MXPA99008134A - User-generated traveler's checks - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for issuing traveler's checks at a user's home or business using the purchaser's own computer system to allow the user to obtain traveler's checks at any time, in any denominations and without having to travel to an issuer location. User information, including a user identifier and a quantity and face value of bearer notes to be issued, are received from a user at an issuer central controller. The issuer central controller generates at least one code for generating the bearer notes and transmits the code to the user. Bearer notes including the code are then generated. Preferably, the user has registered with the note issuer prior to issuance of the notes. During registration, information relating to the user, such as identifying information and an account identifier are received from the user and stored in a database. A user identifier is transmitted to the user.

Description

TRAVELER CHECKS GENERATED BY THE USER Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bearer document, for example, a traveler's check generated at a remote location using local equipment, and systems and methods for generating and compensating these documents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Traveler's checks are well-known means of payment that offer advantages, such as security and wide acceptance. However, traveler's checks have a disadvantage because a buyer must physically go to an office of a traveler's check seller, such as a bank or a travel service, with the objective of buying and receiving the checks. There is a limited number of these offices and their hours of operation are limited. This is inconvenient for the buyer, who must travel to a seller's office during the hours specified. Some have tried to deal with this problem by allowing the buyer to order checks by telephone, but checks must be sent by mail or immediate delivery service, causing a significant shipping delay. Others have tried to take care of the problem by providing machines similar to ATMs, which issue traveler's checks. However, the buyer still has to find and travel to these machines. In addition, these machines only dispatch a limited selection of check denominations. As such, there is a need for a system with which buyers can obtain traveler's checks at any time, in any denomination and without having to travel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a system and method for issuing traveler's checks in the home or business of a user, using the purchaser's own computer system. This allows the user to obtain traveler's checks at any time, in any denomination and without having to travel to a sending location. The user information, including a user identifier and a quantity and nominal value of the bearer documents to be issued, is received from a user in a central controller of the issuer. This central controller of the transmitter generates and transmits the code to the user. Then the bearer documents that include the code are generated. Preferably, the user will have registered with the issuer of the document, before issuing the documents. During registration, information related to the user, such as identification information and an account identifier, is received from the user and stored in a database. A user identifier is transmitted to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The details of the present invention, both in terms of its structure and operation, can be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numbers and designations refer to similar elements. . Figure la is a block diagram illustrating the issuance, acceptance, and compensation of a traveler's check generated by the user, in accordance with the present invention. Figure Ib shows a traveler's check generated by the user, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2a is a block diagram of a system for issuing and compensating a traveler's check generated by the user, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2b is an exemplary block diagram of a central controller system 200 of the emitter of Figure 2a. Figure 2c is an exemplary block diagram of a remote terminal 252 of the user or terminal 254 of the merchant of Figure 2a.

Figure 3a is an exemplary format of a traveler's check order database 225 of Figure 2b. Figure 3b is an exemplary format of a traveler's check database 222 of Figure 2b. Figure 3c is an exemplary format of a membership database of the issuing software of Figure 2b. Figure 3d is an exemplary format of a merchant registration database 223 of Figure 2b. Figures 4a and 4b are flow charts of a creation process 400 of the traveler's check generated by the user, which is implemented in the system of Figure 2a. Figures 5a and 5b are more detailed flow diagrams of a creation process 500 of the user generated traveler's check, which is a portion of the process 400 of Figures 4a-b, which is implemented in the remote terminal 252 of the user of Figure 2a. Figures 6a and 6b are more detailed flow diagrams of a process of creating 600 of the traveler's check generated by the user, which is a portion of the process 400 of Figures 4a-b, which is implemented in the issuer's central controller 200 and the emitter voice response unit (IVRU) of Figure 2a. Figures 7a and 7b are flow diagrams of a cancellation process 700 of the traveler's check generated by the user, which is implemented in the central controller of the sender 200 and the emitter voice response unit (IVRU) of the Figure 2a. Figures 8a and 8b are flowcharts of a compensation process 800 of the traveler's check generated by the user, which is implemented in the central controller of the sender 200 and the sender's voice response unit (IVRU) 230 of the Figure 2a. Figure 9 is a flowchart of a sender voice response verification process 900, which is performed as part of step 806, which is shown in Figure 8a, and is implemented in the central controller of transmitter 200 and the voice response unit of the transmitter (IVRU). 230 of Figure 2a.

Detailed Description of the Invention Figure 1 shows the flow of data and material of the issuance, acceptance and compensation of a bearer document generated by the user, in accordance with the present invention. In the modality described, the bearer document comprises a traveler's check, which is a well-known bill of exchange issued by a bank or an immediate delivery company, signed by the buyer at the time of purchase and again at the time of charging, as a security precaution. The well-known issuers of traveler's checks include American Express, Citibank, Thomas Cook, etcetera. The traveler check issuer 102 provides the software 109 and, optionally, the supply paper 110 of the traveler's check to the user 104. The user 104 installs the software 109 in an appropriate computer system and enters the appropriate information 112 into a database of the user maintained by the sender 102. The user can register by means of sending a registration sender that accompanies the software. The sender may include preprinted information that identifies the particular copy of the software that the user has, such as a software serial number. The user enters the identification information in the sender, such as his name and address, and so on. You can also request that the user enter a credit card account number that will be used to pay for any traveler's check that is issued, as well as a key that will be used during the issuance process. You can also register by telephone, either with a human operator or an automatic voice response unit, which will ask the user for the information that is required, or using the user's remote terminal and a modem or connection from the network, to • communicate the information that is required to a central controller that maintains the sender 102. When the user 104 wishes to obtain a traveler's check, the user 104 generates the check using his local computer, in a process described later. The user 104 can withhold the check to spend it until the expiration date that was previously established, at which time the check will be non-negotiable. The user 104 can use the check in the merchant 106 by means of countersigning it and transferring it to the merchant 106. The merchant 106 can be a seller of goods or services, or it can be a bank or money exchange agency. Before accepting the check, the merchant 106 transmits a verification message 114 to the sender 102, and if it is valid, transmits an authorization code 116 to the merchant 106. After the authorization code, the merchant 106 accepts the check from the user 104. The merchant 106 deposits 124 the check that ss contrafirmed, at your merchant bank 108. Merchant bank 108 sends check 118 to sender 102 for compensation and payment. After offsetting the check, the sender 102 transmits the payment 120 to the merchant's bank 108, which is credited to the merchant's account 106. In Figure Ib, a traveler's check 118 generated by the user is shown, in accordance with the present invention. The check 118 includes a signature 118-1 of the user, a denomination 118-2 and the nominal value 118-3, an optional counter-signature 118-6, and a serial number 118-4. The user enters the counter-signature 118-6 optionally after the purchase, and the user signs the signature 118-1 after using it. As will be evident from d4 a consideration of the following description, while the counter-signature 118-6 provides some increased level of security, the invention can be practiced without the counter-signature. The user prints a denomination 118-2, the nominal value 118-3, and serial number 118-4 on the check during the issuance process, which is described below. The serial number 118-4 is generated based on the information that relates to the check and the user, such as, for example, the nominal value of the check and the user's name, and is printed on the check. The merchant 106 uses the serial number to verify a check before accepting it. In Figure 2a there is shown a system for issuing and compensating a traveler's check generated by the user, in accordance with the present invention. The system includes the central controller of the sender 200, which is a communication and database system maintained by the sender of the traveler's check 102 of Figure la, the voice response unit of the sender 230, the communication network 250, a plurality of remote terminals 252a-z of the user, and a plurality of terminals 254a-z of the merchant. Communication network 250 provides communications between the other elements of the system. The central controller of the sender 200 communicates information with the remote terminals 252 of the user and verification information with the terminals 254 of the merchant, and stores the information for later use. In one embodiment, a remote terminal 252 of the user communicates the registration and broadcast information directly with the central controller of the sender 200. In this mode, the network 250 provides the data communications between the central controller of the sender 200 and the remote terminal 252 of the user. In an alternative of this modality, the network 250 is the public switched telephone network, while in other alternatives, the network 250 can be the Internet (with the appropriate security measures) or a private wide area network. In another embodiment, the remote terminal 252 of the user is not in direct communication with the central controller of the sender 200. In this mode, a user operating the remote terminal of the user places a call to the central controller of the sender 200. The call is handled by means of a two-way audio connection on the communication network 250, which is the public switched telephone network. The call is routed to and handled by the sender's voice response unit (IVRU) 230. The user receives voice and tone requests from the IVRU 230 and transmits the commands using touch-tone signals or voice commands . The registration and issuance information is entered and the user receives it through the IVRU 230. Then, the user enters the information he received to the remote terminal 252 of the user. The merchant terminal 254 communicates with the central controller of the sender, in a manner similar to the remote terminal 252 of the user. In one embodiment, a terminal 254 of the merchant communicates the verification information directly to the central controller 200. In this mode, the network 250 provides the data communications between the central controller of the sender 200 and the terminal 254 of the merchant. In an alternative of this modality, the network 250 is the public switched telephone network, while in other alternatives, the network 250 may be the Internet (with the appropriate security measures) or a private wide area network. In another embodiment, the merchant terminal 254 is not in direct communication with the central controller of the sender 200. In this mode, a merchant operating a merchant terminal places a call to the central dispatcher of the sender 200. e handles the call by a two-way audio connection on the communication network 250, which is the public switched telephone network. The call is routed to and handled by the sender's voice response unit (IVRU) 230. The merchant receives the voice requests and the tones from the IVRU 230 and transmits the commands using the touch-tone signals or the voice commands. The verification information is entered and the user receives it via the IVRU 230. Afterwards, the user enters the information received by the merchant at the merchant's terminal 254.

A central controller system of the exemplary transmitter 200 is shown in Figure 2b. The controller 200 includes the central processing unit (CPU) 202, which is connected to the random access memory (RAM) 204, the read-only memory (ROM, for its acronym in English) 206, and communication port 210, cryptographic processor 212 and data storage device 220. CPU 202 may comprise a microprocessor, for example, an INTEL PENTIUM processor, or CPU 202 may comprise a minicomputer or a central processor. RAM '204 and ROM 206 store the instructions of the program executing the CPU 202 and the data used during the execution of the program. The communication port 210 couples the controller 200 to the voice response unit of the emitter 230, the network adapter 209 and the modem 216, which provide the communications between the central controller of the transmitter 200 and the remote terminals 252 of the user and / or the merchant terminal 254. A system does not need to include the three devices, the voice response unit of the transmitter 230, the network adapter 209 and the modem 216. Only those devices needed to implement the communication techniques selected by the sender of the network must be present. check. Preferably, communications over the public switched telephone network will be used by modem 216.

The cryptographic processor 212 encrypts and deciphers the digital information that is used to ensure the security of traveler's checks. In one embodiment, the processor 212 is a separate physical processor, such as a computer system in the network or a secondary card processor, which runs the cryptographic software. In another embodiment, the processor 212 is implemented in the software running through the CPU 202. The data storage device 220, which stores the data that is used by the present invention, may comprise, for example, a magnetic disk and / or optical disk and may also comprise a magnetic tape. The storage device 220 includes the transaction processor 221, the traveler check database 222, the merchant registration database 223, the software membership database 224 of the sender, and the database 225 of the traveler's check. The transaction processor 221 accepts input from the CPU 202, gives access to the appropriate database and stores the information in, or retrieves the information from the database. The transaction processor 221 may comprise a separate processor or may comprise a portion of the CPU 202. The traveler's check database 222 stores the information about each of the traveler's checks that is issued. The merchant record database 223 stores the information about each merchant that accepts traveler's checks. The software membership database 224 of the issuer stores the information about each user of the software that has been registered with the issuer. The order database 225 of the traveler's checkbook stores information about each traveler's check order that has been placed. A remote terminal 252 of exemplary user is shown in Figure 2c. The terminal 252 includes the computer system 260, which is connected to the printer 274, the modem 275, the network adapter 276, and the security device 277. The computer system 260 includes the central processing unit (CPU) 261 , which is connected to the random access memory (RAM) 262, the read-only memory (ROM) 263, the communication port 264, the cryptographic processor 270 and the data storage device 271. The RAM 262 and ROM 264 stores the instructions of the program running the CPU 260 and the data that is used during the execution of the program. The CPU 261 is coupled to the printer 274, which is a conventional printer, such as a dot-matrix, ink-jet or laser printer. The communication port 264 couples the computer 260 to the modem 275 and the network adapter 276, which provides communications between the remote terminal 252 of the user and the central controller of the transmitter 200, over the communication network 250. A typical system does not need include the two devices, the network adapter 276 and the modem 275. Only the device needed to implement the communication techniques selected by the issuer of the check must be present. In one embodiment, the terminal is coupled by modem 275 to the public switched telephone network. In another embodiment, the terminal is coupled to a private wide area network, through the network adapter 276. Preferably, communications over the public switched telephone network will be used, via the modem 275. The cryptographic processor 270 coded and deciphers digital information, which is used to ensure the safety of traveler's checks. In one embodiment, the cryptographic processor 270 is a separate physical processor running the cryptographic software, such as a secondary-card processor or a processor contained in a "bell" that is connected to the computer system 260. In another embodiment, implements the cryptographic processor 270 in the software that is executed by the CPU 261. In another embodiment, the cryptographic processor 270, which is either hardware or software, communicates with the security device 277, which is connected to the security system. 260 computer, typically in the form of a "bell". The security device 277 may contain the cryptographic keys that are used to code and decrypt the data. The data storage device 271, which stores the data using the present invention, may comprise, for example, a magnetic disk and / or optical disk and may also comprise a magnetic tape. The data storage device 271 includes the transaction processor 272 and the traveler check database 273. The transaction processor 272 accepts input from the CPU 261, gives access to the appropriate database and stores the information in, or retrieves the information from, that database. The transaction processor 272 may comprise a separate processor or may comprise a part of the CPU 261. The traveler check database 272 stores the information about each of the traveler's checks that is issued by a remote terminal 252 of the user or each check that is accepted at the merchant's terminal 254. ' The printer 274 prints the traveler's checks to be issued in response to the commands from the computer system 260. Any modern printer that can print in color can be used. The supply paper is inserted into the printer 274, which then prints indications such as the denomination 118-2, the nominal value 118-3 and the serial number 118-4, which are shown in Figure Ib, in accordance with a process to print the checks described later. Conventional supply paper can be used to print the checks. Optionally, special supply paper for traveler's checks may be used, which may include, for example: pre-printed information such as the name of the issuer, or security features may be used to avoid duplication (ie, engraved figures, watermarks, holograms, etc.). The merchant's terminal 254 is used only to verify individual traveler's checks at the time of acceptance. Although a computer system similar to that of the remote terminal 252 of the user may be used, this is not necessary. A device similar to the well-known credit card authorization terminals, which are in widespread use, can be used. Alternatively, checks can be verified by telephone. An exemplary format of a traveler check order database 225 is shown in Figure 3a. The database 225 includes a plurality of records, such as, the register 314a. Each record corresponds to an order of traveler's checks and includes a field of order number 302, a field number of checks 304, a field of total purchase amount 306, a field of registration code 308, a field of code 310 and a terminating code field 312. A register 314 is established for each traveler's check order that is received in the central controller 200. The central controller 200 generates an identification code that uniquely identifies each order that it is received and stored in the order number field 302. In the field of number of checks 304, the number of checks that are issued in the order is stored. In the field of total purchase quantity 306, the total monetary value of traveler's checks that were purchased in the order is stored. A code that was received from the user at the start of the check issuing process, the registration code, is stored in the registration code field 308. A code indicating that the issuer of the traveler's check has verified the information he entered the user during the check creation process is stored in the verification code field 310. The verification code is also transmitted to the user. A code indicating that the remote terminal of the user has finished the check creation process is stored in the terminating code field 312. The termination code is received from the user. An exemplary format of a traveler's check database is shown in Figure 3b. Database 222 includes a plurality of records, such as, for example, record 330. Each record corresponds to a traveler's check that was issued and includes a date field 320, a field number 321 order, a field of check serial number 322, a check amount field 323, a registration code field 324, an authorization code field 325, a status field 326, a used date field 327 and a location field of the Trader 328. A record 330 is established for each traveler's check that is issued. The date on which a check was issued is stored in the field of date 320. The order number that identifies the order in which the check was included is stored in the field of order number 321. The information that is related to the order, it is stored in a register in the traveler check order database 225 of Figure 3a. The number that was stored in field 321 is the same as the number that was stored in field 302 of that record. The check serial number, which uniquely identifies the check, is stored in the serial number field 322. The amount of the monetary value of the check, which includes a currency indicator, is stored in the quantity field. from check 323. The registration code is stored in field 324. The code that was sent to the merchant accepting the check, which authorizes the merchant to accept the check, is stored in the authorization code field 325. stores the status of the check in the status field 326. When the check is issued, the status is set to "Not changed". Later, after the user used the check and the authorization code has been sent to the merchant who accepts, the state is set to "Changed". The date on which the check was changed in the date field used is stored 327. An identification code that uniquely identifies the location of the particular business of the merchant who accepted the user's check, is stored in the location field of the merchant 328. An exemplary format of a software membership database 224 of the sender is shown in Figure 3c. The database 224 includes a plurality of registers, such as, for example, the register 348a. Each record corresponds to a traveler's check software package that is registered for use, and includes a field of name 340, an address field 341, a telephone number field 342, a credit card account number field 343 , a credit card expiration field 344, a field of order number 325 and a field of customer identification number 346. A record 348 is established for each user who registers c ^ n the issuer of the traveler's check. The user's name is stored in the field named 340. The user's address is stored in the user's address field 341. The telephone number of the user is stored in the telephone number field 342. The account number of the card credit that is used to purchase traveler's checks, is stored in the field of credit card account number 343. The expiration date of the credit card is stored in the credit card expiration field 344. It is stored an order number that identifies each order of the traveler's checks that the user has placed, in the field of order number 345. An identification number that uniquely identifies the user is stored in the customer identification field 346 Figure 3 shows an exemplary format of a merchant record database 223. Database 223 includes a plurality of registers, such as, for example, register 366a. Each record corresponds to a merchant who is authorized to accept traveler's checks, or to a particular business site, if the merchant has more than one business site. Each record includes a field of name 360, a field of store name 361, a field of telephone number 362, a field of location 363- and a field of record identification number 364. A record 348 is established for each merchant or site of the merchant who registers with the issuer of the traveler's check. The merchant's name is stored in the field named 360. The man from the merchant's site is stored in the store name field 361. The merchant's phone number or the merchant's site is stored in the telephone number field 362. The geographic location of the merchant's site is stored in the location field 363. An identification number uniquely identifying the merchant or merchant's site is stored in the registration identification field 364. In Figures 4a-b, shows a traveler check creation process 400, which is implemented in the system of Figure 2a, and which uses the databases shown in Figures 3a-d. Figure 4a shows steps 402-418 of process 400. Process 400 begins with step 402, in which a user enters the information, which includes the total monetary amount of the traveler's checks desired, the denominations and the number of checks of each denomination that was introduced that is desired, and the date, within a remote terminal of the user. Preferably, a special check creation software is executed in the user's remote terminal and the information is entered into the check creation software. In addition, the software for creating • check can automatically generate some of the information that is required. For example, the software can automatically enter the date, and can automatically generate the total monetary amount, based on the denominations and the number of each denomination that is • desired. At step 404, a check registration code is generated that is based on the information that was entered, for example, as a function of the denominations of the check, date of generation of the code, and the total amount of the checks. This registration code is then displayed visually to the user in the user's remote terminal. In step 406, the user places a telephone call to the sender's voice response unit (IVRU) 230 of the central controller 200, and enters the customer identification and the check registration code in response to the audio requests and voice that generates the IVRU. In step 408, the IVRU transmits the customer identification and check registration code to the central controller. In step 410, the central control determines whether the customer identification that was received is found in the membership database 224, which is shown in Figure 2b. If the customer identification that was received in the membership database 224 is not found, then in step 412, the IVRU informs the user of this fact and tells the user to enter his copy of the software. In a preferred embodiment, the IVRU then performs the registration process with the user. If the customer identification that was received in the membership database 224 is found, then in step 414, the IVRU transmits to the user the denominations of the check and the numbers of each denomination, which were contained in the registration code , For verification. In step 416, the user verifies the denominations of the check and the numbers of each denomination and tells the TVRU whether the information is correct or not. If the information is not correct, then in step 418, the IVRU asks the user to re-enter the information into the user's remote terminal, and the process goes back to step 402. If the information is correct , the process continues with step 420. Figure 4b shows steps 420-426 of process 400. In step 420, the IVRU transmits a verification code to the user. In step 422, the user enters the verification code in the remote terminal of the user. In step 424, the user's remote terminal generates a completion code that is based on the verification code, visually displays the termination code to the user and instructs the printer to print the traveler's checks. In step 426, the user transmits the termination code to the IVRU. In step 428, the IVRU transmits a complete transaction message to the user. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the current printing of traveler's checks is postponed until a later date selected by the user. Once all the information necessary to create valid checks is available, they can be printed in effect, at any convenient time. Other modalities of the check creation process are possible. For example, instead of the user placing a telephone call to the IVRU, the user's remote terminal can establish communications with the central controller over the public switched telephone network using a modem, or over a private network using a network adapter . The steps of process 400, in which the user's remote terminal visually displays the information to the user, the user transmits the information to the IVRU, the IVRU transmits the information to the user, and the user enters the information from the IVRU to the terminal remotely of the user, would be replaced by the steps in which the user's remote terminal transmits the information about the communication network to the central controller, and the central controller transmits the information about the communication network to the remote terminal of the user. A more detailed description of the portions of Figures 4a-b is shown in Figures 5a-b. Figures 5a-b show a process of creating a traveler's check generated by the user. The process 500 is a portion of the process 400 of Figures 4a-b which is implemented in the remote terminal 252 of the user of Figure 2a. In Figure 5a, steps 502-510 of process 500 are shown. Process 500 begins with step 502, in which the remote terminal of the user receives the traveler's check information that the user entered in step 402 of the Figure 4a. The information includes the total monetary amount of traveler's checks desired, the denomination and number of checks of each denomination that was entered that are desired, and the date. Preferably, the user's remote terminal generates some of this information, as described above. In step 506, the cryptographic processor generates a check registration code by combining and coded the data that the user entered. In step 508, the user's remote terminal visually displays the check registration code. As described above, the user transmits the check registration code to the issuer's voice response unit (IVRU), and receives a verification code from the IVRU. In step 510, the user enters the verification code through the IVRU. Figure 5b shows steps 512-520 of process 500. In step 512, the cryptographic processor in the remote terminal decrypts the verification code that was generated by the issuer's central controller and that was entered into the user's remote terminal. . In step 514, the data that was deciphered from the. verification code, in the traveler's check database in the user's remote terminal. In step 516, the cryptographic processor creates a completion code, which is displayed visually to the user in step 518. In step 520, the check data is transmitted to the printer and the traveler's checks are printed. As described above, other modalities of the check creation process are possible. For example, instead of the user placing a telephone call to the IVRU, the user's remote terminal can establish communication with the central controller over the public switched telephone network using a modem, or over a private network using a network adapter . The steps of the process 500, in which the user's remote terminal visually displays the information to the user, and the user enters the information from the IVRU to the user's remote terminal, would be replaced by the steps in which the user's remote terminal transmits the information about the communication network to the central controller, and the central controller transmits the information about the communication network to the remote terminal of the user. A more detailed description of the portions of Figures 4a-b is shown in Figures 6a-b. In the Figures - 6a-b shows a process of creating a traveler's check generated by the user. The process 600 is a portion of the process 400 of Figures 4a-b which is implemented in the central controller of the emitter 200 and the voice response unit of the emitter (IVRU) of Figure 2a. In Figure 6a, steps 602-616 are shown. Process 600 begins with step 602, in which the IVRU, which received the customer identification and the user's registration code, sends the information received to the issuer's central controller for verification. In step 604, the central controller determines whether the customer identification that was received is found in the membership database 224, which is shown in Figure 2b. If the customer identification received in the membership database is not found, then in step 606, the central controller transmits an "unregistered" message to the IVRU, which then informs the user by operating the appropriate notices If the customer identification is found in the membership database, then in step 608, the cryptographic processor 212 of the central controller, which is shown in Figure 2b, decrypts the check register code that was received. In step 610, the transaction processor 221, which is shown in the Figure 2b, interprets the information that was deciphered from the check registration code. In step 612, the appropriate portions of the information that was interpreted are stored in the traveler check database 222 of Figure 2b. In step 614, the appropriate portions of the information that was interpreted are stored in the traveler check order database 225 of Figure 2b. In step 616, the central controller searches the membership database 224 for identification of the client that was received. Figure 6b shows steps 618-626 of process 600. In step 618, the cryptographic processor generates a verification code. In step 620, the verification code is transmitted to the IVRU, which transmits it to the user. As described above, the user enters the verification code within the remote terminal of the user and receives a completion code to transmit it to the IVRU. In step 622, the central controller receives the termination code from the IVRU. In step 624, the termination code is decrypted by the cryptographic processor 212 and, in step 626, the termination code that was deciphered is stored in the order database 225. As described above, other modalities of the check creation process. For example, instead of the user placing a telephone call to the IVRU, the user's remote terminal can establish communications with the central controller over the public switched telephone network using a modem, or over a private network using a network adapter . The steps of the process 600, in which the IVRU receives the information from the user and the IVRU transmits the information to the user, would be replaced by the steps in which the user's remote terminal transmits the information about the communication network to the controller central, and the central controller transmits information about the communication network to the remote terminal of the user. In Figures 7a-b there is shown a traveler check cancellation process generated by the user 700, which is implemented in the central controller of the sender 200 and the transmitter voice response unit (IVRU) of Figure 2a. In Figure 7a the steps 702-714 of the process 700 are shown. The process 700 begins with step 702, in which the user places a telephone call to the IVRU with the objective of introducing a traveler's check cancellation request.

In step 704, in response to a notice from the IVRU, the user transmits his customer identification to the IVRU. In step 706, in response to a notice from the IVRU, the user tells the IVRU if the cancellation request is for a complete check order or for less than all the checks in the entire order. If the cancellation request is for a complete order, then the process continues with step 716 of Figure 7b, in which the central controller updates the databases to reflect the cancellation of the traveler's checks that are included, and credits the account of the user's credit card with the appropriate monetary amount. If the request for cancellation is for less than all the checks in "an order, then in step 708, in response to a notice from the IVRU, the user enters the serial numbers of the checks to be canceled. In step 710, in response to a notice from the IVRU, the user indicates whether the checks being canceled were lost, stolen, or printed incorrectly. If the checks were lost, or stolen, then in step 712, the IVRU puts the user in contact with the customer service representative, who obtains the information regarding the theft or loss. Then, the process continues with step 716 of Figure 7b, in which the central controller updates the databases to reflect the cancellation of the traveler's checks involved, and credits the account of the user's credit card with the amount appropriate monetary If the checks were printed incorrectly, then in step 714, the IVRU transmits the cancellation information to the central controller for processing. Figure 7b shows the steps 716-718 of the process 700. In step 716, the central controller updates the databases to reflect the cancellation of the traveler's checks involved, and credits the account of the user's credit card. with the appropriate monetary amount. In step 718, the IVRU provides the user with the cancellation code. As described above, other modalities of the check creation process are possible. For example, instead of the user placing a telephone call to the IVRU, the user's remote terminal can establish communications with the central controller over the public switched telephone network using a modem, or over a private network using a network adapter . The steps of the process 700, in which the IVRU receives the information from the user and the IVRU transmits the information to the user, would be replaced by the steps in which the user's remote terminal transmits the information about the communication network to the controller central, and the central controller transmits information about the communication network to the remote terminal of the user.

Figures 8a-b show a user generated traveler's check compensation process 800, which is implemented in the central controller of the transmitter 200 and the transmitter voice response unit (IVRU) 230 of Figure 2a . Figure 8a shows steps 802-812 of process 800. Process 800 begins with step 802, in which a user presents a traveler's check to a merchant. In step 804, the merchant calls the IVRU and, in response to the IVRU warnings, enters the nominal value and serial number of the check. In step 806, the IVRU performs the verification process of the IVRU shown in Figure 9 / and transmits a verification code to the merchant. In step 808, after receiving the verification code, the merchant provides cash or merchandise to the user. In step 810, the merchant writes or prints the verification code on the check and deposits it in the merchant's bank. In step 812, the merchant bank sends the check to the issuer's compensation firm. Figure 8b shows steps 814-824 of process 800. In step 814, after receiving the check from the merchant's bank, the issuer finds the record corresponding to the serial number of the check that was received in the base of traveler's check data 222 of Figure 2b. In step 816, the sender changes the data in the status field of the check 326, which is shown in Figure 3b, of the record that was found to indicate that the check has been "Charged". In step 820, the sender sends the check back to the user, for the user's records. In step 822, the issuer compensates the amount of the nominal value of the check, which is credited to the merchant's bank. In step 824, the merchant receives the capital from the merchant's bank. As described above, other modalities of the check clearing process are possible. For example, instead of the merchant placing a telephone call to the IVRU, the merchant terminal can establish communications with the central controller over the public switched telephone network using a modem, or over a private network using a network adapter. The steps of process 800, in which the IVRU receives the information from the merchant and the IVRU transmits the information to the merchant, would be replaced by the steps in which the merchant's terminal transmits the information on the communication network to the central controller , and the central controller transmits the information about the communication network to the merchant terminal. In Figure 9 there is shown a voice response verification process of the emitter 900, which is performed as part of the step 806, which is shown in Figure 8a, and which is implemented in the central controller of the transmitter 200 and the unit Transmitter Voice Response (IVRU) 230 of Figure 2a. Process 900 begins with step 902, in which the IVRU receives the information from a merchant who has received a traveler's check from a user. The information that was received includes the merchant's identification, the serial number of the check and the amount of the nominal value of the check. In step 904, the IVRU transmits the information that was received to the issuer's central controller, for processing. In step 906, the central controller determines whether the check serial number and the nominal value amount match the information in the traveler's check database 222 of Figure 2b. If they do not match, then in step 908, the IVRU tells the merchant to confiscate the check immediately and the compensation process for that check is not completed. If there is a match, then in step 910, the general controller generates an authorization code and transmits it to the IVRU. The central controller also updates the information that is related to the check in the traveler's check database. In step 912, the IVRU transmits the authorization code to the merchant. As described above, other modalities of the check creation process are possible. For example, instead of the merchant placing a telephone call to the IVRU, the merchant terminal can establish communications with the central controller over the public switched telephone network using a modem, or over a private network using a network adapter. The steps of the process 900, in which the IVRU receives the information from the merchant and the IVRU transmits the information to the merchant, would be replaced by the steps in which the merchant's terminal transmits the information on the communication network to the central controller , and the central controller transmits the information about the communication network to the merchant terminal. As described above, the present invention can be applied equally to forms of bearer documents that are not traveler's checks. For example, the present invention can be applied to the generation of certified checks. A certified check is a check, such as a personal check or business check, from a depositor, drawn in a bank, on the face of which the words "accepted" or "certified" have been written or stamped, along with the signature of a bank official. A certified check is an obligation of the bank, not the depositor. In order to generate a certified check, in accordance with the present invention, a depositor writes a personal or business check. Then, the depositor enters the value of the check, check number, account number, customer identification and date, within the user's remote terminal, which generates a registration code. The registration code is then transmitted to the central controller of the transmitter, either on a voice telephone channel by means of the voice response unit of the transmitter (IVRU), or on a data channel by means of a modem or a data network. As described above, the user's remote terminal can automatically generate some of the information that is required. The central control determines if the customer identification that was received was found in the membership database. If the customer identification that was received in the membership database is found, the specified bank account is verified to ensure there are sufficient funds available to cover the check. If so, the amount of the check is charged to the account and. The certifier of the check is credited. Then a verification code is transmitted to the remote terminal of the user, either directly or through the IVRU and the user. The user's remote terminal generates a termination code that is based on the verification code, transmits the completion code to the central controller, either directly or through the IVRU and the user, and instructs the printer to print a Certified check that has the certification information on the check. Therefore, an improved method and system for providing travelers checks generated by the user has been provided. The system, which uses components available to the ordinary customer, allows a user to generate travelers checks that can be verified, in any amount and denomination selected by the user, without leaving their home or place of business. The system is preferably implemented with user-friendly software, and the communication link necessary for the process can be an ordinary telephone. In addition, you can check these checks through the merchant you charge, greatly reducing the likelihood of fraud. Although a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described, those skilled in the art will understand that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the embodiment described. In accordance with the above, it should be understood that the invention should not be limited by the modality that was illustrated, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (59)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for authorizing a bearer document in a central controller, comprising the steps of: receiving user information from a user, user information that includes at least one of a user identifier, and a monetary amount of the document to the bearer that the user is going to issue; generate a verification code in response to the receipt of user information; and transmitting the verification code to the user to be presented to the user in a human recognizable format for use by the user when generating the bearer document in a remote terminal, which is not in communication with the central controller. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step to generate further includes: generating the verification code based on the user's information. 3. The method of compliance with the claim 1, characterized in that it also includes the step of: registering the user with a sender, before the reception step. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step to register comprises the steps of: receiving user identification information; receive a user's account identifier; and transmitting the user identifier to the user. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the bearer document is a traveler's check. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the bearer document is a certified check. 7. A system for authorizing a bearer document in a central controller, comprising: a receiver operable to receive user information from a user, user information that includes at least one of the user identifier and a monetary amount of the document the bearer to be issued to the user; an operable code generator for generating a verification code in response to the receipt of user information; and an operable transmitter for transmitting, to the user, the verification code for presentation to the user in a human recognizable format, for use by the user when generating the bearer document in a remote terminal that is not in communication with the user. central controller. The system according to claim 7, wherein the code generator generates the verification code based on the information received from the user. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: a voice response unit, which is coupled to the user by means of a communication network, which sends the information 'between the receiver and the user and the transmitter and the user . The system according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: a modem, which is coupled to the user by means of a communication network, which sends the information between the receiver and the user and the transmitter and the user. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: a network adapter, which is coupled to the user by means of a communication network, which sends the information between the receiver and the user and the transmitter and the user. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises: a database containing the information in relation to the user, comprising: user information that identifies the user; and an account identifier corresponding to an account belonging to the user. The system according to claim 12, wherein the receiver additionally receives the registration information that relates to the user, the database stores the registration information that was received, the code generator generates an identifier of client corresponding to the user and the transmitter additionally transmits the customer identifier to the user. 14. The system according to claim 7, where the bearer document is a traveler's check. 15. The system according to claim 7, wherein the bearer document is a certified check. 16. A computer-readable medium encoded with the computer processing instructions, to implement a method for generating a bearer document in a remote terminal, the method comprising: receiving, from a user, the user's information which includes at least one of a user identifier and a monetary amount of a bearer document to be issued; generating a check register code from the user information, the check register code to be transmitted to a sender; receive an entry of a recognizable verification code per human that is presented to the user after the transmission of the check registration code; Calculate a serial number based on the verification code; and generate a printing file to print the document to the bearer in the remote terminal, the document to the bearer that has the serial number and the monetary amount. The computer readable medium according to claim 16, wherein the method further comprises: imitating a transfer of the print file to a form that is connected to the remote terminal. 18. A method for generating a bearer document in a remote terminal, comprising the steps of: receiving an entry of a verification code in a human recognizable format; receiving, from the user, a monetary amount of the bearer document to be generated in the remote terminal; calculate a serial number that is based on the verification code; and generate a print file to print the document to the bearer that has the serial number and the monetary amount. 19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that it also comprises the step of: transmitting the print file to the printer. 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the bearer document is a traveler's check. 21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the bearer document is a certified check. 22. A system for generating a bearer document in the remote terminal, comprising: a receiver operable to receive, from a user, a verification code that is presented to the user in a human recognizable format, the receiver operable additionally to receive a monetary amount of a bearer document that is going to be generated; an operable calculation device for calculating a serial number that is based on the verification code; and an operable print file generator to generate a print file, to generate a bearer document having the serial number and the monetary amount. 23. The system in accordance with the claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises: an operable printer port for transmitting the print file to a printer. 24. The system in accordance with the claim 23, where the bearer document is a traveler's check. 25. The method according to claim 23, wherein the bearer document is a certified check. 26. A system for generating a bearer document, comprising: a data storage device; and a processor that connects to the storage device, the operable storage device for storing a program to control the processor, and the operating processor with the program for: receiving an entry of a verification code in a human recognizable format and a monetary amount of a bearer document that is going to be generated; calculate a serial number that is based on the verification code; and generate a print file to print a document to the bearer that has the serial number and the monetary amount. 27. The system in accordance with the claim 26, characterized in that it further comprises: an operable printer port for transmitting the print file to a printer. 28. The system in accordance with the claim 27, where the bearer document is a traveler's check. 29. The system according to claim 27, wherein the bearer document is a certified check. 30. A method for generating a bearer document, comprising: requesting a bearer document from a selected monetary account; transmitting, to an issuer, a check register code generated by a remote terminal; receive a verification code from the issuer, the verification code that is presented in a human recognizable format; enter the verification code that was received inside a remote terminal, generating a serial number for the bearer document; and print a bearer document that includes the serial number and the monetary amount. 31. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that it also comprises the step of: establishing an account with the sender. 32. The method according to claim 30, characterized in that it also includes: transmitting an account identifier to the sender. 33. A method for issuing and compensating a bearer document, comprising: receiving the user information that includes: a user identifier, and a monetary amount of the bearer document to be generated; transmitting a verification code to the user, which will be presented to the user in a human recognizable format, the verification code for the user to use when generating the bearer document in a remote terminal; receive a termination code from the user; determine a serial number of the bearer document from the termination code; maintain a database that includes the serial number of the bearer document; receive a request to release the bearer document, the request that includes the serial number of the bearer document; examine the database to determine if the serial number that was received is valid; and release the bearer document, if the serial number that was received is valid. 34. A system for issuing and compensating a bearer document, comprising: means for receiving, from a user, the user information that includes a user identifier and a monetary amount of the bearer document to be generated; means for transmitting, to the user, a verification code that will be presented to the user in a human recognizable format, the verification code for the user to use when generating the bearer document; means for receiving a termination code from the user; means for determining a serial number of the bearer document from the completion code; database means for storing the serial number of the bearer document generated by the user; means for receiving a request to release the bearer document, the request including the serial number of the bearer document; means to examine the database to determine 'if the serial number that was received is valid; and means to authorize the reimbursement of the bearer document, if the serial number that was received is valid. 35. A method for generating and canceling a bearer document, comprising: information of the receiving user that includes: an identifier of the user, and a monetary amount of the bearer document to be generated; transmit a verification code that will be presented to the user in a human recognizable format, the verification code for the user to use when generating the bearer document in a remote terminal; receive a termination code from the user; determine a serial number of the bearer document that was issued from the termination code; maintain a database comprising the serial number of the bearer document generated by the user; receive a request to cancel the bearer document, the request that includes the serial number of the bearer document; examine the database to determine if the serial number that was received was entered into the database; and cancel the bearer document, if the serial number was received. 36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that it also comprises: crediting an account belonging to the user for a certain amount that is based on the monetary value. 37. An apparatus for authorizing a bearer document to be generated at a remote location, comprising: a storage device, and a processor that connects to a storage device, the storage device that stores a program to control the processor; and the operating processor with the program for: receiving from the user a check register code generated by a remote terminal based on user information, user information that includes at least: a user identifier, and a monetary amount of the document to the bearer to be issued; generate a verification code in response to receipt of the check registration code; and transmitting the verification code to the user, the verification code for the user to use when generating the bearer document in a remote terminal. 38. A computer-readable medium that is encoded with processing instructions to implement a method, performed by a computer, to authorize the generation of a bearer document at a remote location, the method comprising: receiving from a user a check register code generated by a remote terminal that is based on user information, user information that includes at least one of a user's identifier, and a monetary amount of the bearer document to be issued; generate a verification code in response to receipt of the check registration code; and transmitting the verification code to the user, the verification code that will be presented in a human recognizable format for use by the user when generating the bearer document in a remote terminal. 39. The computer readable medium according to claim 16, wherein the method further comprises: generating a completion code after generating the print file. 40. The computer readable medium according to claim 54, wherein the method further comprises: presenting the termination code to the user in a human recognizable format. 41. The method according to the claim 35, characterized in that it further comprises: generating a completion code after generating the print file. 42. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that it further comprises: presenting the termination code to the user in a human recognizable format. 43. The system according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises: an operable code generator for generating a completion code, after generating the print file. 44. The system according to claim 43, characterized in that it further comprises: a visual display operable to visually display the termination code to the user in the human recognizable format. 45. The system according to claim 26, wherein the processor is further operative with the program to: generate a completion code after generating the print file. 46. The system according to claim 45, wherein the processor is additionally operative with the program to: present the termination code to the user in the human recognizable format. 47. The method according to claim 1, wherein the human recognizable format includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 48. The system according to claim 7, wherein the human recognizable format includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 49. The computer readable medium according to claim 16, wherein the human recognizable format includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 50. The method according to claim 18, wherein the human recognizable format includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 51. The system according to claim 22, wherein the human recognizable format includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 52. The system according to claim 26, wherein the human recognizable format includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 53. The method according to claim 30, wherein the human recognizable format includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 54. The method of compliance with the claim 33, where the format recognizable by human includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 55. The method of compliance with the claim 34, where the format recognizable by human includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 56. The method of compliance with the claim 35, where the format recognizable by human includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 57. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the human recognizable format includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 58. The computer readable medium according to claim 38, wherein the human recognizable format includes at least one of: visible text and an audio message. 59. A method for authorizing a bearer document to be generated in a remote terminal, comprising the steps of: receiving from a user a check register code generated by a remote terminal that is based on the user's information, the user information that includes at least one of a user's identifier, and a monetary amount of the bearer document to be issued; generate a verification code in response to receipt of the check registration code; transmit the verification code to the user; and present the verification code to the user in a human recognizable format for use by the user when generating the bearer document in a remote terminal.