Check dispensing terminal

Abstract

A method and apparatus for issuing negotiable instruments such as checks from a terminal comprising: first means (identification card reader) for identifying an account number against which a monetary amount of a check to be issued by the terminal is to be charged; second means (handwriting transducer) for inputting into the terminal identification data which will be used in determining whether to accept or reject a user of the terminal as authorized to issue a check against the account number; third means (bank data system) for supplying authorized identification data to the terminal and also for supplying evaluation criteria, such as a current monetary balance, for the account number; entry means (keyboard) for entering check data including the monetary amount; means for comparing (processor) the identification data with the authorized identification data and for generating an accept signal or a reject signal as a result of the comparing; the comparing means also comparing the monetary amount with the evaluation criteria and for generating an issue signal when the associated comparison is favorable; means for transporting (paper strip drive) a record medium to a print station in the terminal; and a printer for printing the account number and the monetary amount on the record medium at the print station in response to the accept signal and the issue signal, whereby the record medium becomes the check which is issued from the terminal.