Automated banking machine processing system and method

Abstract

An ATM processing system (50) is comprised of a server computing system (56) and a coordination server application (54) operative in the server computing system. The coordination server application is operative to receive processing jobs (64) from job submitting entities (60). The coordination server is further operative to divide each processing jobs into a plurality of tasks which are distributed among a plurality of ATMs (56). Each ATM is operative to perform transaction functions such as the dispensing of cash from a cash dispenser (20). Each ATM includes at least one computer processor (100) and at least one processing client application (102) operative in the at least one computer processor. Each processing client application is operative to receive the tasks from the coordination server application and cause the at least one computer processor of each ATM to process the tasks during periods when the ATM is idle.

Description

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 276,974 filed Mar. 19, 2001.[0002] This invention relates to automated banking machines. Specifically this invention relates to a processing system comprised of a plurality of automated banking machines which are operative to cooperatively process portions of a common processing job during periods of non-consumer use.[0003] Automated banking machines are well known. A common type of automated banking machine used by consumers is an automated teller machine ("ATM"). ATMs enable customers to carry out banking transactions. Common banking transactions that may be carried out with ATMs include the dispensing of cash, the receipt of deposits, the transfer of funds between accounts, the payment of bills and account balance inquiries. The type of banking transactions a customer can carry out are determined by capabilities of the particular banking machine and the programming of the institution operating th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention to provide an automated banking machine that is more productive during periods of non-consumer use.

[0013] The exemplary embodiment of the processing client application is operative to cause the computer processor of the ATM to perform tasks received by the processing client application from the coordination server application. The exemplary embodiment of the processing client application may be operative to prevent the degradation of an ATM's performance while a consumer is using the ATM, by limiting the processing of a received task, to idle periods when a consumer is not using the ATM and / or when the ATM is not performing transaction functions.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately consumers do not generally use ATMs continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Even the most heavily used ATMs experience a significant number of idle periods of non-consumer use.

Although small amounts of processing power may be used for maintaining the ATMs in an available state for future consumer uses, generally during such idle periods the processing systems of ATMs remain significantly underutilized.

Unfortunately during off peak hours such as the early morning hours of a day, relatively few consumer transactions may be performed resulting in relatively small amounts of income being generated.

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