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

The present invention is a modular signature and data capture device that uses standardized interfaces and a built-in camera for real-time display of signatures and graphics. The device can also display advertisements and coupons, and can communicate with user's computers for accounting purposes. The device is designed for use at points of transaction, such as merchant stores, and can conduct paperless transactions with instant payment to the merchant. The device uses encryption and key management to ensure transaction security and can detect and prevent unauthorized access. The device can also be used to capture user's fingerprint for PIN verification.

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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