes checking if the adapter housing202is coupled to the correct transaction device140. For example, the provider computing system110may identify a first transaction device of a plurality of transaction device140that needs a service operation (e.g., based on one or more of a fill level of the storage cassettes of the transaction device140, an anticipated requirement for the fill level, a fill level of nearby transaction device and/or other parameters of the transaction device140). The provider computing system110may provide an indication to the transaction device computing system150and/or the service device computing system210indicating a first adapter housing of a plurality of adapter housings202to couple to the first transaction device. Accordingly, when the adapter housing202is connected to the transaction device140, one or more of the provider computing system110, the transaction device computing system150, and the housing control computing system210may verify that the correct adapter housing202is connected to the correct transaction device140. In some arrangements, the housing control computing system210may be structured to provide an indication to a user (e.g., via the I/O devices242) that indicates whether the correct adapter housing202is coupled to the correct transaction device140.

At step304, the transaction device140is set to a service mode. In some arrangements, the transaction device computing system150executes or is caused to execute a service mode executable172,232. In some arrangements, the service mode executable172,232is executed responsive to detecting, by one or more sensors (e.g., sensor252), that the adapter housing202is connected to the transaction device140. In some arrangements, service mode executable172,232is executed responsive to receiving a security token from one or more of the security device244and one or more of the I/O devices186. In some arrangements, the service mode includes displaying, by the display184a service mode UI (e.g., the service mode UI400ofFIG.8). While the transaction device140is set to the service mode, the transaction device140is structured to facilitate performing the service operation of the method300.

At step306, the adapter housing202receives a transfer cassette108. As described above, the transfer cassette108may dock with the adapter housing202at the transfer cassette interface246. In some arrangements, the adapter housing202may receive more than one transfer cassette108. In some arrangements, the adapter housing202may be configured to receive more than one transfer cassette108simultaneously. In some arrangements, the adapter housing202may be configured to receive the transfer cassettes108sequentially. For example, the service operation may be at least partially completed when a first transfer cassette108is docked and removed, and the service operation may be partially completed when a second transfer cassette108is docked and removed. The transfer cassettes108may be docked and/or removed repeatedly until the service operation is completed.

At step308, the adapter housing202initiates the transfer of transaction media including banknotes. As described above, in some arrangements, the adapter housing202may transfer banknotes from the docked transfer cassette108to the transaction device140via the media aperture182. In some arrangements, the adapter housing may transfer banknotes from the media aperture182to the docked transfer cassette108. In some arrangements, the housing control computing system110causes the transport apparatus248to facilitate moving the banknotes to/from the transfer cassette108. In some arrangements, the banknotes are transferred based on a predetermined service operation parameter. For example, the provider computing system110may determine a number of banknotes to transfer based on at least one of a fill level of the storage cassettes of the transaction device140, a denomination of the banknotes in the transfer cassette and/or in the storage cassettes, a minimum storage threshold for the transaction device, and a maximum storage threshold for the transaction device.

At step310, the service mode UI400is updated. In some arrangements, when one or more of the provider computing system110, the transaction device computing system150, the housing control computing system210receives data that includes an indication that at least a portion of the service operation is completed, the transaction device computing system150is structured to modify and/or update the service mode UI400with the data. For example, the transaction device computing system150may update the service mode UI400when the adapter housing202is coupled to the transaction device140, when the transfer cassette108is coupled to the adapter housing202, when a first set of banknotes has been transferred, when all banknotes of the service operation have been transferred, and/or when the adapter housing202is removed from the transaction device140.

At step312, the adapter housing202is disconnected from the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the adapter housing202may provide an indication (e.g., via the I/O devices244) that the service operation is completed. In these arrangements, a user may remove or decouple the adapter housing form the transaction device1140.

FIG.6Ais an internal view of the transaction device140ofFIG.2and the retrofit housing204ofFIG.3B, according to an example arrangement. The retrofit housing204includes a transfer cassette interface146, a transport apparatus248, a transaction device interface250and a user interface apparatus240. The components of the retrofit housing are described in detail above with respect toFIG.3B.

As shown inFIG.6A, the retrofit housing204is coupled at least partially to the transport apparatus190. In some arrangements the retrofit housing204is at least partially coupled to the storage cassette housing194. In some arrangements, the transport apparatus190is modified to receive the transaction device interface250and couple to the transport apparatus248such that the transport apparatus248is operable to transport banknotes from the transfer cassette108to the transaction device via the transport apparatus190and vice versa.

FIG.6Bis a flow diagram of a method330of facilitating a service operation with the retrofit housing204ofFIG.3B, according to an example arrangement. In some arrangements, one or more of the computing systems of the system100may be configured to perform method330. For example, the provider computing system110, the transaction device computing system150, and/or the housing control computing system210, may be structured to perform the method330. In some arrangements, one or more of the transaction device140and the retrofit housing204may be configured to perform the method330. In an example arrangement, the transaction device140and transaction device computing system150may, alone or in combination with other devices such as the adapter housing202and the housing control computing system210, and/or the provider computing system110may perform the method330. In an example arrangement, the method330is performed by the retrofit housing204in combination with the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the method330may include user inputs from a user (e.g., a provider employee) one or more user devices (such as devices of provider employees), another computing device on the network105, and the like.

In broad overview of method330, at step332, the transaction device transport apparatus190is modified. At step334, the retrofit housing204is connected to the modified transport apparatus190. At step336, the retrofit housing204receives a transfer cassette108. At step338, the transaction device140is set to a service mode. At step340, transaction media include banknotes is transferred between the transfer cassette108and the transaction device140. At step342, service mode UI is updated. At step244the transfer cassette is ejected. In some arrangements, the steps of the method330may be performed in a different order than as shown inFIG.6B. In some arrangements, the method330may include more or fewer steps than as shown inFIG.6B.

Referring to the method330in more detail, at step332, the transaction device transport apparatus190is modified. In some arrangements, the modification includes structuring the transport apparatus190to receive the transaction device interface250.

At step334the retrofit housing204is connected to the transaction device140via the modified transport apparatus190. In some arrangements the transaction device interface250is coupled to the transport apparatus190such that the transport apparatus248may facilitate transferring banknotes from a docked transfer cassette108to the transaction device140via the modified transport apparatus190.

At step336the retrofit housing204receives a transfer cassette108. As described above, the transfer cassette108may dock with the retrofit housing204at the transfer cassette interface246. In some arrangements, the retrofit housing204may receive more than one transfer cassette108. In some arrangements, the retrofit housing204may be configured to receive more than one transfer cassette108simultaneously. In some arrangements, the retrofit housing204may be configured to receive the transfer cassettes108sequentially. For example, the service operation may be at least partially completed when a first transfer cassette108is docked and removed, and the service operation may be partially completed when a second transfer cassette108is docked and removed. The transfer cassettes108may be docked and/or removed repeatedly until the service operation is completed.

At step338, the transaction device140is set to a service mode. In some arrangements, the transaction device computing system150executes or is caused to execute a service mode executable172,232. In some arrangements, the service mode executable172,232is executed responsive to detecting, by one or more sensors (e.g., sensor252), that the retrofit housing204is connected to the transaction device140. In some arrangements, service mode executable172,232is executed responsive to receiving a security token from one or more of the security device244and one or more of the I/O devices186. In some arrangements, the service mode includes displaying, by the display184a service mode UI (e.g., the service mode UI400ofFIG.8). While the transaction device140is set to the service mode, the transaction device140is structured to facilitate performing the service operation of the method330.

At step340, the retrofit housing204initiates the transfer of transaction media including banknotes. As described above, in some arrangements, the retrofit housing204may transfer banknotes from the docked transfer cassette108to the transaction device140via the modified transport apparatus190. In some arrangements, the retrofit housing204may transfer banknotes from the transport apparatus190to the docked transfer cassette108. In some arrangements, the housing control computing system110causes the transport apparatus248to facilitate moving the banknotes to/from the transfer cassette108. In some arrangements, the banknotes are transferred based on a predetermined service operation parameter. For example, the provider computing system110may determine a number of banknotes to transfer based on at least one of a fill level of the storage cassettes of the transaction device140, a denomination of the banknotes in the transfer cassette and/or in the storage cassettes, a minimum storage threshold for the transaction device, and a maximum storage threshold for the transaction device.

At step342, the service mode UI400is updated. In some arrangements, when one or more of the provider computing system110, the transaction device computing system150, the housing control computing system210receives data that includes an indication that at least a portion of the service operation is completed, the transaction device computing system150is structured to modify and/or update the service mode UI400with the data. For example, the transaction device computing system150may update the service mode UI400when a transfer cassette108is coupled to the transaction device140, when a first set of banknotes has been transferred, when all banknotes of the service operation have been transferred, and/or when the transfer cassette108is removed from the retrofit housing204.

At step344, the transfer cassette108is ejected or disconnected from the retrofit housing204. In some arrangements, the retrofit housing204may provide an indication (e.g., via the I/O devices244) that the service operation is completed. In these arrangements, a user may remove or decouple the transfer cassette108form the retrofit housing204.

FIG.7Ais an internal view of the transaction device140ofFIG.2and the internal adapter housing206ofFIG.3C, according to an example arrangement. The internal adapter housing206includes a transfer cassette interface146, a transaction device interface250and a user interface apparatus240. The components of the internal adapter housing206are described in detail above with respect toFIG.3C.

As shown inFIG.7A, the internal adapter housing206is coupled at least partially to the storage cassette housing194. In some arrangements, the internal adapter housing206is docked with one of the storage cassette slots198such that the transaction device interface250couples to the transport apparatus transport apparatus190. In some arrangements, the transport apparatus248is operable to transport banknotes from the transfer cassette108to the transaction device via the transport apparatus190and vice versa.

FIG.7Bis a flow diagram of a method350of facilitating a service operation with the internal adapter housing ofFIG.3C, according to an example arrangement. In some arrangements, one or more of the computing systems of the system100may be configured to perform method350. For example, the provider computing system110, the transaction device computing system150, and/or the housing control computing system210, may be structured to perform the method350. In some arrangements, one or more of the transaction device140and the internal adapter housing206may be configured to perform the method350. In an example arrangement, the transaction device140and transaction device computing system150may, alone or in combination with other devices such as the internal adapter housing206and the housing control computing system210, and/or the provider computing system110may perform the method350. In an example arrangement, the method350is performed by the adapter housing202in combination with the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the method350may include user inputs from a user (e.g., a provider employee) one or more user devices (such as devices of provider employees), another computing device on the network105, and the like.

In broad overview of method350, at step352, the internal adapter housing206connects to the transaction device140at a storage cassette slot198. At step354, the internal adapter housing206receives a transfer cassette108. At step356, the transaction device140is set to service mode. At step358, the internal adapter housing206facilitates transferring banknotes between the transfer cassette and the transaction device140. At step360, the transaction device140updates the service mode user interface (e.g., the UI400ofFIG.8). At step362, the transfer cassette108is removed or ejected from the internal adapter housing206. In some arrangements, the steps of the method350may be performed in a different order than as shown inFIG.5D. In some arrangements, the method300may include more or fewer steps than as shown inFIG.5D. For example, the method350may include steps364and366. At step364the internal adapter housing206receives a storage cassette at the transfer cassette interface248. At step366, the transaction device continues normal operations (e.g., transactional operations).

Referring to the method350in more detail, at step352, the internal adapter housing206is connected to the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the internal adapter housing206couples to at least one of the storage cassette slots198of the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the connection includes communicatively coupling the transaction device computing system150and the housing control computing system210. In some arrangements, communication is established via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., via the network105).

In some arrangements, after step352, the internal adapter housing206may receive a transfer cassette108or a storage cassette. In some arrangements, if the internal adapter housing206receives a transfer cassette108, the method350continues to step354. In some arrangements, if the internal adapter housing206receives a storage cassette, the method350continues to step364.

At step354, the internal adapter housing206receives a transfer cassette108. As described above, the transfer cassette108may dock with the internal adapter housing206at the transfer cassette interface246. In some arrangements, the internal adapter housing206may receive more than one transfer cassette108. In some arrangements, the internal adapter housing206may be configured to receive more than one transfer cassette108simultaneously. In some arrangements, the internal adapter housing206may be configured to receive the transfer cassettes108sequentially. For example, the service operation may be at least partially completed when a first transfer cassette108is docked and removed, and the service operation may be partially completed when a second transfer cassette108is docked and removed. The transfer cassettes108may be docked and/or removed repeatedly until the service operation is completed.

At step356, the transaction device140is set to a service mode. In some arrangements, the transaction device computing system150executes or is caused to execute a service mode executable172,232. In some arrangements, the service mode executable172,232is executed responsive to detecting, by one or more sensors (e.g., sensor252), that the internal adapter housing206is connected to the transaction device140. In some arrangements, service mode executable172,232is executed responsive to receiving a security token from one or more of the security device244and one or more of the I/O devices186. In some arrangements, the service mode includes displaying, by the display184a service mode UI (e.g., the service mode UI400ofFIG.8). While the transaction device140is set to the service mode, the transaction device140is structured to facilitate performing the service operation of the method350.

At step358, the internal adapter housing206initiates the transfer of transaction media including banknotes. As described above, in some arrangements, the internal adapter housing206may facilitate the transfer of banknotes from the docked transfer cassette108to the transaction device140via the transaction device transport apparatus190and/or the storage cassette housing194. In some arrangements, the internal adapter housing206may facilitate coupling the transfer cassette108to the transaction device transport apparatus190such that the transaction device transport apparatus190is operable to transfer banknotes from storage cassettes docked in the storage cassette housing194to the docked transfer cassette108. In some arrangements, the housing control computing system110causes the transaction device transport apparatus190to facilitate moving the banknotes to/from the transfer cassette108. In some arrangements, the banknotes are transferred based on a predetermined service operation parameter. For example, the provider computing system110may determine a number of banknotes to transfer based on at least one of a fill level of the storage cassettes of the transaction device140, a denomination of the banknotes in the transfer cassette108and/or in the storage cassettes, a minimum storage threshold for the transaction device, and a maximum storage threshold for the transaction device.

At step360, the service mode UI400is updated. In some arrangements, when one or more of the provider computing system110, the transaction device computing system150, the housing control computing system210receives data that includes an indication that at least a portion of the service operation is completed, the transaction device computing system150is structured to modify and/or update the service mode UI400with the data. For example, the transaction device computing system150may update the service mode UI400when internal adapter housing206is coupled to the transaction device140, when the transfer cassette108is coupled to the adapter housing202, when a first set of banknotes has been transferred, when all banknotes of the service operation have been transferred, and/or when the internal adapter housing206is removed from the transaction device140.

At step362, the transfer cassette108is disconnected or ejected from the internal adapter housing206. In some arrangements, the internal adapter housing206may provide an indication (e.g., via the I/O devices244) that the service operation is completed. In these arrangements, a user may remove or decouple the transfer cassette108form the internal adapter housing206.

At step364, the internal adapter housing206receives a storage cassette. In some arrangements, the storage cassette is received by the transfer cassette interface248. In these arrangements, the transfer cassette interface248is structured to receive a storage cassette and facilitate coupling the storage cassette to the transaction device transport apparatus190.

At step366, the transaction device140continues normal operations. While the storage cassette is docked with the internal adapter housing206, the transaction device140may use the storage cassette as a typical storage cassette.

FIG.8is an illustration of some aspects of a service user interface showing interactive icons, according to an example arrangement. The service mode UI400may be provided on a display402and include one or more user interface elements such as an information icon410and one or more interactive icons420. In some arrangements, the service mode UI400is generated by one or more of the computing systems of the system100such as the transaction device computing system150. In some arrangements, the service mode UI400is generated responsive to the transaction device140executing the service mode executable172.

The display402may be any display of the system100. In some arrangements, the display402is the display184of the transaction device140. In some arrangements, the display402is included in the input/output devices of the housing device200(e.g., adapter housing202, retrofit housing204, internal adapter housing206). In some arrangements, the display402is a separate display structured to display the service mode UI400. In these arrangements, the display402may be connected to one or more I/O circuits such as the I/O circuit120, the I/O circuit160, and/or the I/O circuit220.

In some arrangements and as shown inFIG.8, the information icon410is structured to display information associated with the service operation described above with respect to the methods300,330,350. For example, the information icon410may include one or more operational status and/or any information associated with the service operation. As shown, the information icon410may include a serial number412of the transfer cassette108, a capacity or a fill level414of the transfer cassette108, a value of currency416stored by the transfer cassette108, and other transactional information418such as a transaction type, a transaction time, a transaction location, and/or a transaction ID number.

In some arrangements and as shown inFIG.8, the interactive icons420are structured to display an operational status associated with the service operation described above with respect to the methods300,330,350. The one or more of the interactive icons420may also be structured to receive a user input (e.g., via a touch screen display, a button, I/O device186, and so on). A first interactive icon422may be structured to receive a user input to initiate a transfer of banknotes between the transaction device140and the transfer cassette108. A second interactive icon424may be displayed or highlighted responsive a user input being received by the first interactive icon422. The second interactive icon424may indicate that the transfer of banknotes has started. A third interactive icon426may be displayed or highlighted responsive to the transfer of banknotes being completed. A fourth interactive icon428may be structured to receive a user input and exit the service mode. For example, the fourth interactive icon428may provide instructions to the transaction device computing system150to end or suspend the service executable172, responsive to receiving a user input.

In some arrangements, the service mode UI400may include additional UI elements. For example, the service mode UI400may include a security UI element that prompts a user to provide a security token such as a password, a personal identification number, a biometric, a security chip, an RFID signal, and/or any other security token.

FIG.9is a component diagram of an example computing system suitable for use in the various arrangements described herein. For example, the computing system500may implement an example FI computing system110, a transaction device computing system150, an housing computing system210, and/or various other example systems and devices described in the present disclosure.

The computing system500includes a bus502or other communication component for communicating information and a processor504coupled to the bus502for processing information. The computing system500also includes main memory506, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus502for storing information, and instructions to be executed by the processor504. Main memory506can also be used for storing position information, temporary variables, or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by the processor504. The computing system500may further include a read only memory (ROM)508or other static storage device coupled to the bus402for storing static information and instructions for the processor504. A storage device510, such as a solid state device, magnetic disk or optical disk, is coupled to the bus502for persistently storing information and instructions.

The computing system500may be coupled via the bus502to a display514, such as a liquid crystal display, or active matrix display, for displaying information to a user. An input device512, such as a keyboard including alphanumeric and other keys, may be coupled to the bus502for communicating information, and command selections to the processor504. In another arrangement, the input device512has a touch screen display. The input device512can include any type of biometric sensor, a cursor control, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor504and for controlling cursor movement on the display514.

In some arrangements, the computing system500may include a communications adapter516, such as a networking adapter. Communications adapter516may be coupled to bus502and may be configured to enable communications with a computing or communications network105and/or other computing systems. In various illustrative arrangements, any type of networking configuration may be achieved using communications adapter516, such as wired (e.g., via Ethernet), wireless (e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), satellite (e.g., via GPS) pre-configured, ad-hoc, LAN, WAN, and the like.

According to various arrangements, the processes that effectuate illustrative arrangements that are described herein can be achieved by the computing system500in response to the processor504executing an arrangement of instructions contained in main memory506. Such instructions can be read into main memory506from another computer-readable medium, such as the storage device510. Execution of the arrangement of instructions contained in main memory506causes the computing system500to perform the illustrative processes described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the instructions contained in main memory506. In alternative arrangements, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement illustrative arrangements. Thus, arrangements are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The embodiments described herein have been described with reference to drawings. The drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems, methods and programs described herein. However, describing the embodiments with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the disclosure any limitations that may be present in the drawings.

It should be understood that no claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

As used herein, the term “circuit” may include hardware structured to execute the functions described herein. In some embodiments, each respective “circuit” may include machine-readable media for configuring the hardware to execute the functions described herein. The circuit may be embodied as one or more circuitry components including, but not limited to, processing circuitry, network interfaces, peripheral devices, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc. In some embodiments, a circuit may take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (IC), discrete circuits, system on a chip (SOC) circuits), telecommunication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of “circuit.” In this regard, the “circuit” may include any type of component for accomplishing or facilitating achievement of the operations described herein. For example, a circuit as described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, and so on.

The “circuit” may also include one or more processors communicatively coupled to one or more memory or memory devices. In this regard, the one or more processors may execute instructions stored in the memory or may execute instructions otherwise accessible to the one or more processors. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be embodied in various ways. The one or more processors may be constructed in a manner sufficient to perform at least the operations described herein. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits (e.g., circuit A and circuit B may comprise or otherwise share the same processor which, in some example embodiments, may execute instructions stored, or otherwise accessed, via different areas of memory). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be structured to perform or otherwise execute certain operations independent of one or more co-processors. In other example embodiments, two or more processors may be coupled via a bus to enable independent, parallel, pipelined, or multi-threaded instruction execution. Each processor may be implemented as one or more general-purpose processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or other suitable electronic data processing components structured to execute instructions provided by memory. The one or more processors may take the form of a single core processor, multi-core processor (e.g., a dual core processor, triple core processor, quad core processor), microprocessor, etc. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be external to the apparatus, for example the one or more processors may be a remote processor (e.g., a cloud based processor). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be internal and/or local to the apparatus. In this regard, a given circuit or components thereof may be disposed locally (e.g., as part of a local server, a local computing system) or remotely (e.g., as part of a remote server such as a cloud based server). To that end, a “circuit” as described herein may include components that are distributed across one or more locations.

An exemplary system for implementing the overall system or portions of the embodiments might include a general purpose computing devices in the form of computers, including a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit. Each memory device may include non-transient volatile storage media, non-volatile storage media, non-transitory storage media (e.g., one or more volatile and/or non-volatile memories), etc. In some embodiments, the non-volatile media may take the form of ROM, flash memory (e.g., flash memory such as NAND,3D NAND, NOR,3D NOR), EEPROM, MRAM, magnetic storage, hard discs, optical discs, etc. In other embodiments, the volatile storage media may take the form of RAM, TRAM, ZRAM, etc. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. In this regard, machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. Each respective memory device may be operable to maintain or otherwise store information relating to the operations performed by one or more associated circuits, including processor instructions and related data (e.g., database components, object code components, script components), in accordance with the example embodiments described herein.

It should also be noted that the term “input devices,” as described herein, may include any type of input device including, but not limited to, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, joystick or other input devices performing a similar function. Comparatively, the term “output device,” as described herein, may include any type of output device including, but not limited to, a computer monitor, printer, facsimile machine, or other output devices performing a similar function.

Any foregoing references to currency or funds are intended to include fiat currencies, non-fiat currencies (e.g., precious metals), and math-based currencies (often referred to as cryptocurrencies). Examples of math-based currencies include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and the like.

It should be noted that although the diagrams herein may show a specific order and composition of method steps, it is understood that the order of these steps may differ from what is depicted. For example, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Also, some method steps that are performed as discrete steps may be combined, steps being performed as a combined step may be separated into discrete steps, the sequence of certain processes may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete processes may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any element or apparatus may be varied or substituted according to alternative embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Such variations will depend on the machine-readable media and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. It is understood that all such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software and web implementations of the present disclosure could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various database searching steps, correlation steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

The foregoing description of embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from this disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the disclosure and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and embodiment of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as expressed in the appended claims.