Point of sale transaction

Abstract

This disclosure relates to point-of-sale transactions. A system provides a self-checkout terminal with various components. A receiver receives shopping data, including the prices of items that a customer has physically acquired or placed in a shopping cart. Payment logic receives credential information associated with a currency account used to pay for the items. Message logic creates checkout data, which includes data representing a set of purchased items. A transmitter sends the credential information to an account network for authentication, and the receiver receives a response indicating whether the currency account is valid. The payment logic / self-checkout terminal indicates to the customer whether payment for the purchased items using the currency account is authorized. When authorized, authorization is received at the self-checkout terminal before the customer arrives at the terminal, and the self-checkout terminal enables the execution of a payment transaction to provide self-checkout using the currency account without the assistance of another person.

Description

[0001] This is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / US2017 / 013468, filed January 13, 2017, which entered the national stage on September 5, 2018, as U.S. Patent Application No. 201780015443.X, entitled "Point of Sale Transaction," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 278,962, filed January 14, 2016; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Various configurations of the present application relate generally to devices, systems, and methods of purchasing items for sale. More specifically, the devices, systems, and methods relate to purchasing items for sale in a retail environment. In particular, the devices, systems, and methods provide for automated transactions at a self-checkout terminal. BACKGROUND

[0005] The exchange of goods and services often involves systems for providing financial services and financial transactions. For example, in a retail environment, a customer will enter a store with the intent to purchase a product such as food in a grocery store or clothing and / or home items in a retail store. As people collect the products they want to purchase or simply browse and / or they can just want to see what products are available such as new products, they will browse the different aisles in the store. Typically, the customer will select an item and place it in a cart or bag so that it is easier to carry the items. Thereafter, when the customer is ready to pay for the items they have acquired, they will walk into the checkout area and wait in line for the next available cashier. When the cashier is available, the customer will unload their items for purchase and the cashier will scan the items or in another way input the cost of each item so that a computer can tabulate the total cost of the items and calculate the tax on taxable items. In some cases, the customer can present a coupon to the cashier to further reduce the total cost of the items. In other cases, a reward coupon can be printed by the checkout computer based on the items currently purchased to entice the customer to return to the same retail store soon. What is needed is a better way for customers to check out and pay for the items they have purchased. SUMMARY

[0006] One embodiment is a self-checkout terminal to efficiently check out customers without the need for any store staff assistance or scanning of products the customer wishes to purchase at the self-checkout terminal. The self-checkout terminal includes a transmitter, a receiver, payment logic, and messaging logic. The receiver receives shopping data associated with the prices of items physically acquired by the customer during a shopping activity at the retail store. The shopping data is at least partially based on the quantity of each corresponding item acquired by the customer during the shopping activity. The payment logic receives credential information associated with a money account that the customer will use to pay for the set of items acquired and wished to purchase during the shopping activity. The messaging logic converts the shopping data into checkout data, which includes data representing the set of purchased items. The transmitter sends the credential information to an account network for authentication. The receiver receives a response from the account network indicating whether the money account is authorized to pay for the set of purchased items. The payment logic then causes the self-checkout terminal to indicate to the customer whether payment using the money account for the purchased items is authorized or not. When authorized, the system ensures that an authorization notification is received at the self-checkout terminal before the customer arrives. In addition, when authorized, self-checkout terminals enable payment transactions to be executed using a currency account to provide self-checkout and payment without the need to scan items at the self-checkout terminal or require the assistance of another person.

[0007] In other configurations, when a customer approaches the self-checkout terminal, the payment logic causes the self-checkout terminal to indicate to the customer that payment for the purchased item has been authorized, and when the purchased item is moved to a location near the customer (e.g., carried or placed in a pocket), the shopping data is automatically sent to the receiver.

[0008] In some embodiments, the receiver receives shopping data from a mobile device carried by the customer. The mobile device may be a mobile phone that communicates with the transmitter and receiver using low-power electromagnetic waves with signal strength sufficient to enable communication between the mobile device and the self-checkout terminal, which has a communication range of less than 10 meters. In optional configurations, the self-checkout terminal is an automated transaction machine (ATM) and / or a point-of-sale (POS) device and / or a combination of an ATM and a POS.

[0009] In other configurations, credential information is received from the customer's mobile device. This credential information includes a customer account credential associated with a money account, which allows a remote bank server to use the credential to verify that the customer has authorized access to the money account. The credential can be stored in a digital wallet on the mobile device and can be associated with credit cards, debit cards, store cards, etc.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, the self-checkout terminal can execute payment transactions without using any bank card, and the self-checkout terminal cannot read information from any bank card. When the money account is authorized and the payment transaction is executed and the purchased item is paid for, the self-checkout terminal generates a signal to indicate to the customer that the payment for the purchased item has been successfully completed. The signal may be a bright, shiny area associated with the self-checkout terminal, which may flash green or another color.

[0011] Other embodiments may include a cash dispensing device for distributing cash. An account network receives a cash request from a customer. The account network is authorized to authorize the request based at least in part on credentials and the value of a currency account received from the customer. Upon authorization, the cash dispensing device issues a cash rebate symbol and transmits it to a mobile device carried by the customer. Upon arrival at a self-checkout terminal, the self-checkout terminal is adapted to receive the cash rebate symbol from the mobile device. The cash dispensing device distributes the request upon verification of the cash rebate symbol. In some configurations, the cash rebate symbol is a Quick Response (QR) code, a code transmitted as a Near Field Communication (NFC) signal, or another code.

[0012] Another embodiment includes a money accepting device that accepts cash deposits. In this embodiment, the account network is notified that its money account does not have sufficient funds to pay for a collection of purchased items. The account network has an account computer that, in response to the insufficient funds in the money account, generates a message indicating insufficient funds to the customer and transmits an insufficient funds symbol message to the mobile device carried by the customer. Upon arrival at a self-checkout terminal, the self-checkout terminal is adapted to receive the insufficient funds symbol from the mobile device, and the money accepting device receives funds from the user upon verification of the insufficient funds symbol. The insufficient funds symbol may be a QR code, a code transmitted as an NFC signal, or other types of codes / signals.

[0013] Other embodiments may have additional useful features and / or components. For example, shopping data may be formatted as one or more data packets for transmission over an account network. Credential information may be received from a customer's mobile device. Mobile application software on the mobile device may tabulate scanned items and transmit the tabulation results to a self-checkout terminal or a cloud-type network. In some configurations, the account computer of the account network authorizes payment but does not update the account containing purchase information.

[0014] Another configuration is a payment system. The payment system includes a self-checkout unit that responds to data from a mobile device. This data represents at least one item that the user of the mobile device wants to purchase, such as items placed in a shopping cart or carried by the user. The self-checkout unit processes the transaction for purchasing at least one item based at least in part on the data from the mobile device. Payment for the item is processed solely by the user at the self-checkout unit, and no other person is required at the self-checkout unit. Furthermore, no other touches are required on the self-checkout unit other than clicking on options.

[0015] Another configuration is a self-checkout method for purchased items. This method begins by receiving shopping data associated with the price of one or more purchased items. This can occur whenever a customer physically acquires an item during a shopping activity and moves it near them (carrying the item) or places it in their shopping cart. Credential information associated with a financial account used to pay for one or more purchased items is received. This credential information is then transmitted to an account computer on the account network for authentication. Next, a response indicating whether the financial account is authorized to pay for one or more items is received from the account computer. When the financial account is authorized to pay for one or more items, an indication is generated as the customer approaches the self-checkout terminal and before the customer is at the terminal to remind them whether payment for the items has been authorized. Furthermore, when authorized, payment is executed electronically and automatically, providing self-checkout and payment for purchased items using the financial account, without the need to scan items at the self-checkout terminal or require assistance from another person. Additionally, payment is made with a single click of the self-checkout terminal's options, without requiring any further touches on the terminal.

[0016] Other embodiments may relate more specifically to automated transactions at the point of sale and point-of-sale transactions performed using an automated transaction machine (ATM), and various aspects of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0017] One or more preferred embodiments illustrating the best mode are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. The appended claims specifically and clearly point out and set forth the invention.

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate various example methods and other exemplary embodiments of various aspects of the invention. It should be understood that the element boundaries (e.g., frames, groups of frames, or other shapes) shown in the drawings represent one example of a boundary. Those skilled in the art will understand that in some examples, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings provided herein are for illustrative purposes for those skilled in the art, and the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain portions of some drawings may be enlarged to make some details easier to see and describe. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component, and vice versa. Additionally, elements may not be drawn to scale.

[0019] Figure 1 An example system is shown that uses a self-checkout terminal for paying for items selected in a store.

[0020] Figure 2 Another example system is shown, using a self-checkout terminal for paying for items selected in a store.

[0021] Figure 3 Example systems using different embodiments of self-checkout units for paying for items selected in a store are shown.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a right front perspective view of an embodiment of an automated trading machine.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a left rear perspective view of an embodiment of an automated trading machine.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a front view of an embodiment of an automated trading machine.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a right-hand view of an embodiment of an automated trading machine.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a left-side view of an embodiment of an automated trading machine.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a rear view of the design of an embodiment of an automated trading machine.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a top view of an embodiment of an automated trading machine.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the components included in an embodiment of an automated trading machine.

[0030] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of a traditional automated trading machine.

[0031] Figure 13 This is an example implementation of a method for automatic checkout in a store after selecting items to purchase.

[0032] Figure 14 It is an example computing environment in which various embodiments or parts thereof are operable.

[0033] Throughout the accompanying drawings, similar numbers denote similar parts. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 An embodiment of system 1 utilizing self-checkout terminal 3 is shown. The self-checkout terminal has a transmitter 5, a receiver 7, payment logic 9, and messaging logic 11. Receiver 7 receives shopping data associated with the prices of items physically acquired by customer 2 during their shopping activity at the retail store. For example, shopping data can be scanned from the items, and this shopping data may include the price of the items, the type of items selected, and other information related to the items. In other embodiments, items may not be scanned, but a camera may be used to detect items picked up and taken away or placed in the shopping cart. Items / cards may be re-imaged several times before the customer checks out and leaves the store. The shopping data may be based at least in part on the quantity of each corresponding item acquired by customer 2 during their shopping activity, multiplying the price of the corresponding item by the quantity of the same corresponding item acquired by the customer / shopper.

[0035] Furthermore, the functionality of the components of the system described herein can be implemented using one or more processors that execute software instructions and / or other hardware logic. As used herein, "processor" and "logic" include, but are not limited to, hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations of each to perform functions or actions, and / or to derive functions or actions from another logic, method, and / or system. For example, depending on the desired application or requirement, logic and / or processors may include software-controlled microprocessors, discrete logic, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices, instruction-containing memory devices, etc. Logic and / or processors may include one or more gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Logic and / or processors may also be implemented entirely as software. In the case of describing multiple logic and / or processors, it is possible to combine multiple logic and / or processors into a single physical logic (or processor). Similarly, in the case of describing a single logic and / or processor, it is possible to distribute that single logic and / or processor among multiple physical logic and / or processors.

[0036] Payment logic 9 receives credentials associated with a currency (e.g., financial) account via receiver 7, which customer 2 will use to pay for the collection of items acquired during the shopping activity. In one embodiment, credentials may be received from a mobile device 17, carried by customer 2 or provided to customer 2 upon entering the retail store. Mobile device 17 may be a mobile phone, laptop computer, or other devices understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, mobile device 17 communicates with transmitter 5 and receiver 7 using low-power electromagnetic waves, the signal strength of which enables mobile device 17 to communicate with the self-checkout terminal when within 10 meters, avoiding interference from other electronic devices. In some configurations, the self-checkout terminal may be an automated transaction machine (ATM), a point-of-sale (POS) device, or other type of device for customer 2 to check out multiple items at the retail point.

[0037] In other configurations, the credential information includes a customer account credential associated with a money account, which allows a remote bank server (computer) 15 to use the customer credential to verify that the customer 2 has authorized access to the money account. The credential may be stored in a digital wallet in the mobile device 17 and may be associated with a credit card, debit card, store card, gift card, or another card understood by those skilled in the art. In other configurations, the self-checkout terminal 3 performs payment transactions without using any bank card and without reading any card, because the self-checkout terminal 3 does not have a card reader and therefore cannot read information from any bank card. In this embodiment, the self-checkout terminal 3 can access credentials for an account, such as a savings or checking account, stored in the mobile device 17, in the account network 13, on the account computer 15, in a local storage network 14 (such as IPNet), or elsewhere, to withdraw the necessary funds to pay for the purchased items.

[0038] In one configuration, when customer 2 is detected approaching self-checkout terminal 3, the computing resources on IPNet can be used to calculate the total cost for each item to be purchased, as described below. When customer 2 approaches self-checkout terminal 3, IPNet can send the required total cost information to self-checkout terminal 3, and in some cases, include coupons or other shopper discounts in the total, to allow customer 2 to check out at self-checkout terminal 3 with minimal interruption. In other embodiments, self-checkout terminal 3...

[0039] Message logic 11 converts shopping data into checkout data, which includes data representing a set of purchased items. For example, message logic 11 may combine shopping data that includes each purchased item selected for purchase, the price of that item, and the quantity of a specific item selected and in the shopping cart or carried by customer 2. The shopping data may also be packaged into one or more data packets for transmission from mobile device 17 before being transmitted to self-checkout terminal 3, account computer 15, account network 13, or other networks or devices.

[0040] In some embodiments, the transmitter sends credential information to the account network 13 for authentication. For example, the account computer 15 (bank / financial computer or server) on the account network 13 receives the credentials and attempts to verify them / match them with the account stored on the account computer 15. For example, biometric data in the credentials may be matched with known biometric data in the account computer 15, wherein the biometric data in the computer 15 is pre-stored biometric data of the account holder or authorized user of the account. In some cases, both the account network 13 and the account computer 15 may be referred to as a server network, which may include other computers, routers, switches, gateways, etc., as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0041] In some configurations, receiver 7 will receive a response from account network 13 indicating whether a currency account is authorized to pay for the collection of purchased items. Optionally, if the account computer cannot authorize the preferred currency account, it may return the instruction to self-checkout terminal 3 and / or mobile device 17 in the form of an electronic message, so that customer 2 can be notified and prompted to select another account, and / or additional funds can be deposited into the authorized (authenticated) account to pay for the purchased items collected by customer 2 before customer 2 leaves the retail store.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, if the initial / preferred currency account is authorized but insufficient funds are found, a message can be displayed on mobile device 17 to prompt customer 2 to select an alternative source of funds via account network 13 or a device on local store network 14, allowing the purchase to default to an automatic backup / standby source of funds, or to add additional funds to the authenticated account if funds are insufficient. When funds in the authorized account are insufficient, system 1 can prompt customer 2 to determine whether they wish to add funds upon completion of the purchase or later. Using either response, account network 13 will generate and transmit a message to mobile device 17 asking customer 2 whether they wish to add funds to the currently selected account.

[0043] In one exemplary example, the self-checkout terminal has a currency acceptance device 25 ( Figure 2The system accepts cash or other deposits. In this embodiment, when the account network 13 notifies the money account that there are insufficient funds to pay for a collection of purchased items, the account computer 15 generates and transmits a message indicating insufficient funds to the customer 2, ultimately reaching the mobile device 17. Additionally, an insufficient funds symbol is sent to the mobile device 17 carried by the customer 2 in the same or a different message. The insufficient funds symbol may be a Quick Response (QR) code, a code transmitted as a Near Field Communication (NFC) signal, or other types of codes understood by those skilled in the art.

[0044] Subsequently, when mobile device 17 and customer 2 arrive at self-checkout terminal 3, self-checkout terminal 3 receives an insufficient funds symbol from mobile device 17. When verifying the insufficient funds symbol to a very high degree that the person at the self-checkout terminal is the account holder, money receiving device 25 is set to receive additional funds from customer 2. Money receiving device 25 is now ready to receive additional funds to pay for the purchased items. Customer 2 can now return to shop and / or leave the store after paying for their entire collection of items.

[0045] In another embodiment, payment logic 9 causes self-checkout terminal 3 to indicate to customer 2 that payment for the purchased items using the money account has been authorized or not authorized. When authorized, payment authorization is received at self-checkout terminal 3 before customer 2 arrives at self-checkout terminal 3. When authorized, self-checkout terminal 3 further enables the execution of a payment transaction to provide self-checkout and payment using the money account, without needing to scan items at the self-checkout terminal and without requiring assistance from another person. In some configurations, when the money account is authorized and the payment transaction is successfully executed and the purchased items are paid for, self-checkout terminal 3 generates a signal to indicate to customer 2 that payment for the purchased items has been successfully completed, and may also illuminate a signal indicating that payment has been made (see also...). Figure 4 (The light-emitting diode LED 322). For example, the signal could be a flashing green area 31 associated with the self-checkout terminal 3.

[0046] A cash dispensing device for distributing cash. An account network receives a cash request from customer 2, wherein the account network is authorized to authorize the request based at least in part on the voucher and monetary account value received from customer 2, and upon authorization issues a cash rebate symbol and transmits it to a mobile device carried by the customer. Upon arrival at a self-checkout terminal, the self-checkout terminal is adapted to receive the cash rebate symbol from the mobile device, and upon verification of the cash rebate symbol, the cash dispensing device distributes the requested amount of cash. Similar to the insufficient funds symbol discussed above, the cash rebate symbol can be a Quick Response (QR) code, a code transmitted as a Near Field Communication (NFC) signal, or other types of codes understood by those skilled in the art.

[0047] Figure 3 An example embodiment of a payment system 50 is shown. The payment system 50 includes a self-checkout unit 53. The self-checkout unit communicates with a mobile device 55 for receiving information. The mobile device 55 receives data representing at least one item that a user of the mobile device 55 intends to purchase. For example, the data may include the item's code and / or description, the item's price, the possible quantity of items selected by the user, and other information about each item selected by the user when purchasing the item at a retail store. The self-checkout unit 53 processes the transaction for purchasing the item based at least in part on the item-related data from the mobile device 55. Payment for the item is processed solely by the user at the self-checkout unit 53, without requiring any other person at the self-checkout unit, and no further touches are needed on the self-checkout unit 53 other than a click on an option.

[0048] In other embodiments, payment system 50 may have other similar features to system 1 discussed above ( Figures 1 to 2 For example, payment system 50 may be able to offer cash back and accept deposits. In at least one embodiment, self-checkout unit 53 also has a currency distribution device 56 for distributing currency as cash back to the user as part of a transaction for purchasing items. Self-checkout unit 53 may also accept at least a portion of payments made using pre-loaded card information found in a mobile wallet 57 accessed via mobile application 59 in mobile device 55. Furthermore, self-checkout unit 53 may accept at least a portion of payments made using cash (or other monetary instruments) inserted into deposit unit 58 of self-checkout unit 53. Additionally, self-checkout unit 53 may also accept payments using pre-loaded bank information found in mobile device 55.

[0049] Figures 4 to 11 Another example embodiment of an Automated Transaction Machine (ATM) 302, which can be used as the ATM 302 referenced in the following description, is shown. In a retail environment, customers can utilize the ATM 302 as a self-checkout concept, as referenced above. Figures 1 to 3 This concept, as disclosed, could be a mobile-enabled self-checkout concept.

[0050] Users can scan items to purchase them using their mobile devices. Such devices may include mobile applications (apps) for self-checkout shopping. Data associated with the scanned items may be uploaded to, for example, a local computer or server, a networked computer or server (internal network or internet), the cloud, or directly to an ATM.

[0051] In at least one embodiment, the concept combines the core capabilities of a traditional ATM (such as cash withdrawal or deposit) with the convenience of contactless mobile payments and self-checkout within the same terminal. In at least one embodiment, the ATM for self-checkout shopping is also capable of cash deposits and cash withdrawals. In some embodiments, the mobile device works in conjunction with in-store mobile payments. In some configurations, the terminal for self-checkout shopping includes acceptance of digital wallets and mobile payments.

[0052] In at least one embodiment, a mobile device with an app enables customers to scan items they wish to purchase while shopping in-store. Once the customer is ready to pay, they initiate (e.g., tap) their device to interact with a self-checkout unit to pay for the items upon leaving or at another appropriate time. Payment can be made via pre-loaded card information found in the customer's mobile wallet within the retailer's mobile app, or by inserting cash or any other suitable funds into the terminal. Cash rebates can also be offered through the checkout terminal, which can function as a traditional ATM. This process eliminates traditional checkout lines and can increase customer loyalty through the use of stored-value cards, mobile marketing campaigns, membership reward programs, etc.

[0053] In at least one embodiment, fast and secure ATM technology works in conjunction with mobile devices to enable mobile self-checkout. The convergence of ATMs, self-checkout, and mobile devices provides customers with speed and convenience, and also standardizes cash transactions into a single automated experience at retail locations.

[0054] Figures 4 to 9 An example ATM 302 (e.g., a bank terminal) is shown, which has an automated teller machine but lacks a card reader, keypad, or alphanumeric screen. ATM 302 has a front side 304, a right side 306, a left side 308, a rear side 310, a top side 312, and a bottom side (not shown). ATM 302 includes a front panel 314 that can be slid upwards in the direction of arrow A to engage ATM 302. For example, the front panel 314 may include an elongated aperture / opening 316 through which banknotes (cash) are dispensed to bank customers. Some embodiments may also include a biometric sensor 318, an internal vault for storing banknotes 320, and / or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 322 recessed around the opening 316 in the front panel 314.

[0055] Figure 11 It shows Figures 3 to 9 More details about the example ATM. Various embodiments include the ATM 1600 ( Figure 11The ATM 1600 includes: a housing 1601; a computer 1602 (e.g., a processor); a component 1604 for dispensing cash through a aperture 1606; a wireless transmitter 1610; and a wireless receiver 1608. The ATM 1600 may not include a screen capable of displaying alphanumeric characters, a card reader for reading card data that can be used to identify financial accounts, a printer, a component for dispensing paper receipts, and / or user interface buttons, or may have a limited number of user interface buttons.

[0056] In at least one embodiment, ATM 1600 may be a cash-distributing banking terminal. The banking terminal 1600 may have a housing 1601, a transmitter 1610, a receiver 1608, an automated teller machine 1604, and a processor 1602 that at least partially controls the automated teller machine 1604. A pre-created banking transaction request is created earlier using the mobile device 1620 before the bank customer and mobile device 1620 arrive at the cash-distributing banking terminal 1600. A remote computing device 1614 authenticates and authorizes the pre-created banking transaction request before the bank customer and mobile device 1620 arrive at the cash-distributing banking terminal 1600. When the pre-created banking transaction request is authenticated and authorized, the remote computer generates an executable transaction request 1622 and also generates a transaction identifier 1621 associated with the executable transaction request 1622 and sends it to the mobile device 1620. The executable transaction request 1622 may be stored in a remote memory 1624 connected to the network 1616, so that it can be retrieved and executed / performed later. Receiver 1608 will receive transaction identifier 1621 from network 1616. When a bank customer is at bank terminal 1600, remote computing device 1614 or other device will verify the validity of transaction identifier 1621. If valid, bank terminal 1600 will execute executable transaction request 1622 while the bank customer is at bank terminal 1600.

[0057] In some embodiments, the pre-created bank transaction request includes a request for the disbursement of currency from bank terminal 1600. A certain amount of currency may be pre-deducted from the bank customer's bank account before the customer is at bank terminal 1600. Transaction identifier 1621 may be valid for a limited time, and after the limited time, transaction identifier 1621 becomes invalid and the executable transaction request 1622 will not be executed. For example, the limited time may be two hours or less.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the bank terminal 1600 is an automated transaction machine (ATM) without a keypad, a card reader, and user interface buttons. The bank terminal 1600 may also be an ATM without a keypad and a card reader. The receiver 1608 may use near-field communication (NFC) with a propagation distance of less than 3 feet to receive the transaction identifier 1621, and the transmitter 1610 may be an NFC wireless transmitter.

[0059] In some embodiments, one method of operating the banking terminal 1600 may include time-limited secure transactions. For example, secure financial transactions may be completed in 10 seconds or less. Such transactions may include cash disbursement.

[0060] Compared to the height of a standard banking terminal 1600, the banking terminal 1600 may have a reduced footprint (width and / or depth). For example, the banking terminal 1600 may have a depth that is up to 32% less and a width that is up to 37% less than that of a standard banking terminal 1600.

[0061] In some embodiments, other useful features or components may be included. For example, software 1630 in mobile device 1620 communicates with remote computing device 1614 to authenticate and authorize a pre-created banking transaction request before the bank customer and mobile device 1620 arrive at cash disbursement banking terminal 1600. Transaction identifier 1621 is formed from a barcode, biometric input collected at biometric unit 1612, quick response (QR) code, and / or symbols. In some embodiments, mobile device 1620 is a mobile phone. Receiver 1608 may receive transaction identifier 1621 from mobile device 1620 when it is tapped against banking terminal 1600. Banking terminal 1600 may include a vault capable of holding cash and having the ability to disburse cash in response to executable transaction request 1622. In other configurations, mobile device 1620 does not communicate with banking terminal 1600 until after transaction identifier 1621 and executable transaction request 1622 are created.

[0062] When transaction identifier 1621 is invalid, some embodiments may activate light-emitting diode (LED) lamp 322 ( ) even before transaction identifier 1621 has been received. Figure 3 The LED lights up in the first color. When no bank transaction is being processed, the LED may light up in a second color different from the first color. Additionally, the LED may light up in another color when transaction identifier 1621 has been received, when transaction identifier 1621 is valid, and / or when a bank transaction is being processed.

[0063] Figure 12An example of a known automated trading machine 540 is shown, and is provided herein so that it can be compared with embodiments of automated trading machines (ATMs) that lack a keypad, a card reader, an alphanumeric screen, and the other components described above. Specifically, Figure 12 The exemplary ATM 540 includes a keypad 548 with user interface buttons. The keypad 548 is stacked with a keypad shield or cover 550. In operation of the exemplary ATM 540, a user's fingers can typically touch each of the keys on the keypad and an area within the keypad cover.

[0064] The known ATM 540 also includes a headphone jack 552. The headphone jack 552 is adapted to receive a plug from a connector of headphones used by a visually impaired person during machine operation. The area adjacent to the headphone jack 552 will typically be touched by the fingers of the machine user (specifically, a visually impaired user).

[0065] Figure 12 The exemplary ATM 540 shown also includes a receipt printer operatively connected to a paper exit 560. The paper exit area, typically indicated as 562, generally extends near the paper exit, in which a user typically touches the machine panel when obtaining a receipt printed by the machine during a transaction. The ATM exit 564 is operable to deliver cash from the ATM to the user. In such known ATMs, the ATM exit is typically blocked by one or more door members 566 except when the ATM is operated to deliver cash to the user. During such times, at least one processor of the machine is operable to cause an actuator to move the door member, allowing banknotes to extend. The cash exit area, typically indicated as 568, includes an area generally adjacent to the ATM exit (and may include the exit and its door member), and is where a user typically touches the machine with their fingers when obtaining cash from the exemplary ATM 540. A screen 544, a card reader 558, a card reader aperture 556, function keys, a customer display, and a customer keypad are also shown.

[0066] Referring to the flowchart provides a better understanding of the example method. For simplicity, the explanation of the method is shown and described as a series of boxes. It should be understood that the method is not restricted by the order of the boxes, as some boxes may occur in a different order and / or simultaneously with other boxes shown and described. Furthermore, fewer than all the boxes shown may be needed to implement the example method. Boxes may be combined or divided into multiple components. In addition, additional and / or alternative methods may be implemented using additional boxes not shown. Thus, the depicted boxes, functions, and / or other components may be implemented as part of the overall software architecture, as independent software modules, or as modules employing external routines, code, services, etc., or any combination thereof. All such implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0067] Figure 13 A self-checkout method 1300 for shopping items is illustrated. Method 1300 begins by receiving shopping data associated with the price of one or more purchased items. In one embodiment, receiving items is considered when a customer has physically acquired the items during a shopping activity (moving one or more items to be adjacent to the customer). Physically acquiring items can mean picking them up and carrying them, placing them in a shopping cart or bag, or otherwise acquiring them with the intention of making them their own property and planning to pay for the purchase. At 1304, credentials associated with a financial account are received. These credentials are used to pay for the items the customer wishes to purchase.

[0068] In some configurations, after receiving the credential information at the self-checkout terminal, it is then transmitted at 1306 to the account computer on the account network for authentication. After authentication, using the corresponding financial account, a response is received from the account computer at 1308 indicating whether the financial account corresponding to the credential is authorized to pay for one or more items. Upon receiving the response, an instruction is provided to the customer at 1310 indicating whether payment for the items is authorized. This instruction is provided as the customer approaches and before the customer is at the self-checkout terminal. When authorized, method 1300 prompts the customer to make payment, using the financial account to provide self-checkout and payment for the purchased items. Payment is made without scanning items at the self-checkout terminal and without the assistance of others. Payment is made with a single click of the self-checkout terminal's options, without requiring any other touches on the self-checkout terminal.

[0069] Figure 14 An example computing device is shown, in which the example systems and methods described herein, and their equivalents, can operate. The example computing device may be computer 1400, which includes a processor 1402 operatively connected via bus 1408, memory 1404, and input / output ports 1410. In one example, computer 1400 may include self-checkout logic 1430, which performs some actions of payment logic, message logic, and other actions as described above. In various examples, self-checkout logic 1430 may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, and / or a combination thereof. Thus, self-checkout logic 1430 can provide means (e.g., hardware, software, firmware) for allowing customers to self-check out without the need for assistance from others in a bounded, designated payment area that includes any terminal used during the self-checkout process. Although self-checkout logic 1430 is shown as a hardware component attached to bus 1408, it should be understood that in one example, self-checkout logic 1430 may be implemented using processor 1402.

[0070] The example configuration typically described for computer 1400 may include a processor 1402, which can be a variety of processors including dual-microprocessor and other multiprocessor architectures. Memory 1404 may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), and EPROM. Volatile memory may include, for example, RAM, synchronous random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), dual data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), direct Rambus random access memory (DRRAM), etc.

[0071] Disk 1406 may be operatively connected to computer 1400 via, for example, an input / output interface (e.g., a card, device) 1418 and an input / output port 1410. Disk 1406 may be, for example, a disk drive, solid-state drive, floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, Zip drive, flash memory card, and / or memory stick. Furthermore, disk 1406 may be an optical disc-ROM (CD-ROM), an optical disc (CD) recordable drive (CD-R drive), a CD rewritable drive (CD-RW drive), and / or a digital video ROM drive (DVD ROM). For example, memory 1404 may store processes 1414 and / or data 1416. Disk 1406 and / or memory 1404 may store an operating system that controls and allocates resources of computer 1400.

[0072] Bus 1408 can be a single internal bus interconnect architecture and / or other bus or mesh architecture. Although a single bus is shown, it should be understood that computer 1400 can communicate with various devices, logic and peripherals using other buses (e.g., PCIe, SATA, Infiniband, 1384, USB, Ethernet). Bus 1408 can be of types including, for example, a memory bus, memory controller, peripheral bus, external bus, crossbar switch and / or local bus.

[0073] Computer 1400 can interact with input / output devices via input / output interface 1418 and input / output port 1410. Input / output devices may include, for example, a keypad, microphone, indicator and selection device, camera, video card, monitor, disk 1406, network device 1420, etc. Input / output port 1410 may include, for example, a serial port, parallel port, Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, etc.

[0074] Computer 1400 can operate in a network environment and can therefore be connected to network device 1420 via input / output interface 1418 and / or input / output port 1410. Through network device 1420, computer 1400 can interact with a network. Through the network, computer 1400 can logically connect to a remote computer. Networks with which computer 1400 can interact include, but are not limited to, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and other networks. The network can be wired and / or wireless.

[0075] Embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as apparatus, method, or computer program product. Therefore, the invention may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects which may be generally referred to herein as a “module” or “system.” Furthermore, the invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in any tangible medium having computer-usable program code embodied therein.

[0076] Any combination of one or more computer-usable or computer-readable media may be used. For example, computer-readable media may include one or more of portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) devices, portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM), optical storage devices, and magnetic storage devices. Computer program code for performing the operations of this invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages.

[0077] The embodiments can also be implemented in a cloud computing environment. In this specification and the following claims, “cloud computing” can be defined as a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services), which can be rapidly provisioned via virtualization and published with minimal management effort or service provider interaction, and then scaled accordingly. The cloud model can consist of various features (e.g., on-demand self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, measurement services, etc.), service models (e.g., Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”), Platform-as-a-Service (“PaaS”), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (“IaaS”)), and deployment models (e.g., private cloud, community cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, etc.).

[0078] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the flowcharts illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each box in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, including one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of boxes in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function or action. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that instructs a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function / action specified in one or more boxes of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0079] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for the purpose of brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations should be implied beyond the requirements of the prior art, as these terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly interpreted. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details, representative embodiments, and illustrative examples shown and described. Consequently, this application is intended to cover changes, modifications, and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0080] Furthermore, the description and illustration of the present invention are exemplary, and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. References to "preferred embodiment," "embodiment," "an example," "example," etc., indicate that the described embodiment or example may include a specific feature, structure, characteristic, attribute, element, or limitation, but not every embodiment or example must include that specific feature, structure, characteristic, attribute, element, or limitation.

Claims

1. A self-checkout terminal, comprising: Transmitter; A receiver is configured to receive shopping data associated with the price of purchased items that a customer has physically acquired during a shopping activity at a retail store, and wherein the shopping data is based at least in part on the quantity of the corresponding purchased items that the customer has acquired during the shopping activity; The payment logic is configured to receive credentials associated with a currency account, which the customer will use to pay for the set of items the customer has acquired during the shopping activity; The message logic is configured to convert the shopping data into checkout data, the checkout data including data representing the set of purchased items; and Cash dispensing equipment, configured to dispense cash; The transmitter is configured to transmit the credential information to the account network for authentication. The receiver is configured to receive from the account network a response indicating whether the currency account is authorized to pay for the purchase of the set of items; and The payment logic is configured to cause the self-checkout terminal to indicate to the customer whether payment for the purchased item using the currency account is authorized, wherein, if authorized, authorization is received at the self-checkout terminal before the customer arrives at the self-checkout terminal, wherein, when authorized, the self-checkout terminal is configured to execute a payment transaction to provide self-checkout and payment using the currency account without scanning the item at the self-checkout terminal and without the assistance of another person, and wherein the payment is initiated by the customer's mobile device clicking on the self-checkout terminal to initiate the interaction between the mobile device and the self-checkout terminal without requiring any other necessary touch on the self-checkout terminal; and The account network is configured to receive cash requests from the customer, and is authorized to approve the request based at least in part on credentials received from the customer and the value of the currency account, and to issue a cash rebate symbol upon approval and transmit the cash rebate symbol to a mobile device carried by the customer, wherein the self-checkout terminal receives the cash rebate symbol from the mobile device upon arrival, and the cash dispensing device is configured to dispense the requested amount of cash upon verification of the cash rebate symbol. The currency accepting device is configured to accept cash deposits; The system notifies the account network that the currency account does not have sufficient funds to pay for the collection of purchased items. The account network includes an account computer that, in response to the currency account being authorized but lacking sufficient funds to pay for the collection of purchased items, generates a message indicating insufficient funds to the customer and transmits the insufficient funds symbol message to the mobile device carried by the customer. Upon arrival at the self-checkout terminal, the self-checkout terminal receives the insufficient funds symbol from the mobile device, and upon verification of the insufficient funds symbol, the currency receiving device is configured to receive additional cash from the customer to pay for the collection of purchased items.

2. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The payment logic is also configured to cause the self-checkout terminal to indicate to the customer that the payment for the purchased item has been authorized when the customer approaches the self-checkout terminal, and wherein the shopping data is automatically sent to the receiver when the purchased item is moved to be located near the customer.

3. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The receiver is configured to receive the shopping data from a mobile device carried by the customer.

4. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 3, wherein, The mobile device is a mobile phone that uses low-power electromagnetic waves to communicate with the transmitter and the receiver. The signal strength of the low-power electromagnetic waves enables the mobile device to communicate with the self-checkout terminal when it is less than 10 meters away from the self-checkout terminal.

5. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The self-checkout terminal is at least one of the group consisting of automated transaction machines (ATMs) and point-of-sale (POS) devices.

6. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The credential information is received from the customer's mobile device, wherein the credential information includes a customer account credential associated with the currency account, which allows a remote bank server to use the customer credential to verify whether the customer has authorized access to the currency account.

7. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 6, wherein, The credentials are stored in the digital wallet on the mobile device and are associated with the credit card.

8. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The self-checkout terminal is configured to perform the payment transaction without using any bank card, and wherein the self-checkout terminal cannot read information from any bank card.

9. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, Once the currency account is authorized and the payment transaction is successfully executed and the purchased item is paid for, the self-checkout terminal generates a signal to indicate to the customer that the payment for the purchased item has been successfully completed.

10. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 9, wherein, The signal is a bright green area associated with the self-checkout terminal.

11. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The cash-back symbol is one or more of the following: a Quick Response (QR) code and a code transmitted as a Near Field Communication (NFC) signal.

12. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The insufficient funds symbol is one or more of the following: Quick Response (QR) codes and codes transmitted as Near Field Communication (NFC) signals.

13. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The shopping data includes one or more data packets.

14. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The mobile application software on the mobile device is configured to tabulate the scanned items and transmit the tabulation results to the self-checkout terminal.

15. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The account computer in the account network authorizes the payment but does not update the account with purchase information.

16. The self-checkout terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The credential information is received from the mobile device carried by the customer.

17. A method for purchasing items using a self-checkout terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising: When a customer moves at least one item to be physically acquired by the customer during a shopping activity, shopping data associated with the price of the at least one item purchased is received by the receiver. The payment logic receives credentials associated with the financial account used to pay for the purchase of at least one item; The transmitter transmits credential information to the account computer on the account network for authentication. The receiver receives a response from the account computer indicating whether the financial account is authorized to pay for the at least one item; Upon receiving the response, the self-checkout terminal instructs the customer whether to authorize payment for the item, and wherein the instruction is provided as the customer approaches the self-checkout terminal and before the customer is at the self-checkout terminal; and When authorized, the self-checkout terminal enables the payment to be made using the financial account for the purchase of at least one item, without the need to scan the item at the self-checkout terminal and without the assistance of another person.

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