Modular signature and data-capture system and point of transaction payment and reward system

Abstract

A modular signature and data capture device employs a standardized ISA bus, standardized communication ports, and standardized ×86 CPU architecture to promote flexibility in using past, present, and future software and accessories. A VGA-caliber backlit LCD is superimposingly combined with a pressure touch pad that is useable with a passive stylus. The LCD displays pen drawn signatures and graphics in real-time, and can display images and data stored in the device, or downloaded from a host system, including advertisements. The LCD can also display menus, device instructions, virtual pressure-sensitive data keys, and control keys. The device includes a built-in a three-stripe magnetic card reader unit. The device accepts PCMCIA-compatible accessories including solid state memory units and smartcards, and is compatible with plug-in accessories including an external PIN keypad entry unit, a fingerprint unit, an omnibus unit including a printer and check processor in addition to a fingerprint unit. Security is provided by DES-encrypting PIN data and / or using Master / Session and / or DUKPT key management, or by using fingerprint token data as a PIN. The invention may be used to conduct paperless transactions in which the merchant is paid in realtime. Further, merchant purchase profiles may be generated on a per-user basis to promote more effective advertising.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates generally to signature and data-capture equipment, and more particularly to such equipment providing a modular system capability, and providing capability to transact payment at point of transaction, and to issue a reward to a user of the system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Equipment that captures signature and other information drawn on a screen by a user is known in the art. For example, many businesses are beginning to adopt electronic equipment that captures a customer's signature to verify a credit card charge purchase. At a store or other point of transaction, the customer signs his or her name with a stylus on a screen surface. The screen surface responds to signals from the stylus or to force from the stylus. The signature data are collected and signal processed within the equipment for transmission, typically by telephone link, to a central office. One such signature collection product is the Pen Ware 2000, a commerciall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]The present invention provides a modular signature and data capture device that employs a standardized ISA bus, standardized communication ports, standardized PCMCIA card input, and standardized ×86 CPU architecture. The use of such proven and standardized interfaces and CPU promote flexibility in using past, present, and future software and accessories. The device is intended for use at a point of transaction, e.g., when a user pays for goods purchased at a merchant store.

[0013]The omnibus unit permits an essentially paperless transaction to be conducted, in which a user's check is processed in realtime by the omnibus unit and device and is immediately returned to the user as a receipt for payment of the present transaction. The transaction is completed instantly in that the device contacts the user's bank and, if funds are available, debits the account as payment for the instant transaction. In this manner, the present invention facilities immediate payment to the merchant, and minimizes paper-work all around.

Problems solved by technology

Otherwise the transaction is aborted and the store merchant is alerted by the device that the card may be stolen.

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