JPH0412501B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a transaction terminal for use in an electronic financial exchange system. The terminal device issues audio requests for transaction information to facilitate the operator's data entry process.

There is a clear trend in the financial world towards conducting a wide range of transactions electronically. Electronic transactions are typically faster, less costly, 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.

Typical operator capabilities are important considerations in the development of electronic switching equipment. Design features that simplify human interaction are less important when users 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), the data entry and retrieval methods are most effectively tailored for the bank's use rather than for the operator's use. be able to. Conversely, when devices are operated by uninformed and untrained personnel, efforts must be made to develop devices that are "user friendly." 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 handlers. Therefore, when developing a device for use by untrained personnel, it is highly desirable to make its operation simple and "user friendly."

Today's bank card systems rely mostly on electronic communication of transaction information. In a typical bank card system, a customer is issued a credit or debit card by their bank or issuer. The customer can then present the card to the merchant as payment for goods or services. A record of the transaction will be notified to the bank that issued the card. If a customer has been issued a debit card, the amount of the purchase transaction will be debited to a deposit account opened with the bank. Conversely, if a customer is given a credit card, the issuing bank 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. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device facilitates electronic transmission of transaction data to the issuer.

In most bank card networks, several systems have been developed to reduce the damage caused by possible credit or fraud. For example, weekly reports are distributed to merchants containing card numbers that have been reported lost or stolen, or that 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 account number is on the list, the transaction must be rejected. Obviously, this approach has many drawbacks. For example, a weekly report is only updated once a week, so it cannot include the most recent information. Moreover, this method is quite inconvenient and time-consuming, so it is often abandoned.

Another approach used to reduce credit and fraud losses is to store the most up-to-date customer information at the center. The merchant is then required to contact the center for authorization of the transaction. In conventional systems, contact with the authorization center is accomplished in a few different ways. For example, a merchant may simply call an authorization center, which enters transaction data into a computer containing the information necessary for an operator to determine whether the transaction should be authorized. The results are then communicated verbally to the merchant. This approach is clearly "user friendly" and does not faze merchants. But this has serious drawbacks. This method requires contact with the operator, which slows response times during peak commercial activity. Moreover, the necessity of an operator results in poor efficiency and high costs. Finally, requests are made over the phone in real time, incurring significant communication costs.

Two improved systems have been developed to eliminate these drawbacks. In the first system, the operator at the authorization center was replaced by an electronic voice device. To explain this operation, a merchant contacts a computer at an authorization center. The computer then audibly requests the desired transaction information. The information is then transmitted by the merchant using the telephone's dialer. In this case, it is preferable to use an electronic sound generated from the touchtone pad. It will be appreciated that eliminating the operator makes the system more efficient. but,
Communication costs are still high because transaction information is entered into computers in real time using telephone lines.

In order to eliminate the latter disadvantage, terminal devices have been developed that allow transaction data to be entered and stored before a communication link is established with an authorization center. In these transaction terminals, an operator inputs 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 data must be entered in a specific, predetermined sequence, the operator must follow or memorize the sequence. In many cases, clerks are not familiar with authorization procedures such as those in stores where credit cards are often used. Therefore, it is difficult for store clerks to obtain approval for transactions. In this case, customer wait times occur and the clerk may abandon the authorization process altogether. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an input terminal device that is user-friendly and minimizes communication costs.

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

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

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

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

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved transaction terminal that activates the communication link to the authorization center only after all necessary transaction data has been entered.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved transaction terminal that converts output received from an authorization center into sound.

In accordance with these and many other objects, the present invention is a conversational terminal capable of sending and receiving transaction data along a communication link to an authorization center. The term authorization center is used here in a broad sense to cover a location (department) in a transaction network that generates responses to authorization requests. In particular, in a typical system, the location at which an authorization request is processed depends on several factors, such as the size of the transaction, the location of the issuer, the location of the merchant, etc. In some cases, the authorization request is processed at a central location, while in other cases the request is sent directly to the card issuer. For reference, a complete discussion of one embodiment of an authorization network is provided in my US patent application Ser. No. 3,693,755. This terminal device is intended to link with an authorized 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. On top of that,
The telephone must have a dial, such as a touchtone pad, that generates electronic input signals. The telephone connects to a speech synthesizer that can generate audio output signals in response to electrical input signals. Input signals are provided by a processor connected to electronic storage. The storage device stores all information necessary for authorization processing.

In operation, the speech synthesizer inputs transaction data into the storage device by dialing the telephone in response to an audio request generated. The speech synthesizer audibly instructs the operator as to the proper data entry sequence. For example, the operator is instructed to enter the customer's account number and the expiration date (expiration date) of the bank card.
Moreover, transaction volume is also required. Once the sequence is complete, the processor activates a communications link with the authorization center and transmits data to it. It will be appreciated that the device satisfies the need for ease of operation even by uninitiated users. Additionally, communication costs are reduced because the communication link is not completed until all data has been entered.

In the preferred embodiment, the authorization response is sent to the terminal and stored in storage. The response is then audibly transmitted to the operator under processor control. Preferably, the responses are stored until the transaction begins, so that they can be recalled when desired by the operator.

This terminal device can also be connected to other input/output devices. For example, it may be desirable to include a device that reads the magnetic strip on a credit card to eliminate the need for an operator to enter a customer's account number on a dial pad. Install a hard copy printer to have a physical record of your transactions.
Additionally, a separate data entry may be provided for entering the customer's identification number PIN.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the drawings.

The accompanying drawing shows a configuration diagram of a terminal device 10 of the present invention.
The terminal device 10 is particularly suitable for generating authorization requests in bank card transactions. However, the terminal 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 authorization center 12 to confirm authorization for the transaction. By obtaining authorization for each transaction, losses from credit and fraud can be minimized.

In order to process an authorization request, authorization center 12 must be provided with all information regarding the transaction, such as the customer's account number, card expiration date, transaction amount, etc. The terminal device 10 seeks to facilitate the merchant's transmission of this data to the authorization center 12. According to the present invention, the terminal device 10 is used in combination with a standard telephone set 20. Telephone 20 includes a device for generating audio signals, typically a handset 2 in a telephone handset.
There are 2. Telephone 20 also has a dialing device that generates electrical input signals. Preferably, a touchtone dial pad 24 is used.

Telephone 20 is connected to a processor 30 within the terminal device. Processor 30 controls the input/output functions, data formatting, and operation of the terminal. Processor 30 also includes a speech synthesizer module 3, as described in more detail below.
2 and internal storage 34 as well. A suitable processor to perform these functions is manufactured by Texas Instruments as the TMS-7120. This device uses an 8-bit microprocessor 12
Kbyte read-only storage (ROM).
Processor operating instructions are stored in ROM.

A speech synthesizer 32, which generates audio requests, connects to the processor. Speech synthesizer 32 includes a storage device that digitally stores all of the words necessary to generate the desired request or payment deadline. When the processor determines that an audio payment deadline is required, it sends a signal to the synthesizer to retrieve that payment deadline from storage. The synthesizer then generates an analog electrical output signal to the handset 22 of the telephone 20.
supply to. The handset converts this analog electrical signal into an audio output. A speech synthesizer that performs these functions is manufactured by Texas Instruments as the TMS-5220A. This device is manufactured by Texas Instruments Speech
Includes an 8-bit speech processor that can be connected to a 128K-bit ROM such as the ROM TMS-6100.

It is thought that approximately 100 words are required to be memorized.
This word can be combined in various ways to generate approximately 50 audio phrases.

A separate programmable storage device 34 is also connected to processor 30. Storage device 34 stores all of the information specific to a particular terminal location. For example, this storage device stores the terminal identification and any merchant information printed on the sales slip. Storage space is provided for a table containing information that allows the processor to determine the appropriate bank card network to contact based on the cardholder's account number. Additionally, the telephone number associated with each bank card network is included.

Storage device 34 is also used to store both transaction data entered by the operator and responses received from the authorization center. In the preferred embodiment, sufficient storage space must be provided to store records of all transactions that occur during a workday. This arrangement provides for the compilation of the day's transactions and transmission to the central processing area at the end of the workday. Because of the importance of all this transaction information, the storage device must be durable, ie, its contents cannot be lost due to power outages. One type of storage device suitable for this purpose is changeable only when powered. Electronically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). A suitable EEPROM for this purpose is XICOR,
X2816A manufactured by INC. and No. 5213 manufactured by Seeq Inc. Each of these devices
It has a storage capacity of 2K bytes. Approximately 6K bytes of storage space is expected to be required. Another way to protect the system is to provide a capacitor that is charged during normal operation. When the power goes out, capacitors provide power to keep the system running and data in storage.

In the preferred embodiment, terminal device 10 also includes a dialer (not shown) that automatically establishes a communication link with authorization center 12. A suitable dialer is TMS− by Texas Instruments.
Manufactured as 99531. Data is transmitted through the modem at 300 bits/second. A suitable modem is TMS by Texas Instruments.
Manufactured as -99532.

In operation, the merchant can initiate the authorization process by picking up the handset from telephone 20 and entering the start code into the dialer. The start code drives processor 30 to signal the synthesizer to generate a transaction data request. For example, processor 30 reaches speech synthesizer 32 to generate an electrical analog signal corresponding to the message "Please enter your account number." This analog signal is converted to audible form by the telephone's handset 22. Touchtone pad 24 allows the operator to enter the customer's account number. When the input is complete, the processor signals the speech synthesizer to generate the message ``Please enter expiration date.'' The operator then enters the card's expiration date. This process continues until all necessary transaction data has been entered into storage device 34.

After the data is entered, the processor checks the cardholder's number against a table of numbers stored in the storage device. This arrangement allows a particular bank card network to be identified and the appropriate telephone number to be found. The processor then drives a dialer to establish a communication link with the proper authorization center 12. Transaction data is then transmitted.

After evaluating the transaction, the authorization center returns a message. The returned message consists of authorization or some form of denial. If the returned message is an authorization, the processor generates an appropriate audio message such as "Your authorization number is 12345." 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 card or even jail the user.

In the preferred embodiment, messages returned from the authorization center are stored in storage 34 until the next transaction begins. With this arrangement, if the operator forgets a message or does not properly record it, the message can be recalled from storage without having to go 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 means to reduce the number of transactions actually submitted for authorization. That is, an amount threshold level could be selected such that if the transaction volume is less than this threshold level, the data is not sent to the authorization center for authorization. This arrangement eliminates the cost of communication and the expense associated with authorization requests. moreover,
Since transactions are relatively small, losses from credit and fraud are still minimal. The particular monetary threshold level is determined based on factors such as the typical customer base, the merchant's location, and past history of losses.

To achieve this result, means are provided for comparing the entered transaction amount with a predetermined monetary threshold level. If the trading volume is below the threshold level,
The terminal processor 30 generates automatic authorization. When a transaction exceeds a threshold, the data is transmitted to an authorization center for authorization.

To further secure the system, the terminal device may further be provided with means for randomly selecting transactions below a threshold level and sending them to an authorization center. Since the percentage of transactions sent will be relatively small, the cost savings associated with the threshold selection process are maintained. It will be appreciated that by sending a random selection of transactions to an authorization center, an unauthorized user cannot rely on purchases below a certain level not being inspected.

According to the present invention, some input/output devices can also be interfaced (shared) with the terminal device 10 to facilitate operation. One device that would be desirable would be a magnetic strip reader 40. A magnetic strip reader 40 is capable of decoding magnetically encoded information on a bank card. In operation, the merchant sweeps the bank card with the reader 40 to read the customer's account number and expiration date encoded on the card. This information is processed by processor 30.
, eliminating the need for merchants to manually enter this information.

In the preferred embodiment, a printer 42 is also connected to the processor. Printer 42 can automatically generate a hard copy receipt for the customer displaying all necessary information regarding the transaction. For example, printer 42 records the merchant's name, transaction date, and transaction amount.

The terminal device is also used with another input pad 44. Pad 44 facilitates entry of the customer's identification number or PIN. One way to increase the security of bank card systems is to provide each customer with a PIN number. This PIN number is encoded on a magnetic strip on the card. In operation,
A merchant uses a reading device 4 to read the information encoded on the magnetic strip.
Read into the storage device with 0. The customer can use a pad 44 separate from the telephone to enter his or her personal identification number out of sight of the merchant. The processor 30 then compares the password read from the card with the number input by the customer. If these numbers do not match, the transaction will not be authorized. The input keys on the PIN pad may be similar to the electronic touchtone signals generated by telephone 20.

Various other accessories can be provided to the terminal to enhance its functionality. For example, the terminal device may be provided with an entrance that connects to an electronic cash register. In this case, 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 device 10 has been created for use in transmitting transaction data. The terminal device is connected to a telephone and includes a processor 3 that controls a speech synthesizer 32 and a storage device 34.
Contains 0. In operation, transaction data is generated on the telephone dial 24 and stored in memory in response to audio requests generated by the speech synthesizer. Once the data entry is complete, the processor drives the communication link to authorization center 12 to transmit the data to the authorization center. This terminal device reduces transmission cost and is user friendly.

Although the invention has been described by way of preferred embodiments,
It should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The figure is a block diagram of the new and improved conversational terminal device of the present invention. 10...Terminal device, 20...Telephone, 22...
Handset, 24...Tatsutone dial part.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. A conversational audio terminal device for receiving transaction data and transmitting it along a communication link to an authorization center, comprising: 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 and the speech synthesizer device, and a storage device connected to the processor device for storing data, transaction data. is generated by the dialing device and input into the storage device in response to an audio request generated by the speech synthesizer device, and transaction data is input to the audio device under control of the processor device. A conversational audio terminal device such that the processor device drives a communication link with an authorization center to transmit the data to the authorization center upon completion of entry of transaction data. 2. the storage device is capable of storing data returned from the authorization center to the terminal device and causing it to be transmitted audibly by the transmitting device of the telephone under control of the processor device;
A terminal device according to claim 1. 3. A terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the data returned from the authorization center remains in the storage device until a new transaction is started, so that it can be recalled by the dialing device. 4. The terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising a device connected to the processor device for reading a coded magnetic strip and transmitting 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 processor device and generating an electrical signal to be input to the storage device, separate from the telephone set. 8. The terminal device of claim 1 further comprising a device connected to said processor device for printing a hard copy record of each transaction. 9. The terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising a power storage device connected to the storage device and serving as another power source so that data in the storage device is retained without being lost due to a power outage. . 10. Claim 10 further comprising a device for comparing the entered transaction amount with an amount threshold level, wherein said processor device generates a response without sending data to an authorization center if the transaction amount is less than the threshold level. The terminal device according to item 1. 11. Claim 1 comprising an apparatus for randomly selecting transactions below an amount threshold level and transmitting the selected data to an authorization center for authorization.
Terminal device according to item 0.