JPH0279191A - Card terminal equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the working efficiency of sales operations of a card terminal equipment by automatically discriminate the kind of a card inserted into a card reader and starting data transmission at the timing corresponding to the kind of the card. CONSTITUTION:When a card is inserted into a card reader 1, a card kind discriminating means 8 immediately discriminates the kind of the card. In case the card is a cash card 2, an advance dialing means 9 automatically dials to a card center 4 and, when a speech loop is formed, the loop is maintained. If the speech loop is formed at the point of time when sales operations are completed, a data transmitting means 10 immediately starts to transmit deducting data. On the other hand, if the total amount exceeds a specific amount at the time of the completion of all sales operations when the card is a credit card 6, dialing to a computer is started and credit data are transmitted by means of a credit data sending means 12. Thus the efficiency of the sales work is improved by adjusting the data transmitting timing to the kind of the card.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a card terminal device installed in each store in a card payment system that allows payment for purchased products using cash cards and credit cards. .

[Prior Art] Currently, it is possible to pay for purchases with a credit card at many stores. When selling products using credit cards, a card terminal device is used that is directly connected via a telephone line to the host computer of the card issuer of each credit card that can be handled by the store. Then, the card information of the credit card brought by the customer is read by the card reader, and the sales amount is entered using the keyboard. Then, a double credit slip will be issued. Note that you may be required to enter your PIN number.

Furthermore, if the credit payment amount exceeds a specified amount, a credit inquiry is made to the card issuing company regarding the credit card. Then, when a sales approval (credit) response for the card is obtained from the card issuing company, sales processing using the card is performed.

Then, the payment is made between the card issuing company and the customer at a later date.

In addition to the above-mentioned card payment system using a credit card, a card payment system has been proposed in which each purchase price is directly paid using a cash card issued by a financial institution to a customer who has opened an account. . According to this system, each store is equipped with a card terminal equipped with a card reader that reads card information on cash cards, a card center is connected to the host computer of each financial institution via a data line, and Each card terminal installed at each store is connected to the center using a telephone line.

When a sale occurs using a cash card at each store, the sales amount is entered using the number keys and set keys on the keyboard, the card information on the Kyayu card is read using a card reader, and then the customer enters the sales amount using the keypad. have them enter their PIN number. Finally, when the execution key is operated, the transmission of the debit data consisting of the read card information and sales amount to the card center is started. That is, when an automatic dialing operation is started to the card center and a call loop is formed between the card terminal device and the card center, the debit data is transmitted to the card center.

The card center calls the host computer of the financial institution included in the received card information and debits the sales amount from the account with the account number specified in the card information. Then, a termination signal is sent back to the corresponding card terminal. Furthermore, if the balance of the relevant account is less than the payment amount, information indicating that the card cannot be used is returned to the relevant card terminal.

Therefore, it is natural that stores demand the development of a card terminal device that can handle both credit cards and cash cards.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in a card terminal device in which each function for executing sales processing using cards with completely different properties is independently incorporated into one device, there are the following problems. Ta.

That is, as described above, since the processing content is different between a credit card and a cash card, the sales operation procedure at the card terminal device is different between the credit card and the cash card. Therefore, the operator must immediately determine whether the card brought by the customer is a credit card or a cash card, and perform sales operations corresponding to the card type. However, since the card design differs for each financial institution and each card issuing company, there are many cases where the operator cannot immediately determine the card type. There is also a concern that a sales registration operation may be started with the wrong card type.

Furthermore, since the card terminals installed at each store and the card center are connected by telephone lines, every time a sale is made using a cash card to -1 customer,
The card center is called by an automatic dialing operation to form a call loop, and when preparations for data transmission are completed between the card center and the card terminal, the card terminal starts sending debit data.

Therefore, the time required from pressing the execution key to actually starting data transmission increases, and the customer and the operator of the card terminal device are forced to wait for a long time. In particular, when the card terminal device is located at a remote location from the card center, the automatic dialing operation takes a long time. Therefore, when this card terminal device is used, the efficiency of accounting work is reduced.

However, in the case of sales by credit card, whether or not to send credit data to the card issuer is determined according to the sales amount, so it is necessary to wait for the key operation of the execution key indicating the end of the sales operation. If so, an automatic dialing operation to the host computer of the card issuer must be initiated.

The present invention was made in view of these circumstances, and
The purpose of this is to automatically determine the card type of the card inserted into the card reader and start data transmission at the timing corresponding to the card type.
To provide a card/terminal device that can suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations, reduce the burden on the operator, greatly improve work efficiency in sales operations, shorten customer waiting time, and improve customer service. There is a particular thing.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention, as shown in FIG. The card center 4 connected to the card reader debits the sales amount keyed in from the keyboard 5 from the financial institution account designated by the cash card, and also debits the sales amount entered from the keyboard 5 from the financial institution account specified by the cash card. A card terminal device that directly calls a host computer of a specified card issuer 7 via a telephone line and transmits the sales amount and card information, and a card type determining means that determines the card type of a card inserted into a card reader. 8, and in response to the cash card determination by this card type determination means, dialing to the card center connected via the telephone line is started, and when a call loop is formed with the card center, the call loop is terminated. In response to the completion of the sales operation using the cash card, the pre-dialing means 9 holds the card information read by the card reader and the debit data including the entered sales amount to the card center holding the call loop. a debit data transmitting means 10; an amount determining means 11 that determines whether the sales amount is equal to or greater than a specified amount in response to the completion of a sales operation using a credit card; The credit data transmitting means 12 calls the host computer of the card issuing company specified by the card information and transmits credit data including the card information and the sales amount.

[Operation] In the card terminal configured as described above, when a card is inserted into the card reader, the card type of the card is immediately determined. If it is a cash card, automatic dialing to the card center is started at that point, and once a call loop is formed between the card terminal device and the card center, the call loop is maintained.

That is, when a cash card is used, it is necessary to unconditionally transmit debit data to the card center, so it is possible to start calling the card center even before the sales operation is completed.

If a call loop has been formed at the time the sales operation is completed, the transmission of debit data is immediately started. Furthermore, if a sales operation such as inputting a sales amount is executed quickly and a call loop has not yet been formed when the sales operation is completed, the transmission of debit data will naturally start after waiting for the call loop to be formed. . That is, the waiting time from the time when the sales operation is completed until the response to the transmitted data is input is shortened.

On the other hand, if the card inserted into the card reader is a credit card, if the sales amount exceeds the specified amount when all sales operations are completed, at this point, dialing to the host computer of the card issuer of the credit card is performed. is started. Credit data is then transmitted when a call loop is formed.

In this way, by adjusting the data transmission timing in accordance with the card type, the sales efficiency of the entire card terminal device is improved.

[Example] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the entire card payment system incorporating the card terminal device of the embodiment. 1 card center 2
A host computer 23 of each bank serving as a financial institution is connected to the host computer 1 via a dedicated line 22, for example. Each customer's account is created in the host computer 23 of each bank. Further, a plurality of card terminals 25 installed at each store are connected to the card center 21 via, for example, a public telephone line 24. Note that this card terminal device 25 is configured so that a bank card 26 as a cash card and a credit card 27 can be used. Therefore, credit card 27
For credit inquiries, each card is connected to a host computer 29 of each card issuing company via each public telephone line 28.

The card terminal device 25 also includes a keypad 30 for customers to enter their personal identification number, and a credit card 27.
A slip-dedicated printer 31 is connected to the printer 31 for issuing a double slip (credit slip) necessary when sales are registered.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the card terminal device 25. As shown in FIG. In the figure, 32 is a CP that performs various data processing on data input from a keyboard or card reader.
This CPU 32 is connected via a path line 33 to a ROM 34 for storing a control program, a RAM 35 for storing variable data such as a display buffer, a keyboard 36 for inputting various data, and a keyboard 36 for displaying various messages and numerical data. a card reader 38 that reads card information on the display 37, the bank card 26 and the credit card 27;
N for signal conversion connected to each public telephone line 24.28
The CU/MODEM 39, a printer 40 that issues a receipt on which the amount to be debited from an account is printed when the bank card 26 is used, an interface 41 to which the slip printer 31 is connected, an interface 42 to which the keypad 30 is connected, etc. It is connected.

As shown in FIG. 4, the keyboard 36 includes a sales key 36a for declaring 4 to start a sales operation, and a number key 36b1 for inputting numerical data such as sales amount.
A reset key 3601 for setting the card terminal device 25 to the initial state; a set key 36d1 for inputting data; An execution key 36e and the like are provided.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the RAM 35 includes a card information memory 35a for temporarily storing card information read by the card reader 38, inputted by a combination key operation of a number key 36b and a set key 36d. Input amount memory 35b1 that temporarily stores the sales amount inputted sequentially; Sales accumulation memory 35c that cumulatively stores each sales amount input sequentially; Print buffer 35d1 that temporarily stores data to be printed on a receipt or credit slip; Data displayed on the display 37. Display buffer 35e1 for temporarily storing data to be transmitted; Transmission buffer 35f1 for temporarily storing data to be transmitted; Credit card 2;
Tank memory 35g1 Card center 21 that temporarily stores sales information where the sales amount is less than the specified amount when sales are made in 7.
Also formed is a dial information memory 35h for storing dial information for calling the host computer 29 of each card issuing company.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the structure of card information 43 stored in the magnetic stripe of the bank card 26 or credit card 27. This card information 43 consists of 72-digit data, and a start code and an end code are set in the first digit and the final 72nd digit. Further, an ID code is set in the second digit, and a business type code is set in the third digit.

The card type can be determined based on this ID code and business type code. Therefore, it can be determined whether this card is the bank card 26 or the credit card 27.

Further, after the next digit, a company code that identifies the card issuing company or bank, an account number or membership number, a personal identification number, and other information are set.

The CPU 32 then executes sales processing using the bank card 26 or credit card 27 according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 9.

First, when the card terminal device 25 is powered on and the sales key 35a is operated, the sales processing shown in FIG. 7 is started. When the flowchart of FIG. 7 starts, S (step)
At step 1, an operation guide for "card input" is displayed on the display 37 via the display buffer 35e. When the operator receives the card brought by the customer and inserts it into the card reader 38, the card information 43 stored on the card is read and temporarily stored in the card information memory 35a. Then, in S2, the card type is determined from the ID code and business type code of the card information 43. If the inserted card is the bank card 26, sales operation processing using the bank card 26 is started from S3 onwards.

When the sales operation process is started, first, in S3, the communication process routine shown in FIG. 8 is activated. Next, an operation guide for "input amount" is displayed on the display 37, and when the sales amount is entered using the number keys 36b of the keyboard 36, the sales amount is displayed on the display 37.

Subsequently, when the set key 36d is pressed, the entered sales amount is determined to be the correct sales amount and is temporarily stored in the input amount memory 35b.

After that, the display 37 displays an operation guide for "input PIN number", and when the customer enters, for example, a 4-digit PIN number on the keypad 30, the PIN code is entered using the card information 43 in the card information memory 35a. to confirm that it is correct. Thereafter, the display 37 displays an operation guide for "Enter execution key".

When the execution key 36e of the keyboard 36 is pressed in S4, the sales amount in the input amount memory 35b and the card information 43 in the card information memory 35a are set as debit data in the transmission buffer 35f. When the process of setting the transmission data to the transmission buffer 35f is completed,
The sales operation process using this bank card 26 is completed.

Next, when the communication processing routine of FIG. 8 is started at S3 in the sales operation processing, the dial number of the card center 21 is read out from the dial information memory 35h at Pl and dialing is started.

Then, when there is a response from the card center 21 and a call loop is formed between the card center 21 and this card terminal device 25, the process waits for the transmission data consisting of the debit data to be stored in the transmission buffer 35f at P2. .

Once the transmission data is stored, since the execution key 36e of 84 has been operated at this point, the transmission of the transmission data in the transmission buffer 35f is started at P3 to the card center 21 with which the call loop is formed. Then, the display 37 displays “
Display the messages of the communicating party.

Note that if the transmission data has already been set in the transmission buffer 35f at P2, the execution key 36e is already in the state of waiting for the key operation to form a call loop.
Transmission of the transmission data is immediately started at P3.

Then, it waits for a response signal to be input from the card center 21 at P4. A response signal is input from the card center 21 at P4, and if the received response signal at P5 is an approval response that authorizes payment using the bank card 26,
Execute registration processing for sales amount. That is, the sales amount in the input amount memory 35a is added to the sales accumulation memory 35e, and the sales amount (account debit amount) is recorded by the printer 40.
Issue a receipt with this written on it. After displaying the message "End" on the display 37, this communication process is ended.

If the response signal at P5 rejects payment using the bank card 26, a message "Card cannot be used" is displayed on the display 37.

Further, if the card inserted into the card reader 38 at 82 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is the credit card 27, the 9th
Execute the credit card processing shown in the figure.

When the credit card processing shown in FIG. 9 is started, in Q1, the display 37 displays an operation guide for "input a personal identification number". When a password is input using the keypad 30, the correctness of the password is confirmed using, for example, the card information 43 in the card information memory 35a.

Next, the display 37 displays an operation guide for "entering the amount of money", and when the sales amount is entered using the number keys 36b, the amount is displayed on the display 37. And set key 36d
When the key is operated, it is determined that the sales amount has been correctly input, and the sales amount is temporarily stored in the input amount memory 35b.

Thereafter, in Q2, the display 37 displays an operation guide for "Enter execution key", and when the execution key 36e is operated in Q3, the sales amount in the input amount memory 35b is set to the predetermined standard in Q4. Check whether the amount is greater than or equal to the amount. If the amount is less than the specified amount, there is no need to perform a credit inquiry for the applicable credit card with the card issuer.
Sales amount and card information memory 3 in input amount memory 35b
5a and the card information 43 are stored in the empty area of the tank memory 35g. Then, the sales amount is stored in the cumulative sales memory 35.
c, and a copy type credit slip is issued by the slip printer 31. Then, a message "End" is displayed on the display 37, and this credit card processing is ended.

In addition, if the sales amount exceeds the specified amount in Q4, it is necessary to perform a credit inquiry for the relevant credit card with the card issuer each time, so the card information memory 3
5a and the sales amount in the input amount memory 35b are set in the transmission buffer 35f as credit data. Then, in Q5, a message "Communicating" is displayed on the display 37, and the card issuing company of the corresponding credit card is read from the card information 43 of the card information memory 35a. Then, the dial number of the card issuer is read from the dial information memory 35h, and two host computers of the card issuer are called by an automatic dialing operation. When a call loop is formed, the transmission data consisting of the credit data set in the transmission buffer 35f is transmitted to the host computer 29 of the card issuing company.

A response signal is input from the host computer 29, and Q6
If the consent response is received, the sales amount is stored in the sales cumulative memory 35.
c, and the credit slip is issued by the slip printer 31. Then, a message "End" is displayed on the display 37, and this credit card processing is ended.

Note that if there is no approval response in Q6, a message "Card payment not possible" is displayed on the display 37.

In the card terminal 25 configured as described above, when a sale occurs using a card, the operator operates the sales key 36a and then inserts the card into the card reader 38 without determining the type of card brought by the customer. card information 43 is read. Then, the card type of the inserted card is immediately determined, and sales operation processing corresponding to the card type is automatically started. and,
Key operations on the keyboard 36 and key pad 30 may be performed in accordance with the operation guidance sequentially displayed on the display 37.

Therefore, even if the operator performs the sales registration operation without checking the card type of the card brought by the customer, the probability of an erroneous operation is low, and the burden on the operator can be significantly reduced. Note that since the operation guidance initially displayed on the display 37 after the card is inserted differs depending on the card type, it is also possible to confirm the card type of the inserted card at that time.

Further, if the card inserted into the card reader 38 is the bank card 26, automatic dialing to the card center 21 is immediately started. And this card terminal device 2
Once a call loop is formed between the card center 21 and the card center 21, the call loop is maintained. In other words, when a bank card 26 is used, one card center 2 is used unconditionally.
Since it is necessary to transmit the transmission data to the card center 21, it is possible to start the calling operation to the card center 21 even before the sales operations including inputting the sales amount, inputting the personal identification number, etc. are completed.

In parallel with the execution of communication preparation processing for starting data transmission with the card center 21, the card terminal device 25 executes normal sales operation processing. That is,
The sales amount is entered using the keyboard 35, and the password is entered using the keypad 30. Finally, the execution key 36e is operated.

If a call loop is formed at the time when the sales operation up to the key operation of the execution key 36e is completed, the transfer of the debit data to the card center 21 is immediately started. Note that if sales operations such as sales amount input operation and card insertion operation are executed quickly and a call loop has not yet been formed when the sales operation is completed, data will naturally be processed after waiting for the call loop to be formed. Transmission starts. That is, the waiting time from the time when the sales operation is completed until the response to the sending of the debit data is returned is shortened.

Therefore, the efficiency of sales operation can be greatly improved. Furthermore, since the waiting time for the customer to receive payment permission using a bank card is shortened, the service provided to the customer can be improved.

On the other hand, if the card input into the card reader 38 is the credit card 27, the sales will be processed when the execution key 36e is operated after the input of the PIN number and sales amount is completed, that is, when all sales operations are completed. Depending on the amount, it is determined whether or not to transmit credit data to the host computer 29 of the card issuing company. Therefore, data transmission to the card issuing company's host computer 29 starts after the execution key 36e is operated.

In this way, the timing to start sending sales data when using a card can be divided into three types: no transmission at all, the time when the card is inserted, and the time when the execution key 36e is operated. This transmission start timing is automatically determined to be the earliest timing. Therefore, the effect of improving the operating work efficiency described above can be further improved.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the card terminal device of the present invention,
The card type of the card inserted into the card reader is automatically determined and data transmission is started at the timing corresponding to the card type, reducing the occurrence of operational errors and reducing the burden on the operator. It can greatly improve operational efficiency, reduce customer waiting time, and improve customer service.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention, Figs. 2 to 9 show a card terminal device according to an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the entire card payment system. 3 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration, FIG. 4 is a key layout diagram of the keyboard, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the storage contents of the storage section, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing card information stored in the card. , FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing the operation. 21...Card center, 23.29...Host computer, 25...Card terminal device, 26...Bank card, 27...Credit card, 30...Keypad, 32...CPU, 35...RAM. 35a...Card information memory, 35h...Dial information memory, 36...Keyboard, 36a...Sales key, 36b...Number key, 36e...Execution key,
37...Display unit, 38...Card reader, 43...
・Card information. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 6 Figure 7

Claims (1)

[Claims] A cash card (2) inserted into a card reader (1)
) is called by one card center (4) connected via a telephone line to the host computer of the financial institution (3) specified by the bank, and the cash card specifies the sales amount keyed in from the keyboard (5). At the same time, the host computer of the card issuer (7) designated by the credit card (6) inserted into the card reader is directly called via a telephone line to receive the sales amount and card information. A card terminal device for transmitting data, comprising: a card type determining means (8) for determining the card type of the card inserted into the card reader; advance dialing means (which starts dialing to the connected card center and maintains the call loop when a call loop is formed with the card center);
9) and debit data including the card information read by the card reader and the input sales amount, which is sent to the card center where the call loop is held in response to the completion of the sales operation using the cash card. a transmitting means (10); an amount determining means (11) for determining whether the sales amount is equal to or greater than a specified amount in response to the completion of a sales operation using a credit card; and credit data transmitting means (12) for calling a host computer of a card issuing company specified by card information and transmitting credit data including card information and sales amount.