Abstract: An automated system places telephone calls to speech-based information systems, and interacts with the systems to retrieve information therefrom. The system employs a calling computer which uses speech recognition software to recognize the verbal messages generated by the information systems. A first embodiment of the present invention is designed specifically for calling bank information systems to verify accounts, checking transactions drawn on accounts, etc. This embodiment includes a bank database which contains all of the pertinent information necessary to navigate each of a plurality of bank's information systems through entry of appropriate DTMF tones. A second embodiment of the invention is employed for checking the status of lists of telephone numbers to determine whether the numbers have been changed or disconnected.

Abstract: A check acceptance system provides interactive authorizations and off-line terminal approvals. A merchant uses an interactive transaction terminal to communicate with a check acceptance service's authorization host computer. The terminal includes an electronic check reader and a magnetic stripe reader for reading magnetic stripe drivers licenses. The terminal acquires transaction data associated with a pending check transaction. The transaction data is analyzed to determine whether the transaction can be approved by the terminal. If so, an approval code is generated and a transaction packet including the transaction data and terminal approval code are stored in the terminal until subsequent communication with the host computer. If the pending transaction is not approved by the terminal, the transaction data is transmitted to the host computer.

Abstract: A check acceptance system provides interactive authorizations and off-line terminal approvals. A merchant uses an interactive transaction terminal to communicate with a check acceptance service's authorization host computer. The terminal includes an electronic check reader and a magnetic stripe reader for reading magnetic stripe drivers licenses. The terminal acquires transaction data associated with a pending check transaction. The transaction data is analyzed to determine whether the transaction can be approved by the terminal. If so, an approval code is generated and a transaction packet including the transaction data and terminal approval code are stored in the terminal until subsequent communication with the host computer. If the pending transaction is not approved by the terminal, the transaction data is transmitted to the host computer.