Abstract: A telephone configures as a programmable microcomputer (telephone-computer) which operates in most circumstances through a standard telephone 12-key keypad input. The telephone-computer has the overall appearance of a telephone and includes telephone electronics and a microprocessor unit operated in conjunction with other computer elements, including memory devices, a programmable gate array (PGA) chip which can be initially programmed and then fixed, and enhanced integrity features. The PGA has the capability of being configured to accommodate various types of software which require different hardware Configuration, but without actually reconfiguring the hardware. The telephone-computer delivers data processing capabilities and services through an ordinary telephone instrument via conventional telephone lines with a network host computer which communicates with a vast panoply of service bureaus.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide communication between a user-friendly terminal, such as a "home terminal" shaped to resemble a conventional telephone, and a number of service provider computers such as financial institutions. The system's application software transforms simple user commands into commands understood by the service provider computers. The network host computer supplies messages to the terminal for generating prompts needed to solicit required information from the user, and communicates with the service computers according to their respective protocols. The invention provides a packet assembler and disassembler (PAD) element within the home terminal itself, allowing fast response time for the customer at the home terminal while retaining the benefits of data error entry error correction and data transmission error correction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telephone configured as a programmable microcomputer (telephone-computer) which operates in most circumstances through a standard telephone 12-key keypad input. The telephone-computer includes telephone electronics and a microprocessor unit operated in conjunction with other computer elements, including memory devices, and a programmable gate array (PGA) chip and enhanced integrity features, and has the overall appearance of a telephone. The PGA has the capability of being reconfigured to accommodate various types of softwares which require different hardware configuration, but without actually reconfiguring the hardware. The telephone-computer delivers data processing capabilities and services through an ordinary telephone instrument via conventional telephone lines with a network host computer which communicates with a vast panoply of service bureaus.