JP3038345B2 - Email system - Google Patents

Description

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to computer data devices for storing and transmitting messages, and more particularly to existing global automated teller machines ("ATM") and point-of-sale ("POS") systems. ") To allow users of such devices to send and receive electronic mail (postal mail).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Over the last few years, many different types of electronic message delivery devices have been developed. Among these devices,
The oldest, most widely used and convenient way to convey messages in language is the telephone. Thus, until very recently, telephones merely provided live, real-time communication. Recently,
"Voice mail" service is now available, allowing callers to later retrieve and play linguistic messages to the intended audience. Convenient, but the cost of transmitting voice messages through the public telephone system is to transmit the messages using the extra capacity available in the communication system, which is installed and maintained to operate continuously for different purposes. Relatively high compared to cost.

Another recently developed message delivery technology has the ability to deliver a text message so that the intended recipient can retrieve and play it back later. Such a system is known as e-mail and uses as a basis a technique known as "store-send message switch". However, modern e-mail systems are expensive and must be accessed using special purpose terminals. At present, there is no widely available means by which the public can conveniently and inexpensively access e-mail communications.

Still other recently developed communication systems are many independently operating ATM and POS systems. Various
One of the characteristics of ATM and POS systems is that they are interconnected by many clearing house circuits. These clearing house circuits handle the processing by a single ATM with a user's calculated identification record.
The system or POS system is back and forth between other ATM systems or POS systems.

It would be desirable to combine parts of an existing communication system to provide an easily accessible public e-mail communication that does not require special terminals from the user. Such a combined system facilitates sending and receiving e-mail and provides greater functionality for existing voice and data communications.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION One of the objects of the present invention is to propose a simple device that allows the public to easily obtain an e-mail service.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an economical system for public access to electronic mail services.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a secure system for public access to electronic mail services.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system that is hard and reliable for e-mail services.

Briefly, the present invention provides an email service that allows a user to easily authenticate, generate and capture messages and replies. The system uses a billing card, credit card or authenticated personal identification number (“PIN”) or personal identification card or other machine-readable personal identification card associated with a valid password assurance identification to provide e-mail services. Coordinate access to. This system of the present invention employs unique peripherals in conjunction with existing communication circuitry and equipment parts to provide simple text communication to remote locations. This service is then provided by the chain between the storage and transmission message systems and other already installed communication systems. The scheme of the present invention is compatible with various ATM and P
Provides extensive access to e-mail services using a clearinghouse circuit interconnecting OS systems.

To access this e-mail service, the user must submit a billing, credit or identification card to an ATM terminal or P
Input to OS terminal. In connection with the local processor, the terminals obtain the user's identification, user's warranty information and the user's search or input message request. next,
The local ATM or POS processor can send this information to the ATM or P
The OS processor passes the ATM or POS command to the information processor at the user's financial command. AT
Based on the current situation of the M and POS circuit systems, it is possible that the acceptance process takes place in an alternating counting process. This will be described in detail below. Upon receiving this information, the user's financial order confirms the user's identity and authorizes the user to access the email service.
Such identification and qualification processes are normally performed in ATM and POS circuits.

Once the user's access to the e-mail system is authorized by these financial orders, the clearinghouse processor for the ATM and / or POS circuit will allow the user to access its e-mail message service control function. Allow to do. This message service control function differs between the various processes involved in e-mail communications which are in addition to the financial transactions normally exchanged over ATM or POS circuits. The message control functions performed by the clearinghouse processor also track the situations and processes required to complete the email transmission.

The message service control function of the clearing house processor sends the e-mail control information entered by the user to the special purpose storage / send message switch, retrieves the user's message, and / or returns the message Or send the message to other users. The store / send message switch will now restore the message and / or the message to the other user through the message service control function of the clearing house processor to return to the user at the ATM or POS terminal. Admit the situation. The clearinghouse processor also sends separate accounting information to the user's financial order to record the use of the email service.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. In the drawings, reference symbols have been used consistently.

FIG. 1 provides an e-mail service in accordance with the present invention, including its ATM / POS subsystem, ATM / POS configuration processor, user financial installation processor, clearing house processor and store / send message switch. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an entire system to be used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting functional elements included in the terminals of the ATM / POS subsystem shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a combined block diagram depicting the functions achieved by the ATM or POS installation processor supporting the email service, particularly the ATM or POS terminal management functions, together with the ATM or POS installation processor shown in FIG. And a flowchart.

FIG. 4 is a combined block diagram and flow chart depicting the functions achieved by the switch when providing an email service in conjunction with the store and send message switch shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a combined block diagram and flowchart depicting the functions achieved by the clearinghouse processor shown in FIG. 1 together with the clearinghouse processor when providing e-mail including message service control functions. It is.

FIG. 6 is a combined block diagram and flow chart depicting the functions achieved by the user financial installation processor shown in FIG. 1 when providing an electronic mail service, together with the processor.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION FIG. 1 depicts a public e-mail system according to the present invention, designated by the general symbol 10. The e-mail system 10 shows, within the dashed line 12, a typical automatic teller machine or point-of-sale ("ATM / POS") system. A typical ATM / POS system is A
It includes a TM / POS subsystem, an ATM data communication circuit 16, and an ATM installation processor 18.

The ATM / POS subsystem 14 depicted in FIG. 1 includes various forms of ATM terminals 22 and 24 and ATM / POS terminals (terminals).
It illustrates different techniques commonly employed to connect 26 and 28 to the ATM communication circuit 16. Depicted in FIG. 1
In the ATM / POS subsystem, each of the ATM terminals 22 and 24 includes a separate microprocessor as depicted in FIG.
As a result, since terminals 22 and 24 each include an individual microprocessor, each terminal 22, 24 has its own ATM data communication circuit.
16 can be contacted. Alternatively, ATM / POB terminals 26 and 28
Illustrates different techniques in which terminals 26 and 28 are connected to a common processor 32 through which the ATM data communication circuit 16 can communicate. The ATM / POS subsystem 14 shown in FIG. 1 also communicates with the POS installation processor via a POS data communication circuit 38.
Depict.

Different ATMs when inserted into email system 10
Because of the similarities between the system and the POS system, both of these different types of systems can be illustrated by a single generic ATM / POS system 12 for the purposes of this disclosure. If the general ATM / POS of FIG. 1 is specified only for an ATM system, the POS terminal 34, the POS processor 36 and the POS
The data communication circuit 38 is omitted, while the ATM / POS terminals 26 and 28 are
May be communicated only to the ATM data communication circuit 16 via the common processor 32. When the ATM / POS system 12 enclosed by the dashed line is so specified only for the ATM system, the user can only perform financial transactions at the installation whose records are in the ATM installation processor 18.

Alternatively, if the general ATM / POS system 12 of FIG. 1 is specific to a POS system only, the ATM terminals 22 and 24, the ATM data communication circuit 16 and the ATM installation processor 18 may be omitted, while the ATM
The / POS terminals 26 and 28 are connected only to the POS data communication circuit 38 via the common processor 32. ATM / POS systems enclosed by dashed lines, when specified as such,
The user can only deal with the merchant if the record is in the POS installation processor 36.

In the example of FIG. 1, when the ATM / POS system 12 is specified as an ATM, the common processor 32 outputs the ATM data communication circuit 16.
Contact only. Alternatively, if the ATM / POS system 12 is specialized for a POS system, the common processor 32 communicates only with the POS data communication circuit 38. The example of FIG. 1 in which the common processor 32 is connected to both the ATM data communication circuit 16 and the POS data communication circuit 38 does not currently exist in any known system. The common processor 32 is illustrated in the general ATM / POS system of FIG. 1 merely to simplify FIG. 1 for pedantic reasons and to exhibit characteristics common to both ATM and POS systems related to the present invention. Is illustrated.

The e-mail system 10 of the present invention provides all e-mail services available to the user, assuming a plurality of independently operating ATM / POS systems that all communicate simultaneously. The clearing house data communication circuit 42 connects the plurality of ATM installation processors 18 and the plurality of POS installation processors 36 included in the e-mail system to the clearing house circuit processor 4.
Interconnect to 4. By moving the information to different ATM installation processors 18 operated by different financial installations, the information can also be transferred to different POS operated by different merchants.
By moving to the installation processor 36, clearing and
The house data communication circuit 42 and the clearing house circuit processor 44 allow the user to perform a cross-configuration transaction, such as between the ATM / POS system 12 and a processor 46 operated by the user's financial installation.

With the e-mail system described above, the user receives an e-mail using the ATM / POS system 12, the clearing house data communication circuit 42, the clearing house circuit processor 44, and the user's financial installation processor 46. Start sending. Here, the billing card or credit card 48 is used for multiple ATM / POS in the e-mail system.
Activate one of the system terminals 22, 24, 26, 28 or 3
Inserted into 4. When the card 48 is inserted, the terminals 22, 24,
26, 28, or 36 obtains user identity and user credibility information in association with the local microprocessor. When the user enters a personal identification number ("PIN") or other security password or code, terminals 22, 24, 26, 28 or 34 will have their own ATM data communication circuit and ATM installation processor 18 (or their own POS data communication). It communicates with the clearing house circuit processor 44 through the circuit 38 and the POS installation processor 36) and the clearing house data communication circuit. The clearing house circuit processor 44 then passes through the clearing house data communication circuit 42 to the user's financial installation processor 46.
Interacts with the user to gain access to the user's account record, obtain authorization for the user to access the email function of the email system 10, and obtain the appropriate information to bill the user for such use. As mentioned above, this approval process occurs during the alternating step and is described in detail below. To qualify the use of the email system 10, the user's financial installation processor 46 sends a message back to the user's identification ("ID") clearinghouse circuit processor 44.

Upon receipt of the user's message ID, the clearinghouse circuit processor 44 then activates its message service control function and, through the clearinghouse data communication circuit 42, stores and sends a message switch 52.
Access information stored for users on top.
Clearing, housing, data communication circuit 42 and ATM / POS
Store / send message switch 52 via system 12
Then sends a group of messages (one process) back to terminals 22, 24, 26, 28 or 34 where the user enters the request. After this processing is completed, the accumulation / transmission message switch 52
Updates the status codes for incoming messages, indicating that they have been sent and are awaiting further support from the user for final processing.

By interacting with terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 through the keyboard and / or function keys shown in FIG. 2, the user displays the retrieved message to ATM / POS subsystem 14 in FIG. Commanded to appear on the designated display screen. Terminal 22, 2
Using a keyboard, and / or function keys on 4, 26, 28, or 34, the user can access terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or
34 may request that a copy of the retrieved message be printed on paper 54.

The user responds to or wakes up the message and stores it on the store / send message switch using terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 in the same way as requesting access to the stored message. Is also good. The email system 10 allows the user to respond to and wake up the message in a manner similar to that described above to retrieve the message. If the ATM / POS subsystem 14 is capable of retaining the user's identification and reliability code information, the user need not re-insert the billing or credit card and re-enter the reliability code. The response or message to be stored on the store / transmit message switch may be entered at terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 in a variety of different ways. For example, using an ATM / POS subsystem of the type depicted in FIG. 2, a user can respond to or enter a message using either a keyboard or a "pad pad". Alternatively, terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or
34 may include an optical character recognition device (not shown in FIG. 2) and scan the written message 56. A response entered by the user at terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 or through a new message clearing house circuit processor 44, the user having to authorize a response or message on the store / transmit message switch 52. It is sent to the financial setting processor 46.

When the storage / transmission message switch 52 receives a response or message, it checks the basics of the message and, if appropriate, stores the response or message for retransmission. Further, the storage / transmission message switch 52 confirms that a response or a message has been stored in the terminal 22, 24, 26, 28 or 34. If the store / send message switch 52 determines that the response or message is inappropriate, the reject message is also sent to terminals 22, 24, 2 with a description of the problem.
Return to 6, 28, or 34.

In addition to the above manner in which the various parts of the email system 10 of the present invention alternate as described above, the present invention provides
In addition to the clearing house data communication circuit 42 and the clearing house circuit processor 44, the ATM / POS system 12
Assume a path through which the user can communicate with the user's financial installation processor 46 and the store and send message switch. For example, if the email system 10 performs the message service control function somewhere other than on the clearing house circuit processor 44, the ATM installation processor 18 or POS installation processor 36 By contacting the user's financial installation processor 46 directly through the communication circuit 62, the user may obtain the necessary permissions and other information to access the email system 10. Under such circumstances, the ATM installation processor 18 or the POS installation processor 36 can also exchange the user's message directly with the accumulation / transmission message switch 52 via the message / data communication circuit 64.
If properly implemented, various data communication circuits 42, 62, and 64
Can provide the message communication capability required for proper operation of the e-mail system 10.

Generally, messages are stored / transmitted message switches
52 is provided by a computer terminal input station 72 from outside the ATM / POS system 12. Station 72
May be any of several terminals that can communicate with the e-mail service. Station 72 is a standard personal computer (“P”) where messages are created off-line and then sent to a store / send message switch.
C "). Alternatively, the station 72 may be a terminal directly connected to a mainframe or a mini computer.

The station 72 communicates with the storage / transmission message switch 52 via the message input data communication circuit 74. To store the message in the store and send message switch, the station 72 identifies the user through a collection of commands normally provided with this type of service or by knowing the user's email ID. This type of call collection service is well known and is associated with many of the current e-mail systems. Modem 76 also communicates with message input data communication circuit 74 to provide e-mail system 10 with a pager communication service 78 and a facsimile communication machine.

The present invention also contemplates other methods of storing messages in the store and send message switch 52. For example, phone 84
Can be used to call a service organization having a station 72 connected to the email system 10 without access to the e-mail service. Such service agencies can receive messages from external individuals over the telephone and store them on a store / transmit message switch. Similarly, the user can also send through the message service from an individual without an ID on the email system 10. A telephone call can be reached by anyone with a postal address, in principle, by sending a message to a service organization for delivery to the individual with whom the user wishes to communicate. Such operations are:
It is a normal part of the service organization to extend the reach of the message service to the general public.

Another way to communicate with individuals who are not users of email system 10 is through facsimile communicator 82.
The store and send message switch recognizes that the user enters the facsimile telephone number as the destination address for a response or message. Under such circumstances, the store and send message switch initiates a telephone call and streams the message to the intended recipient using a conventional facsimile communication process. When the message is successfully faxed, the status of the message is displayed to the user.

In addition, the email system 10 informs the user that the message has been stored in the store and send message switch 52 for the user. To announce the storage of the message, the store / send message switch 52 places the telephone call on the PAGER service, thereby activating the user's beeper. When the message is notified, the user can connect to terminals 22, 24, 26,
Go to 28 or 34 to search for it.

The ring created by the store and send message switch also allows connection to multiple external e-mail systems via industry standard X.400 or custom e-mail to e-mail links. Such e-mail links have already been established in many of these services and are well known in the art. This allows a physical connection to all of the existing e-mail services and provides smart communication to users from outside the ATM / POS system of the e-mail system 10. Generally, all of the standard services provided by the e-mail system are identical and available through the e-mail system 10. However, due to the physical limitations imposed on the electronic mail system 10, the scope of the message may be somewhat limited. For example, such limitations may be, but are not limited to, message size or details or similar limitations.

A further feature of the system 10 for individuals who are not users of the email system 10 is the ability to capture rate information instead of the normal email system rates appropriate for those having access to the email service. This fee-capturing capability is a necessary part of providing easy service agency access to the email system 10.

Processor Performing Message Service Control Function The message service control function described in detail with respect to FIG. 5 is an important part of the email system 10 of the present invention. As mentioned above, it is not essential to the operation of the e-mail system 10 that the message service control function is performed only in the clearing house circuit processor. However, since the message service control function is an important part of the email system 10, the details of the operations performed by the processors 18, 36, 44, and 46, respectively, are described in detail in the message service control function.
Varies slightly depending on the individual processor performing the service control function.

The message service control function is available on terminals 22, 24, 26,
28 or 34 on the installation processor 18 or 36 included in the ATM / POS system 12 or on the installation processor 18 or 36 belonging to another ATM / POS system 12, or on the clearing house circuit processor ATM / POS system 12 per 44 or different
The installation processor itself belonging to is also executed for the user's financial installation processor 46. Initially, access to the message service control function depends on whether the user's account record is maintained on a processor 18, 36, or 46 other than in the ATM / POS system 12 where the user is currently working.

If the user is authorized to use the email system 10, the message service control function will
2, 24, 26, 28, or 34 and the store / send message switch 52 further process all control relationships. When the user completes the input of the request at terminal 22, 24, 26, 28 or 34, the ATM / POB subsystem 14 should format it before it is further transmitted to the circuit 42, 62 or 64 Processor 18, which executes the message service control function,
To 36 or 44. The message will be sent to the processor 18, 36 or 44 according to normal system requirements using the new processing format and the processing format unique to the email system 10.
Formatted by The information is coded to provide the service control function, and is included in the message to specify the terminal location, date, time, and other information, and serves as a relevant portion of the message and its accounting trace. The message service control information added to each message is used for performing the message service control function and for operating the storage / transmission message switch 52.

The message service control function also has a response to the user's request, and the terminals 22, 24, 26,
The results are returned to the installation processor 18 or 36 for the ATM / POS system 12 which controls the operation of 28 or 34.

Determining Location and Association Destinations are identified using the most efficient location for the circuit function in the usual location / association command set, or command set related only to message processing. Further, the alternate location / association approval process may occur during other processing steps for ATM or POS circuits. Such alternate approval process is AT
It is well known in M and POS circuit technology and is readily understood by those skilled in the art.

ATM / POS Subsystem 14 FIG. 2 shows the ATM / POS subsystem 1 depicted in FIG.
The functional elements required for one of the four general terminals 22, 24, 26, 28 or 34 are depicted. As shown in FIG. 2, the actions between the terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 of the ATM / POS subsystem 14 and the data communication circuits are sent through a communication controller 110. The communication controller 110 includes an input buffer 112 and an output buffer. Within the ATM / POS subsystem, the communication controller 110 provides data contained in the process received from the data communication circuit 16 or 18 from its input buffer 112 to the input 118 of the microprocessor 120. Similarly, the output buffer 114 of the communication controller 110 is a microprocessor.
Data is received from output 122 of 120 and transmitted over data communication circuit 16 or 18 as processing.

In addition to the input 118 and the output 122, the microprocessor 12
0 includes a central processing unit ("CPU"), the latter taking data from the input 118 of the microprocessor and storing the data at its output 122. CPU 124 of microprocessor 120 also retrieves data and stores the data in memory 126.
Microprocessor 120 also includes an arithmetic logic unit ("ALU") 1
28, the latter operating on data received from the CPU 124 and returning the result of the operation to the CPU 124.

The ATM / POS subsystem also has an input / output console 130
Including. An input / output console 130 provides input buffer 13 for transmitting data to input 118 of microprocessor 120.
2 and an output buffer 122 for receiving data from the output 120 of the microprocessor 120. Included in the input / output console supplying data to the input buffer are:
Various input devices, including a billing or credit card reader 136, function keys 138, and a character decoder 142 that receives data from both the keyboard 144 and the pen pad. Input / output console 130
It also includes various output devices including a display screen 152, an instruction panel and screen 154, and a status panel for receiving output buffer 134 data. The status panel 156 may include a number of indicators to inform the user of various conditions of the process being performed, including possible problems and malfunctions. Terminals 22, 24, 26, 2
At 8, or 34, at the microprocessor 120,
There may be problems or malfunctions transmitted to the ATM / POS subsystem 14 from the processor 18, 36, 44, or 46, or from the store and transmit message switch 52. The instruction panel 154 and the display screen 152 can be used to interchangeably display the same information.

In addition to the various output devices included in input / output console 130, ATM / POB subsystem 14 is a printer subsystem 160. printer. Subsystem 160 includes an output buffer 162 that also receives data from output 122 by microprocessor 120 and a printer mechanism 164 that receives data from output buffer 162. Printer subsystem 1
A printer ejector 166, further included in 60, receives control signals from the printer mechanism 164.

The printer subsystem 160 sends the retrieved message to the output buffer 162 for the user,
The paper 54 is printed by the printer mechanism 164, and then the paper 54 is ejected through a printer ejector and provided to the user. Alternatively, the printer subsystem can also be used to print the closing of a message entered at terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34. The use of a printer subsystem can be very valuable if the message entered or retrieved is an indication to others to take action or requires confirmation of action.

In addition to the various input devices included in input / output console 130, ATM / POS subsystem 14 includes an optical character recognition ("OCR") subsystem 170. OCR subsystem 17
0 includes an output buffer 172 that receives data from output 122 of microprocessor 120 and an input buffer 174 that communicates data to input 118 of microprocessor 120. O
The CR subsystem 170 includes a camera control function 176 that receives M data from the output buffer 172 and communicates the data to the input buffer 174. Camera control function 176 exchanges control and status signals with document receiver 182 and camera 184.
Document receiver 182 provides a status signal to camera 184. Camera 184 supplies data to input buffer 174 of OCR subsystem 170 and provides input 11 to microprocessor 120.
Retransmit to 8.

The OCR subsystem is used to capture typed or handwritten messages that have not yet been determined in an email system. To operate OCR subsystem 170, the coded instructions are stored in output buffer 172 of OCR subsystem 170. The camera control function 176 interprets the instructions, and the document receiver 182 releases and accepts the written message 56 from the user. After acceptance, the camera 184 scans the message 56. If there are no errors, the scanned image is placed in the input buffer 174 and the terminals 22, 2
4, 26, 28, or 34 and the usual ATM / POB subsystem 14
Further analysis and processing are performed according to the OCR processing capacity.

As described above, various elements of the ATM / POS subsystem 14 are connected to the terminal 2
2, 24, 26, 28, and 34, all described as including them, but depending on the exact details of terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34, some of the elements described above Can be used in common with the actual number of terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34. For example, as depicted in FIG.
The S terminals 26 and 28 are connected to a common processor 32 which communicates with one of the data communication circuits 16 and 38. That is, the common processor 32 includes both the communication controller 110 and the microprocessor 120 depicted in FIG.
Input / output console included in OS terminals 26 and 28 respectively
130, printer subsystem 160 and OCR subsystem.

Installation Processor 18 or 36 FIG. 3 is a combined block diagram and flow chart depicting the ATM or POS installation processor 18, 36 of FIG. The installation processor 18 or 36 includes a memory similar to the memory 126 included in the microprocessor 120 of FIG. 2 and an ALU similar to the ALU 128 included in the microprocessor 120. The CPU 212 receives data from an input 214 included in the installation processor 18 or 36 and transmits the data to an output 216 included in the installation processor 18 or 36.

The communication controller 220 includes an installation processor 18 or 36, a data communication circuit 16 or 38, and a clearing house data communication circuit 42.
Located between. The communication controller 220 executes the communication
6, 38 or 42 and receive them from the installation processor 18 or 3
It includes an input buffer 222 that communicates to six inputs 214. Similarly, the communication controller 220 includes an output buffer 224 that receives services from the output 216 of the on-board processor 18 or 36 and communicates them to the communication circuit 16, 38, or 42.

In FIG. 3, dashed box 230 encloses a flowchart of the computer program for installation processor 18 or 36 implemented by CPU 212. Flowchart 230
Represent the various functions performed by the installation processor 18 or 36 and uniquely required for the operation of the e-mail system 10. As shown in flowchart 230,
The first operation performed for each message task processed by the installation processor 18 or 36 is the recovery function 23
This is the log business (transaction) for 2. Log work for the recovery function 232 is standard ATM or POS
It is a standard function performed by the installation processor 18 or 36 of a variety of different ATM / POS systems when processing a business. Existing to accommodate the operation of the e-mail system 10
The only change required for the log business for the recovery function with the ATM / POS system 12 is the message business ATM or POS
To add a new recording format for the business to that already established for the ATM or POS business.

If the message service received by the on-board processor 18 or 36 is from a user at terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 seeking access to the email system 10, the computer program will Perform confirmation 234. Confirmation of user function 234 is all AT
The existing capabilities included in the M / POS system, but not necessarily specified by similar system or function names as used herein. This standard functionality is essentially as it exists in existing ATM / POS systems12, but message-oriented business forms
To support 10, it must be added to the current valid format. If the user requests for confirmation on terminals 22, 2
If the special installation processor 18 or 36 received from 4, 26, 28, or 34 can confirm the user's permission to access the email system 10 without contacting the clearinghouse circuit processor, the installation process The device 18 or 36 performs an external message request function 236 in the format.

The external message request function 236 of the format performs a special process related to a message operation peculiar to the electronic mail system 10. The external message request function 236 of the format is executed. When the destination association is specified, the task shifts to normal task processing by executing an insertion message on the output function 238. The insert message into the output function 236 sends the business to the appropriate destination depending on where the message service control function occurs for this business. That is, the format external message request function 236 converts the information into an appropriate format with the necessary structural parameters and allows continued processing by the ATM or POS circuit. This type of function is compatible with traditional AT
Common to M and POS circuits.

Special installation processor to accept user confirmation request
If 18 or 36 cannot verify the user's permission to access the email system 10, it performs other financial installation function 242 questions. Other financial installation function questions 242
Initiation of the process of accessing other installations through is essentially the same as for any existing or similar services handled by the ATM / POS system if the installation processor 18 or 36 is not that of the user's financial installation. Are identical.
The determination of the location and association of a particular user's account is performed using standard location / association commands as described above.

Here, the work is handled separately depending on whether the message service control function is provided by the clearing house circuit processor or by the user's financial installation processor. Once the transaction has been processed for the local function and the destination association has been identified, the transaction is transferred to a standard insert message output function 238 and communicated to the clearing house kiloprocessor 44. The message inserted into the output function 238 is used for the task,
Route to the appropriate destination depending on where the service control function occurs. Each ATM / POS system 12 has its terminal 2
If it is desired to process the message service for the users served by 2, 24, 26, 28, and 34, select the installation action when an alternative message service control function exists.

The standard acknowledgment message or timeout function 252 already performed by the existing ATM / POS system 12 may be modified only to handle all normal message operations for the email system 10. After the transaction has been processed by the acceptance message or timeout function 252, it transitions to a format message for the terminal function 254, which performs the formatting required for the email system 10 message. The format message for the terminal function 254 uses the information provided by the message service control function, the user's account profile and the store / send message switch 52, and uses the specific terminals 22, 24, 2 that are now serving the user.
Format the message for presentation to the user at 6, 28, or 34.

The response generated by the format message for terminal function 254 is sent as a transmit response to terminal function 256, which is a standard function already performed by installation processor 18 or 36. Main business and terminal function 2
The data exchange protocol implemented by Transmit Response for 56 is compatible with existing ATM / POS systems 12
The email system 10 above then needs to be modified to the extent necessary to process the message business format unique to it. The transmit response for terminal function 256 sends the formatted data to the insert message in output function 235 and transmits it to the appropriate one of terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34.

When the user enters a valid PIN and is approved by the system, multiple tasks are performed without having to re-enter the PIN and have the system re-approve.

As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the ATM /
The POS system can use the standard malfunction function currently used for ATM / POS circuits in the prior art. Such malfunctioning functions and processes, including the novel and independent malfunction handling functions required for the present invention, are described in detail below.

Reliability for the email system 10 is achieved in the ATM / POS system 12 by the same techniques commonly employed for ATM and / or POS terminals. In other words, the reliability is charged / credited for each user's business.
This can be accomplished by requiring the entry of a card 48 and security code, or by relying on the ATM's ability to retain such information as confirmed in previous operations. When the user's reliability information is transmitted to the appropriate installed processor for confirmation, normal malfunction or acceptance of the processor occurs. If there is a malfunction, or if the logon is invalid, existing normal malfunction processes and messages occur.

If the user is allowed to access the e-mail system 10, a business authorization (TRANSACTION AUTHORIZ
ATION) numbers are created for that service as for all other ATM / POS finance services, and processing continues. The license numbers generated for system reliability purposes in the operation of the e-mail system use standard algorithms and processes currently used in ATM / POS systems. The business license number serves the same purpose for message business as all other types of business that occur in the ATM / POS system 12.

The basic accounting and recovery-oriented processes in ATM / POS circuits are not hindered by the necessary modifications to operate the email system 10. The advantage of adding e-mail systems 10 to existing ATM / POS circuits when compared to alternative systems is their relatively high reliability due to their existing accounting and recovery controls.

As mentioned earlier, the user's email system
Access to 10 is achieved through interaction with one of terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34. The actual interface experienced by the user may vary from terminal to terminal within a single ATM / POS system 12, and may also vary between different ATM / POS systems. The actual interface provided to the user includes programs executed by various processors, including programs executed by microprocessor 120 to control terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, and 34, and 3 depending on the operating system of the installation processor 18 or 36 and the application software. The basic interaction of these systems and the additional series of data communication circuits 16, 38, 42, 62, 64 connecting them will allow the ATM / POS system 12 to make use of their existing ATM / POS financial functions. It is well known because it has already configured the process to be performed.

After the user has been granted access to the e-mail system 10, when the terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 is enabled and the user selects an operation, the present invention provides the user with an ATM / POS system 12 In addition to the options already provided by, it provides a new option, the e-mail capability of the system 10. The e-mail service selection guides the user through a series of processes that allow the creation and retrieval of messages. Email system 10 also
The user is automatically notified whether a message is waiting for the user without any required action other than accessing the ATM / POS system 12 through terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34. The email system 10 may automatically display certain urgency or high priority messages without requiring the user through terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34.

Whatever option the user chooses, i.e. create a message or search for a message, display on the display screen 152 or terminal 22, 24, 26, 28 or 34 so that the user can select from the menu Appears on panel and screen 154. These choices constitute additional menus of more detailed choices or specific tasks (TRANSACTIONS) for creating or retrieving messages.
The organization of the e-mail system 10 allows a task using a certain frequency to be performed directly and another task to be selected after the additional menu is displayed. Users can use the keyboard 144
Press the up key to write on the pen pad 146, or press a particular function key 138 to indicate the desired action.

The following list of three menu options is included here for inductive reasons, but is not meant to imply a specific or complete pair of options that must be provided to implement email system 10. Absent.

Create a message Search or read a message Respond to a message Enter a message When composing a message, the user must compose the text of the message. The option to create the message is selected using, but not limited to, a menu coded or pre-defined from a predefined message. The display screen 152 and the instruction panel / screen 154 provide a "fill-in-th" customizing the user to a standard message.
e-blank) region. Standard, pre-coded "blank-fill" messages that may be triggered by menu options include, but are not limited to: specific messages, who the caller states, associations, call issues , And how to contact, such as travel messages, arrival / departure times, travel features, location ID (city, town, village, or hotel or work regulations), vehicles, etc. confirmation messages, such as buying and selling stocks and bonds Confirming things, accepting reservations, and similar activities Calendar messages, appointments, messages to be sent back to the user about activities to be performed at the user's or other request, secretary or travel agent, other menu or instruction options Includes a wide range of pre-coded from credit or billing cards 48 such as plastic including memory and / or computers It provides a selection of Messeiji that was. Such a card has terminals 22, 2
It may include a special message specific to the user that can be read on 4, 26, 28, or 3434. These types of messages will have the same "blank-fill" format as the normal "pre-coded" messages of the ATM / POS system 12.

The "fill in the blank" message is usually on terminals 22, 24, 2
Completed with 6, 28, or 34 keyboards 144. An alternative is to use the pen pad 146 or the OCR subsystem 170 for alphabet and numeric "fill-in-blank" message formats.

As another alternative, the construction and input of a complete and complex message is accomplished by scanning the written message with the OCR subsystem 170 or by handwriting or printing on the pen pad 146. After the message has been scanned by the OCR subsystem 170 using the keyboard 144 or pen pad 146, the user can correct and improve the read message. Status or error conditions within the OCR subsystem are reported through the various display methods described above.

The final form of capturing the message or identifying the intended recipient of the message is a memory card 48 or access card with on-board capabilities and pre-stored records, a database from which the message was created, and And / or adopting a roster of individuals to whom the message can be sent.

Such a card 48 is inserted into the billing or credit card reader 136 and displays of various options appear on the display screen 152. The user then selects from a variety of options using the input techniques already described, indicating which individuals and messages are desired and how they are associated and should be further processed.

The user has the option to submit the message before and after the message text is composed. When providing the message, the user can directly enter the submitter's mailbox code or select an address from a list of frequently used message destinations stored in memory or a "smart" card 48. At the option of the user, the address is confirmed before sending the message. E-mail system 10 allows entry of addresses through keyboard 144, pen pad 146, or the OCR subsystem. Compose the message text and submit it to complete the message creation.

Searching and responding to messages The user can also have the system search the user for submitted messages. Keyboard 144
And terminals 22, 24, 26, 2 through function keys 138
By interacting with 8, or 34, the retrieved message appears on the display screen 152 at terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34. The user can select that the printer subsystem 160 print the message on paper 54. Keyboard 144 or pen pad 146
Is used to control the messages that appear on the display screen 152 and to provide information related to the source, text or, if the screen cannot display all of the information at once, display selected portions of such information. Good to be.

The user responds to the message in a manner similar to composing the message. The response may be sent to the source or the new address or both. The response message is created by the same addressing and composition process as creating other messages, but the response contains additional information about the original message-if the user does not intentionally delete such information.

To identify each message for operational and financial purposes, additional message reference numbers are assigned to terminals 22, 24, 26,
28, or 34, by an installation processor 18 or 36, or by a processor 18, 36 or 44 that provides a message service control function to the message being retrieved from the store / send message switch 52, or It may be added by being stored in a cough / transmission message switch. If the message comes from an e-mail system outside the e-mail system, that system's e-mail reference number will
It may be used for the message stored in the transmission message switch 52. In addition, the system's cross reference number may be added if needed to satisfy the control. Such message reference numbers can serve to identify each message for operational and financial purposes, thereby allowing a print or control document to be serialized with the bill created by the system.

The features and components of the menus and options on the various information displays described above allow the user to create messages and search for waiting messages, and to use ATM / POS
A unique improvement to the existing capabilities of subsystem 14.

All of the multiple input technologies are interrelated with memory and processor card options, providing great flexibility in the creation, management and processing of messages and responses. The memory and processor card 48 may also be used to capture addressing and text of messages sent to the user, the messages being used to update records in a database contained in memory on such cards 48. It contains information about the user's calendar or activity schedule that can be used.
Other occasional types of messages can also be created to update a particular associated database in memory on such a card 48.

Message error When an error is encountered, the active terminals 22, 24, 26, 28,
Or, the normal processing follows the 34 formats. Terminal
For errors that cannot be corrected on 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34, the ATM / POS subsystem 14 clears all status and pending activity, resets, and attempts to handle the wrong job. Reject all subsequent attempts. Furthermore, the normal timeout period for handling problems such as the occurrence of circuit errors remains the same.

Store / Transmit Message Switch FIG. 4 is a combined block diagram and flow chart depicting the store / transmit message switch 52 of FIG. The storage and transmission message switch includes a CPU 312 including a memory similar to the memory 126 included in the microprocessor 120 and an ALU similar to the ALU 128 included in the microprocessor 120 of FIG. The CPU 312 receives data from the input 314 included in the accumulation / transmission message switch, and outputs the data 31 included in the accumulation / transmission message switch.
Send data to 2.

Communication controller 320 is used to store / transmit message switch 5
2 and the data communication circuit 42 or 64. The communication controller 320 includes an input buffer 322 that receives services from the communication circuits 42 or 64 and forwards them to the input 314 of the store and transmit message switch 52. Similarly, the communication controller 320 includes an output buffer 324 that accepts business from the output 316 of the store and send message switch 52 and forwards them to the communication white 42 or 64.

In FIG. 4, a dashed box 330 encloses a flowchart of the computer program for the store / send message switch 52 executed by the CPU 312. Flowchart 330 describes the various functions performed by the store / send message switch. flowchart
The specific function indicated by 330 is the e-mail system 1 of the present invention.
Supporting 0, the e-mail system 10 and the external storage / external storage / transmission or e-mail system and communication circuits 42 and 64.
The functions shown in flowchart 330 also illustrate the message editing, capture, storage and transfer capabilities and functions of email system 10. E-mail system 10 of the present invention
The functions performed by the store-and-send message switch required to support the message can be entirely new and can be implemented using an existing e-mail or store-and-send message switch system (their) to perform the required message processing functions. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that it can be obtained by modifying various local and remote components (including various local and remote components).

Communication with store / send message switch 52 Store / send message switch for processing business
The first function performed by 52 is the financial installation function 33
From 2 is confirmation of ID and password. The verification ID and password from the financial installation function 332 will be used in the message
It does not conflict with the service control function. The confirmation ID and password from the financial installation function 332 can be used by the store and send message switch 52 to deduct the message service user from their billing / credit card account records or to clear the clearing house circuit processor 44. Specify the minimum amount of information about the user provided by the message service control function. The information so transferred includes the account ID and password of the user in the store / send message switch 52. After determining that the confirmation ID and password from the financial installation function 332 are for the user of the e-mail system 10, it is then determined whether the user has entered a message on the terminal or any waiting message. Perform an origin or search function 334 to determine if the request is to be forwarded.

Message search If the business explicitly states that the user is searching for a message, the store / send message switch 52
Executes a check mailbox for the message function 336. The check mailbox for the message function 336 interrogates the user's mailbox to determine if there are any messages awaiting delivery. The execution of the check mailbox of the message function 336 is sent to the user to determine the status of all waiting messages and their individual priorities, select the next message to be forwarded to the user and to the message being forwarded Including the addition of some status information to be done.

After executing the check mailbox for the message function 336, the accumulation / transmission message switch 52 is set to the ATM /
Executes a format message for the POS function 338. The format message for the ATM / POS function 338 uses information accompanying each message search request received from the message service control function on the clearing house circuit processor 44 to determine how the message should be formatted. Any additional information about other messages (number, urgency or priority, etc.)
At 4, 26, 28, or 34, determine if the message should be appended to the message being forwarded to the user. The clearing house processor responds to the information provided to the store / send message switch 52 by the message control executed on the processor 44 to format the ATM / POS function 338.
The messages create each message in a format that specifies a special form of terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 currently serving the user.

Store / send message switch 52 has ATM / POS function 338
After executing the format message for, it then executes the flag message status function 342. The flag message status function 342 updates the user's mailbox record and specifies what messages and other information are to be forwarded to the user. In this update, the confirmation of message delivery
If not returned from 2, 24, 26, 28, or 34,
Allow error recovery.

After executing the flag / message status function 342, the accumulation / transmission message switch 52 sets the output function 344
Executes an insert message into. The insert message to the output function 344 transfers the message to the message service control function on the clearing house circuit 44 and serves the user on terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or
Deliver to 34.

Message Forwarding If the business indicates that the user is forwarding a message, the store / send message switch 52 executes the origin or search function 334 and then executes the confirm destination ID function 352. Confirm destination ID function 352 determines the desired destination for the message. This destination can be within a store / send message switch 52 that is providing e-mail capability to the e-mail system 10. It can be any other email system connected through the industry standard X.400 series, or any other custom email and email
It may be a series of emails or a facsimile machine. After determining the appropriate destination, the confirm destination ID function 352 sends the message to the appropriate destination. Once message destination
When sent by the ID function 352, the store / send message switch 52 performs formatting for the mailbox function 354. The format for the mailbox function 354 determines the destination mailbox format,
Performs the reordering necessary to fit the message into its mailbox. The format for the mailbox function 354 takes some sort of symbolic information about the message originating to the user and may include data added by the message service control function, which translates it into text in the message being forwarded. Decode. This encoded information may be, without limitation, date, time, terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or
At 34, if the message is a response to a previous message, relevant information regarding the original message, instructions for further delivery, message service control functions performed by the clearing house circuit processor 44 or user account records Include instructions for actions by the recipient identified for this user as determined by.
The format for the mailbox function 354 may be implemented as part of the message service control function, if desired.

After performing the format for the mailbox function 354, the store / send message switch 52 executes the flag message status function 356. The flag message status function 356 writes the message, updates the user's e-mail mailbox for information about the transfer of the message, and any e-mail sequence established to transfer the message. Execute and exit. Alternatively, if the user specifies that the recipient of the message is a facsimile machine, the store / send message switch 52 will switch the modem 76 and facsimile
Access the public telephone system via 82 and establish a connection with the desired facsimile machine to forward the message.

When the flag / message status function 356 is completed, the accumulation / transmission message switch 52 returns the return confirmation function.
Execute 358. The return confirmation function 358 completes the message transfer process by providing a successful audit and providing an audit trail, or the store / send message switch executes the confirmation ID and password from the financial installation function 332 to complete the destination. Any standard e-mails that occur when forwarding a message after verifying the ID
Identify and forward errors as well. The return confirmation function 358 provides this information to the user via the email system 10 for the message service control function on the clearing house circuit processor 44. The return confirmation function 358 also forms an appropriate return message, and the output function 344
The message inserted into the next clearing message
Terminal 22, which returns and serves the user through the message service control function on the house circuit processor 44,
Final delivery to 24, 26, 28 or 34.

Error Handling Certain basic errors are still possible and must be handled, even if the validity check is performed at the user's account and request handling level for each request. If the store / send message switch 52 cannot verify the user's ID or password, an appropriate message must be generated by the error message function 362 and through the message service control function on the clearinghouse circuit processor 44. Terminals 22, 24, 2 sent back and recorded in the user's account and serving the user
Must be forwarded to 6, 28, or 34. This recording process ensures that any problem with e-mail system 10 can be recovered in the usual manner in an attempt to remedy. If the check mailbox for message function 336 determines that there is no message for the user, this "no message" condition may be treated as an error through error message function 362. If the destination ID function 352 confirms that the user has an email system 10
If you determine that you are trying to send a message to an invalid destination to maximize the friendliness of the user, this type of error will cause the user to re-enter only the correct destination to properly resend the message. Is processed in the manner required by Error message function 362 also handles other normal e-mail errors with specific messages responsive to the error being transferred to terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 serving the user.

Clearing House Circuit Processor 44 FIG. 5 is a combined block diagram and flowchart depicting the clearing house circuit processor 44 of FIG. The clearing house circuit processor 44 has a memory similar to the memory 126 included in the microprocessor 120 of FIG. 2 and an ALU similar to the ALU included in the microprocessor 120.
Including a CPU 412. The CPU receives data from an input 414 included in the clearinghouse circuit processor 44 and transfers the data to an output included in the clearinghouse circuit.

The communication controller 420 is a clearing house circuit processor 4
4 and the data communication circuit 42. Communication controller 4
20 includes an input buffer 422 which receives services from the communication circuit 42 and forwards them to the input 414 of the clearing house circuit processor 44. Similarly, the communication controller 420 accepts services from the output 416 of the clearing house circuit processor 44 and outputs it to an output buffer 424 that transfers them to the communication circuit 42.
including.

In FIG. 5, dashed box 430 encloses a flowchart of the clearinghouse circuit processor computer program executed by CPU 412. Flow chart 430 illustrates various functions performed by clearinghouse circuit processor 44. The specific functions depicted by flowchart 430 support email system 10 and, in particular, the message service control functions of the present invention.

Standard ATM / POS Circuit Function The first step performed by the clearinghouse circuit processor 44 to process a message transaction is
It is a standard confirmation of ID and PIN. (This function is not depicted in FIG. 5.) This confirmation function is performed in the manner described above for the confirmation user function 234 performed by the installation process 18 or 36. After successfully performing the verification, the email system 10 is then authorized to process the message service for the user with the approval returned from the user's financial installation processor 46.

When the user subsequently forwards the message service request, along with all other tasks, the clearinghouse circuit processor 44 verifies the verification code by performing the verification verification code and installation function 432. Once the user's authorization has been verified, the activity is then recorded by the logging activity for the recovery function 434. When the message is recorded for recovery, the clearinghouse circuit processor 44 performs an identification installation related function 436 to identify the appropriate installation to which the fee of the user using the email system 10 will be transferred.

Message Service Control Function When the clearing house circuit processor 44 completes the above functions, the message service is processed by the message service control function. Processing the business by the message service control function on the clearing house circuit processor 44 is performed by the clearing house circuit processor 44.
Is different from handling other non-messaging service activities, such as financial operations. For each message service operation, the message service control function creates a plurality of new message search, message transfer, and / or account update operations required to fully perform the message transfer. The message service control function is such that these new tasks are separated from the message processing task and the subsequent processing of the billing of the user's account on the user's financial installation processor 46. I do. Message service request service is on terminals 22, 24, 2
To create a plurality of these new services as they come from 6, 28, or 34, the clearinghouse circuit processor 44 performs a process task for the control function 442. The process activity for the control function 442 records the presence of the message service request and tracks the status and steps required to complete the email transfer. Logging a message service request allows for an orderly recovery if an error occurs during the next processing of the request. If no account check has occurred before, control function 442
The process operation for invokes this process described earlier herein. The account verification process obtains information regarding the effectiveness of the message processing for this user and other information regarding the scope of service, address, etc.

After performing the process task for the control function 442, the clearing house circuit processor 44 performs the process task for the completion function 444. The process operation for the completion function 444 initiates a message service operation performed by the store and send message switch 52, as described above in connection with FIG. When the process task for the completion function 444 is completed, the process task destination function 446 is executed. This function implements the appropriate logic and routing steps to make the process continuous, as is well known in the state of the art in the ATM / POS field.

When process business destination function 446 is executed, clearing house circuit processor 44 executes an insert message to output function 448. The message inserted into the output function 448 stores the message service business,
Transfer to switch 52.

Accumulated response services to message service operations
Returning from the send message switch 52 to the clearing house circuit processor 44, it is a verification authorization code and log function for the installation function 432, the recovery function 434, and the control function 44.
The process for the identification of the process operation for 2 is processed through the function 436. Upon receiving the message service operation, the process operation for control function 442 recognizes that it is a message service operation that has already been initiated by clearing house circuit processor 44. The process job for the control function 442 thus updates the status of the previous request and completes the job function 444
Transfer to process business for Normally control function 442
The processing of the response to the message service operation by the process operation for the satisfies the functional requirement for the message operation other than returning the message to the terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 serving the user. However, if errors, special situations, or complex tasks occur, an additional communication cycle between the clearinghouse circuit processor 44 and the store and transmit message switch 52 may be required.

When authorization returns from the user's financial installation processor 46, the message service request will be closed by the process operation for the control function 442. After the process task for the control function 442 has closed the message service request, the process task for the completion function 444 returns to the terminal 22, 24, 326, 28, or 34 serving the message to the user.
Return to transfer. The return transfer to terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 includes the status of the message entered by the user or the message (if any) retrieved from the store / send message switch. Terminal 22,
24, 26, 28, or 34 also state claims made against the user's account for use of the email system 10.

Error handling and correction will be performed by error function 501, which, as will be understood by those skilled in the art,
A well-known in the M / POS technical field and currently available
Inserted into TM / POS system.

FIG. 6 is a combined block diagram and flowchart depicting the user's financial installation processor 46 of FIG.
The user financial installation processor 46 includes a CPU 512 that includes a memory similar to the memory 126 included in the microprocessor 120 and an ALU similar to the ALU 128 included in the microprocessor 120 of FIG. The CPU 512 receives data from an input 514 included in the user's financial installation processor 46 and forwards the data to an output 516 included in the user's financial installation processor 46.

A communication controller 520 is located between the user's financial installation processor 46 and the data communication circuit 42. Communication controller 520
Includes an input buffer 522 that receives services from the communication circuit 42 and forwards them to the input 514 of the user's financial installation processor 46. Similarly, the communication controller 520 includes an output buffer 524 that also accepts services from the output 516 of the user's financial installation processor 46 and forwards them to the communication circuit 42.

In FIG. 5, a dashed box 530 surrounds the computer program of the user's financial installation processor 46, which is executed by the CPU 512. Flowchart 530 is
The e-mail system 10, which is executed by the user's financial installation processor 46, and in particular the e-mail system
Support the process of being charged for 10 uses.

Identifying the Message Service User Upon receipt of a financial transaction, the user's financial installation processor 46 performs a log transaction for the recovery function 532. The log transaction for the recovery function 532 provides audit trail processing for financial operations to allow recovery if an error occurs during processing.

The confirm user function 534 confirms the user's account number and determines whether the user has a message on the system.

If the ATM / POS system 12 forwards the message initiation and account verification operations directly to the user's financial installation processor 46 via the user authorization data communication circuit 62,
The format external message request function 536 performs special processing related to the new message business format. This processing, performed by the format external message request function 536, can be performed on terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or
When coupled to a 34 user financial installation processor 6,
This is similar to the processing described above. However, if the terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 serving the user is different from the user's financial installation processor 46, the user's financial installation processor clears the information on the clearing house circuit processor 44. A configuration processor 18 or 36 to be involved in responding to this user's request, including the user's account ID and password on the store and send message switch 52, to send to the message service control function and the store and send message switch. Both 52 must be identified. There are two different ways for the user's financial installation processor 46 to provide this information.

The first option is to minimize processing differences,
It would transfer identification information through business formats. When a message service is identified, it is transmitted through the circuit, processed by the message service control function, and transmits the information associated with the particular account required to provide the message service.

In the second method, the message service control function is associated with a clearing house data communication circuit. In this second method, the response to the account question comes from the format external message request function 536 performed by the installation processor 18 or 36, and the operation is performed by the message service control function on the clearing house circuit processor 44. Are not further processed and merely satisfy the requirements of the clearing house circuit processor 44 for account verification. This second method may be selected by an agency that wants to minimize the impact of system 10 on its own financial system by simply providing billing and account confirmation to email system 10.

In any case, after the user's approval to use the email system 10, the message service control function waits for all control relationships with the appropriate installation processor 18 or 36 and the store and send message switch 52. Appropriate charges or credits to your account are cleared
The only next task required between the house circuit processor 44 and the user's financial installation processor 46.

The third method is to store and send the billing message
52 to associate with the user's account. Under such circumstances, the user's financial installation processor 46 simply verifies the user's account ID and password on the store and send message switch. In any case, after such processing,
The insert message to output function 538 undertakes to place the message from the system for proper output. This feature, as understood by those skilled in the art,
And is currently available on POS systems. Such a feature would be utilized in the system of the present invention.

The message to be charged to the user is processed by the accumulation / transmission message switch 52, and the terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 serving the user is provided.
Once returned, the message service control function on the clearing house circuit processor 44 transfers the financial service to the user's financial installation processor 46. The log activity for recovery yesterday 532 on the user's financial installation processor 46 records this financial activity and forwards it to the receive message billing function 542 for further processing. The receive message billing function 542 identifies the bills, formats them and updates the user's account record. The process account billing function 544 uses the information generated by the incoming message billing function 542 to update all appropriate records by entering the user's bill, creating a financial transaction and audit trail. Once the financial records have been updated and an audit trail has been created, the process message service completion function 546 closes the process on the user's financial installation processor 46 and the output function 538.
The successful completion of the business certification is transferred to the message service control function on the clearing house circuit processor 44 through the message inserted in the message.

Correct billing error Message on clearing house circuit processor 44
The service control function sends the message to terminals 22, 24, 26, 28,
Or, if it cannot be delivered to the user at 34, the credit or reversal of the claim must be handled by the email system 10. This situation is treated as an error service and error function 552 on the user's financial installation processor 46.
Processed by The user's financial installation processor 46 provides any appropriate logging and control as described above,
Audit such issues. After proper confirmation of this situation, process account billing function 554 updates the appropriate records and reverses any claims already recorded due to incorrect transfer. After process account claim 554 reverses any claims, error function 552 sends this statement to the message service control function on clearinghouse circuit processor 44 via an insert message to output function 538. return.

All other errors are handled by the error features of conventional ATM / POS systems currently available, as described above.

Message Service Flow Logging to Email System The process of receiving or sending a message is based on the ATM / POS system 12 included in the email system 10.
Initiated by the user inserting a billing or credit card into terminal 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34. Once the user enters his PIN or other security password, terminals 22, 24, 26, 28, or 34 capture all data regarding the user's identity, credibility, and the user's desire to search or enter a message . Terminals 22, 24,
The information captured by 26, 28, or 34 is sent to the installation processor 18
Or via 36 to a clearing house circuit processor 44 via a clearing house data communication circuit 42 directly. In order for a user to qualify for using the email system 10, the message service control function on the clearing house circuit processor 44 requests such qualification from the user's financial installation processor 46.

When the user's financial installation processor 46 receives a request for authorization to use the email system, it queries the user's account record. If the user's account record states that the user can use the system, the user's financial installation processor 46 transfers the transaction back to the message service control function on the clearing house circuit processor 44, and the e-mail system 10 Authorize the use of. Once the message service control mechanism on the clearing house circuit processor 44 has been certified by the user's financial installation processor 46, the message service control function will proceed with the appropriate installation processor 18 or 36 and It handles the transmission message switch 52 and all subsequent control relationships.

Once authorized to use the email system 10, the user is notified on the store / send message switch whether there are any messages waiting for him. At this point, the user is prompted to read his mail and is allowed to respond to each message.

Retrieve Message The message service control function of the clearing house circuit processor 44 also forwards billing or credit transactions to the user's financial installation processor 46.

Forward Message or Response The message service control function of the clearing house circuit processor 44 also forwards billing or credit transactions to the user's financial installation processor 46.

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An electronic mail system that a user can openly access, comprising: an automatic teller machine with a terminal and a point of sale ("ATM / POS") system through which the user can access the electronic mail. Access to a system, the user at the terminal can receive a message stored in the email system, and furthermore, the ATM / POS system can
An ATM / POS installation processor that communicates with the terminal via an OS data communication network, and the ATM / POS data communication network is included in the ATM / POS system.
An e-mail system comprising: a TM / POS system; and b. A storage / transmission message switch for storing the message upon receipt of the approval and transmitting the stored message to the ATM / POS system.