FR2508204A1 - Bank-cheque validation system - uses microprocessor to compare data entered by keyboard with encoded data and accordingly illuminate ACCEPT or REFUSE indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

The process uses a microprocessor with a keyboard and display units in order to check information relating to the person providing the cheque. Using the keyboard, the date of birth, or other information from an identity card or driving licence is entered into the microprocessor. In a very short space of time this may be checked against coded information on the document in order to confirm that the person is in fact the authorised user. The system may be of value in banking, and other aspects of commerce to avoid the risk of loss following theft of cheques.

Description

DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to an electronic decriptour type device for reading an impregnated code on cardboard, plasticized or other media.

 In known devices of this kind there are electronic readers allowing identification by dialing a code on a keyboard, credit cards, bank withdrawal cards or the like. In general, the documents to be identified are rigid, cardboard , laminated. Same identification on da fine paper the texture of a bank check is not used at this day of the monk in the field mentioned here.

It is however feasible, the aim of the process is to generalize its use in the field of bank checks.

 The process mentioned here is composed of a decoder based on the known principle of microcomputing with microprocessor which can perform the functions of deciphering the i codes impregnated on checks with the possible realization of additional functions such as counting checks , the marking of; checks passed to the decoder, erasing of the codes after reading without limitation of the additional functions except the intrinsic limitation to the microprocessor.

 The modern-style decoder will have its chase made with a moldable polyethylene-type material, in a cumbersome pau format, making it easier to position on a box, the importance of the decoder will be approximately that of a counterfeit reader. It will have two keyboards with mechanical operation, one for the use of the merchant allowing to tap the first half key constituted by the date of birth of the owner of the check and one for the use of the client allowing to tap out of sight of the entourage, the second half key. There is a reading table, like a calculating machine, which will bring out the only words "ACCEPTED" if the two half keys are correct or "REFUSED" if there is an error, with possibility of resumption in the event of an error in handling and erasing when the check is withdrawn from the device. In the central or other part of the decoder, provision is made for the replacement of the check with a sdr positioning means in order to facilitate control operations. .

 The device, according to the method, allows, in a very short space of time, to identify according to the documents presented, bearing the date of birth (national identity card, driving license or other), by the person who gives the check and according to the information given to the device by the person who gives the check, if this person is really the owner of the check or possibly the agent of this person put in the confidence by the owner of the check.

 The Device, object of the process, can be used in all commercial activities in a safe, precise and easy way and especially when the transaction involves large sums with unknown persons.

This device will make it possible to clean up trade and avoid the misuse of stolen checks, a factor in the provisional account of merchants with a significant percentage of sums to be provided for this purpose. The deterrent effect of the sign posted on the door traders using this slide is not negligible either. It is certain that malicious attempts will be in sharp decline just by reading on the door of the merchant of the announcement of the use of such a device.

 In addition, this device will avoid a lot of trouble for people who are victims of a checkbook theft, especially if they do not immediately notice the theft to object to their bank. In the same vein, it is certain that the activities of the police and the gendarmerie of justice will be relieved of an important problem; by way of indication from 1972 to 1979, the Minister of the Interior identified an increase of 256.15% in the offenses relating to stolen shocks.

 If all commerce in general is interested in this process, it should be noted that the supermarkets or hyper markets, luxury shops and service stations are particularly affected by this scourge.

Claims (5)

1) Procedure consisting in the identification of a check at  by means of a descriptor comprising a display system  indicating the validity of the check, subject of the check, characterized  per the fact that this decoder includes, in addition to one or more micro-  processors, two letter or number keyboards. or letter  and numbers. 2) Method according to claim 1 characterized in that  that each keyboard has a control visualization. 3) Method according to claims 1 and 2 characterized by  the fact that the result obtained @ pres manipulation fits  on a control panel in the form of the words "ACCEPTED"  or "REFUSED". 4) Method according to claims 1,2 and 3 characterized ter  the fact that the checks used are previously impregnated  or keys allowing their passage in the decoder. 5) Method according to claims 1,2,3, and 4 characterized  by the fact that the functions intrinsic to microproces  sors allow adaptation on the function decoder  appendices for erasing codes, accounting for checks  controlled, marking of controlled checks, transcription  microphotography of the material elements supplied by the  presenter of the check including @@ own photograph.