KR20020065596A - Charge card purchase - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is arranged for recording the credit card buyer's signature in digital form when the buyer records his signature on the physical credit card receipt (2; 40) using the pen point 17 placed on the digital pen. It relates to a credit card purchase management device comprising a digital pen (1; 1 '). The present invention further provides a signal processing means arranged to generate the digital credit card receipt, corresponding to the physical credit card receipt, by storing the digital signature together with the digital purchase information relating to the credit card purchase associated with the physical credit card receipt. It relates to a credit card purchase management device comprising (16; 33). The present invention also discloses a credit card receipt and a credit card purchase operation method.

Description

Purchase credit card {CHARGE CARD PURCHASE}

In order to make effective use of credit card purchases, it is common for a buyer to provide their credit card and confirm the purchase with their signature on a credit card receipt that includes purchase information such as the cost of purchase and the credit card number. Required.

The credit card receipt may be a pre-printed credit card receipt with the seller handwriting the purchase information. Some information, such as credit card numbers, for example, can be added by imprinting on the credit card itself using a particular device. When the buyer signs the credit card receipt, he receives a copy of the buyer's receipt and the seller keeps the original. The original is sent back to the seller's bank, where the information on the credit card receipt is entered into the computer and the payment is transferred from the buyer's account to the seller's account.

Since all credit card receipts are handled manually, there is a risk of error and wastes time in receipt processing. For example, a seller may enter incorrect information on a receipt, and banks may mistype information on a computer.

Some vendors use a credit card reader that is linked to a cash register, which makes things easier. When the buyer wants to purchase a credit card, the seller passes the credit card reader to scratch the credit card, the credit card reader reads the card information from the credit card and sends it to the cash register, and the cash register is the buyer. Print a credit card receipt that can be signed. This significantly reduces the risk of errors associated with receipt issuance. In some cases, the buyer holds a copy of the signed receipt and the seller keeps the original. In another case, the buyer signs only the receipt kept by the seller and receives another receipt indicating that the purchase by credit card is valid but without the buyer's signature. In both cases, information about credit card purchases may be sent to the bank in digital form.

Nevertheless, the seller or bank must still retain the physical credit card receipt in case the buyer later claims that payment was made from his account even though he did not purchase.

In another case, the buyer confirms the purchase by instructing his PIN code on the keyboard. In this case, the information on all credit card receipts is sent to the bank in digital form. However, this is less secure because it is easier to find the PIN code assigned to the credit card than to forge the cardholder's signature.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing a credit card purchase, and a credit card receipt.

1 shows schematically a first embodiment of a configuration according to the invention.

Figure 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of the configuration according to the invention, which aims to print a physical credit card receipt at the time of purchase.

3 is a schematic diagram of an enlarged portion of a paper sheet provided with a position-coding pattern.

4 schematically shows how the symbols included in the position-coding pattern can be constructed.

5 is a schematic diagram of an example of a 4 x 4 symbol used to code a position.

It is an object of the present invention to completely or partially solve the above-mentioned problems.

This object can be achieved by the apparatus disclosed in claim 1, the method disclosed in claim 18, and the credit card receipt described in claim 22.

More specifically, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for processing a credit card purchase, said apparatus comprising a portable device (preferably a digital pen) and signal processing means, said portable device being a buyer Records the credit card purchaser's signature in digital form when the user signs on the physical credit card receipt using a pen point provided in the portable device, and the signal processing means is associated with the physical credit card receipt. By storing the digital signature along with the digital purchase information for the credit card purchase, a digital credit card receipt is generated corresponding to the physical credit card receipt.

The advantage of the device is that the purchaser can verify his signature on the physical credit card receipt he holds, while the seller does not have to waste time processing the physical credit card receipt. Instead, a digital credit card receipt was created, which includes the purchaser's signature, so that it completely corresponds to and replaces the original physical credit card receipt. More specifically, the digital credit card receipt includes all the information added by hand and / or device on the physical credit card receipt associated with the purchase.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention is that it does not require a fundamental change in the existing infrastructure for the processing of credit card receipts. The only change is that the buyer has to use a digital pen or other portable device instead of the traditional pen. The change for banks is that they no longer need to enter credit card purchase information by hand because the information is received in digital form. In addition, banks no longer need to store physical credit card information. The seller also reduces the burden of processing physical credit card receipts.

Since the portable device is mainly purchased by the seller, it is desirable to be designed from the seller's point of view. However, the user can also purchase a portable device.

The signal processing means can be integrated into the portable device. This may include a software program to be executed by the processor. It may also be implemented in hardware by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The signal processing means can also be implemented partly or wholly in a unit separate from the portable device.

The term credit card, as used in this application, refers to a credit card, debit card, or other type of card or physical unit that can make a valid purchase and require the cardholder's signature as confirmation of the purchase. Refers to. Purchasing a credit card may be associated with a product or service.

The device according to the invention can also be used effectively for a seller who has previously fully processed a credit card purchase by means of a preprinted physical credit card receipt. In this case, the portable device may be provided for recording the additional information in digital format when the purchaser writes the additional information on the credit card receipt using the portable device, and the additional information in the digital format may be provided to the signal processing unit. At least partially configure the digital purchase information that is stored.

Therefore, the portable device can be used to record all the information written by hand on the preprinted physical credit card receipt. If necessary, the signal processing means may supplement handwritten information such as date and time, seller name, serial number of credit card receipt, pen ID or similar kind of information.

Portable devices come in various forms. For example, the portable device may include an acceleration sensor or a gyrosensor that records the movement of the device when the purchaser records using the portable device. However, in the preferred embodiment, the portable device includes an optical sensor for recording the surface image of the physical credit card receipt when the purchaser writes on the physical credit card receipt using the portable device. Thus, a fixed part or complex sensor is required.

The purchaser writes can be performed by recording a plurality of images having a plurality of partially overlapping content and determining the relative position of the images, as disclosed in International Patent Application WO 99/60467. have. The above application is incorporated herein by reference.

However, the apparatus comprises means for identifying the position-coding pattern of the above-described image and converting the position-coding pattern of each image into coordinates for the position of the portable device on the physical credit card receipt when the image is recorded. . Thus, the contents recorded by the purchaser on the physical credit card receipt can be stored in the memory by the signal processing means in the form of a sequence of coordinates.

Thus, in this case the credit card receipt has an absolute position-coding pattern that codes the coordinates of the multiple absolute positions on the credit card receipt, so that what the buyer writes on the credit card receipt is the position-coding It can be read by reading the pattern continuously. Therefore, the signature recorded on the credit card receipt is recorded in such a way that it can be reproduced graphically as a computer screen. In addition, the sequence of coordinates constituting the signature enables to accurately determine whether the signature was recorded on the credit card receipt. This feature makes it as safe as comparing the original receipt of the physical credit card with the digital credit card receipt as in the prior art, which compares the original receipt of the physical credit card with the consumer's signature on the credit card receipt.

Means for identifying the position-coding pattern and converting the position-coding pattern to coordinates may be implemented by appropriate software of the processor and the portable device. Alternatively, the means may be formed as part of a signal processing means or physically separate means, which in turn can be integrated into a portable device. In the case of physically separated means, the portable device merely transmits to the signal processing means and records the processed image in the signal processing means.

In one embodiment, the structure comprises the accumulation of a pre-printed physical credit card receipt with a position-coding pattern on at least a portion of the surface.

These preprinted physical credit card receipts may look the same as existing preprinted physical credit card receipts, with the difference that a position-coding pattern is provided on at least a portion of their surface, some of which may be digital The part or parts that are supposed to be filled out using a pen. An additional difference is that no copy is required and only one receipt is sufficient. This preprinted credit card receipt can be used in the same way as a conventional preprinted credit card receipt except that the required purchase information is filled in using a digital pen or other portable device.

As an alternative to a preprinted physical credit card receipt, the device may use a credit card receipt printed at the time of purchase. For this purpose, the signal processing means may be configured to cause a receipt printer to print the physical credit card receipt. Conveniently printed physical credit card receipts include information describing the purchase, such as price, details of the product or service being purchased, and the credit card number.

The device comprises an accumulation of paper, for example a sheet or reel, the sheet or roll having a position-coding pattern over its entire surface and the sheet or roll having the physical credit card Used to print a receipt. In this case, the paper is thus preprinted with a position-coding pattern, and only purchase information is added.

However, in an advantageous embodiment, the signal processing means is configured to cause the receipt printer to print a position-coding pattern on at least a portion of the physical credit card receipt.

An advantage of this embodiment is that conventional monochrome paper can be used to print the receipt. The position-coding pattern is printed on at least a portion of the receipt for which the buyer is supposed to record his signature. If additional information is to be entered by the buyer or seller, the position-coding pattern is of course printed where this information is to be entered. Printing can be made in two kinds, one with a position-coding pattern and the other with the rest of the information.

The configuration may preferably be coupled to a credit card reader to receive a credit card number from the credit card reader, the credit card number forming part of the digital purchase information. The signal processing means thus receives a credit card number from the credit card reader and any other information stored on the credit card and adds this information to the digital credit card receipt. Optionally, the credit card reader may form part of the configuration. The connection can be made in a wired or wireless manner.

In an advantageous embodiment, the arrangement is coupled to a cash register to receive at least some of the digital purchase information from the cash register. In this embodiment, all purchase information except the credit card number may be obtained from the cash register and then printed on the credit card receipt. Optionally, the cash register may constitute part of the configuration itself. Also here the connection can be made by wire or wireless method.

The arrangement may conveniently be provided for transferring the digital credit card receipt to an external unit, for example a bank. In this way, the full operation of the credit card receipt can take place automatically.

The aforementioned position-coding pattern is preferably of the type described in international patent applications WO 00/73893, PCT / SE00 / 01895, PCT / SE00 / 01897 and PCT / SE00 / 01898, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference. do.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of operating a credit card purchase, comprising the steps of: presenting a physical credit card receipt to a purchaser, using a portable device for digitally recording the signature when the signature is recorded; Recording the signature on the credit card receipt, and generating a digital credit card receipt that includes the digital signature and digital purchase information.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a credit card receipt comprising at least one recording area intended for the purchaser's signature, the credit card receipt extending over at least the recording area and enabling digital recording of the signature. And a position-coding pattern.

The advantages of the present method and credit card receipt are apparent from the description of the above configuration. Reference to the above configuration also applies to the present method and credit card receipt as appropriate.

The invention will now be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For credit card receipt operation The device shown in FIG. 1 comprises a preprinted credit card receipt 2 and a portable device in the form of a digital pen 1.

The digital pen 1 includes a case 11 shaped like a pen. The open part 12 exists in the short side part of a case.

The case essentially houses the optics, electronic circuitry and power supply.

The optics comprises at least one IR light emitting diode 13 for illuminating the surface to be restored and a photosensitive area sensor 14, for example a CCD or CMOS sensor, for recording a two-dimensional image. Optionally, the pen may also include a lens system (not shown). IR light is absorbed by the position-coding pattern and in this way allows the symbols to be sensed by the sensor.

The power supply of the pen is obtained from a battery 15 mounted in a separate compartment of the case.

The electronic circuitry includes a processor 16 having an associated memory. The processor is programmed to perform the functions described below.

The digital pen 1 also includes a pen point 17, which allows the user to write conventional pigment-based writing which is simultaneously digitally recorded by the digital pen.

The digital pen 1 also includes a button 18 and the unit is operated and controlled using the buttons. Finally, the pen also has a transceiver 19 for wireless short range communication with external units, for example using IR light or radio waves.

The credit card receipt 2 is a preprinted credit card receipt. It has a plurality of recording areas 2. The recording areas are for various items of purchase information such as credit card number, purchase item and price, and the items are written by hand by the seller. The credit card receipt also has a recording area 21 for the purpose of the purchaser's signature.

The position-coding pattern 5 is printed over the entire surface of the credit card receipt. This position-coding pattern 5 has the property that if any part of the pattern having a given minimum size is recorded, the position-coding pattern and thereby the position of any part on the credit card receipt can be clearly determined.

The position-coding pattern 5 may be in the form disclosed in the above mentioned US 5,852,434, in which each position is coded by a specific symbol.

However, the position-coding pattern is advantageously in the form disclosed in the above-mentioned international application, where each position is coded by a plurality of symbols, each symbol contributing to coding a plurality of positions.

The position-coding pattern consists of symbols with a small number of forms. One example is disclosed in PCT / SE00 / 01085, where a large dot represents "1" and a small dot represents "0". Another example is disclosed in PCT / SE00 / 01895, where four different dot arrangements in relation to raster points code four different values. This position-coding pattern is described in more detail below.

1 shows a position-coding pattern composed of symbols in the form of a large dot 5a and a small dot 5b. For clarity, the pattern is shown on only a small portion of the credit card receipt and at the same time is greatly enlarged.

The position-coding pattern on the credit receipt constitutes a subset of the large position-coding pattern. The subset codes point coordinates within a particular coordinate area, which is a partial area of a large virtual coordinate area. The large coordinate region corresponds to all points, which are coordinates that the large position-coding pattern can code. Since the subset on the credit card receipt can be dedicated to the seller, it is only given the specific seller to use the subset. Other subsets of large position-coding patterns may be dedicated for different vendors. Additional subsets of large position-coding patterns can be dedicated for applications other than digital credit card receipts.

If a subset on the credit card receipt is dedicated for the seller or the seller's business, it is possible to sequentially set these digital signatures to come from the seller's digital credit card receipt by analyzing the coordinates representing the digital signature. Do. Moreover, the exact position at which the signature is recorded on the credit card receipt can be set.

All credit card receipts of a given seller may have the same position-coding pattern. Nevertheless, optionally, all receipts of such sellers may have a unique position-coding pattern belonging to a certain definite subset of the large position-coding pattern.

If the unique identifier of the digital pen is included in the digital credit card receipt, it is also possible to sequentially set the signature recorded by the particular digital pen.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is used in the following manner. When the credit card purchase becomes valid, the seller has a preprinted credit card receipt (2), enters the purchaser's credit card number, and records the purchase item and other matters using the digital pen (1) in the recording area (20). ). While the seller records, the optical sensor 14 records a continuous image of the credit card receipt surface and the corresponding portion of the position-coding pattern 5 located within the vision field of the sensor 14.

The processor 16 records one image at a time from the sensor 14, identifies the symbols within the image, determines the two coordinates (coordinate pairs) in which the symbols are coded, and stores these coordinates in its own memory. It is programmed. The processor 16 also decomposes the stored coordinate pairs and converts them into polygonal trains that constitute a description of how the pen moved on the recording areas 20, 21 of the credit card receipt.

When the seller enters the purchase information on the credit card receipt, the buyer must approve the purchase with his signature in the recording area 21. The signature is also recorded using a digital pen to record the signature in digital form as a sequence of coordinates. At this point, the buyer receives a physical credit card receipt as a receipt for the purchase.

The processor 16 also has software for implementing signal processing means for generating a digital credit card receipt. Alternatively, the signal processing means can be made as a physically separate signal processing unit to which the digital pen is connected. The signal processing means may collect the purchase information recorded in the recording area of the credit card receipt to form a digital credit card receipt, which also includes the purchaser's signature in digital form and optionally in a pen-ID. The information need not be written in any particular order so that the signal processing means can identify the information item. Instead, the signal processing means may use the coordinates to identify the recording area in which the information is recorded. The signal processing means may also comprise Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) software which decrypts the essays and stores them in character-code form, for example in ASCII form.

The signal processing means may store a plurality of digital credit card receipts. These may be sequentially transmitted using an transceiver 19 for storage in an external unit of the seller and / or for transmission to the merchant's bank in an external unit, such as a computer or a mobile phone.

In the embodiment described above, the digital pen is provided by the seller. It is also possible to make a purchase using a digital pen owned by the buyer. In this case, the digitally recorded signature and additional purchase information can be transmitted to the merchant's signal processing means for further processing and storage.

The information may be transmitted online at the same time as the recording, or may be stored in the memory of the signal processing means and transmitted when connected with a receiver such as a bank.

The device shown in FIG. 2 is a slight improvement over FIG. 1 and can be used for automatic operation of credit card purchases completely. This includes a digital pen 1 ′, a cash register 30, a receipt printer 32, and a signal processing unit 33. The digital pen 1 ', the cash register 30 and the receipt printer 32 are all connected to the signal processing unit 33 by wire or wirelessly.

The digital pen 1 'is constructed and functions in the same manner as the digital pen 1 of FIG. 1 except that the signal processing means is at least partly implemented as a separate unit.

The cash register 30 is a general cash register. When the user indicates that the purchase information input recorded with the cash register is related to the card purchase, the cash register transmits this purchase information to the signal processing unit 33.

A credit card reader is a conventional credit card reader. When the seller scratches the credit card through the reader, the reader reads the information stored on the card and sends this credit card information to the signal processing unit. The credit card information includes at least a credit card number.

The signal processing unit 33 has a processor programmed to perform the functions described below. When the signal processing unit receives the credit card purchase from the cash register 30 and the purchase information for the credit card number from the credit card reader 31, the signal processing unit stores this information in a file and sends it to the receipt printer 32. Instruct to print physical credit card receipt 40. Credit card receipts are printed on white paper. The credit card printing machine prints the purchase information and the received credit card number on one side and the position-coding pattern 5 extending on the part of the receipt 40 on which the buyer recorded his signature. The position-coding pattern has the same form as described above with respect to FIG. 1.

Printing can be performed at once by printing a pattern and a credit card receipt at the same time. Optionally, the credit card receipt can be printed on paper already provided with the pattern. As another option, the credit card receipt can be printed first or vice versa with a second implementation that first prints the pattern with ink that absorbs IR light and then absorbs visible light without absorbing IR light. In this way, the ink used to form the receipt does not interfere with the IR reading of the pattern.

When the credit card receipt 40 is printed, the purchaser authorizes the purchase by writing his signature in the intended location using the digital pen 1 '. The signature is recorded by the digital pen in the manner described with FIG. 1 as a coordinate pair sequence. The coordinate sequence is sent from the digital pen 1 'to the signal processing unit 33 which stores the coordinate sequence together with the card number and purchase information in the above-mentioned file. Optionally, a unique pen identification number (identifier) is sent from the digital pen and stored in the file. This unique identification number can be used to sequentially check the pen used to sign a credit card receipt. The items of information stored in the file together form a digital credit card receipt.

When the buyer signs the physical credit card receipt, the buyer can have the same. The digital credit card receipt is sent either directly or afterwards to the merchant's bank, and the information is processed in the same way as a conventional credit card system. Preferably, the digital credit card receipt is also stored by the seller.

Two embodiments of the device according to the invention and two types of credit card receipts according to the invention have been described above. Other devices and credit card receipts are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, the apparatus need not include all the units described in FIG. 2; Digital pen and signal processing means are enough. One or more other units of FIG. 2 may be added. The units shown in FIG. 2 need not be physically separate units, but two or more of them may be integrated with each other. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the digital pen is provided by the seller. It is also possible for a buyer to use a device that provides a digital pen. In this case, the buyer's digital pen can communicate with the signal processing unit 33 to digitally send the signature and any additional purchase information from the digital pen to the signal processing unit.

When recording a credit card receipt, the usual behavior is to fill in all items and / or to check all items in the receipt and when everything is normal the receipt is signed and can no longer be changed. This behavior can also be used in the current situation. Thus, first, the strokes of all the pens on the receipt are registered, stored in memory and engraved in time. When the receipt is finally signed, the pen waits for a few seconds to collect all the pen strokes of the receipt in the file, which is terminated and can no longer be changed, as is the case with physical receipts. Further, the completion of the signature is a signal of the pen which transmits the information to the receiver by connection of a network for transmitting the file to the bank or the like as described above. Completion of the signature can be indicated, for example, if there are no more pen strokes on the signature area within a few seconds, such as two seconds, a transfer operation is initiated. Another option for indicating that a transfer operation is undertaken when the buyer's pen is used is described below. When there are no more pen strokes on the signature area within any time, for example 3 seconds, the signature lookup software in the pen determines whether the signature can be retrieved as the pen owner's signature. When a positive decision is made, the above-mentioned file is collected and terminated and the transfer operation starts. Other combinations of the above process are possible as the file is collected and the signature inquiry is terminated but the transfer operation is initiated in other ways, such as by pressing a button or ticking the transfer box. If there is any objection to the bank or buyer's performance of their obligations, when a unique pattern is used for each individual receipt, the identification between the physical receipt and the data receipt can be verified at any time after signing the receipt. have. At this point, since the two copies no longer match each other, any tampering of the physical or digital receipt will be easily found.

As already mentioned, the digital credit card receipt is sent by the signal processing means to the bank or related recipient. The digital credit card receipt can also be logged by the signal processing means, and the seller can verify that the receipt has been sent to the bank sequentially. Alternatively or in addition, the bank may return a copy of the digital credit card receipt as a receipt delivery confirmation.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, digital recording of the signature is performed by the position-coding pattern. As mentioned in the introduction, recording may also occur using some form of sensor in the pen that detects the movement of the pen. In this case, of course, a general physical credit card receipt can be used intact.

Finally, a preferred embodiment of the absolute position-coding pattern is described. For simplicity, explain with a sheet of paper. It is related to the absolute position-coding pattern disclosed in PCT / SE00 / 01895. The surface on which the position code is provided is called a position-coding pattern because it is a somewhat patterned print.

3 shows an enlarged portion of a sheet provided with a position-coding pattern 105 on its surface 102. The sheet has an x coordinate axis and a y coordinate axis.

The position-coding pattern is a virtual raster that is invisible to the naked eye or cannot be detected directly by a device that determines a position on the surface, and a number of symbols each representing one of four values of "1" to "4" as described below. It includes (4).

The position-coding pattern is arranged in such a way that the symbols on the partial face of the paper sheet code the point absolute coordinates on the virtual face, as described below. The first and second partial surfaces 125a and 125b are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3. The position-coding pattern (4 * 4 mark in this case) portion to be found on the first partial surface 125a codes the coordinates of the first point, and the position-coding pattern portion to be found on the second partial surface 125b Code a second point coordinate on the virtual plane. The position-coding pattern is thus partially shared by adjacent first and second points. This position-coding pattern is referred to herein as "floating."

4A-4B illustrate embodiments of symbols that may be used in the position-coding pattern. The symbol comprises a virtual raster point 130 represented by the intersection between the raster lines and a marking 106 in the form of dots. The value of the symbol depends on where the marking is located. In the example of FIG. 4, there are four possible positions, each on a respective raster line extending from the raster point. The displacement of the raster point is the same for all values. In the following, it has the value 1 in FIG. 4A, the value 2 in FIG. 4B, the value 3 in FIG. 4C and the value 4 in FIG. 4D. In other words, the symbol has four different forms.

Of course, the dots can be represented as having different shapes.

Each symbol may represent four values of "1-4". This means that the position-coding pattern can be separated into a first position code for the x-coordinate and a second position code for the y-coordinate. Separation has the following effects:

Symbolic value x-code y-code One One One 2 0 One 3 One 0 4 0 0

Thus, each symbolic value is converted into a first digit for the x-code and a second digit for the y-code, which in this case is a bit. In this way, two completely independent bit patterns are obtained. The patterns can be combined into a combined pattern, graphically coded using a number of symbols according to FIG. 4.

The coordinates for each point are coded by a number of symbols. In this example, the 4x4 symbol is used to code the position in two dimensions, x- and y-coordinates.

The position code is composed of a series of numbers of 1s and 0s, which is a bit series, which has the property of not appearing again once the 4-bit sequence appears in the bit series. The number series is circular, which also means that this property is provided when the end of the series is connected to the beginning of the series. Thus, a 4-bit sequence always has several series of clearly determined positions.

If the series has the characteristics described above for a 4-bit bit sequence, the series can be up to 16 bits long. However, in this example, only a 7 bit long series is used, as follows:

"0 0 0 1 0 1 0"

This series contains seven unique sequences of four bits that code the number of positions in the series:

Position of the series sequence 0 0001 One 0010 2 0101 3 1010 4 0100 5 1000 6 0000

To code the x-coordinates, a series of numbers is written sequentially in columns on the entire surface to be coded. Coding is based on the difference or position displacement between the number of adjacent columns. The magnitude of the difference is determined by the number of positions (with the number sequence) of the number series starting with the adjacent column. More specifically, if the number can be coded by the 4-bit sequence of the first column on the one hand and have the value (position) 0-6, and the corresponding number of sequences (on the same "level") of the adjacent column on the other hand If we take the modulo 7 in between, it will be the same regardless of where the two columns are compared. By using the difference between the two columns, one can code a constant x-coordinate for every y-coordinate.

Since each position on the surface is coded with a 4x4 symbol in this example, three differences (with values 0-6) as mentioned above are available for coding the x-coordinate. Coding is performed in such a way that, among three differences, one difference always has a value of 1 or 2, and the other two have values in the range of 3-6. Thus, there is no difference that can be zero in the x-code. In other words, the x-code has a structure where the difference is as follows: (3-6) (3-6) (1-2) (3-6) (3-6) (1-2) (3-6 (3-6) (1-2) ..... Thus, each x-coordinate is coded by two numbers between 3 and 6 and the next number of 1 or 2. If 3 is subtracted from a high number and 1 is subtracted from a low number, the number of mixed radix is obtained, making a position directly in the x-direction, from which the x-coordinate can be determined directly as shown below.

Thus, by using the principles described above, it is possible to code the x-coordinates into 0, 1, 2, ... using the numbers represented by the three differences. This difference is coded by a bit pattern based on the series of numbers. Finally, the bit pattern can be graphically coded by the symbol of FIG.

In most cases, when reading 4x4 symbols, it is not possible to obtain the complete number of coding x-coordinates, but it is possible to obtain two numbers of parts. However, since the lowest part of the number is always one or two, the complete number can be easily reconstructed.

The y-coordinate is coded according to the same principle used for the x-coordinate. The cycle number series is repeatedly recorded in the horizontal rows of the surface to be position-coded. As in the case of the x-coordinate, the columns start at different positions in the series of numbers, with different bit sequences. However, for y-coordinates, the coordinates are coded by a number based on the starting position of the number series of each row, without using a difference. When the x-coordinate for the 4x4 symbol is determined, the starting position of the number series for the columns included in the y-code with the 4x4 symbol can be determined in effect. In the y-code, the most significant digit is determined by making it the only digit with a range of values. In this example, one of the four rows will start with position 0-1 of the number series, indicating that this row is associated with the lowest digit in the y-coordinate, and the remaining three rows will have position 2- Start at 6. Thus, the following number series exist in the y-direction: (2-6) (2-6) (2-6) (0-1) (2-6) (2-6) (2-6) (0-1) (2-6) ... So each y-coordinate is coded by three numbers between 2 and 6 and the next value between 0 and 1.

If 0 is subtracted from a low number and 2 is subtracted from a high number, the position in the y-direction of the mixed radix is obtained in a manner similar to the x-direction, from which it is possible to determine the y-coordinate directly.

Using this method, it is possible to code 4 x 4 x 2 = 32 positions in the x-direction. Each such position corresponds to three differences, which makes a 3 × 32 = 96 position. Moreover, it is possible to code a 5 x 5 x 5 x 2 = 250 position in the y-direction. Each such position corresponds to four rows, which makes a 4 × 250 = 1000 row or y-coordinate. Thus, it is possible to code 96000 positions overall. However, since x-coding is based on the difference, it is possible to select within this position where the first number series begins. Considering that this first number series can start at seven different positions, it is possible to code a position 7 × 96000 = 672000. The starting position of the first series of numbers in the first column can be calculated when the x-coordinate is determined. Seven different starting positions for the first series mentioned above may code different paper sheets or recording surfaces of the product.

To further describe the function of the position-coding pattern, a specific example is provided based on the described embodiment of the position code.

5 shows an example of an image with a 4x4 symbol that is read by the device for position determination.

This 4 × 4 symbol has the following values:

4 4 4 2

3 2 3 4

4 4 2 4

1 3 2 4

These values represent the binary x- and y-codes as follows:

x-code : y-code :

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0

The vertical x-sequence codes the next position of the number series: 2 0 4 6. The difference between the columns is -2 4 2, modulo 7 gives 5 4 2, and the number of positions in the mixed base is: (5-3) × 8 + (4-3) × 2 + (2-1) = Code 16 + 2 + 1 = 19. Since the first coded x-position is position 0, the difference in the range of 1 to 2 and appearing within the 4x4 symbol is this 20th difference. In addition, for each such difference, there are a total of three columns and a starting column, so the rightmost vertical sequence in the 4 x 4 x-code is an x-code (3 x 20 + 1 = 61). It belongs to the 61st column of and the leftmost vertical sequence belongs to the 58th column.

The horizontal y-sequence codes positions 0 4 1 3 in the number series. Since this horizontal series starts at the 58th column, the starting position of the row is the modulo 7 minus 57, giving the starting position 6 3 0 2. If you convert digits to mixed radix, 6-2, 3-2, 0-0, 2-2 = 4 1 0 0, and the third digit is the least significant digit of the associated number. The fourth digit is the next most significant digit. It should be equal to the number involved in this case. (The exception is when the relevant number consists of the highest possible digit in all positions. Then you know that the beginning of the next number is one greater than the beginning of the related number.)

The position of the 4-digit number is 0 x 50 + 4 x 10 + 1 x 2 + 0 x 1 = 42 in the mixed radix.

Thus, the third row of the y-code is the 43rd with a starting position of 0 or 1, and since there are four rows in total for each row, the third row is a number 43x4 = 172.

Thus, in this example, the position of the top left corner of the 4x4 symbol group is (58,170).

Since the x-sequences of the 4x4 group start at column 170, the x-vertical column of the entire pattern is at the number series ((2 0 4 6)-169) modulo 7 = 1 6 3 5 To start. The number (0-19) is coded in the mixed radix between the final starting position 5 and the initial starting position, and the total difference between these columns is obtained by adding an indication of the number of mixed radix (0-19). To do this, the neural algorithm generates these 20th numbers and adds their digits directly. The sum obtained is called s. The paper sheet or recording surface is then given by the (5-s) modulus 7.

In the above example, the embodiment illustrates that each position is coded by 4 x 4 symbols and a series of numbers having 7 bits is used. Of course, this is just an example. The position can be coded with more or fewer symbols. The number of symbols need not be the same in both directions. Number series can be of different lengths and need not be binary, but can be based on other numbers. Other number series can be used for coding in the x-direction and coding in the y-direction. Symbols can have different numbers of values. From the above, coding by 6x6 symbols is preferred, and each symbol can represent four values. Those skilled in the art can easily generalize the above examples with respect to such coding.

In this example, the marking is a dot, but of course, may have a different appearance. For example, it may consist of lines or marks, starting at a virtual raster point and extending from there to a predetermined position. As another option, the marking may consist of a square, rectangle, triangle or other suitable one which is easy to detect. The marking may or may not be filled.

In the above example, the symbol within the square subplane is used to code the position. The partial surface can be of other shapes, for example hexagonal. The symbols need not be arranged in rows and columns at 90 ° angles to each other, but may be arranged in other angles, such as 60 ° angles, and / or in other ways. Polar or other coordinate systems can also code the position.

In order for the position code to be detected, a virtual raster must be determined. This can be done by checking the distance between the different marks. The shortest distance between two marks is two neighboring symbols with values of 1 and 3 (horizontally) or 2 and 4 (vertically) such that the marking is located on the same raster line between two raster points. Must be derived from When such a marking pair is detected, the associated raster point can be determined using the distance information between the raster point and the displacement of the marking from the raster point. Once two raster points are located, additional raster points can be determined using the measurement distance to the other marking and the relative distance of the raster points using information.

The position-coding pattern described above can code a number of unique positions and the absolute coordinates of those positions. It can be said that any position or point that can be coded using the position-coding pattern is a combination of virtual planes. Other portions of the virtual surface may be dedicated for other specific purposes. For example, one area of the virtual surface may be dedicated to be used as a recording surface, differently as a specific recognition area, and very different areas as various activity icons. Different areas of the virtual plane may be used for other applications. For example, the relevant subset of position-coding patterns can be used to create any activity icon that can be arranged in an optional location on the product. The coordinates coded by this subset of position-coding patterns are thus not related to the position on the product but to the position on the virtual plane, and the position is always dedicated to correspond to this activity icon.

In this preferred embodiment, the nominal space between the dots is 0.3 mm. Any portion of the position-coding pattern comprising 6x6 dots defines the absolute coordinates of the point on the virtual plane. Thus, each point on the virtual plane is limited to a 1.8 mm x 1.8 mm subset of the position-coding pattern. By determining the position of 6x6 dots on the sensor in the device used to read the pattern, the position can be calculated by inserting on a virtual plane with a resolution of 0.03 mm. Since each point is coded with 6 x 6 dots, each of which can represent one of four values, 2 ⁷² points can be coded with the aforementioned nominal space between the dots corresponding to a surface of 4.6 x 10 ⁶ km ² . .

The absolute position-coding pattern can be printed on any paper or on another material capable of approximately 600 dpi resolution. Paper can have any size and shape, depending on the desired application. The pattern can be printed by standard offset printing. Common black carbon-based inks or other inks that absorb IR light may preferably be used. This can be used to superimpose other printed text on an absolute position-coding pattern without interfering the reading, in fact including black ink that is not carbon-based.

The surface provided with the aforementioned pattern printed with carbon-based black ink is only visible to the naked eye as light gray shades (1-3% concentration) of the surface, familiar and aesthetic to the user.

Of course, a smaller or larger number of dots than described above can be used to define the points on the virtual plane and a larger or smaller distance between the dots can be used for the pattern. The above examples are only used to illustrate the preferred implementation of the pattern.

Claims (26)

A portable device arranged to record the credit card buyer's signature in digital form when the purchaser writes his signature on the physical credit card receipt (2; 40) using a pen point 17 placed on the portable device. (1; 1 '); And Signal processing means (16; 33) arranged to generate the digital credit card receipt, corresponding to the physical credit card receipt, by storing the digital signature with digital purchase information associated with the credit card purchase associated with the physical credit card receipt; Credit card purchase operating device, including). 2. The portable device (1,1 ') according to claim 1, wherein the portable device (1,1') is adapted to digitally add the additional information when the purchaser writes the additional information onto the physical credit card receipt (2,40) using the portable device. A credit card purchase operating device arranged for recording, wherein said additional information at least partially constitutes said digital purchasing information stored by said signal processing unit in said digital form. The optical sensor (14) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the portable device records an image of the physical credit card receipt surface when the purchaser writes on the physical credit card receipt using the portable device. Credit card purchase operation apparatus comprising a. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the device identifies a position-coding pattern of the image and maps the position-coding pattern of each image to coordinates for the position of the portable device on the physical credit card receipt when the image is recorded. Credit card purchase management device comprising means for converting (16). The credit card purchase operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a certificate of a physical credit card receipt for banks provided with a position-coding pattern 5 on at least a portion of its surface. . 4. A credit card purchase operation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said signal processing means is arranged for receipt printer (32) for printing said physical credit card receipt. 7. The credit card purchase operation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the signal processing means is arranged for printing the position-coding pattern 5 on at least a portion of the physical credit card receipt 40. . 7. The credit card purchase operation device of claim 6, wherein the device comprises a paper certificate, which is used to print the physical credit card receipt, provided with a position-coding pattern on its entire surface. A credit card purchase operation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is arranged to be connected to the credit card reader (31) for receiving a credit card number from the credit card reader (31). Device. The credit card according to claim 1, wherein the device is arranged to be connected to the cash register 30 for receiving at least a portion of the digital purchase information from the cash register 30. Purchase operation device. 11. The credit card purchase and operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the device is arranged for transmitting the digital credit card receipt to an external unit. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein completion by the purchaser of the signature on the physical credit card receipt triggers the transfer of the digital credit card receipt to the external unit. 13. The credit card purchase operation according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the signal processing means is arranged to generate the digital credit card receipt by collecting the digital signature and the digital purchase information in a file. Device. 14. The credit card purchase and operating device of claim 13, wherein the file is closed for change at a predetermined time after the purchaser has finished recording on the physical credit card receipt. The credit according to claim 1, wherein the signal processing means is adapted to compare the digital signature recorded by the portable device to identify with a pre-stored signature of the portable device owner. Card purchase operation unit. 16. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 15, wherein the inquiry of the signature triggers the transmission of the digital credit card receipt to the external unit. 17. The credit card purchasing and operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the portable device is a digital pen. Presenting the physical credit card receipt to the buyer; A purchaser recording his signature on the physical credit card receipt using a portable device, digitally recording the signature when the signature is recorded; And And generating a digital credit card receipt including the signature and digital purchase information in digital form. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said step further comprises the step of providing said physical credit card receipt. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a position-coding pattern on the physical credit card receipt. 21. The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising the step of the purchaser using the portable device to record additional purchase information on the credit card receipt and digitally recording the additional information. And the additional information in digital form constitutes at least a portion of the digital purchase information. A credit card receipt comprising at least one recording area 21 for the purpose of buyer signature, The credit card receipt is provided with a position-coding pattern extending at least over the recording area and capable of digitally recording the signature. 23. The credit card receipt of claim 22, wherein said position-coding pattern is an absolute position-coding pattern that codes the coordinates of a plurality of positions on said credit card receipt. The credit card according to claim 22 or 23, further comprising a recording area (20) provided with said position-coding pattern for the purpose of further purchase information and for digital recording of said additional purchase information. receipt. 25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the position-coding pattern comprises a raster and a plurality of symbols, wherein each symbol value is determined by the position of the marking relative to the raster point in the raster. A credit card receipt characterized by. 27. A credit card receipt according to any one of claims 22 to 25 for use in a credit card purchase and operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 17.