CN1871613A

CN1871613A - Systems and methods for performing transactions at a point-of-sale

Info

Publication number: CN1871613A
Application number: CNA038126931A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 厄尔尼·斯特恩波格; 卡桑德拉·J·莫利特; 詹姆士·普赖西斯; 查尔斯·A·菲林格尔; 艾瑞克·M·纳尔逊; 迪安·A·塞弗特; 杰费里·辛格来顿
Original assignee: First Data Corp
Current assignee: First Data Corp
Priority date: 2002-04-03
Filing date: 2003-04-02
Publication date: 2006-11-29
Also published as: CA2481075A1; EP1573442A2; WO2003088005A2; AU2003222656A1; WO2003088005A3; NZ535788A; MXPA04009704A

Abstract

A point-of-sale device useful in relation to a variety of circumstances and/or utilization methods. Various implementations of such point-of-sale devices are disclosed. For example, one particular point-of-sale device includes a base unit adapted for performing merchant functions and a peripheral unit adapted to perform customer functions. The base unit can include a base unit housing with a processor disposed therein and capable of supporting a variety of transaction types.

Description

The system and method for concluding the business at point-of-sale terminal

Quoting alternately of relevant application

[01] the application is that name that people such as Randy J.Templeton submitted on August 9th, 2000 is called the U.S. Patent application 09/634 of " point-of-sale terminal payment system ", No. 901 part continues, be that name that people such as Randy Templeton submitted on August 9th, 1999 is called the U.S. Provisional Application 60/147 of " integrated terminal of sale device ", No. 899 non-interim part, whole disclosure of these two applications are various purposes and are incorporated by reference herein.

[02] in addition, the application relates to the U.S. Patent application 10/116 that name is called " system and method that is used to dispose the point-of-sale terminal system ", No. 733 (Attorney Docket No.20375-002412), name is called the U.S. Patent application 10/116 of " system and method that utilizes the point-of-sale terminal system ", No. 686 (Attorney Docket No.20375-002413), the U.S. Patent application 10/116 that is called " system and method that is used to dispose the point-of-sale terminal system " with name, No. 735 (Attorney Docket No.20375-002414), more than all these applications be various purposes be incorporated by reference herein and and this paper submit on the same date.

Background technology

[03] the present invention relates to point-of-sale device and point-of-sale transactions.More particularly, the present invention relates to be convenient to unite the comprehensive point-of-sale device of the transaction of one or more transaction systems.

[04] sell from trade company client's the sales process at goods, point-of-sale device is used for finishing a transaction by trade company.For example, a common cashier's machine can be used for calculating the project expense of purchase, the payment that receives cash, and return the correct small change amount of money.In some cases, this cashier's machine can be used for combining with credit-card reader.More particularly, trade company can charge to cashier's machine to the bill and account receivable sum, draws the debit account that credit card arrives this client by card reader, and this cashier's machine is confirmed the payment by credit card then.Though have the device that is used to finish this transaction, the function of this device is very limited.In addition, such device is restricted to the visit record that trade company safeguarded usually.Like this, for example, for trade company it can not determine the credit card that is provided for paying the bill whether be a card that is stolen.In some cases, can obtain additional function, for example, determine whether a credit card is stolen by the equipment of installing outside the cashier's machine.These supplementary equipment therefore must individually be installed, be disposed and be safeguarded usually.Such method is expensive and inefficient.

[05] in addition, use the mode of the device of single placement to need trade company to become the interface that links between each device, these devices need the training of additional cost costliness.Yet further, can't realize with the known system and method for prior art many for trade company and all useful function of client.

[06] because previous reasons needs the limitation that a kind of sales payment terminal and using method overcome prior art.Therefore, by other advantages that show from following description, the invention provides the circumscribed multiple systems and the method that are used to overcome above-mentioned prior art.

Summary of the invention

[07] the present invention is a kind of multiple environment and/or useful point-of-sale device of application process of being relevant to.This paper has disclosed the various embodiment of this point-of-sale device.For example, a concrete point-of-sale device comprises the peripheral cell that is suitable for carrying out the elementary cell of trade company's function and is suitable for carrying out client's function.This elementary cell comprises an elementary cell case that a processor is set therein and can supports various types of transaction.

Will be understood that by reading detailed description that [08] such point-of-sale device can be configured and in conjunction with multiple different parts with several different methods.Further, these parts can be incorporated in a single device, elementary cell and the peripheral cell, and perhaps being attached to one can be by in interpolating circuit card and/or the improved device of plug-in unit.

[09] in a specific embodiment of the present invention, this point-of-sale device comprises an elementary cell that is suitable for carrying out in the point of sale trade company's function.This elementary cell comprises an elementary cell case and a processor therein.This processor is configured to handle multiple type of transaction, and one in wherein a plurality of types of transaction is the check acceptance transaction.This point-of-sale device further comprises and is suitable for the peripheral cell carrying out client's function and link up mutually with this elementary cell in the point of sale.In different embodiment, peripheral cell is tied to elementary cell by the entity connection, but in some other embodiment, peripheral cell can be linked up by wireless connections and elementary cell.In some cases, elementary cell can comprise refuting for one goes to the station to meet somebody, and peripheral cell is suitable for connecing refuting to refute in going to the station to meet somebody.

[10] various other embodiment comprise a document socket that is used to receive document in the elementary cell case.Further, these embodiment can comprise that one is combined in the elementary cell, be set at the position relevant, and be suitable for when document is inserted in the document socket, reading the magnetic ink character identification reader of the magnetic of the magnetic ink character bar on the document with the document socket.Yet further, elementary cell can comprise that its position is relevant to the setting of document socket and document imager be suitable for obtaining this document image when document is inserted in the document socket.In addition, some embodiment comprise one or more printers of printing at the document that receives from the document socket of being configured to.This printer can be various types of, comprises drum printer and slip printer.In certain embodiments, the combination of above-mentioned parts is incorporated in the point-of-sale device.In these embodiments, printer and/or document imager can shared public paper transmission mechanisms.

[11] in specific embodiment, point-of-sale device comprises one or more biostatistics devices.Such biostatistics device can be deployed in any of peripheral and elementary cell or be deployed among both.Such biostatistics device can be fingerprint device, retina device, sound discrimination, face identification or the like.In some cases, the biostatistics device is used to make the visit point-of-sale device to legalize.

[12] in different embodiment, point-of-sale device comprises a magnetic stripe recording device.Under different situations, the magnetic stripe recording device is associated with the card distribution device that is used to issue one or more type stored value cards.In some cases, these stored value cards are gift vouchers of the irrelevant retailer of some and point-of-sale device.In concrete example, also can print this gift voucher according to point-of-sale device of the present invention and offer and the point-of-sale device client that is mutually related.In addition, various point-of-sale device according to the present invention in some instances can be exchanged this type of gift voucher.Exchange can comprise this gift voucher is inserted in the point-of-sale device and with the document imager reads.Thereby authenticity and value thereof that image can analyzed definite gift voucher are worth relevant goods or the service converted to according to it.In some other situation, such card distribution device separates with any magnetic stripe recording device.The stored value card that relates to the point-of-sale device use can comprise phonecard, Gift Card or the like.

[13] in certain embodiments, point-of-sale device comprises that one is arranged in the elementary cell case and modulator-demodular unit that link up with processor.In other embodiment and the communication of point-of-sale device provide by the external communication interface of linking up with processor.In specific embodiment, processor further is configured to receive and handle internet communication by external communication interface.

[14] in another embodiment of the present invention, point-of-sale device comprises a casing that has external communication interface thereon, and further, point-of-sale device comprises a processor that is arranged in the casing and links up with external communication interface.Such processor can be configured to handle a point of sale multiple type of transaction and receive and handle internet communication by external communication interface.

[15] in different embodiment, point-of-sale device comprises a display and a keyboard on casing, and the both links up mutually with processor.In some other embodiment, point-of-sale device comprises the document socket and the magnetic ink character recognition device that is relevant to document socket location and reads the magnetic ink character bar on the document when document is inserted into the document socket that are suitable for receiving document.

[16] in some cases, point-of-sale device further comprises a peripheral cell interface that is positioned on the casing and links up with processor.This peripheral cell interface can be configured to provide and carry out the communication of the peripheral cell of client's function.

[17] in another embodiment, point-of-sale device comprise an elementary cell that is suitable for carrying out trade company's function and one and elementary cell communication in the point of sale and be suitable for refuting the peripheral cell that connects with elementary cell.Elementary cell comprises an elementary cell case with the document socket that is used to receive document, a processor that is set in this elementary cell case and is configured for a plurality of types of transaction of processing, and a magnetic ink character recognition device that is relevant to document socket location and when document is inserted into the document socket, is suitable for reading the magnetic ink character bar on the document.This elementary cell comprises that further one is gone to the station to meet somebody with refuting of becoming one of elementary cell case.This peripheral cell comprises a peripheral cell case that has display unit thereon.

[18] one further embodiment be a kind of transaction method that is used to handle.This method is included in the point of sale and obtains and the relevant information of concluding the business with peripheral cell.This information comprises that for multiple at least a in the predefine authorized transactions type that check handles is necessary.This information is passed to elementary cell and this transaction that this locality is relevant to peripheral cell location and handles with the information of this transmission according at least one predefine authorized transactions type.In some respects, information transmission is wirelessly carried out to elementary cell, but in other respects, transmit by wired connection or refute to go to the station to meet somebody and carry out.

[19] in some respects, obtain with the relevant information of concluding the business and comprise the signature that obtains the client by touch-screen display electronically.In other respects, obtain and comprise from the keyboard relevant with the relevant information of concluding the business and to obtain numeric data with peripheral cell.Also having aspect other some, obtaining and comprise with the relevant information of concluding the business and to use the magnetic stripe card reader relevant to read magnetic stripe with peripheral cell.Also have further aspect, obtain and comprise with the relevant information of concluding the business and to use the intelligent card reader relevant to read smart card with peripheral cell.

[20] aspect various, this method further comprises by elementary cell collects the additional information relevant with transaction.Such additional information also is necessary at least a predefine authorized transactions type.In some respects, collect additional information and comprise that using the magnetic ink character relevant with elementary cell to discern reader reads the magnetic ink character bar from document.

[21] this summary only provides summary according to an embodiment of the invention.Many other purpose, characteristic and advantages of the present invention will be embodied in subsequently detailed description, attached claim and accompanying drawing more fully.

Description of drawings

[22] by with reference to the accompanying drawings, can realize further understanding to characteristic of the present invention and advantage, these accompanying drawings will be narrated in other parts of this instructions.In the drawings, identical reference number is used in the similar parts of representative among a few width of cloth figure.In some instances, the secondary sign of being made up of lowercase and a reference number are in conjunction with one that is used to refer in a plurality of similar parts.When quoting a reference number when already present secondary sign is not described, it just refers to all a plurality of similar parts.

[23] Fig. 1 shows multi-functional fund transfer system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[24] Fig. 2 is the logic diagram of point-of-sale device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[25] Fig. 3 is the synoptic diagram that is included in according to the parts among the embodiment of point-of-sale device of the present invention;

[26] Fig. 4 A-4F has shown the stereographic map of Machine Design of the point-of-sale device of different embodiment according to the subject invention;

[27] Fig. 5 A represents one of function central controller as Fig. 1 and the stored value card system of operating according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[28] Fig. 5 B represents to use the process flow diagram of the method for the stored value card system of point-of-sale device visit Fig. 5 A according to an embodiment of the invention;

[29] Fig. 5 C represents one of the function central controller as Fig. 1 and carries out telephone operated card system according to one embodiment of present invention;

[30] Fig. 5 D is that expression makes point-of-sale device can visit the process flow diagram of method of the phonecard system of Fig. 5 C according to embodiments of the invention;

[31] Fig. 5 E is the method for phonecard was issued and used in expression according to the present invention a process flow diagram;

[32] Fig. 6 represents and the embodiment of the value fund transfer system of the relevant use of point-of-sale device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[33] Fig. 7 represents to be associated and function central controller according to an embodiment of the invention with the value fund transfer system of Fig. 6;

[34] Fig. 8 represents redemption system relevant with point-of-sale device and that dispose according to one embodiment of present invention;

[35] Fig. 9 represents to be relevant to according to the present invention the method that point-of-sale device is utilized the redemption system of Fig. 8;

[36] Figure 10 represents to be relevant to the loyal system of point-of-sale device operation according to an embodiment of the invention;

[37] Figure 11 is the process flow diagram of loyal system shown in Figure 10;

[38] Figure 12 A is the block diagram of loyal main frame shown in Figure 10;

[39] Figure 12 B is the functional diagram of loyal system shown in Figure 10;

[40] Figure 13 A-13D is the process flow diagram with the method for the relevant use of loyal system of Figure 10;

[41] Figure 14 represents to be relevant to point-of-sale device and according to the check acceptance system of embodiments of the invention operation;

[42] Figure 15 A represents can visit by point-of-sale device according to embodiments of the invention the method for the check acceptance system of Figure 14; With

[43] Figure 15 B represents to be relevant to point-of-sale device and the operation of the check acceptance system of Figure 14 according to an embodiment of the invention.

Embodiment

I. summarize

[44] different embodiments of the invention are at a kind of general point-of-sale device (" POS ") system, and this system is configured to provide the facility of carrying out multiple type of transaction to the client in mode easily.In certain embodiments, POS system comprises the POS device of an integral body, yet in other embodiment, POS system comprises elementary cell and peripheral cell.In such embodiments, some feature of system is distributed between basic terminal of POS and the POS peripheral terminal rather than resembles terminal and peripheral terminal are among those embodiment that use single unit systems substantially total by single unit system.

[45] for example, the parts that can form the basic terminal of part POS include, but are not limited to display, keyboard, magnetic stripe card reader, the drum printer of integration, the slip printer of integrating, the printer of other types, magnetic ink character identification (" MICR ") reader, intelligent card reader, the document imager, what comprise Ethernet and USB communication is connected and/or PORT COM modulator-demodular unit, microphone, loudspeaker, touch-screen, card distribution device, operating system, software and such as the circuit card of sound card and/or I/O card.In addition, set interface can also be used for being connected with external monitor and/or keyboard.In different embodiment, the basic terminal of POS comprises all or some these base parts.This base part allows the basic terminal of POS to be used to handle polytype E-Payment and other transaction by trade company, comprises transaction with credit, debit transaction, check trading, money transfer transaction, money-order sales, ticket payment, the customer loyalty program management, the distribution of ticket, ticket honour the distribution of stored value card, the detection of the fraud relevant, and other these type of functions with multiple type of transaction.

[46] in specific embodiment and the POS device comprise a bidirectional printer together.This type of bidirectional printing function from left to right, from right to left, with vertical printing on one or two direction.This type of bidirectional printing performance is owing to many reasons are of great use.For example, such printer can be used at the Check Printing mark.When check vertically was inserted in slip printer and/or the imager, it was finished once when this process can be inserted into check in the POS device 130 by imager and MICR reader scans content, finishes once when withdrawing from then again.Then, in some cases, the pay lines of slip printer prints check, it can comprise that 90 degree of printhead rotate.In case print and to finish, check is by office worker's turn-over and put back to and be used in slip printer and/or the imager at check back side stamped mark.The stamped mark at this check back side can comprise receipt information, for example, and trade company's number, trade name, time-stamp, dollar total value or the like.

[47] in addition, in certain embodiments, imager can two-way imaging, comprises vertically upward and horizontal imaging downwards and on both direction.In a specific embodiment, this two-way imaging can realize that is used for a level with two imaging sources, and one is used for vertical.

[48] parts that can form part POS peripheral terminal can include but not limited to display, electronic signature capture device, magnetic stripe card reader, intelligent card reader/register, PIN (PIN) platform and security system.In different embodiment, the POS peripheral terminal comprises all or some such parts.Thereby allowing the POS peripheral terminal to become an interactive tools, these parts can allow their method of commerce of liking of customer selecting, see the detailed clauses and subclauses of transaction, with be provided based on network electronic service, for example advertisement (for example literal, figure and/or television advertising) and complimentary ticket.To be realized in the discussion hereinafter, the POS peripheral terminal can comprise those parts except that parts listed earlier, can only be the subassembly of some parts listed earlier, or some combinations of the subassembly and the optional feature of parts be listed in the front.

[49] some embodiments of the present invention comprise the system and method that uses the POS device that is relevant to different center systems.Such center system can comprise electronic fare payment system, money transfer system, credit trade system, check trading and verification system, money-order sales, stored value systems, the management system relevant with the customer loyalty program, ticket disposal system, fraud detection system, lottery sale system and many other such transaction systems.

[50] in specific embodiment, a general POS device is used to visit multiple transaction system.Further, in certain embodiments, transaction system is by those non-exploitations and safeguard that the each side of POS device develops and safeguards.In certain embodiments, the POS device comprises and manyly depends on the relation of for example a concrete trade company and various transaction systems by transaction system and make its work or idle parts individually.

[51] some embodiment comprise a client during interacting with the POS device with the interaction of one or more transaction systems.In some instances, the transaction of being initiated with client's name by client and/or trade company is not needing client or trade company to point out satisfactorily to be finished under the situation of transaction system of selected processing transaction.Further, the client can start once the transaction that independent needs comprise multiple transaction system, and wherein the POS device is automatically selected suitable transaction system to promote needed transaction subsequently to finish.

II. demonstration system

[52], multi-functional fund transfer system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention has been described among the figure with reference to Fig. 1.Fund transfer system 100 comprises the POS device 130 of linking up mutually by communication network 120 and one or more function central controllers 110.In addition, POS device 130 is connected with POS peripherals 140 Ke Gou earthings.Will be clearly from subsequent discussion, fund transfer system 110 according to various embodiments of the present invention can comprise many POS devices 130, POS peripherals 140, and/or function central controller 110.

[53] communication network 120 can be the network of any can transmission relevant with reception and POS device 130 information.For example, communication network 120 can comprise VPN (" VPN "), internet, LAN (Local Area Network) (" LAN "), wide area network (" WAN "), telephone network, mobile telephone network, the optical networking that meets TCP/IP, wireless network, or any other similar communication network.In specific embodiment, trade network 120 provides the information of linking up based between POS device 130 and the function central controller 110.

[54] in certain embodiments, communication network 120 is combinations of a multiple network type.For example, in one embodiment, communication network comprises be used for the internet linked up between POS device 130 and function central controller 110a, be used for the VPN (" VPN ") of between POS device 130 and function central controller 110b, linking up, and be used for the Dial-up Network of between POS device 130 and function central controller 110c, linking up.According to presents, skilled in the art those of ordinary skill will recognize many other network type and/or can promote POS device 130 and multiple function central controller 110 between the various combinations of these network types of linking up.

[55] each function central controller 110 can be anyly can handle the system that is relevant to the transaction that POS device 130 finishes.For example, function central controller 110 can be currency or be worth fund transfer system, fraud detection system, and the kite bill detection system, phone or stored value card marketing system, bill paying system, bill is represented system, check acceptance system, wage delivery system etc.In a specific embodiment of the present invention, fund transfer system 100 comprises above 20,000 POS device 130 and four function central controllers 110 that have relevant POS peripherals 140.This function central controller 110 is money transfer system, fraud detection system, phonecard system and check acceptance system.Based on reading presents, skilled those of ordinary skill will be recognized many types that can be applied to function central controller of the present invention in the present technique field.Equally, skilled those of ordinary skill will be recognized the many possible combination that is relevant to such function central controller 110 of

POS device

130 and 140 deployment of POS peripherals according to the present invention in the present technique field.

[56] POS device 130 is the integral body that two or more are used to make things convenient for the parts of the one or more function central controllers 110 of client access.In certain embodiments, POS device 130 be intelligent, be arranged on the sales counter, by the POS device that trade company activates, its target is to be applied in the multiple retail environment.Some retail environments comprise currency transfer accounts ability, finish retail dealing; The stored value card that includes but not limited to phonecard and/or give card is provided; Carry out fraud detection and supervision or the like.In certain embodiments, POS device 130 is operated as an independent device of outfit certainly, and in other some embodiment, POS device 130 and one or more POS peripherals 140 combine and operates.

[57] in certain embodiments, POS peripherals 140 is the reliable apparatus that can dock with POS device 130, personal computer (" PC "), electronic cash register (" ECR "), personal digital assistant (" PDA ") or other this type of device.POS peripherals 140 can provide the function of being used by the client in retail environment, for example person identfication number sign indicating number (" PIN ") login, and expressly login, signature obtains or the like.In various embodiments, POS peripherals 140 can as can with the independent unit of POS device 130 or other these type of basic device separate operation.

That [58] no matter separate or related, POS peripherals 140 and POS device 130 can support multiple function together with the transactional services scope of safeguarding that by the retailer POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 provide.This class transactional services can include but not limited to that currency is transferred accounts, draft, and/or check and check guarantee people service or the like.In addition, transactional services can by one or more maintenances can be by 140 visits of POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals the third party of function central controller 110 provide the people to provide.For example, draft can be by (for example visiting first transaction system that the people is provided, function central controller 110) by POS device 130 and/or 140 requests of POS peripherals and printing, and check guarantee people service provides people's transaction system (for example, the function central controller 110) to be provided by POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 by visiting second.

[59] in certain embodiments, even under the form that the client can use, the identical function that is provided with POS device 130 also is provided POS peripherals 140.Like this, for example, POS device 130 can be made the operation by trade company, and same function can be implemented in POS peripherals 140 and make by the client and operate.In specific embodiment, POS device 130 is installed near the cash register on the checkout counter of retail outlet, and POS peripherals 140 is installed on the checkout counter and can be used by the client.Like this, thus trade company and client can interact with similar device and finish a transaction.

[60] in other some embodiment, POS device 130 comprises many parts, and POS peripherals 140 only comprises the subassembly of such parts.Like this, for example, the client can finish the transaction of limited quantity by POS peripherals 140, or the part during only other are concluded the business, yet trade company can finish whole transaction by POS device 130.

[61] in the some other embodiment that also has, POS device 130 comprises that some parts and POS peripherals 140 comprise one group of parts giving.Like this, for example, for from being deployed as the part of POS peripherals 140 with the relevant useful function of client's acquisition of information of transaction, and the parts of the quilt trade company use relevant with transaction are deployed as the part of POS device 130.

[62] in certain embodiments, POS peripherals 140 is connected to POS device 130 by cable 135 Ke Gou earthings.In some other embodiment, POS peripherals 140 is connected to POS device 130 by radio frequency (" RF ") or tangible circuit Ke Gou earthing.Though foregoing data has been determined various being connected to each other between POS device 130 and the POS peripherals 140, will recognize the interconnection that POS device 130 Ke Gou earthings can be connected to many other types of POS peripherals 140 at skilled in the art those of ordinary skill.In addition, should be realized that the POS peripherals 140 that surpasses one can be associated with a single POS device 130.Perhaps, in certain embodiments, POS device 130 with POS peripherals 140 incoherent situations under be implemented.

A. functional hardware

[63], show the logic diagram of an embodiment of POS device 130 and POS peripherals 140 among the figure with reference to Fig. 2.POS device 130 comprises the CPU (central processing unit) (" CPU ") 218 that is electrically connected to storer 214, timer 2 12, Parts Controller 220 and function gating matrix 216.Further, CPU218 is connected to display 210 by graphics controller (not showing) Ke Gou earthing.

[64] Parts Controller 220 provides the interface that leads to the various parts relevant with POS device 130, comprises the peripheral controllers 250 of control visit POS peripherals 140.More particularly, Parts Controller 220 provides and leads to card distribution device 226, network interface 228, imager interface 230, the interface of printer interface 232 and magnetic ink character identification (" MICK ") interface 234.In addition, Parts Controller 220 provides the interface that leads to I/O (" I/O ") interface 240, leads to and from the visit of I/O interface then provide various.Specifically, I/O interface 240 passes through keyboard interface 242, magnetic reader interface 244, and electronic reader interface 246, biostatistics interface 247, radio frequency (" RF ") interface 227 shows that reader interface 248 and audio interface 249 provide visit.

[65] peripheral controllers 250 provides the control of POS peripherals 140 under the indication of CPU218 and Parts Controller 220.More particularly, peripheral controllers 250 provides display 252, imager interface 254, and the visit of printer interface 256 and providing is led to and from the visit of I/O interface 260.I/O interface 260 provides audio interface 267, biostatistics interface 265, keyboard reader interface 266, electronic reader interface 264, the visit of magnetic reader interface 268 and display fetch interface 262.

[66] CPU218 can be any microprocessor that can control the various functions of above-mentioned POS device 130.In certain embodiments, CPU218 is a kind of 32 Reduced Instruction Set Computers (" RISC ") processors.In a specific embodiment, CPU218 is Motorola's 68302 processors.In other embodiment, CPU218 is a pair of 32 bit processors, the task of one of them processor is the relevant parts of various and POS device 130 of control and POS peripherals 140, and the task of another processor is to operate the software application of the multiple POS of relating to

device

130 and 140 execution of POS peripherals.In certain embodiments, each functional block that shows in Fig. 2 is implemented in CPU218, and some other functional block is logically separated enforcement with CPU218.A specific embodiment of POS device 130 and POS peripherals 140 hereinafter is discussed with reference to Fig. 3, and wherein CPU218 and the differentiation carried out between the logical circuit of other functions will be described more fully.

[67] display 210 can be various types of displays that can show the information relevant with transaction to the user.For example, in certain embodiments, display 210 is back lighting graphic lcds (" LCD ") of a kind of glass top chip type, has eight row of 20 characters of every row, or the 128*64 pixel.This class display can be colored or black and white.In certain embodiments, display is a kind of film compensated STN Super TN (" FTSN ") LCD.In a specific embodiment, display 210 is touch-screens, 1/4th VGA black and white displays of 16 grades of gray scales.In such embodiments, show that reader interface 248 provides the interface that receives input by touch-screen.

[68] display 210 can have many feature and/or characteristics of selecting to be used to satisfy real needs.For example, to use a size be the three black and white back-lit displays of 4/10ths inches * four but also 1/2nd inches not only for embodiment.In this embodiment, display 210 further provides the 240 pixel * resolution of 320 pixels under 16 grades of gray scales.Display 210 may further include cold-cathode fluorescence lamp (" the CCFL ") back lighting with automatic closing characteristics.In addition, can provide the contrast adjustment of band auto thermal compensation and the glare filter of a sclerosis mylar.This sclerosis cover is positioned at the touch-screen top as the protection and the entity of touch-screen.In addition, the angular adjustment that the reduces dazzle part that can be used as display 210 provides.The auto contrast of LCD control can be provided to change as the result's that temperature variation caused contrast and be selected in order to compensation provide suitable contrast adjustment in the scope of whole operating temperatures of POS device 130.In addition, the method that the user can be by operating system (" OS ") function or adjust the contrast of LCD by suitable written application software.As what hereinafter further will describe, such display can be assemblied in vertical or horizontal orientation in the POS device 130.

[69] in other embodiments, display 210 is passive matrix displays of supporting 256 looks.Such display can be supported dynamic and level and smooth rolling.For example, in a black and white configuration, display 210 can upgrade 12 frames by per second, and in passive colored configuration, display 210 can upgrade four frames by per second.In certain embodiments, display 210 has 30000 hours expected life under the half intensity situation.

[70] as mentioned above, display 210 can link to each other with touch-screen, and wherein the input from touch-screen can arrive POS device 130 by display fetch interface 248.In one embodiment, touch screen unit is positioned at the top of LCD of display 210 and the zone of action with the LCD equal sizes of making peace greatly.Touch-screen can utilize a kind of four line touch screen technologies to realize and show that 30 milliseconds minimum touch duration and 100 milliseconds minimum touch at interval mutually.In addition, touch-screen can be operated with the minimum pressure of about 35 to 55 grams with finger or penholder.This touch-screen can have the expected life that about 1,000,000 keys are pressed.In an embodiment who comprises touch-screen, the display relevant with touch-screen shows can be done to such an extent that be particularly suitable for needed concrete input.Like this, for example, only need the place of numeral login, display shows can be restricted to from 0 to 9 numeral.Like this, thus using a benefit of touch-screen is to need content displayed to reduce operating personnel's error by its demonstration being restricted to according to the concrete order in the transaction.In addition, such touch-screen can be divided into demonstration transaction guiding prompting and promotional figure and display message two parts.

[71] in certain embodiments, by the OS function, perhaps software application by suitably writing, touch-screen and LCD can be calibrated mutually.Such calibration comprises to be guaranteed one on the LCD specific and corresponding some alignment on touch-screen.In various embodiments, such being aligned in when POS device 130 is installed carried out, and perhaps carries out when POS device 130 is moved to an alternative site.In some other embodiment, this carries out when being aligned in the LCD that makes POS device 130 and interrelated touch-screen and display 210.

[72] in certain embodiments, keyboard interface 242 provides the interface that keyboard is connected to POS device 130.Keyboard can comprise 16 programmable buttons.Keyboard is not set, but the function of keyboard realizes by hereinbefore described touch-screen in the embodiment of some variations.

[73] in various embodiments, magnetic reader interface 244 provides the interface that magnetic strip reader is connected to POS device 130.Such magnetic strip reader can be decoded from

track part

1,2,3 information of the ISO (International Standards Organization) on the magnetic stripe of the same one side of a card (" ISO ").Either-or, or in addition, magnetic strip reader can be decoded and be positioned at Japanese Industrial Standards (" JIS ") information on card and magnetic stripes

ISO track part

1,2,3 opposite one sides.Such JIS information also can meet one and be used to the physical criterion that card is gone up the position different with iso standard magnetic stripe position of magnetic stripe.Either-or, or in addition, magnetic strip reader can be abideed by American National Standards Institute (" ANSI "), the standard that U.S. mobile management association (" AAMVA ") and commercial driving license (" CDL ") are announced.

[74] in some cases, data read from two track parts when card is inserted into and leave magnetic strip reader.Yet magnetic strip reader can read any combination from three track parts of multiple magnetic stripe card.The hardware and software configuration of POS device 130 parts that carry out during manufacture in certain embodiments, determines which track part on the magnetic stripe card can be read by POS device 130.In some other embodiment, which track part is read on the software arrangements control card that carries out after making.In specific embodiment, magnetic strip reader combines with POS device 130, and in some other embodiment, provides magnetic strip reader as the attachment device that can link up by the I/O port and the POS device 130 of POS device 130.

[75] in certain embodiments, magnetic strip reader can read in the card of the either direction brush on the both direction.Further, the orientation of magnetic strip reader can be with respect to POS device 130 levels or vertical.Such magnetic strip reader can have about head life that reads for 1,000,000 times and with the speed operation of swiping the card of five to 50 inches scopes of about per second.

[76] in certain embodiments, electronic reader interface 246 provides the ability that obtains data from intellignet card fetch to POS device 130.Smart card normally comprises the card of the credit card-sized of some electric treatment performances at least.Because have processing power, therefore with respect to traditional credit or debit card, smart card provides higher security.In one embodiment, intellignet card fetch is abideed by ISO1, and 2,3, check and approve through Europay/Master/Visa (" EMV ") standard 1.Intellignet card fetch is a no locking device that rubbing contact is arranged, and has 50,000 cards and inserts/take out the round-robin expected life, supports dog days and five volts of cards under list and doubleclocking frequency standard, supports until the baud rate bigger four times than nominal rated speed.In certain embodiments, intellignet card fetch and POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 form one, and perhaps providing can be by the serial or parallel port of POS device 130 or POS peripherals 140 and the option of POS device 130 communications as one.

[77] embodiment that comprises biostatistics interface 247 can receive the information that fingerprint or other are used to prove the body part of purpose.Like this, thus use the people of check to replace signature finish transaction with fingerprint.Certainly, also can use other modules outside the fingerprint according to embodiments of the invention.

[78] embodiment that comprises RF interface 227 can receive client's input by the transponder relevant with the client.The RF interface can be associated with any or both in POS device 130 and/or the POS peripherals 140.Such RF interface can be with radio frequency or such as ultrared light operation.The function of using RF interface 227 can be relevant to POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 is supported Bluetooth technology.As an example,, Key FOB/ transponder is convenient to use rapidly 130 checkouts of POS device thereby can being used by the client.In some cases, the client can be automatically recognized, and comprises account identification and is used for the account that any given total transaction amount is borrowed or lent money.In concrete example, POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals can be that a part and the RF interface 227 of automatic vending machine is used to discern the client and starts the dealing of once carrying out from machine.

[79] in various embodiments, audio interface 249 provides the input and output from the voice data of POS device 130.Audio interface 249 is connected to loudspeaker and microphone.The people who has defective vision can operate POS device 130 like this and needn't use such as the video i/o of display 210 and/or such as the haptic device of keyboard and touch-screen.In one embodiment, audio interface 249 comprise a digital to analogy (" D/A ") thus converter the data from the digital format that can be obtained by CPU218 can be converted to the analog format that can send by loudspeaker.In addition, audio interface 249 comprise that voice data that the converter of an analog to digital (" A/D ") is used for receiving by microphone is converted to can be by the numerical data of CPU218 operation.Provide volume control and the control of this volume to be subjected to the control of audio interface 249 in some instances.Volume control is not provided in other examples, and selects an acceptable volume range of static state.

[80] in addition, the loudspeaker that is connected with audio interface 249 can be connected to the tone that is used to listen to modulator-demodular unit on the modulator-demodular unit that is attached to network interface 228, warning of alarm or the like.In such implementation process, volume control need can the switch loudspeaker ability.Such control can be used as the control of external analog by additional, or implements by analog interface 249, and wherein this control provides by OS function or the software application that moves on CPU218.

[81] in certain embodiments, printer interface 232 provides the one or more energy of visit to print such as receipt check, and/or the ability of the printer of the multiple document of draft to POS device 130.In specific embodiment, printer is that drum printer or slip printer or both are.

[82] drum printer can form slip printer whole and that be deployed as in logic the one that further describes with the upper and lower literary composition of entity with POS device 130 and separates.Drum printer can have following properties: the thermal printer technology of using heat-sensitive paper, three inches of per second minimum printing ten five-element or per seconds, the print head longevity of about 50 kilometers long paper, three inches wide paper, three inches paper web diameter and 235 feet yardage, use and not need the plug-in type paper web of boring a hole, do not need to be used for the axle of paper web, metal paper-tear picture rod is with the count graphic printing of (" dpi ") of per inch 200, bar code, client's signature or the like.Further, printer can comprise whole graphics performances, 32 characters, national sytlized font, the ASCII font of 96 characters, the international font of 120 Eight characters symbol, the character of whole printable double widths/height and counter-rotating character.Printer may further include " paper delivery " and " uncapping " sensor that its output can be suitable for the software application of OS and/or the last operation of CPU218.Print density can be by the OS function or by the software application adjustment.The paper feed button is not set in certain embodiments, advances the method for paper web only to go up the software of operation by CPU218.

[83] except that drum printer, also have or the slip printer that is provided with separately can form one with POS device 130.Such slip printer can comprise one is used to detect whether print cartridge is mounted and pass through the mechanism of printer interface 232 to this information of software report.Such slip printer can use the indelible ink of writing in conjunction with ink-jet technology, and the dpi minimum value of 96 of per inchs is provided.The slip printer can further provide the selection of graphic printing function and font size.Thereby six full line printing speed of black and white printing can be arranged and provide the reciprocating type control of intelligence that moving back and forth between the print line minimized.Describe as preamble, in certain embodiments, slide and print the function bidirectional printing.

[84] in certain embodiments, magnetic ink character identification (" MICR ") reader and POS device 130 form one and can enter by MICK interface 234.Such MICR reader is convenient to read the accounts information of magnetic printing from commerce that includes but not limited to check and individual document.Such MICR reader is provided at CPU218 to POS device 130 and goes up the ability that reads the MICR line under the software control that moves on each direction.In specific embodiment, the MICR reader be mechanization and automatically discern and read E13B and CMC7 line of codes form.Commercial and personal cheque can be processed, until three 8/10ths inches checks of taking advantage of eight but also 3/4ths inches sizes not only.The MICR reader can use the information that obtains from the document imager that hereinafter will further describe to read magnetically and optically check.In certain embodiments, operate in software control trade company on the CPU218 for whole visits of the MICR that receives by touch-screen display and/or keyboard.The logical circuit relevant with MICR interface 234 can extract various territories on the MICR line.This logical circuit can be realized with hardware that has related with it analytical algorithm or software, can be updated by improving software after making and POS device 130 is installed.

[85] in certain embodiments, document imager and POS device 130 formation one and POS device 130 can be by imager interface 230 these document imagers of visit.Such document imager can be supported to sign and with the text block of 300 of per inchs or bigger dpi scanning.Imager can further provide the reading speed of 12 inches of about per seconds and can read a document with four seconds by imager interface 230 provides view data to POS device 130.In certain embodiments, the document imager further can obtain an image of presenting the front and back of document, yet in some other embodiment, the document imager only obtains an image presenting document.One or two relevant calling in various and OS and the software that moves on CPU218 can be supported the transfer of original view data from the document imager to POS device 130.The software that moves on CPU218 can montage, expansion, analysis and other modes are operated the view data that receives.Imager can imaging until four inches wide and eight and 3/4ths inches long documents.A kind of output that can obtain from imager is the Tagged Image File (TIF) Format (" TIFF ") of black and white.

[86] with slip printer, drum printer, MICR reader and document imager in the embodiment of two or more POS devices 130 that combine in can utilize a kind of sheet-fed connecting gear to support whole or a kind of combinations of above-mentioned parts.Shared paper connecting gear like this is designed to make and rolls that paper is easy to cleaning and print cartridge is easy to change.This can be by providing the approach of handling of paper passage and print cartridge to the user, run into responsive electronic unit and accomplish this point but limit the client.Paper delivery mechanism can be opened by the entity latch button that operates in POS device 130 sides.When POS device 130 was in the open position, " uncapping " state was reported to CPU218.In addition, when the lid of POS device 130 is opened, OS or operate in that software on the CPU can forbid that MICR reads, document imaging and the printing undertaken by slip printer or drum printer.

[87] paper transmits and also can handle fold, creasy or other irregular documents.In certain embodiments, paper transmits and does not comprise paper feeding plate, and therefore, document is transported in the receiving mechanism by a ground.In specific embodiment, receiving mechanism is designed to receive until four and 1/4th inches wide and 14 inches long documents.Further, paper can transmit and two-way moving by paper under the control of software.

[88] POS device 130 further comprises multiple network interface through network interface 228 visits.In a specific embodiment, POS device 130 comprises Ethernet interface, slow bus interface, and USB interface, RS-232 interface, with two pcmcia interfaces that the PCMCIA jack is relevant integrating with POS device 130, and/or the dialing modem interface.Skilled those of ordinary skill can recognize that other interface types can be used to replace above-mentioned interface or row interpolation again outside above-mentioned interface in the present technique field.

[89] can be designed to support asymmetric digital Client line (" ADSL ") technology or other to be relevant to the other technologies of merchant location network application in the place that Ethernet interface is set or support this two kinds of technology.Such interface can be 10BaseT and provide by available RJ45 connector on the POS device.In specific embodiment, the connection of Ethernet provides by the pcmcia card that is inserted in the jack on the POS device 130.

[90] some embodiment of POS device 130 further comprise the card distribution device 226 that can issue stored value card 224.This stored value card can be a gift token, phonecard, credit card or the like.

[91] in various embodiments, POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 comprise and the interface related barcode reader of barcode reader.This barcode reader can be used to confirm product or personal identification and with this information transmission to central database.In addition, in certain embodiments, bar code can be printed on the article of distribution, such as receipt or the like.Like this, the client can be sent to a receipt that has bar code, this bar code corresponding be sold to client's product or service linkage.This information is maintained in the one or more POS device 130 addressable central databases.

[92] the various embodiment of POS device 130 further comprise a dialing modem.This dialing modem can be that a V.90 modulator-demodular unit with the operation of per second 56 kilobits also can be supported arbitrary following modem standard: V.21, V.22, V.22bis, V.32bis, V.34, V.90, V.92Bell 103, Bell212A, V.22 with Bell212A on Hypercom be connected fast, and/or synchronous V.22 with the Bell212A pattern.Dialing modem and be associated with RJ11 modular jack that POS device 130 is integrated.In addition, thus can be provided with and separately pass telephony port allows to carry out sound visit and/or modem communication on a common phone line monitoring.

[93] in addition, POS device 130 can comprise two or more USB connector and related controller.In specific embodiment, network interface 228 comprises that logical circuit is to support the one or more PORT COM that meet USB version 2 .0 that are with or without the support of root maincenter.Such USB communication can be used to the device of attached POS device 130 outsides and/or link up with the device that POS device 130 is integrated, such as, display 210, MICR reader, printer, and/or peripheral controllers 250.

[94] various embodiment further comprise one or morely provides the RS232 that is connected to various external peripheral port.This RS232 port comprises RJ12 connector of integrating with POS device 130 and the baud rate that about per second 38 and 4/10ths kilobits are provided.

[95] storer 214 can be the addressable storer of CPU218 of arbitrary type.In a specific embodiment, storer 214 comprises the dynamic RAM (" DRAM ") or the static RAM (" SRAM ") of four to eight megabyte.In addition, some embodiment comprise the flash memories by the installation of PCMCIA jack of another eight megabyte.

[96] timer 2 30 can be the timer of arbitrary type that can increase progressively time mark to the transaction relevant with POS device 130 and incident.In one embodiment, timer 2 12 be set to CPU218 a part and can provide moon/day/year with hour/minute/second.In certain embodiments, timer 2 12 still remains unchanged and is accurate in the incident of power fail thereby standby power supply is associated with timer 2 12.

[97] thus function gating matrix 216 can be set to select which parts relevant with POS device 130 be that trade company is addressable.Like this, for example, one has the POS device 130 of critical function can be provided for a retailer, but only part of functions can be accessed.In specific embodiment, thereby function gating matrix 216 can be effective and/or invalid by each parts that one or more function central controller 110 visits are equipped with POS device 130.This can finish by communication network 120 and network interface 228.Like this, for example, at function central controller 110 are places of money transfer system, retailer can be required service fee is paid currency fund transfer system and conversely, thereby money transfer system allows the visit parts useful to money transfer system by for example internet access POS device 130 and modify feature gating matrix 216.More particularly, in the place that money transfer system need be used slip printer, card distribution device and magnetic strip reader, the interface relevant with those parts can make it effective by money transfer system.In certain embodiments, these parts only can be used to before make transaction between the function central controller 110 that these parts can use POS device 130 and one.

[98] like this, in some embodiments of the invention, an independent POS device 130 can be developed and be sold to each terminal client.Each terminal client can be controlled the function of POS device 130 by selecting the different function central controller 110 of visit conversely.This can reduce production costs, because only need to produce a model that disposes separately of POS device 130.In some instances, produce two models, one of them model do not comprise various costs high only be the function of the terminal client needs of limited quantity.

[99] or, independent POS device 130 can be developed and be sold to many entities that function central controller 110 is provided, this entity can be sold to this POS device 130 the serve retailer relevant with concrete function central controller 110 then.When a retailer has obtained the POS device 130 of a function central controller 110 of a visit, it does not need to obtain to visit other POS devices 130 of other function central controllers 110, and only needs to ask other function central controllers to make the POS device 130 of itself effective by suitable visit and encoding function gating matrix 216.In addition, if in fact need, two or more POS devices 130 can be developed and be used for different function central controller 110 and/or trade company.

[100] in an example embodiment of the present invention, POS device 130 comprises: touch-screen, / 4th VGA black and white displays with 16 grades of gray scales, the keyboard of sixteen bit button, the DRAM storer of eight megabyte has 32 risc processors of relevant application-specific IC (" ASIC "), the magnetic strip reader of integration, the intellignet card fetch of integrating, the drum printer of integrating, the slip printer of integration, the MICR reader of integration, the document imager of integrating, the modulator-demodular unit and the various USB that integrate, RS232, PCMCIA, USB and Ethernet interface.Further POS device 130 is that IP is addressable and be present in about 11 inches long six inches high six inches wide cabinets.

[101] in certain embodiments, various statisticss can be measured and be stored in the storer 214.This statistics can include but not limited to the number of times that smart card inserts, the number of times that the MSR card is swiped the card, the number of times that touchscreen keys is pressed, the number of times that keyboard key is pressed, the time quantum of display backlight illumination, the time that POS device 130 is opened, the number of times that flash memory writes, by the quantity of slip printer and drum printer print point, read the quantity of check by the MICR reader, check reads the number of times of makeing mistakes, the number of times that communication makes mistakes, modulator-demodular unit is attempted the number of times of connection, and paper moved the length of the thermal printing head of drum printer, and paper moved length of imager and/or MICR reader or the like.These information can be by one or more central controllers 110 by communication network 120 accesses and be used to determine following potential fault or the like.This has promoted preventative maintenance and has been avoided unnecessary stop time and client dissatisfied.

[102] thus can select OS and various application software to provide function to POS device 130.For example, in certain embodiments, POS device 130 can and comprise an application browser by the Internet protocol addressing.In such embodiments, CPU218 comprises the software that is suitable for supporting such function.In the example that POS device 130 and POS peripherals 140 are set, internet function can offer POS peripherals 140 and POS device 130 by CPU218.

[103] in certain embodiments, thus CPU218 operating software network enabled management.Specifically, thus this ability allows software to be downloaded to a plurality of this systems to be provided new application program and/or upgrades the existing application program.For example, in one embodiment, OS and application software upgrade are assigned to POS device 130 by the communication via communication network 120 and safeguard.

[104] peripheral controllers 250 and POS device 130 are relevant and control is led to and from the visit of POS peripherals 140.In certain embodiments, peripheral controllers 250 comprises the similar CPU with CPU218, yet in some other embodiment, the software that peripheral controllers 250 moves on CPU218 with integrated circuit (" the IC ") logical OR such as gate array and the combination of IC logic are implemented.POS peripherals 140 can comprise various types of those functions that are similar to the POS device of being discussed 130.For example, POS peripherals 140 can comprise and display 210 similar displays 252, one or more with printer interface 256 relevant printers similar with being relevant to printer that printer interface 232 discusses and that be associated with imager interface 254 and with the similar document imager of document imager that is relevant to 230 discussion of imager interface.Further, I/O interface 260 can provide for the visit that is included in the similar interface on the POS device 130.More particularly, audio interface 267 is similar with audio interface 249, biostatistics interface 265 is similar with biostatistics interface 247, keyboard reader interface 266 is similar with keyboard interface 242, electronic reader interface 264 is similar with electronic reader interface 246, magnetic card reading interface 268 is similar with magnetic card reading interface 244, and display reader interface 262 is similar with display reader interface 248.Should be realized that various embodiment can comprise the parts more more or less than above-mentioned parts.Above-mentioned parts for POS peripherals 140 getable situations under, these parts can provide below with reference to concrete parts and describe out additional function.

[105] in specific embodiment, display 252 comprises palm refusal function and the durability that strengthens by the electric capacity contact technique, and it is applicable to that more signature obtains function.In certain embodiments, thus display 252 is supported the payment of being convenient to handle electronic form of obtaining of electronic signature.In such embodiments, display 252 comprises a digital quantizer that has eight A/D transition clarity at least.The resolution of digital quantizer is at least three hundred dpi preferably.In such embodiments, display 252 comprises that further a hard writing surface uses pen or pencil rather than use be used for the signing process of static lettering pen of login to cause screen to damage to prevent the client mistakenly.

[106] Fig. 3 illustrate one relevant with POS device 130 and be used to implement the synoptic diagram 300 of embodiment of the parts of the logic element that the various Fig. 2 of being relevant to discuss.This embodiment comprises a CPU305, and this CPU305 is many parts of control and be associated with the field programmable preface gate array (" FPGA ") 320 that is programmed to handle many miscellaneous parts directly.

[107] CPU305 comprises that being used for access is converted to the A/D converter 314 of the numerical data that is suitable for CPU305 from the simulated data of touch-screen 362 and with it.In addition, the contrast control that A/D converter 312 and D/A converter 311 are used for being undertaken by 361 couples of LCD360 of LCD contrast steering logic is set.Thereby LCD steering logic 313 is also included within the output of formaing and controlling to LCD360 in the CPU305.Thereby being included in, memory management unit 315 provides in the CPU305 for leading to and from the control of the visit of bootstrap memory 370 and primary memory 371.In addition, CPU305 provides to various communication means, comprise USB Setup Controller 385 and support and

usb host

382 and 383 and the usb host controller 381 of USB peripherals 384 communications interface and control are provided.CPU305 further is connected to ethernet controller 380, is connected to dialing modem 352 by COM port 306, and is connected respectively to

RS232 connector

353 and 354 by

COM port

307 and 308.

[108] in addition, D/A and A/

D converter

311 and 312 be connected to respectively loudspeaker 356 with microphone (not having to show) thus allow hearing impaired people to visit the relevant tone of POS device 130 and/or monitoring and dialing modem 352.Thereby the real-time relevant time mark performance that provides of timing clock 390 with CPU305.As mentioned before, thus even in real time timing clock can be attached to reserve battery also can keep timing when POS device 130 loses power supply.CPU305 also provides pcmcia interface 309,310 to two pcmcia card jacks 350 and 351.

[109] FPGA320 is connected to CPU305 by the bus 395 that comprises timing interrupt line 396, one or more data line 397 and control exit 398.FPGA320 comprises and is connected to magnetic card reading 321, MICR reader 322, and paper transmits motor 323, document imager 324, smart card and SAM reader 325, flash card 326, and the interface of the electric machine controller of be used to slide printer 328 and drum printer 327.In addition, various I/O ports 391 are set, extend bus 392 and debug port 393.

B. encapsulate hardware

[110] Fig. 4 A-4F be according to various embodiments of the present invention POS device 130 and the stereographic map of the mechanical layout of POS peripherals 140.This illustrated embodiment shows can be included in the various combinations of the different characteristic in the specific embodiment, though be appreciated that other embodiment also will perhaps also can increase or reduce some feature and generate by the further combination of feature.

[111] features that can change in different embodiment are the patterns that elementary cell is used for external communication.In certain embodiments, communication is passed through to support such as RS232, RJ11, and UBS, the port of the standard communications protocol that is connected with PCMCIA II type is finished.Equally, such agreement also can be used to the communication between POS device 130 and the POS peripherals 140.In some other embodiment, POS device 130 is by transmission and the reception and 140 communications of POS peripherals of infrared signal.Further, in certain embodiments, POS device 130 can be configured to be suitable for refuting the refuting of POS peripherals 140 that connects corresponding configuration and go to the station to meet somebody.

[112] in being disposed for refuting the embodiment that connects POS peripherals 140 and POS device 130, it is " special-purpose " or " shared " that system can be configured to make POS peripherals 140.At POS peripherals 140 is among " shared " embodiment, and it is often used as to for the separate unit of client's function and when refuting when connecing a part as the trade company unit with POS device 130.Be among " special-purpose " embodiment at POS peripherals 140, POS peripherals 140 is dedicated to client's function and another POS peripherals 140 and POS device 130 and refutes and connect and be used for trade company's function.Different embodiment has their advantages separately.Use special-purpose POS peripherals 140 that production efficiency can more be arranged because POS peripherals is shifted to POS device 130 or just eliminated, but shared POS peripherals 140 can reduce cost from the demand of POS device in-migration.

[113] other feature affects that can in different embodiment, change system how by more direct use.For example, in certain embodiments, POS device 130 is suitable for being positioned on the horizontal surface, the sales counter of trade company for example, however it is suitable for being mounted on the wall in other some embodiment.Thereby one of this wall formula installation permission has bigger counter space part keeps not having obstacle.In one embodiment, POS device 130 is suitable for arbitrary Setup Type to adapt to the preference of trade company.Also have, in certain embodiments, the orientation setting that the display of POS device 130 and POS device 140 can be horizontal or vertical.Horizontal orientation is convenient to that usually internet content is shown to the client and than the signature that is easier to be used to accept the client.Portrait orientation usually refute connect among the embodiment that POS device 130 is made into portable size simpler.In addition, some embodiment can comprise a keyboard on POS peripherals 140, yet some other embodiment does not have.Those do not have the embodiment of keyboard to make POS peripherals 140 compacter usually, the internet function of enhancing are provided for display thereby provide greater room even.

[114] example of the distinct methods that can be made up by machinery referring now to the parts of Fig. 4 A-4F explanation POS device 130 and POS peripherals 140.Shown in Fig. 4 A and the 4B is an embodiment, and wherein POS device 130a and POS peripherals 140a are coupled together by entity by cable 135.Fig. 4 A shows that POS device 130a is flatly settled, and for example on sales counter, Fig. 4 B shows that POS device 130a is mounted on the wall.POS device 130a comprises a frame 401 that is used to hold some internal part.Further, POS device 130a comprises the display 402 and the keyboard 403 that can be used to show and import data.Display 402 can be a black and white, also color monitor can be set among other embodiment.Keyboard 403 is shown has ten six press keys, also can be with the button of other quantity that are applicable to concrete application.Be that two-way magnetic strip reader 404 also is set at and is used to read the magnetic stripe that can be included on for example credit card and debit card on the POS device 130a in one embodiment.

[115] POS device 130a also comprises a socket 405 that is used to insert such as the document of check and/or draft, and these documents can then be examined by the device of frame 401 inside.This interior arrangement can comprise imaging device, and it can comprise the part of optical character identification as its function.In addition, the MICR reader can be set and read magnetic ink character bar on the document.Other can comprise receipt printer, slip printer and magnetic stripe card register with the device that POS device 130a integrates.In the place that these devices are comprised, the material of printing can be fetched by socket 405.In frame 401, can comprise modulator-demodular unit, such as 56 kbps of radio modem or integration modulator-demodular unit V.90.POS device 130a also comprises internal storage usually, and except other software function, it can also be equipped with and can carry out internet ip addressing, browser support, network-management tool, complimentary ticket granting and the software of advertising.Can comprise that the Ethernet that connects such as 10BaseT connects, thereby the networked capabilities with POS device 130a is provided.

[116] in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 A and the 4B, POS peripherals 140a comprises the display 411 of horizontal orientation and comprises the keyboard 414 that is normally used for being imported by the client PIN (" PIN "), although it also can be used in other application.Display 411 can be black and white or colored.Setting is configured to the two-way magnetic strip reader that reads 412 and intellignet card fetch/register 413.These parts are comprised by frame 415, and the port that is used to provide external interface to connect also is provided frame, RJ11 for example, USB, serial port, PCMCIA II type or other ports.

[117] Fig. 4 C has shown relevant embodiment with 4D, and wherein POS device 130b is configured for to refute and meets POS peripherals 140b.In Fig. 4 C, embodiment shows a shared structure, and one of them independent POS peripherals 140b is used for client's function and trade company's function.On the contrary, Fig. 4 D shows the structure of a special use, wherein uses two POS peripherals 140b.In either case, POS peripherals 140b comprises and Fig. 4 A and 4B described similar frame 431, display 432, magnetic strip reader 433 and keyboard 435.In addition, when display 432 or keyboard 435 were used, static lettering pen 436 was shown in the position that is in a least interference.Static lettering pen 436 can be accommodated in the elastic retainers to allow its deflection when being impacted.

[118] thus POS device 130b comprises a frame 421 and socket 422 allows documents to enter into such as imager MICR reader, the device of slip printer and receipt printer.Frame 421 also can comprise similar in appearance to those parts described in Fig. 4 A and 4B, comprises modulator-demodular unit, ethernet connector, and storer, and be used to support the IP addressing, browser function, network-management tool, complimentary ticket granting and the software of advertising.Thereby POS device 130b also comprises refuting and connects port 423 and allow POS peripherals 140b to be refuted like that shown in Fig. 4 D to connect, and is used for the functions of components of the POS peripherals 140b that can be used by POS device 130b.Except providing such as RJ11, USB, serial ports beyond the concatenation ability of PCMCIA II type or other such connection, also obtains to support such as the telecommunication by the infrared signal transmission.In one embodiment, thus the frame 421 and 431 that safety cable 438 connects POS device 130b and POS peripherals 140b is set.

[119] except keypad function was directly supported by POS device 130c support rather than by POS peripherals 140c, those embodiment shown in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 E and the 4F and Fig. 4 C and the 4D were similar.As shown in the figure, POS peripherals 140c comprises a frame 451 and many devices, comprises magnetic strip reader 452, display 453 and intellignet card fetch 454.In the embodiment of Fig. 4 C-4F, the display relevant with POS peripherals 140 is shown as vertical orientation.Thereby orientation is although it is so refuted those and POS device 130 and is connect the orientation that adapts to trade company's form and simplification POS device 130 is become among the portable embodiment is useful, and horizontal orientation also can be used under the situation of not losing any function alternatively.[120] POS device 130c comprises frame 441, and keyboard 442 is used to provide the socket 443 by the document of handling such as the device of imager, MICR reader, slip printer and receipt printer.As other embodiment, POS device 130c also can comprise modulator-demodular unit, ethernet connector, storer and support IP addressing, browser function, network-management tool, complimentary ticket granting and the software of advertising.Thereby POS device 130c also comprises refuting and connects port 444 and allow the such quilt of POS peripherals 140c shown in Fig. 4 F to refute to connect, and is used for the functions of components of the POS peripherals 140c that can be used by POS device 130c.Removing provides such as RJ11, USB, and serial ports outside the concatenation ability of PCMCIA II type or other such connections, also obtains to support such as the telecommunication of the transmission by infrared signal.In one embodiment, thus the frame 441 and 451 that safety cable 458 connects POS device 130c and POS peripherals 440 and 450 is set.

III. exemplary method

[121] POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 are no matter concrete device as a whole can be used in the various application still as there being the elementary cell device that can select peripherals to implement.In some such application, POS device 130 and also have in some cases POS peripherals 140 by merchant entities provide, here " trade company " this term can extensively be interpreted as any individuality that goods and/or service are provided to the client, tissue, or set individual or tissue.In these were used, the client used POS device 130 or POS peripherals 140 to carry out a transaction, and this transaction can or cannot comprise the trade company as a transaction part directly or indirectly.Description has been described some transaction of can using system 100 finishing, though various other transaction also will be conspicuous for the those of skill in the art in present technique field after reading the content that this paper discloses.

[122] transaction can comprise that visit is one or more by trade company, the function central controller 110 that the supplier of POS device 130 and/or third party provide and control.The useful various function central controllers for system 100 are described below.Thereby should be realized that below each function central controller 110 can with other function central controllers 110 in conjunction with according to the many different systems 100 of the invention process.In addition, should be realized that hereinafter be discussed outside the function central controller can be implemented as the part of system 100.

A. stored value card system

[123] examples for the useful function central controller 110 of system 100 are to be used to visit the virtual stored value card that is worth record.Being stuck in like this applies for October 3 calendar year 2001, is entitled as to have more fully in No. 09/971,303, the U.S. Patent application of " stored value card and using method thereof " to disclose, and the full text of this application is incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.This application has disclosed the distribution of the tangible stored value card that one or more and virtual stored value card and one or more value record is associated.Tangible stored value card can be used for extracting value and/or purchasing by POS device 130.For example, this tangible stored value card can be used to from the merchant purchasing product, so the POS device is determined the function central controller 110 relevant with this tangible card; To the information that is confirmed as handling with relevant this tangible card of function central controller 110 transmission of the related value record of this tangible card such as its identification number.Function central controller 110 visit identification and accessed value write down the tangible stored value card that is associated and the database of virtual stored value card then.Relevant with this record then excess value is deducted total transaction amount, and like this, the storage values related with virtual stored value card also is reduced.

[124] Fig. 5 A has illustrated the embodiment with the function central controller 110 of a relevant use of tangible stored value card.Referring now to Fig. 5 A, an embodiment that can be used to issue and/or receive the stored value card system 510 of this card is described among the figure.System 510 comprises that comprises a disposal system 512, the related database 514 and the function central controller 110 of interaction voice response (" IVR ") unit 519.This database 514 can be the database of an association, the inscriptions on bones or tortoise shells (Oracle) database for example, and it comprises the record on the various Stored Values records.These information can comprise for example type (tangible or virtual) of card, identifier, PINs, record remaining sum, minimum value and maximal value, merchant information or the like.Disposal system 512 can be a Sun Microsystems workstation, thereby and allow information updating with database 514 cooperation works, allow the card distribution, allow transaction to take place or the like.

[125] disposal system 512 can receive the information from various sources.For example, disposal system 512 can be by internet 516 by known various types of computing machines 518 visits of prior art.In addition, disposal system 512 can use POS device 130 accessed by communication network 120.The method of other access process systems 512 comprises by the Customer Service Representative uses IVR519.

[126] after suitable connection in a single day is done, just can issue a virtual and/or tangible stored value card.As an example, the client can use POS device 130 or any trade company that is safeguarded by trade company of POS device 130 requests to provide the stored value card of other publisher's distribution of stored value card to it.Like this, for example, the client can be provided from a retailer by the Gift Card of a service that is used to buy commodity and is provided by the third party there.Such as type of payment, the information of the value of request etc. can be collected by POS device 130 and is transferred to disposal system 512 then.Other information can comprise the name of asking the client, address and telephone number.In certain embodiments, this information can be through the magnetic strip reader relevant with POS device 130 by the collection of swiping the card, and wherein this information is automatically extracted from credit card.The method that other acquisition of informations also can be arranged, for example, information can extract from the smart card that inserts POS device 130 and information reads via electronic reader interface 264, POS device 130 can comprise that is attached to for example barcode reader of electronic reader interface 264, it can read bar code from the driving license that similar information is provided, perhaps also have the method for many other acquisition of informations.The skilled artisan in the art will appreciate that according to other possibilities that the stored value card acquisition of information is provided that are relevant to of the present invention.

[127] except by the information that the client provided of POS peripherals 140 by request, trade company can be relevant to the additional information that stored value card 224 is provided by the interface relevant with POS device 130 input.For example, trade company can import a total value that the client repaid by request, and it is added to and is worth in the record.In addition, trade company can import the number of next available tangible stored value card.Trade company can be by the keyboard that keyboard interface 242 is linked up that pass through on POS device 130, the magnetic strip reader of linking up by magnetic stripe reader interfaces 244, and/or import these information by the touch-screen of display reader interface 248 communications.Also have, should be realized that, in certain embodiments, the client of trade company or request can by any interface 242,244,246,248,262,264,266,268 or its any combinatorial input all with the information that provides stored value card 224 to be associated.Yet should be realized that further in different embodiment, whole process can be finished under the situation that does not have trade company to interfere.

[128] information that receives in POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 is passed to disposal system 512 by network interface 228 and communication network 122.Receive after necessary information opens the Stored Value record in disposal system 512, can be used to enable this value record such as those technology of in above-mentioned U.S. Patent application, illustrating.

[129] then whether disposal system 512 is successfully opened to POS device 130 by communication network 120 transmission value records.Open if be worth to write down successfully, POS device 130 activates and makes stored value card 224 (or selecting a suitable fund card) by card distribution device 226.In some instances, the recipient of stored value card 224 must and IVR519, thereby Customer Service Representative contact or visit website relevant or the like and before stored value card 224 is activated, provide information with system 510.Do like this to the recipient such ability is provided, the recipient sends to other people with stored value card 224 and this stored value card is not used further to potential use other people have received card up to knowing this.In addition, in certain embodiments, POS device 130 is printed receipts of transactions by printer interface 232, or such receipt is printed by POS peripherals 140 by printer interface 256.

[130] in certain embodiments, stored value card 224 comprises the media of some types, and it can be with the identifier of the readable form of people storage such as identification number on magnetic stripe and in the bar code or the like.Equally, PIN can be in some instances to be stored on the card 224 with regard to untouchable mode under the situation of not destroying any encapsulation or damage card self.Stored value card 224 can be used to selectively simply by providing identification code and PIN to carry out on-line purchase simply.It also can be simply by in point-of-sale device, for example swipe the card 224 and use on POS device 130 or the POS peripherals 140 in a tame entity shop.

[131] except the distribution of authorizing tangible stored value card, disposal system 512 is " distribution " virtual stored value card and enable the Account History related with stored value card on database 514 also.Virtual stored value card can send e-mails by the e-mail address that provides to the client and offer the client.Such virtual card can comprise a unique identifier and PIN.

[132] shown in the process flow diagram 550 of Fig. 5 B, after receiving stored value card, thereby the client can show tangible card or virtual card finishes a specific transaction (square frame 552) for trade company.Information about card was imported into POS device 130 (square frame 554) by for example tangible stored value card being brushed the magnetic card reading that is incorporated in the POS peripherals 140.POS device 130 is determined this card function associated central controller 110 (square frames 556) then.This can finish by the catalogue of preserving the function central controller 110 relevant with POS device 130.From catalogue, select optimal function central controller 110, or refuse this card because there is not matched function central controller 110 to exist.In some instances, be suitable for multi-functional central controller 110, wherein can call and be used for determining which function central controller 110 selecteed algorithms.This algorithm can provide best clause to the trade company of operation POS device 130 based on for example which function central controller 110.

[133] in case appropriate functional central controller 110 selected after, the information of this card is transferred to this function central controller (square frame 558).Successively, whether disposal system 512 determines to have in the account related with stored value card enough funds to finish this transaction (square frame 560).If enough funds are arranged, this information is delivered to POS device 130 (square frame 562) by communication network 120, POS device 130 is printed the receipt (square frame 566) of transaction, disposal system 512 from the account related with stored value card dealing money is debted (square frame 564).

[134] if there are not enough funds to finish transaction (square frame 560), disposal system 512 is delivered to POS device 130 (square frame 568) with remaining full amount, and POS device 130 is printed the receipt (square frame 570) that shows the amount of money by the drum printer relevant with POS device 130 successively.In some instances, all remaining sums can be credited to the credit side and are used for buying on stored value card, and other amount of money that cover difference are paid with another kind of form by the client.If this method is used, request of POS device 130 transmission debts for disposal system 512 with all amount of money in will blocking so, and disposal system 512 all debts all amount of money from interlock account successively.In addition, POS device 130 is printed the receipt that shows the amount of money that debts and be used to finish the amount of money of transaction supplementary payments from card.

[135] like this, POS device 130 provides the retailer's who becomes one or more stored value cards ability to the trade company with POS device 130.For example, trade company can become prepaid phone card, the retailer of various Gift Cards and prepaid credit card, Gift Card can be used for including but not limited to the retailer of dining room and commercial company, prepaid credit is stuck in that the client needs credit card but the situation of credit value deficiency, and perhaps the client need send cash to give the opposing party but worry that the situation that cash is lost in mailing is of great use.

I. phonecard example

[136] as an example more specifically, Fig. 5 C shows the embodiment of phonecard system 1000 of the subsystem of an expression stored value card system 510.Phonecard system 1000 comprises a function central controller 110 of linking up with telephone system 1020.Further, function central controller 110 is linked up by communication network 120 and POS device 130 and POS peripherals 140.Telephone system 1020 provides the communication between a plurality of phones 1040.

[137] Central Control Function 110 comprises process computer 1005, the database 1010 of settlement engine 1030 and preservation phonecard catalogue 1011.Process computer 1005 is safeguarded phonecard client's settlement of account in conjunction with settlement engine 1030 and database 1010.

[138] in certain embodiments, visit phonecard system 1000 programmed parts as POS device 130.In such embodiments, the essential parts of finishing with phonecard system 1000 relationship tradings are implemented as a part of making POS device 130.In other embodiments, finish necessary software with phonecard system 1000 relationship tradings and be downloaded to POS device 130 and essential parts by visit trade company and upgrade POS device 130 and realize with the representative of the function central controller 110 that enters phonecard system 1000.In some embodiment that also have other, POS device 130 dynamically is configured to carry out the function that is relevant to phonecard system 1000 by communication network 120.

[139], illustrated among the figure to show the process flow diagram 580 of POS device 130 its functions of realization according to an embodiment of the invention with reference to Fig. 5 D.At first, the trade company relevant with POS device 130 with and the related custodian of phonecard system 1000 get in touch with request and use this system (square frame 582).In certain embodiments, by making telephonic speech communication (not showing) finish this step.In some other embodiment, use the POS device 130 of linking up to finish the request that to visit with function central controller 110 by communication network 120.

[140] when request visit (square frame 582), trade company is apprised of management access and uses the clause (square frame 584) of phonecard system 1000.Clause is very simply and not to need any condition of trade company in some instances.In some other embodiment, clause needs trade company to pay the bill on the basis of disposable and/or transaction.For example, clause can require to share from trade company the profit of the little number percent that commercial distribution obtained of the stored value card by using phonecard system 1000.According to this disclosure, the skilled those of ordinary skill in present technique field will be known many at the different business relations that allow can be added into before the visit phonecard system of trade company 1000.For example, in the exchange of phonecard, trade company can accept annual fee once, or the expense that is worth based on the phonecard of selling.

[141] after the clause of grant access phonecard system of trade company 1000, process computer 1005 is by communication network 120 contact POS devices 130 (square frames 586).In a specific embodiment, this contact uses the VPN that has been present between function central controller 110 and the POS device 130 to finish.With getting in touch after the foundation of POS device 130, the storer 114 of process computer 1005 record POS devices 130, phonecard system 1000 is identified as one by POS device 130 and adds addressable function central controller (square frame 588) like this.Effective parts all when further, process computer 1005 points out in POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 inside no matter when phonecard system 1000 is by 130 visits of POS device.Such information is used for allowing leading to the various parts of POS device 130 by function gating matrix 116 and from the visit of the various parts of POS device 130.In certain embodiments, make parts effectively can make this parts work by any function central controller 110 and whichever function central controller just accessed.In some other embodiment, only these parts can be effective when making the effective function central controller of parts 110 accessed.

[142] in addition, the application software that is used for carrying out on CPU218 can download to POS device 130 from process computer 1005.This function also can be afterwards carried out when POS device 130 uses out-of-date softward interview phonecard system 1000.Like this, phonecard system 1000 can guarantee that POS device 130 keeps the version that duplicates of recent software forever.

[143] phonecard system 1000 and POS device 130 produce contact and finish with phonecard system 1000 the necessary parts of transaction effectively after (square frame 588), function central controller 110 and POS device 130 disconnect and connect (square frame 590) and database 1010 (square frame 592) is arrived in the information updating relevant with trade company and the POS device that newly disposes 130.Such information can be used to allow visit that cause POS device 130 is carried out, clause in visit provides the book keeping operation of the place control of book keeping operation for visit, thereby the use of statistical ground monitoring POS device 130 determines to transmit which kind of display material etc. by the POS device from function central controller 110.

[144] be configured to not need to carry out once more this work owing to POS device 130, unless owing to the visit of some reasons to phonecard system 1000 is stopped later on visiting phonecard system 1000.In certain embodiments, be configured to allow to visit a place such as the specific function central controller 110 of the phonecard system 1000 under this situation at the POS device, visit is automatic when by concrete transaction of POS device 130 requests the time.Like this, for example, when a check shown be used for as described below when cashing like that, POS device 130 by communication network 120 automatically access function central controller 110 to finish this transaction.

[145] with reference to Fig. 5 E, described distribution among the figure and used the process flow diagram 1100 of embodiment of the method for phonecard according to the present invention.Abide by process flow diagram 1100, value can be added to (square frame 1130) in the already present or new card.This value can be added by offering the amount of money that will increase the trade company relevant with POS device 130.Trade company can be input to this value in the POS device 130 by keyboard or the touch-screen with POS device 130 formation one then.Perhaps, this value also can provide by each reader brush credit card, smart card or the debit card with POS device 130 formation one.This also can use the reader that forms one with POS peripherals 140 to finish by the client.Select as another that also has, the amount of money that is added can provide by the check of handling according to check disposal system described below.Further, this amount of money can provide by withdrawing the money according to the automated banking of Value Transfer described below system.Like this, common those skilled in the art can recognize that multi-functional central controller 110 can be used to handle a single transaction.In addition, by reading presents, thereby can being formed on, many obviously function central controllers 110 create a transfer system together, such as system 100.

[146] after the amount of money is provided (square frame 1130) points out that this amount of money is added in an existing telephone card or the new phonecard (square frame 1132) thereby a button on POS device 130 is pressed.If the amount of money is added in the existing card, so should card be brushed the card reader relevant with POS device 130 or POS peripherals 140.By doing like this, card information is provided for POS device 130 (square frame 1140).Perhaps, the number of this card can be keyed in the POS device 130 by keyboard or touch-screen display.These card informations are passed to the process computer 1005 of function central controller 110 from POS device 130 through communication network 120.In the illustrated embodiment, card information is accompanied by a balance request (square frame 1142).

[147] process computer 1005 mates card information and the associated value account of preserving as the phonecard catalogue on database 1,010 1011.Process computer 1005 is determined remaining remaining sum on card from phonecard catalogue 1011, comprise remaining minute clock time number and this minute clock time cash value.This balance amount information is passed in the POS device 130 by communication network 120, shows this information (square frame 1144) by in POS device 130 and/or the POS peripherals 140 one or two then.In certain embodiments, except that balance amount information, about including but not limited to cost, any discount or special price, and/or also be shown from the information of the purchase additional period of the supplier's of function central controller 110 additional expense.The client can be input to card by POS peripherals 140 or trade company with the amount of money that the form of time minute or surrender value will be added by POS device 130 and go up (square frame 1146) then.The amount of money of importing can be keyed in and can be an amount of money of determining separately by keyboard or touch-screen, or a preliminary election amount of money.Thereby for example, the client can import nine dollars the amount of money, or the client can respond a special price by the hot key on the touch-screen, concrete the number of minutes of a default dollar amount of money of this special offer.

[148] after the amount of money that select to need, the payment number (square frame 1148) that trade company provides payment number that the client need pay for the amount of money of selection and points out to POS device 130 to be provided.This amount of money can provide in a variety of forms, includes but not limited to cash, check, and credit card, debit card, and/or smart card transaction, they can obtain facility by POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 all.Along with providing of the amount of money, trade company points out to conclude the business to POS device 130 and finishes, and passes to process computer 1005 (square frame 1150) by communication network 120 with finishing the relevant information of transaction then.

[149] process computer 1105 adds the extra amount of money to the value accounts (square frame 1152) related with card and the value (square frame 1120) that thereby the reflection of recovery value account is added on phonecard catalogue 1011 then.

[150] should be realized that, also can use the existing reverse transaction of row that sticks into.In such undo, thus existing cartoon cross POS device 130 show and can obtain with minute and/or the value that is kept on the stored value card of the form of cash finish to merchant purchasing article or drawing.In such transaction, process computer 1005 is determined the value related with card, and this value is displayed to the client.The client determines an amount of money of withdrawing the money or is used to the amount of money of single purchase then, and this amount of money is deducted from the value accounts related with card by process computer 1005.Then trade company provides respective value, or provides and the article of the purchase of this value equivalent exchange, and the respective value that trade company stays in this process is as payment.

[151] in the description of presents, many obviously other Value Transfer relevant with stored value card can obtain facility according to the present invention.For example, stored value card can combine with a regular guest's of airline account.Such account can be used to add this guest's flight mileage number and/or exchange goods, service or cash for this guest's flight mileage number.The skilled those of ordinary skill in present technique field will appreciate that many can the application relevant with the present invention.

[152] be worth and also can be added in the neocaine, determine that in this case it still is client's upright new account (square frame 1132) of looking on the bright side of things simply that existing card does not exist.In this case, be used to discern the information of stored value card and related value accounts by POS device 130 and/or 140 inputs of POS peripherals.Such information can comprise client's name, the address, telephone number, and with the card number (square frame 1168) of wanting released card to be associated.Can swipe the card to related with the client and credit card, debit card or smart card that comprise client identification information by the reader on POS device 130 or the POS peripherals 140 about client's information and to obtain.Except obtaining customer information, the amount of money (seeing square frame 1164) of swiping the card and also can be used to be provided for transaction payment necessity.Perhaps, driving license or other forms of identifying information also can read by magnetic strip reader or the bar code scanner that combines with POS device 130.In some other embodiment, the information of acquisition seldom relates to client's privacy.Thereby, for example, in certain embodiments, the number that only obtains the card of providing as described further below.

[153] after obtaining the information related with neocaine, the initial amount of money that be added on the card is shown (square frame 1162) by POS device 130 or POS peripherals 140.As previously mentioned, this amount of money can be imported with POS peripherals by customer selecting and by the client, perhaps this amount of money is conveyed to trade company, is imported by POS device 130 by trade company then.Perhaps, can select by touch-screen or the keyboard related for the predetermined dollar value of a concrete the number of minutes with POS device 130 or POS peripherals 140.

[154] then, such amount of money of selecting described above is provided for trade company's (square frame 1164) there from the client.Then, trade company points out that the amount of money is provided, and perhaps under the situation of using the electronic cash mode, the client can be by electronic signature, and by next specific key, and/or use and POS device 130 relevant various biostatistics devices are approved this transaction.Finish after this step, POS device 130 confirms that the amount of money is provided.

[155] the initial amount of money that provides (square frame 1164), the information (square frame 1160) related with card and the card number of new issue card are delivered to function central controller 110 (square frame 1166) through communication network 120.In certain embodiments, card number is determined by the card distribution device 226 relevant with POS device 130.Such process can comprise that card distribution device preserves the catalogue of released card and the number of the card that next time will issue is provided.In some other embodiment, card number can be by the trade company's input that obtains neocaine, card number is typed in the POS device 130 or swipes the card by the magnetic strip reader relevant with POS device 130.

[156] after card information is transferred to function central controller 110, process computer 1005 is created related with a neocaine new value account (square frame 1120) that comprises various information about client and card number.In addition, this new value account can be noted as state of activation and be used for can posting to the address that the client provides with the PIN of card visit new value account, perhaps offers the client at once by POS device 130.By POS device 130 PIN is being offered client's place, PIN is transferred to POS device 130 by communication network 120, uses rolling printer prints receipt relevant with POS device 130 simultaneously and offers the client.In certain embodiments, receipt comprises the amount of money and the PIN of transaction.

[157] in addition, neocaine released (square frame 1168).This distribution can be sold the user with stock's card by trade company, perhaps by card distribution device 226 invitations to subscribe relevant with POS device 130.In fact, in certain embodiments, this invitation to subscribe can comprise that issuing device 226 by card writes card magnetic stripe and/or custom card.

[158] use is as the phonecard of distribution that preamble is discussed, and the user can begin and finish call.For this purpose, the user can use phone 1040 called telephone systems 1020 (square frame 1102).Telephone system 1020 can be inquired user's card number then, PIN and the telephone number (square frame 1104) that will get in touch.Utilize these information, telephone system 1020 can go up obtainable remaining sum and authorize a transaction (square frame 1106) of using this card based on card number that receives and PIN by linking function central controller 110 definite cards.Thereby can not be authorized to (square frame 1108) if having enough value to finish the calling of this request or PIN or the card number use that makes card that do not match, notified this time of user fail (square frame 1110) with the related value accounts of card.

[159] or, if card is authorized to and preserves enough value (square frame 1108), telephone system 1112 continues the calling (square frame 1112) of the request of finishing so.In case end of calling (square frame 1114) perhaps increases during calling out a little, employed value can be delivered to function central controller 110 (square frame 1116).Settlement engine 1030 is calculated employed amount of value and this amount of money is deducted (square frame 1118) from the value accounts related with card then.In certain embodiments, settlement engine 1030 continues the monitoring calling and works as and can send a calling termination signal when surplus capital that is kept in the value accounts is not enough to continue this calling.Along with calling is finished, thereby process computer 1005 reflects remaining remaining sum based on the information updating value accounts from settlement engine 1030 after the expense that deduction is called out.

Should be realized that [160] of the present invention many other application that relate to stored value card can also be arranged.Further, the example that should be realized that aforementioned stored value card only is illustrative, can also much revise for these examples.For example, this process stored-value cards can be used together in conjunction with being worth transfer system, and wherein this Value Transfer system finishes the payment of buying stored value card.Perhaps, such Value Transfer system can be used to transfer to one or more destinations with being worth from the value accounts related with stored value card.Thereby, should be realized that, although relate to the example that independent function central controller 110 is described stored value card, also can finish transaction under the situation by POS device 130 and/or a plurality of function central controllers 110 of POS peripherals 140 visits.Like this, for example, the client can finish a transaction that comprises the function central controller 110 that is used for the Value Transfer system and the function central controller 110 related with stored value card, and needn't know that these two function central controllers 110 also relate to other any relations except the trade company that safeguards POS device 130.

[161] further, should be realized that an additional function central controller relevant with the fake monitoring system 110 and another function central controller 110 of managing all POS device 130 controls also can be used to about above-described system.For example, the function central controller 110 of all POS device 130 controls of management can link up and carry out and be relevant to the described update functions of Fig. 5 D with other function central controllers.Based on this disclosure, the skilled those of ordinary skill in present technique field will be provided by many other possibilities by aforementioned functional central controller 110 and/or additional function central controller 110 function that provides.

B. Value Transfer system

[162] another function central controller 110 can be as applying on January 4th, 2002, the Value Transfer system that the U.S. Patent application of " by the system and the method thereof of the computer network introducing and the information of reception " by name is disclosed for No. 10/040568, the full content of this application is incorporated by reference herein.Such Value Transfer system provides various equipment and the technology that are used for the value of transferring money or other types.Various input and output interfaces are convenient to be shifted thereby this Value Transfer system uses.According to embodiments of the invention, these input and output interfaces can be POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140.POS device 130 and peripherals 140 can the person of being sent out and recipient's visits.Visiting this Value Transfer system can be similar to preamble by use and be relevant to the described method of Fig. 5 D and carry out.

[163] use this Value Transfer system, diversified means of payment can be used to provide the payment of various transaction.For example, payment can offer the trade company of operation POS device 130 in cash, or accepts mechanism's (not demonstration) for the cash relevant with POS device 130.Perhaps, geld can be incorporated into POS device 130 by magnetic stripe reader interfaces 224 or be incorporated into the credit card of POS peripherals 140 by magnetic stripe reader interfaces 268, debit card, and/or stored value card is accepted.Also have another selection to provide the check that reads by MICR234 to pay the bill, perhaps settle accounts automatically mechanism (" ACH ") by via keyboard interface 242 or via keyboard reader interface 266 input accounts informations from the bank account transfer value.The skilled those of ordinary skill in present technique field should be realized that according to the present invention to also have additive method and mechanism can be used to provide payment to the Value Transfer system.

[164] geld that the is provided same POS device 130 that can be received at geld by the Value Transfer system or transfer to the recipient at different POS devices 130.Like this, the recipient can be from the trade company of operation POS device 130 or the money of paying in cash that is provided from Automatic Teller Machine (the not showing) reception relevant with POS device 130.Perhaps, the recipient can be by the check of being signed and issued by printer interface 232 by POS device 130, and perhaps the check of being signed and issued by printer interface 256 by POS peripherals 140 obtains geld.Similarly, the recipient can obtain geld by the draft that uses above-mentioned any one printer interface to produce.As further selecting, the recipient can be by using magnetic card reading interface 244 or magnetic card reading interface 268 with the geld that the shifts stored value card of packing into, or obtain geld by new stored value card 224 of card distribution device 226 distribution.The skilled those of ordinary skill in present technique field will be recognized according to of the present invention and be used for multiple additive method and the mechanism of Value Transfer to the recipient.

[165] Fig. 6 has shown the Value Transfer system 600 of a demonstration.Although Fig. 6 has illustrated the money transfers mechanism of a demonstration, the skilled those of ordinary skill in present technique field will recognize that other can use the present invention or use various money transfers of the present invention mechanism in conjunction with POS device 130.With reference to Fig. 6, Value Transfer system 600 comprises function central controller 110, auto-teller (" ATM ") system 645, savings maintaining network 650, credit maintaining network 660 and centrex 670.Function central controller 110 is by atm network 640, and savings maintaining network 650 and credit maintaining network 660 Ke Gou earthings are connected to ATM system 645.Usually, function central controller 110 makes multiple transfer system be unified into an integral body, supports that simultaneously information introduced Value Transfer system 600 and receives the various mechanism of information from Value Transfer system 600.

[166] as preamble as shown in Fig. 1, function central controller 110 is connected with POS peripherals 140 Ke Gou earthings with one or more POS devices 130 by communication network 120.In certain embodiments, communication network 120 is VPN that adapt to TCP/IP.Except being convenient to the communication between POS device 130 and the function central controller 110, as described above described in the patented claim like that, communication network 120 also can make things convenient for the communication between function central controller 110 and various input and/or the output interface.Like this, according to various embodiments of the present invention, POS device 130 can be used for and will be worth the retail kiosk, ATM, commission merchant, bank account or the like or from them Value Transfer is come out.

[167] the use value transfer system 600, and value can be from shifting arbitrarily in a large number.For example, value can be transferred to himself or any other terminal or POS device 130 from POS device 130, transfer to savings account from any POS device 130 by savings maintaining network 650 or credit maintaining network 660, and/or transfer to any ATM614 by atm network 640 from any POS device 130.By use value transfer system 100 can finish many other to ATM614, savings account, terminal, and/or credit accounts or from these device and account's transfer.

[168], shown the function central controller 110 relevant among the figure with Value Transfer system 600 with reference to Fig. 7.Function central controller 110 comprises that network processing unit 732 is used for handling the data that receive and transmit by communication network 120.Whereabouts/can be obtained by main frame 733 from the data of network processing unit 732, this main frame can be worth code translator 735, transaction data base 736, thus settlement engine 737 is carried out and the relevant functions of Value Transfer of passing through Value Transfer system 600 with one or more the communication via Value Transfer system 600 in the message engine 738.Successively, message engine 738 can be linked up with message interpreter 739.Receive and/or the message that provides can comprise sender's information by function central controller 110, recipient's information, the identifying information related with terminal 710 or POS device 730 is transferred the type and the number of value, wishes position of transfer value or the like.In some cases, be worth the type that code translator 735 can be used to change value.For example, be worth the exchange that code translator 735 can be finished foreign currency, maybe can be from the Value Transfer of a type to another type, for instance, the regular guest's of airline flight mileage is transformed into dollar.All processed information can be stored in the transaction data base 736 easily.

[169] settlement engine 737 can be used to make during the transfer debt-credit of multiple account convenient.For example, if a sender asks will be used to shift from the fund of credit card, settlement engine 737 is used to get in touch credit maintaining network 660 relates to transaction to this card charge and management expense so.Such expense can be the interior cost of the part of the expense collected of credit tissue and money transfer transactions.When to checking account, stored value card account, in the time of debt-credit such as user's loyalty point, settlement engine 737 can be used with this similar fashion.

[170] in some cases, the sender also can wish and be worth and sends message together.Such message can be simple greeting, commerce or articles of law or the like.The type that message engine 738 is used to according to the output unit of accepting this fund is suitable form with this message conversion.For example, output unit can be the printer that on the entity message is printed on the medium of some types.Perhaps, this message can be presented on the display screen momently, such as on retail kiosk, ATM, point-of-sale device, Email, webpage or the like.The sender can point out also that with the recipient this message need be translated into different language.In this case, message translation machine 739 can be used to this message translation is other language.This can finish by in other language each respective word being done word enquiring simply.Also can translate performance with more complicated language.

[171] in case a Value Transfer is handled rightly, the data that shift of indication are converted the suitable network of device 734 shown in sending to so.This can be to send to atm network 640, savings maintaining network 650 and/or credit maintaining network 660 to finish transaction.[172] like this, use POS device 130 can realize many Value Transfer.For example, e-bank transfers accounts (" EBT ") thereby can be done the payment payment for goods, perhaps even through the POS device 130 that is positioned at the trade company place finishes bank savings one time.Discuss based on these, the skilled those of ordinary skill in present technique field can be recognized a large amount of various types of transaction that can be implemented according to the present invention.For example, the system and method that is disclosed in No. 09/990702, the U.S. Patent application of by name " electronic recognition payment system and method " can be used to the place relevant with the present invention.The aforesaid U.S. Patent application is filed in November 9 calendar year 2001 and its all the elements are incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.In addition, submitted Dec 7 calendar year 2001, its content also has similar application No. 10/007701 for the U.S. Patent application of the same proposition that various purposes are incorporated by reference herein.The various further examples that can use system and method for the present invention to conclude the business will be discussed in ensuing part.

I. the MassPay and the example of paying wages

[173] use the Value Transfer system 600 that relates to POS device 130, a large amount of services can be implemented according to the present invention.For example, for example credit union, bank and trading company are because a variety of causes need be with transfer of financial resources to employee or the client there of going on business at a distance in many enterprises, and these funds include but not limited to wage, cash advance, cancellation of balances of accounts and urgently needed fund.This transaction can be given one or more recipients with fund and finishes easily to bank account and indication by depositing a sum of money in.Thereby the recipient of this expection then is provided for identifying information obtain transferring accounts fund to them.The recipient of this expection then enters the place that a POS device is mounted, and by keyboard interface 242 or other interface that is fit to input identifying informations, and receives the fund of transferring accounts.Identification code illustrates which function central controller 110 is selected to finish concrete transaction.For example, function central controller 110 can be safeguarded by come into existence bank there of the fund that will pay.Based on this identifying information, POS device 130 can be got in touch indicated function central controller 110 automatically, and finishes the transaction that needs.

[174] this fund can be received in every way.For example, this fund can receive to the existing stored value card that the recipient had had by it is packed into (using magnetic stripe reader interfaces 244 or electronic reader interface 246).Perhaps, can be by the new stored value card of card distribution device 226 distribution, and the recipient can use this cartoon to cross same or other POS device 130 is done shopping, perhaps extraction fund on ATM114.In addition, this fund can be paid in cash by the mechanism's (not shown) of paying in cash, perhaps as the check of printing by printer interface 232 or printer interface 256.

The convenient payment of ii

[175] in addition, a kind of convenient payment system can be used with POS device according to the present invention 130 relevant Value Transfer systems 600 and be implemented.Convenient payment system like this allows the client to enter one has the place of POS device 130 and realization to give one or more obligees with bill payment.In order to accomplish this point, client's input and the concrete relevant account information of bill.For example, this client's input is about the accounts information of public utilities bill, car payment, house payment, credit card funded payment etc.Then, the user can import the amount of money of payment.Then, the amount of money of this payment can be by the trade company of operation POS device 130, perhaps, perhaps payment information is input to POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 is provided by one or more interfaces relevant with it by various types of row that stick into are swiped the card.

[176] then, POS device 130 is got in touch and is indicated geld with the function central controller 110 that is relevant to the account that will accept to pay and repaid.The fund of this reimbursemen can be provided directly to function central controller 110 under the situation of wire transfer, and perhaps this fund can provide from the account of operation POS device 130, perhaps pays after presenting the bill to trade company.Be credited to debit or trade company in the account of trade company and opened subsequently under the situation that bill requires payment, trade company pays the bill to user's revenue and expenditure so.Like this, for example, the place that the user pays in cash, trade company collects cash and tells that function central controller 110 these amount of money are repaid.Then, the function central controller is known and this amount of money is charged to the debit of trade company and client's account is credited.Along with closing the transaction, receipt is printed the amount of money that is used for indicating payment by the rolling printer that is incorporated in the POS device 130, and the amount of money that is credited to debit and credit.In certain embodiments, the receipt with client-related information is printed to the client, and another receipt with trade company's relevant information is printed to trade company.

[177] in certain embodiments, the client can pay many bills in once independent transaction.In this case, various accounts and geld can be imported in the POS device 130.The total charge of geld can be amounted to by POS device 130, if tranaction costs are arranged, total charge comprises tranaction costs and comprises and cover the geld amount of money that the client that amounts to provides.In certain embodiments, only an independent function central controller 110 is used for finishing payment transaction by contact.Like this, for example, all payment informations can be passed to network processing unit 732 and main frame 733 from POS device 130.Then, main frame 733 disperses all payment informations, and by savings maintaining network 650 and/or credit maintaining network 660 suitable credit accounts is debted and credits.

[178] in other embodiments, the various function central controllers 110 that different accounts with each are relevant are contacted directly by POS device 130.Like this, for example, the place that payment of public utilities and car payment are carried out in once independent transaction, POS device 130 determines which function central controller 110 and public utilities are paid the bill related and which function central controller 110 is related with car payment.Then, the POS device 130 contact function central controller 110 related with car payment finished this transaction, and gets in touch subsequently or simultaneously and the public utilities function central controller 110 that is associated of paying the bill is finished this transaction.Along with transaction is finished, one indicates the receipt of charging to various account amount of credit side and comes out by the printer prints of integrating with POS device 130.

Iii. gathering fast

[179] similarly, use according to of the present invention and POS device 130 relevant Value Transfer systems 600 and can implement a quick cash collecting system.More particularly, commerce and/or financial institution can allow the debtor to pay the bill.This debtor can arrive the place that POS device 130 is installed, and by keyboard interface 242 or keyboard reader interface 266 their accounts informations of input, fund is provided to the trade company relevant with POS device 130 or directly is provided to POS device 130.By make in cash the receiving mechanism (not shown), by magnetic stripe reader interfaces 244 or magnetic stripe reader interfaces 268 brush credits card, by electronic reader interface 246 or electronic reader interface 264 use smart cards, by keyboard interface 242 or 266 key in bank account informations, by showing reader interface 248 or showing reader interface 262 input bank account informations or by writing check and providing check MICR234 and/or imager interface 230, fund can be provided directly to POS device 130.

[180] thus POS device 130 analyze payment informations and identify this and pay an appropriate functional central controller 110 to be named.The selected function central controller 110 of POS device 130 contacts transmits the payment information that receives, and waits for the received affirmation of geld.Then, in certain embodiments, selected function central controller transmits the reception information of a reimbursemen fund, is reflected in nearest reimbursemen fund by the account balance of the remaining sum after deducting together with transmission.Then, POS device 130 can be printed the receipt of a transaction by printer interface 232 or printer interface 256, and it indicates the geld that receives and/or new account balance.

[181] so quick gathering service can help credit side's business to avoid the syndrome of " check while posting ", rather than wait for seeing when and whether check can arrive, because can being indicated to a place with POS device 130, the debtor goes to finish any essential payment.In the place that much can obtain this POS device 130 extension settings, compare and receive the mailing required time of check that transaction can be finished in the shortest time.

C. redemption system

[182] another kind of such function central controller 110 provides cashing of check and/or draft.As employed at this paper, cashing is geld to be provided and to avoid the process that repeats to pay for same negotiable instrument to negotiable instrument.Cashing to provide in POS device 130, and check is exchanged geld there.Perhaps, cash can many can receive check and provide in any terminal 710 of exchange value provide.

[183] Fig. 8 has illustrated that a kind of and various POS devices 130, peripheral unit 140 and terminal 710 are by communication network 120 synergistic redemption system 700.In an embodiment of redemption system 700, communication network 120 be one can be by plain old telephone the system (" Dial-up Network that POTS ") operates.Redemption system 700 comprises that one can be linked up the function central controller 110 that is connected with database 720.Database 720 comprises the catalogue 721 of checking and approving check and the catalogue 722 of kite bill.In certain embodiments, function central controller 110 comprises and can receive and send communication information, accessing database 720 by communication network 120, and the computing machine based on microprocessor that compares of the information of preserving information that will receive from POS device 130 and terminal 710 and the database 720.

[184] Fig. 9 has shown a kind of process flow diagram 800 of cashing an embodiment of method used according to the invention.Abide by process flow diagram 800, the client shows check and requires to cash (square frame 810) to trade company.Check can be draft, individual check, cash on bank or any many similar negotiable instruments.This trade company takes this check and input about the information of check, includes but not limited to payer, payee and/or various relevant number of the account (square frame 815).In certain embodiments, trade company is by keyboard interface 242 manual these information of input, and trade company imports these information by using MICR234 to read check automatically in some other embodiment.In also having other some embodiment, trade company does not even handle check, but these are imported by keyboard fetch interface 266 or the MICR (not shown) relevant with peripheral unit 140 about the information of check.

[185] in certain embodiments, the communication between POS device 130 and the function central controller 110 is to start under the background that check information is transfused to.In certain embodiments, various function central controllers 110 can accessedly be finished once transaction.For example,, cashes the draft of an A company if being shown requirement, and so can be accessed by the function central controller 110 of maintenance of A company and renewal.Under other situations of being shown from the traveller's check of B company, can be accessed by the function central controller of maintenance of B company and renewal.In other that also have are selected, preserve in same function central controller 110 about the information of A company and B company check, wherein when being shown, uses by the check from any a company same function central controller.

[186] in specific embodiments of the invention, POS device 130 automatically determines check information is sent to the path of correct function central controller 110.These can be based on route number or other information that check provided of being shown.Like this, because check information is imported in the POS device 130, POS device 130 is automatically determined relevant function central controller 110, and startup and 110 communications of selected function central controller.If the function central controller can not be identified for the check that this quilt shows, POS device 130 can show an error message by display 210 and/or display 252 so.Under such a case, transaction can be rejected the while check and return to the client.

[187] information about check is passed to function central controller 110 (square frame 820) by communication network 120 from POS device 130.Check information and the content in the database that this receives compare (square frame 825).Determine that at first whether the check that shows checked and approved (square frame 830) for payment in the past, perhaps determined whether to be confirmed to be a bear or stolen check (square frame 835).The check of having been checked and approved was also cashed in the past.Thereby, this relevant information of showing check meets under the situation of checking and approving information on the check catalogue 721, thereby redemption system 700 avoids providing geld to a check (square frame 840) of before having cashed by transmitting an information of disagreeing with payment to POS device 130.Receive the information of disagreeing with payment, this client and/or trade company are rejected (square frame 845) by display 210 and/or display 252 notified payments.In certain embodiments, the client is further provided the copy of a refusal to pay by printer interface 232 and/or printer interface 256.

[188] or, if check information does not meet the information of checking and approving on the catalogue 721, the information on the check information that will show and the kite bill catalogue 722 compares (square frame 835) so.If it is nominal that the information that provides indicates this check, disapprove that information will be passed to POS device 130 (square frame 840) and this transaction is rejected (square frame 845) for one so.

[189] do not meet in information and check and approve the information on the check catalogue 721 or do not meet under the situation of the information on the kite bill catalogue 722 about the check that shows, this check information is added into and checks and approves in the check catalogue 721 so because this check then will be agreed cash and realize the transaction (square frame 850).An approval in-formation is delivered to POS device 130 (square frame 855) by communication network 120 from function central controller 110.After receiving the information of agreement, this information is displayed on display 210 and/or the display 252 and the value related with check is provided for user's (square frame 860).Provide such value to comprise and allow trade company, perhaps in certain embodiments, directly provide this value from POS device 130 by the distributing mechanism (not shown) by obtainable cash register or other this value of source distribution.Perhaps, this value can be distributed as a stored value card 224 by card distribution device 226, perhaps the other negotiable instrument that prints with printer interface 232 or printer interface 256.

[190] under the situation that transaction is not done, POS device 130 can transmit an information of finishing failure to function central controller 110.Successively, function central controller 110 can have been checked and approved check catalogue 721 and removed uncompleted check from database 720.Like this, this check is shown next time, and it can be given the ratification.

D. loyalty program system

[191] another function central controller 110 can be one as be submitted on February 19th, 2002, the U.S. Patent application 10/079 of " system and method for operation loyalty program " by name, the loyalty program system that discloses in No. 927 (Attorney Docket No.020375-003300), this application is combined in herein by reference in full for various purposes.Such loyalty program system provides various device and technology to be used to manage the loyalty program that retailer etc. provides.Thereby this loyalty program system comprises the use of various input and output system is followed the trail of client's buying and allowed user capture loyalty program value.According to embodiments of the invention, these input and output systems can be POS device 130 and/or POS peripheral unit 140.

[192] thus Figure 10 provides a schematic view illustrating can how to be integrated the one or more POS devices 130 and/or the POS peripheral unit 140 that are relevant to according to various embodiments of the present invention as the loyal system of a function central controller 110 structures to be operated.In illustrational embodiment, each POS device 130 all is connected to function central controller 110 by communication network 120 by the Ke Gou earthing.Function central controller 110 comprises loyal converter 1212, mandate 1220 and loyal main frame 1216.

[193] various POS devices 130 can be associated according to geographic distribution and with each the different trade company and/or the tissue that comprise different retails, service point etc. widely with POS peripheral unit 140.Each POS device 130 can be configured to be used for accepting the payment options of one or more types, include but not limited to be incorporated into credit or debit card that the magnetic strip reader 1250 in the POS device 130 reads, can be incorporated into the electronic cards reader 1260 in the POS device 130 smart card that reads and the document that can be incorporated into document imager 1270 imagings in the POS device 130 similarly.The client can be by operating this device trade company or directly control POS device 130 respectively by POS peripherals 140.

[194] when once transaction uses POS device 130 to carry out, a kind ofly be used to discern trading item and comprise that the electronic program bag of payments document recognition reaction is forwarded to the loyal converter 212 of function central controller 110, whether this electronic program bag is made the trade company and the client that determine as the each side that participates in business and is registered in the loyal system.Identifying information by will being included in the litigant in the electronic program bag and registered member's Database Lists compare and carry out such comparison.If there is either party litigant not to be registered, so loyal converter 212 is forwarded to suitable authorities conducting the examination on the ministry's authorization 1220 with this electronic program bag.

[195] as institute in the aforesaid U.S. Patent application comprehensively as described in, authorities conducting the examination on the ministry's authorization can comprise a publisher and/or a distribution tissue usually.Such publisher can be the litigant of the distribution recognizer relevant with concrete loyalty program.Thereby for example, airline can be the publisher about the flight frequent buyer program.Similarly, the distribution tissue can be one group of litigant of the recognizer of a general loyalty program of distribution.Like this, for example, credit card company that provides the regular guest of airline to fly mileage can be the part of a distribution tissue, and this distribution tissue comprises provides regular guest's flight mileage and in addition to the fly airline of award of mileage of such regular guest.Such publisher can provide instrument, such as being used for discerning single client and at the magnetic card of the participation of loyal system 1200.

[196] receive the electronic program bag from loyal converter 1212 after, authorities conducting the examination on the ministry's authorization 1220 determines whether to license to this transaction and by loyal converter 1212 its decision is passed to initial POS device 130 according to its oneself standard.If the litigant of authorities conducting the examination on the ministry's authorization 1220 indication transaction is the accredited members in loyalty program, loyal converter 1212 further is transmitted to loyal main frame 1216 with this electronic program bag.This loyalty main frame 1216 is made of the collector of the comprehensive description of U.S. Patent application as described above usually.In brief, the effect of collector is as the go-between between distribution tissue and a plurality of trade company.This collector also can be used as the direct go-between between publisher and the trade company, and it is to organize similar mode to bring into play its function with aforementioned distribution in this case.

[197] the various administrative standards of loyal main frame 1216 storage loyalty program, they can form the part of a more comprehensive loyal system jointly.These administrative standards can be employed according to the various different schemes plans of so loyal system, below will describe some standards wherein.Various advantages comprise that the dirigibility that improves management is produced and allow in certain embodiments the bigger integration that forms in loyal system by the remote nature of loyal main frame 1216.

[198] thus loyal converter 1212 can be configured to that also the electronic program bag is forwarded to authorities conducting the examination on the ministry's authorization 1220 agrees transaction, although thereby this function will directly be carried out by loyal main frame 1216 and guarantee only just to give loyal credit in transaction by proper authorization and after carrying out satisfactorily in certain embodiments.

[199] loyal converter 12121, loyal main frame 1216 and authorities conducting the examination on the ministry's authorization 1220 coordinate operation that is relevant to transaction is illustrated in the process flow diagram 1300 of the embodiment of Figure 11.By the function expression in square frame 1315 substantially that loyal converter 1212 is carried out, in square frame 1325, represent substantially by the function that loyal main frame 1216 is carried out.In square frame 1304, transaction data is received as an electronic program bag through loyal converter 1212 from POS device 130 by communication network 120.Loyal converter 1212 compares with the identity of trade company and at square frame 1312 databases with client identity authentication and all participation trade companies of discriminating and client at square frame 1308.If client or trade company are not the participants of loyalty program, seek Trading Authorization at square frame 1328 so.POS device 130 is transmitted back in response, and transaction is performed or refuses according to authorization response there.

[200], carry out suitable loyalty at square frame 1316 according to the arrangement of carrying out for concrete participation trade company and/or concrete participation client so and handle if client and trade company have all participated in any loyalty program by 1200 operations of loyal system.Such execution can comprise making provides award to user's decision with in some cases by being incorporated into the receipt of the award of printer (not shown) printing in the POS device 130 immediately in the point of sale.Make at square frame 1320 and to judge that transaction whether need determining from the mandate of authorities conducting the examination on the ministry's authorization 1220.Need the example of the type of transaction of mandate to comprise credit and debit transaction; Do not need the example of the type of transaction of authorizing to comprise the use of stored value card or reward voucher, have the payment that special-purpose loyalty card is cashed in cash.If desired, the mandate of seeking to conclude the business at square frame 1324 and in 1332 assessments that respond.If transaction is rejected, withdraw from loyal transaction at square frame 1340 so, be returned to POS device 130 in square frame 1344 payment response.

[201] under this arrangement, the loyal execution of handling beginning before Trading Authorization is received usually.The main cause of doing like this is an efficient, thereby when carrying out loyal the processing, can seek Trading Authorization simultaneously.Thereby being contemplated to be a large amount of transaction will be authorized to make and require to withdraw from loyal transaction and will become exception.In an alternative embodiment, mandate can be sought before loyalty is handled beginning.The advantage of doing like this is can avoid withdrawing from transaction at square frame 1340, but lacks efficient generally.

[202] arrive square frame 1336 by process flow diagram, no matter concluding the business does not need to authorize or be authorized to because of transaction, and a response is returned to POS device 130.This response comprises loyal feature, for example counts or the variation of the availability of rewarding the indication that also has transaction to authorize.

[203] thus loyal main frame 1216 can dispose in every way realizes being relevant to Figure 12 and 13 described functions.Use a computer system in one embodiment, its example schematically shows in Figure 12 A.This figure put it briefly understand main frame 1216 each independent system unit how can with independently or the mode of more integrating implement.Loyal main frame 1216 is shown and comprises each hardware element that is electrically connected by bus 1408, comprises processor 1401, one or more input media 1402, one or more output unit 1403, one or more memory storage 1404, computer-readable storage media reader 1405a, communication system 1406, such as the processing accelerator module 1407 and the storer 1409 of DSP or application specific processor.This computer-readable storage media reader 1405a further is connected to computer-readable storage media 1405b, they long-range in conjunction with shown comprehensively, local, fixing and/or movably memory storage add and be used for of short duration and/or more for good and all preserve the storage media of computer-readable information.

[204] database information about trade company, publisher and/or individual client is stored on the memory storage 1404 usually.The database information this paper that is stored on the memory storage 1404 is called as " central database " sometimes, though do not require such central database to be stored on arbitrary independent memory storage here.For example, central database can comprise by being stored in the database that multiple memory storage 1404 distributes.Yet it only is the storage of the database information on local individual client and/or trade company's instrument that central database repels.For example, in the embodiment that transaction begins with the chip card that can discern the client that holds, the use of central database allows user record remotely to be stored at a distance of individual smart card.

[205] communication system 406 is configured to realize the communication of trade company and publisher's needs.Communication system 406 receives the electronic program bag and on demand any loyalty or payment authorization transmission is returned POS device 130 from POS device 130 like this.Except such foundation structure communication link that internal system is provided, communication system 406 also can be provided to such as the connection of other networks of internet and can comprise wired, wirelessly, modulator-demodular unit, and/or the interface of other types connects.Connection that should be additional for can be by loyal main frame described below 1216 auxiliary and support function that offer trade company, publisher and client can be of great use.

[206] loyal main frame 1216 also comprises software element, as is currently located at shown in working storage 1491 inside, comprises operating system 1492 and other codes 1493, such as the program that is designed to carry out method of the present invention.For it is evident that, can use various substantial variations according to real needs in the art skilled person.For example, also can use the hardware of customization and/or concrete element or to implement with both simultaneously with hardware, software (comprising portable software) such as applet.Further, can utilize the connection of leading to such as other calculation elements of network input/output device.

[207] Figure 12 B provides the synoptic diagram of an embodiment, organizes 1442 thereby wherein loyal main frame 1216 is connected to internet 1432 to trade company 1444, publisher 1446, publisher, and/or client 1436 service of providing support.Except management meets the transaction of loyal credit term, loyal main frame 1216 can be configured to participate in the service function of complementarity, these functions can be utilized such fact, and loyal main frame 1216 is equipped with the trade company 1444, publisher 1446, the publisher that are used for safeguarding participation and organizes 1442 and/or user 1436 database information.This covering Internet connection for the adaptation of supporting service regulate be outside being relevant to the use that the described foundation structure of Fig. 3 connects and be used for to the time do not resemble loyal handle important service and when being used to conclude the business the mandate of needs determine.

[208] though other support services that can be provided similarly will be provided, Figure 12 B has shown three examples of the support service that can dispose in this way.The particular element of collector 1440 is configured to link up with loyal main frame 1216, and the example comprises card creation element 1420, customer account management element 1424 and clearing element 1428.Such element can be provided as that the function that is made of loyal main frame 1216 maybe can be provided as respectively operation but and the loyal main frame 1216 of the visit function of carrying out together.Each supports box service element to comprise the communication with the internet, so their function can be organized 1442 and/or client's 1436 utilizations by trade company 1444, publisher 1446, publisher when must or catering to the need.

[209] above-described system is suitable for holding the loyalty program of number of different types.Loyal system has so done comprehensive description and has comprised for the loyalty program of independent shop or tissue or comprise other programs of crossing over a plurality of other uncorrelated tissues part as a more comprehensive loyal system in aforesaid U.S. Patent application.

[210] Figure 13 A-13D provides the illustrative example of the support function that can be carried out by loyal main frame 1216.For example, Figure 13 A is a process flow diagram 1500, and this figure has illustrated the card establishment function that can help by the interaction with loyal main frame 1216.At square frame 1504, one or more hope are delivered to collector 1440 to the information that its client provides the trade company 1444 of aforesaid loyalty program will describe loyalty program.Such loyalty program can be specific to a shop that provides, can broader applications to whole shops of the tissue that provides for, or can even cross over multiple trade company and tissue.At square frame 1508, publisher 1446 is delivered to collector 1440 with card information.Such information all will be enough to be used as the counting collector of this program and discern the client 1436 who participates in loyalty program from instrument whatsoever is designated usually.In certain embodiments, this information comprises the password that is distributed to client 1436, to the client with visiting other support functions described below.At square frame 1512, the information that receives from trade company 1444 and publisher 1446 is stored in the memory storage 1404 of loyal main frame 1216.Do this information of visit in this loyalty program of management later on that allows like this.

[211] Figure 13 B is a process flow diagram 1501, has illustrated among the figure that some can be subjected to the customer account management function that helps with the interaction of loyal main frame 1216.At square frame 1520, client's 1436 contact collectors 1440.This can occur in the multiple mode of being determined by client 1436, comprises by the internet, and phone, fax, or by mailing.The internet contact will follow one to greet interface usually, and client 1436 carries out oneself's identification by the password that he is provided in this interface.Show that when the identification identifying code that provides thereby a menu allows client 1436 to select the customer account management function of wishing.Similarly, although can obtain an option usually directly serves representative with the user and talks with, a spontaneous menu system is still used in telephone contact usually, and client 1436 will be required to provide his password to examine his identity and the function of selecting hope in this system.Mailing and facsimile are handled by the Customer Service Representative usually, can not provide answer fast as internet or telephonic communication usually.

[212] at square frame 1524, collector 1440 visits are from the record of the memory storage 1404 of loyal main frame 1216 in the time must answering client 1436 request.Though the customer account management of many other types service also can show three examples of request type by being provided by loyal main frame 1216 canned datas among the figure.For example, at square frame 1528, thereby collector 1440 can provide an activity summary to user 1436 by access to storage device 1404, and these summaries comprise such as these sum of counting and types when obtaining loyalty point, reach such information of counting of the target level needs of certain award in addition.

[213] at square frame 1532, thereby collector 1440 can access to storage device 1440 provides award to the client 1436 who has accumulated essential loyalty point.Such behavior is included as a specific client and checks the quantity of the loyalty point of being accumulated and type and carry out comparison with the requirement of loyalty program.In one embodiment, the one or more complimentary tickets such as on the internet electronic coupons can be provided for client 1436 as rewarding.

[214] behavior in square frame 1536 expressions is similarly, and the form with complimentary ticket provides but reward by collector 1440 coordinations not.For example, by a loyalty program that allows the client to exchange reward points to dissimilar trade companies, collector 1440 can write down the award selection of certain trade company and be arranged to reward when the client visits this trade company next time and be exchanged automatically.More particularly, suppose that loyalty program allows, and customer selecting is exchanged 10 discount in shop X shopping with counting.Collector 1440 is accepted this award of user's 1436 selections and this selection is recorded in the memory storage 1404.Next time the X of client access shop the time, thus the record of selecting in his award of square frame 1336 of Figure 11 use when making this client show his identification facility 10 by loyal main frame 1216 will be automatically by POS device 130 deductions.

[215] Figure 13 C is a process flow diagram 1502, and an embodiment that settlement function is assisted by loyal main frame 1216 has been described among the figure.This settlement system is specially adapted to such embodiment, and different in this embodiment trade companies and tissue participate in the public loyal system.Settlement system allows to settle accounts the value of counting separately of issuing or exchanging to loyal system between a plurality of participants, and the some of them clearing are the different correlation ratio of value distribution of counting.Like this, at square frame 1540, publisher 1446 will block action message and send to collector 1440 and collector follow the trail of in system distribution or counting of exchanging in square frame 1544.Collector 1440 is regularly settled accounts with publisher 1446 and trade company 1444 and is counted, therefore, and the independent auditor of the participation in loyal system as publisher 1446 and trade company 1444.Such settlement function is carried out when the 1216 occupied processing transaction of loyal main frame are minimum usually, for example time in the morning.

[216] except that such function, loyal main frame 1216 also needs the reports on the implementation function.The process flow diagram 1503 of Figure 13 D has illustrated an embodiment who comprises this report function.At square frame 1560, publisher 1446 or publisher organize 1442 by send the establishment that a report request starts a report to collector 1440.In the embodiment that substitutes, the report request can be regularly as every day, weekly, automatically started in every month.Employed loyal data are collected by set at square frame 1564 in the generation report, and in square frame 1568 generation reports.

E. fraud detection system

[217] another function central controller 110 can be one as be filed in March 4 calendar year 2001, name is called the fraud detection system that is disclosed in the U.S. Patent application No. 10/091000 (Attorney Docket No.020375-008700) of " currency transfer accounts evaluating system and method ", and the full text of this application is incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.In other incidents, such fraud detection system can provide various device and technology to be used to detect to relate to the monetary value account transfer, buys and use the fraud of stored value card etc.Fraud detection system can be connected to POS device 130 and therefore be relevant to the behavior that monitoring POS device takes place.Further, such fraud detection system can be made the mark of suspicious behavior and directly be reported these suspicious actions to POS device 130.In certain embodiments, thus fraud detection system can make that transaction of just carrying out is invalid avoids potential rogue behavior to succeed in POS device 130.The visit fraud detection system can be undertaken by another function central controller 110, such as being undertaken by hereinbefore described Value Transfer system.Perhaps, or in addition, visit this fraud detection system and can be provided directly to POS device 130 by communication network 120.Under these circumstances, visit can be relevant to the described method of Fig. 5 D and realizes with being similar to the front.

[218] as the example that also has a fraud detection system, the method that discloses as this paper and the use of parts can be relevant to and be filed in _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, name be called the U.S. Patent application of " payment processing system and method " _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ number (Attorney Docekt No.020375-008800), the full text of this application is incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.

F. check acceptance system

[219], the embodiment that use and check system 1600 interactional POS devices 130 carry out the check trading scheme has been described among the figure with reference to Figure 14 and Figure 15.In this embodiment, cash a check system 1600 uses the parts of following POS device 130: MICR reader, rolling printer, slip printer, document imager, magnetic strip reader and modulator-demodular unit.Should be realized that use other embodiment more or still less parts can be used similarly according to the present invention.Cash a check system 1600 is by 110 controls of function central controller, and this function central controller 110 comprises cash a check main frame 1610 and database 1620.In addition, cash a check system 1600 comprises the trade company employed phone 1640 relevant with POS device 130 as dotted line 1641 expression, with as the dotted line 1631 managerial personnel employed phone 1630 relevant with function central controller 110 that represent.

[220] in certain embodiments, visit cash a check system 1600 is programmed is the part of POS device 130.In such embodiments, finishing the exchange requisite parts relevant with cash a check system 1600 can be used as a part of making POS device 130 and realizes.

[221] yet, in some other embodiment, after being installed to the trade company place, POS device 130 must dynamically be configured to works together with cash a check system 1600 sometimes.With reference to Figure 15 A, the process flow diagram 1701 of realizing POS device 130 according to embodiments of the invention has been described among the figure.At first, relevant with POS device 130 trade company gets in touch with request with managerial personnel relevant with cash a check system 1600 and uses this system (square frame 1709).In certain embodiments, this can carry out speech communication and finish by communication network 120 usefulness phones 1630,1640.In some other embodiment, the request of visit uses the POS device 130 that links by communication network 120 and function central controller 110 to realize.

[222] when request visit (square frame 1709), trade company is apprised of management access and uses the clause (square frame 1719) of cash a check system 1600.In some instances, clause very simply and is not proposed any requirement to trade company yet.In some other example, clause requires trade company to pay the bill once and/or based on transaction.For example, clause can require to share with trade company a little number percent part of its profit that is obtained by visit cash a check system 1600.According to this disclosure, skilled in the art those of ordinary skill will be recognized many at the different business relations that allow just to have entered before the use cash a check system of trade company 1600.For example, as the exchange of using cash a check system 1600, trade company can be displayed on POS device 130 and/or the related POS peripherals with the popularization pattern that be intended to allow function central controller 110 provide when cash a check system 1600 is relevant to the transaction of POS device 130.

[223] after the clause of grant access cash a check system of trade company 1600, check exchange host 1610 is by communication network 120 contact POS devices 130 (square frames 1729).In a specific embodiment, such contact is finished by dialing modem with the internet of a part that comprises communication network 120.After being established with getting in touch of POS device 130, check exchange host 1610 writes the storer 114 of POS device 130, thereby cash a check system 1600 is identified as adding obtainable function central controllers (square frame 1739) for POS device 130.In addition, check exchange host 1610 points out when visit all effective parts of cash a check system 1600 at POS device 130 and/or POS peripherals 140 inside POS devices 130.Such information is used to allow to lead to by function gating matrix 116 and from the visit of the various parts of POS device 130.In certain embodiments, make parts effectively can both make these parts consider that effectively and not which function central controller is accessed by any function central controller 110.In some other embodiment, only these parts are just effective when making the effective function central controller of parts 110 accessed.

[224] in addition, the software application of carrying out on CPU218 can download to POS device 130 from check exchange host 1610.This function also can be afterwards carried out in the time of the out-of-date softward interview cash a check system of POS device 130 usefulness 1600.Like this, cash a check system 1600 can guarantee that POS device 130 remains up-to-date software version.

[225] cash a check system 1600 be identified and finish for POS device 130 the necessary parts of the transaction that is relevant to cash a check system 1600 effectively after (square frame 1739), function central controller 110 and POS device 130 disconnect and connect (square frame 1749) and will arrive database 1620 (square frame 1759) with the related information updating of the POS device 130 of trade company and new configuration.Thereby such information can be used to allow to conduct interviews after the POS device 130, be used in the place control visit of the clause regulation advertising of visit advertising, be used to the use of monitoring POS device with adding up and determine which kind of display material will be by POS device transmission or the like.

[226] along with POS device 130 is configured to visit cash a check system 1600, it does not need to carry out again this work, is interrupted unless some reasons cause visiting cash a check system 1600 afterwards.In certain embodiments, under the POS device was configured to allow to visit situation such as the concrete function central controller 110 of the cash a check system 1600 under this situation, visit was automatic when via concrete transaction of POS device 130 requests the time.Like this, for example, when check is as described below shown when being used to cash, POS device 130 via communication network 120 automatically access function central controller 110 to finish transaction.

[227] with reference to Figure 15 B, process flow diagram 1702 has illustrated and has been relevant to the embodiment that cash a check system 1600 uses the method for POS device 130.The use of cash a check system 1600 is from inserting POS device 130 or POS peripherals 140 (square frame 1704) by trade company or client with check.In certain embodiments, the touch-screen via the POS device is selected the check processing capacity when finishing the insertion check.In some other embodiment, the selection that check is handled is unnecessary, automatically allows the POS device that the check processing capacity that is provided by cash a check system 1600 is provided because check is inserted into POS device 130.

[228] MICR line on the check of Cha Ruing and/or terminal image read (square frame 1708) by the MICR reader and/or the document imager of POS device 130.The MICR line can magnetically and optically be read, and the paper path from the top, POS device 130 back side withdraws from check then.The method that substitutes is to allow POS device 130 read the MICR line twice (forward and backward), from the front of POS device 130 check is withdrawed from then.In certain embodiments, check not exclusively withdraws from.But check can partly withdraw from, thereby trade company is not needed for being coated with pin/calcellation or printing payee, the amount of money, text amount of money or the like and insert check again.

[229] be read with function selectedly along with check, POS device 130 begins to visit check exchange host 1610 (square frame 428) via the modulator-demodular unit relevant with POS device 130.Visit time, the amount of money and any other related data (square frame 412) that trade company imports check via keyboard relevant with POS device 130 or touch-screen.Also in visit cash a check system 1600, POS device 130 determines that whether the amount of money and other information be printed on the check of insertion (square frame 1716) by POS device 130.If check is not finished and will be printed by POS device 130, each zone of check is with the slip printer prints (square frame 1718) of POS device 130 so.

[230] in case check exchange host 1610 is accessed, just carry out authorisation process (square frame 1732), as the part of authorisation process, check exchange host 1610 determines whether POS device 130 is authorized to visit the transaction that cash a check system 1600 carries out request.Such process can comprise that reception is from the identifying information of POS device 130 with according to the registered identifying information catalogue inspection identifying information that is kept on the database 1620.In various embodiments, the image of document is delivered to function central controller 110 from POS device 130 and further analyzes.

[231] further, licensing process comprises the transaction (square frame 1736) based on the information mandate reality that reads from the check that is inserted into POS device 130.In certain embodiments, accounts information and be transferred to check exchange host 1610 from the scheme information that check obtains from POS device 130 by the MICR reader.Then, this check exchange host 1610 compares account and scheme information and known bear's and/or suspicious account catalogue.Like this, information relatively point out check be bear maybe may be bear situation under, mandate can be rejected.

[232] in some cases, comparative result does not point out that check is a situation nominal or that other fall under suspicion.In this case, determine whether this mechanism will accept eCheck mandate (" ECA ") from cash a check system 1600.As used herein, such ECA can be an electronic check conversion, check acceptance, and/or check blocks.The information that the determining of ECA can part reads from the check that inserts based on the MICR reader and with relatively being determined of the machine-processed catalogue of known support ECA.Under the situation that ECA is supported, the amount of money of check can automatically be lent and borrow in the merchant account from client's account.Under the situation that ECA is not supported, check can be received and be handled by this check is deposited in the merchant account by trade company.

The method of [233] three processing of mentioning will be relevant to following square frame and more fully discuss.At first, if this check is confirmed as bear, suspicious or do not exist sufficient funds (square frame 1736), transaction can be rejected (square frame 1720) and check is returned to client's (square frame 1724).In some instances, before check was returned to the client, cancelling also can be printed on the check.

[234] or, support ECA (square frame 1736) if determine the mechanism related by cash a check system 1600 with this check, then one and the similar receipt of sales ledger are with the rolling printer prints and give the client sign (square frame 1740).Then, determine whether signature (square frame 1744) on receipt of client.Thereby comprise at POS device 130 or POS peripheral unit 140 and special pens and touch screen to allow the client this can be carried out automatically under the situation of signing on the touch screen.Perhaps, also can be thus completed, allow the client on the receipt of printing, sign and then to allow trade company indicate this receipt and signed.Indicating like this can be finished by touch screen or the keyboard relevant with POS device 130 by trade company.Also have another kind of the selection, a kind of and POS device 130 relevant biostatistics interfaces can accept user's fingerprint or similarly tolerance as represent the signature of acceptance.

[235] the client under the situation of signing on the receipt, this check is inserted in the POS device 130 (square frame 1752) and is cancelled or be coated with pin (square frame 1756) in addition.Such calcellation can be printed word " calcellation " by the slip printer in the POS device 130 and be carried out on the surface of check.Then, with the paper transmission mechanism check that this is coated with pin is withdrawed from (square frame 1760) and returns to client's (square frame 1764) from POS device 130.Trade company no longer needs this check, because carry out from the automatic payment of customer account.This check that is coated with pin is as the receipt of transaction, is similar to the effect of the voided check that returns from customer bank.

[236] in certain embodiments, offer the account and the routing iinformation of POS device 130, POS device 130 even can print client's check (as seeing square frame 1716,1718) based on the client.Do like this and needing to avoid user's actual purchase and use check to finish various transaction.

[237] ECA may (square frame 1736) but the client not under the situation of signing on the receipt the direct gathering to customer account be not performed, but keep the account that actual check is used for it is deposited in trade company by trade company.More particularly, determine whether the self-cheque that comprises the client is printed (square frame 1748) fully.If check is incomplete, it is inserted into not finishing part and will using slip printer prints (square frame 1780) of (square frame 1768) in the POS device 130 and check faceup so.

[238] if check is complete, its is inserted into POS device 130 with facing down and is used for requiring stamped mark (square frame 1772) according to trade company.After stamped mark was done, check was removed (square frame 1776) and is placed on the cash register of trade company (square frame 1781) from POS device 130) be used for trade company and deposit merchant account later in.

[239] or, owing to any reason (for example, mechanism does not know or be inharmonious with cash a check system 1600 that perhaps Ji Zhi visit has fault) makes under the impossible situation of ECA, this actual check is kept by trade company and is used for being deposited in the merchant account.More particularly, determine whether the self-cheque that comprises the client is printed (square frame 1748) fully.If check is incomplete, it is inserted into not finishing part and will using slip printer prints (square frame 1780) of (square frame 1768) in the POS device 130 and check faceup so.

[240] if check is complete, its is inserted into POS device 130 with facing down and is used for requiring stamped mark (square frame 1772) according to trade company.After stamped mark was finished, this check was removed (square frame 1776) and is placed in the cash register of trade company (square frame 1781) and is used for trade company and deposits merchant account later in from the POS device.

[241] in some instances, the software that is used to operate POS device 130 downloads to POS device 130 by cash a check system 1600.Thereby such software can carry out POS device 130 in print data, payee, the text amount of money and numerical value amount of money acceleration transaction in the point of sale on check.If this selection wishes that trade company is inserted into printing terminal with unsigned blank check so.This printed check then is returned the client.In a general exchange pattern, be not most important for the actual signature of user check, thereby because the user on receipt, sign finish this transaction simultaneously fund extracted automatically.In specific embodiment, this software further provides to print and comprises the complete check of amount of money number, routing iinformation and MICR information, finishes transaction thereby make the client even not need a check.

G. other examples

Should be realized that [242] POS device 130 and POS peripheral unit 140 and relevant method and parts thereof are realized various functions thereby can be used in many relevant other systems and/or the method.For example, such system, method and parts can and be submitted on July 11st, 2000 when using, No. 09/613615, the U.S. Patent application of " being used for handling the method and system of individual " by name to individual's payment and currency request with the internet, submitted October 26 calendar year 2001, No. 10/045633, the U.S. Patent application of " group's payment automatically " by name, submitted October 26 calendar year 2001, No. 10/046654, the U.S. Patent application of " the automatic account transfer of Stored Value fund " by name, submitted October 26 calendar year 2001, No. 10/045632, the U.S. Patent application of " lending " by name from the draft of Stored Value fund, and submitted October 29 calendar year 2001, the system and method that discloses in No. 10/021292, the U.S. Patent application of by name " based on the payment of signature " is associated, and all the elements of these patented claims are incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.

[243] in some above-mentioned patented claims, the user realizes the account transfer of currency with the internet.Conversely, the recipient can collect the currency that this is transferred accounts in every way.In specific embodiments of the invention, the sender can begin the account transfer of currency with the internet, and the recipient can obtain the currency that this is transferred accounts by the interaction with POS device 130 and/or POS peripheral unit 140.

[244] according to other embodiments of the invention, system, method and the parts that this paper discloses can and be submitted September 18 calendar year 2001 when using, No. 09/955747, the U.S. Patent application of " method and system of Stored Value account transfer " by name, the system and method that is disclosed is associated, and all the elements in this patented claim are incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.The value that POS device 130 and/or POS peripheral unit 140 can be used to accept the value that is used to transfer accounts and/or account transfer is provided.

[245] also have among some other embodiment of the present invention, system disclosed herein, method and parts also can and be submitted Dec 6 calendar year 2001 when using, No. 10/010068, the U.S. Patent application of " greeting of electronics gift " by name, submitted on Dec 15th, 2000, the system and method that discloses in No. 09/737912, the U.S. Patent application of by name " ordering and have the online method and system of the newspaper hello messages and the means of payment " is associated, and all the elements of these two patented claims are incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.POS device 130 and/or peripheral unit 140 can be used to receive and/or send message as discussing in the above-mentioned patented claim.

[246] also have further among the embodiment of the present invention, system disclosed herein, method and parts also can and be submitted on February 29th, 2000 when using, No. 09/516209, the U.S. Patent application of " method of electronic business transaction and transfer of financial resources equipment " by name, be associated with same subject being arranged and submit the system and method that discloses in No. 09/991379, the U.S. Patent application in November 15 calendar year 2001, all the elements of these two patented claims are incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.POS device 130 and/or peripheral unit 140 can be used to receive as above-mentioned patented claim is discussed and/or the transmission fund.

[247] other embodiment of the present invention comprise system disclosed herein, method and parts, these systems, method and parts are when using and submitted on May 10th, 1999, No. 09/307485, the U.S. Patent application of " based on the monetary payoff system of internet " by name, be associated with same subject being arranged and submitting the system and method that in No. 10/045313, the U.S. Patent application in October 23 calendar year 2001, discloses, these two patented claims all the elements be incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.POS device 130 and/or peripheral unit 140 can be used to receive as above-mentioned patented claim is discussed and/or the transmission fund.

[248] of the present invention also have further that embodiment comprises system disclosed herein, method and parts, these systems, method and parts are when using and submitted September 26 calendar year 2001, No. 09/965667, the U.S. Patent application of " being convenient to the system and method for shipped commodity payment " by name, with submitted October 4 calendar year 2001, the system and method that the U.S. Patent application 09/971726 of " being used for handling the method and system of financial document " by name discloses is associated, and all the elements of these two patented claims are incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.POS device 130 and/or peripheral unit 140 can be used to receive as above-mentioned patented claim is discussed and/or the transmission fund.

[249] other additional embodiment comprise the system and method for payment and/or registration, as submitted on March 29th, 2002, No. 10/112440, the U.S. Patent application (AttorneyDocket No.020375-001500US) of " system and method that is used for the consumer of registration goods and service " by name, with submitted on March 29th, 2002, No. 10/112258 (Attorney Docket No.020375-004030US) middle system and method that discloses of the U.S. Patent application of " electronic recognition payment system and method " by name is associated, and all the elements of these two patented claims are incorporated by reference herein for various purposes.

IV. conclusion

[250] to be described in detail now be purpose in order to set forth and to understand in the present invention.Yet, be understandable that some variation and modification can realize in the scope of attached claim.For example, any amount of function central controller 110 can be relevant to any amount of POS device 130 and/or POS peripheral unit 140 when using.In addition, the method for the function of system and these systems of use only is exemplary.Therefore, should be realized that many other system, function, method and various combinations thereof can be arranged according to the present invention.Like this, though the present invention is described with reference to specific embodiment and accompanying drawing thereof, these embodiment and accompanying drawing only are illustrative, rather than limitation of the present invention.Or rather, scope of the present invention can only be determined by attached claim.

Claims

1, a kind of point-of-sale device is characterized in that, comprising:

Be suitable for carrying out the elementary cell of trade company's function in the point of sale, this elementary cell comprises the elementary cell case and is set in this elementary cell case and is configured for the processor of handling multiple type of transaction that wherein the wherein a kind of of multiple type of transaction is the check acceptance transaction; With

With the peripheral cell of this elementary cell contact, this peripheral cell comprises the peripheral cell case and is suitable for the function point of sale execution client.

2, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, this elementary cell case comprises the document socket that is suitable for receiving document.

3, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 2, it is characterized in that, wherein, this elementary cell further comprises with respect to document socket location and the magnetic ink character that reads the magnetic ink character string on the document when being suitable for when document is inserted into the document socket in is discerned reader.

4, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 2, it is characterized in that, wherein, this elementary cell comprises that further this document imager obtains the image of document when being suitable in document is inserted into the document socket with respect to the document imager of document socket location.

5, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, further comprises being configured for the printing equipment of printing at the document that receives from the document socket.

6, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, wherein, this printing equipment is the slip printer, and this point-of-sale device further comprises:

The rolling printer.

7, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, wherein, this printing equipment is the slip printer, and this point-of-sale device further comprises:

Be configured for the document imager of the image of the document that acquisition receives from this document socket; With

The shared public paper transmission mechanism of document imager and slip printer wherein.

8, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises the biostatistics device.

9, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, wherein, biostatistics device and peripheral cell form integral body.

10, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, wherein, the biostatistics device is the fingerprint device.

11, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, and the display that elementary cell further is included on the elementary cell case and links up with processor.

12, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, wherein, elementary cell further comprises touch-screen.

13, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, and the keyboard that this elementary cell further is included on the elementary cell case and links up with processor.

14, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, wherein, the elementary cell case further comprises the Payment Card socket that is used to receive Payment Card, and wherein elementary cell further comprises the magnetic strip reader that is attached to this elementary cell case Payment Card spigot and links up with processor.

15, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, further comprises the magnetic stripe recording device of linking up with elementary cell.

16, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, elementary cell further comprises the card distribution device of the stored value card that is used to issue one or more types.

17, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that, wherein, the stored value card of one or more types comprises phonecard.

18, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that, wherein, the stored value card of one or more types comprises the retail Gift Card.

19, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, further comprises the modulator-demodular unit that is arranged in the elementary cell case and links up with processor.

20, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises an external communication interface of linking up with processor.

21, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that, wherein, processor is further configured by external communication interface and receives and handle internet communication.

22, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, the elementary cell case is suitable for being placed on trade company's sales counter.

23, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, the elementary cell case is adapted to be mounted within on the wall.

24, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, peripheral cell is included in the display on the peripheral cell case.

25, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 24 is characterized in that, wherein, display is suitable for obtaining electronic signature.

26, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that, wherein, peripheral cell further comprises the electronic writing pen that is configured to write on display.

27, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, peripheral cell is included in the keyboard on the peripheral cell case.

28, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, peripheral cell comprises:

On peripheral Cell, be used to receive the Payment Card socket of Payment Card; With

Be attached to the magnetic stripe card reader of this peripheral cell case Payment Card spigot.

29, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, peripheral cell comprises the intelligent card reader that is attached on the peripheral cell case.

30, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, wherein, elementary cell further comprises refuting goes to the station to meet somebody and peripheral cell is suitable for refuting to refute in going to the station to meet somebody at this connecing.

31, a kind of point-of-sale device is characterized in that, comprising:

Casing;

Be positioned at the external communication interface on this casing; With

Be arranged on the processor of linking up with this external communication interface in this casing, this processor is configured to be used for:

Handle multiple type of transaction a point of sale; With

Receive and handle internet communication by this external communication interface.

32, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 31 is characterized in that, further comprises:

The display of on casing and with processor, linking up; With

The keyboard of on casing and with processor, linking up.

33, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 31 is characterized in that, wherein:

Casing comprises the document socket that is suitable for receiving document; With

This point-of-sale device further comprises the magnetic ink character recognition device of locating and be suitable for reading the magnetic ink character string on the document with respect to the document socket when document is inserted into the document socket.

34, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 31 is characterized in that, further comprises the peripheral cell interface that is positioned on the casing and links up with processor, and this peripheral cell interface is configured to provide the communication with the peripheral cell that is suitable for carrying out client's function.

35, a kind of point-of-sale device is characterized in that, comprising:

Be suitable for carrying out the elementary cell of trade company's function in the point of sale, this elementary cell comprises elementary cell case with the document socket that is suitable for receiving document, be set in this elementary cell case and be configured for the processor of handling multiple type of transaction, with respect to document socket location and be suitable for when document is inserted into the document socket, reading the magnetic ink character recognition device of the magnetic ink character string on the document; With become whole refuting with this elementary cell case and go to the station to meet somebody; With

Link up with this elementary cell and be suitable for refuting the peripheral cell that connects with this elementary cell, this peripheral cell comprises peripheral cell case and the display on this peripheral cell case.

36, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, wherein, comprises one of at least the magnetic stripe card card reader that is suitable for reading from Payment Card magnetic stripe in elementary cell and the peripheral cell.

37, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, further comprises the external communication interface of linking up with processor, and wherein, this processor further is configured to receive and handle internet communication by external communication interface.

38, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, wherein, display further comprises touch-screen and is suitable for obtaining electronic signature.

39, a kind ofly be used to handle transaction method, this method comprises:

Obtain the information that is relevant to transaction in the point of sale with peripheral cell, wherein this information is to comprise that at least a type in the multiple authorized transactions type that limits in advance that check handles is needed;

This information is delivered in this locality with respect to the elementary cell of this peripheral cell location; With

Conclude the business with the information processing of transmitting according to this at least a authorized transactions type that limits in advance.

40, method as claimed in claim 39 is characterized in that, wherein, obtains the information that is relevant to transaction and comprises the signature that obtains the client by the touch-screen display electricity.

41, method as claimed in claim 39 is characterized in that, wherein, obtains the information that is relevant to transaction and comprises from the keyboard that is included in peripheral cell and obtain numerical data.

42, method as claimed in claim 39 is characterized in that, wherein, obtains the information usefulness that is relevant to transaction and comprises that the magnetic stripe card card reader that peripheral cell comprises reads magnetic stripe.

43, method as claimed in claim 39 is characterized in that, wherein, obtains the information that is relevant to transaction and comprises that the smart card reader that comprises with peripheral cell reads smart card.

44, method as claimed in claim 39 is characterized in that, wherein, described information is delivered to elementary cell is undertaken by wireless.

45, method as claimed in claim 39 is characterized in that, further comprises with elementary cell collecting the additional information that is relevant to transaction, and wherein, this additional information also is that the described at least a authorized transactions type that limits in advance is needed.

46, method as claimed in claim 45 is characterized in that, wherein, collects the additional information that is relevant to transaction and comprises that the magnetic ink character identification reader that comprises with elementary cell reads the magnetic ink character string from document.

47, a kind of point-of-sale device is characterized in that, comprising:

Carry out the device of trade company's function in the point of sale, this device comprises box body device and is set at processor device in first box body device that this treating apparatus is used to handle the multiple type of payment that comprises that check is handled; With

Carry out the device of client's function in the point of sale, the device that wherein is used to carry out the device of trade company's function and is used to carry out client's function is communicated with each other.

48, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 47 is characterized in that, wherein, box body device comprises:

Be used to receive the device of document; With

The device that when document is inserted into the device that is used for receiving document, is used to read the magnetic ink character string on the document.

49, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 47, it is characterized in that, wherein, box body device comprises first display equipment, first display equipment like this is configured to support touch operation, and wherein, the device that is used to carry out client's function comprises second display equipment, and the second such display equipment is configured to obtain electronic signature information.

50, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 47 is characterized in that, wherein, at least a device that is used for carrying out the device of trade company's function and is used to carry out the device of client's function comprises the device that is used to read the included magnetic stripe of Payment Card.

51, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 47 is characterized in that, wherein, box body device comprises and is used for the device of carrying out client's function is refuted the device of receiving execution trade company function.

52, point-of-sale device as claimed in claim 47 is characterized in that, further comprises being used to carry out outside device from point-of-sale device to the internet communication of handling apparatus.

53, a kind of system that is used to realize Value Transfer is characterized in that, this system comprises:

Point-of-sale device, wherein, this point-of-sale device is linked up by first communication network and first transaction system, and links up by second communication network and second transaction system.

54, system as claimed in claim 53 is characterized in that, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises elementary cell and peripheral cell.

55, system as claimed in claim 54 is characterized in that, wherein, elementary cell comprises first touch-screen display, and peripheral cell comprises second touch-screen display.

56, system as claimed in claim 53 is characterized in that, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises the document imager.

57, system as claimed in claim 53 is characterized in that, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises magnetic ink character identification reader.

58, system as claimed in claim 53 is characterized in that, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises slip printer and rolling printer, and this slip printer and rolling printer use a shared paper transmission mechanism.

59, system as claimed in claim 53 is characterized in that, wherein, first transaction system comprises the function central controller.

60, system as claimed in claim 53 is characterized in that, wherein, first transaction system is a money-transfer system.

61, system as claimed in claim 60 is characterized in that, wherein, first communication network is a telephone network.

62, system as claimed in claim 60 is characterized in that, wherein, second transaction system is the stored value card system.

63, system as claimed in claim 62 is characterized in that, wherein, second communication network is a telephone network.

As the described system of claim 63, it is characterized in that 64, wherein, first communication network is the internet.

65, as the described system of claim 64, it is characterized in that, wherein, at least one system in first and second transaction systems provide a kind of based on the operation point-of-sale device trade company and and the incoherent supplier in supply commercial city of this trade company or point-of-sale device between the addressable function of agreement.

66, system as claimed in claim 53 is characterized in that, wherein, first communication network is identical communication network with second communication network.

67, system as claimed in claim 53 is characterized in that, further comprises:

The 3rd transaction system with third communication network communication; With

Wherein, point-of-sale device is linked up by the 3rd communication network and the 3rd transaction system.

As the described system of claim 67, it is characterized in that 68, wherein, at least one system is the check acceptance system in first, second and the 3rd transaction system.

69, as the described system of claim 67, it is characterized in that, wherein, at least two systems entity maintaining by separately in first, second and the 3rd transaction system.

70, as the described system of claim 67, it is characterized in that, wherein:

First transaction system is a money-transfer system;

Second transaction system is the stored value card system; With

The 3rd transaction system is the check acceptance system.

As the described system of claim 67, it is characterized in that 71, wherein, first transaction system is a fraud detection system.

72, a kind of system from one or more point-of-sale device realization Value Transfer, this system comprises:

With a plurality of point-of-sale device that a point-of-sale terminal control system is linked up, wherein, the second sub-device and second transaction system in the first sub-device in a plurality of point-of-sale device and the communication of first transaction system and a plurality of point-of-sale device are linked up.

As the described system of claim 72, it is characterized in that 73, wherein, point-of-sale terminal control system, first transaction system and second transaction system can both dispose the one or more devices in a plurality of point-of-sale device.

74, as the described system of claim 72, it is characterized in that, wherein:

The first sub-device in a plurality of point-of-sale device had not only been linked up with first transaction system but also with second transaction system; With

The second sub-device in a plurality of point-of-sale device and first transaction system are linked up, but do not link up with second transaction system.

75, as the described system of claim 74, it is characterized in that, wherein, finish whole Value Transfer and comprise first point-of-sale device and first and second transaction systems between the two, and the communication between second point-of-sale device and first transaction system.

As the described system of claim 75, it is characterized in that 76, wherein, first transaction system is a money-transfer system.

As the described system of claim 76, it is characterized in that 77, wherein, second transaction system is the check acceptance system.

As the described system of claim 76, it is characterized in that 78, wherein, second transaction system is a fraud detection system.

79, a kind of system that is used to realize Value Transfer is characterized in that, this system comprises:

First point-of-sale device with the communication of first communication network;

Second point-of-sale device with this first communication network communication; With

The check acceptance system of linking up by the communication network that dials up on the telephone and this first point-of-sale device and second point-of-sale device.

As the described system of claim 79, it is characterized in that 80, this system further comprises:

Transaction system by second communication network and first point-of-sale device and the communication of second point-of-sale device.

As the described system of claim 80, it is characterized in that 81, wherein, transaction system is a money-transfer system.

As the described system of claim 81, it is characterized in that 82, wherein, second communication network is the internet.

As the described system of claim 79, it is characterized in that 83, wherein, first point-of-sale device and second point-of-sale device are identical.

As the described system of claim 79, it is characterized in that 84, wherein, first point-of-sale device comprises the parts identical with second point-of-sale device, and first point-of-sale device is configured to be different from second point-of-sale device.

As the described system of claim 79, it is characterized in that 85, wherein, first point-of-sale device comprises the document imager.

As the described system of claim 85, it is characterized in that 86, wherein, the document imager obtains the image of document, and, be transferred to the check acceptance system from the information of the image of this document by the communication network that dials up on the telephone.

As the described system of claim 85, it is characterized in that 87, wherein, first point-of-sale device further comprises the slip printer.

As the described system of claim 87, it is characterized in that 88, wherein, first point-of-sale device further comprises the paper transmission mechanism, this paper transmission mechanism between check imager and slip printer by shared.

As the described system of claim 79, it is characterized in that 89, wherein, first point-of-sale device further comprises the rolling printer.

As the described system of claim 79, it is characterized in that 90, wherein, first point-of-sale device further comprises elementary cell and peripheral cell.

As the described system of claim 90, it is characterized in that 91, wherein, elementary cell comprises document feeder, document imager and slip printer.

As the described system of claim 90, it is characterized in that 92, wherein, peripheral cell comprises the touch-screen that is used to receive electronic signature.

93, as the described system of claim 92, it is characterized in that, wherein, document is inserted in the document feeder, use the document imager to obtain the image of document, the information that is associated with document is transferred to the check acceptance system by dial-up network, and receives from this check acceptance system by this dial-up network and to reply.

As the described system of claim 92, it is characterized in that 94, wherein, document further is coated with pin by the slip printer when using the check acceptance system to finish transaction.

95, a kind ofly be used to realize transaction method, this method comprises:

Point-of-sale device is provided, and wherein, this point-of-sale device comprises processor and storer;

This point-of-sale device is associated with first transaction system and second transaction system;

Receive transaction request by this point-of-sale device; With

Transaction is finished in the response transaction request, and wherein, at least one system is accessed in first transaction system and second transaction system.

As the described method of claim 95, it is characterized in that 96, wherein, point-of-sale device is associated with first transaction system to be comprised:

By communication network Ke Gou earthing this point-of-sale device is coupled to this first transaction system; With

To storer, wherein, thereby this instruction can be carried out convenient transaction by point-of-sale device with instruction load.

As the described method of claim 95, it is characterized in that 97, wherein, first transaction system is a money-transfer system, second transaction system is a fraud detection system, and described transaction is a money transfers.

98, as the described method of claim 97, it is characterized in that, wherein, described finish the transaction comprise:

Whether definite transaction is suspicious; With

Currency is transferred to the destination from the source place.

As the described method of claim 98, it is characterized in that 99, wherein, point-of-sale device is first point-of-sale device, described destination comprises second point-of-sale device.

100, as the described method of claim 95, it is characterized in that, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises the elementary cell that is configured for the input of reception trade company and is configured for the peripheral cell that receives client's input that described reception transaction request comprises that receiving described trade company by this elementary cell imports.

As the described method of claim 100, it is characterized in that 101, wherein, elementary cell comprises touch-screen, and the input of at least a portion trade company is by this touch-screen input.

102, as the described method of claim 95, it is characterized in that, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises the peripheral cell that is configured for the elementary cell that receives trade company's input and is configured for reception client input, and wherein, described reception transaction request comprises that receiving the client by this peripheral cell imports.

As the described method of claim 102, it is characterized in that 103, wherein, peripheral cell comprises magnetic strip reader, and wherein at least a portion client input is imported by this magnetic strip reader.

104, as the described method of claim 95, it is characterized in that, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises the peripheral cell that is configured for the elementary cell that receives trade company's input and is configured for reception client input, and wherein, described reception transaction request comprises by this peripheral cell reception client's input and receives trade company by this elementary cell to be imported.

As the described method of claim 95, it is characterized in that 105, wherein, first transaction system is the stored value card system, and wherein said transaction request is to buy the request of stored value card.

106, as the described method of claim 105, it is characterized in that, wherein, described finish the transaction comprise:

Payment is input in the point-of-sale device, and wherein, the trade company that the fund quilt relevant with payment is relevant with point-of-sale device receives;

At least a portion fund is loaded on the stored value card; With

Issue this stored value card.

As the described method of claim 106, it is characterized in that 107, this method further comprises:

The part fund that is loaded on the stored value card is delivered to the stored value card system from point-of-sale device, wherein, sets up an account of pointing out available funds sum on this stored value card.

As the described method of claim 106, it is characterized in that 108, this method further comprises:

Be point-of-sale device identification client; With

The part fund and the client identification information that are loaded on the stored value card are delivered to the stored value card system from point-of-sale device, wherein, set up one with discern the relevant and account that comprise available funds volume in the stored value card of client.

As the described method of claim 106, it is characterized in that 109, wherein, stored value card is in the right and wrong activity of when distribution, thereby the client who receives stored value card must activate this stored value card with the stored value card interconnection.

As the described method of claim 95, it is characterized in that 110, wherein, first transaction system is the stored value card system, described transaction request is to buy the request of goods or service with stored value card, describedly finishes transaction and comprises:

In the interface relevant, receive stored value card with point-of-sale device;

Contact stored value card system, wherein this stored value card and the amount of money all are passed to this stored value card system; With

Thereby reception from the approval of this stored value card system with this stored value card to goods or services pay.

As the described method of claim 110, it is characterized in that 111, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises printer, this method further comprises:

Provide receipt by this printer, wherein, this receipt comprises the relevant information of finishing transaction.

112, as the described method of claim 95, this method further comprises:

Be point-of-sale device identification client.

113, as the described method of claim 112, it is characterized in that, wherein, finish this client of identification by input client's information via the keyboard relevant with point-of-sale device.

As the described method of claim 112, it is characterized in that 114, wherein, the identification client is included in the card that brushing tool on the magnetic card reader relevant with point-of-sale device has customer information.

As the described method of claim 112, it is characterized in that 115, wherein, the identification client is included in point-of-sale device and receives radio frequency signals from the dispensing device relevant with the client, this radio frequency signals comprises the information that is used to discern the client.

As the described method of claim 95, it is characterized in that 116, wherein, first transaction system is the check acceptance system, and wherein, described transaction request is to buy the request of goods or service.

As the described method of claim 116, it is characterized in that 117, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises MICR reader and input interface, and wherein, describedly finish transaction and comprise:

Check is inserted point-of-sale device; With

Use this MICR reader to read the MICR line related with this check.

As the described method of claim 116, it is characterized in that 118, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises MICR reader, communication device and input interface, and wherein, describedly finish transaction and comprise:

Read the MICR line related with this MICR reader with check;

By this input interface input cheque sum;

Use this communication device with the amount of money and and the information that is associated of MICR line be delivered to the check acceptance system; With

The mandate of check is accepted in reception, and wherein, this is authorized from this check acceptance system and receives.

119, as the described method of claim 118, it is characterized in that, wherein, authorize to comprise the indication that a check can use the eCheck mandate to handle.

As the described method of claim 116, it is characterized in that 120, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises MICR reader, communication device and printer, and wherein, describedly finish transaction and comprise:

Use this MICR reader to read the MICR line related with check;

Use this communication device that the information relevant with this MICR line is delivered to the check acceptance system;

Receive the mandate of accepting check from this check acceptance system; With

The receipt that is used to conclude the business by this printer prints.

121, as the described method of claim 120, it is characterized in that, wherein, describedly finish transaction and further comprise:

Receive client's signature; With

Fund that will be relevant with check is transferred on the account relevant with the trade company of operating point-of-sale device with electronic method.

As the described method of claim 120, it is characterized in that 122, wherein, printer is the rolling printer, point-of-sale device further comprises the slip printer, and wherein, describedly finishes transaction and further comprises:

Fund that will be relevant with check is transferred in the account relevant with the trade company of operating point-of-sale device with electronic method; With

Use this slip printer to be coated with this check of pin.

As the described method of claim 116, it is characterized in that 123, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises MICR reader, communication device, and wherein, describedly finish transaction and comprise:

Use this MICR reader to read the MICR line relevant with check;

Use this communication device that the information relevant with this MICR line is delivered to the check acceptance system; With

Reception from this check acceptance system about not obtaining the indication of eCheck mandate.

As the described method of claim 123, it is characterized in that 124, wherein, point-of-sale device comprises printer, and wherein, describedly finish transaction and further comprise:

Check is inserted this point-of-sale device; With

Use printer to give this Check Printing mark.

As the described method of claim 124, it is characterized in that 125, this method further comprises:

Use at least a portion of printer prints check.

126, a kind of method that is used to carry out the eCheck mandate, this method comprises:

Point-of-sale device is provided, and wherein, this point-of-sale device comprises processor, storer, printer, input interface and MICR reader;

Point-of-sale device and check acceptance system Ke Gou earthing are coupled;

Check is inserted in this point-of-sale device at least in part, and wherein, this MICR reader reads the MICR line on this check;

At least a portion of the information that will read from this MICR line offers this check acceptance system; With

Reception is from the replying about this check of this check acceptance system.

As the described method of claim 126, it is characterized in that 127, wherein, described replying indicates the eCheck mandate to be fine, this method further comprises:

The transfer of funds that will be relevant with this check is to the purpose account.

As the described method of claim 127, it is characterized in that 128, wherein, the purpose account is and the relevant account of trade company of operating point-of-sale device.

As the described method of claim 126, it is characterized in that 129, wherein, described replying indicates the eCheck mandate to be fine, this method further comprises:

Reception provides the client's of check signature;

The transfer of funds that will be relevant with this check is to the purpose account; With

Use printer to be coated with this check of pin.

130, a kind of method by electric network realization Value Transfer is characterized in that this method comprises:

Point-of-sale device is provided;

Receive transaction request by this point-of-sale device; With

Respond this transaction request and carry out transaction, wherein, this first and second transaction system is all accessed.

As the described method of claim 130, it is characterized in that 131, this method further comprises:

Point-of-sale device is associated with the 3rd transaction system; With

Wherein, the response transaction request is carried out to conclude the business and is further comprised visit the 3rd transaction system.

132, a kind of method of implementing upgradeable Value Transfer system, this method comprises:

Point-of-sale device is provided, and this point-of-sale device comprises processor, storer and communication interface;

By this communication interface this point-of-sale device is coupled to communication network, wherein, a transaction system can be by this point-of-sale device by this communication network visit; With

To memory load instruction group, wherein, thereby this instruction group can be convenient to visit this transaction system by this point-of-sale device execution.

As the described method of claim 132, it is characterized in that 133, wherein, the load instructions group comprises:

Receive at least a portion of instruction group from transaction system by communication network.

As the described method of claim 133, it is characterized in that 134, this method further comprises:

Link up by communication network and transaction system, wherein, this communication comprises the request of visiting this transaction system.

As the described method of claim 134, it is characterized in that 135, this method further comprises:

The request that response will be visited receives the condition of access transaction system; With

Agree this condition, wherein, the part in the instruction group offers point-of-sale device from this transaction system.

As the described method of claim 135, it is characterized in that 136, this method further comprises:

Receive transaction request by point-of-sale device;

Respond the request that this transaction request will visit and pass to transaction system; With

Carry out this transaction request by visiting this transaction system.

As the described method of claim 134, it is characterized in that 137, this method further comprises:

Receive transaction request by point-of-sale device; With

Carry out this transaction request by the access transaction system.

As the described method of claim 134, it is characterized in that 138, wherein, transaction system is first transaction system, wherein, one second transaction system can be visited by communication network, and wherein, described instruction group is first group of instruction, and this method further comprises:

Link up by the communication network and second transaction system, wherein, this communication comprises the request of visiting second transaction system; With

Reception is from second group of instruction of second transaction system, thereby this second group instruction can be carried out convenient this second transaction system of visit by point-of-sale device.

As the described method of claim 138, it is characterized in that 139, this method further comprises:

Receive transaction request in point-of-sale device; With

Carry out this transaction request by visiting first and second transaction systems.

As the described method of claim 132, it is characterized in that 140, wherein, transaction system is first transaction system that is fit to a plurality of point-of-sale device of control, and wherein, the load instructions group was finished before merchant location is installed point-of-sale device.

As the described method of claim 140, it is characterized in that 141, wherein, the instruction group is first group of instruction, this method further comprises:

Link up by the communication network and first transaction system, wherein, this communication comprises the request of visiting second transaction system; With

To second group of instruction of memory load, wherein, thereby this second group instruction can be convenient to visit this second transaction system by the point-of-sale device execution.

As the described method of claim 132, it is characterized in that 142, wherein, transaction system is a money-transfer system.

As the described method of claim 132, it is characterized in that 143, wherein, transaction system is the check acceptance system.

As the described method of claim 132, it is characterized in that 144, wherein, transaction system is the loyalty program system.

As the described method of claim 132, it is characterized in that 145, wherein, transaction system is a fraud detection system.

As the described method of claim 132, it is characterized in that 146, wherein, transaction system is the stored value card system.

147, a kind of method of disposing the dynamic value transfer system, this method comprises:

A plurality of point-of-sale device are provided, and wherein, each point-of-sale device comprises processor, storer and communication interface;

To memory load instruction group, wherein, thereby this instruction group can be convenient to visit at least one first transaction system by each point-of-sale device execution; With

By communication interface a plurality of point-of-sale device Ke Gou earthing is coupled to communication network, wherein, this first transaction system and second transaction system can be by each point-of-sale device by this communication network visits.

As the described method of claim 147, it is characterized in that 148, this method further comprises:

Use a device in a plurality of point-of-sale device to link up by the communication network and second transaction system, wherein, this communication comprises the request of visiting this second transaction system.

As the described method of claim 148, it is characterized in that 149, wherein, the instruction group is first group of instruction, this method further comprises:

A device in a plurality of point-of-sale device receives second group of instruction by communication network from second transaction system, and wherein, thereby this second group instruction can be convenient to visit this second transaction system by one in these a plurality of point-of-sale device device execution.

As the described method of claim 149, it is characterized in that 150, this method further comprises:

The request of response visit receives the condition of this two transaction system of visit; With

Agree this condition, wherein, second group of instruction offers a device a plurality of point-of-sale device from this transaction system.

As the described method of claim 149, it is characterized in that 151, this method further comprises:

Receive transaction request by one in a plurality of point-of-sale device device;

Respond this transaction request request of access is delivered to second transaction system; With

Carry out this transaction request by visiting this second transaction system.

152, extendible transaction system, this system comprises:

A plurality of configurable point-of-sale device, wherein, each point-of-sale device comprises processor, storer and communication interface; And wherein:

Each device in a plurality of point-of-sale device is coupled to communication network by this communication interface Ke Gou earthing,

By the addressable a plurality of transaction systems of this communication network; With

Thereby this storer comprises each system in a plurality of transaction systems of this processor executable instruction request visit.

153, as the described system of claim 152, it is characterized in that, wherein, thereby storer further comprises the executable instruction of this processor and receives the extra-instruction from the one or more systems in a plurality of transaction systems, and wherein, this extra-instruction makes the point-of-sale device of reception can utilize these one or more transaction systems.