THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
Section 10
"System and Method for Transaction Preprocessing"
ICICI Bank Limited., of ICICI Bank Towers, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East) Mumbai 400 051 India.
The following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

System and method for transaction preprocessing
Field of Invention
The instant invention relates to systems and methods of transaction pre-processing at transaction terminals wherein user initiated requests can be captured and posted as 'part transactions' in relevant systems of the banking or any other industry. User authentication can be achieved by using identification and/or password on said system. More particularly, the instant invention facilitates preprocessing user requests for products and services by a service provider. The instant invention also relates to integration of various devices and data transmission systems to post the required information in the relevant systems.
Background of the Invention
The key to enhance the efficiency and productivity of any industry operation characterized by user interaction is to reduce and utilize 'customer wait time' more productively. Institutions such as banks have implemented measures such as geographically distributed branch offices, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), phone banking and internet banking. These measures enable customers to transact with convenience while saving the cost of stationary and storage for the banks. Thus, adoption of service automation with modernized technology platform gives much flexibility to the users in comparison to an orthodox banking practice.
In the current scenario, processing of transactions and services is a long winded process. In banks, transactions such as issuance of a Demand Draft ('DD') / Pay Order ('PO'), fund transfer, billing, loan processing and re-payment involve a lot of time and tedious paper work. Similarly, processing requests for services and products such as insurance policies, credit cards and stocks involves a great deal of
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processing time. Presently, the users need to fill up the details in a preprinted document in a predefined format for processing these requests, and then the same needs to be entered into transaction interface to generate the final deliverable by a teller. This process causes huge paper utilization and wastage of the service user's wait time. To this end, certain systems and methods have been employed in present times to mitigate some of these issues.
US Patent No. 5220501 discloses a practical system and method for the remote distribution of financial services (e.g., home banking and bill-paying) involves distributing portable terminals to a user base. The terminals include a multi-line display, keys "pointer to" lines on the display, and additional keys. Contact is established between the terminals and a central computer operated by a service provider, preferably over a dial-up telephone line and a packet data network. Information exchange between the central computer and the terminal solicits information from the terminal user related to requested financial services (e.g., for bill paying, the user provides payee selection and amount and his bank account PIN number). The central computer then transmits a message over a conventional ATM network debiting the user's bank account in real time, and may pay the specified payees the specified amount electronically or in other ways as appropriate. Payments and transfers may be scheduled in advance or on a periodic basis.
US Patent No. 6304860 describes an electronic funds transfer methodology for providing access to a plurality of non-bank loan payment processors (loan servicers) through established ATM (automated teller machine) networks, thereby creating a payment system designed to allow a consumer to initiate an electronic transfer of funds from a primary bank transaction account (e.g., checking account, savings account) to a loan servicer to satisfy an outstanding consumer debt or payment obligation. Automated payment of consumer debt obligations through use


of an ATM network is facilitated by a processor and associated software, which are employed to combine specific consumer loan payment data with specific depository transaction account information through an electronic ATM network for the purpose of affecting a more efficient loan payment/servicing process. Information relevant to the loan payment is electronically communicated from the loan servicer through software designed to access the servicer's loan database.
However, most of these options cater to a clientele maintained by specific banks only and do not cater to users who do not have an account with the particular bank. In a situation wherein a user does not hold an account or a payment card of a specific bank, processing customer requests involve lengthy processes and waiting time. At present, no arrangement exists where customer request can be captured in the form of a 'part transaction' posting in a core transaction server through customer interaction. Moreover, products and services offered by such transaction systems are limited. Hence there is a need for a transaction system which utilizes customer wait time efficiently by implementing at least part-transaction processing during said time. Further, products and services such as issuance of a Demand Draft ('DD') / Pay Order ('PO'), fund transfer, billing, loan processing and repayment, buying policies and stocks could be facilitated by such a system at a single terminal such as a Point of Sale device, hereafter referred to as "POS", at plurality of locations.
Objects and Summary of the Invention
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a system to allow a user to select at least one of a plurality of services, to enter requisite information in the system and to provide acknowledgement to the user with a unique queue reference number.


It is also an objective to provide a means to capture a transaction request in the system as a 'part transaction' by means of authentication, generation of an entry, posting the entry in the mapped system in the entry stage and preparation of an acknowledgement receipt.
It is also an objective of the instant invention to provide a system connected in a network that facilitates storage of data, retrieval of data, and generation of an acknowledgement receipt with at least a unique queue reference number for completion of the transaction.
To achieve the aforesaid objectives the instant invention provides a method for preprocessing and posting a transaction in relevant transaction systems comprising the steps of:
a) inputting information by the user;
b) identifying and selecting at least one of a plurality of transactions;
c) generating the unique queue reference number for the transaction; and
d) generating an acknowledgement for the transaction based on the unique queue reference number.
The present invention further provides for a system for preprocessing a transaction and posting it in the entry stage in relevant systems comprising:
a) input means for inputting information by the user;
b) means for generation of a unique queue reference number for the transaction; and
c) output means for conveying at least an acknowledgement for the
transaction.


Brief Description of Drawings
The detailed description of the system and method for preprocessing transactions are described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the leftmost digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system for implementing a preferred embodiment of the proposed system and method.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system for implementing a preferred embodiment of the proposed system and methods in a POS terminal.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method of implementation of disclosed methods of part-transaction processing.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the flow transfer of information between the system and the server.
Detailed Description of Drawings
System and method of transaction preprocessing are described. The present invention is not intended to be restricted to any particular form or arrangement, or any specific embodiment, or any specific use, disclosed herein, since the same may be modified in various particulars or relations without departing from the


spirit or scope of the claimed invention herein below shown and described of which the system or method shown is intended only for illustration and disclosure of an operative embodiment and not to show all of the various forms or modifications in which this invention might be embodied or operated.
The system can accept a means of user authentication. The details entered by the user are communicated to one or more authentication systems or servers through middleware that facilitates secure data transfer. Once the user is authenticated, a plurality of services and/ or products can be presented to the user. The user can select one or more required services/products through an input means in the system. The information entered by the user can be stored locally as well as posted to one or more relevant transaction systems in the entry stage and an alert can be sent to counter staff or back-end user regarding user's request for transaction. The system can further generate and provide the user with an acknowledgement receipt with a unique queue/reference number for the transaction. The counter staff or back-end user at a service provider' location can verify the user entered information and can post it to the transaction system / servers for final processing. On successful completion of the transaction, the requested product/service can be delivered to the user. In unsuccessful scenarios, such as authentication failures and unavailability of funds or product/service, appropriate messages can be conveyed to the user through the output means. The system can also keep track of each and every transaction entry. The system can further provide for creation of an electronic database and transaction audit trails for future reference and analysis. The system can include options for tracking and displaying transaction history, balances, promotional material and/or advertisements. The system can also be responsible for monitoring the health of all components and connected systems such as display, printing paper, ink, cash reserves and so on.


One embodiment of said system and method of transaction preprocessing is described below. The techniques described herein may be used in many different operating environments and systems. An exemplary environment that is suitable for practicing various implementations is discussed in the following section with respect to the accompanying figures.
Exemplary System
Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system 100 for preprocessing transactions. According to one embodiment, the system 100 comprises input means 102 for entering identification and transaction details, means for generating a unique queue reference number 104, processor 106, storage means 108, one or more network interfaces 110 and output means 112 for outputting at least an acknowledgement receipt with the unique queue/reference number associated with the transaction.
Input means 102 can comprise a card reader to read a plurality of identification card types such as credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, cash cards, ATM cards, loan cards, prepaid cards or any other card based identification mechanism. Input means 102 can further comprise an alphanumeric keypad with "fixed denomination keys", hereafter referred to as FDK and/or a touch screen for entering information. In an embodiment, the account number can be keyed in with a Personal Identification Number for authenticating the user. In alternative embodiments, input means 102 can comprise tactile input devices, voice input devices, biometric input devices and/or a combination of input devices. This enables service for users who hold a bank account as well as those who don't to conduct transactions at the proposed system. Further, transaction processing for persons with disabilities can also be facilitated at the proposed system.


Processor 106 can be a single processing entity or a plurality of entities comprising multiple computing units and can comprise unique queue reference number generation means 104. Storage means 108 can store amongst other data, information regarding the available services and/or products, operational instructions for users, locally stored transaction and/or user details, and service turnaround time. In one embodiment, the storage means 108 can reside on another system such as in the authorization host or transaction server over the network. The system 100 can be connected to one or more networks through one or more network interfaces 110. The network can be a wired or wireless network and/or can include a data pathway (e.g., data transfer buses) at the transaction system. The system 100 can be communicatively coupled to retail shop's intranet or an ATM network, or it may be connected through a wireless network to one or more service providers' transaction system(s)/server(s).
The system 100 can be implemented in a variety of embodiments such as within a payment card terminal, a central payment router, an authorization host, an authorization host in cooperation with a payment card terminal, or an authorization host in cooperation with a payment router. In one embodiment, the identification information input by the user can be sent over the network to authentication servers/authorization hosts. Once the user is authenticated, the details of the available services/products can be retrieved from the storage means 108 and made available to the user through the output means 112. Once the user selects and confirms the requisite service/product using input means 102, system 100 can post the entry in one or more relevant systems over the network in the entry stage. System 100 can further send an alert to counter staff or back-end user posted at service providing banks'/ retail shops' or any other similar service providers' location regarding queuing of the transaction for further processing.


Output means 112 can be a display panel which may also provide additional functionality as an input touch screen. Further, audible components may be included in the system to provide audio output as well as operational instructions for the users. Output means 112 can also comprise a printing assembly that prints an acknowledgement receipt along with a unique queue reference number generated by the unique queue reference number generation means 104 for a specific user transaction. In an embodiment, the counter staff or back-end user can verify the user entered information and on successful verification, deliver the final output to the user. In another embodiment, the verification can be done by the service providers' transaction processing systems/servers. This decreases the wait time involved for a user at a bank or retail shop while expecting issuance of demand drafts, insurance policies, stocks, groceries, and other such service and product offerings.
Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the proposed system as implemented in a POS terminal for displaying the various options for available services and/or products for preprocessing of transactions. A user interface can allow the user to interact with the relevant systems for a transaction. The terminal 200 can have a display means 204 that can display the various options available to the user. The user can select from any of the various options available through data entry panel 202. The various options can list available service and products. In one embodiment, the display screen can be a touch panel and the user can select the various options directly. However FDK can be available for selecting various fixed instruction / details / services / products.
Before proceeding for a transaction a user can authenticate himself in the system by swiping his card on swipe reader 210. If the user has an account with a bank, the user can use the card issued on the user's account or any other card available with the user which is activated in the terminal 200 for acceptance as payment


mode. If the use does not have an account, he can use credit card. This enables both, users with a bank account and those who do not hold an account, to avail of the services provided by the terminal 200. The user can swipe / show the card at the terminal provided with the swipe reader 210 in the terminal. The terminal can read the card details for the identification of the user. In one embodiment, Personal Identification Number ('PIN') through PIN pads 208 can be entered for authorization. The terminal 200 can be hooked up to the authentication server database or any other relevant database through a connector 206 for verifying the user entered details.
Once the user gets authenticated, the terminal 200 can display a plurality of available products and/or services through display means 204. The terminal 200 can further provide the user with instructions for inputting, identifying, selecting, editing, canceling and posting information through display means 204. The user can select the required option of services / product etc. by pressing the corresponding FDK on PIN pad 208. Upon selection of the services, the terminal 200 can provide user a data entry interface to enter the details required for the selected services / product chosen by the user. This can also be managed by providing a touch screen panel or an alphanumeric keypad. Upon receiving the relevant data fields, a unique queue reference number can be generated by the terminal 200 and can be printed through acknowledgement printer 212 for the user for respective service options. Subsequently, the system would proceed to posting the transaction entry in the relevant system in the entry stage. Terminal 200 can also generate and send an alert to the counter staff or back-end user at a service provider's location of the queuing of the transaction for further processing. Services and products such as preprocessing requests for loans, loan repayments, stocks, insurance policies, scheduled and one time bill payments, downloading paid content from the network and so on can be facilitated at the terminal 200.


After following the laid down processes and optional collection of requisite documents from the user, the counter staff or back-end user will issue the final output or deliverables to the users.
Exemplary Method(s)
Exemplary methods for pre-processing transactions are described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Processes 300 and 400 are illustrated as a collection of blocks in a logical flow graph, which represents a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The order in which the process is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks can be combined in any order to implement the process, or an alternate process. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the process without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. For discussion purposes, the processes 300 and 400 are described with reference to the implementations of Fig 1.
Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary method 300 for implementing the proposed method of preprocessing transactions to reduce the amount of customer wait time and providing a plurality of services and/or products through a single system. At block 302, the user inputs identification details into the system through the input means 102. The identification information may be keyed in though input means 102 such as an alphanumeric keypad and/or touch screen. The identification information can also be input through tactile, sound, biometric input devices or a combination of input devices.
At block 304, the user entered details are sent to an authentication server through a communication network. The information is compared with data stored in a


database to authenticate the user. If the authentication fails, appropriate error messages notify the user through output means 112.
At block 306, once the user is authenticated, a list of available services and/or products is made available to the user through output means 112. In one embodiment, the list is displayed on a display panel and/or provided through audio devices. In another embodiment, the various products/services are indicated on the keypad as raised symbols/words. User selects at least one of the services/products listed and enters the requisite details through input means 102. Services and products such as submitting requests for loan processing, scheduled bill payments, request for policies and stocks, airline and railway reservations, ticket purchases, download of content to mobile devices and so on may be made available through this method. Services such as issuance of demand drafts/pay orders, funds transfer, viewing and printing of transaction history and balance checking are also facilitated by the system. In an embodiment, the proposed system can be used in retail and other shops for selecting supplies and items for purchase and subsequent delivery at the check out counter.
At block 308, the user-entered details are posted to relevant systems at entry stage. The data is sent over a wired or wireless network, which may be internet, retailer's internal network or any other similar network to the service providers' relevant server/systems. Once the details are posted in the entry stage in the relevant systems, an indication regarding authorization of the transaction is sent back to the system 100.
At block 310, on receiving a positive indication from the service providers' relevant systems, a unique reference/queue number is generated for the transaction


and is printed and delivered by the output means 112 along with an acknowledgement receipt.
At block 312, the system 100 generates and sends an alert to counter staff or back-end users about the user's request being queued for further processing. The counter staff or back-end user can access and verify the details entered by the user and if needed can also edit certain information for further processing. The counter staff or back-end user may further collect any requisite/pre-defined documents from the user. The transaction is finally confirmed and posted to the relevant systems. The user's records are updated for future references. The details of the user attendance / service turn around time are stored in a database locally and/or transaction server for future records.
Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary process of flow of information between the system and one or more servers or relevant systems 424 using local database 420 through middleware 422. At block 402, the user enters identification information through input means 102 in the system 100.
At block 404, the identification information is transferred using the middleware 422 to one or more relevant systems 424 for authentication. At block 406, the identification information entered is compared against entries in the database of one or more relevant systems 424. If the details are not valid, at block 408, an indication of authentication failure is sent to the system 100 over the network.
At block 410, upon successful authentication of the user, a plurality of services and/or products is conveyed to the user through output means 112. These may be listed under various categories and may be retrieved from local database 420. Selection of a services and/or products is done through input means 102.


At block 412, the user enters the details required for processing the selected transaction using input means 102. Further instructions for operating the system and entering required information are conveyed through output means 112. The instructions may be stored locally in local database 420 or the relevant systems 424. In an embodiment, input means 102 is a touch screen which can also serve as an output device for displaying instructions and warning messages to the user.
At block 414, the system 100 generates an acknowledgement receipt along with a unique queue reference number for the transaction. The acknowledgement receipt along with the unique reference number can be delivered to the user through output means 112. In one embodiment, the acknowledgement receipt including the unique queue reference number can be delivered to the user through a connected printing assembly.
At block 416, the system 100 also generates and sends an alert to the counter staff or back-end user at service provider's location of the queuing of the user's request and/or arrival of the user to collect delivery of service/product. In a preferred embodiment, the alert may be in the form of a message and/or audio indication sent through middleware 422.
At block 418, the transaction is posted into relevant systems 424 in an entry stage. Subsequently, the transaction details may be edited by the counter staff or back-end user for further processing. The counter staff or back-end user can collect any required documents with respect to the transaction post the transaction as a final entry in the relevant systems 424. The final deliverable can subsequently be delivered to the user.
During the entire transaction, the captured transaction details of the user are stored in the local database 420 of the system. The middle ware 422 is used for


asynchronous data transfer from local database to relevant system 424. The local database 420 can be maintained for future records.
The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.
It will readily be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. Thus variations may be made within the scope and spirit of the accompanying claims without sacrificing the principal advantages of the invention.
We claim:
1. A method for preprocessing a transaction comprising the steps of:
a) inputting information by user;
b) identifying and selecting at least one of a plurality of transactions;
c) generating a unique queue reference number for the transaction; and
d) generating an acknowledgement for the transaction based on the unique queue reference number.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step a) comprises the step of
entering an identification number in the transaction system.


3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step a) comprises the step of entering details of the transaction in the transaction system.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step a) includes the step of authenticating the user.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step a) is performed by the user through a payment terminal using a payment card.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step b) further includes the step of confirmation of the transaction by the user before further processing.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step c) further comprises the step of generating and transmitting an alert to a backend user.
8. A system for transaction preprocessing comprising:

a) input means for inputting information by the user;
b) means for generation of a unique queue reference number for the transaction; and
c) output means for conveying at least an acknowledgement for the
transaction.
9. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the input means includes sound input device, identification card reader, alphanumeric keypad, touch screen, tactile input device and biometric device.
10. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the output means includes printing device, sound producing device and display device.
11. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the input means further comprises a


means for authentication for authenticating the user details.
12. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system is a central payment router.
13. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system is an authorization host.
14. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the system is implemented using an authorization host in cooperation with another system.

System and method for transaction preprocessing Abstract
A system and method for preprocessing transactions in relevant transaction processing systems in entry stage is described. User authentication can be achieved by using identification and/or password on said system. A user initiated transaction request can be captured in the system as a 'part transaction' by means of authentication, generation of an entry, posting the entry in one or more relevant systems in the entry stage and preparation of an acknowledgement receipt with a unique queue reference number for the transaction