Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/245,523, filed Apr. 4, 2014, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMLESS, SELF-SERVICE REGISTRATION FOR ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES (Atty. Dkt. No. GNRT-32039), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/826,537, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMLESS, SELF-SERVICE REGISTRATION FOR ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES (Atty. Dkt. No. GNRT-31598), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/644,878, filed May 9, 2012, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMLESS, SELF-SERVICE REGISTRATION FOR ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES (Atty. Dkt. No. GNRT-30929). U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/826,537 and 61/644,878 are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The following disclosure relates to a system and method for formless registration of an unbanked user for financial and similar services. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The availability of self-service financial technology and devices such as automated teller machines, (ATMs), and similar devices has grown exponentially over the past several years. Such devices typically provide banking, funds transfer, bill payment services and the like to customers of a financial institution. However, the devices and systems used to provide such financial transactions have typically been limited to services provided by a given financial service provider. Some devices do allow for multiple services from a common location, but such service typically requires a dedicated VPN connection between the device and the service provider. In order to utilize such services, a customer must typically have an account with a financial service provider and/or a credit, debit or similar card issued by the service provider. For example, self-service ticket machines are typically limited to dispensing tickets and require the use of a credit card or debit card to complete a purchase. To obtain a credit card or debit card, a user is typically required to fill out one or more forms and submit the completed form to the bank or other financial institution which processes the form, opens an account for the customer and provides the customer with a card that enables the customer to access and utilize the services provided by the financial institution and other entities. 
         [0004]    Currently, however, there are significant populations of unbanked or under-banked consumers that do not have access to such services for a number of reasons. Members of such populations may not have a credit or debit card for a variety of reasons; for example, language barriers, cultural factors, or simply a lack of knowledge. Some customers may simply not wish to deal with the paperwork required to obtain a credit or debit card. Such customers may also be unwilling to complete on-line forms that are commonly used to register for financial and similar services. Unbanked or under-banked populations may reside in geographic region(s) where financial service providers do not maintain branch offices due to demographic factors. The economics of locating an office or store front such as a branch bank office in such regions may preclude financial service providers from locating store fronts or branch offices in these regions. Additionally, postal services may be limited or non-existent in such regions. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In one aspect thereof, a method for enabling users to access financial services of subscribing financial services with a central verification system includes creating a verifiable user profile for a given user. The user presents, at a fixed location, a verifiable identification (ID) with a photo attached that can be verified by a third party as being associated with the photograph on the verifiable ID. One or more biometrics of the given user are input and a photograph of the user is taken proximate to the fixed location at which the verifiable user ID and the biometrics are input. The verifiable ID, biometrics and photograph are transmitted to the central verification system which provides a unique code to the given user after receipt of the verifiable ID, the input biometrics and the photograph. A financial transaction may be initiated by presenting, at a financial transactions location, a list of available financial services to the given user in response to the given user being proximate to the location. At least one of the available financial services is from the group of the subscribing financial services. The user selects the subscribing financial service and a photo of the user is taken with a camera disposed at the financial transactions location. 
         [0006]    One or more biometrics and the user&#39;s unique code are received at the financial transactions location and the code, biometrics and photo are transmitted to the central verification system which verifies that the received biometrics and code are in fact associated with the central verification system. The financial transaction is then allowed to proceed. The method includes completing the transaction after verification. The operation of creating the verifiable user profile is conducted at a physical kiosk having an input device for receiving a verifiable user ID with photograph and the biometrics in addition to having a camera associated therewith for taking a photograph. 
         [0007]    The physical kiosk includes the capability to take more than one photograph, with at least one being known by the given user taken at the time of inputting the information. The other photographs are capable of being taken at different times proximate to the time of input of the information. Multiple cameras at different angles may be provided, such that at least one of the cameras is known to the user at the time the information is input during the creation operation and the other cameras being hidden from the given user&#39;s knowledge and possibly the view of the given user before taking pictures also proximate in time to the time of input of either verifiable IDs or biometrics. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, the financial transactions location for conducting a transaction includes at least one additional camera for taking a photograph unknown to the user at the time of initiating the financial transaction. The step of presenting a list of financial services provides an indicator for the subscribing financial service to indicate to the given user the one of the available financial services associated with the verifiable user profile. A display is provided at the fixed location. 
         [0009]    In one variation, a system for enabling users to register to use external financial services comprises a central office including an operating platform having a processor and a communication interface. The central office further includes a user database having a plurality of records for individual users stored on a database. The user records each includes a user customer identification number, the user&#39;s name and address, an image of an identification card of the user, a verification image of the user and an associated biometric parameter of the user. The central office is operative to communicate via the communication interface with a plurality of formless, self-service registration stations remote from the central office. Each of the formless, self-service registration stations includes a camera operable to create a user verification image, a card scanner operable to create an image of an identification card of the user, a biometric scanner operable to record a biometric parameter of the user and a user interface adapted to enable a user to initiate a registration procedure for registering a user. 
         [0010]    In some variations, the user interface is operable to enable a user to enter a customer identification code during the registration process. The user&#39;s verifiable customer identification card is then scanned by the user with the card scanner. The customer identification card includes the user&#39;s name and address. The self-service formless registration station photographs the user to create a verification image of the user and records a biometric parameter unique to the user. The self-service formless registration station then transmits an image of the verifiable customer identification card, the biometric parameter and the verification image of the user to the central office. The operating platform is operable to translate text from the user&#39;s customer identification card including the user&#39;s name and address. The operating platform is also operable to create a record for the user including a customer identification number for the user, the verification image of the user, the image of the user&#39;s identification card and the translated text from the user&#39;s identification card. The operating platform uses the translated text to populate fields in the user record including the user&#39;s name and address. The operating platform is further operable to retrieve and display a user record including the user verification image, the image of the user identification card and the user&#39;s name and address to an administrator for review of the user record. Thus, the system and method disclosed herein enables a user to register to use financial and similar services without filling out paper or online forms. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic representation of a system as disclosed and described herein; 
           [0013]      FIG. 1B  is a flow chart illustrating the method of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a representation of a customer record; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is diagrammatic illustration of a terminal for use in the system of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a block diagram illustrating one possible configuration for the terminal of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a block diagram illustrating the manner in which different terminals may be configured in one embodiment according to the disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2D  is a schematic representation of a mobile terminal for use in the system of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2E  illustrates a diagrammatic view of the terminal; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  is a flow chart illustrating one method implemented via the system of  FIG. 1A ; and 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  is a flowchart of a second method implemented utilizing the system of  FIG. 1A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are used herein to designate like elements throughout, the various views and embodiments of a system and method for formless, self-service registration for access to financial services are illustrated and described, and other possible embodiments are described. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the following examples of possible embodiments. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic representation of a system  100  as described herein. In one embodiment, system  100  includes a plurality of user terminals or kiosks  110 . Each of the terminals  110  may have a different “character” depending on the service modules (or external resources) available at the terminal  110 . In different variations, terminals  110  may be linked to the central office  116  by means of a network  118  such as a local area network, a GSM connection or by means of the public telephone system (POTS). Central office  116  interfaces with service providers  112  via network  118  which may be utilized to access and/or obtain service modules corresponding to the services offered by the different service providers. Service providers  112  may include a variety of financial institutions such as banks, credit card companies and other financial service providers. 
         [0024]    As illustrated, central office  116  includes a front end processor  122  and a back end processor  124 , which together, may be referred to as the “central office processor.” Databases  126  and  128  are associated with front and back end processors  122  and  124 , respectively. Database  126  may include information regarding the configuration, (i.e., the identity of and the services enabled on different terminals  110 ) along with the information required to interface with the terminals. Central office  116  includes a user verification system as operative to verify the identity of a user when the user creates an account and when the user conducts financial transactions as hereinafter described. Database  128  may include information required to interface with service providers  112 , such as information required to format information for use by a selected service provider  112 , as well as the information required to receive and process information received from the service providers. User profiles with such information as age, gender, biometric parameter data such as a palm vein scan or fingerprint scan, the user&#39;s service history and other information may be stored on database  126 , database  128  or both. Additional data such as transaction data, logs, analysis data and results and performance data may also be stored on either or both of database  126  and database  128 . Each of the processors  122 ,  124  has an associated data interface (hardware) for communicating with terminals  110  and service providers  112 . 
         [0025]    Each of the terminals  110  is configured as an independent interface to a particular user utilizing that particular terminal  110 . Each of the terminals  110 , as will be more fully described hereinbelow, has associated therewith service modules or external resources that will allow the user to effectively interface with the service provider  112  to both input information to the system for use in the transaction and to receive an output from the transaction, if such is appropriate, this being a transaction-dependent operation. During the transaction, there will be many interactions between the terminal  110  and the central office  116 , this interaction allowing less of the transaction to be implemented on the terminal  110  and more to be implemented on the central office. System  100  may be the same as, or similar to the system described in U.S. Publication No. 2010/0179990, published Jul. 15, 2010, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/684,929, to Cacheria, et al., filed Jan. 9, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1B  is a flow chart illustrating a method of formless, seamless registration for potential customers of service providers such as financial institutions to enable potential customers to access such services with a single registration. The process begins at step  1000  where a potential customer approaches a kiosk or remote terminal  110 . At step  1002 , the customer&#39;s presence is sensed at terminal  110  by means of a motion detector, touch screen or similar sensor. At step  1004 , a screen is displayed prompting the customer or potential customer to begin. At step  1006 , the customer selects “Begin” and at step  1008 , the customer is prompted to enter a customer identification number (CID). At step  1010 , if the customer enters a CID, the customer may proceed to conduct a financial transaction at  1012  after which the process ends at step  1014 . If the customer is not registered or authorized for the service that he or she selects, the process jumps to step  1064  as described hereafter. If the customer elects not to register, at step  1018 , the process loops back to Start at  1020 . 
         [0027]    If the customer elects to register, the customer or potential customer is prompted to scan a photo ID such as a driver&#39;s license, passport or similar identification card at step  1024 . Preferably, the ID is one that may be verified by accessing a public or private database including records identifying the user. For example, if the customer ID is a driver&#39;s license, the ID may be verified by accessing a private or public database containing records of individuals having a driver&#39;s license. Such records may include an individual&#39;s driver&#39;s license number, address, age and a photo of the individual. 
         [0028]    If the customer fails to scan a photo ID or if the photo ID is not acceptable, for example if the ID is not legible, the process returns to Start at step  1030 . If the photo ID scan is acceptable, the image is captured at step  1034  and the image is processed via optical character recognition (OCR) at  1036 . At step  1038 , a customer record is created at a central office remote from the kiosk or terminal and the customer record is populated with data from the scanned and processed photo ID at step  1040 . At step  1042 , the customer image captured from the photo ID at step  1034  is stored in the customer record. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1C  is a representation of a customer record. The customer record may include fields for information such as a customer&#39;s name, customer identification number (CID), a social security number (SSN), a driver&#39;s license number, a driver&#39;s license expiration date, a library card number, the customer&#39;s address, and other pertinent information. In the case where the scanned photo ID is a passport, for example, the pertinent information may be captured from the passport, OCR&#39;d and used to populate the customer record. The customer record may also include a biometric such as a photograph taken by the kiosk or remote terminal, a palm vein scan, a fingerprint, a retinal scan or a voice print. 
         [0030]    Returning to  FIG. 1B , at step  1040 , the customer record is populated with the data scanned and OCR&#39;d from the customer ID. At step  1042 , the first customer image from the scanned ID is stored in the customer record. At step  1044 , the customer is photographed with a local camera and the photograph may be taken multiple times during the registration process. The second customer image from the local camera is stored in the customer record at step  1046 . After the customer image from the scanned ID and the customer photograph have been captured, at step  1048  the customer may be prompted to enter a biometric, e.g., a thumb print, palm vein scan, retinal scan, voice scan, etc. At step  1050 , the customer biometric parameter is captured and subsequently stored at step  1052  in the customer record. 
         [0031]    During the creation of the customer record at the central office as hereinafter described, the central office may access available public records using the customer&#39;s name or other information acquired from the scanned customer ID in order to populate other fields in the customer record as the information may be available. In some instances, if a user is only interested in accessing certain basic services, such as a bill pay service, a biometric parameter may not be required. In this case the process may skip from step  1046  to step  1054 . Other services, for example, funds transfer services may require a biometric parameter and additional personal information. The amount of user information required to access a service may be dictated by the service provider or by governmental regulations. 
         [0032]    At step  1054 , a customer identification number or code (CID) is created and stored in the customer record at step  1056 . In different variations, the user may be prompted to enter a CID of his or her choice. This may be done, for example in conjunction with the user photo ID scan. If the CID is assigned by the central office, the CID is transmitted to the terminal or kiosk where it is displayed to the customer. The display may include messages such as, “please save this number for a future reference,” or “do not share this number with other people.” A CID assigned by the central office may be temporary, in which case, the user may select a different CID at a later date or stage in the process. If the customer CID has not been stored in the customer record, the customer CID is stored in the customer record at step  1058 . 
         [0033]    At step  1060 , the kiosk or remote terminal may display a completion message such as, “congratulations, you have completed basic registration,” or a similar message. The display may also include available services or services that are available with a basic registration. The display may also include an instruction such as, “in the future, you may access selected services with your CID and your biometric parameter.” During the registration process, discrete pieces of information may be input at  110  and transmitted to central office  116  as the information is collected. For example, a scan of a photo ID may be captured and transmitted to central office  116  for record creation before a biometric parameter, zip code, telephone number or other information is collected. In other variations, all required information may be collected at kiosk or terminal  110  before being transmitted to central office  116  as a single data package after which the central office may create a user record. 
         [0034]    Some services may require more personal information than other services. For example, a bill pay service may require minimal basic information while a funds withdrawal or funds transfer transaction may require additional information, such as a biometric parameter. A user may also wish to add additional information to his or her record, such as a biometric parameter as a further safeguard against unauthorized use of the user&#39;s registration. At step  1062 , the customer may be prompted with a display such as “other services require advanced registration. Would you like the convenience and security of advanced registration?” If the customer does not elect advanced registration at step  1064 , the customer is prompted at step  1066  to select a service. If the customer elects not to select a service at step  1068 , the process ends at step  1070 . If the customer selects a service, the service menu is displayed at step  1072  enabling the customer to access the service after which the process ends at  1074 . If a user attempts to access a service requiring advanced registration, for example, require more personal information or the addition of a biometric parameter, the customer will be prompted at step  1062  to add or update his or her record or profile with the information required to access the service. 
         [0035]    Alternatively, if the customer selects advanced registration at step  1064 , the customer is prompted to select the desired level at step  1076 . The different levels may be designated for example as gold, silver or platinum and the services available for each level of registration may be displayed. If the customer selects an advanced level of registration at steps  1078 - 1082 , the customer is prompted at steps  1094 - 1098  to enter the information required for the selected registration level. Such information may include, for example, a driver&#39;s license number, a social security number, an address and/or information regarding the customer&#39;s credit lines, for example, credit card information. Alternatively, if the customer fails to select a particular advanced registration level, the process ends at step  1086  and loops back at step  1090  to Start  1000 . Likewise, if the customer fails to enter the required information at step  1100 , the process ends and returns to Start  1000  at step  1102 . 
         [0036]    If the customer enters the required information and the entry is confirmed by the central office, a completion display may be displayed to the customer at step  1106  indicating the level of registration that the customer is registered for. The display may include a list of the services that are available to the customer at the selected registration level. At step  1108 , the customer is prompted to select a service for which the customer is registered. Such services may include, for example, funds transfer, cash withdrawal, check cashing, etc. If the customer fails to select a service at step  1110 , the process ends at step  1112  and loops back to Start  1000 . If the customer selects a service at step  1116 , the central office confirms whether or not the customer is registered for the selected service. If the customer is not registered for the selected service, the process loops back at step  1118  to step  1062  and the customer is prompted to select an appropriate registration level. 
         [0037]    If the customer is registered at the appropriate level for the service, a prompt for the service is displayed at step  1120 . The display may prompt the customer to enter information required for the transaction, for example, the amount of the transaction or in the case of a funds transfer, the destination of the funds. The customer then enters the information required to conduct the transaction at step  1122  after which the service is accessed at step  1124  by the central office. The transaction is then processed through the central office at step  1126  after which the process loops back to Start  1000  at step  1128 . If the customer is not registered at the appropriate level for the service, the process loops back to step  1062 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , each of terminals  110  is provided with a number of user interface devices (physical system or external resources) mounted in a housing  201  to allow a user to interface with the terminal  110 . In one variation, the devices include a keyboard  202 , a magnetic card scanner  204 , an ID scanner  206 , a smart card scanner  208  and a touch screen  210 . Other user interface devices include a proximity sensor  212 , a motion detector  214 , a check scanner  216 , a currency reader  218 , a voice recognition model  220  and a video camera  222 . Terminal  110  may also include a biometric parameter interface device such as a palm vein scanner  224  for authentication purposes. Each of the user interface devices may be connected to a CPU  244  (terminal processing unit) in terminal  110 . Each of the interface devices may be interfaced with CPU  244  via a physical system resource interface  203  including hardware and software enabling the physical system resource to communicate with CPU  244 . 
         [0039]    Each of terminals  110  may also include a variety of output interface devices (also external resources) that enable the terminal to provide services to users. Such output devices may include a currency dispenser  226 , a magnetic card dispenser  228 , a smart card dispenser  230 , ticket printers  232  and a receipt printer  234 . In one embodiment, terminal  110  may also include a document printer  236 , a media display device  238 , a money order dispenser  240  and an audio output device such as a speaker  242 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 2A , in one variation, the media display device  238  may comprise a large, flat screen monitor for displaying promotional information such as advertisements for different goods and services. As illustrated, each of terminals  110  also includes a data storage device  246  (data store) associated with CPU  244 . In one embodiment, CPU  244  interfaces with central office  116  via a public or private network  118  (communications resource). 
         [0040]    Referring still to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in one embodiment each of devices  202 - 242  are independently controlled. Thus, if one of devices  202 - 242  fails, for example, if check scanner  216  jams, the individual device or module may be disabled along with the services that it supports without affecting the remaining modules and services. An operating system runs on CPU  244  (processing platform), which, among other functions, monitors the status of available physical system or external resources via the physical system resources interfaces  203 . In this manner, terminal  110  functions as a resources manager for managing available physical system or external resources. For example, if ticket printer  232  fails mechanically, the ticket printing services provided by terminal  110  may be disabled while the remaining services provided by the terminal are still available to users. In one embodiment, each of terminals  110  transmits a message to central office processor  114  at predetermined intervals with the status of each of devices  202 - 242 . In the event that a service becomes unavailable due to a hardware failure or similar problem, the particular service may be “grayed out” on screen  210 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 2C  is a block diagram illustrating the manner in which different terminals  110  may be configured in system  100 . Service providers  112  may provide a wide range of different services. Each of the service providers  112  may have configuration information associated with the provider and/or with a service of the provider. The configuration information may include information defining the provider  112 , and/or a service that the provider provides. The configuration may also include a “script,” e.g., an instruction set defining a set of predetermined actions that are to be completed in a defined sequence to enable access to the service provider and/or service of the service provider. A configuration for a service provider  112  and/or for a service may be downloaded from the service provider to the central office processor  114  and, in turn, downloaded in whole or in part to selected ones of terminals  110  to enable a user to access the service provider of a provider service. The instructions incorporated in the script may be executed by the terminal  110  in conjunction with central office processor  114  to enable a user to access a user-selected service. A given configuration may identify the physical resources required to access a provider  112  and/or service. In many cases, multiple configurations or scripts may require the same physical system resources for execution of an instruction set or script. In some embodiments, the operating system may disable access to a provider  112  or service if a required physical system resource is unavailable. 
         [0042]    Referring still to  FIG. 2C , company A may provide service s 1 , company B may provide services s 2  and s 3  and company C may provide service s 4 . Such services may include providing tickets for different entertainment events, currency transfers and dispensing a variety of stored value cards such as debit cards, gift cards and telephone cards. However, some services may be more desirable to different population segments at different times due to factors such as demographics, cultural factors, income levels, holidays and the location of a specific terminal  110 . Consequently, it may be desirable to configure different terminals  110  to provide different services at different locations or to configure a terminal based on a user profile. For example, as illustrated, terminal  110 A may be configured with service modules to provide service s 1  and s 4  from companies A and C, respectively. Terminal  110 B may be configured with service modules to provide services s 2  and s 4  from companies B and C. Terminal  110 C may be configured with service modules to provide services s 1 , s 3  and s 4  from companies A, B and C, respectively to pay the customer&#39;s bills, transfer funds, print receipts, coupons, money orders, tickets or similar documents. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2D and 2E , there is illustrated a more detailed diagram of the terminal  110  and the manner by which it interfaces with the various physical system or external resources. There is illustrated the processor  244 , which is operable to interface with a plurality of external resources  270 , which, as described hereinabove, can be any type of hardware resource that allows a user to interface with the various service providers through the central office. In general, the terminal  110  does not possess the capability to allow a user to interface with any kind of service to conduct a financial transaction without being connected to the central office. This is not to say that such could not be implemented. However, for example, if a user were provided a code that could be input to a terminal  110  through the keypad (one of the external resources  270 ), this would allow the user to retrieve cash from a cash dispenser (another one of the external resources  270 ). However, if the terminal  110  did not interface with the central office or the service provider through the central office processor  114 , then that would require the terminal  110  to have associated therewith all of the information necessary to authorize a particular user on that terminal  110  in addition to preprocessed information about an already in process financial transaction. This would mean that all of the terminals  110  would be required to have all of that information. This is not practical for most financial transactions. These are not pay-as-you go type terminals that would allow a user to input value and receive value therefrom with a percentage of the input value retained as a fee and maintained in the system independent of the operation of any external processing system. 
         [0044]    The processor  244  has associated therewith a light operating system that provides the basic operating parameters to interface with the central office, interface with the storage database  246  containing the various service modules, and also interface with the physical system or external resources  270 . In order to interface with the external resources  270 , there is provided a hardware interface  272  associated with each external resource  270 . This external resource basically is a physical terminal or connector that can receive a connection or cable from the external resource  270  and this will typically allow bi-directional communication. Data can be transmitted to the external resource  270  for a printer, for example, and information can be received back from that printer indicating an error. Therefore, there will always be some type of monitor function associated with a particular external resource  270  in addition to a data transfer path. 
         [0045]    The data transfer path is illustrated by a path  274  and the monitoring information is represented by a path  276 . Any type of well-known connection can be used to provide this. In recent years, most external resources in the form of printers, keyboards, and the like, utilized a conventional communication link such as a serial USB connection. These USB interfaces utilize a common driver interface such that plugging the USB cord from the external resource  270  into the hardware interface will allow the processor  244  to recognize the device and essentially identify that device. Further, after the hardware interface has been provided, there will then be some type of driver software that will be required for the processor  244  to effect an interface with the external resource  270 . Even though the hardware interface may be a USB interface or some proprietary interface, there still must be some type of driver software to allow communication with the external resource. For example, a printer may be recognized as a particular printer through a USB interface or other type of serial or parallel port interface, but driver software is required in order to utilize the full functionality of that particular external printer or other external resource. If the external resource  270  were a display, then a particular cable or interface such as a VGA cable would be required to interface with the display. Appropriate drivers would be required for the display. Sometimes, the operating system itself has predefined drivers for displays, as these are somewhat universal. For some resources, however, special drivers would be required to utilize the full functionality of that particular resource. 
         [0046]    The processor  244  then manages the resources  270  by keeping a table of available resources. If a resource fails, this will be communicated through the hardware interface to the processor  244  and may, in fact, require the use of the driver software to interface with the external resource  270  to provide this monitoring function. If the resource fails or if it is not connected, this would be recognized by the processor  244 . For example, when a particular configuration is provided, it may require a cash dispenser, a keyboard input and a display output in addition to a biometric scanner. The particular software script that comprises part of the service module will require all of these resources in order to function. Therefore, there will be a list of available resources that must exist in order for a particular terminal  110  to constitute a fully operating terminal for that service in accordance with the configuration information provided by the central office processor  114 . If one of these resources disappears, this will disable a particular service module and this will be communicated back to the central office  116  during the “heartbeat.” 
         [0047]    The storage region  246  will be the area where the various service modules “script” is stored. This is the sequence of instructions that must be carried out in order to effect the portion of the transactions that is associated with a particular terminal  110 . For example, one of the first transactions that will occur and that constitutes a service module is an authorization module. This authorization module will require authentication of an individual by requiring them to enter certain information, such as name, password, CID information, and even biometric data. This will be utilized to authenticate the individual at the central office  116 , after which the user will then be presented a display of the available services that can be used or, more likely, the services will first be provided in a “grayed-out” format to the user and upon authentication, will be un-grayed-out so that the user knows they now have access, i.e., they have been authenticated. After that, the user can then select one of the service modules and, upon selection thereof, the service module will sequentially access the various external resources to effect the transaction in conjunction with the central office  116 , as will be disclosed hereinbelow. Thus, each of the service modules s 1 , s 2 , s 3  . . . sn will be stored therein, which each constitute a portion of the script or transaction process required to be executed by the terminal  110  for a particular service. This is the configuration information that is downloaded from the central office processor  114 . However, it should also be understood that a particular terminal  110  could have all of the service modules fully loaded therein and all that the central office  116  would be required to do would be to activate a particular service on a terminal  110 . 
         [0048]    Two of the resource interfaces  272  are illustrated as being associated with communication external resources, one being an external resource  280  labeled COM 1  and a second one  282  labeled COM 2 . Each of these is interfaced with separate networks  284  and  286 , respectively. For example, one communication protocol could be a dial-up modem and the other could be an Ethernet card. Either of these can interface a separate and different network utilizing a separate and different protocol. Both, alternatively, could be the same hardware resource for redundancy purposes. This resource allows the processor  244  to communicate with the central office  116 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  is a block diagram of a method implemented via a system such as system  100  of  FIG. 1A . The process begins at  30  where central office  116  receives a message from a terminal  110  at step  32  indicating that an unregistered customer is seeking to conduct a transaction or attempting to register. At step  34 , registration script is transmitted from central office  116  to the terminal  110  if the script is not resident on the terminal. It will be understood that the steps described in connection with  FIGS. 3A and 3B  will be conducted primarily by front end processor  122  of central office  116  except as necessary to interface with a service provider  112 . 
         [0050]    At step  36 , registration data is received from terminal  110 . Such information may include a customer biometric and a scanned image of the customer&#39;s verifiable ID. It will be understood that the information may be streamed from the terminal to the central office or transmitted as a single block of data. The information is compared to existing customer records to identify possible duplicate records. If it appears that the data duplicates an existing record at step  38 , an error message is transmitted to the terminal at step  40  and the process is terminated at step  42 . If no duplicate data is detected, at step  44  the image from the user&#39;s ID is compared to the image captured by the terminal camera. Preferably, multiple images are captured by the terminal camera to facilitate the comparison. The comparison may be conducted by a human attendant of central office  116  or by an automated system utilizing facial recognition software. If the images do not match at step  46 , an error message is transmitted to the terminal at step  40  and the process is terminated at step  42 . 
         [0051]    If the images match, the image of the user ID is OCR&#39;d at step  48  and a user record is created and a CID is assigned at step  50 . The user record is populated with data from the scanned ID at step  52 . At step  54 , available databases may be queried to identify data that may be used to populate the user record. Such databases may include bill payment records, telephone listing, address listings, employment records and other commercially available databases. If such records are located at step  56 , the information is used to populate the user record at step  58 . Information obtained in this manner may also be used to conduct a check for duplicate or erroneous data in the user record. For example, the comparison may identify an individual attempting to register using another individual&#39;s identity. At this point, the user has completed basic registration and the terminal prompts the user to select advanced registration. If the user elects not to seek advanced registration at step  60 , a registration complete message is transmitted to the terminal at step  62 , and the process is terminated. If the user elects to proceed with advanced registration, and then fails to complete the registration by providing the required information at step  64 , the process is terminated at step  66 . If the user information is received, the information is used to populate the user record at step  68  and a registration complete message is transmitted to the terminal at  70 . If the user then elects to conduct a transaction at step  72 , the transaction is conducted at step  74  and the user is prompted to select another transaction at step  76  and if another transaction is selected, the process loops back to  74 . If no transaction is selected, the process is terminated at step  78 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  is a flowchart illustrating a method utilizing system  100  of  FIG. 1A . At step  400 , the process begins with the user initiating a transaction at step  402  by entering the user&#39;s CID and biometric parameter. At step  404 , the user&#39;s photo and/or biometric, obtained by the terminal camera when the transaction is initiated, is compared with the image and/or biometric from the user&#39;s record. This check may be done at random, for selected users, or for each transaction. The check may be accomplished by an attendant at central office  116 , or the check may be automated, using for example, facial recognition software. If the compared parameters do not match at step  406 , the front end processor  122  may initiate an alert at step  408  and transmit an error message to the terminal at step  410  with the process terminating at step  412 . The alert may be displayed on a screen at central office  116 , alerting an attendant of the mismatch. The user record may also be checked at this step for accuracy and completeness. For example, if the record user photo ID is a driver&#39;s license, the expiration date may be checked. If the license is expired, the user may be prompted to update his or her record by scanning a current driver&#39;s license. Similarly, the address on the driver&#39;s license no longer matches other information in the user record, the user may be prompted to update the information or re-register for the user&#39;s selected services. 
         [0053]    If the user photo and biometric match the user record, a script for the user selected transmission may be transmitted to the terminal at step  414  if the script is not resident on the terminal. If the central office does not receive the information required for the transaction at step  416 , an error message is transmitted to the terminal at  418  and the process is terminated at  412 . If the data is received, the transaction and user parameters may be matched based upon preselected criteria at step  420 . 
         [0054]    Such parameters may include user transaction frequency and type, time, transaction amount, the geographical area where the transaction originated, etc. For example, if a transaction occurs more than, for example 100 miles from the user&#39;s address of record, the transaction may be denied. Similarly, if a second transaction is attempted at a geographical location remote from the location of a first transaction within a predetermined time window, the second transaction may be denied. For example, if the first transaction occurred in Chicago at 10:00 am and a second transaction was attempted in Phoenix at 10:20, the second transaction may be denied. Such matching may be used to identify potential fraud, attempts to circumvent federal anti-money laundering regulations and other activity of interest. The results of the match are compared to a threshold value for the selected parameter or parameters at step  422  and if the threshold is exceeded, an alert may be generated at step  424 . At step  426  a determination is made as to whether or not to allow the transaction to continue based upon preselected criteria. If the criterion indicates that the transaction should not proceed, the process is terminated at step  412 . 
         [0055]    If the process is allowed to continue, the user data is formatted and/or compiled for the user by the selected service provider at  428  and transmitted to the provider at  430 . The steps of formatting and transmitting the data will be conducted by the back end processor  124  of central office  116 . During the course of the transaction, data may be streamed or multiple data blocks and instructions may be transmitted back and forth between the back end processor and the user selected service provider as illustrated and described in U.S. Publication No. 2010/0179990, published Jul. 15, 2010, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/684,929, to Cacheria, et al., filed Jan. 9, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein for all purposes. 
         [0056]    If the data is accepted by the selected service provider at step  432 , the transaction is conducted and the user&#39;s record updated to reflect the transaction. If the service provider rejects the transmitted data, an error message is transmitted to the terminal at step  434  and the transaction is terminated at step  436 . If the user selects another transaction at  440 , the process loops back to start  400 , if not, the transaction is terminated at step  444 . 
         [0057]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this system and method for formless, self-service registration for access to financial services provides a system and method for formless self-service registration for access to financial and other services. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.

Technology Category: 3