CARD RECYCLING

Abstract

 A self-service terminal (20) comprises a user interface (23). A method of operating the terminal (20) comprises receiving (51) a card (10) from a user and receiving (55) input, via the user interface (23), indicating that a user wishes to recycle the card. The method retains (59) the card (10) at the terminal (20) based on the received input. The terminal may communicate (58) with the card (10) to block the card from performing further transactions before retaining the card at the terminal (20). The terminal may store the card in a card storage receptacle within the terminal (20) which is dedicated to storing cards for recycling. The method may display (54) a menu option on the user interface (23) of the terminal for a user to recycle a card. The method may determine whether to display the menu option on the user interface (23) based on an expiry date of the card (10).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Integrated circuit cards (ICC), or chip cards, are in widespread use. Chip cards comprise an integrated circuit embedded within a body of the card. The integrated circuit provides a secure environment for executing an application, such as a payment application. The chip card can comprise a contact interface and/or a contactless interface. A contact interface comprises a set of conductive pads on the surface of the chip card for providing an electrical connection between the card and an external reader. A contactless interface comprises an antenna embedded within the card for supporting a wireless (near field communication) connection between the card and an external reader.

[0002] More recently, chip cards have been developed with additional components such as a display and/or a battery.

[0003] A chip card typically has an expiry date. Upon expiry, a card user is encouraged to securely dispose of their card, such as by shredding the card or by cutting the card into pieces. Expired cards are usually discarded along with domestic rubbish. Cards, especially those with a battery, contain materials which can be recycled, or materials which should not be disposed of along with domestic rubbish.

SUMMARY

[0004] An aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a self-service terminal, the terminal comprising a user interface, the method comprising:

receiving a card from a user;

receiving input, via the user interface, indicating that a user wishes to recycle the card; and

retaining the card at the terminal based on the received input.

[0005] The method may communicate with the card to block the card from performing further transactions before retaining the card at the terminal.

[0006] The retaining may store the card in a card storage receptacle within the terminal which is dedicated to storing cards for recycling.

[0007] The method may determine if the card comprises a battery and the retaining may comprise storing the card in a card storage receptacle within the terminal which is dedicated to cards for recycling which comprise a battery.

[0008] The method may determine if the card comprises a display and the retaining may comprise storing the card in a card storage receptacle within the terminal which is dedicated to cards for recycling which comprise a display.

[0009] The method may display a menu option on the user interface of the terminal for a user to recycle a card; and determine when the user selects the menu option to recycle a card.

[0010] The method may determine whether to display the menu option on the user interface based on an expiry date of the card.

[0011] The method may determine whether to display the menu option on the user interface based on a comparison of a current date with the expiry date of the card.

[0012] The method may determine whether to display the menu option on the user interface of the terminal for a user to recycle a card based on information about whether a new or replacement card has been issued.

[0013] The method may: request, via the user interface, a PIN code from the user; receive an entered PIN code; and determine if the entered PIN code corresponds to a special code, indicating that the card is intended for recycling.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention provides a self-service terminal comprising:

a slot to receive a card (10) from a user;

a user interface configured to receive input indicating that a user wishes to recycle the card; and

wherein the terminal is configured to retain the card at the terminal based on the received input.

[0015] The self-service terminal may be configured to communicate with the card to block the card from performing further transactions before retaining the card at the terminal.

[0016] The self-service terminal may be configured to retain the card by storing the card in a card storage receptacle within the terminal which is dedicated to storing cards for recycling.

[0017] The self-service terminal may be configured to display a menu option on the user interface of the terminal for a user to recycle a card; and determine when the user selects the menu option to recycle a card.

[0018] The self-service terminal may be configured to perform any of the described or claimed method.

[0019] An advantage of at least one example of the disclosure is that a card can be collected for recycling in an environmentally-friendly manner. For example, cards containing a battery can be collected for recycling materials from the battery, such as toxic metals.

[0020] An advantage of at least one example of the disclosure is that pollution and/or litter is reduced.

[0021] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate.

[0022] The functionality described here can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processing apparatus, or by a combination of hardware and software. The processing apparatus can comprise a computer, a processor, a state machine, a logic array or any other suitable processing apparatus. The processing apparatus can be a general-purpose processor which executes software to cause the general-purpose processor to perform the required tasks, or the processing apparatus can be dedicated to perform the required functions. Another aspect of the invention provides machine-readable instructions (software) which, when executed by a processor, perform any of the described or claimed methods. The machine-readable instructions may be stored on an electronic memory device, hard disk, optical disk or other machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium can be a non-transitory machine-readable medium. The term "non-transitory machine-readable medium" comprises all machine-readable media except for a transitory, propagating signal. The machine-readable instructions can be downloaded to the storage medium via a network connection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a system comprising a self-service terminal;

Figures 2A-2C show types of card;

Figure 3 shows a method of operating a self-service terminal;

Figures 4A-4C show example user interface displays during operation of the self-service terminal;

Figure 5 shows a method of implementing a special PIN code for recycling a card;

Figure 6 shows apparatus for a computer-based implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figure 1 schematically shows an example of a system comprising a self-service terminal, or Automated Teller Machine (ATM), 20. Self-service terminals 20 are widely deployed in banks, shopping centres and other public locations. Typically, a self-service terminal 20 provides a range of services to card users, such as: cash withdrawal; cash deposit; balance queries; Personal Identification Number (PIN) services. The self-service terminal 20 comprises a user interface 23, such as a display with physical buttons located alongside the display, or a touch-sensitive display which is capable of displaying information and receiving user input. The self-service terminal 20 comprises a slot 21 for receiving a card 10 and a card interface 21A configured to communicate with the card. The card interface 21A may communicate using an electrical connection to contacts (13, Figures 2A-2C) on the card 10, or by reading a magnetic strip on the card. The self-service terminal 20 comprises a processor 22 which is configured to operate the terminal. The self-service terminal 20 comprises one or more card storage receptacles 25, 26. The card storage receptacles can comprise hoppers or magazines to store retained cards. If the terminal has a plurality of storage receptacles, the card storage receptacles can be dedicated to particular types of cards, or cards with particular components, e.g. cards with batteries in hopper #1, cards without batteries in hopper #2. The card storage receptacles can store retained cards as a stack. The use of card storage receptacles of this kind has an advantage of minimising volume occupied by the retained cards within the terminal and has an advantage of allowing easier transfer of the retained cards to another machine. The self-service terminal 20 comprises a communications interface 24. The self-service terminal 20 can communicate with an authorisation entity 40, such as a bank, via the communications interface 24 and a communications network 30.

[0025] Figures 2A-2C show three possible types of integrated circuit cards (ICC), or chip cards, 10. The self-service terminal 20 may be capable of receiving one or more of these types of card 10. Figure 2A shows a conventional chip card with a secure element 12 embedded in the card. The secure element 12 is an integrated circuit. The secure element 12 can support payment applications, such as a credit payment application and/or or a debit payment application. The card 10 can conform to the Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) Specifications. The secure element 12 is connected to at least one external interface 13, 14. External interface 13 is a contact interface 13 with a set of electrically conductive pads on an external surface of the card. The conductive pads can connect to power supply rails provided by a reader. The conductive pads can connect to an input/output signal line and a clock line of the reader. External interface 14 is a contactless interface 14 with a loop antenna embedded in the card. The card may be provided with just a contact interface 13 or with both a contact interface 13 and a contactless interface 14.

[0026] Figure 2B shows a chip card with additional components. The card 10 has a secure element 12 and one or more external interfaces 13, 14 as described for Figure 2A. Additionally, the card has a display 16 and a battery 18. This type of card can be used for dynamic Card Verification Value (dCVV) cards. The card displays a CVV code which is updated during operation of the card for increased security. For example, the dCVV code may change every hour. The battery 18 powers the display 16 and circuitry for generating the dCVV code. An example of this card is described in US 2014/0279555A1.

[0027] Figure 2C shows a chip card with additional components. The card 10 has a secure element 12 and one or more external interfaces 13, 14 as described for Figure 2A. Additionally, the card has a user interface 15. The user interface 15 can comprise a display 16 or one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The user interface 15 can comprise one or more user input elements, such as buttons. The card can comprise a battery 18 to power the card. This type of card can be used to allow a user to control the function of the card at a particular point in time. For example, the user may select a payment function (or a particular type of payment function such as credit or debit) or a travel pass function.

[0028] The type of cards shown in Figures 2B and 2C may include materials which should be recycled in a specialised manner. That is, the card may include materials which should not be disposed along with domestic rubbish. For example, the battery 18 may comprise metals such as Lithium, Phosphorous.

[0029] Figure 3 shows an example method which can be performed by the self-service terminal 20 of Figure 1. The terminal receives a card from a user (51). The terminal can detect when a user has inserted a card into the terminal. The terminal displays menu options on the user interface 23 of the terminal 20 (52). The menu options can include one or more of: a menu option to enter a PIN (53); a menu option to recycle a card (54). The terminal may initially display a message inviting a user to enter their PIN and then, after a user has successfully entered their PIN, display an option to recycle a card. Another possibility is that the terminal may display an option for "additional services" and then display an option to recycle a card as one of the additional services. Another possibility is that a user may enter a special code instead of their PIN. This informs the terminal 20 that the user wishes to recycle their card.

[0030] The terminal receives input, via the user interface 23 of the terminal 20, indicating that a user wishes to recycle their card (55). The input may be received via one of the options (special code, menu option) described above. Optionally, the terminal may block the card (57). This can comprise communicating with the card to block the card (58). This can comprise communicating with an authorisation entity, such as a bank, to block further transactions for that card. The terminal retains the card for recycling (59). The terminal may determine a type of card, or determine components of the card, and store the card in a storage receptacle based on the determination (60). For example, the terminal may determine if the card comprises a battery. If the card is determined to comprise a battery, the card is stored in a receptacle dedicated to cards with a battery. If the card is determined to comprise a display, the card is stored in a receptacle dedicated to cards with a display.

[0031] Figures 4A-4C show examples of user interface displays during operation of the self-service terminal 20. Figure 4A shows a user interface display 101 presented by the self-service terminal after a user has entered their PIN. The display 101 has conventional menu options to: withdraw cash without receipt; withdraw cash with receipt; and display balance. Additionally, the display 101 includes a menu option 102 to recycle a card. A user may select option 102 to recycle their card.

[0032] Figure 4B shows a user interface display 103 which is an alternative to display 101. Display 103 is presented by the self-service terminal after a user has entered their PIN. The display 103 has conventional menu options to: withdraw cash without receipt; withdraw cash with receipt; and display balance. Additionally, the display 101 includes a menu option 104 for "other services". When a user selects option 104 they are presented with the further display 105 shown in Figure 4C with a menu option 106 to recycle a card. Display 105 can include other services. The displays 101, 103, 105 are examples of displays for a cash ATM. It will be understood that the displays can include additional menu options, or different menu options to the ones shown here.

[0033] A card may require recycling for a number of reasons. Typically, cards are issued for a limited time period. The card has an expiry date which is printed on the card. As a card approaches the expiry date, the user is sent a new card. The new card has new card details, such as a new number and a new expiry date. Any of the types of card shown in Figures 2A-2C can be issued with an expiry date. The types of card shown in Figures 2B and 2C can comprise a battery. The battery will have a limited life. The expiry date can be set such that the expiry date of the card is before the expected expiry date of the battery. This should minimise the number of cards which become inoperable while in service. Another reason for recycling is because an existing card has been blocked and a new card issued for security reasons. For example, if a fraudulent transaction has occurred using the card, a new card will be issued.

[0034] A card user may receive a new/replacement card in the mail. Typically, the card is attached to, or supported by, a letter or a card mailer. The letter or card mailer can display information about recycling. For example, the card mailer (and/or card) can display information about terminals near to the cardholder's address where the card can be recycled. The card and terminals may display a logo indicating that cards can be recycled.

[0035] In the method of Figure 3 the terminal 20 displays a menu option to recycle a card. The terminal may display a menu option to recycle a card during every operation at the terminal. Alternatively, the terminal may display a menu option to recycle a card during selected terminal operations. For example, the terminal may inspect the expiry date of the card received at 51 and decide, based on the expiry date, whether to display a menu option to recycle the card. The terminal may only display a menu option to recycle the card if the current date is within a predetermined number of days of the expiry date, e.g. 14 days before the expiry date or any number of days after the expiry date. The determination described above can be made using only data obtained from the card. In another example, the terminal may only display a menu option to recycle the card if the terminal determines that a new/replacement card has been issued. This may require the terminal 20 to communicate with another entity, such as a card issuer to obtain information about whether a new/replacement card has been issued.

[0036] In one of the options described above, a special PIN indicates that a card is intended for recycling. Figure 5 shows a method of operating a self-service terminal to implement a special PIN. A special code is notified 71 to a user 70. The special code may be notified via a letter or a card mailer which accompanies a new/replacement card. The user is instructed to use the special code in place of their PIN. A user inserts their card for recycling into a self-service terminal 20. There is some initial communication 72 between the terminal 20 and the card 10. At 73, the terminal 20 displays a message to prompt the user to enter their PIN. At 74, the user enters their special code in place of the PIN. At 75 the terminal verifies if the PIN is correct, or if the user has entered a special code. In this example, the terminal 20 communicates 76, 77 with an authorisation entity 40 to check if the code entered by the user is a special code indicating that the card is for recycling. The communication may comprise the terminal sending the card number and PIN to the authorisation entity. In another example, the terminal 20 can store a list of codes indicating recycling, without needing to communicate with the authorisation entity. At 78 the terminal determines that the card is for recycling. Optionally, at 79 the terminal receives a script to block the card and the card executes the script at 80 to block the card. At 81 the terminal retains the card. As described above, the card may be stored in a receptacle dedicated to recycled cards, or a receptacle dedicated to a particular type of card, or cards having a particular component (e.g. battery).

[0037] Figure 6 shows an example of processing apparatus 200 which may be implemented as any form of a computing and/or electronic device, and in which embodiments of the system and methods described above may be implemented. Processing apparatus 200 can be provided at the self-service terminal 20. Processing apparatus may perform the method shown in Figure 3. Processing apparatus 200 comprises one or more processors 201 which may be microprocessors, microcontrollers or any other suitable type of processors for executing instructions to control the operation of the apparatus. The processor 201 is connected to other components of the device via one or more buses 206. Processor-executable instructions 203 may be provided using any computer-readable media, such as memory 202. The processor-executable instructions 203 can comprise instructions for implementing the functionality of the described methods. The memory 202 is of any suitable type such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a storage device of any type such as a magnetic or optical storage device. Memory 202, or an additional memory 204, can be provided to store data 205 used by the processor 201. The processing apparatus 100 comprise one or more network interfaces 108, such as an interface for communication with an authorisation entity or card issuer.

[0038] Modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A method of operating a self-service terminal (20), the terminal comprising a user interface (23), the method comprising:

receiving (51) a card (10) from a user;

receiving (55) input, via the user interface (23), indicating that a user wishes to recycle the card; and

retaining (59) the card (10) at the terminal (20) based on the received input.

2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising communicating (58) with the card (10) to block the card from performing further transactions before retaining the card at the terminal (20).

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the retaining (59) comprises storing the card in a card storage receptacle within the terminal (20) which is dedicated to storing cards for recycling.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims comprising determining if the card comprises a battery and the retaining (59) comprises storing the card in a card storage receptacle within the terminal (20) which is dedicated to cards for recycling which comprise a battery.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims comprising determining if the card comprises a display and the retaining (59) comprises storing the card in a card storage receptacle within the terminal (20) which is dedicated to cards for recycling which comprise a display.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims comprising:

displaying (54) a menu option on the user interface (23) of the terminal for a user to recycle a card; and

determining when the user selects the menu option to recycle a card.

7. A method according to claim 6 comprising determining whether to display the menu option on the user interface (23) based on an expiry date of the card (10).

8. A method according to claim 7 comprising determining whether to display the menu option on the user interface (23) based on a comparison of a current date with the expiry date of the card (10).

9. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 8 comprising determining whether to display the menu option on the user interface (23) of the terminal for a user to recycle a card based on information about whether a new or replacement card has been issued.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising:

requesting (53), via the user interface (23), a PIN code from the user;

receiving an entered PIN code;

determining if the entered PIN code corresponds to a special code, indicating that the card is intended for recycling.

11. A self-service terminal (20) comprising:

a slot (21) to receive a card (10) from a user;

a user interface (23) configured to receive input indicating that a user wishes to recycle the card; and

wherein the terminal is configured to retain the card (10) at the terminal (20) based on the received input.

12. A self-service terminal (20) according to claim 11 which is configured to communicate with the card (10) to block the card from performing further transactions before retaining the card at the terminal (20).

13. A self-service terminal (20) according to claim 11 or 12 which is configured to retain the card by storing the card in a card storage receptacle within the terminal (20) which is dedicated to storing cards for recycling.

14. A self-service terminal (20) according to any one of claims 11 to 13 which is configured to:

display (54) a menu option on the user interface (23) of the terminal for a user to recycle a card; and

determine when the user selects the menu option to recycle a card.

15. A self-service terminal (20) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further configured to perform the method of any of claims 4, 5 or 7 to 10.

Drawing