Interactive point access financial and information system

Abstract

The invention relates to a remote interactive point access banking and information system. Particularly, the invention discloses an integrated set of platforms presenting various service and transaction options to a customer. The invention enables a customer to access personal account information, apply for a loan, make commercial deposits and videoconference, in real-time, with a bank representative at the main office. A software implemented in preferably a mainframe computer provides direct access to the bank's database to which a customer is able to connect to execute transactions. One of the many aspects of the invention includes a plurality of platforms integrated to provide the customer with a full banking service such that the customer is enabled to access and execute all major transactions including internet and fax communications. The invention further provides the customer with information regarding banking services, other investment and finance related intelligence. The invention is modular and expandable to be compatible to emerging technologies such as the internet/intranet, cellular systems and high bandwidth digital communications so that both individual and institutional customers may be able to access full banking services from remote locations. Further, the invention is expandable to enable customers to access their account and execute transactions via the internet worldwide.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An interactive point access financial and information system for providing financial services and processing transactions wherein a customer at a remote location from a bank is able to access and execute a plurality of desired transactions including deposits, withdrawals, loans and further exchange information with a bank representative in real-time on a face-to-face basis, the system comprising: 
 a remote ATM, a depository and videoconferencing device;    a customer station;    a bank representative station including a central processor; and    data, sound and image processing means including interface means operably coupled to said customer station, said bank representative station and said central computer,    said customer station including at least one data entry port to initiate access and execute the plurality of desired transactions including videoconferencing with a bank representative at said bank representative station via said interface means and said bank representative station and said central processor having operable electrical and data communications with said data, sound and image processing means to enable said bank representative to interact with the customer in real-time and further provide the customer access to said central processor.    
     
     
         2 . The system of    claim 1    further including an information source incorporated therewith to provide third party information.  
     
     
         3 . The system of    claim 1    further including a call center incorporated therewith to enable customer interaction with third party product and service sponsors.  
     
     
         4 . The system according to    claim 1    wherein said ATM provides interactive menus displayable on a screen to enable the customer to execute said transactions.  
     
     
         5 . The system according to    claim 1    wherein said depository includes a security box which is operable via command functions at said ATM.  
     
     
         6 . The system according to    claim 1    wherein said depository includes a security box which is operable via command functions at said bank representative station.  
     
     
         7 . The system according to    claim 1    wherein said videoconferencing device includes an interactive terminal with screen displayable menus.  
     
     
         8 . An interactive point access financial and information system for processing transactions wherein at least one customer and a bank are able to remotely exchange real-time data, sound and image to process transactions based on the customer's choices, the system comprising: 
 a remote data, image and sound initiation device;    a customer station;    a banking center including a bank representative station and a central processor; and    a plurality of data, sound and image processing means including interface means operably coupled to said customer station and said banking center,    said customer station including at least one data entry port to initiate access and execute a plurality of desired transactions including videoconferencing with a bank representative located at said bank representative station via said interface means and said bank representative station and said central processor having operable electrical and data communications with said data, sound and image processing means to enable said bank representative to interact with the customer in real-time and further provide the customer access to said central processor.    
     
     
         9 . The system of    claim 8    wherein said initiation device includes a software program implemented in said central processor to perform several interactive operations at an ATM platform, a videoconferencing platform and a depository platform.  
     
     
         10 . The system according to    claim 9    wherein said software program includes structured steps to enable said at least one customer to communicate from a remotely located station with said banking center.  
     
     
         11 . The system according to    claim 10    wherein said structured steps include a set of menus to enable said at least one customer to execute various transactions at said customer station.  
     
     
         12 . The system according to    claim 11    wherein said software program includes interactive menus dedicated to an ATM, a videoconferencing and a commercial depository platform.  
     
     
         13 . The system according to    claim 12    wherein said menu at the ATM includes structured steps for cash withdrawal, balance enquiry, fund transfers, financial profile, ticket dispensing options, and operating a box at said commercial depository platform.  
     
     
         14 . The system according to    claim 13    wherein said structured steps include steps for loans, deposits, services, investment, resource tools, promotions and additional services access including the option to interact with a banking representative in person.  
     
     
         15 . A method of providing an interactive point access banking and information system wherein a person at a remote location from a bank is able to access and execute transactions and optionally is able to hold a video-conferencing session with the bank representative in real-time, comprising the system-implemented steps of: 
 providing a remote data, image and sound reception and transmission platform;    providing means for initiating contact with the bank;    providing means for alerting a bank representative to respond to a videoconference call from the customer station; and    providing interface means for a two-way data transmission and reception.    
     
     
         16 . A remote interactive point access virtual financial and information system including a virtual retail work station wherein an ATM, a commercial depository, a videoconferencing and information and transaction platforms are integrated to provide an expandable interactive financial module, the system comprising: 
 a videoconferencing station;    a commercial depository station;    an ATM station;    a bank center;    means for displaying information;    a central processor;    said videoconferencing, said night depository, said ATM, said bank center and said means for displaying information being in communication with said central processor; and    means for communicating information and means for executing transactions structured to cooperate with said videoconferencing station, said night depository station, said ATM station, said central processor and said bank center,    interface means to access account information and exchange data between said videoconferencing station, said night depository, said ATM station, said bank center, said means for displaying information and said computer.