Patent ID: 7424970

Claim:
A method for creating digital currency, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first automated teller machine having a currency scanner and an initiation button, the initiation button functioning to activate the first automated teller machine without the use of a bank card or a bank account; providing a central computer operably connected to the first automated teller machine; initiating the first automated teller machine in response to the initiation button being pressed; receiving a sum of currency into the currency scanner of the first automated teller machine; creating an account in the central computer in response to the receipt of the sum of currency; storing the sum of currency in digital form in the account; generating a unique alphanumeric code that includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including an alphanumeric indication of the sum of currency; associating the unique alphanumeric code with the account; printing the unique alphanumeric code; transmitting the unique alphanumeric code to a recipient; inputting the unique alphanumeric code by the recipient into a second automated teller machine; transmitting the unique alphanumeric code from the second automated teller machine to the central computer; and dispensing from the second automated teller machine the sum of currency in the account associated with the unique alphanumeric code.