Abstract: Portable transaction terminal apparatus adapted for use in eating and drinking establishments. A terminal housing has a generally rectangular shape and a size slightly larger in length and width to corresponding dimensions of a restaurant guest check. A folio-type cover is mounted to a left side portion of the terminal housing by a hinge arrangement and thereby adapted to swing between open and closed cover positions, the cover corresponding in length and width to the terminal housing so as to completely cover a top face of the terminal housing in the closed cover position and to lie flat against a surface in the open cover position. A data entry keypad and an alphanumeric display are carried on the top face of the terminal housing. A card reader module is mounted in the terminal housing for accepting and reading a transaction data card selected for use by a guest of the establishment for payment of the amount of the guest check.

Abstract: An architecture that provides a server that communicates bidirectionally with a client over a first communication link, over which service requests flow to the server for one or more merchants and/or consumers is disclosed. Service requests are associated with a particular merchant based on storefront visited by a consumer or credentials presented by a merchant. Service requests result in merchant specific transactions that are transmitted to the gateway for further processing on existing host applications. By presenting the appropriate credentials, the merchant could utilize any other computer attached to the Internet utilizing a SSL or SET protocol to query the server remotely and obtain capture information, payment administration information, inventory control information, audit information and process customer satisfaction information.

Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a customer computer system to a merchant computer system, and for the further secure transmission of payment information regarding a payment instrument from the merchant computer system to a payment gateway computer system. The payment gateway system evaluates the payment information and returns a level of authorization of credit via a secure transmission to the merchant which is communicated to the customer by the merchant. The merchant can then determine whether to accept the payment instrument tendered or deny credit and require another payment instrument. An architecture that provides support for additional message types that are not SET compliant is provided by a preferred embodiment of the invention. A server communicating bidirectionally with a gateway is disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of clients are connected to one or more servers. When a client initiates a connection with a server, the server responds to the request for connection by transmitting a message back to the client to determine whether the client is a network terminal or not. The client responds with a message that is received by an application dispatcher at the server which takes one of a pair of actions based on whether the client is a network terminal. If the client terminal is a network terminal, then the application dispatcher spawns a server application in the server which responds to the client application in the client. Going forward, the server application responds to all future requests from the client application. If the client is not a network terminal, then the application dispatcher initiates a client application in the server to service the client terminal application requirements.

Abstract: An electronic monetary system provides for transactions utilizing an electronic-monetary system that emulates a wallet or a purse that is customarily used for keeping money, credit cards and other forms of payment organized. Access to the instruments in the wallet or purse is restricted by a password to avoid unauthorized payments. When access is authorized, a graphical representation of the payment instruments is presented on the display to enable a user to select a payment method of their choice. Once a payment instrument is selected, a summary of the goods for purchase are presented to the user and the user enters an electronic approval for the transaction or cancels the transaction. Electronic approval results in the generation of an electronic transaction to complete the order.

Abstract: An architecture for verifying the operation of a remote transaction clearance system is disclosed. A merchant-controlled computer communicates with a test gateway computer over a communications channel. The merchant-controlled computer transmits messages representing test transactions to the test gateway computer on the communications channel. The test gateway computer responds with simulated transaction responses. In another aspect of the invention, the transaction responses include configuration data that is used by the merchant-operated computer to configure itself to access a production gateway computer.

Abstract: A modular point-of-sale transaction apparatus comprising a modular portion having a printer mechanism mounted within a housing thereof and having structure providing a terminal platform for supporting a transaction terminal in a prearranged position forward or rearward of the printer mechanism. The housing for the printer and the platform for supporting the transaction terminal are formed in size and shape and location such that the combination of the modular portion and the transaction terminal has substantially the appearance of a single integrated terminal and printer apparatus.

Abstract: A reader/writer apparatus for a contact-type smart card and having a frame forming a card slot for receiving a smart card and a landing contact mechanism carried on the frame for making electrical contact with contact pads on the smart card when inserted in the card slot. The landing contact mechanism includes a connector carriage carrying a card contact set thereon facing the card slot and mounted to the frame on a pivot axis defined thereon such that the connector carriage rotates generally in a plane parallel to the card slot. A drive post formed on the connector carriage contacts a leading edge of a smart card inserted in the card slot to rotate the connector carriage through a prearranged angle as the card moves to a predetermined read position within the card slot.

Abstract: A dispensing machine payment acceptance apparatus for dispensing products or services from a dispensing machine upon user request and payment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a data card scanner apparatus for acquiring payment and other information. It also comprises an electrical signals interface between the scanner and the dispensing machine to indicate proper payment has been made. Cash payment, such as coins and paper bills, may also be accepted and apparatus is disclosed in the dispensing machine payment acceptance apparatus for generating electrical signals indicative of an amount of cash accepted. The invention discloses a card swallowing feature which enable the scanner to retain the card when the data card is defective or has other predetermined characteristics. In some embodiments the scanner has a geometrical form factor substantially similar to a standard bill validator apparatus.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based telephone having a housing, a lower key panel positioned within a top portion of the housing, and an upper key panel hingedly mounted to the housing to swing away and reveal the lower key panel. The lower key panel carries an alphanumeric keyboard thereon to enable a user to perform alphanumeric data entry. The upper key panel carries a telephone keypad to enable a user to dial telephone numbers.

Abstract: A method for operating a local device to permit a host computer to assert control over the local device via a communication port. A control available time window of prearranged duration is set up in the local device in response to a power on start condition. During this control available time window an Assert Control signal is received from the host computer. An Acknowledge Control signal is sent to the host computer upon receipt of the Assert Control signal during the control available time window. Then the local device responds to any control commands and data received from the host computer. Finally, the local device initiates processing of a normal local device application processes when no Assert Control signal is received during the control available time window or after the host computer has finished sending control commands and data to the local device.

Abstract: A cash card dispensing and revaluing system having payment apparatus for receiving and validating payment operating in conjunction with a cash card dispensing assembly for storing a number of cash cards and for dispensing a cash card upon consumer request and payment of a predetermined payment amount. Additionally including in the system a cash card revaluing assembly for revaluing a cash card upon insertion of the card into the revaluing assembly in conjunction with insertion of payment into the payment apparatus. The payment apparatus includes currency accepting and validating systems such as bill validators or, alternatively, credit and debit card validators.