AU2013100932A4 - A system for facilitating a cash withdrawal from a financial account with an atm transaction or an eftpos transaction and for dispensing cash from an automated cash dispensing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods, systems and apparatus for facilitating a financial transaction including a cash withdrawal from a user's financial account facilitated by an automated cash dispensing device through an ATM transaction network or by an electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal through an EFTPOS network wherein, in both cases, the automated cash dispensing device, which is located separately from the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal, is operable to dispense cash to the user. --- --- -- --- - "n '74 cco< c<i -- ~ N 0' ....... 4

Description

A SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING A CASH WITHDRAWAL FROM A FINANCIAL ACCOUNT WITH AN ATM TRANSACTION OR AN EFTPOS TRANSACTION AND FOR DISPENSING CASH FROM AN AUTOMATED CASH DISPENSING DEVICE This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Application No. 2012902914 filed on 6 July 2012, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to methods, systems and apparatus for facilitating a financial transaction. In particular, the present invention relates to methods, systems and apparatus for facilitating a withdrawal of an amount from a user's financial account and dispensing an amount of cash equivalent to the withdrawal amount to the user. Background of the Invention Automated teller machines (ATMs) and electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) terminals have been in use for many years. Most ATM and EFTPOS devices function in a similar manner whereby a user's financial account details are input into the device, which may include the user's financial account type and user identification information such as a personal identification number (PIN), and the information is sent via an ATM transaction network or via an EFTPOS transaction network to a bank, a financial institution or a third party transaction clearing organisation for authorisation. One type of transaction that can be carried out via an ATM or an EFTPOS terminal and via an ATM transaction network or an EFTPOS transaction network is known as a cash-out transaction whereby a user can debit an amount to their financial account and receive an amount of cash equivalent to the debited amount. When authorisation is received by the ATM or the EFTPOS device via a respective network the transaction is completed such as by providing cash to the user and issuing a receipt. Some establishments may have an automated teller machine (ATM) device located on the premises to enable customers to withdraw cash to spend on products or services provided on the premises. Some establishments that may contact gaming machines or that may offer other betting or gambling services may be required by law to restrict the amount of cash that may be withdrawn by a customer from an ATM located at such establishments. Accordingly, once a customer has withdrawn their limit they may be required to go elsewhere to withdraw 2 more cash to return to an establishment or may leave the establishment altogether. Alternatively, the customer may be able to withdraw more cash via a cash-out transaction if the establishment offers such a service. In circumstances where a customer wishes to carry out a cash-out transaction via an EFTPOS terminal then the cash provided to the customer is typically taken from a cash register or till by an employee of the establishment operating the EFTPOS terminal. In establishments that operate one or more EFTPOS terminals and offer a cash-out service to patrons a number of cash registers or tills may be maintained on the premises. Furthermore, each cash register or till may contain substantial amounts of cash to ensure that sufficient quantities of cash are available for patrons wishing to utilize the cash-out facility. Furthermore, for each EFTPOS terminal maintained on the premises that offers a cash-out service it is necessary to maintain a separate cash register or till. An establishment that maintains multiple cash registers or tills containing substantial quantities of cash offers an attractive target for theft or robbery. Summary of the Invention Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a system for facilitating a withdrawal from a user's financial account and for dispensing cash to the user, the system including: - an electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal and a separately located cash dispensing device; - the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal being operable to receive a user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and to send the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information for processing through an EFTPOS transaction network; - the cash dispensing device being operable to receive a user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and to send the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information for processing through an ATM transaction network; and - the cash dispensing device being operable to receive instructions from the EFTPOS transaction network and to dispense a cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal; and - the cash dispensing device being operable to receive instructions from the ATM transaction network and to dispense a cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the cash dispensing device. In some embodiments, the system further includes a server being operable to: - receive the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information from the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal and to process the information through the EFTPOS transaction network; - receive the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information from the cash dispensing device and to process the information through the ATM transaction network; - send instructions to the cash dispensing device to automatically dispense the cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the cash dispensing device in response to receiving instructions from the ATM transaction network to dispense the cash amount; - send instructions to the cash dispensing device to dispense the cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal in response to receiving instructions from the EFTPOS transaction network to dispense the cash amount and in response to identification of the user by the cash dispensing device. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating an automated cash dispensing device in a transaction involving a cash withdrawal from a user's financial account, including: - receiving a user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and sending the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information for processing through an ATM transaction network; and - receiving instructions from the ATM transaction network and dispensing a cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the cash dispensing device; and - receiving instructions from an EFTPOS transaction network and dispensing a cash amount equivalent to a desired cash withdrawal amount information received by a separately located electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating an electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal and a separately located cash dispensing device to facilitate a withdrawal from a user's financial account and to facilitate a desired amount of cash to be dispensed to the user, the method including: - the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal being receiving a user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and sending the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information for processing through an EFTPOS transaction network; - the cash dispensing device receiving a user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and sending the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information for processing through an ATM transaction network; and - the cash dispensing device receiving instructions from the EFTPOS transaction network and dispensing a cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal; and - the cash dispensing device receiving instructions from the ATM transaction network and dispensing a cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the cash dispensing device. In some embodiments, the methods include automatically dispensing the cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the cash dispensing device in response to receiving instructions from the ATM transaction network to dispense the cash amount and dispensing the cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal in response to receiving instructions from the EFTPOS transaction network to dispense the cash amount and in response to identification of the user by the cash dispensing device. It will be appreciated that further embodiments of the invention may be set forth in the following detailed description and drawings.

5 Brief Description of the Drawings The following is a brief description of the figures which illustrate embodiments of the invention: Figure 1 is a diagram of a transaction system for enabling a cash-out transaction to be facilitated by an electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal and a separate automated cash dispensing device via an EFTPOS transaction network or by the automated cash dispensing device alone via an ATM transaction network. Figure 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of the transaction system of figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates the components of the embodiment of figure 2 including, the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal, the server, the EFTPOS transaction network, the ATM transaction network and a separate automated cash dispensing device. Figure 4 illustrates the components of another embodiment of the transaction system of Figure 1 including two of the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminals. Figure 5 is a diagram of a method of facilitating a withdrawal from a user's financial account and dispensing cash to the user wherein the method is carried out with an electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal via the EFTPOS transaction network and a separate automated cash dispensing device or with the automated cash dispensing device alone via the ATM transaction network. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein but rather is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed description Various aspects of the present invention are described herein below with reference to embodiments of systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating a withdrawal from a user's financial account and dispensing an amount of cash to the user by an electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) terminal and a separate automated cash dispenser 6 through an EFTPOS transaction network or by the automated cash dispenser alone through an ATM transaction network. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a transaction system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The transaction system 100 includes an EFTPOS terminal 20 which is connected via a network connection 105 to a server 60. The transaction system 100 further includes a separate automated cash dispensing device 40 that is also connected to the server 60 via a further network connection 115. Furthermore, the server 60 is connected to both an EFTPOS transaction network 110 via a network connection 125 and an ATM transaction network 110a via a network connection 125a. The EFTPOS network is made up of proprietary networks in which peers have interchange agreements, making an effective single network capable of facilitating electronic payments involving electronic funds transfers based on the use of payment cards, such as debit or credit cards, at terminals located at points of sale. The ATM network is a computer network that connects the banks with the ATM's of different banks. When a user wishes to make an ATM transaction, such as a cash withdrawal from their financial account, the ATM may send the transaction request to a server which redirects the transaction request to the customer's bank or financial institution. The systems, methods and apparatus of embodiments of the present invention facilitate a financial transaction involving a debit to a user's financial account and dispensing cash to the user. In use, a user can enter their financial account information, such as an account number, and verification information, such as a personal identification (PIN) number, and a desired cash withdrawal amount into the EFTPOS terminal 20 or into the automated cash dispenser 40. When the information is entered by the user into the EFTPOS terminal 20, the EFTPOS terminal 20 transmits the user's financial account and verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount to the server 60. The server 60 processes the information and determines that the transaction is to be carried out through the EFTPOS transaction network 110 and, as such, directs the information to the EFTPOS transaction network 110 for clearance. Assuming that the transaction is cleared by the EFTPOS transaction network 110, the server 60 sends instructions to the separate automated cash dispensing device 40. The separate automated cash dispensing device 40 is responsive to instructions from the server 60 to dispense an amount of cash to the user that is equivalent to the cash withdrawal amount entered by the user into the EFTPOS terminal 20. However, the cash dispensing device 40 will only dispense cash to the user in response to identification of the user by the automated cash dispensing device 40.

I Accordingly, the transaction system 100 enables a user to carry out a cash withdrawal transaction and the cash is dispensed to the user by the automated cash dispensing device 40 that is separate from the EFTPOS terminal 20. Thus, the automated cash dispensing device 40 can be a secure cash dispensing device that is resistant to theft or robbery and that can be located remotely from the EFTPOS terminal 20. Furthermore, any cash registers or tills that are maintained on the premises on which the transaction system 100 is installed need not contain large sums of cash to facilitate cash-out transactions via the EFTPOS terminal 20. When a user enters their financial account information, such as an account number, and verification information, such as a personal identification (PIN) number, and a desired cash withdrawal amount into the automated cash dispenser 40, the automated cash dispenser transmits the user's financial account and verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount to the server 60. The server 60 processes the information and determines that the transaction is to be carried out through the ATM transaction network 110a and, as such, directs the information to the ATM transaction network 110a for clearance. Assuming that the transaction is cleared by the ATM transaction network 11 Oa, the server 60 sends instructions to the automated cash dispensing device 40. The automated cash dispensing device 40 is responsive to instructions from the server 60 to dispense an amount of cash to the user that is equivalent to the cash withdrawal amount entered by the user into the automated cash dispensing device 40. In the instance where the transaction occurs through the ATM transaction network the cash dispensing device 40 will automatically dispense cash to the user in response to instructions from the server 60 to dispense an amount of cash to the user that is equivalent to the cash withdrawal amount entered by the user into the automated cash dispensing device 40. Figure 2 illustrates a transaction system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and Figure 3 illustrates the components of the embodiment of Figure 2. Accordingly, Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a transaction system 200 that includes an EFTPOS terminal 120. The EFTPOS terminal 120 includes a card reader 122, a user interface 124 in the form of a keypad, a printer 126 and a display 128. The system 200 also includes a server 160 and a communication link 205 between the EFTPOS terminal 120 and the server 160. The EFTPOS terminal 120 may include a central processing unit (not shown) that is operable for executing instructions to control the card reader 122, the user interface 124, the printer 126 and the display 128. The communication link 205 could include an Internet connection or a direct connection and may include a wireless link (WAN or mobile 0 telecommunications network) and/or a wired communications network (e.g. PSTN, ISDN, ADSL) or an optical link. The EFTPOS terminal 160 is operable to receive information entered by a user such as the user's account information, the user's identification information and an amount of cash that the user wants to withdraw from their financial account. The card reader 122 may determine the user's account information from the user's card. Otherwise the user's account information can be entered manually into the user interface 124. The EFTPOS terminal 160 may include other means of reading other electronic media containing a user's account information such as an RFID reader or a device for communicating with a smartphone. The user may enter identification information into the EFTPOS terminal such as by entering a PIN into the user interface 124 or by other means. The user may also enter an amount of cash that the user wishes to withdraw from their financial account by entering an amount into the user interface 124. The EFTPOS terminal 124 sends the user's account information, the user's identification information and the amount of cash that the user wants to withdraw to the server 160. The server 160 is operable for receiving information from the EFTPOS terminal 120 via the communication link 205 such as the user's account information, the user's identification information and cash withdrawal amount information. Upon receiving the user's financial account information, verification information and cash withdrawal amount information from the EFTPOS terminal 120, the server 160 communicates with an EFTPOS transaction network 210 via a further communication link 225. In particular, the server 160 communicates with the EFTPOS transaction network 210 to authenticate the user's financial account and verification information and the desired cash withdrawal amount to determine whether the transaction will be authorised by the EFTPOS transaction network 210. If the transaction is authorised by the EFTPOS transaction network 210 then this authorisation is communicated to the server 160 via the network connection 225. The communication link 225 between the server 160 and the EFTPOS transaction network 210 could include an Internet connection or a direct connection and may include a wireless link (WAN or mobile telecommunications network) and/or a wired communications network (e.g. PSTN, ISDN, ADSL) or an optical link. Upon receipt by the server 160 of authorisation of the transaction by the EFTPOS transaction network 210 the server 160 communicates with the EFTPOS terminal 120 to confirm that the transaction has been approved by the EFTPOS transaction network 210 and the EFTPOS device 120 may display the approval of the transaction on the display 128 and/or print a receipt on the printer 126 confirming the approval of the transaction. Also, the server 160 communicates instructions via a further communication link 215 to an automated cash dispensing device 140 to authorise the automated cash dispensing device 140 to dispense an amount of cash to a user that is equivalent to the amount authorised to be withdrawn from the user's financial account by the EFTPOS transaction network 210. The server 160 includes a central processing unit (not shown) that is operable for executing instructions to receive the above mentioned information from the EFTPOS terminal 120, to communicate with the EFTPOS transaction network 210 and to communicate instructions to the automated cash dispensing device 140. The automated cash dispensing device 140 includes a card reader 142, a cash storage device 144, such as a secure and hardened vault, and a cash dispensing assembly 146. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the automated cash dispensing device 140 also includes a visual display 148 to communicate information to a user and a user interface 149 in the form of a keypad. The automated cash dispensing device 140 receives instructions from the server 160 via the communication link 215 to dispense an amount of cash to a user that is equivalent to the amount authorised to be withdrawn from the user's financial account by the EFTPOS transaction network 210. The automated cash dispensing device 140 also receives user identification information from the server 160 with which to identify the user to ensure that cash is dispensed to the correct user and not to another person. Such user identification information may include the user's account information and/or the user's pin and/or any other information that may be provided by the EFTPOS terminal 120 to the user for the purpose of identification. The card reader 142 of the cash dispensing device 140 may identify the user's account information by reading the user's card and thereby identifying the user. Upon identification of the user the cash dispenser 146 dispenses an amount of cash to the user that is equivalent to the amount authorised to be withdrawn from the user's financial account by the EFTPOS transaction network 210. In another embodiment, the user may use the user interface 149 to enter identification information such as the user's account information, the user's PIN or any other information, such as a pass-code, provided by the EFTPOS terminal 120 to the user for the purposes of identification. The cash dispensing device may include a printer 147 for printing a receipt upon the dispensing of cash by the cash dispenser 140. The automated cash dispenser 140 may include a central processing unit that is operable for executing instructions to control the card reader, the cash storage and cash dispensing devices 144, 146 and the visual display 148, the user interface 149 and any other components. The communication link 215 between the automated cash dispensing device 140 and the server 160 could include an Internet connection or a direct connection and may include a wireless link (WAN or mobile 'U telecommunications network) and/or a wired communications network (e.g. PSTN, ISDN, ADSL) or an optical link. Because there is no direct communication link between the EFTPOS terminal 20, 120 and the automated cash dispensing device 40, 140 it is not necessary for the automated cash dispensing device 40, 140 to be co-located with the EFTPOS terminal 20, 120. Nor is it necessary for any hardware to be installed to provide a communication link between the EFTPOS terminal 20, 120 and the automated cash dispensing device 40, 140. The automated cash dispensing device 40, 140 may be located remotely from the EFTPOS terminal 20, 120. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the automated cash dispensing device 140 is also configured to operate as an automated teller machine (ATM) in a manner that will now be described. The cash dispensing device 140 includes a card reader 142, a user interface 149 in the form of a keypad, a printer 147, a display 148, a ash storage device 144 and cash dispenser 146. The system includes a central processing unit (not shown) that is operable for executing instructions to control the card reader 142, the user interface 149, the printer 147, the display 148 and the cash storage device 144 and cash dispenser 146. The automated cash dispenser 140 is operable to receive information entered by a user such as the user's account information, the user's identification information and an amount of cash that the user wants to withdraw from their financial account. The card reader 142 may determine the user's account information from their user's card. Otherwise the user's account information can be entered manually into the user interface 149. The automated cash dispenser 140 may include other means of reading other electronic media containing a user's account information such as an RFID reader or a device for communicating with a smartphone. The user may enter identification information into the automated cash dispenser 140 such as by entering a PIN into the user interface 149 or by other means. The user may also enter an amount of cash that the user wishes to withdraw from their financial account by entering an amount into the user interface 149. The automated cash dispenser 140 sends the user's account information, the user's identification information and the amount of cash that the user wants to withdraw to the server 160. The second server 160 is operable for receiving information from the automated cash dispenser 140 via the communication link 215 such as the user's account information, the user's identification information and cash withdrawal amount information. Upon receiving the user's financial account information, verification information and cash withdrawal amount I I information from the automated cash dispenser 140, the server 160 processes the information and determines that the transaction is to be carried out through the ATM transaction network 210a and, as such, directs the information to the ATM transaction network 210 for clearance via a further communication link 225a. In particular, the server 160 communicates with the ATM transaction network 210 to authenticate the user's financial account and verification information and the desired cash withdrawal amount to determine whether the transaction will be authorised by the ATM transaction network 210. If the transaction is authorised by the ATM transaction network 210 then this authorisation is communicated to the server 160 via the network connection 225a. The communication link 225a between the server 160 and the ATM transaction network 210 could include an Internet connection or a direct connection and may include a wireless link (WAN or mobile telecommunications network) and/or a wired communications network (e.g. PSTN, ISDN, ADSL) or an optical link. Upon receipt by the server 160 of authorisation of the transaction by the ATM transaction network 210 the server 160 communicates with the automated cash dispenser 140 to confirm that the transaction has been approved by the ATM transaction network 210. The server 160 thus communicates instructions to the automated cash dispensing device 140 to authorise the automated cash dispensing device 140 to dispense an amount of cash to the user that is equivalent to the amount authorised to be withdrawn from the user's financial account by the ATM transaction network 210. The server 160 includes a central processing unit (not shown) that is operable for executing instructions to receive the above mentioned information from the automated cash dispenser 140, to communicate with the ATM transaction network 210 and to communicate instructions to the automated cash dispensing device 140. The printer 147 may then print a receipt upon the dispensing of cash by the cash dispenser 140. The embodiments of the transaction system 100, 200 illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 include a single EFPTOS terminal 20, 120. Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the transaction system 250 that includes the features of the embodiments of the system 100, 200 illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 with the exception of having two EFTPOS terminals 270, 275. Each of the two EFTPOS terminals 270, 275 is identical to the EFPTOS terminal 20, 120 of the embodiments of the transaction system 100, 200 illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3. The two EFTPOS terminals 270, 275 are each connected via network connections 271, 276 to a server 260. The transaction system 250 further includes a separate automated cash dispensing device 280 that is also connected to the server 260 via a further network connection 281. The server 260 is connected to an EFTPOS transaction network 290 via a further network connection 291. The transaction system 250 further includes the server 260 being connected to an ATM transaction network 290a via a further network connection 291a to facilitate an ATM transaction through the cash dispensing device 280. The two EFTPOS terminals 270, 275 and the single automated cash dispensing device 280 can be installed in an establishment. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the system of the invention may involve the installation of more than two EFTPOS terminals and a single automated cash dispensing device in an establishment. It is to be appreciated that in further embodiments of the system of the invention may involve the installation of a plurality of EFTPOS terminals and a plurality of automated cash dispensing devices in an establishment. In any of the above mentioned embodiments with multiple EFPTOS terminals cash may be dispensed through the automated cash dispensing device as a result of cash out withdrawal transactions carried out on any one of the EFTPOS terminals located in the establishment. In an embodiment, the server 60, 160 and/or the automated cash dispensing device 40, 140, 280 are configured to cancel the transaction if the automated cash dispensing device 40, 140, 280 does not dispense the cash amount to the user. For example if the user doesn't attempt to identify themselves to the automated cash dispensing device 40, 140, 280 within a predetermined amount of time after entering a completing a cash-out transaction through the EFTPOS terminal 20, 120, 270, 275 (e.g. after 30 mins). In this embodiment, the automated cash dispensing device 40, 140, 280 may send information to the server 60, 160 that the time permitted for the user to withdraw the cash amount has expired. The server 60, 160 may communicate with the EFTPOS transaction network 1 10a, 210a, 290a to cancel the transaction request and the requested withdrawal amount is not deducted from the user's financial account. Figure 5 illustrates a method 300 of facilitating a withdrawal from a user's financial account and for dispensing cash to the user. The method may be carried out with an electronic funds transfer and point of sale terminal, such as the EFTPOS terminal 20, 120, 270, 275 and a separate automated cash dispensing device, such as the automated cash dispensing device 40, 140, 280 illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4. In the method, a user may enter financial account information into an EFTPOS terminal 310, the user enters verification information into the EFTPOS terminal 320, and the user enters a cash withdrawal amount into the EFTPOS terminal 330. The EFTPOS terminal transmits 340 financial account information, verification information and cash withdrawal amount information to a server. The server verifies 350 the availability of the desired cash amount in the user's financial account. This may be achieved by the server communicating a request to an EFTPOS transaction network, or any other network that processes EFTPOS transactions, including the user's financial account information, verification information and requested cash withdrawal amount. The EFTPOS transaction network processes the request and either approves or denies the request and communicates this decision to the server. The server communicates with the EFTPOS terminal the approval or denial of the transaction for display by the EFTPOS terminal to the user or for a receipt to be printed. In circumstances in which the transaction is approved the server sends instructions 360 to an automated cash dispensing device which is separate and located remotely from the EFTPOS terminal. The cash dispensing device receives the instructions 370 from the server and in response to those instructions and upon identification of the user 380, such as by receiving the users account information or any other information to identify the user, dispenses cash 390 to the user that is equivalent to the amount to be withdrawn from the users account. In circumstances where the automated cash dispensing device does not identify the user 380 then the automated cash dispensing device may send information to the server confirming that the step of identifying the user 380 has not been carried and, as a result, the server may cancel the request to the EFTPOS transaction network for approval of the transaction. If the server cancels the request to the EFTPOS transaction network for approval of the transaction then the requested cash withdrawal amount will not be debited from the user's financial account. In the method, a user may enter financial account information into the automated cash dispensing device 310a, the user enters verification information into the automated cash dispensing device 320a, and the user enters a cash withdrawal amount into the automated cash dispensing device 330a. The automated cash dispensing device transmits 340a financial account information, verification information and cash withdrawal amount information to a server. The server verifies 350a the availability of the desired cash amount in the user's financial account. This may be achieved by the server communicating a request to an ATM transaction network, or any other network that processes automated teller machine (ATM) transactions, including the user's financial account information, verification information and requested cash withdrawal amount. The ATM transaction network processes the request and either approves or denies the request and communicates this decision to the server. The server communicates with the automated cash dispensing device the approval or denial of the transaction for display by the automated cash dispensing device to the user. In circumstances in which the transaction is approved the server sends instructions 360a to the automated cash dispensing device. The cash dispensing device receives the instructions 370a from the server and in response to those instructions dispenses cash 390a to the user that is equivalent to the amount to be withdrawn from the user's account. In the embodiments illustrated in each of the figures, the automated cash dispensing device 80, 180, 280 is operable to facilitate a cash withdrawal through an ATM transaction network in the manner of an automated teller machine (ATM). Thus the user may enter their financial account information, verification information and requested cash withdrawal amount information into the automated cash dispensing device 80, 180, 280 and be dispensed with cash from the same automated cash dispensing device 80, 180, 280. The automated cash dispensing device 80, 180, 280 is also operable to receive instructions from a server to dispense cash to a user who has carried out a cash-out transaction through an EFTPOS transaction network using a remotely located EFTPOS terminal upon identification of the user by the automated cash dispensing device 80, 180, 280. The present invention is advantageous in that it facilitates a cash withdrawal from a user's financial account through an ATM transaction or through an EFTPOS transaction and dispenses cash to the user in relation to both types of transactions through the same automated cash dispensing device. Furthermore, the automated cash dispensing device happens to also be the device that facilitates the ATM transaction. Thus, a commercial establishment, such as a bar or club, need not have a cash dispensing device operable to dispense cash in relation to an EFTPOS cash-out transaction and a separate ATM but may have a single cash dispensing device capable of dispensing cash in relation to an EFTPOS cash-out transaction and capable of carrying out an ATM cash withdrawal transaction.

Claims (5)

1. A system for facilitating a withdrawal from a user's financial account and for dispensing cash to the user, the system including: - an electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal and a separately located cash dispensing device; - the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal being operable to receive a user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and to send the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information for processing through an EFTPOS transaction network; - the cash dispensing device being operable to receive a user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and to send the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information for processing through an ATM transaction network; and - the cash dispensing device being operable to receive instructions from the EFTPOS transaction network and to dispense a cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal; and - the cash dispensing device being operable to receive instructions from the ATM transaction network and to dispense a cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the cash dispensing device.

2. The system of claim 1, further including a server being operable to: - receive the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information from the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal and to process the information through the EFTPOS transaction network; - receive the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information from the cash dispensing device and to process the information through the ATM transaction network; - send instructions to the cash dispensing device to automatically dispense the cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the cash dispensing device in response to receiving instructions from the ATM transaction network to dispense the cash amount; - send instructions to the cash dispensing device to dispense the cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the 'b electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal in response to receiving instructions from the EFTPOS transaction network to dispense the cash amount and in response to identification of the user by the cash dispensing device.

3. A method of operating an automated cash dispensing device in a transaction involving a cash withdrawal from a user's financial account, including: - receiving a user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and sending the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information for processing through an ATM transaction network; and - receiving instructions from the ATM transaction network and dispensing a cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the cash dispensing device; and - receiving instructions from an EFTPOS transaction network and dispensing a cash amount equivalent to a desired cash withdrawal amount information received by a separately located electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal.

4. A method of operating an electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal and a separately located cash dispensing device to facilitate a withdrawal from a user's financial account and to facilitate a desired amount of cash to be dispensed to the user, the method including: - the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal being receiving a user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and sending the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information for processing through an EFTPOS transaction network; - the cash dispensing device receiving a user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information and sending the user's financial account information, verification information and desired cash withdrawal amount information for processing through an ATM transaction network; and - the cash dispensing device receiving instructions from the EFTPOS transaction network and dispensing a cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal; and 17 - the cash dispensing device receiving instructions from the ATM transaction network and dispensing a cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the cash dispensing device.

5. The method of claim 3 or the method of claim 4, including automatically dispensing the cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the cash dispensing device in response to receiving instructions from the ATM transaction network to dispense the cash amount and dispensing the cash amount equivalent to the desired cash withdrawal amount information received by the electronic funds transfer at point of sale terminal in response to receiving instructions from the EFTPOS transaction network to dispense the cash amount and in response to identification of the user by the cash dispensing device.