CA2233969A1 - Distributed on-line money access card transaction processing system - Google Patents

Distributed on-line money access card transaction processing system Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2233969A1
CA2233969A1 CA 2233969 CA2233969A CA2233969A1 CA 2233969 A1 CA2233969 A1 CA 2233969A1 CA 2233969 CA2233969 CA 2233969 CA 2233969 A CA2233969 A CA 2233969A CA 2233969 A1 CA2233969 A1 CA 2233969A1
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Canada
Prior art keywords
customer
transaction
data
specified
card
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
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CA 2233969
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French (fr)
Inventor
William S. Akel
Paul K. Schilling
Eric L. Solberg
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to CA 2233969 priority Critical patent/CA2233969A1/en
Publication of CA2233969A1 publication Critical patent/CA2233969A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/20Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/38Payment protocols; Details thereof
    • G06Q20/40Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
    • G06Q20/403Solvency checks
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/38Payment protocols; Details thereof
    • G06Q20/40Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
    • G06Q20/403Solvency checks
    • G06Q20/4037Remote solvency checks
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F19/00Complete banking systems; Coded card-freed arrangements adapted for dispensing or receiving monies or the like and posting such transactions to existing accounts, e.g. automatic teller machines
    • G07F19/20Automatic teller machines [ATMs]

Abstract

A distributed on-line money access card transaction processing system (10) that functions with a credit card and debit bank card processing center (18). The system (10) includes a customer data-input station (14), a customer service station (16) and a customer transaction booth (20). The system operates with an on-line transaction processing software (30) and two secondary software programs (32, 34). A system transaction begins when a customer passes a card through a magnetic card reader (14B) located in the customer data-input station (14). The customer enters the transaction on a touchscreen unit (14C) and the transaction is sent to the customer service station (16), where the transaction is processed and sent to the credit and debit bank card processing center (18) for approval or disapproval. If approved, a check is printed on a printer (16C) located in the customer service station (16). The customer then goes to a customer transaction booth (20) where the check is converted to a cash payment.

Description

W O 97/13228 PCTrUS95/13166 DISTRIBUTED ON-LIN~ MONEY ACCESS CARD
TRANSACTION PROCESSING ~Y~TEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to the general field of credit card cash advance systems and more particularly to an improved and simplified client-operated system that interfaces with any existing bank card authorization system.

BACKGROUND ART

Computer system client-operated financial transactions fall into two primary categories: 1) cash withdrawals, such as those from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), and 2) credit card cash advances (CCCA).
In the first scenario, cash withdrawals are the method for obtaining money~ and this transaction is debited against the customer ' 9 bank account. If enough money is available in the customer's account the transaction will be approved, otherwise/ the transaction is re~ected. Industry statistics indicate that most customers have a limited amount of money on hand in their account, and ATM's will only allow the withdrawal of a certain money limit each day. Additionally, ATM's require sizeable space for operation, restrictions exist on the credit and debit cards used for operation, the operation and maintenance o~ ATM's are expensive, including "cash restocking" regularly, and ATM' 5 do not provide any management information with regard to direct marketing and other promotional activities.
Credit card cash advance (CCCA) operations, however, allow the customer to advance, as opposed to W O 97/13Z28 PC~AJS95/13166 withdrawl cash against their available line of aredit on their credit aard. The number of transaction~ per day are not limited and the money received i8 strictly dependent on the austomers available line of credit and the allowable limit by the location. CCCA primarily use preprinted checks, as opposed to a receipt J printed with the customer's credit card number, and signed by the customer as receipt for the money received.
Both of the above described financial transaction system are typically comprised of centr~lized computer ~y~tems in one location that control all the available locations. In other words, when the central computer system is inoperative, it affects all remote locations. This centralized computer approach is not uncommon for transaction oriented services; however~ its undesirable limitations are solved by the instant invention. The Gredit Card Cash Advance (CCCA) market i9 not widely understood by either the conaumers who use credit cards for cMah advances or the establishments which support these transactions for their customers. Currently there are two primary markets for CCCA 1) the gambling and leisure industry~ and Z) the "over-the-counter" public money. Additional markets that could be expanded include; hotels~ government agencies~ airports~
universities! and any other high-traffic public locations where people may need immediate cash. Market research indicates that this expanded market could ~u~tain $100 million ~ year in fee revenue while the two primary market areas in the United ~tates currently sustain over ~Z00 million a year in fee revenue.
In the United ~tates~ the CCCA market place is extremely limited and is primarily controlled by two companies. The first and major company operates a computerized check cashing system that includes check authorization resources and telecommunication billing WO 97/13228 PCT~US95/13166 ~ouraes; the second aompany is primarily concerned with controlling the disbursing of "over-the-counter" public money through electronic funds transfer.
b The major company services the gaming and leisure industry where the principal form of money exchange is cash. Therefore, the cash advance system must be quick, convenient and accurate. The current cash advance systems u9ed by the "casinos" appear to be operated and controlled by more than one computer system. HoweverJ in reality, all systems are owned by the same company and use the same computer system.
Therefore, when one customer location becomes inoperative 90 do all other customer locations. This ¢entralized aomputer approach is not uncommon for transactions oriented services and its undesirable limitations is one of the problems together with logistics problems that are ~olved by the instant invention.
The ATM has made it easier for banks and financial in~titutions to satisfy their customer's needs for fast and con~enient withdrawals. The ATM
service provider receives a percentage of the transaction fee that is charged by the ATM device. When comparing the utility of ATM's versus CCCA, it is well to remember that ATM's facilitate a withdrawal transaction and not a cash advance. Therefore! the number of transactions are limited as well as the amount of money recei~ed which in turns, limits the benefits received by the customer.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents or literature that read directly on the claims of the instant in~ention. However, U.S. patent number 5,175,682 issued to Higashiyama, et al on 29 December 1992 is considered related. This patent discloses a method and structure for processing and clearing checks in a timely manner. A check recipient utilizes ~ . . .

W O 97/13228 PCT~US95/13166 hardware and software to ~ather data ~rom a aheak and then proaesa the cheak. The hardware include~ a reader for reading the Magnetic Ink Charaater Recognition (MICR) printed on the check7 and means for associating this dat~ with information pert~inin~ to the tr~nsaction. Thi~ information is combined in a data record which i~ atored for ~uture batch data tr~ln~3mission to ~ cle~ring hou~3e or the i:3suin~ bank.
The invention also provide means for determining if the check information of a particular check is to be communicated in real time or in the batch mode.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The distributed on-line money acceas card transaction processing sy~tem is designed to provide a multi-tasking stand-alone financial tran~action processin~ system. The system consists of a customer data-input station that ia in the form of a kiosk, a customer service station, a credit and debit bank aard processing center, a customer transaction booth and a distributed on-line money access card transaction procesain~ so~tware which oper~tea the system.
The customer data input station includeY a bank card reader that reada various credit and debit bank cards, a touchscreen unit that allows a customer to enter transaction requests and receive instructiona relatin~ to that request, and a printer that prints customers transaction receipts. This station is connected to the customer aervice station which includea at least one workatation computer that proce~es the customer transaction data and a laser printer that prints the customer checka corresponding to an approved request. The transaction request processed by the customer service station is sent via a modem to the credit and debit bankcard proaessing W O 97/13228 PCT~US95/13166 center.
The proaessing oenter will either approve or di~approve the cu8tomer's transaction request. If a transaotion i8 disapproved, the reasons for the disapproval are displayed in the bank card reclder and/or touchscreen unit located in the customer's data input ~tation. ConverselYr if the transaction is approved, the approval me9sage is displayed in both or either o~ the cu5tomer's data input station, and a check corre~ponding to the transaction amount is printed on the laser printer located in the cu~tomer service center. The customer then walks over to the customer transaction booth where the check is converted for a cash payment.
In view of the above disclosure it i~3 the primary object of the invention to provide a distributed on-line money access card transaction processing system that is accurate, convenient and customer friendly.
In addition to the primary object it is also an object of the invention to produce an invention that:
o is reliable and easily maintained, o can be located in various high pedestrian traffic locations, o can be easily exported to provide additional financial services, o is co~t effective from both a manufacturerr and con~umer point~ of view~
o provides lower customer transaction fee~ with direct marketing and promotional activites for customer loyalty.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the sub~equent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claim~ taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

WO 97/13228 PCT~US95113166 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is an o~erall bloak dia~ram of the di~tributed on-line money acaess aard traneaction proce~eing system.
FIGURE 2 is a bloak dia~ram o~ the system showing the interface between ~ cu~tomer data input service ~tation which includes a cuatomer data input station and ~ customer ~er~ice ~tation, a credit and debit bank card processing center, and a cu~tomer tr~n~ction booth~
FIGURE 3 is a block/functional diagram ~howing the operation o~ an IPC trAnsport mechanism with eight ~o~tware module~.
FIGURE 4 is a block diagram showing the di~i~ion~l aategorie~ o~ the IPC tr~nsport meahanism.
FIGURE 5 is a block dia~r~m o~ the ta~k mana~er ~howing multi-threaded task sequenaes that operates a plurality of tasks.
FIGURES 6-22 are ~low dia~rams of the syetem aoftware program.

W O 97/13228 7 PCT~US95/13166 BEST MOD~ FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode ~or carrying out the invention i8 presented in terms Or a pre~erred embodiment that ~llowa the timely processing o~ consumer credit c~rds ~nd debit bank aards. The pre~erred embodiment a8 shown in FIGUR}i;S 1-ZZ i8 compriaed of ~ distributed on-line money acces~ card transaction processing ~ystem lO that consiat~ of ~ cuatomer dat~-input/service station 12 that i~ further comprised of at least one customer data-input station 14 ~nd a customer service station 16; a credit and debit bank card processing center 18;
and ~ customer trans~ction booth 20. The above hardw~re element~ oper~te with ~ prim~ry distributed on-line money ~cceas c~rd tr~naAction processing ~oftware 30 and two ~econdary programs entitled a point of sale so~tw~re progr~m 3Z and ~ distributed on-line money access card transaction sortw~re program 34.
The over~ll distributed on-line money acoe~
card trans~ction proaessing system lO is shown in FIGURE l. The ~igure depicts broadly the inter~ace o~
the customer dat~-input service st~tion 12, which includea the cuatomer d~t~-input at~tion 14 and the cu~tomer ser~ice station 16, with the customer tr~nsaction booth 20 ~nd the credit ~nd debit b~nk c~rd processing center 18. As shown in FIGURE 2, the cu~tomer d~t~ input station 14 inter~aces and communicates with the customer service station 16 by me~ns o~ ~ serial RSZ32 port 22. The interface ~nd communication between the customer service st~tion 16 ~nd the credit and debit bank card processing center 18 is by means of a conventional modem 24.
The cuatomer d~ta-input atation 14) i8 pre~erably conrigured in the ~orm o~ a kiosk 14A. The aystem lO utilize~ aever~l kioak's ~a ahown in FIGURE
l~ that ~re located in an easily accessible location W O 97/13228 PCT~US95/13166 such as in shopping malls, airports and other hi~h-traffic public locations. The kio~ks high-tech units are designed and embellished to differ from other non-related kiosk' 8 that may be located in the ~ame area and are further designed to fit and compliment the surroundings of the location environment.
The customer data-input station 14 consists of a means for accepting and reading a variety of customer credit cards i.e. r Visa , Mastercard , Discover M~
American Expre~s and debit bank aards i.e., ATM
cards. The means preferably consists of a bank card reader 14B also known as a ma~netic card strip reader.
The station include~ a touchscreen unit 14C or a keypad 14D that functions in combination with an alpha-numeric display 14~. These units function to receive and di~play the customer'~ transaction request, to ~uery the customer and to encrypt the customer transaction data. The station 14 also includes a printer 14F that provides the oustomer with ~ receipt listing the transaction data.
All the functions of the customer d~ta-input station 14 are operated by the local point of sale ~POS) software pro~ram 3~ that i~ located in the station 14. The means for interfacing and communic~tin~ with the customer service station 16 i5 by a cable connected to serial R~232 port located in both the station 14 and 16 as shown best in FIGURE Z.
The customer service station 16 as shown in FIGURE 2, includes at least one workstation computer 1~A. This computer~ which is operated by the distributed on-line money access card transaction software program 34, has means for receiving and procesaing the customer d~ta recei~ed from the customer data input station 14. The customer processed data is ~pplied via the modem 24 to the credit and debit bank card proce sing center 18. If the transaction is not W O 97/13228 PCTrUS95/13166 approved by the center 1~, the reasons for the di 8 approval are pre 9 ented to the austomer on the touchsareen unit 14C or the alpha-numeric displ~y 14~.
If an approval i3 received from the center 18, a printer 16C connected to the workstation computer 16A
is activated. The printer has means for electroniaally printinE~, on demandJ ~ cuatomer' 9 aheck that corresponds to the accepted cu8tomer transaation. The printer 16C ia preferably ~ l~aer printer that prints the ohecks from electronic image3 stored in the laser printer using blank check stockpaper and Magnetic Ink Character Reaognition (MICR) toner. The reaeived aheak is eiven to the customer at a conveniently located customer transaction booth 20 where the customer's check ia converted to cash or some other method of payment. Before the cash is received, the customer must pre~ent ~ proper identific~tion ~nd si~n the check.
In summary, the distributed on-line money acceas card transaction processing system 10 is designed to provide ~n improved credit bank card and debit bank card system. To utilize the systemJ the following simple steps are taken:
a) The customer walks up to a customer d~ta-input station 14 which preferably is in the form of an attractive and functional kiosk. Within the kioskJ is located a card reader 14B and a touchscreen unit 14C or a keyp~d 14~ with ~n ~lph~-numeric displ~y 14E.
b) Customer passes a credit c~rd or bank debit card across the card reader 14B to initiate a transactisn J
c) customer selects the amount of the transaction by touchin~ appropriate sections of the touchscreen unit 14C or the keys on W O 97/13228 PCT~US95/13166 the keypad 14D.
d) customer views touch9creen to determine if the transaation ha~ been approved or rejected. If a rejection is received, the reason for the rejection i8 di~pl~ced on the touchscreen 14C or alpha-numeric display 14~. If an approval is received, the message is displaced and a check i~
electronically printed with the approved transaction amount on a la~er printer 16C
located in the customer service station 16.
e) customer then proceeds to the customer transaction booth 20. Where when proper identification i9 presented, the oustomer receives a cash payment or the like.
The sy3tem lO is operated by a di~tributed on-line money access card transaction prooessing so~tware 30 that con3i~ts of an inter-process communication (IPC) transport mechani~m that operates ei~ht modules as shown in FIGURE 3.
IPC TRANSPORT M~CHANISM
The IPC transport mechanism 30A functions as the "logical data bus'l for the inter-process communications between distributed system processes across various physical or logical data links. This software design enables dependent processes to communicate regardless of whether the processes reside on the same platform.
Thus, processes are allowed to be distributed across one or many operating platforms using varioua communication topologies, allowing scaling of the a~plication or takin~ advantage of the inherent properties of a platform best suited to a particular proces~. The IPC transport mech~nism 30A is divided into the following categories as shown in FIGURE 4.

W O 97/13228 PCT~US95/13166 IPC Admini 8 trator API - This i8 the interfaae aeen by each process in the sy5tem. When Proces~ A
eatablishea ~ ae~sion with Process B, the inter~ace seen by the processes i9 the same regardless of whether the processes are executing on the same platform, and regardless of the physical link and protocol used to link the multiple pl~tforms in u distributed setting.
Transport Inter~ace - The transport interface manAges connections between processes and provides a mechanism for querying process status and availability.
This interface makes the distinction between local and remote processes and assigns to a aonnection the appropriate protocol and device interface.
Protocol Converter - the protoaol converter frames data packets as required by the protocol assigned by the transport interface for transmission across the communications device linking the processes.
Packets are ~ramed by adding the necessary header, trailer J routing and error detection/correction information. This inter~ace also manages any receipt verification, ~cknowled~mentJ and retransmission aa required by the protocol. If a data packet i8 destined for a local proceaa J no framing i9 neceaaary and the p~cket i3 sent immediately to the process or posted to the input queue deai~nated for the receipt of interprocess data packets.
Device Interface - The device inter~ace performs any initialization necessary for a physical device and handles the low-level transmisaion and reception of data to and from the device.
Device - The phyaic~l communications device.
KERNEL MODULE
The Kernel module 30B conaiats of the Taak Manager and other low-level functions required on each platform running the aystem 10 modules. The Kernel W O 97/13228 PCTrUS95/13166 consists of the aate~ories described below.
Ta~k Mana~er - The Task Manager as shown in FIGURE 3 u~es multi-threadèd non-preemptive multi-tasking technology to provide a multi-proce~8ing environment to the ~y9tem 10 modules re~ardle~s o~
whether the host environment or operating system are capable of providing such aervice~. Tasks use atate-sequencing logic to per~orm small part~ of an operation with each thread invocation.
Queue Mana~er - The Queue Manager provides functions to the sy~tem modules for creating, deleting and mana~ing queues and queue entire (job~). Processes that must proces~ requests in a serial manner use the queue manager ~or storing pending request~ and service re~ueats from the queue in the order received.
Exception Handler - When proces3es generate an exception ~error~, a signal i~ sent to the exception handler. Other processes may establish exception hook~
to allow them to perform the proces~ing for desi~nated exceptions. If an exception of a critical nature requires sy~tem shutdown, the exception handler will notify running tasks to perform the shutdown in an orderly mnnner.
Low-Level System Re30urces - Provides an interface to various system-dependent resource3 such as memory mana~ement~ file access, and display mapping.
USER INTERFACE
The User Interface module 30C present to an operator v~rious options for performing tasks which ~re carried out by other system modules. These options are presented in the form of menus, message displays and data entry screens. The user inter~ace module tran~l~te~ the u~er option3 and coordin~tes invoc~tion of other ~ystem proce33es to perform the selected task.

, W O 97/13228 PCTrUS95/13166 SECURITY
The securitY module 30D protects the system 10 from unauthorized acce88, tamperin~ and ~raudulent activities by performing the function3 described below.
,.
5 Pa~word Protection - Each aystem operator requires a pa3sword to access the 9ystem~ and the ~dministrator o~ the 9y9tem determines what function3 may be performed by each operator.
Data Encryption - Provide~ a proprietary 10 encryption mechani3m ~or protecting 3en3itive data stored in ~iles or transmitted between proce~sea.
Hot-Card File - The 3ystem maintain3 a local database of credit or debit cards that are stolen or otherwise thou~ht to be involved in ~raudulent 15 activitie~. This ~llow~ ~uch tran~action~ to be 3topped immediately without exposing the system operator to fraud liabilities.
Current Tran~ction Reporting - To comply with federal and state money-laundering proteation laws~ the 20 system track~ multiple tran3aation3 performed by an individual ~nd automatically generates the neces3ary regulatory report~ required when the aumulative amount o~ transactions during the specified period meets or exceeds the amount speaified by the regulation.
POS MANAGER
The POS manager module 30E proce33es tran3action requests and coordinates the authorization and printing of the electronic checks or other transaction-generated documents. Several authorization sources may be 30 available to the POS manager depending on the type of trans~ction and the current transaction volume. The POS manager will 3elect the appropriate authorizer and pass the transaction data to the Transaction Authorization and Settlement Module for tran3mi3~ion to 35 the authorizer.

-CA 02233969 l99X-04-03 WO 97/13228 PCT~US95/13166 TRANSACTION AUTHORIZATION AND SETTLEMENT MODULE
The Transaation Authorization and Settlement (TA~) Module 30F manage~ conneation~ with the authorization network(s). At the time an authorization request is received, the TAS module will ~elect a communications device for communicatin~ with the authorizer. The TA~ module will ~irst try to utilize an existing connection i~ one i8 already in place. I~
one i~ not in place, an alternate deviae may be utilized to eatablish the connection, or i~ none is available, the request will be queued until a device becomes available. In the event of a failure to establish communications with the authorizer or a ~ailure of an established link, the TAS module will activate ~lternate routing logic to est~blish or re-establish communications.
PRINT MANA~ER
The Print Manager module 30G proceases requests from other system modules ~or printing electronic checks and reports. These print requests are queued ~or printin~ a~ soon as the desi~nated printer is available, or the Print Manager may be selected to print the report on the first available printer or to distribute the report to multiple designated printers.
The Print Mana~er tracks the inventory levels of checks, toner and other printer related consummables.
Functions are also provided for querying the status of print jobs, deleting print jobs ! su3pending print jobs and querying printer availability and status.
DATABAS~ ENGINE
The D~taba~e En~ine module 30H providea a mechanism for storing transaction data and other data required throu~h the sy~tem. The database is desi~ned around the relation model and processes commands in a transaction oriented manner. Facilities are included to ensure data inte~rity, includin~ file and record CA 02233969 l99X-04-03 W O 97/13228 PCT~US95/13166 loaks~ integrity vertification and automatia index regeneration.
The Dat~ba~e ~ngine al~o provides ~ile-level mana~ement~ the ~hared File Sy9tem. Thi~ ~ystem makes data file~ available to all 8y8tem modules re~ardle~
of location and manages and synchronizes aGcess to the~e files. Any pl~tform runnin~ aystem modules may have a file area de9ignated as a shared file area and will be managed by the shared file system.
DEVICES COMMUNICATION MODULE
The devices communication module 30I allows a ~ariety of communicating devicea to be operated by the IPC transport mechaniam without needing to be aware of the apecific protocols required by the de~ices. The major devices supported by the system are as follows.
Intelligent Workatation Adapter - The intelligent work~3tation adapter (IW~) i8 comprised of hardware and software which enables many transaction terminala to be connected through ~erial RS-232 interfacea to a system running on a personal computer which ia normally limited to only four serial interf~ce ports. An IWA provides 16 ports~ and two IWA'a may be connected to provide up to 32 porta.
Point of Sale (POS) Terminals - POS terminals are utilized by system customers to process tranaactions. The3e terminals contain a dual-track ma~netic card reader for ac~uirin~ cardholder account information, a keypad for selecting options~ entering transaction amounts, a display to report the progress of the transaction and request input and a receipt printer. Transaction re~uests are forwarded through the IPC to the POS ManagerJ and the reault of the transaction ia relayed back to the terminal which then instruct3 the customer of the completed transaction.

W O 97/13228 PCTrUS9S/13166 ViewChek Touch Screen Terminal - ViewChek terminals present to the customer the same options as the POS terminals but include a color ~lat-~creen graphics display to aommunicate transaction progress and reque~t cu~tomer input. The ~raphic~ display includes a touch-sensitive sur~ace which allow3 a cuatomer to select option~ by pointing to them on the display. In addition~ the screen may be programmed to display advertising messa~es while the system is idle or processing.
Slave Terminals - ~lave terminals provide a simpleJ inexpen3ive interface to the sy~tem for use in place~ where it i9 not practical to pl~ce an entire computer system. These terminal3 are connected through the IPC tran~port mechaniam and may be programmed to perform any function a~ailable on the system. In addition~ reports and electronic checks may be directed to printers attached to slave terminals.
Credit Card and Drivers License Readers - these devices are equipped with a device that is capable of readine the ma~netic ~tripe on bank cards (debit and credit), as well as the driver's licenses being introduced in m~ny ~tates with magnetic encoding. This automates data recording and prevents data entry error~, MICR Readers and Bar Code ~canner3 - All electronic check~ printed by the ~ystem include account in~ormation (known as MICR encodin~) required by the Federal ~e~erve for clearin~. The system is equipped with a MICR reader aapable of reading this information and transmittin~ it a system module ~or processing.
This allow~ instant retrieval of transaction information and also verification of the transaction.
Many documents ~enerated by the system also contain identi~yin~ information encoded in a bar code. A bar code scanner connected to a system allows all transactions assoaiated with a doaument to instantly be retrieved for viewing or proaessing.
Modem~ - Modems are u~ed by the system ~or authorizing and settling trans~ctions.
LAN/WAN Inter~ace - The systems may be interaonnected with other systems or networks to give other applications acaess to the system data and to allow interoperability with other systems.
The aomputer software flow dia~ram~ for the system 10 are shown in FIGURES 7-ZZ.
While the invention has been described in complete detail and pictorially shown in the accompanyin~ dr~win~ it i~ not to be limited to such details~ since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence. it i3 described to aover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. A distributed on-line money access card transaction processing system comprising;
A. a customer data-input/service station comprising:
a> at least one customer data-input station comprising:;
(1) means for accepting and reading a variety of customer credit and debit bank cards, (2) means for querying, answering and encrypting customer transaction data, (3) a local point of sale (POS) software program that operates the functions of said customer data-input station, (4) means for printing customer transaction receipts, and (5) means for interfacing and communicating with a customer service station, (b) the customer service station comprising:
(1) at least one workstation computer having means for receiving and processing the customer transaction data received from said customer data-input station, (2) a local transaction software program that operates the functions of said customer service station, (3) a printer connected to said workstation computer and having means for electronically printing on-demand, a customer's check corresponding to the accepted customer transaction, (4) means for interfacing with a credit and debit bank card processing center, B. a credit and debit bank oard processing center that receives a transaction from said customer service station and either accepts or rejects the transaction, C. a customer transaction booth where, if a customer transaction is approved by said credit and debit bank card processing center, the customer's check is converted to cash upon presentation of customer's identification, and D. a distributed on-line money access card transaction processing software that operates said system.
2. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said means for accepting and reading a customer's credit and debit card comprises a bank-card reader.
3. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said means for querying and answering a customer's transaction data comprises a touchscreen unit.
4. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said means for querying and answering a customer's transaction data comprises a keypad that functions in combination with an alpha-numeric display.
5. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said customer data-input station is configured in the form of a kiosk located in an easily accessible location.
6. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said means for said customer data-input station to interface and communicate with said customer service station comprises an RS232 port.
7. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said means for said customer service station to interface and communicate with said credit and debit bank card processing center comprises a modem.
8. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said printer is a laser printer that prints checks from electronic images stored in a laser printer using blank check stock paper, and MICR toner.
9. A method for implementing a distributed on-line money access card transaction processing system that provides an improved credit card and debit bank card system, said method comprising the following steps:
a) providing a data-input station that includes a card reader and touchscreen unit or a keypad with an alpha-numeric display, b) passing a credit card or bank debit card across said card reader to initiate a transaction, c) selecting the amount of the transaction, and the method of payment by touching appropriate sections of said touchscreen or the keys on said keypad, d) viewing touchscreen unit to determine if the transaction has been approved or rejected, if an approval or rejection is received, the reason for the rejection is displayed on said touchscreen, or alpha-numeric display, if an approval is received, a check is electronically printed with the approved amount on a printer located in a customer service station, and e) proceeding to a customer transaction booth where the check is presented, with proper identification, afterwhich Customer receives a cash payment.
10. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said distributed on-line money access card transaction processing software comprises:
a) an inter-process communications (IPC) transport mechanism that functions as a logical data bus for said system which provides inter-process communications between distributed system processes across various physical or logical data links, b) a kernel module that interfaces with said IPC and having means for performing low-level functions required to operate said system, where said kernel module comprises;
(1) a task manager module having means for using multi-threaded, non-presumptive multi-tasking technology for providing a multi-processing environment to the system modules regardless of whether the host environment or operating system are capable of providing such services, (2) a queue manager module having means for providing to the system modules function for creating, detecting and managing queries and queue entries, (3) an exception handler module having means for receiving and processing an exception as error signal, and a low-level system resources module having means for providing an interface to various system-dependent resources such as memory management, file access and display mapping, c) a user interface module that interfaces with said IPC and having means for presenting to an operator various options for performing tasks which are carried out by other system modules, where the user interface module translates the user options and coordinates invocation of other system processes to perform the selected task, d) a security module that interfaces with said IPC and having means for protecting said system from unauthorized access, tampering and fraudulent activities where said security module comprises:
(1) a password protection circuit having means for requiring a password to be entered before access is permitted to said system, (2) a data encryption circuit having an encryption mechanism for protecting sensitive data stored in files or transmitted between processes, (3) a hot-card file having means for maintaining a local data base of credit or debit cards that are stolen or otherwise thought to be involved in fraudulent activities, (4) a currency transaction reporting circuit having means for allowing the tracking of multiple transactions performed by an individual and thereafter, generating the necessary reports required when the cumulative amount of transactions, during a specified period meets or exceeds the amount specified by a regulation, e) a POS monitor module that interfaces with said IPC and having means for processing transaction requests and for coordinating the authorization and printing of electronic checks or other transaction generated documents, f) a transaction authorization and settlement (TAS) module that interfaces with said IPC and having means for connecting with the authorization network(s), where when an authorization is received, said TAS module selects a communication device for communicating with the authorizer, g) a print manager module that interfaces with said IPC and having means for processing requests from other system modules, to print electronic checks and reports, h) a data base engine module that interfaces with said IPC and having means for providing a mechanism for storing transaction data and other data required to operate said system and i) a device communications module that interface with said IPC transport mechanism to allow said system to communicate without considering the specific protocols required by said devices.
11. The system as specified in claim 10 wherein said IPC transport mechanism is divided into the following functional categories:

a) an IPC administrator that is the interface seen by each system process, b) a transport interface having means for providing connections between processor and providing a mechanism for queuing process status and availability, c) a protocol converter having means for framing data pockets as required by the protocol assigned by the transport interface for transmission across the communication device linking the processor, d) a device interface having means for performing any initialization necessary for a physical device and for controlling the low-level transmission and reception data to and from the device and, e) a physical communication device.
12. The system as specified in claim 10 wherein said exception handler module has means for nullifying running tasks to perform a system shut down where an exception of a critical nature is received.
13. The system as specified in claim 10 wherein said user interface options are presented in the form of menus, message displays and data entry screens.
14. The system as specified in claim 10 wherein said password protection circuit further comprises circuit means for allowing a system administrator to determine which functions may be performed by each operation.
15. The system as specified in claim 10 wherein said print manager module further has circuit means for allowing checks to be printed as soon as a designated printer is available or when a first available printer is available or to distribute the report to multiple designated printers.
16. The system as specified in claim 15 wherein said print manager module further has circuit means for allowing the tracking of the inventory levels of checks and other printer related consummables.
17. The system as specified in claim 15 wherein said print manager module further comprise circuit means for allowing the queuing of the status of print jobs, deleting print jobs, suspending print jobs and printing availability and status reports.
18. The system as specified in claim 10 wherein said data base engine module further comprise circuit means for ensuring data integrity which includes file and record locks, integrity verification and automatic index regulation.
19. The system as specified in claim 18 wherein said data base engine module further comprises circuit means for allowing data files to be available to all system modules regardless of location.
20. The system as specified in claim 10 wherein said IPC transport mechanism allows processor to be distributed across at least one operating platform using various communications topologies, thus allowing scaling of the application or taking advantage of inherent properties of a platform best suited to a particular process.
CA 2233969 1995-10-06 1995-10-06 Distributed on-line money access card transaction processing system Abandoned CA2233969A1 (en)

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US6839688B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2005-01-04 Diebold, Incorporated Method of using an automated banking machine
US6965879B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2005-11-15 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine system using plural communication formats
US7162449B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2007-01-09 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine apparatus and system
US7333954B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2008-02-19 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine and system
US7699219B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2010-04-20 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine apparatus and system

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6839688B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2005-01-04 Diebold, Incorporated Method of using an automated banking machine
US6965879B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2005-11-15 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine system using plural communication formats
US6973443B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2005-12-06 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine apparatus and system
US7162449B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2007-01-09 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine apparatus and system
US7251631B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2007-07-31 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine system using internet address customer input
US7333954B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2008-02-19 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine and system
US7590598B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2009-09-15 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine with record accessibility pre-check
US7689509B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2010-03-30 Diebold, Incorporated Method of using an automated banking machine
US7699219B2 (en) 1996-11-27 2010-04-20 Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine apparatus and system

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