Microbilt Corporation

National Bancard Corporation

James T Stills

Parameswaran B Nair

Kumar S Choudhuri

John C Evans

James F Price

James H Hamilton

Gregory A Philmon

Paul W Noblett, Jr

Edward G Kligfeld

Murray A Morton

Peter R Cavicchi

Shelley K Friedman

Timothy W Depew

Diane T Vogt

Laura J Turner

Thomas J Liney

Mark Brady

Holly B Krahe

Victor V Goulding

Diane T Voght

Real time decoding methods and apparatus for a card transaction terminal used for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. The method is implemented in a microcomputer employed in the terminal. The data decode method for the microcomputer decodes data in real time as it is read from the magnetic stripe on the card and obviates random access memory external to the microcomputer. A memory is provided in the terminal large enough to store data characters corresponding to at least one predetermined data field on the card generated during a swipe of the card but insufficient to store all of the self clocking signals generated during the swipe. A sentinel character in the self clocking signals is first decoded. Then, a data character associated with the at least one predetermined data field is decoded in response to a predetermined number of self clocking signals generated subsequent to the sentinel character. Finally, the decoded data character is stored in the memory.

Real time decoding for card transaction terminal

A method of obtaining and providing card identifying information from a data card presented in connection with a financial transaction, the data card having a magnetic stripe and an embossed region containing identifying information, the method being carried out in a data card terminal. The data card terminal is operative for gathering credit card or check information required for customer transactions at a point of sale. The method comprises providing a transaction risk parameter selectively indicative of a first or second level of transaction security to be provided for the data card terminal. In response to the transaction risk parameter indicating the first level of security, verified card identifying information is provided if either the first data record region or the second data region contains valid card identifying information. In response to the transaction risk parameter indicating the second level of security, a second level security check is performed. During the second level security check the first data record region is compared with the second data record region to determine if the data contained in the two regions match. If the first and second data regions match, verified card identifying information is provided. The data regions may comprise magnetic stripe data or embossed characters on the data card.

Card validation method using multiple cord data regions

A multi-reader terminal including a magnetic stripe reader, an embossed character reader, and a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) check reader, in an integrated stand-alone unit. The terminal is operative for gathering credit card or check information required for customer transactions at the point of sale. The terminal provides a single card passageway for receiving a credit card having a magnetic stripe and embossed characters. The magnetic stripe reader and embossed character reader read the credit card as it travels in the passageway. The embossed character reader may be selectively retracted from the card passageway. The terminal includes a plurality of serial communications ports that allow the terminal to be connected in series between a host computer and an electronic cash register. The serial ports allow connection of a signature capture pad, a personal identification number (PIN) pad, and other serial devices. The terminal is operative to intercept and respond to serial data, or to reroute serial data between any of the serial ports. The terminal is especially suitable for use in a system wherein chargeback protection is to be afforded to certain transactions in the event that information from the embossing, magnetic stripe, or MICR reader are combined with other transaction information and forwarded electronically to a transaction processor or guarantor.

Multi-reader transaction terminal

Systems and methods for operating a data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, for providing chargeback protection services for the benefit of merchants are disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances. Also disclosed are methods for providing electronic and off-line transaction authorizations.

Systems and methods for operating data card terminals for transaction

A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances. Also disclosed are methods for operation of the terminal, and methods for operation of transaction processor systems responsive to signals from the terminal, such as providing chargeback protected transactions and providing electronic and off-line transaction authorizations.

Data card terminal with embossed character reader and signature capture

A low cost, easily manufacturable, and easy to use card transaction terminal for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. A two piece case snaps securely together without screws or other fasteners. The case includes printed circuit board supports for receiving and temporarily supporting a single, double sided circuit board. The circuit board includes minimized circuit components, including a microcomputer with integral program read-only memory. An improved data read head sub-assembly facilitates assembly and provides for precise positioning of data read head and substantially parallel biasing of the read head against the magnetic stripe of a data card. Keying features ensure that the read head subassembly is mounted in the proper orientation. An integral strain relief mechanism formed in the two piece case provides strain relief for power cord without additional hardware. An improved data decode method for the microcomputer decodes data in real time as it is read from the magnetic stripe on the card and obviates random access memory external to the microcomputer. An adaptive method is provided for initially configuring and thereafter operating the card transaction terminal, by affixing a predetermined string of additional access characters to a host telephone number in the event that a first attempt to contact a host computer system fails.

Card transaction terminal

Embossed character reader for data card terminal

Self configuring data card terminal

Systems and methods for operating a data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, for providing chargeback protection services for the benefit of merchants are disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture primer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances. Also disclosed are methods for providing electronic and off-line transaction authorizations.

A low cost, easily-manufacturable circuit for a data card transaction terminal for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. The circuit comprises a single, double-sided circuit board having minimized circuit components. The printed circuit board mounts an alphanumeric liquid crystal display (LCD) to a first side of the circuit board, a single chip LCD driver circuit, a bracket for extending through mounting holes in the circuit board and holding the liquid crystal display, keypad electrical contacts formed on the first side of the circuit board, and a plurality of circuit components all affixed to the second side of the circuit board. The circuit components affixed to the second side of the circuit board include a nonvolatile electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a single chip modem circuit, data access arrangement circuitry for connecting the modem to an external telephone line, a magnetic stripe read head interface circuit, and a single chip microcomputer circuit including with internal mask-programmed read-only memory for storage of a software program. The circuit components include no memory components other than the EEPROM and memory internal to the single chip microcomputer.

A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal is capable of requesting and receiving electronic authorization indicia via alternative communications links. The terminal includes first communications means for automatically connecting the terminal with a transaction processing host computer system via a first communications link, and second communications means for automatically connecting the terminal with the transaction processing host computer system via a separate second communications link if the first link fails. A third communications means automatically connects the terminal to an audio response unit (ARU) via a third communications link in response to a 'call me' signal from the host computer system, or if the first and second communications links fail. Transaction data is automatically transmitted from the terminal to the ARU via DTMF signals. The terminal includes means for receiving manual entry of audible authorization indicia received from the ARU, and means for verifying manually entered authorization indicia.

Growing community of inventors

Atlanta, GA, United States of America

James T Stills