JPS6037072A - Interactive type audio transaction terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a transaction terminal device for use in an electronic financial exchange system.The terminal device issues an audible request for transaction information to an operator. simplifies data entry procedures.

There is a clear trend in the financial world towards conducting a wide range of transactions electronically. 'Electronic transactions are typically faster, less expensive, and generally more efficient. Therefore, there is great interest in developing devices that can be used and even improving the electronic exchange of financial information. The present invention relates to such improvements.

It is important to consider the capabilities of typical operators in the development of electronic switching equipment. Design features that simplify human interaction are less important when the user can be adequately trained in how to operate the device. For example, when a transaction device is to be used continuously throughout the day by a bank teller on a weekday (workday), data entry and retrieval methods are most useful for the bank's use rather than for the operator's single employee use. Can be adjusted. In contrast, when a device is operated by an uninformed and untrained person, efforts must be made to develop a ``user-friendly'' device. This effort can be seen in the automated teller machines that banks have deployed that include video screens that display instructions to assist unsophisticated and infrequent account holders. Therefore, when developing a device for use by an untrained person,
It is highly desirable to make its operation simple and "user friendly".

Today's bank card systems rely mostly on electronic communication of transaction IH information. In a typical sink system, a customer is provided with a credit card or debit card by their bank or issuer. The customer who does so may present the card to the merchant as payment for the service. A record of the transaction will be notified to the issuing bank. When a customer issues a Tevisot cart, the amount of the purchase transaction is debited to the bank's deposit account.

On the other hand, if the customer is given a credit card, the issuing bank RJ will only charge the customer for the amount of the transaction. Delivery of transaction records to the issuer can take several forms, either physically or electronically. Favorable disaster of the present invention 1m L? 1
In J, the device facilitates the electronic transmission of transaction data to the issuer.

In most bank cart networks, several systems have been developed to reduce the damage caused by possible credit or fraud. For example, weekly reports may be distributed to merchants that include card numbers that have been reported lost or stolen, or have exceeded the allowed credit limit.

Before authorizing a transaction, the merchant checks whether the customer's account number is on the list. If the balance is on the list, the transaction must be rejected. Obviously, this approach has many drawbacks. For example, S-reports are only updated once a week, so they cannot include the most recent information. Furthermore, this method is often abandoned as it is quite unproductive and time consuming.

Another approach used to reduce credit and fraud losses is to store the most up-to-date customer information at the center. The merchant will then be required to contact the center for approval of the transaction. In conventional systems, communication with the JJ center is accomplished in a few different ways.

For example, a merchant may simply submit a statement to an authorization center, where the operator enters transaction data into a computer containing information that is comfortable for determining whether to authorize the transaction. The results are then communicated verbally to the merchant. This approach clearly prevents merchants from being ``user-friendly'' (by force). This has a serious drawback. With this method, 1% of the time cannot be achieved without contacting the operator, so during the peak of commercial activity, the time between Kokodani II and # is slow. 70J) is also inefficient and costly due to the need for an operator. Finally, the request must be made over the phone in real time (real time), so
It costs a lot of money to communicate.

Two improved systems have been developed to eliminate these drawbacks. In the first system, the recognition iaJ
The operator at the station was replaced by an electronic voice device. To explain this operation, the merchant contacts the computer at the authentication center. The computer then audibly requests transaction information. From that point onwards, information is transmitted by the merchant using a telephone dialer. In this case, it is preferable to use the relative consonants that occur from Yunochitone Basodoka).

It will be appreciated that the system would be more efficient if operators were removed. However, communication costs are still high.

To address the latter drawback, terminal devices have been developed that allow transaction data to be entered and stored before a communication link is established with the authorization center. In these transaction terminals, five operators input transaction information in a specific sequence. Once the transaction information has been entered, the terminal device activates a communication link with the authorization center to transmit the information.

The last method is the most efficient of the three.

However, this has one major drawback. Since the data must be entered in a specific, predetermined sequence and the TL is not available, the operator must follow the commands or record and recite the sequence. In many cases, store employees are not familiar with the approval process found in other stores.

Therefore, it is difficult for store clerks to complete the transaction. In this case, a long waiting period may occur, and the store clerk may abandon the authorization procedure altogether71).

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an input terminal device that is user-friendly and minimizes the communication cost If.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved conversational yiM terminal for the transmission of transaction information.

Another object of the present invention is to obtain a new and improved transaction terminal device that is user-friendly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved transaction terminal device that reduces communication costs.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved transaction book device that acoustically requests information to facilitate data entry.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved trading terminal that drives the communication link to the authorization center only after all necessary trade takes have been entered.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved transaction terminal that converts output received from a town center into sound.

child? In accordance with 'L et al. and many other objects, the present invention is a conversational terminal device capable of sending and receiving trade takes along a communication link to an authorization center. The term authorization center is used here in a broad sense, covering the location (part 4) in the trading network that generates responses to authorization requests. In particular, in a typical system, the location of processing an authorization request depends on several factors, such as the size of the transaction;
It depends on the location of the issuer, the location of the merchant, etc. If so, the authorization request is processed at a central location, but for other parties the request is immediately sent to the card issuer. For reference, a preliminary discussion of one embodiment of an authorization network is provided in my US patent application Ser. No. 359,375. This terminal device is intended to link with an authorization network that processes requests and sends back answers.

The terminal device consists of a telephone with an audio transmitter, such as a transmitter in a handset. In those days, telephones had to have dials like shitty dials that generated electronic input signals. The telephone connects to a speech synthesizer capable of generating audio output signals in response to electrical input signals. The input signal is provided by a processor connected to an electronic storage device. The storage device stores all information necessary for recognition II processing.

In operation, a speech synthesizer dials a telephone into a storage device in response to an audio request generated. The speech synthesizer audibly instructs the operator as to the proper data input sequence. For example, the operator is instructed to enter the customer's account number and the expiration date n (consumption date) of Banker F.

Moreover, transaction volume is also required. At the end of the sequence 7, the programmer activates the communication link with the authorization center and transmits the take to it. Understood 4
'L will be. Additionally, communication costs are reduced because the communication link is not complete until all data has been entered.

In the preferred embodiment, the authorization response is sent to the terminal and stored in a storage device. power 1
The response is audibly transmitted to the operator under the control of the processor.The response is transmitted to the operator under the control of the processor, so that the response can be called at any time the operator wishes, until the next transaction begins.
It is preferable to memorize it.

This terminal device can also be connected to other input/output devices. For example, it would be desirable to include a device that reads the magnetic strip on the Creso cart to eliminate the need for the operator to enter the customer's account number in the tire bar/do. Get a hard copy printer and get a physical record of your transactions.

Additionally, a separate take input may be provided for manually inputting the customer's identification number PIN.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description using FIG.

The terminal device of the present invention shown in Figure 4 (not shown in Figure 4, terminal device port 0) is particularly suitable for generating authorization requests in bank card transactions. This device can also be used for other financial matters.

As mentioned above, in bank card systems a customer presents a card to a merchant as payment for goods or services. Before completing a transaction, the merchant contacts the authorization center to confirm authorization for the transaction. By obtaining authorization for each transaction, damage from fresnots and fraud can be minimized.

In order to process the authorization request, the authorization center (I2) has N
All information regarding the transaction, such as each IA's account number, card expiration date, transaction amount, etc., must be provided. According to the present invention, the terminal device (10
) is used in combination with a standard telephone (20). The telephone set (zO) has a device for generating an audio signal, typically a handset in the handset of the telephone.The telephone set I1O also has a dialing device for generating an electrical input signal. Preferably a touch tone dial pad (24
)@Use.

The telephone (to) is connected to a processor C30) in the terminal device. The processor(s) controls the input/output functions, data formatting, and operation of the terminal device. The processor (301) also includes a speech synthesizer module B and an internal storage device (301), as described in more detail below.
34) is also controlled. A suitable processor for performing these functions is the TMS-7 manufactured by Texas Instruments Corporation.
Manufactured as '120, 71. This device includes an 8-bit microprocessor and a high l-Me private memory (R(Hvl)). Operating commands for the browser are stored in l(, OIVI).

A speech synthesizer that generates audio requests (3 bottles connect to the processor. Speech non-synthesizer C34)
includes a storage device that digitally stores all of the terms necessary to generate the desired demand or payment deadline. When the processor determines that an audio payment deadline is required, it sends a signal to the non-synthesizer to retrieve the payment deadline from storage. The Numpisizer then generates an analog electrical output signal and feeds it to the handset (2z) of the telephone (zO). The handset converts this analog electrical signal to audio output. The speech synthesizer that performs these functions is 1” at Texas Inssolmen V Company
It is manufactured as Ms-522OA. This device is located in Texas.
It includes an 8-bit speech processor that can be connected to a 128-bit ROM, such as a 128-bit ROM (Vis-6tOt).

Note 1: It is thought that about 100 words are needed.

These words can be combined in various ways to generate approximately 50 audio phrases.

Another program storage device (34) is also used by the processor U.
, 30+. Storage device (3414′i) stores all information specific to a particular terminal location. For example,
This storage device stores the terminal's identification and any merchant newsletters printed on the sales slip. A unique space is provided in the table containing information that allows the processor to determine the appropriate bank cart M4f to contact based on the cart holder's account number. In addition, Tani Bank Card Network ζ
It seems that the Denzume Homago related to this is included.

Storage device C34) is used to store both trade takes entered by the expert operator and responses received from the authorization center. In a preferred embodiment.

Sufficient storage space must be provided to store records of all transactions that occur during the workday.

With this configuration, 1% of the daily transactions are edited and 1% is sent to the central processing area at the end of the working day. The importance of all this transaction information [This unique device is of a durable type, meaning that it will not be lost due to a power outage.]
1. It has to be something that doesn't exist. One type of memory suitable for this purpose is an electronically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EIThP CHvl), which can be changed only when power is supplied.

An EEPROtvl suitable for this purpose is XIC sit, 1
．． X2 s l 6A and S e manufactured by NC,
NO, 5213 manufactured by eq I nc.

Each of these devices has a recording capacity of 21 x 1 -. Approximately 6 to 100% of Hyde's book is required. Another way to protect the system is to provide a capacitor that is charged during normal operation. When a power outage occurs, the capacitor supplies power to operate the C system and retain the take in memory ff1i&.

In the preferred embodiment, telephone #uO) also includes a dialer (not shown) that automatically creates a communication link with authorization center 04. A suitable dialer is manufactured by Texas Insolmen V Company as the TiviS-99531. The take is transmitted through the modem at 31) O bits/second. A suitable modem is manufactured by Texas Instruments Inc. as 'rMs-99532.

In operation, the merchant can initiate the authorization process by picking up the handset from the telephone (wO) and entering the start code into the dialer. sends a signal to Stasa to generate a transaction data request).

For example, the processor, the (30), reaches the speech synth → noiser (3) and sends the message ``Please enter your account number.'' .This analog signal is converted into an audible form by the transmission of the machine.

The operator can input the customer's account number using the computer (Yuinochitone Paso).1). When the input is complete, the processor sends a signal to the speech synthesizer to generate the message ``Please enter expiration date.'' Then, the operator inputs the +Ll expiry date of the cart. This process continues until all necessary transaction data is entered into the storage device (34).
do.

When the data is input, the processor checks the card holder's code against the code table ζ used in the device. This configuration allows a particular number of links to be identified and the correct phone number to be found. Bromo Nosa then drives a dialer to establish a connection with the correct authorization center 112+. Transaction data is transmitted from the computer.

After reviewing the transaction, the authorization center returns the main issue. A returned message is free from authorization or any form of rejection. If the returned message is an authorization, the processor returns [Your authorization number is 123
An appropriate audio message such as "I'm 45"
h-g live. The merchant then writes that number on the sales slip and completes the transaction.

A negative response may require the operator to call another number for further information. The operator is then told to confiscate the cart 71) and even take the user into custody.

In the preferred embodiment, messages returned from the authorization center are placed in storage (34) at the time the next transaction begins. With this arrangement, if an operator forgets a message and does not properly record it, the message can be recalled from storage without going through the entire authorization procedure again.

In order to reduce the cost of the authorization process without giving up protection against credit and fraud losses, the present invention provides a method for transmitting information to
．． measures to reduce the number of transactions. That is, it is conceivable to choose an amount threshold level such that if the transaction volume is less than this threshold level, the take is not sent to the authorization center for authorization. This configuration eliminates the cost of communication and the expense associated with authorization requests. Moreover, since the transactions are relatively small, the damage caused by Creso'nod and O+K is still minimal. The particular monetary threshold level is determined based on factors such as typical customer base, volume location, and prior history of the loss.

To achieve this result, means are provided for comparing the entered trading volume with a predetermined monetary threshold level.

If the transaction volume is lower than the threshold level, the processor ψ1 of the product processing unit →t j30) generates an automatic authorization. When a transaction exceeds a threshold, the take is authorized and transmitted to an authorization center.

To further secure the system, the terminal device may further be provided with means for randomly selecting transactions below the threshold level and forwarding them to the authorization center. Since the percentage of transactions sent will be relatively small, the cost savings associated with the threshold selection process will be appreciated. It is understood that by sending a random selection of transactions to an authorized center, an unauthorized user cannot rely on purchases below the transaction level to be laterally distorted. There will be.

According to the present invention, some input/output devices can be shared with the terminal device (uO) to facilitate operation. One of the more desirable devices would be a magnetic strip reader (4o). The magnetic strip reader (40) can decode the information coated on the bank card all at once. In operation, the merchant swipes the bank card with the reader t40) to read the customer's account number and expiry date, I'LH, which are coded on the card. This information is provided directly to processor C30), eliminating the need for merchants to manually enter this information.

In the preferred embodiment, a printer (42j) is also connected to the processor. The printer (42) can automatically create a heart copy receipt for the customer displaying all four necessary notes related to the transaction. .

For example, a printer (4) previously records the merchant's name, transaction account, and transaction amount.

The terminal device is also used with another input cover (44). The band (44J) facilitates the entry of a customer's identification number or PIN. One way to increase the security of a bank card system is to give each customer a PIN. It is encoded on the magnetic strip on the card. In operation, the merchant reads the information coated on the magnetic strip into a storage device with a reader (40).

Customers can manually enter their PIN numbers using a pad separate from the phone, out of sight of the merchant.

The processor (130+) then compares the PIN number read from the card with the number entered by the customer. If these numbers do not match, the transaction will not be authorized. 1. It may be something similar to the drowsiness touch tone signal.

Various other accessories can be provided to the terminal to enhance its capabilities. For example, a terminal device can be provided with a device that connects to an electronic cash register. In this case, the transaction totals and other information generated by the electronic cash register can be entered directly into the terminal device.

In summary, a new and improved conversational terminal (tlO) has been obtained for use in transmitting transaction data. The terminal device is connected to the telephone and includes a computer keyboard (30) that controls three speech synthesizers C and a storage device (34J).

In operation, the transaction data is transferred to the terminal of the phone.
The signal generated by the speech synthesizer, t1, is stored in the storage device in response to the audio request. Once the data input is complete, the processor drives the communication link to the authorization center and transmits the data to the AJ center.
Be user friendly.

Having described the invention by means of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. I want you to understand.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The figure shows the components of the new and improved conversational terminal device of the present invention. ■0... Zuisong equipment 20... Telephone 22... Handset 24... Tasochitone Daicel Nonoto

Claims (9)

[Claims] (1) A telephone having an audio transmitting device and a dialing device capable of generating electrical signals. a speech synthesizer device capable of generating an audio output signal; a processor device connected to the telephone set and the speech synthesizer device; and a storage device connected to the processor device for storing data. is generated by said dialing device and entered into said storage device in response to an audio request generated by said speech synthesizer device, and is provided to said audio transmitting device under control of said processor device, transaction data. Upon completion of the input, the processor device drives a communication link with the authorization center to transmit the data to the authorization center; the processor device receives the transaction data and sends the transaction data along the communication link to the authorization center; Terminal device. (2) The storage device stores the data recovered from the terminal device from the authorization center and transfers it to the telephone and the transmitting device under the control of the processor device. The terminal device according to claim 1, which is capable of transmitting information audibly. (3) The data returned from the authorization center is stored in the above-mentioned section until a new transaction begins, so that it can be recalled by the Atial device in section 10. The terminal device according to claim 2, remaining in #. (4) The terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising a device connected to the processor device and configured to read a encoded magnetic strip and transmit data on the magnetic strip to the storage device. . (5) The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the dial device is a touch tone dialer. (6) The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the audio transmitting device is included in a transceiver of a telephone. (7) The terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising a device connected to the professional device, which is separate from the telephone and which generates an electrical signal to be input to the device. (8) Connected to the processor device? 2. The terminal device of claim 1, further comprising a device for printing a hard copy record of each transaction made. (9) The terminal according to claim 1, which includes a power storage device connected to the storage device and serving as another power source to prevent data in the storage device from being lost due to a power outage. Device. 00) Input! 1 further comprising a device for comparing the transaction amount with a threshold level of amount, wherein the transaction amount is less than the threshold one transaction level, the processor device is characterized in that the processor device responds without sending the data to an authorization center. Terminal device according to scope 1. Terminal device according to claim 1BIO, comprising a device t for randomly selecting transactions lower than a threshold level of Uυ amount and for transmitting the selected data to an authorization center after authorization.