WO2005008390A2

WO2005008390A2 - System, method, and computer program product for personal document management

Info

Publication number: WO2005008390A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/021767
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert William John Shannon
Original assignee: Electronic Data Systems Corporation
Priority date: 2003-07-11
Filing date: 2004-07-08
Publication date: 2005-01-27
Also published as: EP1644889A2; CA2532051A1; AU2004258540A1; WO2005008390A3; EP1644889A4

Abstract

A system, method, and computer program product for allowing persons to scan and archive electronic versions of paper documents at any automated transaction machine. The electronic documents are then archived on a server in a central repository, preferably managed by the bank itself, and/or returned to the user via email or on a removable medium such as a disk, CDROM, or non-volatile memory. In this way, individuals can conveniently enjoy the benefits of electronic document archival, without the expense of purchasing the required hardware or software themselves. Other embodiments allow the user to retrieve and print archived documents.

Description

SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR PERSONAL DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed, in general, to personal document storage and management, and more specifically to publicly accessible document management tools .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Document storage and management has become an important issue for many businesses. Recordkeeping and documentation requirements ensure that there is an ever-growing collection of documents that must be retained for extended periods of time. Of course, storing these documents often takes an enormous amount of space, and if sent offsite to a document- archival site, is also more expensive as the document collection grows . This cost and inconvenience is ongoing for as long as the documents are retained, often indefinitely. Many businesses have addressed this issue by storing only an electronic version or image of the actual documents, by scanning or imaging each document, indexing and archiving the electronic version, and destroying the paper originals. The electronic version can then be used to reproduce the original document when needed. The electronic documents can then be stored on any suitable computer-readable medium, and therefore take up very little space when archived. Further, the expense and inconvenience of the imaging process is a one-time cost, and storing the electronic documents does not carry the ongoing storage expense of paper documents. The same document-storage issues are becoming an increasing concern to individuals, families, and small businesses. Unfortunately, these people usually do not have access to the same electronic document management hardware and software as large businesses, and can't afford to acquire them. As a result, these people currently have no reasonable option except to continue to store paper copies of all important documents . There is, therefore, a need in the art for a system and method for enabling persons to quickly and conveniently convert paper documents to electronic documents, to archive the electronic documents, and to retrieve and reproduce the electronic documents .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for enabling persons to quickly and conveniently convert paper documents to electronic documents, to archive the electronic documents, and to retrieve and reproduce the electronic documents . According to a preferred embodiment, there is a system and method for allowing persons to scan and archive electronic versions of paper documents at any automated transaction machine. The electronic documents are then archived on a server in a central repository, preferably managed by the bank itself, and/or returned to the user via email or on a removable medium such as a disk, CDROM, or non-volatile memory. In this way, individuals can conveniently enjoy the benefits of electronic document archival, without the expense of purchasing the required hardware or software themselves. The preferred embodiment similarly allows the user to retrieve and print archived documents. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may readily use the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms "include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith, " as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, • be proximate to, be bo^*und to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term "controller" means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, whether such a device is implemented in hardware, firmware, software or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers designate like objects, and in which: Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of an ATM with integrated scanner and printer, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 depicts a block diagram of a network system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 depicts a flowchart of a process in accordance with a preferred embodiment; and Figure 4 depicts a flowchart of a process in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIGURES 1 through 4, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present invention may be implemented in any suitably arranged device . The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred embodiment. According to a preferred embodiment, there is a system and method for allowing persons to scan and archive ele'ctronic versions of paper documents at any automated transaction machine. The electronic documents are then archived on a server in a central repository, preferably managed by the bank itself, and/or returned to the user via email or on a removable medium such as a disk, CDROM, or non-volatile memory. In this way, individuals can conveniently enjoy the benefits of electronic document archival, without the expense of purchasing the required hardware or software themselves. The preferred embodiment similarly allows the user to retrieve and print archived documents . Automated transaction machines (ATMs) are known in the prior art. One very common type of automated transaction machine is an automated teller machine. ATMs have been developed which are capable of performing a variety of transactions. These transactions may include the dispensing of currency notes or other documents of value. ATMs may also accept deposits in the form of sheets or envelopes. ATMs are also sometimes provided with the capabilities of dispensing or receiving tickets, travelers checks, vouchers, stamps, gaming materials or other items of value. Other types of automated transaction machines may be operated by service providers such as cashiers and bank tellers. Such transaction machines may dispense or receive cash or other documents. Other types of automated transaction machines may include currency counting units, currency acceptors, scrip terminals or other devices. For purposes of this disclosure, an automated transaction machine shall be considered to be any machine that is capable of carrying out transactions involving transfers of value. It is common for some types of automated transaction machines to provide the user with a printed record or receipt for each transaction. Such receipts typically show the type of transaction and the value or amount involved. Other information may also be included on the receipt depending on the type of machine and the transaction. Receipts may include information such as the user's name, the time of day, a location where the transaction was conducted, an account involved as well as one or more account balances. Certain types of automated transaction machines also enable a user to obtain a printed record of transactions that have been conducted. This record may comprise an account statement that indicates activity concerning a particular account. For example, a consumer operating certain ATMs may obtain an account statement that shows additions and withdrawals to their savings or checking account. An account statement, in the case where the transaction machine is operated by a service provider, may include information concerning transactions carried out by the service provider or transactions carried out at a particular machine. Such statements may include information concerning a plurality of transactions that were conducted over a certain time period or information concerning transactions of particular types or in , particular categories . Figure 1 depicts a block diagram of an ATM with integrated scanner and printer, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present • invention. While this particular ATM is described as an automated-teller machine, those of skill in the art will recognize that the integrated scanner and techniques disclosed herein can be easily applied to any type of ATM. ATM 100 includes a processor 105, which is connected to operate display 110 via a conventional video processing device, not shown. Processor 105 is also connected to operate memory 115, which can be a random-access memory, and non-volatile storage 120, which can be a non-volatile memory, a magnetic disc, an optical media, or any other suitable non-volatile storage. The memory 115 and/or nonvolatile storage 120 can also include a read-only memory. Processor 105 also communicates with input device 125, which can be a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, or any other keypad, touchpad, or other input device. For simplicity or description and illustration, it is understood that input device 125 can include multiple different input devices, and typically will include a card reader for reading magnetic cards such as debit and credit cards. Processor 105 also controls currency receiver 130, which is configured to detect, receive, and validate currency, and currency dispenser 135, which is ^• configured to dispense currency to a user. Further, the processor 105, currency receiver 130, and currency dispenser 135 all interact with currency storage 155, so that received currency can be stored, and stored currency can be dispensed. Of course, where the claimed embodiments are not integrated into an automated teller machine, currency receiver 130, currency dispenser 135, and currency storage 155 may be omitted. Processor 105 also communicates with scanner 140, that is preferably a sheet-fed scanner capable of receiving and scanning multiple paper sizes and types, including but not limited to A4, letter, and legal sizes, and other irregular sizes such as store receipts, checks, etc. Scanner 140 is configured to receive documents from a user, scan them, and then return the original documents to the user. Processor 105 also communicates with printer 145, that is preferably capable of printing multiple paper sizes, including but not limited to A4 and letter-sized paper. The printer can be a dot-matrix printer, thermal printer, laser printer, Inkjet printer, or any other type of printer as is common. Of course, to reduce expense or complexity, the printer in any particular implementation can be limited to printing only a specific size or type of paper. Processor 105 also communicates with multimedia storage unit (MMSU) 150. MMSU 150 is a device capable of storing data to one or more types of removable computer-readable media, so that the user can retain the media with any necessary data stored thereon. In the preferred embodiment, the MMSU 150 is capable of reading from and writing to one or more of the following types of removable media: CD-RW (normal 5" - 640MB), CD-RW (mini/pocket 3" 185MB), or any- sized, FLASH memory sticks (of any common type, capacity, or interface), 3.5" "floppy" diskette, and DVD+/-RW. Processor 105 also communicates with communications device 160, which can be a modem, network interface card, or any other known device for communicating with other data processing systems. Communications device 160 is used to send and receive data to and from server systems, as described below. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, some functions and processes described herein can be performed by the ATM as a stand-alone unit; other functions and processes are performed as part of the networked system described below. Further, the block diagram of Figure 1 omits, for simplicity of display and illustration, other known components and interfaces such as system buses, device interfaces, adapters, and other components that need not be described to enable one of skill in the art to reproduce the claimed inventions . Figure 2 depicts a block diagram of a network system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the' present invention. In this figure, server 205 is shown communicating with storage 210, scan/print system 215, and ATM systems 220. ATM systems 220 are, in the preferred embodiment, as described as ATM 100 with relation to Figure 1. They communicate, using any suitable electronic means, such as via telephone modem, xDSL, fiber optic, wireless, etc., with server 205. These communications will include data pertaining to document storage and retrieval, financial transactions, and other functions, as known in the art and/or as specifically described below. Server system 205 is a data processing system server, configured to communicate with multiple different client systems, such as storage 210, scan/print system 215, ATM systems 220, and others. Server system, in some embodiments, is operated by a financial institution to perform standard banking and financial transactions as are familiar to users and operators of automated teller machines, in addition to other functions described herein. Server system 205 is used, in various embodiments, to manage the document management functions described herein. Storage 210 is preferably a large-volume data storage device, such as a magnetic or optical drive system, or other common data storage device, and is also understood to include multiple data storage devices operable by the server system 205. Further, it is understood that storage 210 and server system 205 may be co-located or placed at different locations, may be integrated into a single data processing system, or be otherwise structured as known to those of skill in the art, so long as they are capable of together performing the functions described and claimed herein. Scan/print system 215 is preferably a high speed, high- volume document printing and scanning system, which can be implemented in a separate document printer and document scanner. The scan/print system communicates with server 205, and is used for processing higher volumes of documents (contrasted with ATMs 220, which are intended for low-volume document processing) . The scan/print system 215 can be located in the same facility as server 205, or in a separate facility altogether. In various embodiments, the single or multiple scan/print systems are present in the network, and scan/print servers are located at banks, post offices, and other retail or service establishments. It should be noted that in different embodiments, as described or claimed below, the network system 200 can include or omit scan/print systems 215, ATMs 220, or multiples of each, depending on the user or service provider requirements . Figure 3 depicts a flowchart of a process for scanning and archiving documents in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Here the user approaches the ATM and identifies himself (step 305) , typically by allowing the ATM to scan a magnetic stripe on an ATM card and entering a corresponding PIN, as is well known in the art. Of course, the user could simply enter a user identification, with or without a password, using any known means. The ATM will then verify this identification with a server system (step 310) . The ATM will present a list of functions to the user (step 315), and will receive the user's choice to scan documents (step 320) . The ATM will prompt the user to insert documents (step 325) , and the user will place the documents in the scanner sheet feeder. The ATM will scan the documents into memory (step 330) as an electronic document. The electronic document can be in any suitable form, such as a JPEG file, a TIFF file, an Adobe PDF file, or other form. The ATM will then associate a set of identifying keywords or tags with each document (step 335) . These keywords are obtained either by automatically performing an optical character recognition (OCR) on the document, or by receiving them as an entry from the user. The ATM will receive the user's choice of storage locations (step 335) , either on a removable media, or on server storage, or both. The ATM will then store the electronic document, along with the user identification and any identifying keywords, according to the user's preference (step 340), by storing it on the removable media, transmitting it to a server system for storage, or both. The process then ends (Step 345) ; the user can then opt to scan additional documents, perform another function on the ATM, or quit using the ATM altogether. If the user had stored the electronic documents to a removable media, the user can remove the removable media from the ATM. Figure 4 depicts a flowchart of a process for retrieving and printing documents in accordance with a preferred embodiment. Here the user approaches the ATM and identifies himself (step 405) , typically by allowing the ATM to scan a magnetic stripe on an ATM card and entering a corresponding PIN, as is well known in the art. Of course, the user could simply enter a user identification, with or without a password, using any known means. The ATM will then verify this identification with a server system (step 410) . The ATM will present a list of functions to the user (step 415), and will receive the user's choice to retrieve electronic documents, and indicate the source of the electronic documents, either on a removable media that the user inserts into the ATM to be read, or from a document storage on a server system (step 420) . The ATM will retrieve a list of electronic documents from the selected source (step 425) , including, in the preferred embodiment, keywords or meta-tags associated with each documents. The ATM will display a list of electronic documents to the user (step 430) , and will optionally receive search terms from the user, search the electronic documents for the terms, and display electronic documents that match the search terms (step 435) . The ATM will then receive the user's selection of one or more electronic documents (step 440) . The ATM will retrieve the electronic documents from the selected source into the ATM memory. The ATM will then print the selected electronic documents, using an integrated printer (step 445) , and optionally allowing the user to select the paper size and type for the printout. Preferably, the electronic document will contain information defining the default print parameters . The process then ends (step 450) ; the user can then opt to scan additional documents, perform another function on the ATM, or quit using the ATM altogether. If the user had stored the electronic documents to a removable media, the user can remove the removable media from the ATM. According to another embodiment of the invention, after a user has scanned and archived electronic copies of his documents on the server storage system, he can then list, search, and retrieve the documents from home or any other location using a conventional web browser. The user will connect with a server system using his web browser, over the internet, and will "enter his user identification. After being validated, the user can then access the electronic copies of his documents, and can view them, save them to a local storage device, and/or print them. The methods and means for accessing documents over the internet are known to those of skill in the art. Charging the user for the use of the document management system is particularly convenient when an automatic teller machine is used. The ATM is already capable of performing financial transactions, including cash transactions and crediting/debiting bank and credit card accounts, according to known methods. In some disclosed embodiments, therefore, any charges for document scanning, storing, retrieving, or printing are calculated by the ATM and collected from the user, either by receiving currency or by charging the user's bank or credit accounts. According to at least some embodiments, in addition to storing documents on removable media or on a server system, or printing them for the user, the ATM is capable of emailing a copy of the electronic document to an email address specified by the user. According to at least some embodiments, when the user inserts a removable media into the MMSU, the ATM will scan the contents of the removable media to ensure that no viruses are present. According to at least some embodiments, the document processing functions are performed in bulk by a processing center, e.g., at a bank or "copy shop." In this case, the document owner would simply giver his stack of documents to an employee of the facility. The employee would scan the documents substantially as described with regard to Figure 3, and using a scan/print system as shown in Figure 2, preferably allowing the system to automatically "OCR the documents to identify keyword identifiers. The electronic documents would then be stored either on a server or on a removable media, as requested by the document owner. The original documents are then returned to the owner. If the electronic documents are stored on a server, the document owner is preferable given means to access the documents either over the internet, at an ATM, or both, as described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, for simplicity and clarity, the full structure and operation of all systems suitable for use with the present invention is not being depicted or described herein. Instead, only so much of an ATM system and network as is unique to the present invention or necessary for an understanding of the present invention is depicted and described. The remainder of the construction and operation of the disclosed systems may conform to any of the various current implementations and practices known in the art. It is important to note that while the present invention has been described in the context of a fully functional system, those skilled in the art will appreciate that at least portions of the mechanism of the present invention are capable of being distributed in the form of a instructions contained within a machine usable medium in any of a variety of forms, and that the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of instruction or signal bearing medium utilized to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of machine usable mediums include: nonvolatile, hard-coded type mediums such as read only memories (ROMs) or erasable, electrically programmable read only memories (EEPROMs) , user-recordable type" mediums such as floppy disks, hard 'disk drives and compact disk read only memories (CD-ROMs) or digital versatile disks (DVDs) , and transmission type mediums such as digital and analog communication links . Although an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, variations, and improvements of the invention disclosed herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: THE SCOPE OF PATENTED SUBJECT MATTER IS DEFINED ONLY BY THE ALLOWED CLAIMS. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC §112 unless the exact words "means for" are followed by a participle .

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An automated teller machine comprising: a processor capable of accessing a memory; a user input device, controllable by the processor; a currency receiver, controllable by the processor, for receiving currency; a currency dispenser, controllable by the processor, for dispensing currency; a printer, controllable by the processor, for printing documents; and a scanner, controllable by the processor, for scanning documents, wherein the automated teller machine is operable to scan a document and create a corresponding electronic document in the memory.

2. The automated teller machine of claim 1, further comprising a communications device for transferring electronic documents between the automated teller machine and a server system.

3. The automated teller machine of claim 1, further comprising a display.

4. The automated teller machine of claim 1, wherein the printer is capable of printing letter size, legal size, and A4 size paper.

5. The automated teller machine of claim 1, wherein the scanner is capable of scanning letter size, legal size, and A4 size paper.

6. The automated teller machine of claim 1, further comprising a multimedia storage unit capable of communicating with a removable media.

7. A method for archiving documents using an automated transaction machine, comprising: receiving a user identification in an automated transaction machine; verifying the user identification; receiving a document to be scanned; scanning the document; creating an electronic document corresponding to the document; and storing the electronic document.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the user identification is verified with a server system.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising transmitting the electronic document to a server system.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the electronic document is stored on a removable media.

11. The method of claim 7, further comprising charging a fee to an account on a server system associated with the user identification.

12. The method of claim 7, further comprising receiving at least one keyword, from a user, associated with the document.

13. The method of claim 7, further comprising performing an optical character recognition process on the electronic document to determine at least one keyword, the keyword being associated with the electronic document.

14. The method of claim 7, further comprising sending the electronic document to a user via email.

15. The method of claim 7, wherein the electronic document, after being stored, is accessible via the internet.

16. A computer program product tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium, comprising: instructions for receiving a user identification in an automated transaction machine; instructions for verifying the user identification; instructions for receiving a document to be scanned; instructions for scanning the document; instructions for creating an electronic document corresponding to the document; and instructions for storing the electronic document.

17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the user identification is verified with a server system.

18. The computer program product of claim 16, further comprising instructions for transmitting the electronic document to a server system.

19. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the electronic document is stored on a removable media.

20. The computer program product of claim 16, further comprising instructions for charging a fee to an account on a server system associated with the user identification .

1. The computer program product of claim 16, further comprising instructions for receiving at least one keyword, from a user, associated with the document.

22. The computer program product of claim 16, further comprising instructions for performing an optical character recognition process on the electronic document to determine at least one keyword, the keyword being associated with the electronic document.

23. The computer program product of claim 16, further comprising instructions for sending the electronic document to a user via email .

24. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein the electronic document, after being stored, is accessible via the internet.

25. A method of processing electronic documents on automated transaction machine, comprising: receiving a user identification in an automated transaction machine; verifying the user identification; retrieving a list of electronic -documents corresponding to the user identification; displaying the list of electronic documents; receiving a selection of a first electronic document; and printing a document corresponding to the first electronic document.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the user identification is verified with a server system.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the list of electronic documents are retrieved from a server system.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the electronic document is retrieved from a removable media.

29. The method of claim 25, further comprising charging a fee to an account on a server system associated with the user identification.

30. The method of claim 25, further comprising receiving at least one keyword associated with at least one document in the list of documents .

31. The method of claim 25, further comprising performing a keyword search, on the list of documents, to identify a specific document.

32. The method of claim 25, further comprising sending the electronic document to a user via email.

33. The method of claim 25, wherein the electronic document is accessible via the internet.

34. A computer program product tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium, comprising: instructions for receiving a user identification in an automated transaction machine; instructions for verifying the user identification; instructions for retrieving a list of electronic documents corresponding to the user identification; instructions for displaying the list of electronic documents; instructions for receiving a selection of a first electronic document; and instructions for printing a document corresponding to the first electronic document.

35. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the user identification is verified with a server system.

36. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the list of electronic documents are retrieved from a server system.

37. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the electronic document is retrieved from a removable media.

38. The computer program product of claim 34, further comprising instructions for charging a fee to an account on a server system associated with the user identification.

39. The computer program product of claim 34, further comprising receiving at least one keyword associated with at least one document in the list of documents.

40. The computer program product of claim 34, further comprising instructions for performing a keyword search, on the list of documents, to identify a specific document.

41. The computer program product of claim 34, further comprising instructions for sending the electronic document to a user via email .

42. The computer program product of claim 34, wherein the electronic document is accessible via the internet.

43. A method for document archival, comprising: receiving, from a customer, at least one document for archival; scanning the document to produce a corresponding electronic document; performing an optical character recognition process on the electronic document to determine at least one keyword, the keyword being associated with the electronic document; storing the electronic document and associated keyword in a storage device accessible by a server system; and thereafter providing access to the electronic document to the customer over a computer network.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising enabling a user to locate the electronic document based on the associated keyword.

45. The method of claim 43, further comprising storing the electronic document on a removable media, the removable media being returned to the customer.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein customer can access the electronic document from his home.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the customer can access the electronic document from an automated transaction machine.

48. The method of claim 43, wherein the scanning is performed by a high-volume scan/print system.

49. The method of claim 43, wherein the electronic document is a digital image of the document.

50. The method of claim 43, wherein the method is performed by a financial institution.

51. The method of claim 43, further comprising charging the customer according to the number of documents received.