JP2013101671A - Method and apparatus for multiple language user selection and currency conversion - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for facilitating business transactions.SOLUTION: A merchant/operator is presented with transaction related information using a language and currency preferable for the operator, a client is presented with transaction related information using a language and currency preferable for the client, and the language and currency for the client are different from the language and currency for the operator. This enables a person skilled in speaking various languages and performing transactions using various kinds of currency to easily deal with business transactions. This method and apparatus can be used in e.g., a credit card or debit card terminal, thereby easily making the merchant adaptive to a traveler from a foreign country. The preference of one of or both the language and the currency for the client can be acquired from a credit card/debit card, mobile phone, smart card or other portable memory media before or during the transactions, thereby eliminating the need to manually select the language and the currency preferable for each transaction.

Description

  [0001] The present invention relates to the field of credit card transaction terminals suitable for use in retail and food service businesses and other facilities that interact with customers. More specifically, the present invention may be that business customers speak a language different from the language spoken by the merchant, and the credit card transaction terminal processes transactions in more than one language and is correct for the customer. The point of sale terminal and transaction when displaying the language and the correct language for the merchant.

  [0002] The use of credit and debit cards to conduct commercial transactions between merchants and customers is occurring daily in modern life. The ease of use of credit cards and their integration into everyday life make it possible for many customers not to carry cash and rely on credit or debit cards for all purchases.

  [0003] At the same time, increasing population migration and globalization means that diverse ethnic groups operate and support business, and in some cases, merchants who operate card terminals cannot speak the same language as customers. Is causing. This presents a problem when the point-of-sale terminal displays only one language that either the merchant / operator or the customer cannot understand. In such cases, language becomes a barrier to completing the transaction. Business facilities in multi-ethnic areas, and those whose operators cannot speak the language of the local culture in which they are located, need to adapt both merchants and customers by providing each with a usable terminal There is.

  [0004] In the past, credit card terminals have been programmed to access or run a database, a server capable of displaying and printing only one language per transaction, a server capable of doing so. Typically, the language was either the merchant language or the native language of the business facility location. For a customer who does not speak the language displayed by the credit card terminal, the customer may not fully understand the transaction, and may have distrusted the business and withheld the transaction. Has a display in the merchant's language when the merchant needs to manipulate instructions or troubleshoot the terminal, while printing a receipt in the customer's language or a custom display in the customer's language Those with are not currently available.

  [0005] Traditionally, a credit card that can display information in the merchant's language, display information in the customer's language, or print a receipt, thereby allowing both parties to complete the transaction with high comfort. A card terminal is required.

  [0006] Thus, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for multi-language user selection for a system user interface, which substantially eliminates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. Yes.

  [0007] An object of the present invention is to display information for merchants in one language and / or to print records and / or display information for business transactions in another language corresponding to the customer's language. It is to provide a credit card and debit card terminal that can be used.

  [0008] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description, claims hereof and the appended drawings.

  [0009] One embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention is a credit card and debit card transaction terminal that includes a processor, a display, and a memory. The terminal also includes a card reader configured to read data stored in the memory means of the portable memory medium. Further, the operator interface is generated by an operator interface program, which is stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein the operator interface is displayed on the display in operator language. It can be displayed. The terminal is a customer interface generated by a customer interface program, the customer interface program being stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein the customer interface is displayable in a customer language And further including the customer interface. The terminal further includes a language identification module stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein the language identification module is the operator language in which the operator interface is displayable for the operator. Selecting the operator language and selecting the customer language in which the customer interface is displayable for the customer, the operator language and the customer language being stored in the module The customer language is selected from a plurality of stored languages, and the operator language is different from the operator language.

  [0010] Another embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention is a method for configuring an operator language that can be displayed on a display into a displayable customer language for credit card and debit card transactions. Identifying the operator language for an operator interface that can be displayed on a display from a language identification module, the language identification module being configurable from a plurality of languages, wherein the operator language is Includes steps provided by an operator interface program. The method includes: selecting the operator language from a plurality of languages that can be displayed on a display from an operator interface program; and displaying the operator interface in the operator language on the display. Storing the language in the memory. The method also includes reading the customer language from a customer portable memory medium and identifying the customer language for a customer interface from a language identification module, the language identification module from a plurality of languages. Configurable, wherein the customer language is provided and displayable from a customer interface program. The method also includes selecting the customer language from a plurality of languages from the customer interface program and performing a business transaction, wherein the business transaction includes the operator interface as the operator interface. The operator language and the customer language are different, including displaying on a display in a language and displaying a customer interface in the customer language.

  [0011] Another embodiment of the present inventive subject matter is a computer-readable medium that includes computer-executable instructions that associate an operator language that can be displayed on a display with an operator interface program. A command for selecting from a plurality of languages and a command for storing the operator language in a memory. The subject matter includes instructions for reading a portable memory medium for a customer, instructions for identifying a customer language from the portable memory medium, and a plurality of customer languages that can be displayed to the customer in association with a customer interface program. And an instruction to select from the languages. The subject matter is also provided from the customer interface program for conducting business transactions and instructions for displaying the operator interface in the operator language provided from the operator interface program for conducting business transactions. And an instruction for displaying a customer interface in the operator language.

  [0012] Another embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention is for converting an operator language that can be displayed on a portable credit card and debit card terminal display to a customer language for business transactions. A method for selecting an operator language from a plurality of languages stored in a language identification module, the language identification module being stored in a memory and associated with the operator language identification module; Is configured to identify the operator language, wherein the operator language is displayable to an operator for display on the display for the operator interface, and storing the operator language in the memory Steps. The method includes reading a customer's portable memory medium and identifying a customer language from a plurality of languages stored in a language identification module, the language identification module associated with the customer language identification module being the customer Configured to identify a language, wherein the customer language can be displayed on the printing mechanism to the customer, and if no customer language is identified, then a default language can be selected and displayed to the customer at that time It is. The method also includes selecting a customer language from a plurality of languages stored in the language identification module, wherein the language identification module is stored in memory, and the language identification module associated with the customer language identification module is the customer language. A language is configured to be identified, wherein the operator language can be displayed to the customer. The method also includes the steps of displaying the operator interface from the operator interface program for the operator on the display in the operator language on the display for performing business transactions, and from the customer interface program for performing business transactions. Displaying a customer interface on the printing mechanism in the customer language, wherein the customer language is different from the operator language and the customer input is configurable to provide input from the customer. Providing, wherein the customer interface is displayable on the display for the customer input in the customer language.

  [0013] Another embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention comprises a business transaction by having operator language interfacing means for displaying an operator language and customer language interfacing means for displaying a customer language. A mechanism for selecting the operator language from a terminal language identification module stored in a memory, the memory configured to include a plurality of languages, the terminal language identification module comprising: The operator language is configured to be identified from language identification means, the operator language being displayed on the operator interface for the merchant and storing the operator language in memory. This embodiment further comprises means for identifying the customer language from reading the customer's portable memory medium; and means for selecting the customer language from the customer language identification means and storing it in the memory; The memory is configured to include a plurality of languages, the customer language identification module is the customer language, and a customer interface is configured to identify the customer language displayed for the customer. . The embodiment also includes means for displaying an operator language on the merchant interfacing means for business transactions, and means for displaying a customer language on the customer language interface means, wherein The customer language is different from the operator language.

  [0014] It is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. I want to be.

  [0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, serve to explain the principles of at least one embodiment of the invention. In addition, an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interactive system for use with a portable memory medium. [0018] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting a method of use in a system that provides one language for a user interface display and another language for displaying a customer interface. [0019] In a system that provides one language for employees for a user interface display and another language for a customer during a business transaction for display on the user interface display It is the flowchart which described the method of use. [0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an interactive system for use with a portable memory medium, where the interactive system has more than one display. [0021] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting a method for providing a language and currency interface to merchants and customers as part of a business transaction. [0022] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an interactive system for use with memory, where the interactive system can account for customer and merchant currency preferences as part of a business transaction.

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Examples of these are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0024] Also described herein is one or more exemplary implementations of methods and apparatus for use with multiple language selection for a system user interface, the system user interface The interface displays different languages for customers and employees participating in business transactions.

  [0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a credit or debit card terminal 100 ("terminal") in accordance with the inventive subject matter. Terminal 100 is similar to an ordinary credit card terminal, but can be provided in a cash register or fixed to be incorporated therein, or the terminal can be used to connect a credit card terminal to a business facility. It can be portable and portable so that merchants can use it at multiple locations in stores, buildings, markets, restaurants, or the like. The terminal 100 also has similar characteristics as many credit card terminals, but is used to conduct business transactions in a PC, workstation, dumb terminal, or commercial environment without any limitation. Can be any other style system. In this embodiment, terminal 100 would be a regular credit terminal used in the average retail business. The terminal features include a card lead 102 configured to read a portable memory medium, which is a credit card, debit card, ATM card, or card 104 owner. Would include any form of the like having a magnetic strip with information stored thereon. The card reader 102 can accept the card 104 in any physical manner, for example, internally or via swiping, or an integrated chip (IC) or wireless without the need to physically accept the card 104 It can be configured to read frequency (RFID) memory. For example, instead of physically swiping the card, the card reader 104 can read the RFID memory and perform all the steps necessary to conduct a business transaction as if it were a normal credit card . In this embodiment, it is assumed that terminal 100 is configured to accept a card internally to terminal 100 via swiping, in which case card reader 102 reads the memory strip of card 102. . The terminal 100 also has a keyboard 108 that enables manual entry of user input by a merchant or manual entry depending on business transaction input from a customer. These user inputs meet telephone numbers, customer pin numbers for debit card transactions, credit card numbers by business facilities when the card reader 102 cannot read the card 104 for any reason, or merchant needs It is possible to include the user input necessary for this. The keyboard 108 can also be used for merchants to select the appropriate language for the user interface display 106, and this keyboard should be printed on the receipt 114, as will be described further below. Allows merchants to select a language. The keyboard 108 can be any form of input means including a keyboard, touch pad, actuator, or similar device.

  [0026] The terminal 100 also has a user interface display 106, which will display or indicate information that would be relevant to the business facility to the merchant, which is the time of day. To enter data at the appropriate time with date, sales price, and other items that will be displayed during business transactions with credit card terminals or when the terminal is waiting for business transactions Includes instructions. The user interface display 106 can be any type of display including a typical monochrome screen found in LCDs, screens, televisions or computer screens, or credit card terminals. In addition, the terminal 100 includes a processor 110 that will process the business transaction into an appropriate system and display to complete the transaction. The processor can also be utilized to process various modules from the memory 108 and can be used for merchants to select an appropriate language for the user interface display 106. Also, the user interface display 106 can be used to display information to a customer or as a customer interface, and if the user interface display 106 is used or viewed by a customer, At that time, the user interface display 106 will display the relevant information to the customer in the customer language. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, a business facility has a merchant display 150 for displaying business transactions to a merchant or operator at the business transaction location of the business facility, and for displaying information to a customer. With a display configured to have a customer display 155, there can be more than one user interface display 106.

  [0027] Further, the terminal 100 can include a printer 112, which will print a receipt 114 as a storage for business transactions. The printer 112 can be some other form of customer interface that will provide a record of business transactions to the customer. Such a customer interface can be a printer with a receipt, a computer that provides an electronic or print receipt, a touch screen or touch keyboard that authorizes a customer to a terminal, or any customer retail business It can be another storage system. The printer 112 may also be in a single paper format for customers signing multiple copies printed by the printer 112, in a double carbon copy format for customers signing, or by those skilled in the art. Receipt 114 can be printed in any other form expected. In this embodiment, the customer interface is assumed to be a printer 112 that will print a receipt 114, which is a dual carbon copy format for the executing customer. The printer 112 does not need to be physically connected to the terminal internally, but is not limited to the Ethernet 112, the broadband, the T-1 connection, the DSL, the telephone line, the wireless, the coaxial cable, or the terminal 100. And can be connected by electrical means including any other manner expected to be associated with. For purposes of explanation, it is assumed that the printer 112 is simply connected internally to the terminal 100 as shown in FIG. The receipt 114 that the printer 112 prints displays typical text, information, and expressions that are typically found on the receipt 114 that merchants will give to customers for business transactions, including, without limitation, price Items such as business facility name, business facility location and telephone number, time of business transaction, customer signature line, customer account information, and any other possible information that would normally be included in a credit card receipt including. In the subject matter of the present invention, all of this information will be in the customer language for customer comfort.

  [0028] The terminal 100 also includes a memory 16, which stores programs used in typical business transactions that occur on credit card terminals. In addition, the memory 116 stores an interface language program 120 that displays an operator interface, which is a user interface display 106 for assisting merchant or operator business transactions. It is what is displayed above. The interface language program 120 includes a language identification module 122 that is utilized by the interface language program 120 to identify and select an appropriate language to be displayed on the user interface 106 or receipt 114. Is. The language identification module 122 will select the interface language for the operator interface and select the customer interface by operating one of two subroutines that depend on the task to be completed. Each subroutine can be used separately to conduct business transactions. The first subroutine is a terminal language identification module 124 that operates to identify, select, and display the appropriate language for the merchant on the user interface display 106. The terminal language identification module 124 can read from a group of languages stored in memory prior to any business transaction. The terminal language identification 124 subroutine may operate several times, for example, during initial terminal setup by a merchant, or when a language-speaking employee is replaced by another language-speaking employee during a shift change. it can. The second subroutine is a customer language identification module 126 that operates to identify, select, and display the appropriate language for the customer on the receipt 114 printed by the printer 112 or some other form of customer interface. is there. Customer language identification module 126 operates in a manner similar to terminal language identification module 124 in reading from a group of stored languages that can be displayed to the customer from memory 116. The customer language identification module 126 may operate as needed for receipts 114 to be printed in customer language for credit or debit card transactions, and on a daily, hourly, or weekly basis. It is possible to operate multiple times. The methodology for these tasks is described in more detail below.

  [0029] The language identification module 122 has an extensive language array for selecting from what should be displayed as an interface language that is an operator interface language or a customer interface language for each of the merchants and customers. Can do. The terminal language identification module 124 and the customer language identification module 126 are related to operate the required interface language displayed on one or both of the user interface display and receipt. The multiple languages available for the interface language include the size of the memory required to store the language and the cost associated with translating the interface language for display on the user interface 106 or display on the customer interface or receipt 112 Will be limited only by. The language identification module 122 includes a textual representation of the language name, or it may be in the form of code matched by the computing device in the terminal 110 for the processor 110 or interface language to display. Any representation that can be used to automatically identify and display the appropriate interface language can be displayed on the user interface display 106 or displayed on the receipt 112.

  [0030] FIG. 2 provides one language for the user interface display 106 and for use in a customer interface or system that provides another language for display on the receipt 114 printed by the printer 112. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting another embodiment of a method. In this embodiment, this is assumed to be a fixed credit card terminal as shown in FIG. 1, installed in a retail business facility, and the card is a magnetic strip that stores customer relationship information Is assumed to be a typical credit card with However, it should be noted that this is in no way meant to limit the application of the present invention.

  [0031] At block 200, the merchant can select a merchant language used on the user interface display 106 and store it in the memory 116, or a default language, described below in detail, for the user of the terminal 100. Can be displayed on the interface display 106. Terminal 100 can be configured for a merchant to utilize keyboard 108 and user interface display 106 to search through multiple languages, which are displayed on user interface display 106. Provided by the language identification module 122 through the operation of a terminal language identification module 124 subroutine that displays an interface language for the language to be selected, otherwise known as an operator language or a merchant language. The merchant uses the keyboard 108 to specify or select the appropriate language required for the user interface display 106. Another possible embodiment of selecting the interface language used by the merchant has a default language selected for the terminal 100 that will match the merchant language before launching the terminal. Or, somehow configured to access the Internet web site before starting the terminal 100, download the appropriate operator interface language to the language identification module 122, and operate the terminal language identification module 124. Would have a terminal 100. The interface language for the customer language can be selected via the customer language identification module 126 and can be searched and selected in the same manner except as described below. Also, an operator interface language displayed on the user interface display 106 to suit an operator or user who works on the terminal 100, credit card terminal and speaks a different language but works in the same business facility Can be configured to allow a merchant to change from one language to another.

  [0032] At block 210, the terminal 100 can be configured to accept a portable memory medium, such as a credit card with a magnetic strip, and the card when inserted or swiped by the terminal 100. The reader 102 can detect the card 104. Terminal 100 is configured to read card 104 and determine whether a particular language is stored in the memory of the card, as shown at block 220. If there is a language associated with the card 104, then the language identification module 122 and the customer language identification module 126 will operate to identify, determine and select the appropriate customer language as shown in block 230. (“Yes” branch 235 to block 250), this appropriate customer language can be displayed in the customer interface or receipt 114. Block 250 specifies that the customer interface is operating for a business transaction and the receipt 114 is printed from the printer 112 associated with the terminal 100. Further, during a business transaction, block 250, the user interface display 106 will display an operator interface language corresponding to the merchant language and would normally occur during a business transaction that occurs when using a credit card. Provide instructions, pricing, and other expressions and information to the merchant. The terminal operator language and the merchant language are used interchangeably throughout and have the same meaning. As indicated at block 260, the receipt 114 is printed in the customer's appropriate customer language. Receipt 114 will display the usual information that the merchant will give the customer for the business transaction, including, without limitation, cost, business facility name, business facility location and telephone number. Including items such as time of business transaction, customer account information, signature line, and any other possible information that would normally be included in a credit card receipt, all of which will be displayed in the customer language .

  [0033] If there is no language associated with card 104, or there is a language associated with card 104 but cannot be identified by the customer language identification module 126 subroutine ("no" branch 236 to block 240), then The default language displayed on the receipt is selected by the customer language identification terminal, as indicated by block 240. The default language can be sent to the processor 110 for display as a customer interface language on the receipt ("DL" branch 245 to block 250). After the business transaction occurs 250, the receipt 114 is then printed from the printer 112, displaying the normal information that the merchant will give the customer, as detailed above, but the receipt 114 is printed in the default language. Will be printed. The default language is the language most commonly used by business facility customers or the merchant language, or any other standard that the merchant considers acceptable to the merchant who can best conduct business transactions. Therefore, it can be selected. After receipt 114 is printed by printer 112, the system resets block 265 back to block 210 ("Reset" branch 270 to block 210) in preparation for a new customer using card 102, and returns to terminal 100. On the other hand, if it is not necessary to change the interface language, the terminal is activated. The method also resets all routes back to block 200 when a user, operator, or merchant speaking one language replaces a user, operator, or merchant speaking another language, as shown at branch 275. Can be set.

  [0034] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram depicting another embodiment of a method for use in a system that provides an operator with a language for a user interface display 106, and the user interface Another language can be displayed on the display 106. An example may be when a customer needs to view the user interface display 106 to complete a transaction. For example, instead of a credit card transaction, the customer selects a debit card to complete the transaction, and the user interface display 116 needs to display information in the customer language to complete the business transaction. In this embodiment, there is a business transaction for a fixed credit card or debit card terminal as shown in FIG. 1, installed in a retail business facility, and the card is a typical credit card with a printer for printing receipts. • Assumes a card or debit card terminal. However, it should be noted that this is in no way meant to limit the application of the present invention. The flow diagram of FIG. 3 is very similar to the flow diagram of FIG. 2 except for the additional steps associated with providing customer language on the user interface display 106.

  [0035] At block 300, the merchant can select the merchant language used in the user interface 106 shown to the merchant and store it in the memory 116, or the default language can be stored in the user interface display 106 of the terminal 100. Can be displayed. The merchant can use the keyboard 108 of the terminal 100 to configure the language displayed to the merchant on the user interface display 106 or in a similar manner as detailed for FIG.

  [0036] At block 310, the terminal 100 may be configured to accept a portable memory medium, such as a credit card with a magnetic strip, and when inserted or swiped by the terminal 100, the card The reader 102 can detect the card 104. The terminal 100 is configured to read the card 104 and is further configured to determine whether a particular language is stored on the card, as indicated at block 320. Similar to FIG. 2, as shown at block 330, the customer language identification module 126 displays one or both of the appropriate customer language displayed by the user interface display 106 and the appropriate customer language displayed on the receipt 114. It will operate to identify, determine, and select (“yes” branch 336 to block 350). However, to conduct a debit card transaction or any credit card transaction, the customer enters a personal identification number (“PIN”) on the keyboard 108 to verify and confirm the transaction against the business transaction to be completed. You may need to User interface display 106 displays words, information, and expressions in the merchant language for merchant involvement in business transactions, as shown at block 365. In block 360, the terminal 100 displays on the user interface display 106 words, information, and expressions in customer language for customer engagement in business transactions. For example, the user interface display 106 may indicate words that need to be communicated to the customer for understanding, confirmation, approval, or any other criteria that would help complete the transaction via the keyboard 108. Can be displayed in customer language. The user interface display 106 provides all the normal information that will complete the debit card transaction, including the PIN number, cashback, and the like, to the customer in the customer language, as shown at block 360. indicate. Block 370 specifies that a business transaction has occurred and receipt 114 may be printed from printer 112, as shown in block 380. For business transactions, the user interface display 106 can switch back and forth from a customer language to a merchant language depending on the status of the transaction and who may be viewing the user interface display 106. The receipt 114 will print and display the normal information that may be included on the debit card receipt, which will all be displayed in the customer language. After the receipt 114 is printed by the printer 112, the system returns to block 310 (into block 310) for a new customer who uses the card 102 (which is a credit card or debit card) for business transactions. “Reset” branch 390), if there is no need to change the interface language for the terminal 100, the terminal 100 will be activated. The method also resets all routes to block 300 if a user, operator, or merchant speaking one language replaces a user, operator, or merchant speaking another language, as indicated at branch 295. It is possible to set it back.

  [0037] Again, if there is no language associated with the card 104, or there is a language associated with the card 104, but that language cannot be identified by the customer language identification module 126 subroutine ("no" branch to block 340) 335), then the default language is selected and displayed on the receipt 114 and the user interface display 106. Again, similar to FIG. 2, the default language can be sent to the processor 110 for display on the receipt ("DL" branch 345 to block 350). At the end of the transaction, at block 380, the receipt 114 is printed from the printer 112, displaying the normal information that the merchant will provide to the customer, but the receipt 114 is in the default language. As detailed in FIG. 2, the default language can be any language that is most commonly used by business facility customers or the merchant language by the merchant, or any merchant that can best conduct business transactions. It can be selected according to other criteria.

  [0038] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an instant method and apparatus. In FIG. 5, when a new terminal is installed at the merchant's location, the merchant can select a preferred language that the terminal will use when displaying transaction related information to the merchant (block 505). ). Merchants can also select a preferred currency. When the merchant and customer are ready to initiate a business transaction, the terminal can read the customer's memory to obtain customer preference information (block 510). Exemplary customer memory media include credit or debit card magnetic stripes, universal serial bus readable drives such as thumb drives, compact flash cards or other such cards, or integrated circuits A memory that can be read through a physical connection such as a device or other such device can be included without limitation, the integrated circuit device or other such device being a credit card or debit card Or embedded in a similar product or otherwise connected to it. Also, the customer's memory can be read via a wireless connection such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that is incorporated in or otherwise attached to a credit or debit card, mobile phone, or the like. Possible memory and barcodes engraved or embedded in a credit or debit card or the like can be included without limitation.

  [0039] If the customer language and currency preferences are available from the customer memory (block 515), the terminal may use these preferences during the business transaction (block 520). If either or both of the customer's language and currency preferences are not available from the customer's memory, the terminal can query the customer for missing preference information (block 525). If the terminal does not support one or both of the preferred customer language and customer currency, a default language can be substituted for it. Similarly, one or both of an alternative language and currency can be substituted for one or both of the preferred language and currency. As an example, without limitation, customers from the UK who are shopping in Russia will be presented with information in English customized for subtle differences in language between English dialects spoken in the UK Terminal may not support such language selection. In such a situation, an English language interface based on an English dialect spoken in the United States can be a substitute for the customer's preferred language. Similarly, customers may prefer to see currency-related information in pounds, but if the device does not support pound-based currency information, the device can display currency-related information in euros. .

  [0040] Next, a business transaction is initiated (block 530). The terminal can display text-based or other information to the merchant in the merchant language, as well as information based on any currency, such as the amount of the final transaction, to the merchant in the merchant's preferred currency. It can be presented (block 535). The terminal can also display text-based or other information to the customer in the customer language, as well as the final transaction amount, any currency conversion related costs, or the like Information based on the customer's currency can be presented to the customer in the customer's preferred currency (block 540). When the business transaction is complete (block 545), the terminal can print a receipt for the customer using the customer's preferred currency in the customer's preferred language.

  [0041] As noted above, the instant methods and apparatus described above are used by customers who are used to speaking one language and doing business in one currency, and are used to speaking another language and doing business in another currency. Business transactions can be facilitated by allowing one or both of goods and services to be purchased from a merchant. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a network architecture that can support these instant systems and methods. In FIG. 6, the customer can present one of the credit / debit cards for payment. Credit / debit card 605 may include a magnetic stripe or other physically readable memory that is read via reader 610. Reader 610 can also read one or more wireless memories, such as, without limitation, an RFID chip embedded in credit / debit card 605 or mobile phone 615. The reader 610 can obtain various information from this memory, including, without limitation, the customer's account number, the customer's preferred language, and the customer's preferred currency. This information can be communicated to terminal 630, which can implement the method described above with reference to FIG. 5 or another similar method to facilitate transactions between the customer and the merchant. It is.

  [0042] In an embodiment, terminal 630 may access payment processing server 665 via a high speed or dial-up connection as provided by modems 640 and 660. Exemplary modems 640 and 660 include, but are not limited to, modems that can facilitate communication over standard telephone communications, modems that can facilitate communication over wireless connections, such as cellular phones, etc. And WiMAX or WiFi modems, as well as modems that can facilitate communication over digital subscriber lines ("DSL") or cable networks. In an alternative embodiment, terminal 630 can utilize merchant server 635 as a conduit for communication and information provided by one or more of payment processing server 665 and currency server 655. In one embodiment, the traditional terminal 630 is a VeriFone Omni 3740 manufactured by Verifone, Inc. of San Jose, Calif., Or a Hypercom Optimum T4 manufactured by Hypercom Corporation of Phoenix, Arizona. And Hypercom T7 Plus, and conventional credit card processing terminals such as computer-based terminals such as the SurePOS 500 series terminals manufactured by IBM.

  [0043] In an embodiment, the terminal may include a wireless payment processing terminal 620. Exemplary wireless terminals include, without limitation, Nurit 8000 GPRS wireless terminals manufactured by Verifone, INC. The wireless terminal 620 can facilitate business transactions using various means, such as mobile phone or other wireless telephone communications that allow direct communication with the payment processing server 665, And including a WiFi modem or other medium range wireless communication device or a Bluetooth modem or other short range communication device that allows the wireless terminal 620 to communicate with the wireless base station 625, the wireless base station 625 Includes corresponding communication means. In embodiments that use wireless base station 625, wireless base station 625 allows wireless terminal 620 to communicate with payment processing server 665 via modem 640. Base station 625 also allows wireless terminal 620 to communicate with server 635 and / or to communicate via server 635. The wireless terminal 620 may include a card reader or other device that can physically read the readable memory. Similarly, the wireless terminal 620 can include one or more readers that can remotely read a readable memory, such as an RFID chip embedded in or attached to a credit or debit card.

  [0044] Also, both the wireless terminal 620 and the traditional terminal 630 include functionality that allows them to operate a payment method based on the mobile phone 670 to pay parking fees and the like. An example is that created by International Business Machines ("IBM") at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

  [0045] In an embodiment, the wireless terminal 620 and the traditional terminal 630 can periodically update the currency conversion information stored therein. By way of example and not limitation, these terminals can poll currency server 655 every night at midnight to obtain the latest currency conversion rate, or these terminals poll currency server 655 as each business transaction begins. be able to. Polling intervals can be selected according to various criteria, including, without limitation, local banking or other laws, local or national business practices, merchant preferences, and communication utility and cost. Includes one or both.

  [0046] In an embodiment, the terminal can obtain all available currency conversion rates from the currency server 655. In some embodiments, the terminal can only request their currency conversion based on the merchant's preferred currency available from the currency server 655 and installed on the terminal or the local currency. In some embodiments, the currency server 655 can provide conversion information for a wide variety of currencies based on standardized currencies. By way of example and not limitation, the currency server 655 can choose to use US dollars as the base currency, and all other currency information can be provided to the terminal based on this base currency. If the currency information provided by the currency server 655 does not directly allow the terminal to convert from or to either the merchant's preferred currency or the customer's preferred currency, the information available to the terminal Based on the above, an appropriate conversion rate can be derived.

  [0047] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Obviously we can do it. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to cover provided modifications and variations of the present invention which fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (52)

A processor;
Display,
Memory,
An operator interface generated by an operator interface module, said operator interface module being stored in said memory and executable by said processor, said operator interface being capable of being displayed in operator language on said display A said operator interface;
A customer interface generated by a customer interface module, said customer interface module being stored in said memory and executable by said processor, said customer interface being displayable in a customer language;
A language identification module stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein the language identification module is the operator language in which the operator interface is displayable for an operator by the operator interface. Selectable and configured to select a customer language in which the customer interface is displayable for the customer, wherein the operator language and the customer language are stored in the language identification module The information that facilitates the transaction is presented to the operator in the operator language as part of the transaction, and is different from the customer language and the operator language. And the language identification module presented in the customer language. It was, a system to facilitate financial transactions.   The customer language further comprising a preferred customer language identifier, wherein the customer language in which information that facilitates the transaction is presented in the language includes the preferred customer language, and the preferred customer language identifier is read from a customer medium. The system of claim 1, read by   The system of claim 2, wherein the customer medium includes magnetic memory.   The system of claim 3, wherein the magnetic memory is portable.   The system of claim 4, wherein the customer medium includes a magnetic stripe on a credit card.   The system of claim 2, wherein the reader reads the preferred customer language without having to physically accept the customer media.   The system of claim 6, wherein the reader reads the customer medium via a wireless interface.   The system of claim 7, wherein the wireless interface comprises an RFID.   The system of claim 1, wherein the language identification module allows the operator to select the operator language from the plurality of languages stored in the language identification module.   The system of claim 10, wherein the operator language is stored in the memory.   The information further comprising an operator display and a customer display, wherein the information displayed to the operator to facilitate the transaction is displayed on the operator display, and information to facilitate the transaction displayed to the customer is The system of claim 1, displayed on the customer display. Storing information facilitating transactions in a language identification module in a plurality of languages;
Identifying an operator language from the first memory;
Identifying a customer language from a second memory;
Displaying an operator interface displayed in the operator language;
Displaying a customer interface displayed in the customer language;
Facilitating a business transaction, the business transaction comprising displaying the operator interface in the operator language and displaying the customer interface in the customer language, the operator language and the A financial transaction method including steps different from a customer language.   13. The method of claim 12, wherein a default language is selected as the customer language when the language identification module does not include information that facilitates transactions in the customer language read from the second memory.   The method of claim 12, wherein the second memory is physically remote from the first memory.   The method of claim 14, wherein the second memory is read via a reader, the reader reading the second memory wirelessly.   The method of claim 15, wherein the wireless reader uses RFID.   The method of claim 12, wherein the second memory includes a magnetic stripe on a credit card. A processor;
Display,
Memory,
A card reader configured to read data stored in the memory means of the memory medium;
An operator interface generated by an operator interface program, wherein the operator interface program is stored in the memory and can be executed by the processor, and the operator interface can be displayed in operator language on the display The operator interface,
A customer interface generated by a customer interface program, said customer interface program being stored in said memory and executable by said processor, said customer interface being displayable in a customer language;
A language identification module stored in the memory and executable by the processor, the language identification module selecting the operator language in the operator language in which the operator interface is displayed to the operator And configured to select a customer language in which the customer interface is displayed to the customer, the operator language and the customer language being stored in the module. Different from the customer language and the operator language, the information that facilitates the transaction is presented to the operator in the operator language as part of the transaction and is selected from the customer language and the customer language. Said language identification module presented in
A currency module stored in the memory and executable by the processor, wherein the currency module selects an operator currency in which the operator information is presented as part of the operator interface in the currency. Selecting a customer currency, wherein financial information is converted from the operator currency to the customer currency via exchange rate data and presented as part of the customer interface in the currency. A credit card comprising the currency module, wherein the operator currency and the customer currency are selected from a plurality of currencies stored in the currency module and are different from the customer currency and the operator currency; and Debit card transaction terminal.   The terminal of claim 18, wherein the currency module enables selection of the operator currency from the plurality of currencies stored in the currency module.   The terminal of claim 18, wherein the currency module enables selection of the customer currency from the plurality of currencies stored in the currency module.   The terminal of claim 18 further comprising a printing mechanism.   The terminal of claim 21, wherein the printing mechanism issues a record.   The terminal of claim 18, wherein the terminal is portable.   The terminal of claim 18, wherein the portable memory medium further comprises an integrated circuit card.   The terminal of claim 18, wherein the portable memory medium further comprises a card having a magnetic stripe.   The terminal of claim 18 further comprising a plurality of displays, the plurality of displays comprising an operator display and a customer display.   The terminal of claim 18, wherein the data stored in the portable memory medium includes a currency identifier that identifies the customer currency preferred by the customer.   The terminal of claim 18, wherein the data stored in the portable memory medium includes a currency identifier that identifies the operator currency preferred by the operator.   The terminal of claim 18 further comprising means for taking exchange rate data updated prior to each transaction.   The terminal of claim 18, further comprising means for taking exchange rate data updated at scheduled intervals. Storing information facilitating transactions in a language identification module in a plurality of languages;
Storing exchange rate data between multiple currencies in a currency module;
Enabling an operator to select an operator language from one of the plurality of languages and allowing an operator to select an operator currency from one of the plurality of currencies, the plurality of languages Information for facilitating transactions in said language identification module, and for said plurality of currencies, exchange rates between them are stored in said currency module;
Storing the operator language and the operator currency in a memory medium;
Reading the customer's portable memory medium;
Identifying the customer language and customer currency from the memory medium;
Facilitating business transactions comprising: displaying the operator interface on the display in the operator language and the operator currency; and displaying the customer interface on the display in the customer language and the customer currency. The credit card and the debit card for facilitating the transaction of the credit card and the debit card, wherein the operator language is different from the customer language and the operator currency is different from the customer currency. Method.   Enabling the customer to select a customer language from one of the plurality of languages and allowing the customer to select a customer currency from one of the plurality of currencies, the plurality of languages 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of storing information facilitating a transaction at the language identification module and financial information at the plurality of currencies stored at the currency identification module.   32. The method of claim 31, further comprising printing a receipt for the customer in the customer language and the customer currency, wherein the receipt includes a record of the transaction.   32. The method of claim 31, wherein a default language is selected as the customer language when the language identification module does not include information that facilitates transactions in the customer language read from the memory medium.   32. The method of claim 31, wherein a default currency is selected as the customer currency when the currency identification module does not include financial information in the customer currency read from the memory medium.   32. The method of claim 31, further comprising reading a default operator language and default operator currency from the memory medium before allowing the operator to select the operator language and the operator currency.   32. The method of claim 31, further comprising taking updated exchange rate data prior to each business transaction.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of taking exchange rate data updated at scheduled intervals. A computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions comprising:
Instructions for storing information facilitating transactions in a language identification module in multiple languages;
Instructions for storing exchange rate data between multiple currencies in a currency module;
An instruction for enabling an operator to select an operator language from one of the plurality of languages and an operator to select an operator currency from one of the plurality of currencies, the plurality of languages Information for facilitating transactions in the language of said language is stored in said language identification module, and for said plurality of currencies, exchange rates between them are stored in said currency module;
Instructions for storing the operator language and the operator currency in a memory medium;
Instructions to read the customer's portable memory medium;
Instructions for identifying the customer language and currency from the memory medium;
Instructions for facilitating business transactions, the business transactions comprising displaying the operator interface on a display in the operator language and the operator currency, and displaying a customer interface in the customer language and the customer currency. Displaying on a display, and including instructions that are different from the operator language and the customer language and different from the operator currency and the customer currency.   Enabling the customer to select a customer language from one of the plurality of languages and allowing the customer to select a customer currency from one of the plurality of currencies, the plurality of languages 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising: information that facilitates trading at the language identification module and financial information at the plurality of currencies stored at the currency identification module.   41. The method of claim 40, further comprising printing a receipt for the customer in the customer language and the customer currency, wherein the receipt includes a record of the transaction.   41. The method of claim 40, wherein a default language is selected as the customer language when the language identification module does not include information that facilitates transactions in the customer language read from the portable memory medium.   41. The method of claim 40, wherein a default currency is selected as the customer currency when the currency identification module does not include financial information in the customer currency read from the portable memory medium.   41. The method of claim 40, further comprising reading a default operator language and a default operator currency from memory before allowing the operator to select the operator language and the operator currency.   40. The method of claim 39, further comprising taking updated exchange rate data prior to each business transaction.   40. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of taking exchange rate data updated at scheduled intervals. Storing information facilitating transactions in a language identification module in a plurality of languages;
Storing exchange rate data between multiple currencies in a currency module;
Identifying an operator language and operator currency from a first memory;
Identifying a customer language and a customer currency from a second memory;
Displaying an operator interface that is displayable in the operator language, wherein the financial portion of the transaction is converted to the operator currency;
Displaying a customer interface displayable in the customer language, wherein the financial portion of the transaction is converted into the customer currency;
Facilitating business transactions comprising: displaying the operator interface in the operator language and the operator currency; and displaying the customer interface in the customer language and the customer currency. A method of financial transaction comprising the steps of: different from the operator language and the customer language, and different from the operator currency and the customer currency.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein the operator interface is displayed in a browser.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein the customer interface is displayed in a browser.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein a default language is selected as the customer language when the language identification module does not include information that facilitates transactions in the customer language read from the second memory.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein a default currency is selected as the customer currency when the currency identification module does not include exchange rate data for the customer currency read from the second memory.   48. The method of claim 47, wherein the first memory and the second memory are the same.

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