After-Hours Deposit Box Access Control for Remote Banking Deposits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retail banking facilities face challenges in securely and efficiently handling customer deposits after hours, particularly for large amounts of cash and checks, as traditional methods like ATMs have limitations and night deposit boxes require manual handling with delays and fees.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing sensing and communication components to regulate access to a deposit box, allowing customers to pre-designate transactions and verify their identity using customer devices, enabling secure and automated after-hours deposits with provisional credit options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional night deposit boxes are used, then customers can make deposits after hours, but manual handling is required causing delays and fees

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposit processing efficiencyVSAvoiddeposit handling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables customers to perform deposit transactions independently through automated interfaces at the deposit box, eliminating the need for manual handling by bank staff. Customers can initiate deposits remotely and complete transactions autonomously, reducing both handling time and operational delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical deposit handling with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, communication components, and computing devices to process deposits automatically. This substitution eliminates human intervention in the deposit handling process, improving efficiency and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If ATM deposit machines are used, then deposits can be made remotely, but they have limitations on amount and number of checks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote deposit capabilityVSAvoiddeposit amount flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The deposit box system is designed to handle diverse deposit types including cash, checks, and other negotiable instruments without limitation. The system can accommodate various deposit amounts and configurations, providing universal acceptance of different deposit forms while maintaining remote operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of deposit parameters such as amount, currency type, and instrument type without restricting the customer. The automated system can adapt to different deposit scenarios and modify processing parameters accordingly, providing flexibility comparable to in-person banking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual deposit handling is used, then transactions can be processed, but delays and fees are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction processingVSAvoidprocessing delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated deposit system operates continuously without interruption, allowing deposit transactions to be processed immediately upon initiation. The system maintains continuous operational capability throughout after-hours periods, eliminating the delays associated with manual processing schedules and ensuring uninterrupted transaction handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where customers receive immediate confirmation of deposit transactions through communication components. This instant feedback verifies transaction completion and provides accounting information, eliminating the delays and uncertainties associated with manual processing and reducing the need for follow-up procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If access to deposit box is unrestricted, then customers can deposit easily, but security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposit accessVSAvoidsecurity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification and verification of customers before allowing access to the deposit box. Customer identity is confirmed through authentication mechanisms prior to enabling deposit transactions, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the box while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate customers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated intermediary system between the customer and the deposit box mechanism. This intermediary includes identification components, communication interfaces, and control mechanisms that verify customer identity and authorize access, thereby maintaining security while preserving ease of operation through automated verification rather than manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12482025B2System, method, and devices for managing transactions at a retail banking location

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 3 EAST

AI summary

A system, method and devices are provided for conducting retail banking transactions, and more particularly for transacting business with customers of the banking establishment, where those customers make deposits at a deposit box after the retail banking branch locations are closed. The present system, method and devices are implemented to manage logistics of the after hours deposits in retail banking facilities, and include operations of the deposit box, hosting of the transaction management, and data, and managing transactions where a retail banking customer may prestage the transaction prior to arriving at the deposit box location. The present system also provides surveying and reporting of transactional data in connection with the transactions, as well as the events and usage of the deposit box and transacting details.