Abstract: The automated method of the present invention provides an efficient arrangement for setting certain financial transactions using a debit point of sale transaction network, as opposed to routing over a credit network. The method and arrangement uses an onsite database of bank identification numbers to conduct a preliminary assessment of whether a particular card is debit capable, and appropriately processes the transaction information based on the preliminary assessment. The system preferably is also updated when a financial transaction is successfully completed as a debit transaction which the database did not initially identify as being debit capable. In this way, the database is continuously updated and over time, a more accurate database is achieved. The system can also be networked, such that information between databases is shard and improved, based on the network experience.

Abstract: A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances.

Abstract: Real time decoding methods and apparatus for a card transaction terminal used for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. The method is implemented in a microcomputer employed in the terminal. The data decode method for the microcomputer decodes data in real time as it is read from the magnetic stripe on the card and obviates random access memory external to the microcomputer. A memory is provided in the terminal large enough to store data characters corresponding to at least one predetermined data field on the card generated during a swipe of the card but insufficient to store all of the self clocking signals generated during the swipe. A sentinel character in the self clocking signals is first decoded. Then, a data character associated with the at least one predetermined data field is decoded in response to a predetermined number of self clocking signals generated subsequent to the sentinel character. Finally, the decoded data character is stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method of obtaining and providing card identifying information from a data card presented in connection with a financial transaction, the data card having a magnetic stripe and an embossed region containing identifying information, the method being carried out in a data card terminal. The data card terminal is operative for gathering credit card or check information required for customer transactions at a point of sale. The method comprises providing a transaction risk parameter selectively indicative of a first or second level of transaction security to be provided for the data card terminal. In response to the transaction risk parameter indicating the first level of security, verified card identifying information is provided if either the first data record region or the second data region contains valid card identifying information. In response to the transaction risk parameter indicating the second level of security, a second level security check is performed.

Abstract: A multi-reader terminal including a magnetic stripe reader, an embossed character reader, and a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) check reader, in an integrated stand-alone unit. The terminal is operative for gathering credit card or check information required for customer transactions at the point of sale. The terminal provides a single card passageway for receiving a credit card having a magnetic stripe and embossed characters. The magnetic stripe reader and embossed character reader read the credit card as it travels in the passageway. The embossed character reader may be selectively retracted from the card passageway. The terminal includes a plurality of serial communications ports that allow the terminal to be connected in series between a host computer and an electronic cash register. The serial ports allow connection of a signature capture pad, a personal identification number (PIN) pad, and other serial devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, for providing chargeback protection services for the benefit of merchants are disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder.

Abstract: A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A low cost, easily manufacturable, and easy to use card transaction terminal for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. A two piece case snaps securely together without screws or other fasteners. The case includes printed circuit board supports for receiving and temporarily supporting a single, double sided circuit board. The circuit board includes minimized circuit components, including a microcomputer with integral program read-only memory. An improved data read head sub-assembly facilitates assembly and provides for precise positioning of data read head and substantially parallel biasing of the read head against the magnetic stripe of a data card. Keying features ensure that the read head subassembly is mounted in the proper orientation. An integral strain relief mechanism formed in the two piece case provides strain relief for power cord without additional hardware.

Abstract: A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A low cost, easily manufacturable, and easy to use card transaction terminal for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. A two piece case snaps securely together without screws or other fasteners. The case includes printed circuit board supports for receiving and temporarily supporting a single, double sided circuit board. The circuit board includes minimized circuit components, including a microcomputer with integral program read-only memory. An improved data read head sub-assembly facilitates assembly and provides for precise positioning of data read head and substantially parallel biasing of the read head against the magnetic stripe of a data card. Keying features ensure that the read head subassembly is mounted in the proper orientation. An integral strain relief mechanism formed in the two piece case provides strain relief for power cord without additional hardware.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, for providing chargeback protection services for the benefit of merchants are disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture primer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder.

Abstract: A low cost, easily-manufacturable circuit for a data card transaction terminal for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. The circuit comprises a single, double-sided circuit board having minimized circuit components. The printed circuit board mounts an alphanumeric liquid crystal display (LCD) to a first side of the circuit board, a single chip LCD driver circuit, a bracket for extending through mounting holes in the circuit board and holding the liquid crystal display, keypad electrical contacts formed on the first side of the circuit board, and a plurality of circuit components all affixed to the second side of the circuit board.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, for providing chargeback protection services for the benefit of merchants are disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder.