MXPA99009932A - Transaction system - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for carrying outtransactions (10) includes customer stations (18) and a service provider station (14). The system is operated in a building (12) or other facility in which a service provider operates the service provider station in a secure room (36). Audio and video communications are established between customers at the customer stations and the service provider at the service provider station. Items are exchanged between customers and the service provider through carriers (26) transmitted through a pneumatic tube system (22). A video material presentation device (50) provides promotional or other video material which is presented on displays at the customer stations. Video material is presented to customers when the customer terminal is not in communication with the service provider terminal. The customer stations are readily installed and configured in the transaction facility to maximize the floor space available for other purposes.

Description

TRANSACTION SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to equipment and system used to carry out transactions. Specifically, this invention relates to a system for carrying out transactions with clients and a service provider, whose transactions can be related to banks, games, tickets, account pays, pharmacies, postal services or others.

ANTECEDENTS OF ART For hundreds of years, many types of commercial transactions have been carried out in the same way. Clients are put in a queue to be served by an individual who acts as a service provider. The service provider is placed behind a window, a desk or a counter. Common examples of situations in which clients are served using approaches to banking, games, fine postcards, pharmacies and tickets to film theaters and sporting events.

Studies have shown that in this type of service environment there is often a considerable time when the service provider is not working productively. This is due to a variety of factors. A factor is that a customer is not ready to start a transaction when it arrives at the front of the line at the counter or at the window. A common example is found in banks. Customers frequently queue to change checks or make deposits. Many customers do not endorse the check until they reach the payor's window. As a result of this, the payer who is the service provider in that situation must wait while the client endorses his checks. Another example is found in a game environment such as a race track. The front that reaches the betting window is often contemplating additional bets, and the employee is required to wait while the client makes his final selections.

Another example of productive time for a service provider is in situations where the service provider is required to wait for the equipment to operate. In the banking environment, if a client is changing a check, the payer often has to wait for approval to be received. Even though computer systems are frequently used for this purpose, there is still a waiting time. After the authorization is obtained, the payer frequently finds another delay while a computer machine counts the money for the client. Delays in operating the equipment also occur in situations such as a ticketing environment. If a customer is buying tickets, such as tickets for a sporting event using a credit card, the cashier at the ticket window requires the wait while the customer's credit card is electronically authorized. Once the credit card is authorized, there is often a delay while the printing team prints the customer's tickets.

An additional cause of nonproductive time in transactional environments is the time taken by customers to verify what has been provided to them. For example, in a banking environment, a customer who has withdrawn money or exchanged a check can stand at a payers window and recount the money. Similarly, at a betting window a customer who has been provided with chips can count their chips. Customers who are making payments with credit cards are required to sign a ticket and properly verify the correctness of the declared amount. However, even when the client carries out these activities the service provider is not carrying out useful work.

An additional disadvantage associated with the conventional approach when carrying out service transactions and lack of security. Many types of transactions that are carried out at a counter or window involve the handling of significant amounts of money. Because the service provider is accessible to people who expect to be served there is a greater possibility of theft. Also, because the service provider is accessible, there is a risk that the thief may cause physical harm to the service provider.

Machines have been developed to automate some types of transactions. However, only the machines are adequate to carry out transactions that are generally the same each time. Many transaction environments involve so many transactions that it is essential or a human service provider.

Another type of system that has been developed to serve customers is primarily used in driving through banking environments. Such systems involve external island stations outside the bank building. Customers place their cars beside the external stations. The bank documents are transmitted between customers and their cars and a payer inside the bank using carriers which are moved through tubes by air pressure. The payer in the bank and the clients communicate through microphone and speaker type systems. Although such systems provide the convenience of a bank in the car for customers, they are also limited in the number and type of transactions that can be carried out. In addition, because customers perform the activities associated with and conduct transactions in a bank payer window, as well as additional activities associated with a placement likewise and their cars, the payer that operates the system still finds a time. not productive significant.

Therefore, there is a need for a transaction system that is suitable for use in carrying out many types of transactions, which reduces nonproductive time for service providers and which is economical to install and use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for carrying out transactions between a client and a service provider.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for carrying out transactions between a client and a service provider that is more efficient in training a service provider to serve the clients in a given period of time.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for carrying out transactions between a customer and a service provider that makes the use of the tissue space more effective within a service installation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for carrying out transactions between a client and a service provider that provides greater security.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for carrying out transactions between a client and a service provider that is easily installed in a service installation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for carrying out transactions between a client and a service provider that is easily expanded.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for carrying out transactions between a customer and a service provider that increases customer satisfaction by allowing the customer to begin the transaction as soon as he or she is ready.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for carrying out transactions between a client and a service provider that provides a client with information between transactions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for carrying out transactions between a client and a service provider that can be used to carry out many different types of transactions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system for carrying out transactions between a client and a service provider that indicates to the service provider the proper order in which to service the clients.

The additional objects of the present invention will be apparent in the best subsequent modes for carrying out the invention in the appended claims.

The above objects are achieved in a preferred embodiment of the invention by a system which includes an SP service provider station and a plurality of client stations. The service provider station includes a visual display and a closed-circuit television camera (CCTV). The service provider station also includes a device for transmitting and receiving audio signals such as a microphone and speaker unit. The service provider station also preferably includes a pneumatic tube carrier delivery and reception device. A queue merchandiser is also included in the service provider station to indicate to the service provider the client station to which service should be followed. Each of the client stations includes a visual display that can be selectively connected to the closed-circuit television camera so that it can be selectively placed to the visual display in the service providing station. The client station also includes an audio transmission and reception device which allows a client to communicate orally with the service provider at the service provision station. Finally, the customer station also includes a device for delivering and receiving a pneumatic tube carrier that can be transmitted through a tube by means of pressure or vacuum.

The service provider station is connected to each of the plurality of customer stations. The tubes for transmitting a pneumatic carrier extend between the service provider station and each of the customer stations. The service provider station also includes a control unit that allows a service provider to connect to and communicate with a client at a selected customer station.

The preferred embodiment of the system further includes a device for presenting video material which provides a video program material. A display device is connected to the client stations through a video switching device. The video material presentation device provides video information that is intended to be of interest to the customers who use the system. The switching device operates to present the video material on the merchandiser of the customer station except when the customer and the service provider are in communication.

When the client approaches the client station, he or she is allowed to make contact with the service provider. The video switching device hides the service provider so that the service provider is in visual and audio communication with the client at the client station. To the service provider to communicate with the client as well as to receive the client's documents through the carrier which is transmitted through a pneumatic tube.

Even when the client carrying out transactions in the client station will still be busy and activities which in other environments will result in a non-productive time for the service provider, the service provider is able to switch to communication with other stations of client to move other transactions forward while waiting for the client. The capacity of the service provider to minimize the non-productive time, while waiting for the client to improve the services for the clients using the system. The queue display at the service provider station indicates where the client station is located where the next client must obtain the services.

The preferred embodiment of the system includes a novel client station which is enabled to be installed for an integral part of a wall of a building in which transactions are carried out. The client station includes a work surface and other amenities for customers who carry out transactions, as well as amenities for customers who conduct transactions, as well as for the privacy of customers in nearby stations. Customer stations are also built to be installed and serviced easily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a front elevated view of a customer station of a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side view of the frame and d the components of the client station shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top section view of the customer station taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a right front perspective view of the client interconnection of the client station shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a right front perspective view of the frame and the components of the customer station.

Figure 6 is a rear and right perspective view of the frame and the components shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a top right perspective view of the frame and the components shown in Figure 5.

Figure 6 is an elevated view of a first embodiment of a service provider station.

Figure 9 is an elevated view of a second embodiment of a service provider station.

Figure 10 is a schematic top view of a service provider station and client stations used in the transaction system of an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a schematic side view of the system shown in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a schematic view showing electrical and pneumatic connections between the components of the system shown in Figure 10.

BEST MODES TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION Referring to the drawings and particularly to Figure 10 there is shown an embodiment of the transaction system of the present invention generally indicated with the number 10. The system is used within a building or facility generally indicated at with the number 12, in which transactions are carried out. The incorporation of the system shown is specifically adapted to carry out banking transactions. It should be understood, however, that the present invention can be used in a variety of transactional environments including gambling, ticketing, pharmacy, postal business environments and others where clients are served by a service provider behind a desk, a counter or a window.

The system of the present invention includes a service provider station (SP) generally indicated with the number 14. A service provider generally indicated with the number 16 operates the components and the equipment at the service provider station.

In the case of the incorporation of the system shown, the service provider is a payer or other employee of the bank that carries out the transactions for the clients in a manner which is described below.

The system also includes a plurality of client stations 18. The clients generally indicated with the number 20 operate the client stations 18 to carry out the transactions with the service provider 16 in a manner that is subsequently described in detail. The customer stations 18 and the service provider station 14 s are carried out through a transport system of type d pneumatic tube generally indicated with the number 22. As shown in Figure 10, each customer station 18 is connected to the station SP by a carrier tube 30. The customer station includes a delivery and receiving device 24 with vacuum tube / pneumatic pressure carrier that can send carrier 26 to the service provider station and which can receive a carrier for the service provider station (see Figure 11). The service provider station includes an air pressure tube carrier and delivery and reception device 28 which is used to send the carrier 26 to the customer station 18 and to receive the carrier from the customer station.

The carrier delivery and reception devices 24 and 28 are connected by the carrier tube 30 through which the carrier 26 passes. The carrier is driven through the tube by air pressure or vacuum produced by the fans 32 and 34. Carrier movement is achieved by operating the fans to produce a difference in air pressure in the tube which is sufficient to move the carrier from one station to another. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, fans 32 and 34 are a fan package, which together with the tube and carriers are commercially available from Diebold Incorporated.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the service provider station is located within a secure room generally indicated with the number 36 inside the building 10. The placement of the service provider station 14 in such a secure part increases the security and minimizes the risk of the service provider being subject to theft or physical harm. Further, in the preferred embodiment the customer stations 18 are constructed in a building wall generally indicated by the number 38. The wall of the building 38 is preferably the interior wall of the building 12. As discussed later, an advantage of the present invention is that the customer stations can be easily installed in a building wall and requires the minimum of surrounding tissue space.

The service provider station (SP) of the system is shown in greater detail in Figure 8. The service provider station includes two terminal carrier delivery and reception devices 28. The carriers 26 can be transmitted to and from the stations of client 18 through the terminal devices 28. The delivery and receiving terminal devices 28 each include a control panel 40. The control panel 40 includes the keys that the service provider presses to control the operation of the fans 32 and 34 that cause the carriers 26 to move.

The service provider station 14 further includes a visual display 42. The visual display 42 and preferably a closed circuit television monitor (CCTV). The service provider station 14 furthermore included a closed-circuit television camera 44. The closed circuit camera 44 is preferably positioned on one side of the visual display 42 so that when the service provider sees the customer at a customer station in the display 42, the camera 44 provides an image of the service provider on a visual display at the customer station. The service provider appears to see the client as a result of this arrangement.

The station of the service provider 14 further includes a communication selector unit 46. The communication selector unit 46 includes an audio reception transmission device that includes a microphone and a speaker. The unit 46 further preferably includes selector keys or other input means which serve so that the service provider can selectively operate to establish video and audio connections between the service provider station and a selected client station. The video / audio communication selector unit 46 preferably also includes an indicator such as a light which is used to indicate to the service provider that a client is present at a particular client station. This is done in a way that is explained later.

The communication selector unit 46 is operatively connected to a communication controller (n shown) the communication controller is preferably a programmable microprocessor-based controller, which is operative to selectively establish an audio communication between the provider's station services and a particular client station in response to the service provider inputs to the unit 46. The station of the service provider 14 is also in an operational connection via communication controller with a video switching device generally indicated with the number 48 in figure 12. The video switching device is preferably a video matrix switch commonly available from Diebol Incorporated. The video switching device is operatively connected to the camera 44 and the display 42 of the service provider station 14., as well as visual displays and cameras located at customer stations.

A device for presenting video material, generally indicated with the number 50, is operatively connected to the video switching device 48. In the preferred form of the invention, the video material presentation device is a computer which includes stored data. there. The data store stores representative data of the video and / or audio material. In the preferred embodiment, the video / audio material stored in the computer data store is a material of advertisements, promotional information and other material which is intended to be of interest to the customers using the system. In an alternate embodiment, the display device of video material which may be a reproduction device such as a VCR, or an announcement source or line.

The computer 50 is preferably connected to a data transmission line 52 through the communications device 54. The communication device is preferably a modem and the data transmission line is a telephone line or other device which is suitable for place the computer that serves the device for presenting video material in communication with a remote data source.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this configuration allows the video and / or audio information to be stored on the computer to be updated on a scheduled or unscheduled basis from a local or remote station. This allows the information stored in the data store on the computer to be kept up-to-date and as accurate as desired by the system operator.

It should be understood that the computer which served as the video material display device can be located immediately next to the service provider station 14, it can not be located remotely and connected to the video switching device 48 per line. of data transmission, radio link or other communications device.

The station of the service provider 14 also includes a queue indicator 47. The queue indicator 47 includes a display 49, such as an LED or LCD type. The queue indicator 47 also preferably includes a processor and a memory there that allows carrying out programmed functions and also serves as a timing device. The queue indicator 47 provides an indication on its display 49 of the customer station where the next customer is to be served. The queue indicator operates in a manner that will be explained later and ensures that the service provider can service the customers in the order in which they approach the customer stations.

As shown in Figure 8, the service provider station 14 also includes other components which are tailored to the particular types of transactions being carried out. As shown in Figure 8, the station of the service provider 14 includes a work surface 56 which provides the service provider with a space to review and prepare the materials associated with the transactions.

The service provider station 14 further includes storage drawers 58 and open storage locations 60 for items that the service provider may require while carrying out its task. As the incorporation of the system 10 is attempted for use in a banking environment, the station of the service provider 14 further includes a bill dispensing device 62. The bill dispensing device 62 is of a known type which supplies bills and coins to the provider services in the quantities requested. This avoids the need for the service provider to count the amounts of money when it is required to deliver them to a client. The service provider station also includes a security box built there, usually indicated with the number 64 which provides secure storage for valuable items, such as checks and coins and bills.

It should be understood that other embodiments of the invention may include different and additional devices at the service provider station, which are necessary in a particular transaction environment in which the system is used. These may include, for example, credit card authorization device, ticket printers, betting-ticket printers, stamp dispensers, chip dispensers and medicine dispensers or other items which are necessary to carry out the particular types of tickets. transaction required in the environment in which the system is used.

Figure 9 shows an alternate service provider station 66 for use in environments of the invention. The station of the alternative service provider 66 is similar to the station of the service provider 14 except that it includes additional delivery and reception terminals d of the additional carrier 28. The alternative service provider station 66 also includes additional displays 42, the cameras 44 and the communication selecting units 46. The station of the alternative service provider 66 is arranged for a system where two service providers can share a single money dispensing device 62. Alternatively, a service provider station 66 can be used by a unique service provider in which all the components on it operate.

It should be understood, however, that the stations of the service provider 14 and 66 have been shown as having two client stations 18 associated with a telecommunication selector unit and of single display in other additions other customer terminal numbers can be configured to the that they will be serviced from a single selector unit by a service provider. These system configurations can be tailored to the transaction transaction environment in which it was used.

The preferred embodiment of the customer stations 18 is shown in greater detail in Figures 1 to 7. The customer station 18 is placed on a wall 38 of the building 12. Even though the wall 38 can "be virtually any wall, an advantage of the preferred embodiment of the invention, is that this wall 38 is a wall 32 which can be a facade with a very limited space of this.This allows the placement of the client stations in ways that maximize the space available within of the interior of the building.

The customer station 18 includes a cover which in the operative position of the stations, abuts the wall as shown. As will be explained later, the cover 68 can be moved in the preferred embodiments to provide access to service the components to the customer station. The cover 68 has thereon a customer interconnect area 70, which is shown in greater detail in Figure 4. The interconnection area includes a carrier opening 72, which extends through the cover 68. terminal device for delivery and reception of pneumatic tube carrier is accessible through the opening 72 in the operative position of the cover 68. The terminal device for delivery and reception of the carrier 24 operates to send and receive the carriers 26 through the system of pneumatic tube 22, and from the terminal of the service provider. The terminal delivery and reception device of the carrier 24 includes a control panel 76 with the buttons or keys on it, so that a customer can control the operations of the fans 32 and 34 in the manner previously explained to send a carrier from the customer station to the service provider station. The control panel 76 preferably also includes a button that a customer can operate to call the service provider at the service provider station.

The customer interconnection area 70 of the cover 68 further includes an access or screen opening 78. In the operative position of the customer station, or visual display 80 is enabled to be viewed by the client through the screen access aperture 78 in the cover 68. The interconnect area 70 further includes a camera view aperture 82. The camera view aperture 82 is positioned so that in a position of operation of the customer station a closed circuit television camera 84 (Figure 5) is enabled to see the customer in the opening 82 in the cover.

The interconnection area of the client 70 of the preferred embodiment further includes an accessory aperture 85. An audio transmitting or receiving device 86 is placed in an aperture 85. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmitting and receiving device. 86 is a handset type telephone. The client at the client station 18 is enabled to communicate with the service provider at the service provider station through the handset. This provides a private added. A microphone and a speaker are also preferably constructed in the terminal device 24 and can be used to communicate with the customer when the handset is not in use. In the preferred embodiment the handset is in connection with a switch, which operates to switch the audio communication from the microphone and the speaker to the handset when the handset is raised and returns to the microphone and speaker when the handset is replaced. The handset switch is also preferably used to signal the service provider in a manner similar to a call button on the control panel 76 when a client first approaches the client station. Of course, and alternate additions, the handset can be suppressed other types of handset and speaker arrangements can be used.

In the preferred embodiment of the customer station 18 the carrier aperture 72 and the accessory aperture 85 are placed in an identical image ratio on the cover 68. This allows the positions of the terminal device 24 and the transmission device to be inverted. of audio 86 in relation to those shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, in customer stations that do not have one of these components, the unused opening can be closed by an insert attached to the cover.

The customer interconnect area 70 further includes a shelf 88. The shelf 88 provides a horizontal work surface for the customer, which facilitates carrying out transactions at the customer station. The shelf 88 provides a place for the customer to hold items such as to sign documents or make notes. A plurality of storage locations are shown placed below shelf 88 in the customer interconnection area. Storage locations 90 are used in the embodiment shown to contain documents that a customer may require to carry out a banking transaction. These include, for example, deposit slips, other forms of bank documents that can be used by numerous clients.

The embodiment of the invention shown also includes a sensor 92 in the client interface area 70.

The sensor 92 is preferably an optical type sensor which is operative to sense that a client is present in the client station 18. In the embodiment of the invention shown, the sensor 92 is operatively connected to that indicated on the communication selector unit 46. and at the service provider station. When a client is detected at the client station by the sensor 92, an indication is given to the service provider through an indicator on the selector unit 46. The sensor is also in connection with the queue indicated 47, which indicates to the supplier of services on the exhibitor where the next customer station for the customer is located.

Other approaches may also be used to notify the service provider. For example, when the customer takes the handset which comprises the audio transmission and reception device 86 the service provider can be similarly provided with an indication that the customer is present at the customer station 18 and is ready to carry out a transaction. The customer can also notify the service provider by pressing the "call button" on the control panel 76 of the terminal device 24. Written instructions can be provided in the customer interconnection area 70 to instruct the client about what should be done. To make contact with the service provider when you are ready to start a transaction. This may also include sending documents to the service provider on the carrier.In, the embodiment shown, the client station is composed of the components which include the camera 84, the display 80, the carrier terminal device 24 and the audio reception transmission device 86. In other embodiments of the invention, use customer stations, which include different or additional components.

As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the cover 68 is supported on a frame 94. The frame 94 is in a support connection with the wall 38. In the preferred embodiment, the frame 94 is a conventional door frame, the which can be used to hold a normal personnel door over it. The frame 94 delimits an opening generally indicated with the number 96 on the wall 38. The frame 34 includes a first vertical member 100. The frame 94 also includes a head member 102 which extends between the vertical members.

The first vertical member 98 has the hinges 104 operatively connected thereto. The hinges 104 are operatively connected through fasteners which are attached to the frame 94 in the conventional hinge fastening areas of the door frame. The hinges 104 are operatively connected to the cover 68. The hinges 104 allow the cover 68 to be moved from a closed position or an open position.

In the closed position shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cover 68 is in abutting relationship with the wall 38 which extends the frame. In the closed position, the cover 68 lies on the frame 94 and the aperture 96, as well as a part of the wall adjacent thereto.

The cover 68 is enabled to be moved by personnel authorized to rotate relative to the hinges 104. Once the cover is moved to an open position, the opening 96 and the components of the customer station, which are accessible from the opening, can be accessed by authorized personnel. In the preferred form of the invention, the second vertical member 100 includes a striker indicated schematically with the number 106. The striker is enabled to selectively engage a locking mechanism on the cover 68. The closing mechanism is used to prevent the personnel Unauthorized open the cover.

As best shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, sub-frame 108 is attached to vertical members 98 and 100. This is done in the preferred embodiment using conventional fasteners. This construction allows the sub-frame 108 to be in support connection with the wall 38. The sub-frame 108 supports the closed-circuit television camera 84 which is mounted therein through an adjustable mounting bracket. The sub-frame 108 is furthermore in a support connection with the visual display 80, which is also mounted in a manner that allows it to be movably attached to the sub-frame. The sub-frame 108 is also in a support relationship with the carrier and delivery device 24. These components of the customer station, which are in a support connection with the wall 38 through the frame 94 and the sub-frame 108, are make accessible by opening cover 68, which facilitates the service of it. The aperture cover 68 also allows the service components such as the handset which serves as the audio transmission and reception device 86, as well as the sensor 92, both of which are preferably mounted in a support relationship with cover 68.

As can be seen from the above description, the components of the customer station can all be accessed by the cover opening 68. In the preferred embodiment there is no requirement that a rear access to the customer terminal be provided. As a result of this, the wall 38 can be in close proximity to other objects such as a fixed wall, which allows to maximize the available floor space in the customer area. In addition, the cover 68 is preferably provided with mounting areas that allow it to be fastened by fasteners to hinges in either the configuration of the opening for the left or right side. In addition, it allows the optimization of free space.

A novel aspect of the preferred embodiment is the customer station is built around a door frame. This allows an installation to be constructed with walls having normal door openings that can be subsequently modified to become customer stations, if an operator of a facility does not wish to have all customer stations initially installed, the frames can be adjusted with conventional doors up to the time when client stations are going to be installed. In addition, because the client stations of the preferred embodiment do not require backward access, they can be calculated in places that may have been originally provided for closets or other storage. This allows an easy conversion of another type of installation to include the stations. Client stations can be installed and other areas from which access is not provided from behind as in the corners of buildings. Because the carrier tubes 30, as well as the electrical wiring connections with the customer stations 18 can be extended in any direction from the customer stations, either above or below the floor, the preferred embodiment of the present invention can be installed. easily in numerous places to facilitate the carrying out of transactions.

In the operation of the transaction system of the described embodiment, the displays 80 of the client stations 18 are generally used to present video material when the stations are not being operated by the client.

The video (and audio) program material, if desired, is stored in the computer's data store, which serves as the video display device 50. The devices 80 of the client stations 18 are provided. with representative signals of the video and / or audio material for the computer through a video switching device 48. As discussed previously, the audio video presentation material in the video presentation device may be periodically updated or being updated in another way from a remote or local location using the data transmission line 52 and the communication device 54.

As shown in Figure 12, in a preferred embodiment of the system, additional video and / or audio monitors 110 are provided to display the material from the video material display device. The monitors 110 can be placed in building 12 which houses the system, either in the secure area where the service provider is located, in the customer transaction area or both. The monitors 110 allow service providers to review the information that is being presented in case it is questioned by a client. In addition, customers who may not be interested in carrying out a transaction or who have already completed a transaction may be interested in reviewing the material that is being presented. The installation of monitors 110 in the customer area allows customers to easily do these without occupying a customer terminal 18.

Continuing with the description of an example transaction, a client approaches a client station 18 and is perceived by the sensor. This causes a flag to flash in the service communication selector unit 46. Alternatively, a customer can take a handset over the customer station or press the "call button" on terminal 18 to provide a similar indication to the service provider. . The signals of the client station are also received in a queuing device 47. The queuing device 47 preferably includes a conomometraje device, such as a processor, which notices a real relative time of the arrival of the client and stores the information in a memory in relation to the processor in the device 37. The queuing device, preferably generates an order to service customers based on a sequence of time in which customers arrive at service stations. The operating processor for generating on the receiver 49 the indication of the next client station to which it is going to give service based on the order that includes data representative of the station where the next arriving client is placed. This tells the service provider, which client should be served right away.

The service provider provides an entry to the unit 46 to select the client station where the client is present. The communications controller operates in response to establish a two-way video and audio communication with the station where the client is present.

When the provider is established is two-way audio video communication the video switching device 48 operatively disconnects the display audio output devices at the client station of the video presentation device 50.

The queuing device 47, which is also in operational connection with the selector unit 46 suppresses or otherwise changes the order data in response to the input which places the service provider station and the client station in communication. As a result of the modification of the order data, the exhibitor 49 no longer exhibits the number of another designator for the client station that the service provider has now selected and displays the designator for the client station where he is waiting for the next one. "customer, if another customer is present. The queue indicated is operative so as not to place the client station in the order again while the service provider station is in communication with the client station.

By communicating with the client, the service provider can answer the client's questions and can help the client carry out a transaction. If the client is not ready to proceed, the service provider may operate the communication selector unit 46 at the service provider station 14 to disconnect the audio and video communication with the particular client station and may proceed with another transaction. client to establish communication with another client station. Frequently, the client at the first station will be instructed to insert document into a carrier 26 and to transmit the carrier to the service provider using the terminal carrier delivery and reception device 24 on the client station. As a result of this, while the clients are preparing the documents to insert them into the carrier and transmit them to the carrier and to transmit them in the carrier, the service provider can carry out other transactions for other clients. The service provider will know that the client at the client station is ready to continue when the carrier arrives at the terminal device for delivery and reception carrier of service provider 28.

The service provider disconnects audio and visual communication between a client station and a service providing station through an input to the selector unit such as by pressing a button. The signals from the service provider selector unit 46 are transmitted to the communications controller, which operates the video device 48. The video switching device 48 operatively reconnects the display 80 on the client station with the display device video material 50. As a result of this, the promotional material or other stored there will be presented to the client during parts of the transaction.

In certain embodiments of the computer another device that serves as the presentation device for video material that can run in a single output mode continuously, sending the same information simultaneously to all client stations. However, in alternate embodiments, multiple output channels may be provided so that special material can be presented while the customer is conducting a transaction. These special presentations can be tailored specifically to matters that are of an expected interest for a client. The computer can be programmed to provide multiple output channels, which are controlled through the communication controller is such that the presentation to the client takes the point at which the presentation was interrupted by the service provider connecting the audio and visual link between the service provider station and the station of client. This increases the likelihood that the client will see the entire presentation. Of course, in other additions other arrangements may be used such as providing a "transaction in progress" screen to the client terminal, while the client is waiting for the response from the service provider or connecting the signal from the camera 84, the customer station to the merchandiser 80 in the same station so that the customer sees himself (as well as perhaps a part of the area behind it) while the transaction is in progress. These and other options can be achieved by those skilled in the art based on the description given herein through the programming of the display device of the video material 50.

The transmission of the carrier 26 through the carrier tube 30 is achieved by differences in the air pressure produced by the blowers or fans 32 or 34, which are connected at the ends of each tube. The fans are controlled by the customer in the customer terminal and by the service provider in the service provider terminal by selecting the buttons by the control panels 76 and 40 respectively. These control panels are connected to the fan controllers 112, which cause the fans to operate in the desired manner to move the carrier between the service provider and customer terminals. The transactions carried out using the system of the invention may include the transmission of documents, among other items among the clients.

The transactions carried out using the system of the invention may include the transmission of documents or other items between the clients and the service providers using the carriers 26. The transactions also include the exchange between the clients and the service providers. This may allow the service provider to instruct the customer how to operate other devices and otherwise obtain what is required on a self-service basis. In addition, the direct communication that is available between the client and the service provider allows the service provider to verify the information or identification of the client by directly viewing the client. The system is particularly useful for providing services to individuals who have disabilities that may require assistance or other information.

The method for audio communication in the preferred embodiment of client station 18 that includes an external microphone and speakers with an optional handset provides increased security for audio communications that are exchanged between customers and service providers. The semicircular configuration of the client interconnection area 70 of the preferred embodiment limits the ability of nearby clients to observe activities that are being carried out in the terminal. This allows the spacing of client terminals from the preferred embodiment to be in close proximity while minimizing the concern that confidential information may be intercepted. When a client has completed a transaction he or she can remain at the client station for a while to review their items. The queue indicator 47 preferably has a processor programmed to require the sensor 92 at the customer station to clear and no longer perceive a customer after subsequently receiving another customer before including it in the order data representing a new customer is present at the customer station. client station. Programming the processor in positive queue listing preferably requires perceiving the condition that exists for a period of time after the client station perceives a new client, before the client station is added back to the service generated by the client. the queuing device. This increases the reliability of the queue indicator.

The system of the present invention also provides flexibility for a wide variety of customer transactions and also provides enhanced security by the service provider. Because the service provider is located in a secure area of the building, service providers are less susceptible to theft or physical harm. This can be very important where transactions involving significant amounts of cash are involved, such as in the game or banking establishment.

The incorporation of the system that includes the video and / or audio presentation device 50 allows the presentation of the promotional material to the clients. Providing additional information frequently serves to increase customer satisfaction and also result in and increase the number of transactions that are carried out. Such a system can also provide clients with instructions on how to operate the client stations and with other activities which carry out the installation. Alternatively, the device 50 can transmit the real-time signals from another source. It may be particularly desirable in gaming establishments.

Alternate incorporations of the system may include features that allow customers to access information selectively. For example, displays 110 in the customer area may be provided with a customer input device such as a touch screen interconnect. Such interconnection can be operated in conjunction with the material display device 50 to allow the customer to access specific types of information that are of interest to the customer. The client can do this by selecting the information items that are presented on a touch screen. Alternatively, or in addition, touch screen interconnections can be provided at client stations 18 if it is desired to allow clients to access information in this manner. However, in systems where high-speed processing of transactions is desired, it may be advantageous to preferably limit the customer's questions to separate terminal stations where the customer's questions will not impede the carrying out of other transactions.

Therefore, the new transaction system of the present invention achieves the stated objectives above, eliminates the difficulties encountered above and even of the previous devices and systems, and solves problems and achieves the desired results written here. In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations should be implied, since such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be widely considered. In addition, the descriptions and illustrations given herein by way of examples and the invention are not limited to the exact details shown or described.

In the following clauses, any described feature is a means to carry out a function, it should be considered as encompassing any means capable of carrying out the recited function and should not be considered limited to particular means shown as performing the function in the previous description or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the characteristics, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated and the advantages and use of the results achieved, the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems , equipment, operations, methods and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (39)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S
1. A system comprising: a provider station. services that include: a visual display of a service provider, a closed-circuit television camera from a service provider, an audio transmission device from a service provider and audio reception device from a service provider, a device for delivery and reception of a pneumatic tube carrier from a service provider, and At least one client station that includes: a customer visual display where the visual customer display is in an operational connection with the closed-circuit television camera of the service provider, a closed-circuit television camera of the customer in operational relationship with the display of the service provider; a client audio transmission device and a client audio reception device in operative connection with the service provider audio reception device and the service provider audio transmission device, respectively, and a device for delivery and reception of the pneumatic tube carrier of the customer in an operative connection with the carrier device of the pneumatic tube carrier of the service provider, wherein a carrier is enabled to be moved selectively between the client station and the station of service provider.
2. 2. A system as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a building, wherein said building comprises a wall, wherein said service provider station is housed in said building, and wherein at least one component between said customer visual display, customer closed-circuit television camera, customer audio transmission device, customer audio receiver device and client carrier device of the customer station is in a support relationship with said wall.
3. 3. A system as claimed in clause 2, further characterized in that the wall of the building is an interior wall.
4. 4. A system as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said customer terminal comprises a frame, and wherein said wall comprises an opening, and wherein said frame is in a supporting relationship with said wall and extends in said opening, and wherein at least one of the customer's visual display of the customer's closed-circuit television camera, the client's audio transmission device, the customer's audio reception device, or the customer carrier device is in a support connection with the frame.
5. 5. A system as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that the customer terminal further comprises a cover, and wherein the cover is mounted movably on the frame and wherein the cover can be moved to allow access to the opening .
6. 6. A system as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said customer terminal further comprises a cover, and wherein the cover is mounted movably in a support connection with the wall, and wherein a first position cover lies on at least one component between the customer visual display, the customer closed-circuit television camera, or the customer carrier device and wherein said cover includes at least one aperture, wherein one component is manually accessible by which is facilitated to be operated by a customer in the first position of the cover, and wherein a second position said cover is placed from a component and said component is made accessible to provide service.
7. 7. A system as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that said frame comprises a door frame.
8. 8. A system as claimed in clause 7, further characterized in that it comprises at least one hinge operatively connected to said door frame, and wherein said cover is movably mounted in relation to said frame through said hinge.
9. 9. A system as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that said frame joins the opening and further comprises a sub-frame in support connection with said frame wherein said sub-frame extends to said opening and wherein the at least one of the merchandiser visual client, said closed-circuit television camera of the client or the client carrier device is in a support connection with the sub-frame.
10. 10. A system as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the cover includes a shelf that extends, generally horizontal, so that a customer is able to write or carry out other activities on the shelf.
11. 11. A system as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the cover includes at least one storage place, wherein the articles are enabled to be stored in the storage location.
12. 12. A system as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the system comprises a plurality of client stations and wherein the service provider station is in operative connection with a communications selector device and wherein the video connection of audio between the service provider station and one of the client stations responds to an input to the communications selector device.
13. 13. A system as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that at least one client station d comprises a sensor, wherein said sensor is operative to perceive a person placed next to the client station, and wherein the station of the service provider includes an indicator in operational connection with the sensor of an indication is given to the service provider's station of the presence of the person at the side of the client terminal.
14. 14. A system as claimed in clause 1, further characterized in that it comprises a video switching device in operational connection with the service provider station, and wherein the video switching device operates to selectively establish video connections between the closed-circuit television camera of the service provider and the customer video display on the client station.
15. 15. A system as claimed in clause 14, further characterized in that the system further comprises a device for presenting video material, wherein the device for presenting video material operates to generate video signals and wherein the device for Video switching is in an operational connection with the video display device, and wherein the video switching device operates to selectively connect the video material display device to the visual customer display.
16. 16. A system as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the video switching device operates to selectively connect the visual client device to any of the video material display device or the closed circuit television camera of the video provider. services.
17. 17. The system as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the device for presenting video material comprises a computer, and wherein the computer is in an operative connection with a data warehouse and where it includes data representative of the material of video, and where the computer is in an operational connection with a data transmission line, and where the video material can be changed through the data transmission line.
18. 18. The system as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that the building includes a safe room and where the service provider station is housed in the secure room, and where the customer station is located outside the security room .
19. 19. The system as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that it also comprises a plurality of client stations in the building, each of the client stations is in operative connection with the station of the service provider.
20. 20. The system as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the client station is produced by a method comprising the steps of: produce an opening in said wall, placing the frame in said opening in a support connection with the wall, and placing said at least one component in support connection with the frame.
21. 21. The system as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that said customer station also comprises a cover, the method for producing the customer station further comprises the step of movably mounting the cover in relation and support with the wall, wherein the cover can move between a first position lying on the opening and a second position where the cover is placed from the opening.
22. 22. The system as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the step of movably mounting the cover comprises operatively connecting the cover to the frame through a hinge.
23. 23. The system as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that in the first position of the cover it is in an abutting relationship with said wall and generally extends in a surrounding relationship of said frame.
24. 24. The system as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the system comprises a plurality of client stations in operative connection with the station of the service provider and wherein each client station includes a device operable by a client in a station. of client and wherein the system further includes a queuing device at the customer service station, wherein the queuing device is in operative connection with each device operable by the customer, and wherein the queuing device, it can be operated to generate an order in which said order includes the representative data in the time sequence in which the devices operable in the client stations were activated, and wherein said queuing device operates to indicate the data in response to said order.
25. 25. The system as claimed in clause 24, characterized in that said service provider station further includes a communication selector unit and wherein said system operates at inputs of the selecting unit to selectively place the service provider station in communication. of audio and video with one of the client stations, and wherein the selector unit is in an operative connection with the queuing device and wherein the queuing device operates to remove the order, the representative data of a receiving station. client in response to the selector unit operating to place a client station and the service provider station in communication.
26. 26. The system as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that the device operable by the client comprises a presence sensor of the client, and wherein said queuing device is operative to defer the placement of data representative of said station. customers in that order while the service provider station and said station of a client is in video and audio communication.
27. 27. The system as claimed in clause 26, characterized in that said queuing device operates to place representative data of a client station in the order again after the customer presence sensor stops perceiving the client at a time. side of the client station after having been in communication with a client station and a service provider station and then again perceiving a client.
28. 28. A transaction system that includes a client station produced by a method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an interior building wall including a wall opening therethrough; (b) placing a frame in the wall opening in a support connection with the wall; (c) placing at least one transaction component in a support connection with the frame; d) mounting a cover in a support connection with the wall in a covering relationship on the wall opening where the cover includes a component opening and wherein when the cover is in an overlying relationship on the wall opening, the Transaction component is accessible through component opening;
29. 29. The system as claimed in clause 28, characterized in that step d) comprises releasably mounting the cover in the support connection with the wall 30.
30. 30. A transaction system that includes a client station produced by a method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an interior building wall including a wall opening therethrough; (b) placing a frame in the wall opening in a support connection with the wall; (c) placing at least one transaction component in a support connection with the frame; Y (d) mounting a cover a cover in support connection with the wall in an overlying relationship of the wall opening of the cover includes a component opening, and wherein when the cover is in an overlying relationship with the wall opening of the cover. Transaction component is accessible through the component opening.
31. 31. The system as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that step (d) comprises releasably mounting the cover in support connection with the wall.
32. 32. The system as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that step (d) comprises movably mounting the cover in relation to the wall through a hinge connection, wherein the cover can be moved between a first position which lies on the wall opening and a second cover position is disposed from the wall opening.
33. 33. The system as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the method further comprises the step of releasably securing the cover in the first position by releasably engaging the cover and the frame in an area placed from the hinge connection.
34. 34. The system as claimed in clause 33, characterized in that when the cover moves to the first position it extends in a generally abutting relationship with the wall and in a surrounding relationship of the frame.
35. 35. The system as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that step (b) comprises framing the opening with an opening junction frame, and step (c) comprises placing the transaction component in support connection with the union framework.
36. 36. The system as claimed in clause 35, characterized in that step (b) further comprises holding the frame in support connection with the joining frame, and wherein step (c) comprises placing the transaction component in a support connection with the sub-frame.
37. 37. The system as claimed in clause 35, characterized in that the frame comprises a door frame, wherein the opening is framed by the door frame.
38. 38. The system as claimed in clause 37, characterized in that the door frame includes two vertically extending and parallel stopped portions, and wherein the step (b) further comprises engaging a sub-frame extending to the opening between the two stopped parts, and wherein step (c) comprises placing the transaction component in support connection with the sub-frame.
39. 39. The system as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that the transaction component is either a visual display, a customer closed-circuit television camera, a client audio transmission device, an audio reception device of client or a client carrier device. SUMMARIZES A system for carrying out transactions includes the customer stations and a service provider station. The system is operated in a building or other facility in which a service provider operates the service provider station in a secure room. Audio and video communications are established between the clients at the customer stations and the service provider at the service station. The items are exchanged between the customers and the service provider through carriers transmitted through a pneumatic tube system. A device for presenting video material provides promotional or other video material, which is presented on the displays at the client stations. The video material is presented to the clients when the client terminal is not in communication with the service tester terminal. Client stations are not easily installed and are configured in the transaction facility to maximize available floor space for other purposes.