Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TRANSACTION APPARATUS
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to devices for conducting financial transact'rons.
Specifically this invention relates to a transaction apparatus and system
which
enables a single card with a programmable memory to be used as a substitute
for a plurality of conventional credit cards, identification cards, benefit
cards
and other objects which include indicia such as magnetic indicia or bar code.
BACKGROUND ART
The most common type of credit and debit cards in use today are
magnetic stripe type cards. The standardized format used for such cards
includes indicia on a front side of the card. Such indicia identifies the card
owner, an account number, a card type, a card issuer, an expiration date as
well as possibly other information. Such indicia is presented as raised
letters
and numbers which can be used to make an impression on a multipart carbon
or carbonless form. The rear of such cards have a magnetic stripe supported
thereon. The magnetic stripe includes several tracks of infomlation. This
information includes magnetic indicia representative of the infomlation found
on the front of the card as well as other information that is used in
processing
transactions electronically. Magnetic stripe cards are commonly used for
credit card types such as MasterCard , VISA , Discove 'Ot, American
Express , Diner's Club and others.
Most people also carry debit cards which allow them to access money
in their checking and savings accounts using automated banking machines.
Some debit cards also function as credit cards. Most debit cards in use today
are magnetic stripe cards similar in format to credit cards.
Due to the convenience of using credit and debit cards most people
carry several such cards in their wallet. Because of financial incentives
associated with the issuance and sponsorship of credit cards, many users are
offered cards by different banks, clubs, fraternal organizations and
merchandising organizations. As a result it is not uncommon for people to
have several different MasterCard and VISA accounts. This gives
consumers the opportunity to take advantage of prerniums such as frequent
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flyer miles and rebates offered by card sponsors. Having several different
credit cards also enables consumers to take advantage of the credit limits on
all
their cards. While having many credit and debit cards is a benefit to
consumers, it also requires them to carry several cards. It also exposes
consumers to a greater risk if their wallet or purse that includes all their
credit
and debit cards is lost or stolen.
Most individuals also carry a number of other objects or cards which
include machine readable indicia. These often include for example, a health
insurance card which indicates that a person is a member of a particular group
insurance plan. Such cards are often magnetic stripe cards similar to credit
cards. Alternatively such health insurance cards may include bar code indicia
or other visible indicia which can be read with a sca.nner. Some health
insurance cards include both visible and mab etic indicia. Persons who are
members of a health insurance plan can identify themselves and their account
to medical providers by showing their card which can be read or scanned by
appropriate devices.
Persons also comtnonly carry other types of cards with visible or
magnetic indicia. These may include for example, library cards, identification
or access cards, employee identification cards, student identification cards,
driver's license cards, professional license cards and other types of cardlike
objects. The magnetic or visible indicia on these cards is usually read when
presented by the card holder to identify the person as an authorized user of
services or facilities.
Another type of card which has been developed is the stored value card
commonly referred to as a "smart card." Stored value cards are similar to
credit and debit cards in construetion in that they include a front side which
has raised identifying indicia which can be transferred to a carbon or
carbonless multipart form. Such cards also commonly include a niagnetic
stripe including magnetic indicia which enables the card to work like any
other
credit or debit card. Stored value cards also include a. programrnable memory
mounted on the card. Such programmable memory stores data representative
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3
of cash vaiue. The value on the stored value card can be used like cash by the
bearer to purchase goods or services. The stored value data on the card is
also
often encrypted or stored using schemes to prevent fraud or tampering
therewith.
Stored value cards, like debit and credit cards, require the customer to
interact with a stationary terminal device to utilize the card. For example,
in
the case of credit cards, credit is obtained when the customer presents their
card to a merchant. The merchant (unless they process transactions manually)
utilizes a point of sale or electronic funds transfer terminal to charge an
amount to the customer's account and credit the merchant's account.
Similarly the use of a debit card requires that the user present their card to
an
automated banking machine such as an ATM. The ATM operates to add or
deduct amounts from the user's account as funds are deposited or received by
the user. Similarly, stored value cards are used in connection with a
stationary
terminal device such as an electronic funds transfer terminal or automated
banking machine which has the special capabilities to handle the particular
type of stored value card used. The terminal modifies the value information
stored in memory on the card to reflect the addition or subtraction of value
represented thereon as transactions are conducted.
Having to use a stationary terminal device to conduct transactioris is
often inconvenient. Most merchants only accept certain types of credit cards.
Locating an ATM that accepts the debit card of a person's financial
institution
can be difficult. Often the use of a "foreign" card at another bank's ATM
results in a significant service charge. It is also difficult to find a
merchant or
ATM that can process stored value cards.
Thus there exists a need for an apparatus and method that can reduce
the number of credit, debit and other cards or cardlike objects that a person
must carry while still obtaining the benefit of carrying all such cards and
objects individually. There.further exists a need for an apparatus and method
which changes the character of the indicia on a card so as to give a single
card
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the ability to be used as a substitute for any one of a plurality of credit,
debit or
other cards.
Finally there further exists a need for an apparatus and method for
carrying out transactions using a stored value card that does not require a
user
to interact with a stationary terminal device such as an automated banking
machine, electronic cash register or an electronic funds transfer terminal.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is a an object of the present invention to provide a novel transaction
apparatus.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transaction
apparatus which enables a user to use a single card which can be changed to
conduct transactions using a plurality of the user's accounts,
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transaction
apparatus which can be used in lieu of a plurality of credit, debit and other
cards and objects.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transaction
apparatus that selectively displays visible indicia reproduced from a card or
object, which visible indicia can be read by individuals or with a machine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transaction
apparatus which can transfer value to or from a stored value card without the
use of a stationarv terminal device.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transaction
apparatus that is compact, portable and lightweight.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transaction
apparatus that can be configured in a manner which conforms to the shape of a
conventional purse, wallet or keyfob and which may perform the functions
thereof as well as the functions associated with carrying out transactions.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transaction
apparatus that authorizes operation based on a physical characteristic of an
authorized user.
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It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transaction
apparatus which includes a rechargeable power supply.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transaction
apparatus that is economical to produce and easy to operate.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for
storinQ data about a plurality of accounts held by user in a single memory
carried on a card.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for
accessing data corresponding to plurality of accounts from the memory on a
single card and selectively transferring such data to a magnetic stripe or
visual
display in connection with the card.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for
selectively deleting and writing indicia corresponding to any one of a
plurality
of selected accounts onto the magnetic stripe of a single card.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for
transferring value between a plurality of accounts and the memory of a stored
value card without using a stationary terminal device.
Further objects of the present invention will be made apparent in the
following Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention and the appended Claims.
The foregoing objects are accomplished in one preferred embodiment
of the invention by an apparatus which includes a card which is of a type
which includes a magnetic stripe supported thereon. The magnetic stripe may
be of a conventional configuration and capable of having magnetic indicia
recorded or written thereon. The card also includes a programmable memory
which is supported on the card. The programmable memory preferably
includes data representative of a plurality of accounts which the user has,
such
as various credit card accounts, debit card accounts and other accounts.
The apparatus further includes a portable terminal. The portable
tenninal is preferably sufficiently small so as to be readily portable. The
terminal may be incorporated into a wallet, purse or keyfob. The portable
terminal is releasibly engageable with the card and includes a memory reading
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device which is operative to read the account data from the memory on the
card. The portable terminal also includes an input device which enables the
user to select data from the card memory corresponding to any one of the
plurality of the user's accounts. The portable terminal preferably further
includes a magnetic writing device which enables the user to write magnetic
indicia corresponding to a selected account in the programmable memory to
the magnetic stripe on the card. This enables the user to use the card in
place
of the dedicated credit card for that particular account. The portable
terminal
further preferably includes a magnetic stripe erasing device which enables the
user to erase the indicia from the magnetic stripe so that the user may
subsequently write data corresponding to a different account to the magnetic
stripe when desired.
The card memory further preferably includes data representative of a
stored amount. This amount represents a monetary value which the user may
use as a cash substitute. The portable terminal device preferably includes a
communications device which enables the user to make the transfers between
the accounts for which data is held in memory and the monetary amount
stored on the card. In addition the monetary amount stored on the card may be
transferred using stationary terminals such as ATMs and point of sale
terminals which have stored value card capabilities.
The card memory further preferably includes data representative of
visual indicia which are found on a plurality of cards or other objects
associated with the user. The visible indicia may include for example, bar
code indicia representative of a user's account with a group health plan.
Alternatively such visible indicia may include bar code or other indicia
associated with a student I.D., employee access card, driver's license or
other
types of objects. The visible indicia may also include a reproduction of the
user's signature or other identifying characteristics. The portable terminal
preferably includes a display upon which the stored visible indicia may be
reproduced in response to inputs to an input device. This enables visible
indicia to be read with a machine from the displav, which serves as a
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substitute for scanning off the card or object which the user is no longer
required to carry. The card memory may also include data representative of
icons or other graphics as well as data representative of instructions which
are
uscd bv a processor in the portable tenninal for carrying out transactions_
in some embodiments the ponable terminal may further include object
reading devices such as a rriagnetic stripe reader and a bar code scauzner.
Such
devices are used to read magnetic indicia from the original credit and debit
cards and to transfer such information so it may be stored in the programmable
memory of the card used in connection with the invention. Similarly the
object reader in the form of a scanner may read the visible indicia such as a
bar
code from an object so that such indicia may be stored in the memory on the
card_ Preferably the input device of the terminal is used to input designators
whSch are stored in eorrelated relation with the data which corresponds to the
various types of magnetic stripes and bar codes. The memory on the card may
further include data representative of an access code as well as instructions
to
minimize the risk that an unauthorized user may gain access to the data stored
in memory. Altematively, the card memory may further include data uniquely
associated with the user such as fingerprint data or other biometric data. The
terminal preferably includes a reader for reading such data to assure that the
user is the person authorized to use the card.
The preferred form of the invention enables a user to carry a single
card which the user may use in lieu of a plurality of cards or other objects
which the user would otherwise be required to carry. The invention further
enables a user to transfer amounts between a stored value card and their
various accounts without having to use a stationary terminal such as a point
of
sale tetminal or an automated banking machine:
The invention provides an apparatus which comprises a portable hand-
held device including, at lcast one input device, at least one wireless
communication device, at least one processor, and at least one data store in
oper-ative connmtion with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one
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7a
data store includes data representative of cash value, wherein responsive to
the
at least one input device, thc at least one processor is operative to cause
the at
least one wireless communication device to communicate at least one
mcssage, wherein the at least one message is operative to transfer cash value.
The invention still furthcr provides a method which comprises
providing at least one input to at least one input device of a portable hand-
held
dcvice, wherein the at least one input corresponds to a transfer of an amount
of
cash value; modifying data representative of cash value in at least one data
store in the hand-held device to indicate the transfer of the amount of cash
value; and communicating at least one wireless message with the hand-held
device, wherein the at least one wireless message is operative to affect the
transfer of the amount of ca,ch value.
The invention yet further provides an apparatus which comprises a
portable terminal adapted to communicate wireless nYessages and adapted to
selectively change niagnetic indicia supported on a card such that the
magnetic
indicia may correspond to any one of a plurality of accounts.
The invention yet further provides a method which comprises
providing at least one input throug,h at least one input device on a portable
terminal, corresponding to a selected one of a plurality of selectable
accounts,
whercin the portable terminal is adapted to communicate wireless messages;
and changing magnetic indicia supported on a card to correspond to the
sclected account responsive to operation of the terminal.
BRiEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a top plan vicw of one embodiment of a transaction
apparatus of the prescnt invention including a multifunction card and a
portable terminal.
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Figure 2 is an isometric view of the portable terminal of the type
shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an isometric view of the portable terminal shown in Figure
2 in combination with a wallet structure.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of the components of the portable
terminal as well as a system through which the portable terminal
communicates.
Figures 5-14 are views of exemplary function serection screens through
which a user may select functions to be executed using the transaction
apparatus.
Figures 15-24 are examples of screens displayed on the portable
terminal and associated with the logic flow for adding a new card type to the
programmable memory on the multifunction card.
Figures 25-31 are a series of screens displayed on the programmable
terminal and associated with the logic flow for deleting a card from the
programmable memory on the multifunction card.
Figures 32-42 are screens displayed on the portable terminal and
associated with the logic flow for writing selected card information to the
magnetic stripe of the multifunction card.
Figures 43-52 are screens displayed on the portable terminal and
associated with the logic flow for adding a bar code to the programmable
memory on the multifunction card.
Figures 53-56 are screens displayed by the programmable terminal and
associated with the logic flow for displaying a bar code corresponding to
information stored on the programmable memory of the multifunction card.
Figures 57-61 are screens displayed on the portable terminal and
associated with the logic flow for deleting a bar code from the prograrnznable
memory on the multifunction card.
Figures 62 and 63 are screens displayed on the portable terminal and
associated with the logic flow for checking the stored cash value represented
by the data stored in the programmable memory on the multifunction card.
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Figures 64-74 are screens displayed on the portable terminal and
associated with the logic flow for transferring cash value to the programmable
memory on the multifunction card.
Figures 75-88 are screens displayed on the portable terminal and
associated with the logic flow for transfen-ing value from the programmable
memory on the multifunction card to a selected user account.
Figures 89-95 are screens displayed on the portable terminal and
associated with the logic flow for assuring that a user is authorized to use
the
terminal.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1 there is
shown therein a transaction apparatus of one preferred embodiment of the
present invention generally indicated 10. The apparatus includes a
multifunction card 12 and a portable terminal 14. The portable tenninal and
multifunction card are releasibly engageable in a manner later discussed to
enable carrying out a plurality of functions and transactions.
The multifunction card 12 preferably has the dimensional
configuration of conventional credit and debit cards. It includes a magnetic
stripe 16 on a rear face thereof. The magnetic stripe is capable of holding
magnetic indicia similar to the magnetic stripes on conventional debit, credit
and similar cards. Like the stripes on such cards, magnetic stripe 16 is also
preferably capable of having the magnetic indicia thereon erased with an erase
head or similar device, and having new indicia recorded or written thereon.
Multifunction card 12 further preferably includes a programmable
memory 18 supported thereon. Programmable memory 18 includes a plurality
of electrical or other contacts 20 which are accessibie on the front of the
card.
In the preferred embodiment the card and programmable memory are a type
and configuration such as is commercially available from a number of
suppliers including Diebold, Incorporated, the Assignee of the present
invention. The contacts 20 and the magnetic stripe 16 are positioned in
predetennined locations on the card to enable the card to be used with a
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variety of devices. Of course in other embodiments of the invention
nonconventional orientations and configurations of the magnetic stripe and the
programmable memory contacts may be used.
As later explained, multifunction card 12 is designed to bc used as a
5 substitute for a plurality of varied types of credit, debit and other cards.
However in embodiments of the invention, card 12 may include information
on the face or rear thereof so as to identify the particular user to whom the
card
belongs, an issuer of the card, as well as other data. In some embodiments,
the
front side of the card may include raised numbers and letters corresponding to
10 a particular credit card account and from which an impression may be made
onto a carbon or carbonless form. For example information on the face of the
card may correspond to a user's MasterCard , VISA , American Express ,
Discovery , Novus , Diner's Club or other card. This enables the
multifunction card to be used as the user's regular credit card when
purchasing
goods or services in establishinents that do manual processing of credit card
transactions. Of course while in the embodiment discussed conventional
credit card indicia may be included on the front of the multifunction card, in
other embodiments special indicia may be presented on the card.
Portable terrninal 14 includes a display 22 on the front face thereof. In
one preferred form of the invention display 22 is an LCD type display or other
suitable display that may be used for displaying words, graphics and other
visible indicia in a manner later explained. Portable terrninal 14 further
includes an input device that may be used to input information by a user. In
the embodiment shown, the input device includes a manual input device which
consists of a plurality of buttons. These buttons include a scroll up button
24
and a scroll down button 26. These scroll up and scroll down buttons 24, 26
which may be referred to hereafter as "up button" and "down button"
respectively, are pressed by a user to selectively display items on the
display.
The input device of the invention further includes an enter button 28.
The enter button is used in a manner later explained to initiate execution of
a
function corresponding to the information displayed on display 22. Terminal
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14 further includes an on/off button 30. Button 30 is preferably used in the
manner later explained to initiate a transaction or to signify completion of a
transaction and to turn the terminal off. It should be understood that the
input
device comprised of manual input buttons 24, 26, 28 and 30 are exemplary
only and that other embodiments of the invention may incorporate other
arrangements of manual and other types of input devices.
As shown in Figure 2 portable terminal 14 further includes a slot 32.
Slot 32 preferably extends through the body of the terminal and is sized to
enable multi function card 12 to be passed therethrough. One form of the
portable terminal includes an external object readiny device 34 positio,ned on
the exterior of the terminal body. In one fonri of the invention the external
object reading device is a bar code reader which enables reading bar code off
of cards and other objects so that information corresponding to such visible
indicia may be read and stored in the memory of the multifunction card.
The components which comprise one embodiment of the portable
terninal 14 are schematically indicated in Figure 4. Terminal 14 includes an
onboard processor 36 which is in operative connection with the other
components of the portable terminal. Processor 36 is also in connection with
a memory 38. Memory 38 may be a volatile or nonvolatile memory which is
capable of holding and recovering data which is received from or delivered to
the processor 36.
Processor 36 is in operative connection with other components within
the portable terminal 14. These components are represented schematically in
Figure 4 and are indicative of hardware and software components operatively
connected to the processor. These components include the display component
40. Display component 40 includes display 22 as well as the other hardware
and software devices which enable the display to provide visual outputs in
response to processor 36. A manual input component 42 corresponds to a
manual input device which in the described form of the terminal includes
buttons 24, 26, 28 and 30. Component 42 includes the hardware and software
which enables conununicating the inputs from the user through tiie buttons to
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the processor so that the processor may carry out the functions of the
portable
terminal in response thereto.
Portable terminal 14 further includes a magnetic stripe read and write
component 44. In the preferred form of the invention this component includes
mavnetic heads which are selectively operated to read magnetic indicia frorn
the stripe of a card as well as to write magnetic indicia thereto. It should
be
understood while component 44 shows these functions as combined, it
actually represents two separate functions, These are the functions of reading
magnetic indicia from a card and writing magnetic indicia to a card stripe.
These functions may be separate in other embodiments. Component 44
includes the necessary hardware and software interfaces to the processor 36 to
carry out these functions in a manner later discussed.
A magnetic stripe erase component 46 is further= indicated
schematically as part of the portable terminal Figure 4. This magnetic stripe
erase component includes an erase head or other comparable device as well as
the hardware and software devices that may be used to selectively erase or
otherwise clear magnetic indicia from the magnetic stripe of the multifunction
card. In some embodiments of the invention the magnetic stripe erase
component may be combined with the components which function to read and
write indicia to the magnetic stripe of cards. In the preferred form of the
invention the heads which operate to read, write and erase magnetic stripe
indicia from credit cards are positioned in the interior of terminal 14 and
adjacent to slot 32. This enables the reading, writing and erasing functions
to
be carried out as a card is passed manually therethrough. It should be
understood however that in other embodiments other methods may be
provided for reading, writing and erasing magnetic stripe data.
As shown in Figure 4 portable terminal 14 further includes a card
memory read/write component 48. Component 48 serves to read and write
data to the programmable memory 18 on multifunction card 12. In the
embodiment shown the memory reading and writing functions are combined.
However it should be understood that these are separate functions and may be
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carried out through separate arrangements of hardware and software.
Component 48 also includes electrical contacts which are positioned adjacent
to slot 32 in the portable terminal. These electrical contacts are configured
to
engage the contacts 20 which enable communication with the programmable
memory 18 of the multifunction card 12. Component 48 further includes the
hardware and software devices required to read data from and write data into
the programmable memory on the card.
Portable terminal 14 in the embodiment shown includes a scanner
component 50. Scanner component 50 includes bar code scanner 34 or similar
device for reading visible indicia from an object. Component 50 further
includes the hardware and software devices necessary to communicate with
processor 36 and the other components of the portable tet-minal. It should be
understood that while the embodiment of the portable terminal shown includes
object reading devices for reading magnetic stripe indicia, visual indicia and
indicia stored in the programmable memory of cards, other embodiments of
the invention may include other types of object reading devices. Likewise
other types of object writing devices may be included depending on the
particular uses made of the portable terminal.
For example in some embodiments scanner 50 may be a scanner
suitable for scanning and reading written indicia. This may include the
signature of an authorized user. Data representative of such a signature may
be input and produced with the scanning device and stored in the
programmable memory of the card. The signature may then be reproduced on
the display or transmitted to a remote location for purposes of identifying
the
authorized user or the authenticity of a transaction.
Alternative embodiments of the invention may include a biometric
reader component 47. The biometric reader component may include hardware
and software components that can be used to sense a characteristic of a user
which uniquely identifies the person as an authorized user. In some
embodiments the biometric reader component 47 may include a fingerprint
reading device. Alternatively, the reader may include an audio input device
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which can be used to identify a user bv voice. Alternatively, visual readers
for
identifying unique visible features, or a combination of identifying features
of
the user may be used. The programmable memory.of the card preferably
includes data representative of the identifying biometric features of the
authorized user or users. This stored data is used to enable authorized users
of
the card to operate the terminal with the card while others are prevented from
such operation.
Terminal 14 in the embodiment shown includes a communications
component 52. Communications component 52 may include a modem or
other communications devices that are selectively operative under the control
of the processor to conununicate with other systems and devices located
outside and preferably remote from the portable terminal. In some
embodiments the communications component 52 may include a connector for
communicating through a network 54 to a computer or similar device at a
remote location, schematically indicated 56. A connection to the remote
location is preferably selectively made based on an address which is used by
the communications component 52 to selectively communicate to the desired
remote location.
In one form of the invention the communications component includes a
wireless type modem. In such an embodiment network 54 includes a cellular
phone network which enables communicating to a transaction network. This is
done through computers located at one or more remote addresses which are
accessed via a phone number which serves as the address. Alternatively
communications component 52 may communicate through a conventional
telephone access port which includes a telephone connector on the body of the
portable terminai. In other embodiments the communications network 54 may
include comrnunications intranets or public networks such as the internet,
which selectively enable communication by the portable terminal to selected
nodes in the network. In such environments the addresses to which the
portable terminal communicates are the addresses of the network nodes which
may properly receive transaction messages.
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As shown in Figure 4 the portable terminal includes a power source
schematically indicated 58. Power source 58 may inciude any suitable source
of power for the components in the portable terminal. Suitable power sources
may include rechargeable or nonrechargeable batteries or connectors to
5 external power sources such as the cigarette lighter of a vehicle. The power
source 58 may further include a renewable energy source, such as a solar panel
60 which may be used to provide energy from the sun or other available light
source.
As shown in Figure 3 portable terminal 14 may be integrated into a
10 carrier 62 which may take the form of a wallet such as that shown in Figure
3.
Alternatively the carrier may be of a type which perforrns other functions
such
as those of a purse, personal digital assistant, notebook computer, keyfob,
pager, ceilular phone or other component carried by a user. As demonstrated
by the carrier 62 shown in Figure 3, the portable terminal 14 may be
integrated
15 into a wallet type device which includes spaces for holding the
multifunction
card as well as other credit cards and identification cards. The carrier may
further include spaces for holding cash, keys and other items in a manner of a
conventional wallet. Similarly the carrier 62 may include a supporting surface
for the solar panel 60 as well as other features and components which may be
desired by a user. The small size and portability of the terminal 14 of the
preferred embodiment enables it to be integrated into any one of a plurality
of
carrier type devices while still enabling such devices to carry out their
traditional and/or nontraditional functions.
In a preferred form of the invention the portable terminal 14 operates
to perform a plurality of functions. These functions are carried out based on
instructions which may be included in whole or in part in the programmable
memory 18 of the multifunction card 12. The processor 36 of the portable
terminal 14 carries out instruction steps in response to the inputs provided
bv
the user of the card and portable terminal. In embodiments of the invention
the memory 38 in connection with the portable terminal may also include
certain programmed instructions which are permanently stored therein so as to
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facilitate certain operations of the terminal. The programmable memory on
the card also preferably includes the data representative of accounts,
indicia,
access codes, monetary values, graphics, location data and other inforrnation
which is used in the operation of the apparatus.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention the functions which are
enabled to be executed include adding a new card to the memory. This is
accomplished by reading information off of a magnetic stripe of an existing
dedicated card with the portable terminal and storing it in the program.mable
memory of the multifunction card. This information can be recovered later
and the magnetic indicia wi-itten on the magnetic stripe of the multifunction
card.
Another function executed in an embodiment of t:he invention is to
selectively delete card data from the memory on the card. This could be done
for example when a user no longer desires to use the multifunction card as a
substitute for the dedicated card.
Another function or an embodiment of the invention is to write the
indicia stored in the memory of the magnetic stripe card onto the magnetic
stripe of the multifunction card or perhaps another magnetic stripe card.
Another function which is carried out in embodiments of the invention
is to add visual indicia such as a bar code to the memory of the multifunction
card. Likewise, another function is to delete a bar code or other visual
indicia
stored in the card memory. A further function is to display one of the
selected
visual indicia such as a bar code or a user's signature which is stored in the
memory of the card.
Other functions of embodiments of the invention are to carry out
financial transactions without the need to use a stationary terminal. Such
functions include checking the cash equivalent value stored in the memory of
the muttifunction card. Another transaction is to transfer value stored in the
memory of the multifunction card to another account. The transfer of funds
from an account to the programmable memory on the multifunction card so
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
that it can be used as a cash equivalent therefrom is a further transaction
which
may be carried out by embodiments of the invention.
The various functions which the described embodiments of the
transaction apparatus may carry out and the logic associated therewith are now
explained with reference to Figures 5-95 which disclose transaction steps
carried out by a user in executing the various functions. In the form of the
invention described, the programmable memory 18 on the card includes data
representative of prompt messages. When the multifunction card 12 is
extended in the terminal so that the contacts 20 thereon can be read by the
connectors of the card memory read/write component 48, the stored
instructions which include the prompt messages and the associated logic may
be read. The processor 36 then operates the display component 40 to
selectively display prompt messages on the display 22 of the terminal 14.
In a preferred form of the invention securitv measures are provided to
assure that only a proper authorized user is enabled to operate the system.
This may be accomplished by requiring a user to input an access code which is
known only to them before the terminal functions may be accessed. This
access code may be programmed in the programmable memory 18 using a
separate terminal device. Alternatively provisions may be made for executing
a software program which enables the user to select their access code the
first
time that the multifunction card is used in connection with the portable
terrninal. This program may be stored in the memory of the terminal or on the
card. In alternative embodiments the card holds biometric data related to
authorized users. The biometric data of a user is input through the biometric
reader 47. For example, when the reader 47 includes a fingerprint reader a
user may place a predetermined finger adjacent to the reader. If the input
data
corresponds to an authorized user, ttle terminal may be operated. In some
embodiments the user may scan a single fingerprint to gain access. The
particular finger selected may be one chosen by and known only to the user.
In other embodiments a plurality of fingerprints from one or both hands, may
need to be read in a selected order. This may increase the security level.
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
18
One form of the logic flow associated with assuring that an authorized
user uses the apparatus of the invention is demonstrated with reference to
Figures 89-95. In initiating the operation of the terminal the user is first
required to place the multifunction card 12 in the slot 32 of the portable
terminal 14. The card is preferably inserted into the slot in a manner which
enables the electricaI connectors associated with component 48 to engage the
contacts 20 on the card. The slot corresponds closely to the width of the card
and serves as a guide for positioning the card as it is passed therethrough. A
spring loaded finger or other releasible stop may be positioned adjacent the
slot to stop the card at the proper depth inside the terminal to engage the
contacts. The user preferably knows how to insert the card into the slot in
order to achieve this connection based on experience. Alternatively,
instructions printed on the face of the card and/or the temiinal may instruct
the
user in how to insert the card. The memory 38 in the terminal 14 may also
include data representative of prompts which are displayed on the screen 22
which instruct the user on how to properly insert the multifunction card.
For purposes of this example, the sign on process for a user preferably
begins with the display screen 100 shown in Figure 89. Screen 100 is a blank
screen which indicates that the terminal is off. When the user presses the
on/off button 30 a screen 102 shown in Figure 90 is displayed. Screen 102
preferably includes a prompt which instructs the user to enter their access
code.
The entry of the user's personal access code is demonstrated in Figure
91-94. In entering the access code of the embodiment shown, the user starts
with a screen 104 show-n in Figure 91. Screen 104 includes seven spaces in
which the user may input alphabetical or numerical characters which make up
the access code. Pressing the up button 24 when screen 104 is displayed
begins a scrolling process in the first space for input of the access code.
This
causes the screen to change the first space from a blank space to the letter
"a."
This is shown in Figure 92 and is represented by a screen 106. Pressing the up
button 24 again (or continuing to hold it) changes the first character to the
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
19
letter "b" as indicated by a screen 108 in Figure 93. The user may move to
subsequent letters by holding or repeatedly pushing the up button, thus
scrolling through the alphabet and/or numerical values until the desired first
character of the access code is displayed in the first space. Of course the
user
may scroll backwards by pushing the down button. In this example the letter
"b" is the first character of the user's access code and the user indicates
that
fact by pressing the enter button 28 as schematically indicated in Figure 93.
After the first charaeter is entered the user selects the second character
of the access code in a similar manner. This is again done by selectivelv
pressing the up and down buttons 24 and 26 until the desired alphabetical or
numerical character is displayed in the second space. Once the desired
character is displayed in the second space the user presses the enter button
28
to move to the next character. This is represented by screen 110 in Figure 94.
In the embodiment shown the user may enter up to seven characters as the
access code. However in the preferred embodiment the user may not require
seven characters and may simply choose to leave certain characters as blanks.
In the embodiment shown the user's access code is the five letter word
"broom" and the two final characters are simply left blanh. After the user
indicates this by pressing the enter button 28 to leave blanks for the iast
two
characters, a screen 112 shown in Figure 95 is displayed.
In screen 112 the user is given the option of either changing their
access code or proceeding to a main menu. The user may select the option of
changing their access code by pressing the up button 24. This will lead the
user through a series of prompt screens to enter a new access code. This
series
of prompt screens may lead the user through appropriate steps in accordance
with the instructions stored in the memory on the card or in the terminal so
as
to enter a new code. In alternative embodiments of the invention a biometric
identifier may be used as an access code. In such a system the user would be
prompted through the display 40 to input identifying biometric data to the
biometric reader 47. For example, if the biometric reader is a fingerprint
reader, the user may be prompted to bring a f=.nger that they have preselected
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
adjacent to the reader. The reader 47 would read the fingerprint and produce
suitable signals to compare the input data to the data stored on the card. If
the
input data corresponds to an authorized user, the user is authorized to
further
operate the terminal. The user may be given the option to change the
5 biometric data, such as to add data for another authorized user, or to
change
the finger used for providing fingerprint data in the accessing process or to
use
a sequence of fingerprints to obtain access.
Alternative embodiments may use other processes and criteria to
access the card data. Once the user has properly gained access they may be
10 given the option of changing the access code or other sign on procedures.
For
purposes of this example however the user chooses the option of displaying a
main menu which is selected by pressing the down button 26 as indicated
schematically in Figure 95.
The prompt messages in Figures 5- i 3 represent a main menu showing
15 the various transactions that can be conducted with the apparatus. Figure 5
shows a screen 64 which includes a prompt which queries a user as to whether
they wish to add a new card to the memory on the multifunction card. In the
embodiment shown the fact that additional options are available by scrolling
up or scrolling down are indicated by a dual pointed arrow adjacent to the
text
20 displayed. By pressing the down button 26 as indicated schematically, the
user may move to screen 66 shown in Figure 6. This screen indicates the
availability of the selection of the transaction to delete a card from memory.
Pressing the down button again causes the display of the terminal to provide
the screen 68 shown in Figure 7. This screen provides a prompt corresponding
to the transaction in which data stored in the programmable memory of the
multifunction card is written to a magnetic stripe.
Scrolling with the down button 26 from screen 68 causes screen 70 in
Figure 8 to be displayed. Screen 70 includes a prompt corresponding to a
transaction in which bar code is added to the programmable memory of the
multifunction card. Figure 9 discloses a screen 72 which may be displayed by
scrolling with the down button from screen 70. Screen 72 corresponds to
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
21
deleting a bar code frorn the memory on the multifunction card. Screen 74
shown in Figure 10 includes a prompt to the user which enables selection of a
transaction in which bar codes stored in the memory may be displayed.
Figure 11 shows a screen 76 which includes a prompt which
corresponds to a transaction in which a user may check the cash value
represented by data stored on the programmable memory of the card. Such
data corresponds to a cash value which enables the multifunction card to be
used in a manner identical to cash. From Figure 11 a user may scroll to a
screen 78 shown in Figure 12 which prompts the user to select an available
transaction in which value may be transferred from the stored value on the
multifunction card. Figure 13 shows a screen 80 with a prompt which enabies
the user to select a transaction in which value will be transferred onto the
memory of the multifunction card.
In the preferred form of the invention the prompts in the screens of the
main menu enable scrolling back to prior screens either by pushing the up or
down buttons. As shown in Figure 13 by pressing the down button from
screen 80 the user causes the first screen 64 to again be displayed. Of course
the user can move up and down by pressing buttons 26 and 24 which enables
them to select any of the transactions available in the main menu. For
purposes of a first example if a user wishes to add a new card to memory they
can manually depress the enter button 28 of the input device as represented
schematically in Figure 14. Pressing the enter button 28 from screen 64
causes the processor 36 to begin executing the instructions stored in the
programmable memory of the card and/or memory 38 of the terminal to add a
new card into the memory.
This routine begins as schematically indicated in Figure 15 with screen
64. Figure 15 is identical to Figure 14, the screen being repeated therein for
the sake of clarity. In response to a user pressing the enter button 28 a
screen
80 of the type shown in Figure 16 is presented. This screen includes a. screen
prompt which prompts the user to identify the type of card to be added. The
memory on the multifunction card or the terminal preferabiy includes data
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
77
representative of icons of major card types. These may include for example
the icons representative of the logos for MasterCardO, VISAO, American
Express0, NovusO, Discovery0 andior other common card types which a
user is likely to want to enter. In screen 80 a MasterCardO logo is displayed
by way of example, with an arrow indicating that other selections are
available
by pressing the down button 26.
By pressing the down button from screen 80, screen 82 shown in
Figure 17 is displayed. This prompt screen includes the VISAO designator
and logo, and allows the user to indicate that the card they are about to add
is a
VISAO card. The arrows adjacent to the VISAO logo displayed on the screen
pointing both up and down indicates that the user may press the up or down
buttons to display other card types. For purposes of this example it will be
assumed that the card that the user wishes to add to the memory is a VISA
card. To indicate this the user presses the enter button 28 as indicated in
Figure 17.
In the operation of the described embodiment the user is now requested
to input a card identifier to distinguish the particular type of VISAO card
which they are about to add to memory. This is done through a screer- 84
which prompts a user to input a plurality of alphabetical or numerical
characters which serve as a designator to identify the particular card. As
shown in Figure 18 the interface described enables a user to select letters of
the alphabet to identify this particular type of card. For example by pressing
and holding the up and down buttons the user is enabled to scroll through
letters of the alphabet until they find the first letter of the designator
they wish
to input. When the letter is displayed they can enter that as the first letter
of
the designator by pressing the enter button 28. They can then move on to the
next letter of the designator selecting it with the up and down buttons. When
a
space is desired to be entered the user can leave the blank space which is
preferably included as the initial option. In the case of screen 84 the
designator is BP VISA which may be a designator for a VISAO card provided
by British Petroleum. Once the user has entered their desired designator anv
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
23
leftover spaces may be simply left blank by repeatedly pushing the enter
button 28. After all the spaces are filled the input of the designator is
complete.
Screen 86 shown in Figure 19 indicates the input of an alternative
~ designator. In this screen the designator input is "KEY_BANK_ATM." This
may indicate for example that the card which is being input is the debit card
which corresponds to the user's account at Key Bank. It should be understood
that the particular designator used is purely in the discretion of the user
and the
user is free to use highly descriptive terminology or a secret code which is
known only to theni to identify their various cards. In the preferred form of
the invention sufficient securitv is provided for accessing the memory on the
multifunction card that the user is enabled to use descriptive terminology as
a
designator if they wish to do so.
Once the designator has been input, the instructions read from the
memory on the card or in the terminal causes a screen 88 shown in Figure 20
to be displayed on the display 22. Screen 88 includes a prompt message to
remove the stored value card from engagement with the portable terminal 14.
Once the terminaI senses that the stored value card has been removed by the
disengagement of the contacts thereon with the portable terminal, a screen 90
shown in Figure 21 is displayed. Screen 90 includes a prompt for the user to
pass their ori4inal BP VISA card through the portable ter-minal. As shown in
the preferred form of the invention the display further visually instructs the
user on how to pass the original card through the terminal so that it is
properly
read by the magnetic stripe reading device. In response to the screen 90 a
user
preferably passes their original card through the slot 32 in the portable
terminal. On sensing the proper reading of the magnetic stripe on the card,
screen 92 shown in Figure 22 is displayed. Screen 92 indicates to the user
that
the stripe has been properly read and that they should now reinsert the
multifunction card face up.
It should be understood that the stored instructions may include
provisions for a time out routine. In the event that the user fails to proceed
to
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
24
the next step at any point in the transaction, the time out retums the
terminal to
the main menu or to an off condition. Such a time out routine or failure
routine may be accompanied by appropnate user prompts to advise the user
why the terminal has proceeded to shut itself off or return to the main menu.
If from screen 92 the user reinserts the multifunction card into the slot
32, the logic flow next moves to display a screen 94 shown in Figure 23.
Screen 94 prompts the user as to whether they wish to add the BP VISA card
to the memory of the multifunetion card. As shown in Figure 94 the screen
includes the default response which is "yes" with an arrow adjacent thereto
which indicates to the user that they may change to other than the default
response by pressing the down button 26. In this example the user wishes to
add the card to the memory of the multifunction card, in which case the enter
button 28 is pressed while screen 94 is displayed. This results in screen 96
shown in Figure 24 being displayed, which indicates that the function has been
carried out successfully. The user may press button 30 once to turn the
terminal off or twice to return to the main menu.
The logic associated with deleting infomnation conceming a card from
the memory of the multifunction card is now demonstrated with reference to
Figures 25-31. 'i'his process begins with a screen 98. Screen 98 corresponds
to screen 66 shown in Figure 6 of the main menu. To choose this operation
the user presses the enter button 28 as schematically indicated in Figure 25.
This causes the screen 114 shown in Figure 26 to be displayed.
Screen 114 prompts a user to select which of the cards that are stored
in the programmable memory on the card is to be deleted. The cards are
referenced through displayed the designators which have been previously
input by the user. Screen 114 displays the first one of these cards which has
the designator "KEY_BANK_ATM." The arrows next to the designator
indicate that the user may select other cards by pressing the up or down
button. As shown in Figure 26 the user presses the down button 26 which
causes the display to move to a screen 116 shown in Figure 27. Screen 116
displays the next card designator which is "MBNA MC" which the user has
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
previously input to designate an MBNA MasterCard. Assuming that the user
wishes to select this card as the card to be deleted, they press the enter
button
28 as schematically indicated in Figure 27. Pressing the enter button from
screen 116 causes a confirmation screen I I8 shown in Fizure 28 to be
5 displayed. This screen prompts the user to confirm that they want to delete
that card. An arrow displayed next to the default option which is "yes"
advises a user that they can change to another option by pressing the down
button.
In screen 118 shown in Figure 28 if the user presses the enter button 28
10 as schematically indicated therein the terminal next displays screen 120
shown
in Figure 29 in which the terminal outputs an indication that the card has
been
deleted.
Altematively if from screen 118 shown in Figure 1-8 the user presses
the down button 26 as schematically indicated in Figure 30, a screen 122
15 shown in Figure 21 as displayed. Screen 122 shows that the selected card
will
not be deleted and pressing the enter button 28 from this screen will return
the
terminal to the main menu. Alteanatively in screen 122 pressing the up button
24 returns to screen 118. It can be appreciated that the stored programmed
instructions enable a user to correct errors that are made in the course of
20 operating the input devices on the terminal.
The execution of the steps which enable the apparatus of the invention
to configure the multifunction card so it may be used as a substitute for any
one of a plurality of original magnetic stripe credit or debit cards, is now
explained with reference to Figures 32-42. The logic executed to carry out
25 this function begins with a screen 124. Screen 124 is identical to screeri
68 of
the main menu. As shown schematically with reference to Figure 32, pressing
the enter button 28 from screen 124 causes a screen 126 shown in Figure 33 to
be displayed. Screen 126 includes a prompt requesting that the user identify
the card in the memory whose identifying indicia is to be transferred to the
magnetic stripe of the multifunction card. The user is enabled to scroll
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
26
through the designators for the cards stored in memory by pushing the buttons
24 and 26.
As indicated by a screen 128 in Figure 34, the user selects the card data
stored in correlated relation with the designator "BP VISA" in the memorv of
the multifunction card by scrolling with the buttons until this designator is
displaved and then pressing the enter button 28.
In response to the selection of the particular card in memory the indicia
corresponding to the magnetic indicia on the "BP VISA" card which has been
stored in the memory of the multifunction card is transferred to the memory 38
of the terminal. Similarly the instructions which the processor will need to
execute to complete the steps of writing the magnetic indicia onto the
multifunction card are transferred temporarily into the memory of the terminal
so that the steps may be completed with the memory of the multifunction card
disengaged from the terminal.
Once the necessary information has been loaded into the memory of
the terminal a screen 130 shown in Figure 35 is displayed. Screen 130
includes a prompt instructing the user to remove the multifunction card from
engagement with the portable terminal. Upon sensing the disengagement of
the multifunction card the screen 132 shown in Figure 36 is presented by the
portable terminal. Screen 132 includes a prompt for the user to pass the
stored
value card through slot 32 in the terminal. The prompt preferably includes
instructions on the orientation of the card and the magnetic stripe. This is
done so that any indicia that has been previously been recorded on the
magnetic stripe of the multifunction card is erased.
In response to screen 132 the user preferably passes the multifunction
card through the portable terminal such that the magnetic stripe passes
through
an area of the slot in connection with an erase head which clears the magnetic
stripe. Upon sensing that the card has been passed through the terminal a
screen 134 shown in Figure 37 is displayed by the portable terminal. The
sensing can be done with the spring Ioaded finger in the slot or with another
suitable stripe or card sensing device in the slot.
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
27
The portable terminal then further operates under control of the
processor and the instructions stored in its memory 38 to display the screen
136 shown in Figure 38. Screen 136 includes a prompt which includes an
instruction for the user to now pass the multifunction card through the slot
32
in a different orientation so that the magnetic indicia corresponding to the
selected BP VISA card may be written to the magnetic stripe of the
multifunction card. It should be noted that in the embodiment shown, the
orientation of the card for erasing the stripe and for writing indicia to the
stripe
are different. This is done because a different head is used for erasing as
opposed to reading and writina. In alternative embodiments a single head may
perform both the erasing and writi.ng functions or altetnativelv multiple
heads
may be aligned in the slot so that the card is passed in the same manner to
carry out both the erasing, reading and wri.ting functions.
The preferred form of the invention includes appropriate sensors and
instructions so that if the multifunction card is inserted wrong, the screen
such
as screen 138 shown in Figure 39 is displayed. This may be done based on the
sensing finger sensing the card but the magnetic head not sensing the stripe
which indicates an improper card orientation, or in other ways. This screen is
displayed so that if the user begins to insert the card improperly they are
prompted to make a correction. Removal of the card may return the terminal
to the screen 136 or may abort the instruction sequence such as by displaying
the screen 140 shown in Figure 42.
If however the card has been passed through the portable terminai
properly a screen 142 shown in Figure 40 is presented. This screen indicates
that the indicia corresponding to the magnetic indicia on the original BP VISA
card has been written to the magnetic stripe on the multifunction card. From
screen 142 the terminal then moves to display a screen 144 shown in Figure 41
indicating that the transaction is complete and the user may turn off the
portable terminal by pressing the on/off button 30.
If for any reason an error has been sensed in carrying out the
transaction, a screen 140 shown in Figure 42 preferably appears. The user
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
28
may then select either the option to retry the transaction to write the
material
to the card by pressing the up arrow, or may quit by pressing the dowri arrow
which will return the terminal to the main menu. Alternatively in a preferred
embodiment of the invention pressing the on/off button 30 from screen 140 is
also a suitable way to end the transaction.
Assuming that the selected card data has been written to the magnetic
stripe on the multifunction card 12, the user may now take the multifunction
card and present it to any standard transaction terminal which accepts that
type
of magnetic stripe card. For example if a user wishes to charge goods or
services to their BP VISA account, they may present that card to a merchant
who passes the stripe through a point of sale terminal, electronic cash
register
or other appropriate terminal. This will result in the user's BP VISA account
being charged for those goods or services. Similarly if a user wishes to get
cash out of an ATM and charge it to their BP VISA account they may present
the multifunction card to an ATM. The ATM may be operated in the usual
manner as one would operate it using the original BP VISA card.
The multifunction card may be configured to include the user's
signature in a space on a face of the card. This would enable a merchant
accepting the card to compare a user's signature on a transaction receipt to
the
signature on the card. Alternatively, or in addition, a reproduction of the
user's signature may be stored in the memory on the card. The user could
display a reproduction of their signature on the screen of the terminal so
that a
merchant could verify the signature. Alternatively, the signature data may be
transmitted through a communications device such as by modem or infrared
transmitter, or otherwise read from the terminal into the merchant's system,
so
that the merchant may store the electronic signature data from the terminal
with the transaction data.
In alternative methods of operation the merchant may use an electronic
signature capture system for transaction receipts. In such a system the
merchant's computer system may include software to compare the signals
generated by the user's actual signature on an electronic signature pad to the
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
29
signature data stored on the card. Such comparisons would provide an
indication where the signature data does not correspond to a sufficient
degree,
which may suggest that the user of the card is not the authorized user.
After completing a transaction the user may choose to leave the
magnetic stripe data for the selected card on the stripe. Alternativelv the
user
may choose to change the magnetic stripe to a different card. For example if
the multifunction card has embossed data on the front corresponding to one
particular card, the user may choose to return the magnetic stripe indicia to
correspond with the indicia embossed on the front of the card. Alternatively
the user may choose to completely erase the magnetic stripe data as may be
done by returning the multifunction card to the terminal and repeating the
steps associated with writing card data to the magnetic stripe up through the
point in the steps where the magnetic indicia is erased from the magnetic
stripe. The user may then exit the routine by pressing the on/off button
leaving the card with a blank stripe. In embodiments where no information is
embossed on the front of the multifunction card users may find this
advantageous as the multifunction card is of absolutely no value as a credit
or
debit card unless the access code has been appropriately entered.
The apparatus of the present invention may also be used to selectively
record and display visible indicia such as a bar code. These functions are
graphically represented and the logic flow associated therewith explairied
with
reference to Figures 43-61.
Figure 43 shows a screen 146. Screen 146 is identical to screen 70
shown in Figure 8 of the main menu. To select this function a user presses the
enter button 28 from the main menu as schematically indicated in Figure 43.
From screen 146 a screen 148 is presented as shown in Figure 44. Screen 148
prompts a user to enter a bar code ID or designator corresponding to a bar
code that is to be read from an object. This is done in a rnanner similar to
the
entry of designators for credit or debit cards or entry of the access code.
The
user scrolls through alphabetical and nurnerical characters by pressing the up
and down buttons 24 and 26 as represented by screens 150 and 152 shown in
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
Figures 45 and 46 respectively, until a desired character is displayed in a
desired position. When the desired character is reached, the enter button 28
is
pressed at which point the user moves on to the next character.
For purposes of this example it will be assumed that the user is going
5 to scan a bar code off of a medical benefits identification card which the
user
has chosen to designate "BLU_CROSS_ZD." This is represented in Figure 47
by a screen 154. The user indicates that they have completed the designator
by pressing the enter button 28 a sufficient number of times to null any
remaining spaces in the available spaces entry for characters.
10 Once the terminal is advised that the entire ID has been entered, the
logic flow operates to display the prompt shown in screen 156 and Figure 48.
This prompt instructs a user to scan the bar code off the object such as their
Blue Cross@ identification card. The process also operates to initiate
operation of the scanner component 50. The user then brings their
15 identification card in proximity to the scanning device 34 on the housing
of
the portable terminal and the processor operates in response to the stored
instructions to capture the bar code data on the card. When the bar code data
has been captured, the screen 158 shown in Figure 49 is displayed. As
previously discussed, if the bar code cannot be read or is not read in a
20 sufficient time, the instructions may include provisions for returning the
terminal to screen 146 or providing a screen such as screen 160 shown in
Figure 52 in which the user is given the option to either quit or retry
scanning
the bar code.
Assuming that the bar code is properly read as indicated by screen 158,
25 the terminal then displays screen 162 shown in Figure 50 which prompts a
user as to whether they wish to add this bar code to the memory on the
multifunction card. As is the case with prior prompts the default value is
"yes", but the user is enabled to change the default to a"no" by pressing
button 26. For purposes of this example it will be assumed that the user
30 wishes to add the bar code for their medical identification card to the
memory
which they do by pressing button 28 in response to screen 162. In response to
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
31
the user pressing the enter button the screen 164 shown in Figure 5 1 is
displaved. The user can now turn the terminal off by pressina button 30.
It should be understood that while the type of visual indicia added to
the memory on the multifunction card in the foregoing example is bar code
associated with a medical plan, other types of bar code may be added. For
example the multifunction card may be used to store data representative of bar
code associated with a driver's license, student identification card, employee
access card, library card or any other type of bar code. In addition the
system
may be configured to read and store other types of visual indicia which are
capable of being read, stored and reproduced.
When a user desires to use the terminal to display one of the bar codes
or other indicia stored in memory, they may do so from a screen 166 shown in
Figure 53. Screen 166 is identical to screen 74 in the main menu. To proceed
with the display of a selected bar code the user presses the enter button 28
as
schematically indicated.
In response to the user selecting the display bar code routine from the
main menu, the terminal proceeds to display a screen 168 shown in Figure 54.
Screen 168 asks the user to identify the bar code that they wish to display.
The user is enabled to select designators for the various bar codes stored in
the
memory of the multifunction card. This is done using the up and down
buttons on the terminal device.
Assuming for purposes of this example that the user wishes to display
their medical plan ID, the designators for the various stored bar code indicia
are scrolled through by pressing the buttons until the medicai plan ID
designator is displayed, which is represented by a screen 170 in Fiszure 55.
In
response to pressing the enter button 28 the processor is operative to
retrieve
the data corresponding to the bar code in the memory and to display a
reproduction of the bar code on the terminal. This is represented by a screen
172 in Figure 56. The displayed reproduction of the bar code may be scanned
from the display 22 of the portable terminal using the scanner or similar bar
code reading device which is schematically represented by a scanner 174 in
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
32
Figure 56. Thus the user may identify themselves to a nledical provider as a
participant in their medical plan and the user may input their identifying
information in the conventional manner using the same scanner that is used for
scanning a regular identification card. When the scanning process is finished,
the user can discontinue the display of the bar code by pressing on/off'button
30.
The bar codes which have previously been stored in the memory
associated with the multifunction card may also be selectively erased
therefrom. This may be done for example when a user's reuular card is
replaced such that a new bar code or other visual indicia is associated
therewith. Altematively a user may simply wish to discontinue the use of a
particular card. This may happen for example with regard to a library card
which a user had been using in a city where they previously resided. Once the
user moves they no longer use that library. Likewise a user may delete their
driver's license data when they move to another state and obtain a new
license.
The deletion of a bar code from the memory is represented by the logic
flow associated with Figures 57-61 o The screen 176 corresponds with the
screen 72 in the main menu, and includes a prompt which enables a user to
select the logic which operates to delete a bar code from the memory. The
user selects this transaction by pressing the enter button 28. A screen 178 is
then displayed which asks a user to identify the bar code they wish to delete
from the memory. The user selects the bar code by pressing the up and down
buttons 24 and 26. As shown in Figure 59 the user selects a card which has
the associated designator "CLE_LIB_CAR.D" stored in association therewith
in the memory of the multifunction card. This is represented by a screen 180.
Pressing the enter button 30 with the bar code designator displayed causes a
screen 182 shown in Figure 60 to be displayed. Screen 1. 82 queries the user
as
to whether they in fact wish to delete that particular bar code. The user is
enabled to change from the default setting by pressing the down button. As
schematically represented in Figure 60, assuming the user wishes to delete
that
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
33
particular bar code from memory they press the enter button 28. This causes a
screen 184 shown in Figure 61 to be displaved on the portable terminal.. This
screen includes the prompt message to indicate that the bar code has been
deleted. The user may then exit the routine by pressing the onioff button 30.
It should be understood that while the described einbodiment operates
to store and to reproduce visible indicia corresponding to bar code, other
embodiments of the invention may produce other forms of visual indicia. This
may include visual indicia that is intended to be read by machines for
identification purposes as well as indicia intended to be read by the human
eye. Any form of indicia which can be read, stored in the memory of the
multifunction card and displayed on the portable terminal is intended to be
encompassed by the present invention. As previously discussed, a user's
signature is a further example of visual indicia that may be stored and
selectively reproduced. Such indicia may also be transmitted by the terminal
to a remote system and used to verify the authenticity of a transaction or for
other purposes.
The preferred form of the present invention also operates as a stored
value card system and transaction apparatus which operates to store value
equivalent to a cash value in the memory of the multifunction card, as well as
to transfer value between the card and various accounts. The programmable
memory 18 on the multifunction card 12 may include therein any one of a
number of different public or proprietary schemes for storing inforination
representative of cash value. This value storage method should be compatible
with other terminals which may read the memory and trar-sfer data
2 5 representative of value to or from the memory, while also operating to
transfer
funds between accounts of the user and providers of goods, services or cash.
It should be understood that the multifunction card of the present
invention may store value in one or several forms of proprietarv schemes. For
example the card may have cash value stored and associated with a Mondex R
scheme. It may have a different cash value stored and associated with a
VISAS CASH scheme. The card may also store data representative of cash
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
34
values in any one of several other schemes. Although the present invention
will be described with respect to a card in which value representative of cash
is stored thereon with respect to a single scheme, it should be understood
that
multiple schemes may be used. Further in the following description in which
amounts may be transferred between accounts of the user, it is within the
scope of the invention to transfer amounts between one stored value
proprietary scheme stored in the programmable memory of the card to another
proprietary scheme stored within the card. Such transfers may be made in a
manner similar to transfers between accounts which are carried out by the
terminal as described hereafter, although it should be understood that in such
situations additional steps are camed out by the processor in the portable
terminal so as to decrement and increment the various stored value amounts
stored in the memory of the card.
To facilitate accounting for such transactions it will also be desirable
for the portable terminal to connect to various remote locations which provide
gateways to electronic transaction systems and networks which assure that
funds are properly accounted for. For example communication will be carried
out with various remote systems to assure that indications are provided that a
user has transferred cash value on their card from one stored value card
scheme to another.
One of the comrnon functions that a user will execute in connection
with the apparatus of the invention is to check the stored value
representative
of cash that is stored on the programmable memory of the multifunction card.
This is represented by the logic flow described with reference to Figure 62
and
63. Figure 62 shows a screen 186. Screen 186 corresponds to screen 76 of the
main menu. Screen 186 prompts a user as to whether they wish to check the
stored value balance on their multifunction card. To do so the user presses
the
enter button 28. In response to the user selectina this item from the main
menu the memory of the card is read and processor 36 causes a screen 188
shown in Figure 63 to be displayed on the portable terminal. This screen
indicates to the user the current cash value stored on the card. If the
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
multifunction card includes stored value schemes for several different
programs, intermediate screens may be provided to prompt the user to select
one of the several stored value schemes whicil are employed on the card. As
shown in Figure 63 when a user has finished displaying the stored value
5 amount they may exit by pressing the on/off button 30.
The transfer of funds to the memory of the stored value card is
represented by Figures 64-74. Figure 64 shows a screen 190. Screen 190
corresponds to screen 80 in Figure 13 of the main menu. A user selects the
transaction which includes a transfer of value to their stored value card
(which
10 is the multifunction card) by pressing the enter button 28 when screen 190
is
displayed.
To transfer value representative of cash value onto the memoiy of the
multifunction card, a source of the money to be transferred is identified.
This
is done by the processor operating in response to the instructions stored on
the
15 card to display a screen 192 shown in Figure 65. Screen 192 prompts a user
to
identify the source of the money to be added into the memory of the card. The
user is enabled to select the source by pressing the up a:nd down buttons
which
causes the various sources of available funds to be selected. Such sources may
include money stored in stored value schemes on the memory of the card
20 itself. In the case of screen 192 if the user indicates that they want the
source
of funds to be their BP VISA card, this is indicated by pressing the enter
button 28 when this card designator is displayed.
After the source of the funds is designated, a screen 194 shown in
Figure 66 is displayed. This screen prompts the user to enter the amount of
25 money to be added to the card. This is done by the user entering a
numerical
amount in a manner similar to the way that access codes and designators have
been previously entered. However in the preferred form of the invention only
numerals may be entered in this step. The user enters the numerical values by
scrolling to the particular numerical value desired and then hitting the enter
30 button 28. This causes the program logic to move to the next value. After
all
the value characters have been entered as represented by screen 196 in Figure
67 the user is prompted through a screen 198 shown in Figure 68 as to whether
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
36
they want to add the amount input to their stored value card. As shown in
screen 198 the default value is "yes" however the user may change this to "no"
by pressing the down button. For purposes of this example it will be assumed
that the user wishes to add that amount and so indicates by pressing the enter
button 28.
In response to the user indicating that they wish to add this amount to
the data representative of value in the inemory of the multifunction card, the
processor operates in response to instructions stored on the card memory to
contact the remote location appropriate to obtain funds from the user's BP
VISA account, and to indicate that the amount has been transferred onto the
user's stored value card. In one form of the invention this is aceonlplished
by
the processor causing the communications component 52 to dial up the remote
location. This is done using the address appropriate for making the connection
which is preferably stored in memory on the card. In this case the address
may be a telephone number. In alternative forms of the invention the address
which the communications component uses to contact the appropriate location
may be a node or TCP/IP address in a computer system such as a private
intranet or public system such as the internet. The particular approach
depends on the nature of the system in which the portable terminal 14 is
intended to operate.
The portable terminal exchanges messages with the remote location
and the computer system therein, which operates to charge the user's account
for the funds which are to be transferred as cash value onto the stored value
card. Alternatively the terminal may communicate to a number of locations to
indicate both the charge to the user's account as well as to track accounting
entries, so that it is recorded that the user now has such funds available in
their
particular stored value scheme. Various transaction messages are transferred
between one or more remote locations and the portable terminal so as to
accomplish the transfer of funds. These messages may be in an ISO 8583
format or appropriate variants thereof, or other proprietary message formats
of
suitable types, so as to accomplish the transfer of funds and a record
thereof.
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
37
In one preferred embodiment, while the remote terminal is connecting to the
address a screen 200 shown in Figure 69 is presented on the display of the
remote terminal. As the remote terminal exchanges rnessages with the remote
locations to transfer the funds after the connection has been made, the
display
of the remote terminal may present the screen 202 shown in Figure 70 to
indicate that the transaction is going forward.
If the transaction is successfully completed the remote terminal
displays a screen 204 shown in Figure 71 to indicate a transaction has been
approved. The logic next moves to cause a screen 206 to be displayed. Screen
206 which is shown in Figure 72 is operative to show the user the new stored
value balance stored on the multifunction card.
If for some reason the terminal is unable to make connections to the
remote location, either because it is unable to make a connection or because
of
some other malfunction, a screen 208 shown in Figure 73 may be displayed.
This screen prompts a user to select whether to retry the transaction or to
quit.
Similarly the user may decide to turn the terminal off by pressing the onloff
button 30. Alternatively the user's request to transfer the funds may be
denied
by the remote location, such as because it would put the user over their
credit
limit. In such circumstances the instructions stored in the multifunction card
are received from the remote location and causes screen 210 shown in Figure
74 to be presented on the terminal. This screen shows the user that the
transaction was denied and that their card balance remains at the prior
amount.
Of course the user is free to again attempt the transaction using a different
source of funds, or alternatively to transfer funds from a different stored
value
scheme stored on the memory of the card.
The preferred form of the invention also enables transferring the value
from the stored value card to one of the user's accounts. This may include for
example a checking or savings account which the user maintains with a
financial institution. Alternatively this may include transferring value from
one stored value scheme stored on the card to another stored value scheme
stored on the card.
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
38
The transfer of value from the stored value card is commenced in a
preferred embodiment of the invention from a screen 212 shown in Figure 75.
Screen 212 corresponds to screen 78 in the main menu. Pressing the enter
button from this screen causes the processor to execute various instructions
on
the multifunction card associated with this transaction.
In executing the transfer from the card the user is next prompted
through a screen 214 shown in Figure 76 to identify a destination of the
funds.
This is done bv user using the up and down buttons to select one of the
available destinations. In this case the user has selected the account
associated
with the designator "KEY_BA.NK_ATM." The selection is made by pressing
the enter button 28.
As shown in Figure 77 the user must next enter an amount to be
transferred from the memory of the stored value card into the designated
account. The user must enter an amount which is prompted through a screen
216. The entry of an amount is accomplished in the manner previously
described by using the up and down buttons and the enter button. In the case
of this example the user enters an amount to transfer of $200 as indicated by
screen 218 in Figure 78.
In response to the user entering the transfer amour,it the terminal next
operates to display a screen 220 shown in Figure 79 in which the user is asked
to confirm that they wish to make the transfer to the particular account. In
the
situations where the user is obtaining funds from financial institutions or
other
sources where they may have multiple accounts, theuser may be prompted
through additional screens to select particular accounts that may be held at
the
institutions which are sources of funds. This is demonstrated in Figures 80
and 81. For example in screen 222 the user is first prompted to state whether
they wish to transfer funds to savings. By pressing the down button the user
may cause screen 224 to be displayed which then asks them if they prefer to
transfer the funds into checking. For purposes of this example it will be
assumed that the user wishes to transfer the funds to checking, which they
select by pressing button 28 as shown in Figure 81.
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
39
When the user is transferrina funds to or from a debit card account, the
PIN number uniquely associated with the user's account is required to be input
to gain access. The nature of the account which the user has identified as the
destination or source of funds, is generally indicative that. a PIN number is
required for access thereto. The instructions stored in memory on the card or
the memory of the terminal may cause screens associated with the entry of a
PIN number and/or the selection of various accounts to be displayed when
particular accounts are selected.
In the present example because a bank account which requires the
entry of a PIN number is being used as the destination of the funds, the
stored
instructions cause a screen 226 shown in Figure 82 to be displayed. Screen
226 prompts the user to input a PIN number. The user inputs their PIN
number either by alphabetic or numerical characters in the manner previously
described for entry of designators and numerical values into the remote
terminal. Once the user has completed the input of their PIN number as
indicated by a screen 228 in Figure 83, they are presented with a prompt that
asks them to confirm the PIN number input. Confrrming the input in response
to this prompt is done by pressing the enter button 28. In embodiments where
the biometrics reader is used, biometric data may be used in addition to or in
lieu of a PIN to identify the user to a remote system. Altematively, a user's
PIN number may be stored on the card. If the user has first identified
themselves with an access code or biometric data to operate the terminal with
the card, the level of security may be considered already sufficient that the
PI'_~1 may be recalled from memory and fonvarded by the terminal.
Alternatively, the user may be required to input biometric data and in
response
to the proper biometric input the PIN is recovered from the card memory and
output by the terminal.
After the data required to conduct a transaction has been input, the user
is questioned concerning whether they wish for the transaction to proceed. As
shown in Figure 84 a screen 230 is presented which prompts the user to
confrrm that they wish the transaction to go forward. Confirmation is
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
presented by pressing the enter button. In response thereto the remote
terminal
contacts the appropriate computer address to transfer the funds to the account
designated. While this is being done the screens 232 and 235 shown in
Figures 85 and 86 are displayed. As previously discussed contact may be via
5 a phone system or by computer network to the appropriate address.
If the transaction is successfully compieted the instructions cause the
screen 236 shown in Figure 87 to be displayed. In a preferred form of the
invention the instructions then cause the display of the screen 237 which
shows the user the amount of value remaining on the card.
10 While various methods of communicating between the remote terminal
and the remote locations may be used, in one preferred embodiment of the
invention it is desirable for the communications device to include a wireless
modem. The wireless modem enables communication over a cellular
telephone network. Appropriate encryption is provided to enhance security.
15 This enables a user to transfer funds between the multifunction card and
their
various accounts from any convenient location where the user happens to be.
This may be particularly advantageous when a user finds that they are in need
of cash and do not have an automated teller machine or a telephone line
readily available. The user is enabled to load cash value onto the
20 multifunction card so they can complete their transactions.
In addition while the invention has been described as being used to
make transactions from value stored on the card to various accounts of the
user, forms of the invention may also be used to transfer funds from the
stored
value card of one user to the stored value card of another user. This enables
25 users to carry out the equivalent of cash transactions using stored value
cards.
In such circumstances the terminal would contact the appropriate remote
locations for recording the transfers of funds for accounting purposes, if
necessary. Alternatively if sufficient security is provided, the electronic
information corresponding to cash value may be deemed sufficiently self-
30 authenticating so that no independent accounting of the cash value need be
kept in an external system.
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
41
Alternative forms of the present invention may also be used in various
ways. For example, the system of the present invention enables an authorized
user to create duplicate credit or debit cards which they may provide to
trusted
friends or family members on a temporary basis. This will enable such
individuals to access funds of the user when needed. This may be appropriate
for example when family members are traveling and are separated from the
primary card user.
As will be appreciated the preferred form of the present invention
enables a user to continue to use a large number of credit cards, debit cards
and other various forms of cards and objects bearing indicia, without having
to
carry those cards on their person. As a result the user is enabled to keep
such
cards at home or another secure location where they are less likely to be lost
or
stolen.
Further the preferred form of the present invention is highly flexible in
configuration and can accommodate a number of different types of
transactions depending on the instructions stored in the memory of the
multifunction card andlor the portable terminal. As a result the apparatus and
method of the present invention is highly and readily adaptable to the
carrying
out of different or additional transaction types, whether financial or
otherwise.
Thus the new transaction apparatus and method of the present
invention achieves the above stated objectives, eliminates difficulties
encountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solves problems and
attains the desirable results described herein.
In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,
clarity and understanding. However no unnecessary limitations are to be
implied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and
are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover the descriptions and
illustrations given herein are by way of examples and the invention is not
limited to the exact details shown and described.
In the following claims any feature described is a means for
performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable
CA 02428621 2003-05-13
42
of performing the recited function known to those skilled in the art, and
shall
not be limited to the particular means shown in the foregoing descripti.on as
performing the recited function or means merely equivalent thereto.
Having described the features, discoveries and principals of the
invention, the manner in which it is constructed, operated and utilized, and
the
advantages and useful results attained; the new and usefui structures,
clevices,
elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations,
methods and relationships are set forth in the appended claims.
