CA2242450A1 - Apparatus for encoding and dispensing integrated circuit chip cards - Google Patents
Apparatus for encoding and dispensing integrated circuit chip cards Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2242450A1 CA2242450A1 CA 2242450 CA2242450A CA2242450A1 CA 2242450 A1 CA2242450 A1 CA 2242450A1 CA 2242450 CA2242450 CA 2242450 CA 2242450 A CA2242450 A CA 2242450A CA 2242450 A1 CA2242450 A1 CA 2242450A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- card
- cards
- stack
- enclosure
- integrated circuit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
- G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
- G07F7/10—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means together with a coded signal, e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
- G07F7/1008—Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
- G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
- G06Q20/341—Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
- G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
- G06Q20/355—Personalisation of cards for use
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/42—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for ticket printing or like apparatus, e.g. apparatus for dispensing of printed paper tickets or payment cards
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
Abstract
The disclosed apparatus is a stand-alone integrated smart card circuit chip card (20) vending machine (10). It accepts bills in $1, $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations and/or credit cards and issues stored value smart cards (20) for the value requested. It can also telephone a center to validate credit card transactions or send diagnostic and statistical reports. This invention has the capability to read and write to a card (20) while it is in the dispenser stack (24) therefore the card (20) has no value while in the dispenser and is not released until payment is received, that is, the cards (20) are encoded in real time before they are issued.
Description
CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 W O 97~22919 PcTAus96l2o69o SMART CARD TRANSACTION SYSTEM
AND ENCOl:)ER-DISPENSER
RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation in part of U.S. Provisional Pater.t Application Serial No. 60/008,937 and entitled Smart Card Transaction System and Encoder-Dispenser filed December 20, 1995.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an integrated circuit smart card dispensing system that issues and/or adds value to stored value smart chip cards used as debit cards for purchasing consumables 10 such as food and drinks as well as for buying servlces such as telephone and laundry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the issuing or dispensing of stored 15 value smart chip cards from stand alone terminals that may be located in airports, arcades, shops, shopping malls and in places where the public may purchase these cards using cash or a credit card. Although there are a number of card dispensers on the market there are none that actually encode a smart chip card as it is 20 being dispensed. There are two basic types of smart card. The simplest is the memory or stored value card which is frequently a disposable magnetic strip card. The more complex smart card employs an integrated circuit and is basically a "PC on a card".
Due to its security, these are used as credit cards replacing the 25 magnetic strip card.
Currently available telephone card dispensers issue stored value cards. The user must call a central facility to activate the card by its serial number which is sometimes referred to as "encoding before issue". These cards can be time consuming and 30 inconvenien~ to use.
The smart card was invented by the French company Innovatron ln 1974 but was not widely used until the mid 1980's. It is basicaily a credit card size plastic card with one or more mlcrochips embedded in lt. They come ln two baslc types; first -.he SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULF 26) CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 W O 97/22919 PCTrUS96/20690 memory chip card which stores a number of units of va~ue. As the card is used, the units are burned off the chip until they are all used up, then the card 1s thrown away. The second type is a reprogrammable microprocessor card, or "PC on a card". The price 5 of the card varies depending on the amount and type of memory it contains. Motorola, SGS Thomson and Siemens are the main chip manufacturers.
Pre-paid smart cards are widely accepted in banking and telephone applications in about every country in the world except 10 the USA. However, that is rapidly changing. One of the catalysts was the 1996 Olympics, with Visa, M/C and major banks rushing to place smart cards into service. The telephone industry is also installing smart card phones across the USA.
In 1993, the US phone companies introduced the "dial 800"
15 pre-paid telephone card to test the acceptance of debit cards. The "800'~ card has the advantage of being useable from any existing telephone, but has the disadvantage that the user has to dial many digits, i.e. the 800 number, a pin number followed by the number you wanted to dial in the first place. The user's debit account 20 is stored in a central computer owned by the phone company. In contrast, the "smart chip card" contains the account on the card and is much easier to use and has proved to be very secure since the smart card uses a crytogram. With many powerful PC's now available, magnetic cards are easy to duplicate and will likely 25 soon disappear from all applications requiring transaction security, such as credit cards.
With the volume of cards in use increasing there is a need for more secure methods for issuing or dispensing cards, whether they are smart cards or magnetic cards. Also, a more convenient 30 manner of dispensing and activating cards is required. Vending machines are presently available which issue uncoded cards. The user must then insert this card in a separate receptacle and code it for a desired value. This can be extremely annoying and confusing, particularly if the user is in a hurry or speaks a 35 foreign language. If the user removes the card but neglects to activate it, the card will be inoperable and the user may be frustrated or inconvenienced.
The present invention is not only a dispenser of cards, but also includes the capability to add value to a card already CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 WO97~2919 PCT~S96/20690 purchased. There ls a read/wr~te head in the reader that performs the encoding of each card so that the cards have no value while they are released from the dispenser. Since the apparatus accepts currency, the enclosure or case is made of high security double 5 plated stainless steel with a triple locking mechanism that is drill proof.
SUMMARY OF INV~NTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide l0 an apparatus for encoding an integrated circuit chip card as the card is dispensed from a stack of uncoded cards.
It is a further object of this in~ention to provide a smart card vending machine that is safer, quicker, easier and less confusing to use than conventional machines.
This invention relates to an apparatus for encoding and dispensing integrated clrcuit chip cards. The apparatus includes an enclosure having a card dispensing slot and means for accepting a selected mode and amount of monetary payment. There are means mounted within the enclosure for holding a stack of uncoded 20 integrated chip cards such that an integrated circuit chip on each card faces toward a first end of the stack. An encoder mechanism is mounted within the enclosure and located adjacent the first end of the stack of cards. There are means carried by the enclosure for inputting data, including a selected monetary ~alue. Means are 25 responsive to the means for accepting and the means for inputting for verifying that the selected monetary value corresponds to the accepted amount of monetary payment and for directing the encoder mechanism to encode the integrated circuit chip of a leading card positioned at the first end of the stack with the input data.
30 There are means for dispensing the leading card through the card dispensing slot after the leading card has been encoded and sequentially positioning a following card in the stack with its integrated circuit chip adjacent to the encoder mechanism.
In a preferred embodiment, the encoder mechanism includes a 35 smart card read/write head that is incorporated in a specially designed card dispenser to encode cards as they reach the bottom of the stack. Smart cards are stacked in the dispenser with the chip side face down. The 8 contacts of the read head are accurate~y placed in a standard positlon on each smart cart. The CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 WO 97~2919 PCTAUS96/20690 design of the stack chute has a tolerance of ~ mm. The read/write head is then brought into contact with the 8 con~acts of the chip during each card transaction so that information such as the card value can be immediately "written~ or stored on the card before 5 its release.
A comprehensive se~uence of instructions are programmed into a microprocessor controller to control the operation and interaction between a bill acceptor, credit card reader, telephone transmission circuit board and the card dispensing unit.
A user follows simple instructions on the display. First, the user is instructed to "insert a bill or card" then a) dispense a new card, or b) add value to a card. The remaining instructions on the display instruct the user how to complete or cancel the transaction.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING8 The invention is described in general with the aid of the following drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the encoding and dispensing 20 apparatus of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a side, cross sectional view of the apparatus;
FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of the card stacking, encoding and dispensing components;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus showing a stack for 25 holding approximately 300 smart cards, the driving motor, pulleys, rollers and card transport;
FIG. 5 show~ the card encoding and transport mechanism in more detail including the read/write head, cantilever platform and the counter-rotating rollers that in combination with the cam 30 wheel assist the card movement from the card stacker to the user.
FIG. 6 is a detailed bottom view of the card dispenser showing the "8 contact" read/write head illustrating the card holder or stack and card transport mechanism, and includes an inset showing the card ejection clutch, pulleys and photoeye;
FIGS. 7a-d are a flow diagram describing a preferred process for identifying a bill and either dispenslng a new card or adding value to an existing card by writing the value to the card before it is dispensed; and FIGS. 8a-e are an alternative preferred flow diagram for SUt:sa 1 l l UTE SHEET (RULE 26) CA 022424jO 1998-06-22 WO 97/~2919 PcT/us96/2069o operating the microprocessor of the apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
This description will refer to FIGS. 1-7. The apparatus consists of a number of interrelated parts that together form a complete system for storing, encoding, adding value and dispensing integrated circuit smart cards. The component parts are a secure case or housing, bill acceptor, card 10 encoder/dispenser, micro-controller/processor, smart card reader, display, keypad and power supply. There is an optional telephone circuit board for validating credit cards and a small receipt printer. All component parts are contained in the stainless steel case 10 shown in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 it is noted that the case or housing is rectangular in shape and is of a highly secure design to deter theft and vandalism. It is fabricated using two layers of 14 gauge stainless steel welded together to provide an effective strength of 7 gauge. One case is effectively 20 "nested" inside the other. The top of the case 12 is sloped forward so that no one can tie a chain or rope around it and pull it off its wall mounting. The degree of slope o~ the top surface also prevents anyone from placing a drink on top of the case. All openings in the front of the case are of a size that 25 prevent access by a human hand. The case has no opening covers in the front or on the side and is designed to mount flush against a wall tO reduce risk of prying off covers. The complete front housing is one piece, and is hinged to a reinforced backplate which also has reinforced mounting studs.
30 The front of the case has three small openings. Opening 14 accommodates the entry of currency. Opening 16 accepts a smart card or credit card. Opening 18 allows for the exit of a codeà
smart card from the dispenser. There is also a 40 character display 20 for user instructions and a telephone type keypad 22 35 to allow a user to interact with the system.
The smart card encoder/dispenser is shown in FIGS. 2-6. It consis~s of a metal card holder or stack 24 having a card capaci~y of approximately 300 cards. Holder 24 is precision built _o ensure the exact stacked alignment of smart cards 20 40 so tha_ the bot~om card is aligned, ~chip side down", ?reclsely SU~ 111 IJTE SHEET (RULE 26) CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 W O 97/'2919 PCTAUS96/20690 over the eight contacts 28 of a standard smart card read head contact bloc~ B. The bottom of the card holder has a slot which is approximately 1.5 times the thickness of a standard 30 mm card. This slot is large enough to allow the card to pass 5 through during dispensing. A spring loaded, non-metallic retainer is positioned such that the siot is covered during the loading of cards and during the read/write cycle. The contact block B is mounted on a cantilever platform P that is raised or lowered by a solenoid A, under the control of a microcontroller 10 to enable reading and writing to a smart card. The base of the card holder has a square hole in it to allow the read head block B to protrude through the base and make precise contact with the eight contacts of the chip 30 (FIG. 5) on the bottom card 40. A physical stop limits the upward travel of platform P
15 to provide the correct compression of the contact springs and to prohibit "lifting" of cards off the support structure. The stop also ensures that the cards do not move during the read/write cycle. To ensure firm contact and reliable reading and writing to the chip, a force of approximately 4 Newtons is 20 required against the card. A one pound weight is placed on top of the card stack to counteract this force and ensure that the last re~;ni~g card in the stack 26 is properly read. An "out of cards" sensor switch Sl determines if there is a card present in the stack. A second switch S2 determines that a card 25 is present in the output chute, ready for removal by the user.
The function and operation of the encoder/dispenser is controlled by a sequence of instructions issued by a microprocessor described in detail by the flow diagram shown in FIG. 7A. The operation starts with a user inserting currency, 30 either a bill, coin, credit card or smart card. If a bill, coin or a credit card has been inserted the process is as described in the flow diagram at the "start" point. If a smart card is inserted, the process flow starts at point A in the flow diagram. At any time the user may cancel the transaction by 35 pressing the * key on the keypad. FIG. 7B illustrates another preferred flow diagram for operating the apparatus.
In either case, a leading or lowermost card 40 is released from the card holder stack as follows. Once the microprocessor has completed the transaction by reading and/or writing to the SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 W O 971~2919 PCT~US96/20690 smart card, the card is ejec~ed by the following steps. The microprocessor first releases solenoid A, which drops the platform P away from the card stack. The microprocessor then comm~ a drive motor 42 to rotate in a counter-clockwise 5 direction (See FIG. 4) which causes counter-rotation in both pulleys 2 and 3. Pulley 2 is integrally connected to a small toothed gear through the use of a spring loaded pin clutch C.
The clutch is engaged by a solenoid D, through a non-metallic yoke E, guided and moving axially along a shaft F. As the 10 clutch is en~aged, a smaller gear G drives a larger gear H in the opposite direction. This transfers rotary motion to a small diameter bevel gear I. When meshed with the larger diameter bevel gear J, gear I transmits rotary motion 90 degrees. This allows the attachment of a smaller diameter "roller cam" K on 15 the outer periphery of a driven support wheel L. A bearing housing M contains the bearings to support a "roller cam" wheel shaft, which also has two spring loaded pins. These provide the friction necessary to a brake disk when signaled by the photoeye N (See FIG. 5) that the "roller cam~ has made one 20 complete revolution. This signal also disengages the clutch which stops rotation on the ''roller cam" while allowing for continued rotation of the motor and driven pulleys. As the support wheel L rotates, the roller cam revolves through its arc of travel to make contact with the rear edge of the bottom-25 most card. This pushes the card forward where it is received bythe two counter-rotating friction drive wheels 0. The drive wheels are operated by a pair of non-metallic spur gears Q, driven by pulley 3 and located opposite one another on the same shaft R. Located above these gears and friction rollers is a 30 second set of gears and rollers S turning in the opposite cloc~wise direction. This assures positive card ejection since the upper set is spring loaded against the lower set with an interference fit when there is no card present. As the card is presented to the counter-rotating rollers, there is a "pivot 35 up" action to provide for card clearance while also providing the necessary compression of the friction drive rollers onto the moving card to move the card to the eject position. The dual set of rollers effectively squeezes the card on top and bottom while it is driven through the rollers. A second shaft 'J
SUBSTITUTE SHEET(RULE 26) CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 WO97/22919 PCT~S96~0690 on the upper pivoting drive assembly has an idler wheel V which maintains the position of the card until it is remo~ed by the user. Also mounted on this shaft is a gate flapper W which prevents the intrusion of any foreign objects such as a flat, sharp knife that may otherwise be used to vandalize the dispenser after the card has been removed.
The card ejected switch S2 will sense the presence of a card 40 and signal the user via display 20 to "take card~. Once the user has removed the card, switch S2 opens and the microprocessor then resets the process to start another transaction.
~ n addition to the function of smart card dispensing the following is a description of a unique process by which a set of smart cards are used for "off-line~' installation, setup, diagnostics and data collection of the Smart Card Transaction System or vending machine. Since the smart card is basically a "PC on a card" setup and diagnostic information is programmed onto a smart card and the card then used as an "off-line"
programming device to pe-rform installation, setup and diagnostic functions. One of the main advantages of such a scheme over an on-line system is to prevent "hacking".
This off-line "setup smart card" is programmed on a PC
using a smart card/PC interface and proprietary software. All programming instructions that control the operation of the Smart Card Transaction System are loaded onto the setup smart card. After the Smart Card Transaction System has been mounted or placed in its location and powered up, the setup card and a password are used to initialize and/or setup the machine for use. It is a simple two step process as follows: The first time the Card Transaction System is powered up the display will say "enter password". Upon receiving a ~alid password the display will then say "insert setup card" followed by "setup complete" if successful. If setup was unsuccessful a message will be displayed to "run diagnostics. The "setup smart card"
contains diagnostic routine5 that guide a ser~ice engineer through a series of diagnostic routines to determine the fault status of the system which the engineer is trained to correct.
The same setup card is also used to re-set a Card Transaction System that has been tampered with to the extent CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 W O 97~2919 PCT~US96/20690 that the micro-processor memory went into ~self destruct~ or secure mode. By inserting the setup card and valid password a service engineer may restore the unit to service.
Another smart card, created in a similar manner to the 5 setup card just described is used for data collection. That is, the off-line collection of usage statistics, including but not limited to: the number and value of cards dispensed and the number and value of bills received.
In summary, the smart card transaction system is not only 10 a unique dispenser of smart cards it also uses smart cards for the various management functions described above.
Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in 15 accordance with the invention. Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims.
AND ENCOl:)ER-DISPENSER
RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation in part of U.S. Provisional Pater.t Application Serial No. 60/008,937 and entitled Smart Card Transaction System and Encoder-Dispenser filed December 20, 1995.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an integrated circuit smart card dispensing system that issues and/or adds value to stored value smart chip cards used as debit cards for purchasing consumables 10 such as food and drinks as well as for buying servlces such as telephone and laundry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the issuing or dispensing of stored 15 value smart chip cards from stand alone terminals that may be located in airports, arcades, shops, shopping malls and in places where the public may purchase these cards using cash or a credit card. Although there are a number of card dispensers on the market there are none that actually encode a smart chip card as it is 20 being dispensed. There are two basic types of smart card. The simplest is the memory or stored value card which is frequently a disposable magnetic strip card. The more complex smart card employs an integrated circuit and is basically a "PC on a card".
Due to its security, these are used as credit cards replacing the 25 magnetic strip card.
Currently available telephone card dispensers issue stored value cards. The user must call a central facility to activate the card by its serial number which is sometimes referred to as "encoding before issue". These cards can be time consuming and 30 inconvenien~ to use.
The smart card was invented by the French company Innovatron ln 1974 but was not widely used until the mid 1980's. It is basicaily a credit card size plastic card with one or more mlcrochips embedded in lt. They come ln two baslc types; first -.he SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULF 26) CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 W O 97/22919 PCTrUS96/20690 memory chip card which stores a number of units of va~ue. As the card is used, the units are burned off the chip until they are all used up, then the card 1s thrown away. The second type is a reprogrammable microprocessor card, or "PC on a card". The price 5 of the card varies depending on the amount and type of memory it contains. Motorola, SGS Thomson and Siemens are the main chip manufacturers.
Pre-paid smart cards are widely accepted in banking and telephone applications in about every country in the world except 10 the USA. However, that is rapidly changing. One of the catalysts was the 1996 Olympics, with Visa, M/C and major banks rushing to place smart cards into service. The telephone industry is also installing smart card phones across the USA.
In 1993, the US phone companies introduced the "dial 800"
15 pre-paid telephone card to test the acceptance of debit cards. The "800'~ card has the advantage of being useable from any existing telephone, but has the disadvantage that the user has to dial many digits, i.e. the 800 number, a pin number followed by the number you wanted to dial in the first place. The user's debit account 20 is stored in a central computer owned by the phone company. In contrast, the "smart chip card" contains the account on the card and is much easier to use and has proved to be very secure since the smart card uses a crytogram. With many powerful PC's now available, magnetic cards are easy to duplicate and will likely 25 soon disappear from all applications requiring transaction security, such as credit cards.
With the volume of cards in use increasing there is a need for more secure methods for issuing or dispensing cards, whether they are smart cards or magnetic cards. Also, a more convenient 30 manner of dispensing and activating cards is required. Vending machines are presently available which issue uncoded cards. The user must then insert this card in a separate receptacle and code it for a desired value. This can be extremely annoying and confusing, particularly if the user is in a hurry or speaks a 35 foreign language. If the user removes the card but neglects to activate it, the card will be inoperable and the user may be frustrated or inconvenienced.
The present invention is not only a dispenser of cards, but also includes the capability to add value to a card already CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 WO97~2919 PCT~S96/20690 purchased. There ls a read/wr~te head in the reader that performs the encoding of each card so that the cards have no value while they are released from the dispenser. Since the apparatus accepts currency, the enclosure or case is made of high security double 5 plated stainless steel with a triple locking mechanism that is drill proof.
SUMMARY OF INV~NTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide l0 an apparatus for encoding an integrated circuit chip card as the card is dispensed from a stack of uncoded cards.
It is a further object of this in~ention to provide a smart card vending machine that is safer, quicker, easier and less confusing to use than conventional machines.
This invention relates to an apparatus for encoding and dispensing integrated clrcuit chip cards. The apparatus includes an enclosure having a card dispensing slot and means for accepting a selected mode and amount of monetary payment. There are means mounted within the enclosure for holding a stack of uncoded 20 integrated chip cards such that an integrated circuit chip on each card faces toward a first end of the stack. An encoder mechanism is mounted within the enclosure and located adjacent the first end of the stack of cards. There are means carried by the enclosure for inputting data, including a selected monetary ~alue. Means are 25 responsive to the means for accepting and the means for inputting for verifying that the selected monetary value corresponds to the accepted amount of monetary payment and for directing the encoder mechanism to encode the integrated circuit chip of a leading card positioned at the first end of the stack with the input data.
30 There are means for dispensing the leading card through the card dispensing slot after the leading card has been encoded and sequentially positioning a following card in the stack with its integrated circuit chip adjacent to the encoder mechanism.
In a preferred embodiment, the encoder mechanism includes a 35 smart card read/write head that is incorporated in a specially designed card dispenser to encode cards as they reach the bottom of the stack. Smart cards are stacked in the dispenser with the chip side face down. The 8 contacts of the read head are accurate~y placed in a standard positlon on each smart cart. The CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 WO 97~2919 PCTAUS96/20690 design of the stack chute has a tolerance of ~ mm. The read/write head is then brought into contact with the 8 con~acts of the chip during each card transaction so that information such as the card value can be immediately "written~ or stored on the card before 5 its release.
A comprehensive se~uence of instructions are programmed into a microprocessor controller to control the operation and interaction between a bill acceptor, credit card reader, telephone transmission circuit board and the card dispensing unit.
A user follows simple instructions on the display. First, the user is instructed to "insert a bill or card" then a) dispense a new card, or b) add value to a card. The remaining instructions on the display instruct the user how to complete or cancel the transaction.
~RIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING8 The invention is described in general with the aid of the following drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the encoding and dispensing 20 apparatus of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a side, cross sectional view of the apparatus;
FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of the card stacking, encoding and dispensing components;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus showing a stack for 25 holding approximately 300 smart cards, the driving motor, pulleys, rollers and card transport;
FIG. 5 show~ the card encoding and transport mechanism in more detail including the read/write head, cantilever platform and the counter-rotating rollers that in combination with the cam 30 wheel assist the card movement from the card stacker to the user.
FIG. 6 is a detailed bottom view of the card dispenser showing the "8 contact" read/write head illustrating the card holder or stack and card transport mechanism, and includes an inset showing the card ejection clutch, pulleys and photoeye;
FIGS. 7a-d are a flow diagram describing a preferred process for identifying a bill and either dispenslng a new card or adding value to an existing card by writing the value to the card before it is dispensed; and FIGS. 8a-e are an alternative preferred flow diagram for SUt:sa 1 l l UTE SHEET (RULE 26) CA 022424jO 1998-06-22 WO 97/~2919 PcT/us96/2069o operating the microprocessor of the apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
This description will refer to FIGS. 1-7. The apparatus consists of a number of interrelated parts that together form a complete system for storing, encoding, adding value and dispensing integrated circuit smart cards. The component parts are a secure case or housing, bill acceptor, card 10 encoder/dispenser, micro-controller/processor, smart card reader, display, keypad and power supply. There is an optional telephone circuit board for validating credit cards and a small receipt printer. All component parts are contained in the stainless steel case 10 shown in FIG. 1.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 it is noted that the case or housing is rectangular in shape and is of a highly secure design to deter theft and vandalism. It is fabricated using two layers of 14 gauge stainless steel welded together to provide an effective strength of 7 gauge. One case is effectively 20 "nested" inside the other. The top of the case 12 is sloped forward so that no one can tie a chain or rope around it and pull it off its wall mounting. The degree of slope o~ the top surface also prevents anyone from placing a drink on top of the case. All openings in the front of the case are of a size that 25 prevent access by a human hand. The case has no opening covers in the front or on the side and is designed to mount flush against a wall tO reduce risk of prying off covers. The complete front housing is one piece, and is hinged to a reinforced backplate which also has reinforced mounting studs.
30 The front of the case has three small openings. Opening 14 accommodates the entry of currency. Opening 16 accepts a smart card or credit card. Opening 18 allows for the exit of a codeà
smart card from the dispenser. There is also a 40 character display 20 for user instructions and a telephone type keypad 22 35 to allow a user to interact with the system.
The smart card encoder/dispenser is shown in FIGS. 2-6. It consis~s of a metal card holder or stack 24 having a card capaci~y of approximately 300 cards. Holder 24 is precision built _o ensure the exact stacked alignment of smart cards 20 40 so tha_ the bot~om card is aligned, ~chip side down", ?reclsely SU~ 111 IJTE SHEET (RULE 26) CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 W O 97/'2919 PCTAUS96/20690 over the eight contacts 28 of a standard smart card read head contact bloc~ B. The bottom of the card holder has a slot which is approximately 1.5 times the thickness of a standard 30 mm card. This slot is large enough to allow the card to pass 5 through during dispensing. A spring loaded, non-metallic retainer is positioned such that the siot is covered during the loading of cards and during the read/write cycle. The contact block B is mounted on a cantilever platform P that is raised or lowered by a solenoid A, under the control of a microcontroller 10 to enable reading and writing to a smart card. The base of the card holder has a square hole in it to allow the read head block B to protrude through the base and make precise contact with the eight contacts of the chip 30 (FIG. 5) on the bottom card 40. A physical stop limits the upward travel of platform P
15 to provide the correct compression of the contact springs and to prohibit "lifting" of cards off the support structure. The stop also ensures that the cards do not move during the read/write cycle. To ensure firm contact and reliable reading and writing to the chip, a force of approximately 4 Newtons is 20 required against the card. A one pound weight is placed on top of the card stack to counteract this force and ensure that the last re~;ni~g card in the stack 26 is properly read. An "out of cards" sensor switch Sl determines if there is a card present in the stack. A second switch S2 determines that a card 25 is present in the output chute, ready for removal by the user.
The function and operation of the encoder/dispenser is controlled by a sequence of instructions issued by a microprocessor described in detail by the flow diagram shown in FIG. 7A. The operation starts with a user inserting currency, 30 either a bill, coin, credit card or smart card. If a bill, coin or a credit card has been inserted the process is as described in the flow diagram at the "start" point. If a smart card is inserted, the process flow starts at point A in the flow diagram. At any time the user may cancel the transaction by 35 pressing the * key on the keypad. FIG. 7B illustrates another preferred flow diagram for operating the apparatus.
In either case, a leading or lowermost card 40 is released from the card holder stack as follows. Once the microprocessor has completed the transaction by reading and/or writing to the SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 W O 971~2919 PCT~US96/20690 smart card, the card is ejec~ed by the following steps. The microprocessor first releases solenoid A, which drops the platform P away from the card stack. The microprocessor then comm~ a drive motor 42 to rotate in a counter-clockwise 5 direction (See FIG. 4) which causes counter-rotation in both pulleys 2 and 3. Pulley 2 is integrally connected to a small toothed gear through the use of a spring loaded pin clutch C.
The clutch is engaged by a solenoid D, through a non-metallic yoke E, guided and moving axially along a shaft F. As the 10 clutch is en~aged, a smaller gear G drives a larger gear H in the opposite direction. This transfers rotary motion to a small diameter bevel gear I. When meshed with the larger diameter bevel gear J, gear I transmits rotary motion 90 degrees. This allows the attachment of a smaller diameter "roller cam" K on 15 the outer periphery of a driven support wheel L. A bearing housing M contains the bearings to support a "roller cam" wheel shaft, which also has two spring loaded pins. These provide the friction necessary to a brake disk when signaled by the photoeye N (See FIG. 5) that the "roller cam~ has made one 20 complete revolution. This signal also disengages the clutch which stops rotation on the ''roller cam" while allowing for continued rotation of the motor and driven pulleys. As the support wheel L rotates, the roller cam revolves through its arc of travel to make contact with the rear edge of the bottom-25 most card. This pushes the card forward where it is received bythe two counter-rotating friction drive wheels 0. The drive wheels are operated by a pair of non-metallic spur gears Q, driven by pulley 3 and located opposite one another on the same shaft R. Located above these gears and friction rollers is a 30 second set of gears and rollers S turning in the opposite cloc~wise direction. This assures positive card ejection since the upper set is spring loaded against the lower set with an interference fit when there is no card present. As the card is presented to the counter-rotating rollers, there is a "pivot 35 up" action to provide for card clearance while also providing the necessary compression of the friction drive rollers onto the moving card to move the card to the eject position. The dual set of rollers effectively squeezes the card on top and bottom while it is driven through the rollers. A second shaft 'J
SUBSTITUTE SHEET(RULE 26) CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 WO97/22919 PCT~S96~0690 on the upper pivoting drive assembly has an idler wheel V which maintains the position of the card until it is remo~ed by the user. Also mounted on this shaft is a gate flapper W which prevents the intrusion of any foreign objects such as a flat, sharp knife that may otherwise be used to vandalize the dispenser after the card has been removed.
The card ejected switch S2 will sense the presence of a card 40 and signal the user via display 20 to "take card~. Once the user has removed the card, switch S2 opens and the microprocessor then resets the process to start another transaction.
~ n addition to the function of smart card dispensing the following is a description of a unique process by which a set of smart cards are used for "off-line~' installation, setup, diagnostics and data collection of the Smart Card Transaction System or vending machine. Since the smart card is basically a "PC on a card" setup and diagnostic information is programmed onto a smart card and the card then used as an "off-line"
programming device to pe-rform installation, setup and diagnostic functions. One of the main advantages of such a scheme over an on-line system is to prevent "hacking".
This off-line "setup smart card" is programmed on a PC
using a smart card/PC interface and proprietary software. All programming instructions that control the operation of the Smart Card Transaction System are loaded onto the setup smart card. After the Smart Card Transaction System has been mounted or placed in its location and powered up, the setup card and a password are used to initialize and/or setup the machine for use. It is a simple two step process as follows: The first time the Card Transaction System is powered up the display will say "enter password". Upon receiving a ~alid password the display will then say "insert setup card" followed by "setup complete" if successful. If setup was unsuccessful a message will be displayed to "run diagnostics. The "setup smart card"
contains diagnostic routine5 that guide a ser~ice engineer through a series of diagnostic routines to determine the fault status of the system which the engineer is trained to correct.
The same setup card is also used to re-set a Card Transaction System that has been tampered with to the extent CA 022424~0 1998-06-22 W O 97~2919 PCT~US96/20690 that the micro-processor memory went into ~self destruct~ or secure mode. By inserting the setup card and valid password a service engineer may restore the unit to service.
Another smart card, created in a similar manner to the 5 setup card just described is used for data collection. That is, the off-line collection of usage statistics, including but not limited to: the number and value of cards dispensed and the number and value of bills received.
In summary, the smart card transaction system is not only 10 a unique dispenser of smart cards it also uses smart cards for the various management functions described above.
Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only, as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in 15 accordance with the invention. Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims.
Claims (7)
1. An apparatus for encoding and dispensing integrated circuit chip cards comprising:
an enclosure having a card dispensing slot and means for accepting a selected mode and amount of monetary payment;
means mounted within said enclosure for holding a stack of uncoded integrated circuit chip cards such that an integrated circuit chip on each card faces forward a first end of said stack;
an encoder mechanism mounted within said enclosure and located adjacent said first end of said stack of cards;
means carried by said enclosure for inputting data, including a selected monetary value;
means responsive to said means for accepting and said means for inputting, for verifying that said selected monetary value corresponds to said accepted amount of monetary payment and for directing said encoder mechanism to encode said integrated circuit chip of a leading card positioned at said first end of said stack with said input data; and means for dispensing said leading card through said card dispensing slot after said leading card has been enclosed and sequentially positioning a following card in said stack with its integrated circuit chip adjacent to said encoder mechanism.
an enclosure having a card dispensing slot and means for accepting a selected mode and amount of monetary payment;
means mounted within said enclosure for holding a stack of uncoded integrated circuit chip cards such that an integrated circuit chip on each card faces forward a first end of said stack;
an encoder mechanism mounted within said enclosure and located adjacent said first end of said stack of cards;
means carried by said enclosure for inputting data, including a selected monetary value;
means responsive to said means for accepting and said means for inputting, for verifying that said selected monetary value corresponds to said accepted amount of monetary payment and for directing said encoder mechanism to encode said integrated circuit chip of a leading card positioned at said first end of said stack with said input data; and means for dispensing said leading card through said card dispensing slot after said leading card has been enclosed and sequentially positioning a following card in said stack with its integrated circuit chip adjacent to said encoder mechanism.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for verifying and directing includes a microprocessor.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said enclosure includes a sloped top surface.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said enclosure includes walls that comprise double plated stainless steel.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further including means, responsive to said means for verifying and directing, for urging said encoder mechanism into operable engagement with the chip on said leading card in said stack.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which said means for urging includes a cantilevered platform mounted in said enclosure and supporting said encoder mechanism adjacent said leading card and means, responsive to said means for verifying and directing, for driving said platform such that said encoder mechanism and the chip on said leading card are operably interengaged when data is input and a corresponding monetary payment is accepted by said apparatus.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 in which said means for driving includes a solenoid.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002242792A CA2242792C (en) | 1995-12-20 | 1996-12-19 | Smart card transaction system and encoder-dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US893795P | 1995-12-20 | 1995-12-20 | |
| US60/008,937 | 1995-12-20 |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002242792A Division CA2242792C (en) | 1995-12-20 | 1996-12-19 | Smart card transaction system and encoder-dispenser |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2242450A1 true CA2242450A1 (en) | 1997-06-26 |
Family
ID=21734589
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2242450 Abandoned CA2242450A1 (en) | 1995-12-20 | 1996-12-19 | Apparatus for encoding and dispensing integrated circuit chip cards |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1008032A4 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2242450A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997022919A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (28)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6363164B1 (en) * | 1996-05-13 | 2002-03-26 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Automated document processing system using full image scanning |
| EP1040456B1 (en) * | 1997-12-19 | 2004-09-15 | Visa International Service Association | Card activation at point of distribution |
| TW426630B (en) | 1998-05-28 | 2001-03-21 | Asahi Seiko Co Ltd | IC card processing machine |
| DE19908823B4 (en) * | 1999-03-01 | 2004-02-19 | Beta Research Gmbh | Handling system for information cards |
| JP3744719B2 (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 2006-02-15 | 日立オムロンターミナルソリューションズ株式会社 | Medium issuing device and card issuing device |
| SM200000007A (en) * | 2000-01-04 | 2000-04-05 | Arpa S R L | System for distributing access codes to IT and / or telecommunication services |
| US8701857B2 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2014-04-22 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | System and method for processing currency bills and tickets |
| US6896118B2 (en) | 2002-01-10 | 2005-05-24 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Coin redemption system |
| US7743902B2 (en) | 2002-03-11 | 2010-06-29 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Optical coin discrimination sensor and coin processing system using the same |
| US8393455B2 (en) | 2003-03-12 | 2013-03-12 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Coin processing device having a moveable coin receptacle station |
| FR2864670B1 (en) * | 2003-12-29 | 2007-04-27 | A S K | METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING AND CUSTOMIZING CONTACTLESS CHIP TICKETS AND DEVICE THEREOF |
| US9934640B2 (en) | 2004-09-15 | 2018-04-03 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | System, method and apparatus for repurposing currency |
| US8523641B2 (en) | 2004-09-15 | 2013-09-03 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | System, method and apparatus for automatically filling a coin cassette |
| US8602200B2 (en) | 2005-02-10 | 2013-12-10 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Method and apparatus for varying coin-processing machine receptacle limits |
| US8545295B2 (en) | 2010-12-17 | 2013-10-01 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Coin processing systems, methods and devices |
| US9092924B1 (en) | 2012-08-31 | 2015-07-28 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Disk-type coin processing unit with angled sorting head |
| US9508208B1 (en) | 2014-07-25 | 2016-11-29 | Cummins Allison Corp. | Systems, methods and devices for processing coins with linear array of coin imaging sensors |
| US9501885B1 (en) | 2014-07-09 | 2016-11-22 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Systems, methods and devices for processing coins utilizing near-normal and high-angle of incidence lighting |
| US10685523B1 (en) | 2014-07-09 | 2020-06-16 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Systems, methods and devices for processing batches of coins utilizing coin imaging sensor assemblies |
| US9916713B1 (en) | 2014-07-09 | 2018-03-13 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Systems, methods and devices for processing coins utilizing normal or near-normal and/or high-angle of incidence lighting |
| US9430893B1 (en) | 2014-08-06 | 2016-08-30 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Systems, methods and devices for managing rejected coins during coin processing |
| US10089812B1 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2018-10-02 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Systems, methods and devices for processing coins utilizing a multi-material coin sorting disk |
| GB2536619A (en) * | 2015-03-13 | 2016-09-28 | Mastercard Worldwide | Prepaid currency card vending machine |
| US9875593B1 (en) | 2015-08-07 | 2018-01-23 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Systems, methods and devices for coin processing and coin recycling |
| US10181234B2 (en) | 2016-10-18 | 2019-01-15 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Coin sorting head and coin processing system using the same |
| US10679449B2 (en) | 2016-10-18 | 2020-06-09 | Cummins-Allison Corp. | Coin sorting head and coin processing system using the same |
| GB2613488B (en) | 2019-01-04 | 2023-08-23 | Cummins Allison Corp | Coin pad for coin processing system |
| TWI807205B (en) * | 2020-07-30 | 2023-07-01 | 高泰精工有限公司 | Card transport device |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2596552B1 (en) * | 1986-03-25 | 1989-07-28 | Dassault Electronique | AUTOMATIC MICRO-CIRCUIT CARD DISTRIBUTOR-PROGRAMMER |
| US4884212A (en) * | 1987-03-23 | 1989-11-28 | Vertx Corporation | Apparatus and method for using unique charge cards dispensed from a vending machine |
| JPH01200475A (en) * | 1988-02-05 | 1989-08-11 | Tokyo Electric Co Ltd | Air ticket issuing device |
| FR2680901A1 (en) * | 1991-09-03 | 1993-03-05 | Hello Sa | ELECTRONIC SYSTEM WITH ACCESS CONTROL. |
| US5380121A (en) * | 1993-04-07 | 1995-01-10 | Contech Construction Products, Inc. | Slotted drain |
-
1996
- 1996-12-19 WO PCT/US1996/020690 patent/WO1997022919A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1996-12-19 CA CA 2242450 patent/CA2242450A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-12-19 EP EP96945654A patent/EP1008032A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1008032A4 (en) | 2004-11-10 |
| WO1997022919A1 (en) | 1997-06-26 |
| EP1008032A1 (en) | 2000-06-14 |
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