MXPA99004502A - Automated banking machine apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

The banking machine (12) include a computer (34) which reads (38) an indicia from a user's card corresponding to a system address and connects the banking machine (12) to the home or foreign servers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 90, 96) designated by the system address through the Internet (16) or a wide area network (18). Computer (34) then exchanges HTML documents and TCP/IP messages with servers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 90, 96) to conduct the user's transaction. The exchanged HTML documents and TCP/IP messages which are processed in a HTML document handling portion (76, 80, 82) are passed to a device application portion (84) and device interfacing software portion (64) in order to maintain local control of the operation of devices (30, 36) including user interfacing devices (30, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 44) in the automated banking machine (12). In this way the connected server (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 90, 96) remotely operates the banking machine (12) until the completion of transactions by the user.

Description

APPARATUS AND SYSTEM OF AUTOMATIC ATM MACHINE DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to automatic banking machines. Specifically, this invention relates to an automatic banking system and apparatus that is capable of being used in a wide area network, and which provides the user with a familiar interface from his home institution in the band machines operated by other institutions.

ANTECEDENTS OF ART Automatic banking machines are well known. A common type of automatic banking machine used by consumers is an ATM ("ATM"). ATMs allow consumers to perform banking operations. Among the common bank operations performed by ATMs are cash disposal, making deposits, transferring funds between accounts, payment of services and requests for account balances. The type of banking operations that a client can perform determines the capabilities of the particular banking machine and the programming of the institution that operates the same.

ATMs are currently operated in communications networks, these networks interconnect the ATMs operated by financial institutions and other entities. The interconnection of the networks usually allows a user to use a banking machine operated by another institution if the banking machine of the institution is interconnected with the network that includes the user's institution. However, when the customer operates the machine of the other institution, the customer must operate the machine using the customer interface that has been established by the other institution for their banking machines. In addition, the user is limited to operating options provided by the other institution.

A customer may encounter difficulties when using the machine of the other institution. Problems may occur because the user is not familiar with the type of machine operated by the other institution. There may be confusion because the client does not know which buttons or other mechanisms to activate to perform the desired operations. The flow of the operation for a client in a machine of another institution can be mu different from the machines operated by the institution of the user This can be particularly a problem when the user is from another country and is not familiar with the type of banking machine or the language of the interface provided by the other institution.

An institution that is not one's own may also provide different types of operations that the user knows in their institution. For example, the user institution may allow the transfer of funds between accounts through its automatic banking machines, to allow the user to maintain funds in accounts that earn higher interest than they require. If the other institution does not provide this capacity, the user will not be able to do this when operating a machine that is not from their institution. The inability of a user in a machine that is not from his institution to perform operations to which he is accustomed may present problems.

Networks that operate ATMs and other types of automatic banking machines usually operate proprietary networks with restricted access. It is necessary to prevent fraud or manipulation in the network or user accounts. Proprietary networks are also commonly used for the transmission of credit card messages and other financial transaction messages. Access to said credit card processing system is also restricted primarily for the purpose of maintaining security.

Communication over wide area networks allows messages to be transmitted between distant places. The best known broad area network is the Internet that can be used to provide communication between computers throughout the world. The Internet is not widely used for financial operation messages because it is not a secure system. The messages destined to be received in a particular computer address can be intercepted in other directions without this being detected. Since messages can be intercepted in remote locations where the intended recipient is located, the potential for fraud and corruption is great.

Companies are beginning to provide approaches for a more secure transmission of messages on the Internet. Encryption techniques are also being applied to Internet messages. However, the opening of the Internet has limited its usefulness for financial message purposes, particularly the financial messages related to the operation of automatic banking machines.

Thus, there is a need for a machine and automatic banking system that can be applied in a local area network for example the Internet, while providing a high level of security. There is also a need for a machine and automatic banking system that provides the user with the familiar interface and operating options of their institution to the opera machines of other institutions.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic banking machine in which a user can perform operations.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatic banking machine that can be operated through the connection to a wide area network.

It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide a machine and automatic banking system which provides the user with a familiar interface and options of operation of his institution in machines operated by other institutions.

It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide an automatic banking machine that communicates using HTML (Hyperfect Descriptor Language) and TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) messages by its acronyms in English) generated in response to indications found in the information provided by a user's card.

It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide a machine and automatic banking system that performs operations through a wide area network at a time that maintains a high level of security.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a machine and automatic banking system that controls the connection of the banking machine to a foreign address through a cache server.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatic banking machine that limits the operation of devices in the machine through a local device serving.

It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide a machine and automatic banking system that is operable through the Internet connection.

Additional objects of the present invention will become apparent in the following best embodiments for carrying out the invention and the appended claims.

The above objects are achieved in a preferred embodiment of the invention through an automatic banking machine that includes an output device, eg a screen, and an input device, for example a touch screen or a keyboard. The banking machine also includes devices such as a paper ticket dispensing mechanism, a printing mechanism, a card reader / writer, a deposit mechanism and other physical devices that are used by the machine to perform banking operations.

The banking machine also includes a computer. The computer is in operative connection with the output device and the input device, as well as the leaf dispensing mechanism, the card reader and other physical devices of the banking machine. The computer includes software programs that can be executed there. L software programs include a portion of handling HTML documents. The HTML document handling portion ope to send and receive HTML documents. The HTML document handling portion is preferably in connection with the output device to the screens that includes hypertext link indicators. The HTML document handling portion is also preferably found in connection with the input device that allows selection by the user and the generation of response messages from the computer. The HTML document handling portion preferably in connection with a JAVA software environment has the ability to execute instructions in JAVA scrip transmitted with the HTML documents.

The computer software also preferably includes a portion of the application of devices. The device application portion includes software that is operative to control the sheet dispenser and other devices. In the preferred form of the invention, the device extension portion includes a variety of its JAVA programs to operate the devices that are located in the machine.

The computer that is in the automatic banking machine also includes a piece of software that establishes an interface with the devices. The software portion that interfaces with the operating devices to receive messages from the application portion of devices and to cause the devices to operate through the appropriate hardware interfaces. In the preferred form of the automatic banking machine, the handling portion of HTML documents, the portion of application of devices and the portion of software that establishes interfaces with the devices, are in the same computer and communicate in different IP ports.

The automatic banking machine of the invention preferably communicates using TCP / IP messages in an intranet that includes a variety of said machines. The intranet is in turn connected to at least one computer that is operated by an institution. The institution is the entity that operates the banking machine.

The institution's computer preferably includes a local HTTP server, a cache server and a device server. The cache server communicates through the intranet with the software HTML document handling portion of each of the banking machines. The cach server can also be connected to a wide area network, for example, the Internet, to which the foreign servers are connected. The device server is operative to transmit message between the application portion of devices and the software portion that establishes interfaces with the devices of the banking machines. The device server includes monitoring software that monitors and selectively limits the operation of devices in the banking machine. Est provides a level of security.

The machine and automatic banking system are operative to place the user in connection with the institution where he has his accounts. This can be the institution that operates the banking machine where the user is present another institution that is connected to the wide area network. To operate the banking machine, a user registers an address, such as a URL address (Uniform Resource Locator, by its acronym in English), through a home address registration device. The HTML document handling portion operates .pa connecting the banking machine to the server that corresponds to the address. This is preferably achieved by having the user representative indications of the address on a card that is read by the banking machine.

The portion of handling of HTML documents and sensitive to the address that is found on the card to connect through the cache server to the user institution. If the address of the user's institution corresponds to the local server, the banking machine operates in response to the messages coming from it. If, however, the registration of the user's address corresponds to a domicili of a foreign server, the cache server is operative to communicate through the wide area network with the foreign service and the client's institution. If the client makes the machine connect to a server operated by an institution other than his own, the HTML documents sent from the other institution correspond to those normally provided by it. As a result, the customer is familiar with the interface produced by these documents will be able to operate the banking machine more easily.

The foreign server or the local server operates the banking machine by sending HTML documents that include instructions for operating the devices in the banking machine. The instructions are transmitted from the handling portion of HTML documents to the application portion of the software devices., which operates the devices and responds to instructions. The instructions coming from the application portion of devices to the devices in the automatic banking machine are transmitted through the device service of the institution. This helps to maintain security. In addition, the cache server includes surveillance software that limits the foreign servers that can connect to and operate the banking machine. This is called "fir wall" (wall of fire).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic view of a network configuration including the automatic banking machine apparatus and system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an automatic banking machine of the present invention.

Figures 3 to 24 show schematic views of the automatic banking machine, an intranet that connects the banking machine to a computer system of a bank headquarters a broad area network that connects the host bank computer system to another bank.

Figures 3 to 18 schematically represent the steps in the operation performed in the banking machine with the host bank's computer system.

Figures 19 to 24 schematically represent the steps of an operation performed by the banking machine with the computer system of the other bank.

Better modalities to carry out the invention.

BEST MODALITIES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference now the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1, there is shown a network configuration indicated schematically by 10, which includes the automatic banking system and apparatus of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The network 10 includes a variety of automatic banking machines 12 which in the preferred embodiment of the invention are ATMs. The ATMs 12 are connected to a computer system of a host bank indicated schematically by 14. The computer system of the host bank 14 is the computer system that is operated by the bank or other institution that has the main responsibility of the ATMs 12 The computer system of the headquarters bank 14 is connected to the ATMs 12 through an intranet. The intranet is preferably a re local or proprietary that provides communication between the computer system 14 and the banking machines 12 using message in the format of the transmission control protocol / Internet protocol ("TCP / IP", for its acronym in English ).

The messages that are communicated through the intranet 16 are preferably TCP / IP messages and documents of the hypertext descriptor language ("HTML", for its acronym and English). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the HTML documents sent through the intranet 16 include programming instructions for interlocking objects, preferably in the JAVA® format that has been created by Su Microsystems. Messages sent through intranet 1 can be sent in an encrypted or non-encrypted form, depending on the nature of the system and the security needs of the host bank.

The host bank computer system 14 can also be connected as shown to an wide area network 18. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the wide area re 18 is Internet. In other embodiments of the invention, other wide area networks may be used. The wide area network preferably communicates TCP / IP messages among numerous computer systems connected to the wide area network. These foreign computer systems are represented schematically by servers 20, 22, 24, 26 28. It should be understood that servers 20 to 28 can be operated or connected to other financial institutions and all over the world. Servers 20 to 28 operate preferably by communicating HTML documents.

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the AT 12 used in connection with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The ATM 12 includes a touch screen 30. The touch screen 30 includes a screen that serves as an output device for communication with the user of the machine. The touch screen 30, because it is a touch screen, also serves as an input device to receive input instructions from a user. The touch screen 3 is connected through an interface 32 to a computer 3 that is preferably housed inside the machine.

The computer 34 is also in connection with a variety of devices 36 that are included in the ATM 12. The devices 36 include, for example, a card reader reader mechanism 38 and a keyboard 40. The devices 3 further include a dispensing mechanism of sheets 42 which are operable to dispense sheets, which in the preferred form of the invention are banknotes. The devices 36 further includes a reservoir 44 for accepting deposits in a secure place of the machine. A voucher printer 46 for providing operation receipts to the customers is also included among the devices 36. A daily printer 48 is also included among the devices for maintaining a printed copy record of the information about the operations.

Each of the devices is connected to the internal control bus 50 within the banking machine 12. The control bus 50 emits the internal messages to the particular devices. Each device has a suitable hardwar interface that allows the particular device to operate and respond to messages that are transmitted to it on the control bus 50. The card reader / writer 38 has a hardware interface shown schematically as 52. The interfaces are shown in FIG. hardware 54, 56, 58, 60 and 62 are operative respectively for connecting the keyboard 40, the sheet dispensing mechanism 42, the storage mechanism 44, the printing mechanism d vouchers 46 and the daily printing mechanism 48 to the control bus 50 .

The computer 34 has several software programs that are executable within it. In the preferred embodiment of the invention these software programs include a portion of software that establishes interfaces with the devices generally indicated by 64. The software portion that establishes interfaces with the devices 64 preferably includes a software device interface 66 that communicates electronic messages with the control bus 50. The portion of software that establishes interfaces with the devices 64 preferably also includes or device manager 68. The administrator of devices is preferably operative to manage the various devices 36 and control their various states , so as to ensure that they operate properly in sequence. The device manager is also preferably operable to create device objects in the software, in such a way as to allow the operation of the devices through the object-oriented program 70. The portion of the software that establishes interfaces with the devices 64 also includes the device. portion of the object-oriented program 70, which in the preferred embodiment is an application written in the JAVA language. The program 70 works together with the administrator of devices to receive object-oriented JAVA messages in which it causes the devices to operate, and to transmit operation messages of the indicative devices in a manner in which they are operating or receiving data. of entry, or both.

The portion of the software that establishes an interface with the devices 64 in the preferred embodiment operates on the computer 34 and communicates through a physical connection TCP / IP 72 with the intranet 16. The physical connection can be made by analog dialing. , serial port, ISDN connection (Integrated Services Digital Network) or other suitable connection. In the configuration of the system as shown, the portion of the software that establishes interfaces with the devices 64 is communicated in the IP address of the computer 34 in an IP port or socket indicated by 74 which is different from the other software applications. . In other embodiments of the invention, the portion of the software that establishes interfaces with the devices 64 can operate on a different computer. to the other software applications of the invention.

It should further be understood that although in the preferred embodiment of the invention the portion that interfaces with the devices 64 is software, in other embodiments of the invention all or portions of the instruction steps executed by the software portion 64 may it is resident in firmware or in other program media related to one or more computers, which are operative to communicate with the devices 36.

Other software also operates on the computer 34 This software includes HTML document handling software which includes a browser, indicated schematically by 76. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the HTML document handling software includes a browser provided by Netscape® . However, in other embodiments, other HTML document handling and communication software and browser software may be used, for example JAVA® from Sun Microsystems. The browser 76 communicates on the computer 34 at an IP port indicated by 78.

The browser 76 is operative in relation to the JAVA 80 environment software that allows the computer 34 to execute JAVA language programs. JAVA language programs have the advantage that they operate in the same way on various hardware platforms without modification. This "write once / run anywhere" capability makes the JAVA environment suitable for the preferred embodiment of the invention. However, other embodiments may use types of software programs.

The JAVA 80 environment software allows the computer 34 to execute instructions in JAVA, schematically indicated by 82. The instructions that are executed by the computer in JAVA are preferably embedded JAVA script commands that are included in the HTML documents that are received at through the browser 76. The browser 76 in connection with the JAVA 80 environment software that executes the instructions in the JAVA script 82, serves as a portion of the HTML document handling software for transmitting and receiving mixed tickets dispensed from multiple leaf dispensing mechanism, calculate the exchange rate, and end the operation and instruct the browser to return to establish communication with the local server. Of course, in other embodiments, other sub-programs may be used to perform various desired functions or control the devices of the machine. The application portion of devices 84 communicates on computer 34 at any IP port indicated by 86.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the application portion of software devices 84 does not communicate its messages directly to the software portion that establishes interfaces with the 64. Com devices will be explained later, this provides greater security. It is understood that the embodiments of the invention may establish that the application portion of devices 84 directly communicate operation messages of the device to the device program 70. This can be done and internally using TCP / IP, by message delivery in a conventional manner. through a row established in the operating system of the computer that is related to the software that establishes interfaces with the devices, through a direct call to this software.

From the above analysis it will also be appreciated that certain subprograms of the device application portion 84 may correspond to devices that are not present in all the ATMs. For example, an ATM that operates solely as a cash dispenser does not include a deposit mechanism such as deposit 44. To accommodate the situation in which a user requests an operation that is not physically possible in ATM 12, the portion of Software that establishes interfaces with 64 devices can be programmed to provide an appropriate response message to indicate that the function is not available.

Alternatively, the portion of the software that establishes interfaces with the devices may include a function that verifies the presence or absence of each type of physical device within the ATM. The information indicative of the devices present in the ATM can be included as part of the messages generated by the ATM. For example, information indicative of the devices that are operative in the ATM may be included as part of the URL addresses to which the ATM directs messages. In this way, the server URL to which the ATM connects can be configured to provide only HTML documents that correspond to the types of operations that the ATM is capable of performing.

Figure 3 shows the ATM in communication through the intranet 16 with the computer system of the headquarters bank 14. The computer system 14 includes a server cach 88. The system 14 also includes a local server. HTT (Protocol of Transport of Hypertext , by its acronym in English 90. The computer system 14 also includes a server d devices 92. The cache server, the local HTTP server and server devices can be included in a sol computer, as shown, or in other forms of realization they may be different computers The local HTTP server 90 is preferably in electronic communication with an auxiliary computer system, indicated schematically by 94. The auxiliary computer system 94 is operative to track the debit or credit accounts of the client. when they perform operations in the automatic banking machines In addition, the auxiliary computer 94 is also preferably operative for making r monitoring operations to fine-tune arrangements with other institutions that participate in the system and whose clients perform operations at ATMs 12.

As will be explained later, the served cache 88 is also operative to communicate through the wide area re 18 with different servers, for example foreign server 96. The foreign server 96 is an example of a server operated by an institution other than institution that operates the computer system 14. It should be understood that although the foreign server 96 is indicated as being operated by a "foreign" institution, this does not necessarily indicate that the institution is located in another country as the institution operating the computer system 14. However, it is possible that the foreign server 96 could be located in a foreign country, even a country in which the language spoken is different from the one generally used in the country where the ATMs are located 12.

The performance of operations using ATM 1 is now explained with reference to Figures 3-24. It should be understood that the following described operation flows are merely examples of the operation of the apparatus and system, and that the apparatus and system can be configured and operated in multiple ways to perform operations.

At the beginning of an exemplary operation, as s schematically represented in Figure 3, the browser 76 s communicates through the intranet 16 with the cache server 88. The communication is preferably established in such a way that the HTML documents which are intended to attract Customers at AT 12 are displayed on the touch screen 30. This is referred to as the "attraction mode". These HTML documents that produce the screens on the digital screen 30 originate from the local HTTP server 90 which is operative to supply the HTML documents to the cache server. The local HTTP server sends the messages addressed to the IP port related to the browser 76, in such a way that it causes them to appear on the screen in the appropriate AT. It should be understood that although in this example the local server 90 is described in communication with the ATMs through the cache server 88, the server 90 may in other systems encompassed by the invention communicate directly with the ATMs.

A fundamental sale of the system is that the local HTTP server 90 can selectively provide documents to the ATMs 12 connected to the intranet 16. These documents can include messages designed for the particular location in which the ATM 12 is located. The screen examples designed In particular, they may include bilingual messages in certain neighborhoods or information regarding the type of change in various ports of entry. The JAVA and JAVA script applets are loaded from a central location, providing selective software distribution in the ATMs that can also be used to customize the ATM to their environment.

The touch screen 30 in this exemplary operation shows a screen that includes an icon that indicates in one or more languages that to start an operation the user must touch the screen. If the user touches the screen in the area of an icon, an input signal is generated. The input signal is transmitted through the browser 76 to the local address of the local server HTTP 90 with which the ATM 12 is located 26 98, which in the preferred embodiment is a JA program that allows communication with the JAVA subprograms and application of the device server 100. The device server 92 preferably includes, in addition, a monitoring software application 102 that is operative to monitor the operating instructions of the devices. The monitoring software minimizes the risk of fraud or abuse in a way that will be explained later.

Returning to the sample operation, in response to receiving the enable message from the tarjet reader from the application portion of devices 84, the device server 92 is operative to generate a message through the intranet to the software portion that is stable. interfaces with the devices 64 of the ATM 12. This message addresses the IP port indicated by 74 which is where the software portion that interfaces with the devices 64 was contacted. In response to the receipt of this message, portion of the software 64 is operative to send a message to the control b 50 that enables the card reader mechanism 3 Following with the operation as shown in Figure 6, the registration of the card by the client in card reader 34 is operative to cause the data the card be read and the portion of programs that establish interfaces with the devices 64 send a message to the server 27 of devices 92 indicating that the data of the card has been read. The device server transmits this message via intranet 16 to the application portion of devices 84. The device application portion then sends a message to the device server requesting the data from the card. The device server 92 transmits a message requesting the card data from the software portion that establishes interfaces with the device 64 that responds by sending the data of the card through the intranet to the device server. The server of devices, if there are no bases to stop the operation transmits the data of the return card through the intranet 16 to the application portion of devices 84.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the registration of the card by the client user includes indicia corresponding to a domicili related to the user in the network. In the preferred embodiment, the indications correspond to a uniform locator address of resources ("URL", for its acronym and English) that provides information on the computer co where the information about the user resides, as well as a directory or subdirectory that includes the user information and the name of the resource that includes the user information. The URL address can be encoded on the customer's card. The address can be encoded in track 3 of a magnetic strip 28, in other places within the data of the magnetic strip or through encoding other legible indicia on the card. Alternatively, if the client card is an "intelligent" card that includes semiconductor storage over it, the URL address related to the client can be included as part of the data stored in the integrated circuit chip of the customer's card . Alternatively, a URL can be derived from other data on the card by accessing the database in which the domicili data correlates with other data read on the card.

Returning to the exemplary operation, the supply of the card data of a read card is successfully delivered in response to the programming of the application portion of devices 84 to a JAVA subprogram related to the notification that they have been received. registered the data of the card. In response to this, the subprogram 'JAV operates to generate the JAVA script that configures the browser with the URL address of the card. The JAVA subprogram is also preferably operative to open a register indicated schematically by 104 with respect to the operation, which includes the URL address of the user, the time and other data of the card.

As shown schematically in Figure 7 in response to receiving the browser 76 from the URL address data, the browser is operative to transmit message via intranet 16 to the cache server 88. For purposes of this example, the URL address related to the data of the card is that of a client related to the thirst bank that operates the system 14. As a result, the client address will cause the message to be directed from the chach server 88 to the local HTTP server 90. Alternatively, in other systems, the connection can be made directly with the server 90 without the intervention of the chaché server 88. As discussed above , the URL address can also include representative data of the devices that are operative in the ATM In response to the reception of the message, the local HTTP server 90 finds the data corresponding to the data of the client's URL address in the memory and responds to the web browser on its IP port with an HTML document. This HTML document may include a screen that recognizes the particular client by name as well as the name of the banking institution or other entity that operates the host bank computer system 14.

In addition, the HTML document preferentially includes JAVA embedded script that has a digital signature or a mechanism to obtain a digital signature related to the HTTP HTTP server 90. This digital signature is received in the JAVA script 82 and it processes the JAVA subprogram in the portion of application d 30 devices 84. The JAVA subprogram to process the digital signature authenticates the same and authorizes the operation of the banking machine. Alternatively, or in addition, the subprogra can verify the signature by comparing it with a list of digital signatures for the servers that are authorized to operate the banking machine. After the subprogram verifies that the server 90 has sent the appropriate digital signature, the operation is allowed to continue. If for some reason an appropriate digital signature has not been sent, the JAVA subprogram will stop the operation and will return to the banking machine 12 to the condition prior to the start of the operation by connecting the ATM to the domicili related to the mode of attraction on the server crazy 90 In the example, it will be assumed that the digital signature sent by the local server 90 is an appropriate signature, in which case a message is returned by the browser 76 to the local server 90 indicating that the operation can proceed further. As shown in Figure 8, in this exemplary operation, the local HTTP server 90 then operates to send an HTML document to the browser 76 that includes a page or screen that tells the client to register his personal identification number or PI. (for its acronym in English) . This HTML document preferably includes interlocked JAVA instructions to cause the device application portion 84 to enable the ATM keyboard 4 so that the machine can receive the PIN number. Dich 31 message is shown schematically in Figure 8 where JAVA script 82 sends a signal to the JAVA subprogram responsible for the keyboard in the sense that it has been asked to enable the keyboard. In response to this, the JAVA subprogram of the device application portion 84 sends a message through intranet 16 to the device server 92. The device server 92 sends a message back through the intrantet to the software portion. which establishes an interface with the 64 devices in the ATM. This message causes the device software to enable the keyboard 40. The JAVA subprogram responsible for enabling the keyboard is also preferably operative to update the register of operations 104 to indicate that the PIN has been requested.

As shown in Figure 9, the PIN registered by means of the keyboard 40 is transmitted from the software portion that establishes interfaces with the devices 64 to the device server 92. The device server 9 returns a message to the JAVA subprogram responsible for s found in the application portion of devices. The JAVA subprogram then operates to cause the JAVA scrip to send a return message through the HTML document handling portion and the browser 76 to the local HTTP server 90. This message includes data representative of the PIN registered by the client.

The HTTP server 90 is then operative either to verify the same PIN or to verify the PIN number and the customer account number by sending it back to the attendant computer 94 and waiting for a response. Alternatively, verification of the customer's PIN can be performed at the ATM through an appropriate subprogram. This can be done in situations where the customer card data, such as an account number, can be correlated with the customer's PIN number through an algorithm. The JAVA scripted in HTML messages can include the data that the subprogram uses to perform this verification function including certain key encryption data. As shown schematically in Figure 9, the subprogram updates and registers operation 104 in an appropriate manner to indicate and record the customer's PIN.

It should be noted that the page or screen that asks the client to register his PIN is generated by the local HTTP service 90. This is preferably a screen that is related to the URL address of a particular client. This will be the interface of the client's bank and will be known to the client. Alternatively, the customer's home can access what will essentially be the "home page" of the customer with the institution that operates the computer system 14. As such, it is not just something that the user is familiar with, but It is ideally designed for your particular operation needs.

The continuation of the flow of operation for this exemplary operation by a client of the institution operating the computer network 14, is schematically shown in Figure 10. The local HTTP server 90 is operational in response to client registration of the correct PIN to send HTM documents to the HTML document handling portion of the software on the computer that operates the ATM. The messages can include screens that indicate to the client to select an operation. For the purposes of this example it will be assumed that the customer registers on the touch screen 30 a selection corresponding to an effective arrangement, which is a common operation of an automatic banking machine.

The selection of the client via the input device of the touch screen is communicated through the HTML document handling portion that communicates a message to the local HTTP server 90. The server 90 then responds by sending another HTML document to the banking machine which tells the client to select a quantity. Again, the customer must record a selection on the touch screen that indicates the amount of cash requested by the customer. This input message again passes through the handling portion of HTML documents and browser 76 back to local server 90.

In response to the reception of the data on the amount entered by the client, the local server 90 is preferably operative to communicate electronically with the auxiliary computer 94 to verify that the client has the requested amount in his account. This is preferably achieved through a Common Access Gateway Interface (CGI) 106 which is in operational connection with the local server 90. For purposes of this operation, it will be assumed that the auxiliary computer 94 indicates that the money is available in the client's account and sends a message through CGI 106 to local server 90 indicating that it can proceed.

As shown schematically in Fig. 11, the local server 90 then functions to send a document back to the HTM document handling portion of the software in the ATM. This message is preferably causing the information to appear on the screen that tells the customer that the operation is in process. In addition, the HTML document preferably includes JAVA script with interlocked instructions that are executed and communicated to the JAVA subprogram with the operation of the sheet dispensing mechanism 42.

The message sent to the JAVA subprogram in the software application portion 84 of the software results in the generation of a TCP / IP message to the device server 92. The message to the device server 92 to dispense cash is preferably analyzed by the software. monitoring 102 to verify whether the message is suitable Specifically, the monitoring software 102 is preferably operative to ensure that the amount of cash being requested does not exceed a previously established amount. It can also optionally verify that the amount provided to this client within a previous period n has exceeded an amount. This can be done by the server of devices sending a message to the auxiliary computer that includes the data of the card that has previously received from the client. This message can pass through the server 90 and the associated CGI or other connection. Assuming that the instruction to provide cash is not impeded by an auxiliary computer message or monitoring software, the device server 92 is operative to send a message that provides the cash to the software portion that establishes interfaces with the ATM devices 64. The software portion 64 is then operative to operate the sheet dispenser mechanism 42 to dispense the amount of effect requested by the customer.

The monitoring software 102 preferably performs additional functions in the server of devices. For example, government regulations or good business practices may require limiting the size and amount of deposits that can be made at an ATM. This may be advisable to prevent "money laundering or other suspicious activities." The monitoring software preferably operates to limit the amount of any individual deposit below a set limit. A series of deposits within a previously established time exceeds a certain limit.The monitoring software can also work in connection with the served cache to limit certain operations that could be performed in the banking machine in response to foreign server instructions, as will be analyzed later.

It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment of the invention the JAVA subprogram which is operative for sending messages and which causes cash to be provided works in connection with another subprogram that controls the mix of bills provided to a customer. Many ATMs have the ability to dispense two or more denominations of banknotes. It is desirable to control the mixed ticket dispensed to a customer to adjust to what is available in the machine and to avoid running out of one denomination of bills before the other. The subprogram d banknote mix is preferably operable to control the mixture of banknotes in accordance with the wishes of the institution operating the ATM as well as according to the capabilities thereof. Alternatively, a JAVA subprogram for controlling the ticket mix may reside in the device program 70 in the software portion that establishes interfaces with the devices 64.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the particular JAVA subprograms of the machine can be selectively loaded from the local server 90 when the machine is started. Since the subprograms can be selectively delivered to particular machines, they can be designed for the particular ticketing capabilities of the ATM.

In response to the supply of the cash dispenser 42 of the requested cash amount, the software program that establishes interfaces with the devices 64 preferably operates to send a supply operation message confirming the same to the JAVA subprogram responsible for the supply in the program of application of devices 84. As shown in Figure 12, the particular subprogram is operative to update the register of operations 104 to indicate the supply of cash to the customer in the particular amount. The embedded instructions of the JAVA script that were operative to cause the money supply to the client as well as would preferably include instructions to send a confirmation message to the local server 90 in the sense that the supply has been completed. The receipt of the supply operation message indicating that the cash was provided causes the JAVA subprsgram to configure the handling portion of HTML documents to send a response message to the device to the local server. The local server is then preferably operated in accordance with s programming to indicate to the auxiliary system 94 that the client received the amount of funds dispensed. This amount is deducted from the customer's account in the records maintained by the auxiliary system.

Generally during an operation it is common to ask the customer if he wants proof of the operation. This can be done at various times during the flow of the operation. In the present example, after the cash is provided to the customer when operating the machine, it sends that message as shown in Figure 13. Local service 90 is operative to send an HTML document that includes a screen that asks the customer if you would like or prove. This message is displayed as part of a page on the digital screen 30 in response to the reception of a message through the browser 76. In response to the client's indication that he or she does not want a receipt, a message is returned to the local server. Again it should be understood that the screens shown to the client are to which the client is accustomed in their headquarters institution, and they can be part of the only initial page. 39 Assuming that the client wishes to obtain proof of the operation, the local server 90 operates as shown in Figure 14 to send a document to the ATM with a JAV script embedded in it indicating that a receipt for the operation should be printed. These instructions in JAVA are communicated to the device application portion 84 that sends a TCP / IP message through the intranet to the device server 92. The device server 92, in turn, communicates with the software portion that it establishes. interfaces with ATM devices 64. In response to receipt of the message, the software portion 64 is operative to cause the printer 4 to print the proof of the customer's operation. The JAVA subprogram responsible for enabling the printer is also preferably operative to update the register of operation 104.

It should be understood that even if the customer does not provide a voucher, it is desirable to print a record of the operation as a printed copy through the daily printer 48. This can be accomplished in response to embedded instructions that are part of the same document from the local server 90 , which caused that the voucher of the operation of the client is printed, can be part of a separate document that indicates that the client has declined the option to receive a proof of the operation. Alternatively, the daily printer can be activated and response to other subprograms. , for example the subprogram qu 40 causes cash to be dispensed or otherwise chosen by the ATM operator. As will be appreciated in the description that follows the operation of the preferred embodiment of the ATM and inherently inflexible and programmable to meet the needs of the system operator.

As shown in Figure 15 upon completion of the printing of the operation receipt, the software portion 6 is preferably operative to send a device operation message to the device server 92 indicating that the function of the requested device was successful. The device server 92 is operative to send a device operation message corresponding to the application portion of devices 84, and in the preferred embodiment to the particular JAVA subprogram responsible for the printing of the receipt. The JAVA subprogram, in turn, configures the handling portion of HTML documents to generate a message back to the local server in the form of a device response message to indicate that it was printed and the customer's receipt.

As shown in Figure 16, after receiving the cash and a voucher, the client is indicated through an HTML document sent by the local server 90, which indicates if he wants to perform another operation. On the tactile screen 30 a page or screen is displayed indicating the client to this respect. For purposes of this example, it will be assumed that the client does not want to perform another operation and a message is returned to that effect through the HTML document handling portion back to local server 90.

As shown schematically in Figure 1 in response to the receipt of a message that the client has finished, the local server 90 is operative to send a "go home" message to the ATM. This message preferably includes an HTML document that thanks the customer, as well as a JAVA script that calls the JAVA subprogram that returns the handling portion of HTML documents to the ATM back to a connection with the URL address in the server. local 90 that transmits the messages to the so-called "modality of attraction".

As indicated schematically in Figure 18, the "go home" command subprogram is operative to configure browser 76. After the HTML document handling portion is configured by the JAVA subprogram to return home, the JAVA subprogram can configured to provide information to the local server 90 with respect to registration of the operation 104 concerning the operation that has just been completed. Because the exemplary operation was done with a client of the institution that operates the computer system 14, all the data concerning the operation and 42 must have been registered in the auxiliary system 94. However, it will be appreciated that this will not be the case if the operation was performed in response to messages from a server operated by a different institution. Thus, the information from operation register 104 may be delivered in response to a "go home" command to local server 90 through the CGI to auxiliary system 94 where it can be identified as duplicate information and discarded.

Of course, in other embodiments, information about the operation may be stored on a data basis for extended periods, instead of devolvers after each operation. Alternatively, the ATM 12 of the present invention may include subprograms that are operable to provide information about the registration of the address other than the local server, if the system operator 14 so desires.

The operation of the computer system when a "foreign" user uses ATM 12 is represented graphically with respect to Figures 19 to 24. An operation with a foreign user who is not a client of the institution operating the AT 12 and the system of computer 14 will be operated under the control of local server 90 and will proceed in the manner of the foregoing example to the point where the client inserts his card. The client inserts a card that has indicia 43 corresponding to a URL address that does not correspond to the local server 90. The handling portion of HTML documents is operative to configure a message addressed to the URL address corresponding to the indications of the customer's card . This message is delivered to cache server 88 which in turn transmits it to the wide area network 18. From the wide area network the message proceeds to a foreign server corresponding to the client's URL address. For purposes of this example the foreign server corresponds to server 96 that is connected to the internet.

As shown in Figure 19, the cache server 88 of the preferred embodiment of the invention included surveillance software graphically indicated by 107. The surveillance software is preferably operable to verify the addresses to which the ATM messages are being directed to. selectively prevent the sending of messages to private homes. This serves as a "fire wall" and is desirable for purposes of preventing fraud in the system.

As shown in Figure 20, the foreign server 96 is preferably operable to communicate documents to the ATM 12 through the wide area network 18. This is preferably done using a secure socket connection ("SSC"). English) in such a way that the risk of message interception is reduced to a minimum. Of course, other techniques, including message encryption, can be applied to minimize the risk of message interception As shown schematically in Fig. 20, the foreign server response document 96 preferably includes JAVA embedded script representative of a digital signature corresponding to and identifies the foreign server 96 A device of its program in the application portion 84 d ATM preferably operates for authorize the digital signature in the manner described in the previous example, and send a message indicating that the operation has been authorized. The digit identity of the foreign institution will be stored in the ATM and, eventually, it will be registered in the auxiliary system 94.

It should be noted that foreign server HTML documents 96 produce the pages or screens of the foreign institution that the foreign client is used to seeing. Preferably, these pages correspond to the "home page" of the foreign user that are specifically designed to meet the needs of that particular user.

Figure 21 shows an example of a document that comes from a foreign server 96 to ATM 12. The document of the foreign server can include JAVA script interlocked that allows the operation of JAVA subprograms in the maner 45 previously analyzed to operate the AT devices 36 And as shown in Figure 21 the TCP / IP messages to the devices coming from the JAVA subprograms pass from the application portion of devices 84 to the server d devices 92, and to the software portion that establishes interfaces with the devices 64 of the device. ATM. The operation messages of the device follow an inverse path As these messages pass through the server d devices 92, the monitoring software 102 monitors them to minimize the risk of fraud or abuse.

As indicated in Figure 21, documents from the foreign server 96 may be operative to display on the touch screen 30 a request from the client to register his PIN. The instructions of the embedded JAVA scrip would include, as in the example of the operation before analyzed, instructions that allow the keyboard 40 to accept the client's PIN. As in the previous example, operation register 104 would be opened with respect to this operation through the device application software portion.

Figure 22 indicates the return of the device operation message and the PIN data to the JAVA subprogram, which in turn transmits the data back to the foreign server 96 through the wide area network 18 using a secure socket connection. From this point on, operation 46 generally proceeds as described above, except that the foreign server 96 sends the HTML documents and receives the TCP / IP messages from the handling portion of the HTML documents of the ATM. The foreign server 96 included JAVA application software necessary to include JAVA scrip embedded in the documents that are sent to the ATM to operate the devices 36 of the machine. As the foreign server 96 operates the machine, however, the monitoring software 102 and the device server 92 are operative to monitor the messages in the manner discussed above. Dich monitoring would operate, for example, to prevent the supply of unusually large amounts of cash from the machine.

As can be seen from the previous presentation, the foreign server 96 can communicate with the user through the touch screen in a language different from that normally used by the clients of the institution operating the computer system 14. Corr. As a result, HTML documents can show a cash request of a type or amount that is not included in the ATM. To accommodate this situation a subprogram is included in the application portion of devices 84 for dealing with foreign currency applications. The foreign moned subroutine causes the ATM to send a message back to the local server in order to calculate the closest amount that can be provided to the client in the currency available in AT 47 that corresponds to the one requested by the client. As you can see this subprogram will be operational to request the particular function address within the local server that is capable of providing this function. When the supply is made, the subprogram is also operative to indicate the server 96 that the quantity supplied differs somewhat from the amount requested by the client. Of course, in other embodiments, other approaches may be applied.

As shown in Figure 23, when the foreign client has completed his operation by indicating it through the touch screen 30, the foreign server 96 is operative to send the message "go home" to the ATM. The reception of this message is operative in the manner previously described to cause the application of devices 84 to operate in response to the instructions of the embedded JAVA script to configure the handling portion of HTML documents and cause the browser 76 to re-establish communication with the local server 90.

As indicated in Figure 24, the subprogram of the device application portion 84 that processes the "go home" message is preferably operative to reconnect the local server 90 as well as to send the informant. about the registration of the operation in the register 104. This information of the operation record that includes the name 48 of the client, the name of the foreign institution, and digital identifier, the information about the quantity and other information pertinent to the operation is communicates to the server 90 through the CGI 106 to the auxiliary system of the headquarters headquarters bank 94 This information is stored in the auxiliary system for later use for purposes of arrangement with the foreign bank that operates the foreign server 96.

It will be appreciated that the preferred embodiment of the machine and automatic banking system of the present invention provides the advantage that when the machine is connected to a wide area network such as the Internet, customers can perform their banking operations virtually anywhere. of the world. In addition, despite the broad capabilities of the system, since the machine is monitored locally, both in terms of connection and activity, the risk of fraud is reduced to a minimum.

Although the preferred embodiment of the machine and automatic banking system of the present invention is shown with respect to a particular type of machine that was specifically made to obtain connectivity with wide-area networks, conventional automatic banking machines can also be adapted for include said capacity. Specifically, the HTML document handling portion and the application portions of devices can be included in another conventional software 49 that operates within an automated banking machine. This allows ATMs to operate either in the conventional propietari network or as part of a wide area network. In addition, automatic banking machines can be configured to operate their devices through the software portion that interfaces with the devices of the invention or through a different software interface when operating in a conventional network. These machines can change to require that the messages of devices pass to. through a device server operating under the control of a server within a wide area network to maintain security in the system. In this way a single ATM could operate in proprietary networks in the manner in which current ATMs do as well as in the network configuration of the system of the invention.

Alternative embodiments of the invention operate to communicate operating messages used in a proprietary ATM network. This can be achieved by using a CGI in connection with either the HTML document handling portion of the ATM or the local HTTP server. The CGI operates in connection with a message conversion program to obtain the necessary data from HTML documents and TCP / IP messages and generates the appropriate operation request messages for the proprietary operations network. Similarly, the message conversion program and the CGI operate to receive function command messages from the proprietary network and convert them into 50 HTML documents or appropriate TCP / IP messages, or both, which can be used by the ATM . Because these proprietary re formats are defined and the data necessary to produce and interpret the messages are known, the use of the AT 12 is achieved directly in a proprietary ATM network.

The ability of the ATM 12 to communicate in a proprietary network also allows the operation of the ATM in a manner in which the interface is generated by the institution thirst of the user in the manner described above, but in which the operations are authorized through messages addressed through a proprietary ATM network. This means that the security of using the proprietary network is achieved at the same time that the customer is provided with the advantages of the family headquarters banking interface or the "personal home page" interface, both.

An additional advantage of the system configuration of the preferred embodiment is that it has a greater flexibility to communicate messages related to the ATM. The device manager 68 preferably generates status messages related to the state of the devices 36. These status messages can commonly represent information about the conditions that exist in the devices. Such messages may indicate that paper supplies for printers or tickets are low or have been depleted. Other messages may indicate that devices n are functioning properly. Often, such messages indicate that the ATM requires service.

The portion of the software that establishes an interface with the devices 64 is communicated through the intrane using TCP / IP messages. Although the messages related to the operations described above are directed to the server d devices 92, the software portion 64 can be configured to handle fault messages to other intranet addresses. For example, such failure messages can be directed to a software application that provides messages to the service provider. In addition, fault messages can be targeted selectively based on the nature of the indicated failure. For example, failure messages indicating a need to replenish money or supplies can be routed to the intranet address related to an entity that has an error. responsibility to replenish supplies. Alternatively, failure messages that indicate a need for other types of services can be directed to a domicili related to an entity that can provide the type of service required.

Alternatively, the selective dispatch to home-fault messages on the intranet 16 can be achieved by properly configuring the device server 92. In addition, either the software portion 64 or the local server 90 of devices 92 can direct messages from failure of the ATMs to a fault management system for example a computer that operates the Event Menagement System ™ software available from Diebold, Incorporated. Said software is operative to resolve the nature of the fault driving and notify the appropriate personnel of the corrective action to be undertaken.

In this way, the new machine and automatic banking system of the present invention achieves the foregoing declared objectives, eliminates the difficulties encountered in the course of previous devices and systems, solves problems, and achieves the desirable results described in this document.

In the above description, certain terms have been used for the sake of brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations are implied therefrom since such terms are applied for descriptive purposes and are intended to be interpreted broadly. Moreover, the descriptions and illustrations provided herein are given by way of examples and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

In the following claims, any characteristic described as a mechanism to carry out a function will be interpreted in the sense that it encompasses any mechanism capable of executing the indicated function and will not be considered limited to the particular mechanism shown and * c executes the function indicated in the above description, or equivalent number.

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

Claims (31)

54 CLAIMS Apparatus comprising: a banking machine, which includes: output device, where the output device sends information to a user; 10 an input device, where a user can enter messages on the machine; 15 a leaf dispensing mechanism; a computer where the computer is in operational connection with the output device, the input device and the 20 sheet dispensing mechanism; software program executable on the computer, including the software:
1. A handling portion of HTM documents in operative connection with the input device 55 and the output device, e where the HTML document handling portion is operative to receive document in HTML format; a device application portion in operational interface relationship with the HTML document handling portion, and wherein the application portion of devices is in operative connection with the sheet dispenser, and wherein the device application portion is operative in response to receipt of the HTML document handling portion of an HTML format document including a supply instruction, which causes the sheet dispensing mechanism to provide at least one sheet.
2. 2. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it also comprises a card reader mechanism in operative connection with the handling portion of HTML documents of the software, wherein the card reader and operative to accept a card, in where the card includes indications about itself, where the indications correspond to the domicile of the system related to the user, and where the portion of handling of HTML documents is operative to cause a message to be generated towards the domicile of the system and response to the signs of the card.
3. 3. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the address of the system for the user includes a URL address.
4. 4. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the banking machine, the HTML document handling portion and the application portion of the devices communicate both messages via TCP / IP, and where the document handling portion. HTML communicates with a first IP port and the application portion of devices communicates with a second IP port.
5. 5. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that the software of the banking machine further comprises a portion of software that establishes interfaces with the devices, and wherein the portion of the software that establishes interfaces with the operating devices. to establish an interface with the sheet dispensing mechanism, wherein the application portion established an interface with the sheet dispensing mechanism through the software portion that establishes interfaces with the 57 devices, and wherein the portion of the software that established Interfaces with the devices communicates with a third IP port.
6. 6. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the handling portion of HTML documents includes a browser.
7. 7. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the instruction to supply an interlocked instruction.
8. 8. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the supply instruction is found in JAVA script.
9. 9. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the application portion d devices includes a first subprogram, wherein the first subprogram is operative to cause the operation of the sheet dispensing mechanism.
10. 10. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the banking machine further comprises a printing mechanism, wherein the printing mechanism is in operative connection with the computer, and wherein the printing mechanism 58 is operative in response to the application portion of the software devices, and wherein the printing operative mechanism to print in response to receipt of the print instruction of the HTML document handling portion.
11. 11. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the banking machine furthermore comprises at least one device, the device being a printing mechanism, a card reader mechanism or a deposit mechanism > and wherein the device is operative responsive to the application portion of software devices and wherein the device is operative in response to receipt of a device instruction sent by the handling portion of HTML documents.
12. 12. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the dispensing mechanism operative to supply the sheets and cause a message operation of the dispenser to be delivered to the application portion of software devices, and where the handling portion of documents HTML is operative as a response to provide a message of operation of the dispenser to send a response message to the same coming from the handling portion of HTML documents.
13. 13. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the device is operational and responsive to its operation to cause a device operation message that will be delivered to the application portion of the software devices, and in where the handling portion of HTML documents is operative in response to the delivery of operation message of the device to send a response message to the device from the handling portion of HTML documents.
14. 14. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that the HTML document including the supply instruction includes a response instruction in which the response instruction is operative to cause the sending of a response response message in response to supply of the supply operation message to the application portion of software devices.
15. 15. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the banking machine additionally comprises a plurality of devices, the devices being operative in response to the application portion c of the software devices, and wherein the application portion of the devices includes at least one operating subprogram to control at least one of the variety of devices.
16. 16. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the software also comprises a portion of software that establishes interfaces with operative device to establish interfaces with the devices, and where the portion of software that establishes interfaces with The devices include an operating device program to establish an interface with a subprogram.
17. 17. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the subprogram is operative to communicate through a second IP port and the program of devices is operative to communicate through a third IP port.
18. 18. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a local HTTP server in operational connection with the handling portion of HTML documents of the banking machine, and where the local HTTP server is operative to send documents HTML to the handling portion of HTML documents of the banking machine software.
19. 19. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the local HTTP server is operative to send the supply instruction to the banking machine. 61
20. 20. The device, as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the HTTP local server includes a local address, and in the HTML document management portion of the software it is operative to send a message to the local address in response to a user registration on the input device.
21. 21. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that the local HTTP server has a local address, and wherein the banking machine also comprises a reader mechanism and cards in operative connection with the application portion of the software devices. , by means of which the card reader mechanism is operative to read the indicia of the cards on a card entered by a user and where the portion of HTML document handling is operative to send a message to the local HTTP server in response to Indications of the card corresponding to the local address.
22. 22. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the indicia of the card also correspond to the identification information related to a file, where the file is related to the user, and where the file is stored in It was operative with the local HTTP server.
23. 23. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that the indicia of the card include a URL address related to the user.
24. 24. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that the file includes at least one HTML document related to the user.
25. 25. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 18, characterized in that it also comprises a cached server in operational connection with the local HTTP server where the local HTTP server has a local address, and the handling portion of HTML documents has an address of machine, and where the cache server is operative to direct messages from the banking machine to the local HTTP server in response to messages including the local address.
26. 26. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 25, characterized in that the cache server is also in operative connection with a wide area network, and wherein the wide area network includes a foreign server, wherein the foreign server has a foreign domicile, and where the banking machine also includes an address registration device in operational connection with the handling portion of HTML documents, and where the handling portion of HTML documents is operative in response to the registration of domiciles 63 foreigners through the address registration device to generate a foreign message addressed to the foreign domicili, and where the cache server is operative and response to the receipt of a foreign address to transmit the foreign message to the wide area network.
27. 27. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 26, characterized in that the cache server includes surveillance software, wherein the surveillance and operative software to prevent the sending of the foreign message to at least one selected foreign domicile.
28. 28. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 26, characterized in that the cache server is operative in response to the reception of a foreign response message from the foreign address addressed to the address of the machine to transmit the message to the handling portion. d HTML documents of the banking machine software.
29. 29. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that it also comprises a server d devices, wherein the application portion of the software device and the software portion establishes interfaces with the devices communicating through the server d devices .
30. 30. The apparatus, as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that the device server includes monitoring software, wherein the monitoring software is operative to limit the operation of the leaf dispensing mechanism.
31. 31. An Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) that includes: a computer; a browser that operates on the computer; a leaf dispensing mechanism in operative connection with the computer, where the leaf dispensing mechanism is operative in response to the reception of at least one HTML format document by the browser, to dispense at least one sheet in the ATM . 65 E S U E N An automatic banking machine (12) is operative to perform operations in response to HTML documents TCP / IP messages exchanged with a local computer system (14) through an intranet (16), as well as in response to messages exchanged with servers foreigners (20, 22, 24 26, 28 and 96) in a wide area network (18). The banking machine includes a computer (34) that has a handling portion of HTML documents (76., 80, 82). The document handling portion HTML is operative to communicate through a server cach (88), with a local HTTP server (90) on the intranet or d foreign servers in the wide area network. The computer further includes a portion of device application (84) which establishes an interface with the HTML document handling portion and dispatches messages to operate the devices (36) on the automatic banking machine. The devices include a sheet dispensing device (42) that supplies cash. The device application portion communicates with a piece of software that establishes interfaces with the devices (64) and the banking machine through a device server (92 on the intranet.) The device server maintains local control over the devices. banking machine devices including the sheet dispenser The banking machine operates to read the indications that are found on the user's card and correspond to a system address The computer is operative to connect the banking machine to the server foreign local, corresponding to the address of the system, and connected server operates the banking machine until the termination of the user's operations.