ATM Third-Party Bill Payment via Passcode Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated teller machines (ATMs) lack the capability to facilitate bill payments for third-party accounts, especially for users who do not hold an account with the bank operating the ATM, limiting convenience for users who prefer cash payments or do not have access to online payment options.

Innovation Solution

An ATM system that allows users to make payments for third-party bills by receiving a passcode associated with the third-party customer, verifying the payment amount, and transmitting a payment notification to the third-party computing system, enabling payments to be made on behalf of various service providers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ATMs are limited to account holders only, then bank security and control are maintained, but convenience for third-party bill payments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience for third-party bill paymentsVSAvoidbank security and control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a passcode as an intermediary authentication mechanism that enables third-party bill payments without requiring full account access. The passcode serves as a mediator between the user's cash deposit and the bill payment system, allowing secure transactions for non-account holders while maintaining bank control through verification protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If online payment options are required, then transaction security is improved, but accessibility for cash-prefering users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for cash-prefering usersVSAvoidtransaction security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the ATM system universal by enabling multiple payment methods - both traditional account-based electronic transactions and new cash-based third-party bill payments. The system accommodates diverse user preferences (cash vs. online) while maintaining secure verification through passcode authentication and amount matching protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If ATM functionality is expanded to third-party payments, then user convenience is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment option diversityVSAvoidATM system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bill payment process into distinct modular steps: passcode entry, cash deposit, amount verification, and payment confirmation. Each step is handled by separate system components (user interface, deposit mechanism, verification module, notification system), making the expanded functionality manageable and maintainable without overwhelming system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11282051B1ATM bill pay

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

A computer system and a transaction machine (such as an automated teller machine (ATM)) of the same financial institution, can provide a third party customer the ability to pay bills, issued by the third party, at the ATM. The third party computing system provides the third party customer a user interface to provide a user selected amount that the third party customer plans on depositing at the ATM. The ATM provides the third party customer a user interface to enter a passcode. The ATM provides the third party customer the ability to make a payment at the ATM. The ATM verifies that the payment matches the user selected amount, and sends a payment notification to the third party computing system.