US 8862508

US Patent 8862508, titled "System and method for unifying e-banking touch points and providing personalized financial services," provides a multi-channel solution for retail banking.

Here is a summary of the patent:

• Patent Number: US8862508B2
• Title: System and method for unifying e-banking touch points and providing personalized financial services
• Current Assignee: CITY NATIONAL BANK OF FLORIDA. Prior assignments include Mcom Ip LLC, MCOM IP HOLDINGS, LLC, and MCOM FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, INC. The lien to CITY NATIONAL BANK OF FLORIDA has an effective date of 2025-03-28.
• Inventors: Thomas Maiorino, Daniel Taylor
• Filing Date: 2006-11-14
• Issue Date: 2014-10-14
• Abstract: A system and method for delivering a retail banking multi-channel solution that unifies interactive electronic banking touch points to provide personalized financial services to customers and a common point of control for financial institutions.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1 (Method): This claim describes a method for creating a unified electronic banking environment. It involves a multi-channel server connecting various e-banking touch points (such as ATMs, self-service coin counters, kiosks, online banking websites, or mobile devices) and at least one computer system with a control console. These touch points and computer systems are in different locations. The method includes receiving user input from a touch point, retrieving previously stored personalized data (including financial institution data and user preferences) that is accessible across all touch points, and delivering this personalized data back to the originating touch point. It also involves storing transactional usage data that is accessible by all touch points and the computer system. Crucially, the system monitors an active user session in real-time to select targeted marketing content based on the user's predefined preferences. This targeted content is then transmitted in real-time to the user's touch point, and the user's response (acceptance, rejection, or no response) determines if additional related information is sent during that active session.
• Claim 7 (Method): Similar to claim 1, this method also focuses on constructing a unified electronic banking environment using a common multi-channel server linked to various e-banking touch points (including ATMs, SSCCs, kiosks, digital signage, online banking, PDAs, PCs, laptops, or wireless devices) and one or more computer systems. These touch points communicate with financial institutions via the server. The steps involve receiving user input, retrieving and delivering previously stored personalized data (financial and user-defined preferences) to the touch point, and storing transactional usage data accessible by all touch points and computer systems. The core innovation here is also the real-time monitoring of an active session to select and transmit targeted marketing content based on user preferences. The user's response to this content in real-time dictates whether further related information is transmitted during that session. This claim differs slightly from Claim 1 in its wording regarding "more than one plurality of e-banking touch points" vs. "one or more e-banking touch points" and "at least one computer system configured with at least one control console" vs. "one or more computer systems."
• Claim 13 (System): This claim describes a physical system for a unified electronic banking environment. It includes a common multi-channel server connected to one or more independent computer systems, with each computer system linked to a separate financial institution. The system also comprises various e-banking touch points (e.g., ATM, SSCC, kiosk, digital signage, online banking, PDA, PC, laptop, wireless device) that are coupled to the multi-channel server and communicate with financial institutions. A data storage device is included to store transactional usage data from user interactions at any touch point, making it accessible to other touch points. Similar to the method claims, the system's server monitors an active session in real-time to select targeted marketing content correlated to user-defined preferences. This content is then transmitted in real-time to at least one touch point for user interaction, and the user's response during that active session determines if additional marketing-related information is transmitted.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:

US Patent 8862508 is currently involved in litigation, with several cases filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC). Specifically, cases 24-1828 and 24-2089 are noted as active litigation in the CAFC, which falls within the 2026 docket timeframe. There is also a case 26-1284, which would be a 2026 case, filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. These indicate ongoing appeals related to the patent. Further details on the specific nature or status of these appeals (e.g., oral arguments, decisions) would require direct access to the CAFC dockets.

US Patent 8862508 is currently involved in several litigation proceedings.

Here's a summary of the known litigation:

1. Mcom IP, LLC v. City National Bank of Florida

• Plaintiff(s): mCom IP, LLC
• Defendant(s): City National Bank of Florida
• Jurisdiction: Southern District of Florida (District Court) and Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC)
• Case Number: Specific district court case number not provided in search results, but CAFC appeal numbers 24-1828 and 24-2089 are noted as active, and 26-1284.
• Filing Date: The lawsuit in Southern Florida was filed by mCom IP, LLC asserting claims from US Patent 8862508.
• Outcome/Status:
  • District Court: The Southern District of Florida dismissed mCom IP's complaint after finding the asserted patent claims obvious and that mCom did not adequately plead infringement. The district court also granted City National's motion for attorney's fees under 35 U.S.C. § 285 and attorney sanctions under 28 U.S.C. § 1927.
  • CAFC: On May 15, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the district court's obviousness findings but reversed the attorney's fee award and attorney sanctions. The CAFC noted that mere invalidity was not legally sufficient for awarding fees and found that mCom did not develop evidence of frivolous litigation conduct. Mcom IP, LLC appealed the obviousness findings only with respect to claim 17 of the patent. The Federal Circuit concluded the district court erroneously found the case exceptional for awarding attorney's fees.

2. Inter Partes Review (IPR) Proceedings

• Petitioner: Unified Patents, LLC
• Patent Owner: mCom IP, LLC (as implied from the district court case)
• Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
• Case Number: IPR2022-00055
• Filing Date: October 15, 2021
• Outcome/Status: Several claims of the '508 patent were invalidated in these IPR proceedings. The PTAB issued a final written decision. An Inter Partes Review Certificate was issued on April 26, 2023.

Other Litigation Mentions:
The patent is also listed in numerous other district court litigation records across various districts in Texas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, and New York. While specific plaintiff/defendant details and outcomes for each are not immediately available from the provided search snippets, the sheer volume suggests significant enforcement or challenge activity surrounding this patent. These include:

• Texas Southern District Court: Cases such as 4:24-cv-02176, 4:24-cv-02183, 4:24-cv-02189, 4:22-cv-03821, 4:22-cv-04171, 4:23-cv-01847, 4:23-cv-01863.
• New York Southern District Court: Cases such as 1:23-cv-08793, 1:21-cv-07975, 1:22-cv-02046, 1:23-cv-08772, 1:23-cv-08801, 1:23-cv-08806, 1:23-cv-08832, 1:23-cv-09550, 1:23-cv-09554, 1:23-cv-09612, 1:24-cv-04568.
• Texas Western District Court: Cases such as 6:24-cv-00216, 6:24-cv-00114, 6:23-cv-00659, 6:21-cv-00196, 6:21-cv-00197, 6:21-cv-00216, 6:21-cv-00217, 6:21-cv-00218, 6:21-cv-00325, 6:21-cv-00480, 6:21-cv-00499, 6:21-cv-00500, 6:21-cv-00698, 6:21-cv-00826, 6:21-cv-00827, 6:21-cv-00829, 6:21-cv-00966, 6:21-cv-00989, 6:21-cv-00996, 6:22-cv-00256, 6:22-cv-00260, 6:22-cv-00261, 6:22-cv-00262, 6:22-cv-00263, 6:22-cv-01134, 6:22-cv-01148, 6:22-cv-01248, 6:23-cv-00253, 6:23-cv-00256, 6:23-cv-00258, 6:23-cv-00388, 6:23-cv-00433, 6:23-cv-00434, 6:23-cv-00435, 6:23-cv-00436, 6:23-cv-00437, 6:23-cv-00612, 6:23-cv-00613, 6:23-cv-00614.
• California Central District Court: Cases such as 2:21-cv-07474, 2:22-cv-00231.
• California Eastern District Court: Case 3:24-cv-03609.
• Colorado District Court: Case 1:23-cv-01606.
• Florida Middle District Court: Case 3:23-cv-00975.
• Florida Southern District Court: Case 1:23-cv-23427.
• Georgia Northern District Court: Case 1:23-cv-02145.
• Massachusetts District Court: Case 1:21-cv-10657.
• Texas Eastern District Court: Cases such as 2:21-cv-00168, 2:23-cv-00225, 2:23-cv-00272, 2:23-cv-00408, 2:24-cv-00431, 2:24-cv-00432, 2:24-cv-00478, 3:21-cv-01550.
• Texas Northern District Court: Cases such as 3:21-cv-02215, 3:21-cv-02285, 3:21-cv-02288, 3:22-cv-00574, 3:22-cv-02398, 3:22-cv-02447.

Proceedings overview

There is one identified AIA trial proceeding for US Patent 8862508, IPR2022-00055, which resulted in the invalidation of several claims. This significantly narrows the scope of the patent, meaning any assertion relying on the invalidated claims is unlikely to succeed.

IPR2022-00055 — Unified Patents, LLC v. mCom IP, LLC

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2021-10-15
• Status: Claims invalidated. An Inter Partes Review Certificate was issued on 2023-04-26, confirming the final decision.
• Judge panel: The Final Written Decision (FWD) lists Administrative Patent Judges Brian P. Murphy, Michael P. Tierney, and Christopher L. Varma as the panel.
• Petition grounds: Unified Patents challenged claims 1-20 of US Patent 8862508 as obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) over various combinations of prior art, including US 2003/0065563 A1 (Fei), US 7,039,600 B1 (Hunter et al.), US 6,334,110 B1 (Bender et al.), US 2002/0138432 A1 (Arita et al.), and US 2004/0010597 A1 (Kirschner).
• Institution decision: Instituted on 2022-04-22. The PTAB instituted review of claims 1-20 of U.S. Patent No. 8,862,508.
• Final Written Decision (issued 2023-04-26): The PTAB found claims 1-20 of U.S. Patent No. 8,862,508 unpatentable. Specifically, the FWD states, "For the reasons set forth above, we conclude that Petitioner has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that claims 1-20 of the ’508 patent are unpatentable."
• Settlement / termination: Not applicable; a Final Written Decision was issued.
• Appeal: According to the patent record, IPR2022-00055 was appealed to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Cases 24-1828 and 24-2089 are noted as active litigation in the CAFC related to this patent, which may include appeals of this IPR. The "Litigation summary" also mentions a CAFC appeal (24-1828, 24-2089, 26-1284) related to the Mcom IP, LLC v. City National Bank of Florida district court case, where mCom IP, LLC appealed obviousness findings only with respect to claim 17. It's important to clarify if this specific IPR FWD was the subject of these appeals or if it was a different proceeding. The "Litigation summary" indicates that the CAFC affirmed the district court's obviousness findings, which involved claim 17, and also that "Several claims of the '508 patent were invalidated in these IPR proceedings" and an IPR certificate was issued. To determine if IPR2022-00055's outcome was appealed, further investigation into the specific CAFC docket entry for this IPR would be needed.
• Defensive value: All claims of the patent (1-20) were found unpatentable. Any assertion based on these claims is severely weakened, as they have been invalidated by the PTAB.

Strategic summary

All twenty claims (claims 1-20) of US Patent 8862508 have been CANCELED by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) in IPR2022-00055. There are no surviving claims that were tested and held patentable in this IPR.

Regarding estoppel, under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2), Unified Patents, LLC (the petitioner) and its privies are estopped from asserting in a civil action or another USPTO proceeding that claims 1-20 are invalid on any ground that Unified Patents raised or reasonably could have raised during IPR2022-00055. However, for a defendant not in privity with Unified Patents, the prior art grounds (primarily obviousness over combinations of Fei, Hunter, Bender, Arita, and Kirschner) used in IPR2022-00055 would still be available to challenge the validity of the patent, if a court were to somehow find these claims not unpatentable despite the PTAB's ruling, or if the PTAB's decision were reversed on appeal. Given the comprehensive invalidation of all claims, the patent owner would face a significant challenge in asserting infringement.

Unified Patents, LLC is known as a defensive aggregator that often files IPRs to challenge patents asserted against its members. Their involvement and success in invalidating all claims suggest a strategic effort to neutralize the patent. The patent owner, mCom IP, LLC, appears to have pursued appeals, as indicated by the CAFC dockets, though the specific link between the IPR outcome and these CAFC appeals needs precise verification.

Recommended next steps

As a defendant, you should be aware that all claims (1-20) of US Patent 8862508 have been found unpatentable by the PTAB.

1. Review the Final Written Decision (FWD): Access and thoroughly review the FWD for IPR2022-00055. This document explicitly details the PTAB's reasoning for invalidating claims 1-20.
   • Link to the FWD: https://developer.uspto.gov/ptab-api/documents/IPR2022-00055/44
2. Quote the disposition: The FWD states: "For the reasons set forth above, we conclude that Petitioner has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that claims 1-20 of the ’508 patent are unpatentable."
3. Assess Assertion Strategy: If a demand letter or complaint cites any claims of US8862508, the fact that all claims have been invalidated by the PTAB is a critical defensive position. Any infringement theory built on these canceled claims is likely to be quickly dismissed and could potentially lead to sanctions for the asserting party if not withdrawn.
4. Monitor Appeals: Confirm the status of any potential appeals of the IPR2022-00055 FWD to the Federal Circuit. While the "Litigation summary" mentions CAFC cases for this patent family (24-1828, 24-2089, 26-1284), it is crucial to determine if these specifically challenge the FWD of IPR2022-00055. If the FWD is upheld on appeal, the invalidation of all claims becomes even more robust.
5. Consider Further Actions: Given the invalidation of all claims, the primary defensive posture is to assert non-infringement or invalidity (relying on the PTAB's findings). A motion to dismiss or for summary judgment regarding the validity of the claims would be a strong option.

Inventors

• Thomas Maiorino (Employer at time of filing unknown)
• Daniel Taylor (Employer at time of filing unknown)

Original assignee

The original assignee is "Individual" as per the Google Patents record. This typically indicates that the patent was assigned to individuals directly, rather than a corporate entity, at the time of filing or issuance. Without further information, it's unclear if they shipped a product embodying the claims, their primary line of business, or their current status.

Assignment timeline

The USPTO Assignment Center (https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/) is the authoritative source for patent assignment records. A search for US Patent 8862508 reveals the following assignments:

• 2016-10-12 (executed 2005-11-11) / recorded 2016-10-12 — Reel 040323/0358
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: MCOM LLC
  • Assignee: MCOM FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, INC, PENNSYLVANIA
  • Correspondent: Not specified in available data for this record.
  • Context: Transfer from an LLC to a related entity, possibly an internal reorg. The execution date predates the recording date significantly.
• 2021-02-17 (executed 2016-08-03) / recorded 2021-02-17 — Reel 056053/0318
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: MCOM FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, INC
  • Assignee: MCOM IP HOLDINGS, LLC, NEW JERSEY
  • Correspondent: Not specified in available data for this record.
  • Context: Transfer from one MCOM entity to another, likely an internal reorg or move towards patent assertion.
• 2021-02-05 (executed 2021-01-29) / recorded 2021-02-05 — Reel 055169/0235
  • Conveyance: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST
  • Assignor: MCOM IP HOLDINGS LLC
  • Assignee: MCOM IP, LLC, TEXAS
  • Correspondent: Not specified in available data for this record.
  • Context: Transfer to "MCOM IP, LLC," which is identified as a patent assertion entity (PAE). This is a clear transfer to an asserter.
• 2025-06-09 (executed 2025-03-28) / recorded 2025-06-09 — Reel 071364/0929
  • Conveyance: LIEN
  • Assignor: MCOM IP, LLC
  • Assignee: CITY NATIONAL BANK OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA
  • Correspondent: Not specified in available data for this record.
  • Context: A lien placed on the patent by City National Bank of Florida, indicating a security interest.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 8862508
    2006 : Filed by Individual inventors
    2014 : Issued
    2016 : Assigned to MCOM FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, INC
    2021 : Assigned to MCOM IP HOLDINGS, LLC
         : Assigned to MCOM IP, LLC
    2025 : Lien by CITY NATIONAL BANK OF FLORIDA

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — present. The transfer to MCOM IP, LLC (Reel 055169/0235) is a strong signal. MCOM IP, LLC is explicitly identified as a patent assertion entity (PAE) focused on monetizing intellectual property related to mobile and electronic banking technologies, with no indication of producing products. Its address is in Texas, and it's associated with Dynamic IP Deals LLC, a patent monetization firm.

2. Known asserter in the chain — present. MCOM IP, LLC is a known patent assertion entity (PAE). It has asserted the '508 patent over 40 times against various financial services companies.

3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — unclear. The provided patent text and search results do not include correspondent attorney names or firms for the assignment records. Therefore, it is not possible to determine if the same correspondent recurs.

4. Cascading transfers — present. There are three assignments occurring between 2016 and 2021. Specifically, MCOM FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, INC to MCOM IP HOLDINGS, LLC (executed 2016-08-03, recorded 2021-02-17, Reel 056053/0318), followed by MCOM IP HOLDINGS LLC to MCOM IP, LLC (executed 2021-01-29, recorded 2021-02-05, Reel 055169/0235) show transfers within a relatively short period, and between entities with similar names.

5. Pre-litigation transfer — present. The assignment to MCOM IP, LLC was executed on 2021-01-29 and recorded on 2021-02-05 (Reel 055169/0235). MCOM IP, LLC began filing litigation in 2021, with cases noted as early as October 2021. This aligns with a transfer occurring shortly before active assertion.

6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — not present. There is no indication of the original assignee or any subsequent assignor filing for bankruptcy and selling the patent in proceedings.

7. Privateering — unclear. While MCOM IP, LLC asserts against operating companies in the financial sector, there is no direct evidence provided to suggest that an operating company transferred the patent to MCOM IP, LLC to assert on its behalf against competitors.

8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — not present. The chain does not terminate at a known defensive aggregator. Instead, the final recorded conveyance is a lien by City National Bank of Florida (Reel 071364/0929).

Verdict

NPE — high confidence

This verdict is driven by the clear identification of MCOM IP, LLC as a patent assertion entity (PAE), the transfer of the patent to this entity (Reel 055169/0235), and the subsequent extensive litigation campaign initiated by MCOM IP, LLC shortly after acquiring the patent. The cascading transfers between MCOM entities and the timing of the transfer to MCOM IP, LLC preceding litigation further support this conclusion.

• USPTO Assignment Center search for US8862508: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/

The USPTO Patent Public Search tool is the authoritative source for patent information. A search for US patent 8862508 reveals a list of "Patent Citations" and "Non-Patent Citations". These are documents that the patent examiner considered relevant during the prosecution of US8862508.

Here's an analysis of the most relevant prior art cited in US patent 8862508:

Patent Citations:

• US6223983B1 - Interactive point access financial and information system

  • Full Citation: US6223983B1
  • Publication Date: 2001-05-01
  • Filing Date: 1999-02-19
  • Description: This patent describes an interactive point access financial and information system. While the full text is not provided in the snippets, the title suggests a system that allows users to access financial information and services through an interactive point, which could encompass aspects of e-banking touch points.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Claims 1, 7, and 13, particularly the broad concepts of providing e-banking touch points and delivering financial services. More specific elements like personalized marketing and real-time responses would need further comparison with the detailed description of this patent.

• US6334110B1 - System and method for analyzing customer transactions and interactions

  • Full Citation: US6334110B1
  • Publication Date: 2001-12-25
  • Filing Date: 1999-03-10
  • Description: This patent focuses on capturing and analyzing customer transaction and interaction information over time. It classifies customers based on their time-based interactions and transactions to perform targeted marketing and cross-selling. The system temporally tags interactions, creates temporal profiles, and uses them for advertising campaigns. This includes collecting customer purchase and interaction behavior from various sources, including electronic commerce.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This patent strongly anticipates elements of claims 1, 7, and 13 related to storing transactional usage data, examining customer habits, selecting targeted marketing content, and using user-defined preferences. The focus on "time-based interactions" and "temporal profiles" for targeted marketing is particularly relevant.

• US20020111157A1 - Wireless networked cash management system

  • Full Citation: US20020111157A1
  • Publication Date: 2002-08-15
  • Filing Date: 2000-12-04
  • Description: This patent describes a wireless networked cash management system. While specific details on personalized marketing are not immediately apparent from the title, the concept of a "wireless networked" system suggests communication among devices, which is a component of US8862508.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Broad aspects of claims 1, 7, and 13 pertaining to networked e-banking touch points, particularly those involving wireless devices (e.g., PDA, wireless laptop).

• US20020138432A1 - System and method for reporting customer visits to a bank or the like

  • Full Citation: US20020138432A1
  • Publication Date: 2002-09-26
  • Filing Date: 2001-03-21
  • Description: This patent describes a system and method for reporting customer visits, likely for analytical or marketing purposes within a banking context.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Elements of claims 1, 7, and 13 related to monitoring and storing customer interaction data.

• US20030040959A1 - Method and apparatus for conducting transactions on an automated teller machine

  • Full Citation: US20030040959A1
  • Publication Date: 2003-02-27
  • Filing Date: 2001-08-10
  • Description: This patent describes a method and apparatus for conducting transactions on an ATM. It focuses on delivering personalized messages, services, and advertisements specifically targeted to the ATM user or their market segment through a World Wide Web-enabled ATM. It also provides quick transactions based on user-defined preferences and customer-initiated email communication for further marketing. The system can differentiate customers using information stored in institution databases to deliver a more personalized user interface and show targeted advertising.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This patent significantly anticipates claims 1, 7, and 13, particularly regarding personalized content delivery, targeted marketing based on user preferences, and customer interaction with advertising at an ATM touch point. The real-time aspect of responding to user input for further information is also highly relevant.

• US20030065563A1 - Method and apparatus for atm-based cross-selling of products and services

  • Full Citation: US20030065563A1
  • Publication Date: 2003-04-03
  • Filing Date: 1999-12-01
  • Description: This patent details a method and apparatus for ATM-based cross-selling. It describes a method for "segment of one" marketing to a customer utilizing an ATM, where the ATM dispenses a receipt with a promotion and a telephone number. A telephonic survey is then conducted to gather customer profile information, which is used to send targeted messages for cross-selling financial products. It aims to provide marketing specific to individual customers.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Claims 1, 7, and 13, specifically the elements concerning personalized financial services, targeted marketing content, storing customer preferences, and using customer responses for further marketing.

• US20030120597A1 - Application service provider and automated transaction machine system and method

  • Full Citation: US20030120597A1
  • Publication Date: 2003-06-26
  • Filing Date: 1996-11-27
  • Description: This patent describes an application service provider (ASP) and automated transaction machine system and method. It broadly covers a system where services are provided to automated transaction machines, which could encompass the multi-channel server concept.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): General aspects of claims 1, 7, and 13 related to a system architecture for managing ATMs and providing services.

• US20030126084A1 - Application service provider and automated transaction machine system and method

  • Full Citation: US20030126084A1
  • Publication Date: 2003-07-03
  • Filing Date: 1996-11-27
  • Description: Similar to US20030120597A1, this patent also describes an application service provider and automated transaction machine system and method.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): General aspects of claims 1, 7, and 13 related to a system architecture for managing ATMs and providing services.

• US20040010597A1 - System and method for providing enhanced services in a multi-channel interactive distributed environment

  • Full Citation: US20040010597A1
  • Publication Date: 2004-01-15
  • Filing Date: 1999-04-22
  • Description: This patent describes a system and method for providing enhanced services in a multi-channel interactive distributed environment. The title itself points to a core concept of US8862508.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Broad aspects of claims 1, 7, and 13 related to unifying multiple e-banking touch points and providing enhanced services in a distributed environment.

• WO2005078596A1 - Kiosk apparatus for internet banking and internet banking method using the same

  • Full Citation: WO2005078596A1
  • Publication Date: 2005-08-25
  • Filing Date: 2004-02-05
  • Description: This international publication describes a kiosk apparatus and method for internet banking. Kiosks are explicitly listed as one type of e-banking touch point in US8862508.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Claims 1, 7, and 13 concerning the use of kiosks as e-banking touch points and providing internet banking services.

• US20060036501A1 - Change-based transactions for an electronic kiosk

  • Full Citation: US20060036501A1
  • Publication Date: 2006-02-16
  • Filing Date: 2004-06-30
  • Description: This patent describes change-based transactions for an electronic kiosk. Kiosks are a type of e-banking touch point mentioned in US8862508.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Claims 1, 7, and 13 regarding the functionality of kiosks as e-banking touch points.

• US7039600B1 - ATM customer marketing system

  • Full Citation: US7039600B1
  • Publication Date: 2006-05-02
  • Filing Date: 1998-11-27
  • Description: This patent describes an ATM customer marketing system and method that selectively presents different promotional messages and campaigns to groups of ATMs, and enables analysis of the results. It involves an ATM sending customer identity information to a remote computer (different from the transaction authorization computer) which determines and returns appropriate marketing messages to the ATM during the financial transaction. It aims to provide immediate feedback from ATM users concerning marketing messages and not impact transaction speed.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Claims 1, 7, and 13, particularly the aspects of monitoring an active session for targeted marketing content, real-time transmission of marketing content, and using user responses (acceptance, rejection) to determine further information. This patent directly addresses personalized marketing at ATMs.

• US20060218061A1 - Integrated financial services platform

  • Full Citation: US20060218061A1
  • Publication Date: 2006-09-28
  • Filing Date: 2005-03-25
  • Description: This patent describes an integrated financial services platform. The title suggests a system that unifies various financial services, which aligns with the overall goal of US8862508.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Broad aspects of claims 1, 7, and 13 related to a unified system for financial services.

• US7606767B1 - Cash dispensing automated banking machine system and communication method

  • Full Citation: US7606767B1
  • Publication Date: 2009-10-20
  • Filing Date: 1996-11-27
  • Description: This patent describes a cash dispensing automated banking machine system and communication method. It broadly covers ATM functionality.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): General aspects of claims 1, 7, and 13 related to ATM operations within a networked system.

• US8121914B1 - Automated banking machine customer profile method

  • Full Citation: US8121914B1
  • Publication Date: 2012-02-21
  • Filing Date: 1996-11-27
  • Description: This patent describes an automated banking machine customer profile method. The concept of using customer profiles for personalized services is central to US8862508.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Claims 1, 7, and 13, particularly the storage of customer usage data and user-defined preferences in association with a customer profile.

Non-Patent Citations:

• Beirne,Michael, "Using an ATM to hit a bull's eye", Financial Services Online (Jan./Feb. 1998), pp. 1-4.

  • Description: This article discusses using ATMs for targeted marketing. While the full content is not provided, the title suggests a focus on using ATMs for marketing, which is a key component of US8862508.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Elements of claims 1, 7, and 13 related to targeted marketing through ATM touch points.

• Darling, Greg, "MCIFs get smarter", Credit Union Executive Journal; May/Jun. 2000; v 40, No. 3, pp. 1-5.

  • Description: This article likely discusses Marketing Customer Information Files (MCIFs) and their evolution, implying the use of customer data for marketing purposes.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Aspects of claims 1, 7, and 13 related to storing and utilizing customer data for marketing.

• Jooss, Ron, "Old dog, new tricks", Credit Union Management, vol. 21, No. 8, (Aug. 1998), pp. 24-27.

  • Description: This article's title suggests a discussion about new functionalities or approaches in traditional banking services, potentially including innovations in electronic banking.
  • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): General concepts of enhancing banking services through technology, particularly those related to e-banking touch points.

Overall Relevance:

Several prior art documents, particularly US6334110B1, US20030040959A1, and US7039600B1, appear to be highly relevant to US patent 8862508. They collectively demonstrate prior art teaching:

• Multi-channel e-banking touch points: ATMs, kiosks, and online banking are mentioned across various citations as existing electronic delivery systems.
• Customer data collection and analysis: Several patents discuss capturing customer transaction and interaction data, classifying customers, and building profiles.
• Personalized services: Providing differentiated services and personalized user interfaces based on customer preferences is taught.
• Targeted marketing: The use of ATMs for selectively providing marketing messages, promotions, and cross-selling opportunities based on customer profiles and real-time interactions is extensively covered.
• Real-time interaction with marketing content: Specifically, US7039600B1 mentions receiving immediate feedback from ATM users concerning marketing messages and acting on it during the transaction. US20030040959A1 also describes mechanisms for users to respond to ads immediately.

The comprehensive invalidation of all claims (1-20) in IPR2022-00055 by the PTAB due to obviousness, as noted in the "PTAB challenges" section, further underscores the strength of the prior art in challenging the patentability of the claimed invention. The PTAB specifically found claims 1-20 unpatentable over combinations of prior art including Fei (US 2003/0065563 A1), Hunter et al. (US 7,039,600 B1), Bender et al. (US 6,334,110 B1), Arita et al. (US 2002/0138432 A1), and Kirschner (US 2004/0010597 A1), which are all listed above as highly relevant citations. This aligns with the analysis that these documents likely anticipate or render obvious key aspects of US8862508.

All claims (1-20) of US Patent 8862508 have been found unpatentable by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) in IPR2022-00055, specifically due to obviousness under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) over combinations of prior art. The PTAB's Final Written Decision (FWD) states: "For the reasons set forth above, we conclude that Petitioner has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that claims 1-20 of the ’508 patent are unpatentable." This section will elaborate on why a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA) would have found the claimed invention obvious, using combinations of the prior art references highlighted in the "Prior art" section.

Obviousness Analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103

A claimed invention is obvious if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter pertains. This analysis considers the scope and content of the prior art, differences between the prior art and the claims, the level of ordinary skill in the art, and any secondary considerations of non-obviousness (which are not assessed here). The PTAB's decision on obviousness for all claims of US8862508 indicates that the prior art, in combination, rendered the invention unpatentable.

For the purpose of this analysis, we will focus on Claim 1, a representative independent method claim, and demonstrate how its elements would have been obvious in view of various combinations of the cited prior art. The reasoning for other claims, particularly the similar method Claim 7 and system Claim 13, would follow similar logic.

Combination of References: US 2003/0040959 A1 (Fei), US 7,039,600 B1 (Hunter et al.), US 6,334,110 B1 (Bender et al.), and US 2004/0010597 A1 (Kirschner)

This combination directly addresses the core concepts of unifying e-banking touch points, personalizing services, and delivering targeted marketing content in real-time based on user preferences and responses. These were among the references the PTAB considered in its obviousness findings.

Motivation for a PHOSITA to Combine these References:

By the priority date of US8862508 (November 14, 2005), the financial services industry was actively seeking ways to enhance customer engagement, optimize marketing efforts, and streamline operations across various electronic channels. A PHOSITA would have been motivated to combine the teachings of these references to achieve the following:

1. Improved Customer Experience and Retention: Providing personalized services and highly relevant marketing at every interaction point (as taught by Fei and Hunter et al.) would improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
2. Increased Marketing Effectiveness: Moving beyond generic advertising to data-driven, targeted campaigns (as taught by Bender et al., Fei, and Hunter et al.) would lead to higher conversion rates for cross-selling and up-selling financial products.
3. Operational Efficiency and Control: Unifying disparate e-banking systems into a coherent, manageable environment (as suggested by Kirschner and implied by the distributed nature of e-banking systems in Fei and Hunter et al.) would reduce complexity and costs for financial institutions.
4. Leveraging Existing Technologies: Each of these references presented solutions to common problems in e-banking. A PHOSITA would naturally combine these solutions to create a more comprehensive and robust system for personalized, multi-channel banking, especially as internet and wireless technologies became more pervasive.

Detailed Element-by-Element Analysis of Claim 1:

Claim 1: A method for constructing a unified electronic banking environment, said method comprising the steps of:

• "providing at least one common multi-channel server coupled to more than one e-banking touch points and also coupled to at least one computer system configured with at least one control console, said more than one e-banking touch points and said at least one computer system being provided in locations remote from the other, and further wherein said more than one plurality of e-banking touch points are comprised of at least two different types of e-banking touch point devices, each of which comprise one or more of an automatic teller/transaction machine (ATM), a self service coin counter (SSCC), a kiosk, a digital signage display, an online accessible banking website, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal computer (PC), a laptop, a wireless device, or a combination of two or more thereof, and wherein at least one of said e-banking touch points is in communication with one or more financial institutions through said multi-channel server;"

  • Prior Art Teaching: Kirschner describes a "system and method for providing enhanced services in a multi-channel interactive distributed environment," directly teaching the concept of a multi-channel environment. Fei specifically teaches a "World Wide Web-enabled ATM" and mentions that a "system can differentiate customers using information stored in institution databases," implying networked access to a central server and databases. Hunter et al. teach an ATM sending customer identity to a "remote computer" (a server) that returns marketing messages, also establishing networked ATMs. The idea of various remote e-banking touch points like ATMs and kiosks (explicitly mentioned in WO2005078596A1 and US20060036501A1) connected to a central system (a "multi-channel server") was a known architectural approach by the priority date. The variety of touch points (ATM, PC, PDA, wireless device) was also individually known in the art for banking functions. US20020111157A1 describes a "wireless networked cash management system" indicating remote wireless device interaction.
  • Obviousness: A PHOSITA, aware of the need to manage various banking channels efficiently, would find it obvious to integrate different types of e-banking touch points (ATMs from Fei/Hunter, kiosks from WO2005078596A1, online banking from general knowledge) into a "multi-channel distributed environment" as taught by Kirschner, connecting them via a common server architecture.

• "receiving an actionable input from at least one e-banking touch point;"

  • Prior Art Teaching: Fei teaches a user conducting transactions at an ATM, which inherently involves actionable input (e.g., entering PIN, selecting transaction type). Hunter et al. also describe user interaction with an ATM for transactions and marketing messages. US6223983B1 discusses an "interactive point access financial and information system."
  • Obviousness: This is a fundamental operation of any interactive e-banking touch point, and thus obvious.

• "retrieving previously stored data associated with said actionable input, wherein said previously stored data is accessible to any one of said e-banking touch points, and said previously stored data comprises data from one or more financial institutions and one or more user-defined preferences;"

  • Prior Art Teaching: Bender et al. teach "capturing and analyzing customer transaction and interaction information over time" and classifying customers based on this data for targeted marketing. Fei explicitly describes using "information stored in institution databases" to "differentiate customers" and provide "personalized messages, services, and advertisements" and "quick transactions based on user-defined preferences." US8121914B1 describes an "automated banking machine customer profile method," directly teaching the use of customer profiles for personalized services. Hunter et al. involve the ATM sending "customer identity information to a remote computer" to retrieve "appropriate marketing messages."
  • Obviousness: A PHOSITA would find it obvious to retrieve stored customer data and preferences (from Bender et al. and US8121914B1) from a centralized database (implied by Fei and Hunter et al.'s networked systems) and make it accessible across all e-banking touch points for personalization, as explicitly taught by Fei regarding user-defined preferences at ATMs.

• "delivering said retrieved data to said at least one e-banking touch point transmitting said actionable input;"

  • Prior Art Teaching: Fei states the system can "deliver a more personalized user interface and show targeted advertising" to the ATM user. Hunter et al. describe the remote computer determining and "return[ing] appropriate marketing messages to the ATM."
  • Obviousness: Once personalized data is retrieved, sending it back to the initiating touch point to customize the user experience or transaction is a logical and obvious step in any interactive system, directly taught by Fei and Hunter et al.

• "storing transactional usage data associated with said at least one e-banking touch point transmitting said actionable input, wherein said stored transactional usage data is accessible by any one of said more than one e-banking touch points and said at least one computer system;"

  • Prior Art Teaching: Bender et al. teach "capturing and analyzing customer transaction and interaction information over time." Fei describes an ATM system that differentiates customers using "information stored in institution databases," which would include transactional usage data. US20020138432A1 ("System and method for reporting customer visits to a bank") teaches monitoring and reporting customer interactions, implying storage of such data.
  • Obviousness: The collection and storage of transactional usage data from e-banking touch points for analysis and future personalization was a known practice, as shown by Bender et al. and Fei. Making this data accessible across a unified system (as suggested by Kirschner) for consistent personalization is an obvious design choice.

• "monitoring via said server an active session in real-time for selection of targeted marketing content correlated to said user-defined preferences;"

  • Prior Art Teaching: Fei teaches "delivering personalized messages, services, and advertisements specifically targeted to the ATM user or their market segment" and "targeted advertising" based on customer differentiation. Hunter et al. describe a system where a remote computer "determines and returns appropriate marketing messages to the ATM during the financial transaction," implying real-time monitoring and selection. Bender et al. discuss using customer classifications for "targeted marketing and cross-selling."
  • Obviousness: A PHOSITA would find it obvious to monitor active sessions in real-time to dynamically select marketing content tailored to a user's known preferences or segment, given the teachings of targeted marketing in Fei and Hunter et al. at an ATM during a transaction.

• "subsequent to said monitoring, selecting in real-time said targeted marketing content correlated to said user-defined preferences;"

  • Prior Art Teaching: This step is intrinsically linked to the previous monitoring step and is explicitly taught by Hunter et al., where the remote computer "determines and returns appropriate marketing messages to the ATM during the financial transaction." Fei also mentions delivering "personalized messages" and "targeted advertising."
  • Obviousness: The real-time selection based on monitoring is a direct consequence and an obvious implementation detail of providing real-time targeted marketing.

• "transmitting in real-time said targeted marketing content during said active session to at least one of said e-banking touch points for acceptance, rejection, or no response by a user, wherein said response by said user is used during said active session to determine whether transmission of additional information related to said marketing content occurs during said active session."

  • Prior Art Teaching: Fei explicitly teaches "delivering personalized messages, services, and advertisements... through a World Wide Web-enabled ATM" and the "real-time aspect of responding to user input for further information." Hunter et al. teach providing "immediate feedback from ATM users concerning marketing messages." US20030065563A1 describes ATM-based cross-selling where a promotion is provided, and a subsequent survey is conducted to gather profile information, which is then used to send "targeted messages." While not strictly real-time within the same session for the full feedback loop in US20030065563A1, Fei and Hunter et al. clearly teach real-time response and dynamic delivery of further information.
  • Obviousness: Given the aim of effective marketing, a PHOSITA would find it obvious to present targeted content in real-time and use the user's immediate response (or lack thereof) to dynamically adjust or provide additional related information within the same active session, building on the real-time interaction teachings of Fei and Hunter et al.

Conclusion

Based on the detailed analysis above, the elements of Claim 1 of US Patent 8862508, relating to a unified electronic banking environment with personalized, real-time targeted marketing based on user preferences and responses, would have been obvious to a PHOSITA by the priority date of the patent. The motivation to combine the teachings of Fei, Hunter et al., Bender et al., and Kirschner would stem from the clear industry drive to enhance customer experience, improve marketing effectiveness, and achieve operational efficiencies in multi-channel e-banking. This analysis aligns with the PTAB's conclusion in IPR2022-00055 that all claims (1-20) of US8862508 were unpatentable due to obviousness.

To provide the most accurate details regarding US Patent 8862508's patent term adjustments (PTA), patent term extensions (PTE), continuation/divisional applications, related family members, and projected expiration date, a direct search of the USPTO's Patent Center is ideal. However, based on the provided authoritative patent text and search snippets, here's what can be gathered:

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA)

Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) can add time to a patent's term to compensate for certain delays by the USPTO during prosecution. This includes delays such as not issuing a first office action within 14 months, not responding to an applicant's reply within four months, or not issuing the patent within four months of the issue fee payment. It also accounts for applications pending for more than three years, with certain exclusions for applicant-caused delays. The USPTO automatically calculates the PTA and provides this determination at or before the patent's issuance.

The Google Patents record for US8862508B2 states "Adjusted expiration: 2028-08-02". This indicates that Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) has been applied to the patent, extending its term. The specific details of how this PTA was calculated (e.g., A, B, or C delays, or applicant delays that reduced the adjustment) are not immediately available in the provided text, but the fact of an adjustment is confirmed by the adjusted expiration date.

Patent Term Extensions (PTE)

Patent Term Extensions (PTE) are available for patents claiming certain products (e.g., human drug products, medical devices, animal drug products, food or color additive products) to compensate for time lost during regulatory review by agencies like the FDA. The patent US8862508 relates to "System and method for unifying e-banking touch points and providing personalized financial services". This subject matter does not fall under the categories eligible for PTE (e.g., human drug products, medical devices). Therefore, it is highly unlikely that US Patent 8862508 has received any Patent Term Extension (PTE).

Continuation Applications, Divisional Applications, and Related Family Members

The patent states, "This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/736,248, filed Nov. 14, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety". This provisional application is a priority document for US8862508.

The Google Patents record lists "US20070265948A1" as another version of the patent, published on 2007-11-15, which is an application publication related to US8862508B2. This is a common occurrence where a patent application is published (as an A1 document) before the patent is granted (as a B2 document).

The family information provided indicates that US8862508B2 is part of "Family ID=38701482" and the only "Family Application" listed is US11/559,894, which corresponds to US8862508B2 itself (Application number US11/559,894).

The available information does not explicitly mention any continuation or divisional applications directly stemming from US8862508B2. Continuation applications allow for pursuing additional claims from the same specification and drawings of a parent application, while divisional applications are used when a restriction requirement is made by the USPTO, identifying multiple distinct inventions within a single application. To definitively confirm the absence or presence of such applications, a direct search in the USPTO Patent Center for the application number US11/559,894 would be necessary.

Projected Expiration Date

A U.S. utility patent filed on or after June 8, 1995, generally expires 20 years from the earliest filing date of the patent, with adjustments for PTA or PTE. The filing date of US8862508 is November 14, 2006. However, it claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/736,248, filed November 14, 2005. Therefore, the 20-year term would typically be calculated from the earliest priority date, November 14, 2005.

Without any adjustments, the patent would expire on November 14, 2025. However, the Google Patents record indicates an "Adjusted expiration" date of 2028-08-02. This adjusted expiration date already accounts for any Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) granted to the patent.

Therefore, the projected expiration date for US Patent 8862508 is August 2, 2028.

Defensive Disclosure: Derivative Works of US Patent 8862508

This Defensive Disclosure aims to broaden the scope of existing prior art related to US Patent 8862508, "System and method for unifying e-banking touch points and providing personalized financial services." By describing derivative works and integrations, this document intends to render future incremental improvements in the field obvious or non-novel, thereby limiting the patentability of such advancements. The descriptions are provided with sufficient technical detail to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to reproduce each variation.

Derivative Variations for Method Claims (e.g., Claim 1, Claim 7)

1. Material & Component Substitution: Cloud-Native Serverless Architecture with Biometric Thin Clients

Enabling Description:
A method for constructing a unified electronic banking environment utilizing a cloud-native, serverless computing architecture for the multi-channel server and thin-client biometric terminals for e-banking touch points. The multi-channel server functionality is implemented as a collection of stateless microservices orchestrated by a cloud provider's serverless platform (e.g., AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, Google Cloud Functions). User authentication at touch points is performed via embedded multi-modal biometric scanners (e.g., vein pattern, facial recognition, voice recognition) integrated into ultra-low-power ARM-based thin clients. These thin clients communicate encrypted actionable inputs (e.g., transaction requests, biometric data hash) to API Gateway endpoints that trigger the appropriate serverless functions. Previously stored data, including user preferences and financial institution data, is retrieved from a globally distributed, eventually consistent NoSQL database (e.g., Amazon DynamoDB, Google Cloud Datastore) and delivered to the thin client. Real-time monitoring and selection of targeted marketing content involve event-driven serverless functions that process streams of interaction data from touch points via a managed message queue (e.g., Amazon SQS, Azure Service Bus) and trigger content delivery services. User responses are captured as events and processed by further serverless functions for immediate action (e.g., initiating another serverless workflow for additional information delivery).

flowchart TD
    User -- Actionable Input --> BiometricThinClient
    BiometricThinClient -- Encrypted Input --> API_Gateway
    API_Gateway -- Triggers --> ServerlessAuthFunction
    ServerlessAuthFunction -- Authenticates --> BiometricDB(Biometric Database)
    ServerlessAuthFunction -- Queries User Profile/Preferences --> NoSQLDB(NoSQL User Data Store)
    NoSQLDB --> ServerlessPersonalizationFunction
    ServerlessPersonalizationFunction -- Delivers Content --> BiometricThinClient
    BiometricThinClient -- Sends Txn Data --> ServerlessTxnProcessing
    ServerlessTxnProcessing -- Stores Txn Usage Data --> NoSQLDB
    ServerlessTxnProcessing -- Emits Event --> MessageQueue(Message Queue)
    MessageQueue -- Triggers --> ServerlessMarketingMonitor
    ServerlessMarketingMonitor -- Selects Targeted Content --> MarketingContentService
    MarketingContentService --> ServerlessMarketingDelivery
    ServerlessMarketingDelivery -- Transmits Content --> BiometricThinClient
    BiometricThinClient -- User Response --> API_Gateway
    API_Gateway -- Triggers --> ServerlessResponseHandler
    ServerlessResponseHandler -- Updates Profile/Delivers More Info --> NoSQLDB

2. Operational Parameter Expansion: Ultra-High-Frequency, Global, Micro-Transaction Network

Enabling Description:
A method for constructing a unified electronic banking environment designed to process ultra-high-frequency, geographically dispersed micro-transactions on a global scale. The system is engineered for transactional throughput exceeding 1 million transactions per second (TPS) with an end-to-end latency of less than 50 milliseconds, accommodating millions of e-banking touch points across diverse regulatory jurisdictions and time zones. The multi-channel server comprises a distributed network of edge-computing nodes, each with local caching and decision-making capabilities, synchronized via a global consensus mechanism (e.g., Paxos, Raft variants) for transactional integrity. Touch points are miniaturized, low-power IoT devices (e.g., smart NFC payment rings, public transport fare gates, smart vending machines) embedded with cryptographic modules for secure, rapid authentication. Actionable inputs are batched into cryptographic proofs (e.g., zero-knowledge proofs) before transmission to the edge nodes. Previously stored data, including fractional user preferences and micro-marketing profiles, is distributed across content delivery networks (CDNs) and localized edge caches. Real-time monitoring for targeted marketing content selection operates on stream processing frameworks (e.g., Apache Flink, Kafka Streams) analyzing aggregated, anonymized transaction streams in near real-time. Marketing content, often consisting of sub-second video snippets or haptic feedback patterns, is pre-rendered and served from local edge caches for instantaneous delivery. User responses, even passive (e.g., dwell time, gaze tracking via embedded cameras at public touch points), are continuously fed back into the stream processing engine to dynamically adjust subsequent marketing content delivery.

graph TD
    A[Global User Base] --> B(Millions of IoT Touch Points)
    B --> C(Edge Computing Nodes - Geo-distributed)
    C -- Data Aggregation --> D(Global Data Consensus Network)
    D -- Real-time Streams --> E(Stream Processing Engine)
    E -- AI/ML Models --> F(Micro-Marketing Decision Engine)
    F -- Pre-rendered Content --> G(Global CDN/Edge Caches)
    G --> B
    C -- Transactional Data --> H(Distributed Ledger / Global Financial Records)
    B -- User Response/Telemetry --> E

3. Cross-Domain Application: Personalized Public Safety & Emergency Response Coordination System

Enabling Description:
A method for unifying public safety and emergency response touch points to provide personalized information and coordinated services to citizens, and a common point of control for emergency management agencies. The multi-channel server, termed a "Unified Crisis Response Platform (UCRP)," is coupled to diverse touch points including smart city kiosks, wearable emergency beacons, autonomous drone communication nodes, and citizen mobile applications. When an actionable input is received (e.g., distress signal from a wearable, citizen reporting an incident via kiosk), the UCRP retrieves previously stored data associated with the input, which includes citizen profiles (e.g., medical history, known locations, emergency contacts, language preferences) and historical incident data. This data is delivered to the originating touch point and other relevant personnel (e.g., first responders). Transactional usage data (e.g., incident report details, response times, resource deployment) is stored. The UCRP server monitors active sessions in real-time for selection of targeted public safety content (e.g., evacuation routes, shelter information, first aid instructions) correlated to user-defined preferences (e.g., accessibility needs) and real-time situational data (e.g., fire spread models). This content is transmitted in real-time to relevant touch points for acceptance (e.g., confirming receipt of evacuation order), rejection (e.g., reporting a route impassable), or no response by a user, wherein the response is used to determine whether transmission of additional related information occurs during the active session (e.g., alternative routes, direct medical assistance).

graph LR
    A[Citizen Wearable/Mobile App] -- Distress Signal --> B(Smart City Kiosk)
    B -- Actionable Input --> C(Unified Crisis Response Platform - UCRP)
    C -- Retrieve Citizen Profile/Sit. Data --> D[Citizen Database/GIS System]
    D --> C
    C -- Deliver Personalized Info --> B
    B --> A
    C -- Store Incident Data --> E[Incident Log/Resource DB]
    E --> C
    C -- Monitor Active Session --> F(Real-time Situational Awareness Module)
    F -- Select Targeted Safety Content --> G(Dynamic Content Engine)
    G --> C
    C -- Transmit Safety Info --> H[First Responder Devices]
    H --> B
    B --> A
    A -- Response --> C
    C -- Adjust Info/Coord. --> H

4. Integration with Emerging Tech: AI-Driven Predictive Personalization with Decentralized Data Governance

Enabling Description:
A method for constructing a unified electronic banking environment integrating AI-driven predictive personalization with a blockchain-based decentralized data governance model. The multi-channel server leverages a distributed AI inference engine that continuously analyzes transactional usage data and user-defined preferences, augmented by external data feeds (e.g., market trends, social sentiment). This AI engine predicts future user needs and optimal marketing content with high confidence scores, prior to or concurrently with actionable input. All customer data and preferences are stored on a permissioned blockchain (e.g., Hyperledger Fabric, Corda) as encrypted tokens, where each customer owns their data and grants granular access permissions via smart contracts. When an actionable input is received, the system retrieves previously stored data by querying the blockchain through an authorized oracle, decrypting only the necessary data segments as permitted by the user's smart contract. The AI engine then performs real-time selection of targeted marketing content based on its predictive model and the blockchain-verified user preferences. Content delivery to e-banking touch points (which are equipped with local AI accelerators for rendering and basic interaction processing) is optimized by the AI for modality and timing. User responses, including implicit feedback (e.g., interaction patterns, gaze duration), are recorded as immutable transactions on the blockchain, serving as auditable consent or rejection, triggering smart contracts for further information transmission or profile updates.

sequenceDiagram
    participant U as User
    participant ET as E-banking Touch Point
    participant AI as AI Inference Engine
    participant BC as Blockchain (Data Governance)
    participant MCS as Multi-Channel Server
    participant MCDS as Marketing Content Delivery System

    U->>ET: Actionable Input (e.g., Login)
    ET->>MCS: Transmit Actionable Input
    MCS->>BC: Request Encrypted User Data (via Smart Contract)
    BC-->>MCS: Authenticate & Provide Encrypted Data Token
    MCS->>AI: Decrypt & Feed User Data, Input to AI
    AI->>AI: Predict Needs & Optimal Content
    AI-->>MCS: Predicted Marketing Content + Confidence
    MCS->>ET: Deliver Retrieved Personalized Data
    ET->>U: Display Personalized Interface
    MCS->>AI: Stream Transactional Usage Data
    AI->>AI: Continuously Learn & Update Models
    loop Real-time Monitoring & Selection
        AI->>MCS: Real-time Targeted Marketing Content Selection
        MCS->>MCDS: Request Content Delivery
        MCDS->>ET: Transmit Targeted Marketing Content
        ET->>U: Display Marketing Content
        U->>ET: Accept/Reject/No Response
        ET->>MCS: Report User Response (Immutable TX)
        MCS->>BC: Record User Response (via Smart Contract)
        BC-->>MCS: Acknowledge & Update Permissions
        MCS->>AI: Feed Response to AI (Refine Model)
        alt If User Accepted & More Info Needed
            MCS->>ET: Transmit Additional Info (AI-optimized)
        end
    end

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode: Resilient "Safe-Mode" Operation

Enabling Description:
A method for constructing a unified electronic banking environment with a resilient "Safe-Mode" operation for e-banking touch points during network degradation, server overload, or security incidents. Upon detection of critical system anomalies (e.g., latency exceeding threshold, excessive error rates, denial-of-service attack indicators), the multi-channel server (or a designated fault-tolerant controller) initiates a system-wide "Safe-Mode" transition. In Safe-Mode, the system reverts to a limited-functionality state. Actionable inputs are restricted to essential, pre-approved transactions (e.g., cash withdrawal up to a pre-defined low limit, balance inquiry from cached data, emergency fund transfers). Personalized marketing content selection and transmission are entirely suspended to conserve computational resources and prevent potential exploitation of personalization engines during compromised states. Instead, generic, pre-loaded public service announcements or system status messages are delivered to touch points. Previously stored data retrieval is limited to locally cached, cryptographically signed account balances and basic user identity information, ensuring data integrity without real-time complex queries. Transactional usage data in Safe-Mode is captured via local resilient logging mechanisms at the touch points and batched for secure, deferred upload once normal operations resume. The system is designed to autonomously detect resolution of the anomaly and progressively restore full functionality, starting with re-enabling personalized content delivery and then full transactional capabilities.

stateDiagram
    [*] --> Normal_Operation
    Normal_Operation --> Anomaly_Detected : System Anomaly
    Anomaly_Detected --> Safe_Mode : Initiate Safe-Mode
    Safe_Mode --> Limited_Functionality : Restrict Services
    Limited_Functionality --> Generic_Content : Suppress Personalization
    Generic_Content --> Local_Data_Access : Cached Data Only
    Local_Data_Access --> Deferred_Logging : Batched Data Capture
    Deferred_Logging --> Anomaly_Resolved : Anomaly Resolved
    Anomaly_Resolved --> Normal_Operation : Restore Full Functionality
    Safe_Mode --> Normal_Operation : Manual Override (High Authority)

Derivative Variations for System Claim (e.g., Claim 13)

1. Material & Component Substitution: Quantum-Resistant Cryptosystem with Optical Fiber Touch Point Network

Enabling Description:
A unified electronic banking system employing a common multi-channel server that is implemented with quantum-resistant cryptographic modules (e.g., lattice-based cryptography, hash-based signatures) for all data at rest and in transit. The server communicates with e-banking touch points exclusively via a dedicated, high-speed optical fiber network, utilizing wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) for concurrent data streams and physical layer quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols for channel encryption, making it resilient against quantum computing attacks. Each e-banking touch point (e.g., ATM, SSCC, kiosk) integrates a tamper-resistant hardware security module (HSM) equipped with quantum-resistant algorithms for local key management and transaction signing. User interfaces at the touch points are based on holographic projection displays, reducing physical contact points and increasing hygiene. The data storage device is a distributed, fault-tolerant object storage system with homomorphic encryption applied to sensitive customer profiles and transactional usage data, allowing computations on encrypted data without decryption, thus maintaining privacy even if the data store is compromised.

graph TD
    User --> HolographicDisplay(Holographic Display)
    HolographicDisplay --> HSMSensor(HSM & Sensor Array)
    HSMSensor -- Encrypted Actionable Input (QR) --> OpticalFiberNetwork(Optical Fiber Network with QKD)
    OpticalFiberNetwork -- WDM Streams --> MultiChannelServer(Multi-Channel Server)
    MultiChannelServer -- QR Cryptographic Modules --> QRMCS(Quantum-Resistant MCS)
    QRMCS -- AI Marketing Engine --> AIengine(AI Marketing Engine)
    QRMCS -- Homomorphic Encrypted Data --> ObjectStorage(Distributed Object Storage)
    ObjectStorage -- Homomorphic Query --> QRMCS
    QRMCS -- Encrypted Targeted Content (QR) --> OpticalFiberNetwork
    OpticalFiberNetwork --> HolographicDisplay

2. Operational Parameter Expansion: Hyper-Localized Bio-Feedback Loop for Ambient Financial Services

Enabling Description:
A unified electronic banking system operating within a hyper-localized ambient financial services environment, where e-banking touch points are spatially distributed micro-sensors (e.g., embedded in retail shelves, public benches, personal smart garments) that detect bio-feedback and environmental cues from users. The common multi-channel server consists of a federated network of ultra-low-power, event-driven micro-servers deployed at the edge of physical locations (e.g., within a retail store, a park district). These micro-servers receive actionable inputs from micro-RFID tags, smart fabrics, and proximity sensors in real-time, such as a user's physiological state (e.g., stress levels via galvanic skin response, heart rate variability) or interaction with specific products. The data storage device is a distributed time-series database optimized for high-volume, ephemeral sensor data, where data is tokenized and stored with very short retention periods in compliance with privacy regulations. The system monitors ambient bio-feedback and contextual data to select targeted marketing content that adapts not only to user preferences but also to their instantaneous emotional state or immediate physical environment (e.g., offering a calming financial product if stress is detected). Content delivery is via haptic feedback (e.g., a vibrating wristband), subtle audio cues from nearby speakers, or personalized, ephemeral projections on nearby surfaces.

classDiagram
    class User {
        +Bio-feedback
        +Contextual Interaction
    }
    class MicroSensor[IoT Touch Point] {
        +Detects Bio-feedback
        +Reads Contextual Cues
        +Transmits Event Data
    }
    class EdgeMicroServer {
        +Receives Sensor Data
        +Local Processing/Caching
        +Federated Network
    }
    class FederatedMultiChannelServer {
        +Aggregates Edge Data
        +Distributed Time-Series DB
        +Real-time Analytics
    }
    class AI_EmotionalMarketingEngine {
        +Processes Bio-feedback
        +Generates Adaptive Content
        +Predictive Personalization
    }
    class AmbientContentDelivery {
        +Haptic Feedback
        +Subtle Audio Cues
        +Ephemeral Projections
    }
    User --|> MicroSensor : Interacts with
    MicroSensor --> EdgeMicroServer : Transmits Events
    EdgeMicroServer --> FederatedMultiChannelServer : Syncs Data
    FederatedMultiChannelServer --> AI_EmotionalMarketingEngine : Feeds Data
    AI_EmotionalMarketingEngine --> AmbientContentDelivery : Directs Content
    AmbientContentDelivery --> User : Delivers Experience

3. Cross-Domain Application: Personalized Agricultural Resource Optimization System

Enabling Description:
A unified electronic banking system adapted for agricultural resource optimization and personalized farm management. The "multi-channel server" is a cloud-based Farm Operations Management Platform (FOMP) connected to diverse "e-banking touch points" which include autonomous farming robots (e.g., planters, harvesters), soil sensor arrays, drone surveillance units, and farmer-operated mobile terminals. The FOMP receives actionable input from these touch points, such as real-time crop health data, soil nutrient levels, weather forecasts, or farmer-entered planting schedules. It retrieves previously stored data, including specific crop profiles, historical yield data, personalized nutrient application strategies, and market pricing for various produce, and delivers tailored recommendations back to the touch points (e.g., adjusting irrigation for a specific plot, optimal harvest timing). The data storage device accumulates transactional usage data, such as resource consumption per acre, machinery operational metrics, and market transactions for harvested goods. The FOMP monitors active sessions to select targeted "marketing content," which in this context refers to personalized agricultural advice, supply chain optimization offers, or financial hedging strategies correlated to user-defined farm preferences (e.g., organic farming methods, specific crop types) and real-time agricultural conditions. This content is transmitted to the farmer's mobile terminal or the autonomous robots' control interfaces for acceptance (e.g., confirming a new fertilizer schedule), rejection, or no response, with the response determining if additional detailed information (e.g., chemical composition of recommended fertilizer, alternative market buyers) is transmitted during the session.

flowchart LR
    FarmRobots(Autonomous Farming Robots) -- Crop Data --> FOMP(Farm Operations Management Platform)
    SoilSensors(Soil Sensor Arrays) -- Nutrient Data --> FOMP
    DroneUnits(Drone Surveillance Units) -- Imagery Data --> FOMP
    FarmerTerminals(Farmer Mobile Terminals) -- Manual Input --> FOMP

    FOMP -- Retrieve Profiles/Strategies --> FarmDB(Farm Profile & Historical Data)
    FarmDB --> FOMP

    FOMP -- Deliver Recommendations --> FarmRobots
    FOMP -- Deliver Recommendations --> FarmerTerminals

    FOMP -- Store Usage Data --> FarmDB
    FOMP -- Monitor Active Session --> AI_AgriAdvisor(AI-driven Agricultural Advisor)
    AI_AgriAdvisor -- Targeted Advice/Offers --> FOMP

    FOMP -- Transmit Content --> FarmerTerminals
    FarmerTerminals -- Response --> FOMP

4. Integration with Emerging Tech: Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO)-Managed Financial Services with Digital Twin Integration

Enabling Description:
A unified electronic banking system where the common multi-channel server functions as a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) governed by a community of financial institutions and customers, operating on a public blockchain (e.g., Ethereum, Solana) using smart contracts for governance and data access. Each financial institution maintains a "digital twin" of its operations within this DAO ecosystem, allowing for aggregated and anonymized data sharing while preserving proprietary information. E-banking touch points (e.g., smart contract-enabled DeFi apps, biometric payment terminals, virtual reality banking environments) communicate with the DAO through blockchain nodes. An actionable input (e.g., a cryptocurrency transaction, a request for a loan defined by a smart contract) is received. Previously stored data, represented as self-sovereign identity credentials and verifiable claims (e.g., credit history, investment preferences) issued on the blockchain, is retrieved based on the user's explicit consent via cryptographic signatures. This data is delivered to the touch point. Transactional usage data, including successful smart contract executions and user interactions with DAO proposals, is recorded immutably on the public ledger. The system monitors active sessions in real-time for selection of targeted marketing content (e.g., new DeFi investment opportunities, personalized liquidity pool suggestions, DAO governance proposals) correlated to user-defined preferences and their on-chain financial behavior. This content is transmitted as an encrypted message through the blockchain to the user's digital wallet or VR banking avatar for acceptance (e.g., voting on a proposal, initiating a new smart contract), rejection, or no response. The user's on-chain response determines whether further smart contract interactions or information about DAO protocols are initiated.

flowchart TD
    User --> DEFI_App(DeFi App/VR Banking)
    DEFI_App -- Actionable Input (Blockchain TX) --> BlockchainNetwork(Public Blockchain Network)
    BlockchainNetwork -- Smart Contract Execution --> DAO_MCS(DAO-Managed Multi-Channel Server)
    DAO_MCS -- Queries Verifiable Credentials --> UserWallet(User Digital Wallet/SSI)
    UserWallet -- Verifiable Claims/Consent --> BlockchainNetwork
    BlockchainNetwork --> DAO_MCS
    DAO_MCS -- Deliver Personalized Data --> DEFI_App
    DAO_MCS -- Stores Immutable TX Data --> BlockchainNetwork
    BlockchainNetwork -- On-Chain Activity --> AI_DAO_Advisor(AI-driven DAO Advisor)
    AI_DAO_Advisor -- Personalized DeFi Content --> DAO_MCS
    DAO_MCS -- Encrypted Content (Blockchain TX) --> DEFI_App
    DEFI_App -- User Response (On-Chain) --> BlockchainNetwork
    BlockchainNetwork --> DAO_MCS
    DAO_MCS -- Update Smart Contracts/Deliver More Info --> BlockchainNetwork

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode: Forensic Read-Only Audit System

Enabling Description:
A unified electronic banking system designed to transition into a "Forensic Read-Only Audit System" (FROAS) mode upon detection of a severe data integrity compromise (e.g., large-scale unauthorized data modification, ransomware attack) or critical system component failure. In FROAS mode, all write operations to the data storage device and all transactional capabilities at e-banking touch points are immediately halted. The common multi-channel server, which includes a dedicated, isolated "Forensic Core" module, switches to only serving immutable, cryptographically verifiable historical data. E-banking touch points (e.g., ATMs, online banking interfaces) enter a display-only state, presenting users with a clearly marked "Audit Mode" interface. Actionable inputs from users are explicitly rejected or converted into support requests, with no financial transactions allowed. Previously stored data retrieval is limited to digitally signed, historical snapshots from an immutable ledger (e.g., a write-once, read-many archive or a private blockchain of historical records) accessible only through the Forensic Core. Personalized marketing content is disabled, and instead, all touch points display standardized, tamper-proof messages regarding the system status and estimated recovery time. No new transactional usage data is stored, and any attempts to write data are logged as security incidents. This mode prioritizes forensic analysis and data integrity verification over service availability, ensuring that no further compromise occurs and providing a clean, uncorrupted dataset for post-incident investigation.

stateDiagram
    [*] --> Normal_Operation_System
    Normal_Operation_System --> Compromise_Detected : Data Integrity Compromise / Critical Failure
    Compromise_Detected --> Initiate_FROAS : Activate Forensic Read-Only Audit System
    Initiate_FROAS --> Halt_Write_Operations : Block all write access
    Halt_Write_Operations --> Display_Audit_Mode : Touch Points show "Audit Mode"
    Display_Audit_Mode --> Reject_Transactions : No Financial Transactions
    Reject_Transactions --> Disable_Marketing : Suppress Marketing Content
    Disable_Marketing --> Serve_Immutable_Data : Access Historical Snapshots via Forensic Core
    Serve_Immutable_Data --> Log_Write_Attempts : Record Security Incidents
    Log_Write_Attempts --> Investigate_Recover : Post-Incident Investigation & Recovery
    Investigate_Recover --> Normal_Operation_System : System Restored / Compromise Resolved

Combination Prior Art Scenarios with Open-Source Standards

These scenarios combine the concepts of US Patent 8862508 with existing open-source standards to demonstrate further obviousness.

1. Open Banking APIs (e.g., FDX API) + US8862508 for Cross-Institution Personalized Marketing:

   • Description: A financial institution implements the principles of US8862508 to unify its e-banking touch points for personalized services and targeted marketing. This system is then integrated with the open-source Financial Data Exchange (FDX) API standard. By leveraging FDX, the multi-channel server can securely access (with explicit customer consent) aggregated financial data from multiple other FDX-compliant financial institutions. This allows the system to offer hyper-personalized financial advice and marketing content (e.g., debt consolidation offers, investment opportunities) based on a holistic view of the customer's finances across all their banking relationships, not just within a single institution. For example, if FDX APIs reveal a customer has high-interest debt at another institution, the originating institution's ATM could, in real-time, offer a personalized low-interest loan consolidation product. The "user-defined preferences" (Claim 1/7) would include explicit consent flags managed through FDX's authentication and authorization flows.
   • Prior Art Value: This combination renders obvious the extension of personalized multi-channel banking across multiple financial institutions through standardized, open-source APIs, which was a natural progression given the industry's move towards open banking.

2. Apache Kafka + US8862508 for Real-Time Event-Driven Personalization:

   • Description: The multi-channel server described in US8862508 collects actionable inputs and transactional usage data from diverse e-banking touch points. This data is streamed in real-time into an Apache Kafka distributed streaming platform. Kafka topics are configured for various event types (e.g., ATM withdrawals, online login, SSCC deposits). A stream processing application (e.g., using Kafka Streams or ksqlDB, both open-source components of Kafka) continuously analyzes these event streams to detect patterns, update customer profiles, and trigger real-time personalization decisions. This allows the "monitoring via said server an active session in real-time for selection of targeted marketing content" (Claim 1/7) to be performed with extremely low latency and high scalability across thousands of touch points. For instance, a customer's recent large deposit event from an SSCC, streamed via Kafka, could immediately trigger a personalized investment product offer at a nearby plasma signage display (PSD) touch point before they even leave the branch.
   • Prior Art Value: This combination makes obvious the use of mature, high-performance, open-source streaming technologies for the real-time data processing and monitoring components central to the personalization and marketing aspects of US8862508, thereby enhancing its real-time capabilities.

3. OpenID Connect (OIDC) / OAuth 2.0 + US8862508 for Unified Single Sign-On and Consent Management:

   • Description: In a system implementing US8862508, all e-banking touch points (e.g., ATM, online banking website, mobile app) are configured as clients to an identity provider utilizing the open-source OpenID Connect (OIDC) protocol built on OAuth 2.0. When a user attempts to log in to any touch point, OIDC is used to authenticate the user against a central identity store, issuing secure tokens. This provides a unified single sign-on experience across all channels. Furthermore, "user-defined preferences" (Claim 1/7) regarding data sharing for personalization and marketing content are managed via granular consent mechanisms inherent in OAuth 2.0 scopes, allowing users to explicitly grant or revoke permissions for different types of data use or marketing outreach. This ensures that the retrieval and delivery of previously stored data and targeted marketing content strictly adhere to user-controlled consent through an auditable, open-standard framework.
   • Prior Art Value: This combination renders obvious the integration of robust, open-source identity and access management standards to provide secure, unified authentication and user preference/consent management across a multi-channel banking environment, which is fundamental to the personalized services claimed in US8862508.