Signature capturing printer and data card terminal

Abstract

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.