DE2058906A1 - System for the transfer of funds - Google Patents

Description

PATBNTANWÄI / ΓΒ DR. O. DITTMANN K. L. SCHIFF DR. A. v. FIVE BR DIPXi. ING. P. STREU! · PATENTANWALTS S MÜNCHEN OB POSTFACH 88 Ol UO g MÜNCHBN ΘΟ

Hemp stead, mabiahjlfplatz a * s

Henpstead Bank, New Yorki U.S.A. *

^ * »·" · *** THLBFONi (08U) 45 40 4O * 443244

Our file DA-K685 (M-293) tbleob., Buhomarcpat Munich

KLS / PS / hö 11/30/70

Monetary Transfer System (Priority May 18, 1970 USA No. 38,173)

The invention relates to money transfer systems, in particular for the transfer of amounts of money between customer accounts and recipient accounts to conclude a money transaction »

In general, the settlement of bills between creditors and debtors falls into four broad categories, 'namely exchange of legal tender, payment by check, letter or customer accounts and credit cards (credit cards). ,

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First, consider the many steps that are required when exchanging legal tender is used to pay bills. For example, the employer who pays wages presents the bank with a check in the amount of the total wage payment and requires it to be drawn up. The bank checks the employer's account and debits it if there is sufficient coverage. The bank fills a wage bag with the corresponding amount of money for each employer. The employer collects the bags from the bank and distributes them to the individual employees. Every employee signs a receipt and gives them back to the employer, who stores the receipts in the employee files. The employer's accounting is the same the payrolls.

When making a purchase, the employee brings cash to a dealer, who counts it and puts it in the cash register. Of the Dealer counts the cash and prepares a payment slip. The dealer brings the cash and the payment slip to the bank, where a clerk counts the cash and prints a receipt for the merchant, who records the amount deposited in a control book enters.

The bank clerk counts the cash at the end of the day and balances it. The bank processes the payment slip and put the cash in the safe. At the end of the month, the merchant pays the bank a fee to process deposits.

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A bank account holder who purchases in cash or Wants to settle bills in cash, fills you up. Check and a stub and give the check to the clerk the bank. The officer asks the computer about the account holder's balance. The clerk counts the cash, checks it again and prepares a slip to balance the cash register. Of the Counter clerk hands over the cash to the account holder. The bank is processing the check. The account holder gives the cash for the purchase from the merchant, who will carry out the steps listed above so that the cash is credited to his account.

Paying bills by check takes almost as many steps. Many purchases are made on the basis of the delivery and acceptance of a paper check or bank draft. The following processes follow, depending on whether the check is "good" or "bad". The bank account holder fills out the check and the control slip and hands the check to the merchant, who requests authentication. The account holder presents the legitimation, which the trader notes on the Schfeck. The dealer enters the check on a payment slip. The merchant hands the payment slip and the check to the bank clerk. The dealer enters the bank receipt in _t his control book. The bank processes the payment slip and the check. The dealer waits a few days before he can use the money. However, if the check is returned to the merchant due to insufficient funds, missing account or forgery, then it must

. . ",. to find the buyer, the handler endeavor to initiate debt collection proceedings or write off the bad claim.

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Credit or customer accounts require the following Operations. The buyer causes the dealer to debit the customer account. The dealer draws up the accounts receivable. Of the Dealer prepares and submits an account statement at least 15 days after purchase. The buyer sends at least to the dealer A check 30 days after purchase. The merchant prepares a payment slip and hands it over with the bank's check. The bank processes the payment slip and the check. The dealer writes the amount in the current account book Well. If the bank sends the check back to the dealer, the above-mentioned collection procedure must be initiated.

Paying off debts by credit card requires the following operations. The buyer gives the card to the dealer, who either (1) checks the latest list of unauthorized cards or (2) the central clearance center calling. He processes the card in an embossing machine and hands it over a copy to the customer. The merchant sends the copy to the card issuer. The card issuer discounts the invoice amount of the purchase and sends (within 15 to 45 days) the net amount to the retailer. The card issuer sends the Bills to the buyer who sends him a check. The card issuer prepares and hands over a payment slip along with the bank's check. The bank processes the payment slip and the check. If the check is not good, it must Again, the aforementioned collection procedure can be initiated.

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According to the invention, a much simpler system for Transfer of funds mediated. In the system according to the invention, customer purchases or other debts are for his Account sent as messages to a computer center, where they 'are debited from the account in question. The transaction will booked, and the booking voucher is then sent to the participants which includes the banks with which the customer maintains his account.

The system according to the invention is particularly suitable for the transfer of amounts of money to conclude a single sale; however, it is useful in other money transfer transactions as well. For example, the system is operated by a bank teller used to verify that a customer's account has enough funds to pay a presented check and immediately debit the corresponding amount from the account.

The inventive system for transferring money preferably includes a test device with a keyboard at each input / output station, which the customer can only use for himself can enter known identification code. This identification code is combined with one provided on the customer's identification card, machine-readable identification code compared to convey a positive verification of the customer's legitimacy.

The identification card reader is preferably in a unit separate from the checking unit at each input / output station

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housed. The separation of the two units enables that the customer sends the identification code to the test unit from Traders can enter unseen. The two units are connected to one another via a comparison channel which is used by the The customer compares the code entered with the code on the ID card. In this way, the ID card remains during the entire period Trjansaktion of checking and transmission of the encoded identification data to a central point in the card reader. Because of the separation of the two units, accidental or deliberate swapping of the cards is unsafe the carton holder would be injured against misuse of his card is technically impossible.

A printer preferably generates a paper receipt at each input / output station as evidence of the transaction. These The receipt shows the transaction visibly and can be used to resolve questions relating to the transaction that may arise later. It should be noted that these paper documents are only - as a rare exception be used. The tracing of transactions from the paper receipt does not constitute a fixed provision in the system, routine requirement.

The available balance of the customer is preferably stored in the headquarters and continuously during the day brought up to date. At the end of the day, a receipt will be sent to the transactions that have changed the account the customer's bank or another participant in the institution

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sent tung. To the other participants like credit institutions, Credit card distributors, large retail stores or other Belong to organizations that want to keep customer accounts.

A digital computer books in the system according to the invention In the central office, the purchase amount is deducted from the customer's available balance and it is added to the merchant's accumulated credit Well. A signal is transmitted to the point of sale that the conclusion of the purchase or that indicates that no sale will take place- " should find if the amount exceeds the customer's available balance.

These and other properties and advantages of the invention will emerge in detail from the description below of a preferred embodiment based on the drawings; show in it:

Fig. 1 is a flow chart showing the operation of the system;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an input / output station and the Headquarters;

3 shows the mechanical arrangement of the equipment at the input / output station; and

4 shows the intermediate unit on the computer.

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table of contents

I. Overall system, Fig. 1

II. Description of the hardware of a particular implementation

A. Block diagram, Fig. 2

B. The individual elements of the system

III. Programming of the digital computer in the headquarters

A. Dealer file

B. Merchant Transactions

IV. Arrangement of equipment at the point of sale, Fig. 3

V. How the system works

A. Send

B. Reception

I. Overall system, Fig. 1

According to Fig. 1, the inputs to the central Processing site customer balance files, two of which are magnetic tape files 10 and 11. These files are used by System participants updated periodically. For example, a participant brings in the bank or credit card company of the customer daily the customer account up to date. The bank brings the customer check account during the night up to date. Transactions are booked. This leads to a new digit for the balance on the current

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fenden account as well as to a new number for the available Credit limit. The sum of the balance of the current account and the available credit limit the customer's available balance. Usually it will be in the bank the customer processed a program in the morning that was derived from the data processing documents the account number and the available balance

issues. This account number and the available balance are shown on recorded in the Magne-pband balance file.

These new balance files are then sent to the head office The documents for the various balance files of the participants are transferred to the magnetic disk 12. The magnetic disk 12 provides a means of storing the available Represent balances that are addressed in relation to each customer account can. The system is then ready for on-line operation via the computer 13.

The system comprises a plurality of input / output stations, of which stations 14 and 15 are shown in FIG. 1. The station 14 is referred to as a bank station, which is located, for example, next to the clerk. At this station, the customer can present his identification card, which is used in the A / Ausgabesta _t tion to the coded identification data to automatically transfer to the computer. 13 The input / output station also has a keyboard for coding the amount of money to be transferred. The amount is debited from the customer's available balance and a display is sent back to station 14.

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sends that the payment to the customer can be completed.

As a further example, station 15 is indicated as an input / output station at the point of sale of a retailer. To the When a retail sale is concluded, the customer's identification card is processed by the station, which provides the computer 13 with the identification data transmitted. The purchase price is also sent to the computer 13 where it is debited from the customer's available balance.

Every time a customer uses his identification card, the available balance on the disk 12 is queried and updated Stand brought.

The magnetic disk 12 also provides a means to accumulate funds in the merchant accounts. Each dealer file is saved on Beginning of the respective day started at zero. During the day, when the various individual transactions are concluded, credits are made added up.

Every transaction or every process completed at one of the remote stations is recorded in a process file entered on plate 16. This file is a complete list of all transactions or processes. As a safety measure all processes are also transferred to an auxiliary belt 17. This tape is kept in memory in case the operations file on disk 16 is lost or destroyed

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Simultaneously with the completion of the individual processes the printer 18 prints out all special processes. Uses for example If a person uses their ID card more than a certain number of times in a day, this particular card is printed out Process on the monitoring printer 18. The printer 18 thus provides a "revision track" for exceptional processes,

Before leaving the on-line operation at the end of the day, the operations file on disk 16 is replaced by the indicated at 13 On-line computer program processed to print out a summary of all the day's events. This at 29 provides a complete audit trail for all transactions completed during the day.

At the end of the day, the independent indicated at 28 divides Computer program the operations file according to participants. A process file is written for each participant. Two such process files are indicated at 20 and 21; however, there is one such file for each participant. Any bank every credit card company, every department store and every other participant who has customer accounts receives a process data part, in which all transactions relevant to the respective customer accounts are recorded. These operations files to which the files 20 and 21 belong, are physical brought to the participants, where they are further processed. For example likes the operations file during the night through the data processing

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processing system of a bank can be processed to the transactions to transfer and to bring the customer check accounts up to date. This gives you new amounts for the current accounts and customers' available credit limit. The next day the customer account number and the available credit balance will be issued and entered on the balance files of the participants, as described above in relation to the files 10 and 11 has been explained.

It forms an important feature of the invention that the subscribers already have existing and different types of Be able to apply data processing. The system according to the invention is compatible with that of the various banks and credit card companies Various types of data processing currently used are compatible as it is only necessary that these Data processing systems are able to take over an operations file from the system and a new balance file by simply Extracting the account number and available credit balance of the customer. It should be noted that the participants also Accept processes from other systems. It is only necessary that the processes of the system according to the invention for Transferring funds in the process of transferring has priority to ensure that the customer account is never used by this system is covered.

Certain statistical and budget functions are also indicated in FIG. 1. The trader pays for his participation in the

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System based on its business activity. As indicated at 22, each trader's activity is recorded on an invoice file held. The billing file is sent once a month to the independent program indicated at 23. The file 24 with the previous billing processes of the dealer is brought up to date in order to be updated with the latest information.

/ - ■■■ "■ '.

Find / invoicing documents 25 to be generated. In an alternative way an account statement 26 is prepared for the dealer and the billing file 24 is deleted.

The independent program indicated at 28 also generates a statistical analysis 27, which for example indicates the volume predecessor

at the individual stations. This conveys

Market information that indicates, for example, which retail outlet generates the largest volume and should therefore be advertised as a customer. The statistical analysis 27 also gives Information on the time and volume of transactions, this in the Practice customary analysis is important to, for example, the times to determine in which most of the lines operating the computer required are.

II. Description of the hardware of a special version »

A. Block diagram, Flff. 2

. The in the inventive system for transmission of amounts of money between customer accounts and merchant accounts Hardware is shown in FIG. As discussed above, this forms

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Hardware generally the hardware used in the system. For example the equipment shown in Fig. 2 at the point of sale of the dealer is the same as the equipment provided at the bank counter, where the system is used to transfer funds from the customer's bank account into cash for the customer.

/ The apparatus at the dealer's point of sale includes a

J ■

Code checking device 51, an output unit 52 and an input unit

53. The input unit 53 contains a card reader and a keyboard, the

the identification data on the customer's credit card,

the identification data on the merchant's card and the purchase price coded.

A link 54 transmits the encoded identification data and the purchase price from the respective input station to a central office. The control center contains an intermediary Data exchange adapter 55 as well as a digital computer 56.

In the particular system described below, link 54 forms a conventional switchable telephone network. The input unit 53 comprises a card selector card reader 57 for encoding the identification data on the customer identification card. This device is used to dial the number that connects to the central computer and to code the dealer's identification number. A conventional keyboard 58 is provided for coding the purchase price and other input data.

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The card selector card reader 57 and the keyboard 58 are working a tone generator 59 "where- tone dialing signals through the data access converter 60 are fed to the connecting member 54. '

The input unit 53 further comprises a check code reader 61, which senses the invisible identification code on the customer's identification card. The same code is used by the customer entered on the test keyboard 62 in the test unit 51. The ma- j Schinen! esable identification code on the customer ID card is compared with the identification code entered by the customer on the keyboard 62. There is a test button on the station unit 52 is pressed, the identification code is fed from the code reader 61 to the code comparison register 64 via the test switch 63. This causes a comparison between the identification code on the customer identification card and that of the customer on the keyboard 62 entered identification code. If the two codes are not the same, a lamp 65 "Code incorrect" lights up. Are If the two codes are the same, a lamp 66 "Code correct" shines

and a "card checked" lamp 67 on. There is also a tone generator 68 switched through, the data access converter 60 a tone with a duration of 50 mm seconds. The converter 60 sends the sound in turn via the link 54 to the computer.

At the end of the link 54 at the control center, a data access converter 69 feeds the received tone dialing signals to the adapter 55. The adapter 55 comprises a transmit / receive switch 70, a converter 71 and a tone generator 72. The

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Converter 71 converts the received tone dialing signals into code which can be processed by the digital con ^ ter 56. In In the specific embodiment described here, the tones are converted into ASCII code. Alternatively, the EBDIC code or other common business code suitable for processing may be used. The received signals are supplied to the digital computer 56 via a telex adapter 73. The computer 56 responds by supplying the corresponding response to a tone generator 72 via the line adapter 74. the Tone dialing message is fed to a tone decoder 75 via the transmit / receive switch 70 and the data access converters 69 and 60. This turns on a printer control circuit 76 to print out the response.

B. The individual elements of the system

As mentioned above, the system according to the specific exemplary embodiment described herein is used in conjunction with operated in a telephone network with half-duplex switching. Naturally For example, other devices can be substituted for the link, and all of the components used in the system possible forms. In an actual implementation of the invention however, the components described below were used, which are given here as an example.

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1. test unit 51 ; Sold under the trademark Vericard by Vericard, Incorporated and described in a brochure from that company entitled

2. output unit 52 ; Commercially available unit from Electrospace Corporation, 12 Morris Avenue, Glencove, New

York 11542 under the trade name Insta-Tran model DPR-1OO. "

3. input unit 55 ; Card-dial telephone device with keyboard tone dialing from the Beil telephone system. The card reader 57 is modified to sense invisible identification data on the credit card. While many invisible identification code credit cards are in commercial use today, the most suitable card used in the actual system is available from Vericard, Inc. j

4. data access converters 60 and 69 ; Data access device from Standard Tel. Co. '

r ■

5. digital computer 56 ; Burroughs B-3501 with Burroughs multi-line control. ■ ·

6. Teletype adapter 73 and line adapter 74 ; Burroughs Telex Adapter 33/35, Model B-3652-1.

7. Computer data exchange adapter 55 ; This is a purpose built facility. This adapter, hereinafter referred to as CIA, has the following characteristics that the

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Allow manufacture of a comparable adapter. The adapter can be used as an intermediate piece between "a standard telephone line for voice and various types of computing hardware. It serves as a means of inputting sound signals to convert into ASCII, EBDIC code or other common business code suitable for processing. He serves also to convert the above-mentioned code into an audio signal format suitable for transmission via Telefpnleitunge.n for speech. The following characteristics apply:

Table I.

EIA Standard RS-232-B, October 1965 DATA SET 4030, 403E A.T.T. Spec. November 1967

DATA SET 401A, 401Ξ A.T.T. Spec. November 1966 March 1967

DATA ACCESS ARRANGEMENT ATT Spec. November 1968 1.0 General

The CIA provides a data receiver iuhT data sender is for use in a half-duplex operation via a switchable telephone network in conjunction with the "data access device" of the Beil system for electrical connection with a telephone line is intended.

The data receiver part of the CIA receives two-frequency signals (tone dialing signals) from the telephone line and converts them in serial start / end characters of the ASCII code at the output for connection to the customer facility.

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The data sender part of the CIA receives the Serial start / end characters in ASCII code from the customer facility and converts the individual characters into two-frequency signals (tone dialing signals) for transmission over the telephone line and the switchable network. The control of the half-duplex operation (i.e. whether it is sent or received) takes place via a control line from this unit of the customer facility.!

2.0 System description

j.

2.1 Data recipient

The data receiver section of the CIA receives Z- ais-8 two-frequency signals (tone dialing signals) from the telephone line and converts these signals into 11-bit serial start / end characters in ASCII code for transmission to the customer facility. The reception speed is ten characters per second. The frequency plan of the doubling frequency tones (dial tone signals) is shown in Table II.

697 Hz Tabel II ^B 2 ^B 3 \ 770 ^B 1 1336 " 1477 1633 . 852 1209 Hz 2 3 SOM Al 941 1 5 6th NL A2 4th 8th 9 - A3 7th 0 * SP A4 0

Table III below contains the code translation table for the relationships between the 2-of-8 code and the ASCII code. _{l09850 / 1562}

Table IiI

• 2-of-8 code ^B 2 Data sender Lowest Beginning of D ₁ D. Signal bit 0 1 ^D 6 ^D 7 A ₄ ^B 1 0 0 In ASCII-Cod « 0 1 1 0 sign ^A 1 ^B 2 1 0 2 ^D 3 0 1 1 0 O ^A 1 ^B 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 ^A 1 ^B 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 2
* A ₂ ^B 2 0 0 ο 0 1 1 0 3 A ₂ ^B 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 4th A ₂ ^B 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 5 ^A 3 ^B 2 1 1 1 . 1 1 1 0 6th ^A 3 ^B 3 . 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 7th ^A 3 • ^B 4 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 8th ^A 1 ^B 4 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 9 ^A 3 ^B 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 SOM ^A 4 ^B 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 ___ ^A 4 ^B 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 DISTANCE ^A 4 ^B 4 0 1 0 --- - 0 1 0 ψ A ₂ —— ■ - 1 1 0 EOM 0 NL 2.2

The data transmitter portion of the CIA receives 11-bit serial start / end characters in ASCII code and converts them into two-frequency signals (tone dialing signals) in 2-out-of-8 code for transmission over the telephone line. The transmission speed is 10 characters per second, the bit rate per character being 110 bits per Second. The sender translates each of the 16 ASCII characters listed in Table III. The transmitter

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adds over facilities for 10 frequencies, which are divided into two groups of 5 frequencies each (A _Q to A ^ and B ₀ to B ^) .- One frequency in each of the two groups serves as the "rest frequency" for echo suppression. The two rest frequencies are A ₀ * 600 Hertz and B _Q = 1098 Hertz. The transmitter has the ability to generate 25 characters by using one frequency from both groups *

3.0 Description: the intermediate unit

In Fig, 4 is a circuit diagram of the intermediate unit

3.1 Voltage level of the intermediate unit

All circuit lines between the customer facility and the CIA conform to the EIA RS-232-B interface standard. A voltage level of -3 volts on the data lines represents a marking state (1). and a voltage level of +3 volts represents a distance state (ö ^. On the control lines, a voltage level of -3 VbIt represents the OFF state and a level of +3 volts represents the ON state.

3.2 Description of the signals from the intermediate unit

3.2.1 Protective earth , line 1i This conductor is electrically connected to the frame of the CIA. It is also connected to external earth via the AC supply line.

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3.2.2 Signal ground . Line 7 s of this conductor forms the common reference ground for the data and control signal voltages.

3.2.3 Send command . Line 5: leads from the adapter to the CIA. This control line is used by the adapter to automatically switch the CIA to transmit mode. In transmission mode, the data transmitter is connected to the telephone line and the data receiver is disconnected from the telephone line.

After switching the send command to the ON state, takes place switching from receiving to sending in less than 10 milliseconds. However, the send command must have at least 10 milliseconds before the adapter can send data to the CIA.

3.2.4 Call waiting . Line 6: This line leads from the CIA to the adapter. The present data access arrangement only provides for manual monitoring of calls using a hook switch. \

If the CIA is equipped with automatic monitoring of the on / off switch, this unit provides incoming Calls and a subgroup in the data access arrangement is automatically switched to data mode. The call waiting signal is only used when this unit is equipped to operate in automatic mode. An ON state on this line indicates in the adapter

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indicates that a call is either waiting or from the adapter is processed.

3.2.5 Separation «Line 20: This line leads from the adapter to the CIA. The signal is only used if the CIA is equipped to operate in automatic mode.

The disconnection signal corresponds to the attachment of the fork

switch after a call has ended.

This line is switched to the OFF state for a period of at least 50 milliseconds, that the connection via the switchable telephone network is automatically dropped, so that the CIA then again receive incoming calls.

3 «2.6 ASCII data output , line 3: This line leads from the CIA to the adapter and remains in the marking state (1) if no characters are sent to the customer adapter. The bit rate for the individual ASCII characters sent to the adapter is 110 bits per second, with the data format for each bit of the ASCII character corresponding to the NRZ (without returning to zero).

3.2.7 Clock inrouse, output . Line 17: This line leads from the CIA to the adapter. The CIA emits clock pulses over this line, which can be used by the adapter to scan the bits of the serial ASCII output characters sent on line 3.

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The clock pulses are designed so that there is a rising edge in the middle of the individual NRZ data bits of the time pulse and they have a bit rate of 110 pulses per second.

3.2.8 ASC11 data input _t Line 2: This line leads from the adapter to the CIA and remains in the marking state (1) if no characters are received from the adapter. The bit rate for each character received by the adapter is 110 bits per second, with the data format for each bit of the ASCII character corresponding to the NRZ mode.

3.2.9 Clock pulses, input , line 24: This line leads from the adapter to the CIA. The clock pulses from the adapter are not absolutely necessary because the CIA has an internal clock generator. However, the use of the adapter timer is recommended to increase reliability and improve performance.

The adapter emits clock pulses over this line, the Can be used by the CIA to identify the bits of the ASCII serial input characters sent by the adapter be to grope. These clock pulses are set up so that each in the middle of the NRZ data bits a rising edge of the clock pulses takes place, this having a bit rate of 110 bits per second exhibit.

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III. Programming of the digital computer in the headquarters

The following description of the in the transmission system performed functions and used code, offer a Programmers the ability to use in the digital computer 56 necessary programs to be created.

A. '' Dealer file

Each dealer has its own account number. The hand d lerdatei every day is restarted at the beginning of the daily operation. In the particular embodiment described here, the dealership is included on a set of cards.

1. Each card of the dealer base file contains:

a) a separate number »to be entered on the dealer's telephone dialer card;

b), a merchant's DDA bank account number;

c) a maximum value for the passed on to cte ^ n dealers Liability;

d) a branch number;

e) a discount amount, if any, granted to the customer using the system will.

This set of cards is read into the computer and an expanded dealer file is created in the computer memory.

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The dealer file in the computer includes the following fields;

a) the dealer number, which is made up of a dealer number plus an employee number;

b) the merchant's DDA bank account rooms;

c) the maximum amount of liability passed on to the trader in dollars;

d) the branch number;

e) the discount amount of the person using the system Customer is granted;

f) the number of cash sales today;

g) the dollar value of today's cash sales;

h) the number of cash withdrawals made today;

i) the dollar value of today's cash withdrawals;

j) the number of transactions (cash sales), at to which the dealer is liable (either because of insufficient funds or because of a secret code or for both reasons);

k) the dollar value of the potential liability as a result of the transactions specified under (j);

1) the number of transactions (cash withdrawals) in which the trader is liable (either as a result of not

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sufficient cash or because of secret code or for both reasons);

m) the dollar value of the possible liability as a result of the transactions specified under (l);

n) the number of returns or corrections to cash sales operations; *

o) the dollar value of the transactions under (n) j

p) the number of corrections to cash redemption transactions;

q) the dollar value of corrections to redemption transactions;

r) the number of cash sales at a discount; s) the dollar value of the discount granted to customers; t) storage space. ι

B. Merchant Transactions

The following transactions or operations are in the Dealer system programmed in.

1. Cash sales or purchases

The customer uses the system to make purchases from a local dealer. He used while doing the secret code facility of the system.

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This transaction becomes the customer's on-line field changed. The number of current customer transactions increases by 1. The dollar value of the purchase becomes the dollar value added to his current debt today.

It is checked whether he has sufficient funds for the transaction. An examination is also carried out, the events on his account during this 24-hour period ascertain.

This transaction alters the merchant's on-line file. The number of cash sales today increased up by 1. The dollar value of today's cash sales increases by the amount of the transaction.

1.1 Message input parameters

Dealer number

Secret code symbol

Customer account number ■

Process number

Place signs

Total dollar amount of the operation

End of message sign

2. Correction of a purchase or return of goods

The merchant has on a previous cash sale transaction Made a mistake and must fix it before proceeding with the normal cash sale transaction.

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The customer returns goods bought earlier on credit or cash.

In these cases, the program handles the files of the dealer and the customer in the same way.

The dealer file is changed. The number of returns and / or corrections increased by 1. The dollar value of the trans- action A is added to the dollar value of today's returns and / or corrections to sales.

2.1 Message input parameters. .

Dealer number

Customer account number

Process number

Place mark

Total dollar amount of operation j

Next end sign '

. . i Ä

3. Cash redemption \ ■. M.

■ - ι

A customer goes to a local dealer and receives

of that cash. The secret code facility is used.

The on-line files of the customer and the dealer will be , changed by this transaction.

The number changes in the customer's on-line file of today's debtors by 1. The dollar value of their current debtors today is increased by the amount of the transaction. It will

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checks that he has sufficient funds for the transaction disposes. In addition, a check is carried out to determine the transactions on this account within a 24-hour period.

The number increases in the dealer's on-line file of today's cash redemption transactions uni 1. The dollar value of today's cash redemptions is also increased by the amount of Transaction increased.

3.1 Message input parameters

Dealers! always

Secret code symbol

Customer account number

Process number

Place signs

Dollar total

End of message sign

4. Correction to a cash withdrawal

The dealer makes a mistake in a barricade and must correct it before entering the correct redemption transaction.

The files of the dealer and the customer are through 'changed this transaction.

In the customer's on-line file, the number changes on current accounts payable today at 1 .. The dollar value of the current Today's vendors will be increased by the amount of this transaction.

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The number increases in the dealer's on-line file of corrections to cash withdrawals by 1. The dollar value of the

Adjustment to cash withdrawals will be increased by the amount of this transaction. .

4.1 Message input parameters

Dealer number
<Customer account number

Process code number (f

Place signs
Dollar total
End of message sign

5. Cash purchases with discount

The customer makes a purchase from a local dealer, where he receives a discount on the purchase price.

The customer file is changed in such a way that the number of current customers increases by 1. The dollar value of the run- * the accounts receivable is increased by the amount of the transaction.

The dealer file is changed in such a way that the number of cash sales increases by 1. The dollar value of the cash sales will be by the amount of the transaction (the purchase price less the discount) elevated. The dollar value of the discount amounts granted to customers will be equal to the amount of the discount granted on that transaction elevated. The number of sales that have been discounted increases by 1.

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It is checked whether the customer has sufficient amounts of money disposes. In addition, a check is carried out to determine the processes or activity on the customer account within the last 24 Hours to determine.

5.1 Message input parameters

Dealer number

Secret code characters

Customer account number

Process number

Place signs

Dollar total amount of sale

Message end mark

For example, if a sale of $ 10— with a 2 % discount, the dealer's total sale amount is $ 10— and the sales tax (5 %) on the total of $ 10.50 is entered on the keypad. The computer discounts 2 % and prints a receipt for $ 10.29. This $ 10.29 is posted to the customer's credit and merchant's debit. In addition, the amount of $ 0.21 is posted as debit to the amount of discount that the merchant gives the customer.

To correct a discount purchase, use the same procedure as correcting a cash sale.

6. Dealer inquiry - 1

This gives the trader the opportunity to get total figures on his daily activity. The dealer file will not changed by the request.

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The following information is available to the dealer:.

a) Dealer net balances related to. .

the dollar value of today's sales as well as the dollar value of today's cash redemptions; the dollar value of corrections and / or returns;
the dollar value of adjustments to cash withdrawals.

b) The number of sales that were discounted.

c) Dollar amount of discount granted.

d) Number of sales for which the dealer is liable (as a result of cash sales and cash withdrawals) .

e) Dollar value of liability (cash sales and cash redemptions). \. ■

f). Day and month. Λ

6.1 Message input parameters

Dealer number

Process number. ·

Place signs

End of message sign

7. Dealer inquiry - 2

This process gives the dealer the opportunity to add additional

I.
get information about his daily business activities. The dealer file is not changed by this process.

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The following information is available:

a) Number of cash sales today.

b) Dollar value of today's cash sales.

c) Number of cash withdrawals today.

d) Net amount of cash redemptions (cash redemptions minus corrections).

e) Number of returns or corrections to cash sales.

f) Dollar value of returns or adjustments to cash sales.

8. Dealer Check Message

This gives a dealer the option of requesting the computer to send a test message to his station. This will check whether the station is working. The dealer file is not changed by this process.

8.1 Message input parameters

Dealer number
Process number
Place signs
End of message sign

Before the program goes into independent operation, it scans the dealer file.

A printout is made for each station with the following information: ^l

j ■

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Dealer number

Total number of sales "for which the dealer is liable (cash sales or cash withdrawals) Dollars total amount of liability (for sales) borne by the dealer during that 24 hour period meets.

The customer's on-line file is modified so that the number of current current accounts receivable increases by 1. The dollar amount of today's debtors is increased by the amount of the previous y | gangs increased.

IV. Arrangement of equipment at the point of sale

3 shows the test unit 51, the output unit 52 and the input unit 53. The equipment at the input / output station further comprises a telephone 80, the normal touch-tone keypad 81, a dial start rail 82 and a slot 83 for receiving encoded cards.

The output unit 52 comprises a start button 84, a "code input" lamp 85 and a card verification lamp 86; If the invisible identification code on the customer's card is to be compared with the number entered by the customer on the keyboard 62 of the test unit 51, a test button 87 is pressed. At the point of sale, the dealer inserts his dealer selection card 90 into slot 83. After the computer has been selected automatically, the dealer inserts the customer identification card into slot 83. The identification card is ¹ a laminated plastic card.

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card with an aluminum strip embedded in the plastic. There is a three or more digit code on this aluminum strip imprinted. This code is machine-readable, but invisible to the human eye.

The identification card is also visible with a machine-readable one Punched code that identifies the customer. Usually this is a 14-digit code with the normal one ΑΒΑ identification and a code of the customer's bank plus the customer's social security number.

At this point it should be noted that the separation of the test unit 51 from the output unit 52 offers a high degree of security. Since the two units are separate from each other, the customer can enter his code number on the keyboard without being observed. Since the device for sensing the invisible code on the identification card is located in _{N of} the input unit 53, there is no need to transfer the card from the checking unit to the input unit> \ Such a transfer of cards during the transaction could jeopardize the security of customer identification. In the present system, the card remains in the input unit 53 during the entire transaction.

V. How the system works

The operational flow during the transaction is as follows. The dealer inserts his card into slot 83. He takes it

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the handset 80 which opens the telephone connection. The start of dialing rail 82 on the card selector is depressed. This causes the merchant identification card 90 to have the telephone number of the computer in the headquarters "reads". Reading the card is listening after selecting the computer. In response, the computer sends a "response" tone, which the operator ■ can be heard over the telephone 80. Upon receipt of the "reply" tone the dial start rail 82 is pressed again. This releases the merchant identification card 90 and causes the (| Merchant's identification number on this card is sent to the computer. The customer gives his multi-digit code to the Keyboard 62 of the test unit 51 a. This causes the lamp 85 "Code input" lights up on the output unit. <

The merchant takes out his card 90 and inserts the customer's identification card into it. The dealer then presses the test switch button 87. The selection start bar 82 is then pressed again. The customer card is released. The secret identifi- cation ± code is sensed. If the code on the card is the same as that which the customer has keyed in, the lamp 66 “Code correct” on the checking unit 51 and the lamp 67 “Card checked” on the output unit light up. At the same time, a tone lasting 50 milliseconds is sent to the computer. If the test is negative, the lamp 65 "Code incorrect" is switched on and no tone is sent to the computer.

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The customer identification card then moves further out of the slot, with the customer account number being sent to the computer will.

The dealer then keys the following data on the telephone keypad 81 a: a two-digit process code, a one-digit Numerical signs, the amount of money with variable length as well as an asterisk and finally a digit that marks the end of the Message signaled. The two-digit process code may, for example, be a cash sale, a cash withdrawal, or the correction a cash sale or credit card transaction. Processed after receiving the end-of-message character from the station the computer reads the message and sends the printer 77 a reply message. This printed message depends on the type of transaction as well as whether the customer's available balance exceeds the entered sales amount. One on printer 77 as a Typical response message printed in response to a cash sale request is as follows:

—02110 073227357 094325859 00 $ 25.67 *

The first two dashes mean a valid message. The first five digits 02110 give the date February 11, 1970 •at. The next nine digits are the customer account number. at the next nine digits are the dealer's identification number, and the next two digits are the process code, which in this case indicates a cash transaction. The dollar sign indicates that the following is the sales amount.

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The sale amount in this case is $ 25.67, followed by a jSix asterisk that indicates the end of the message. These news ■ is printed on a sales coupon given to the customer is handed over to him a fixed copy as a receipt for the Hand over sale. This section can be compared to his bank statement, which contains a similar record.

The sequence of events at the point of sale is summarized below. -

A. Send

1. The dealer calls the computer either manually or by choosing a card.

2. The computer answers.

3. The dealer sends his code number.

4. The customer code is checked.

5. The customer account number is sent.

6. The process code is sent.

7. A number sign is sent.

8. The purchase amount is sent.

9. The last digit of an asterisk

(*) is sent (which signals the end of the message).

B _# reception

1. To unlock the circuits in the DPR-1OO, a period (.) is sent, which signals the beginning of the message.

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2. The message sent to the computer is printed. ■ ■ -.

3. An asterisk is sent at the end of the message, turning off the printer.

The following is a summary of how the computer works in response to an input command. The computer is programmed to set the number sign. The program looks for the secret code identification, which as the 50 millisecond tone is sent. If the code is available, the validity of the bank number is checked. Likewise, the validity of the Dealer number checked.

The program determines the process code. This defines the ^{next 1} section of the program. In the case of a normal cash sale, the program posts to the debit of the merchant account and to the credit of the customer account. The dollar amount of the cash sale is compared to the balance on the customer account. If there is enough coverage, the computer sends a message beginning with two hyphens, indicating that there is no error. The remainder of the message is then sent to the remote station and printed as mentioned above. If the customer account is insufficient, the computer outputs an error signal plus the sales number.

Numerous modifications and improvements to the system described above are possible which are within the scope of the invention lie. For example, the entire transaction could be with

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an embossed credit card instead of the telephone voting card described above. A leased line could also be used instead of the switchable power line.
The reply message could be on a multiple line instead of the single line. '

Claims

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Claims (10)

K-685 " Claims ή) System for transferring amounts of money between customer accounts and recipient accounts, characterized by an identification card for each customer with machine-readable identification data; at least one input / output station (14, 15) for coding the identification data and the amount of money to be transferred; an input provided in a control center ™ direction (10,11) to save the on the individual customer accounts available balances and for accumulating credits on the respective recipient accounts; a link (50) for Sending the coded identification data and the amount of money to be transferred from the individual input / output stations the headquarters; a digital computer (56) provided in the control center for debiting the available customer balances with the respective Amount and to credit this amount to the accumulated credit of the recipient concerned; as well as an φ direction that the link a completion of the transmission Specifying signal only supplies when the stored available balance of the customer exceeds the amount of money to be transferred and which supplies a no-transmission signal when the amount of money exceeds the available customer balance , exceeds. 2. System according to claim 1, wherein the recipients are retailers, characterized in that input / output stations (15) are arranged at the sales types of the dealers. 109850/1582 K-685 - '"■■ - ■■ 3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identification card one that is not visible to the human eye, but is machine-readable Bears identification code, characterized in that the input / output station (14, 15) has a test unit (51) each with a keyboard (62) on which the customer can enter his identification code, as well as a device (64) for comparing the machine readable identification code on the ID card with the one entered by the customer on the keyboard Includes identification code. ™ 4. System according to claim 3 »thereby g e k e η η - ζ ei chn et that the input / output station (14,15) respectively a card reader (57) for sensing the machine readable identification code which forms a unit separate from the test unit (51) at the same input / output station, wherein the separation of the two units gives the possibility that the customer can enter the code without being observed by the dealer and that the test unit and the card reader have a J [ Comparison channel (64) for comparing that entered by the customer Codes associated with the code on the identification card, the card being used throughout the process of verification and transmission the coded identification data to the control center, the card reader remains. 5. System according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each input / output station (14, 15) a keyboard (81) for coding the amount of money to be transferred. 109850/1562 6. System according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized g e indicates that each I / O station (14, 15) comprises a printer (77) which records a transaction A copy of the receipt is generated upon receipt of the signal indicating the completion of the transmission, the receipt being evidence of the Transfer mediated for comparison with the customer account statement. 7. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in g e that the center comprises a storage medium (20, 21) for storing the transmissions from the customer account, whereby the storage medium can be transported to the corresponding participant at the end of the day in order to receive the from to bring the customer accounts maintained by the participant up to date. 8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the participant is the customer's bank and the storage medium (20, 21) is used to update the customer accounts maintained by the bank. 9. Method for transferring amounts of money between customer accounts and recipient accounts, thereby g e k e η η - • indicates that identification data on customer ID cards are sensed at input / output stations that the identification data and the amounts of money to be transferred are coded that the balance available on the individual customer accounts is stored in a central office, that the credit is accumulated for the recipient accounts, that the coded identification 109850/1562 K-685 - ■ data and the amounts of money to be transferred are sent from the individual input / output stations to the control center that the funds to be transferred are debited from the customer's available balance and added to the accumulated credit of the respective recipient and that an indicating the completion of the transfer Signal is only sent if the stored available balance of the customer exceeds the amount to be transferred, while sending a no-transfer signal Y if the amount exceeds the customer's available balance. 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that at the input / output station only one Identification code known to the customer is entered and that the code entered is compared with a machine-readable, invisible identification code on the customer ID card, to check the legitimation of the customer. ; 109850/1562 Blank page