Abstract: A user can play a network game by using game client terminal 108 and can receive electronic chips according to the game score. The exchange rate from the score to the amount of electronic chips is dynamically determined by electronic chip issuance module 102 with cooperation by game server 109, referring to electronic chip condition calculation module 107. The user can purchase commodities by using Web-POS client terminal 110, and can receive discount as he or she wishes by using electronic chips which are issued to each of users. The exchange rate from electronic chips to the currency is dynamically determined by electronic chip consumption module 103 in cooperation with Web-POS server 111, referring to electronic chip condition calculation module 107. The ability to determine above-mentioned exchange rates generates various sales promotion effects.

Abstract: A method of operating a self-service checkout system which includes a base having a scanner secured thereto includes the step of securing an itemization-only retail terminal to the base. The method also includes the step of coupling the itemization-only retail terminal to the scanner. The method further includes the step of operating the itemization-only retail terminal and the scanner so as to allow a first user to enter a first number of items for purchase into the self-service checkout system for a first time period while (i) the itemization-only retail terminal is secured to the base, and (ii) the itemization-only retail terminal is coupled to the scanner. Moreover, the method includes the step of detaching the itemization-only retail terminal from the base. Yet further, the method includes the step of decoupling the itemization-only retail terminal from the scanner. The method further includes the step of securing a full-tendering retail terminal to the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling credit card use. As described in one aspect of the disclosure, a method is disclosed for facilitating communication between a first person (e.g., an account holder) and a second person (e.g., a user) so that the first person may authorize a transaction between the second person and a third party (e.g., a merchant). The method comprises the steps of linking the first and second persons to a financial account that is used for the transaction, receiving data identifying the financial account and the third party from the third party, inquiring whether the first person desires to communicate with the second person based on the data identifying the financial account, and enabling communication between the first and second persons based on a response to the inquiry from the first person and the data identifying the third party.

Abstract: An electronic money storage apparatus includes that an amount of remittance p is determined on a remitting side and a receiving side. A remitting apparatus obtains a remitter's transaction fee x and an amount y to be stored in a transaction fee storage area. The remitting apparatus obtains a sum of p and x, i.e., p+x from an electronic money storage area, divides the sum into an amount y to be stored on the remitting side and an amount remained p+x−y, stores y in a transaction fee storage area, and sends p+x −y to the receiving side.

Abstract: A POS terminal or other computing device provides a plurality of offers to customers, and then measures a performance rate of each offer. For example, the acceptance rate or the profit rate of the offers may be measured. Based on the performance rates, a subset of offers is selected. In one embodiment, the highest performing offers are selected. In another embodiment, those offers having performance rates above a predetermined threshold are selected. The selected subset of offers is then provided, while the remaining, less desirable offers are discontinued.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for issuing and redeeming a gift certificate drawn on a credit card or other financial account. The present invention includes a first aspect directed to a merchant card authorization terminal and a second aspect directed to a credit card issuer central controller. According to the first aspect, a method for redeeming a gift certificate drawn on a financial account is disclosed including the steps of receiving a gift certificate for payment of an identified value, transmitting a request for authorization to a central server, receiving an authorization signal, representing an indication that redemption of the gift certificate is authorized, from said central server and receiving a payment from the account issuer based on said identified value. A system is also disclosed for implementing the methods in all aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: A processor 29 automatically sets a direction of transferring electronic money information depending on the existence of IC cards 1a, 1b connected to IC card connecting portions 11a, 11b, and the existence of an external device connected to an external device connecting terminal 8, thus making instructing operations for transferring electronic money information easier.

Abstract: A computer implemented consumer transaction point accumulation system in which a consumer earns and accumulates points immediately for immediate use during transactions at participating retailer outlets, wherein at each transaction, a customers identification number is transmitted to a host data base which stores customer records including a customer balances of points accumulated to date. The system processing each consumer transaction during the consumer visit to the retailer outlet to determine points awarded for each transaction and to determine whether the item purchased is a redeemable item for which points may be redeemed for a reduction of the price of the redeemable item. The system updating said customer records immediately by adding points awarded or subtracting points redeemed from the customer balance of transaction points.

Abstract: An integrated financial system that includes a single customer account that permits a customer to perform various financial transactions. The account includes at least banking components and brokerage components. A consistent user interface means is provided to allow a customer to access the account from a different sources including at least an automatic teller machine, a phone and a personal teller transaction. The account is flexible enough to include a variety of other components such as a credit card component, a line of credit component, a secured credit component and a money market component. A system and method for opening a single integrated account for a customer in a single session is also described.

Abstract: A smart card payment system using stored value in the form of serialized electronic coins and electronic bills, which provides efficient security monitoring without the need for full centralized accounting of each transaction. Central monitoring of the system-level security includes statistical sampling techniques coupled with efficient tracing of the transaction path of an electronic coin back to its source. Only small amounts of data storage and transmission are utilized, eliminating the need for large centralized databases of transaction records. Consumer privacy as well as flexibility in making card-to-card monetary transfers are thereby enhanced, while allowing verification of system-wide security as well as rapid detection and tracing of security breaches. Multiple editions of electronic coins permit transparent and periodic renewal of the system and re-establishment of a security baseline, and also provide for the regular reclamation of stored value lost or abandoned by consumers.

Abstract: An optical recording medium includes an integrated circuit (IC) module whose exposed surface is masked so as not to be visually recognized. The optical recording medium can be efficiently manufactured without degrading the essential function thereof. The optical recording medium includes a transparent substrate, an optical recording layer and a protective layer provided in this sequence. The IC module is buried in the optical recording medium so that one surface of the IC module is exposed on the protective layer. The optical recording medium also includes a hardened surface layer, transparent to a light beam for reproducing information recorded in the optical recording layer, or for reproducing information recorded in the optical recording layer and recording information in the optical recording layer, provided on a surface of the transparent substrate where the light beam is projected, and a masking layer provided in a region behind the IC module on the external surface of the hardened surface layer.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a retail checkout terminal includes the step of determining a first product code associated with a first item when a user enters the first item into the checkout terminal. The method also includes the step of determining if a master product database is devoid of first product information corresponding to the first item and generating a first no-record control signal in response thereto. Moreover, the method includes the step of detecting if the user manually enters the first product information corresponding to the first item in response to generation of the first no-record control signal and generating a first manually-entered control signal in response thereto. The method further includes the step of storing the first product information corresponding to the first item in a supplemental product database in response to generation of the first manually-entered control signal.

Abstract: An automatic process for use in point-of-sale credit card or debit card systems for taking corrective action based on information returned from the banking system and/or the point-of-sale system. The automatic process replaces the human clerk as the interface in control of action by the point-of-sale device enabling unattended operation. The automatic process includes the maintenance of a hot list for denying use of repeatedly rejected cards, stopping the automatic operation if the banking system denies point-of-sale device access, and allows for local proprietary cards to be used independent of the banking system.

Abstract: A method for using a POS printer that includes means for magnetizing and reading the ON-US and ROUTING information from preprinted magnetic characters on a check. The characters are printed with an ink having magnetizable particles embedded therein. First, the ROUTING and ON-US fields of the check are magnetized, either by a fixed magnet, or within the read head itself. Next, the characters within the ROUTING and ON-US fields are read by the read head, and the signals analyzed by the electronics of the POS printer. This is followed by a verification, in which the printer electronically verifies that the account is not a "bad" account. If the account is good, the printer continues to endorse the check on its back and/or encode the check by printing MICR characters in the AMOUNT field on the face of the check. The POS printer may magnetize and read these characters after they are printed, in order to verify that the correct amount has been encoded onto the check.

Abstract: The present invention provides new cash registers which are suitable for use in catering companies and retail businesses. The cash registers can be easily adapted to the ergonomic requirements of a standing or seated operator. Various devices can optionally be installed in a wall located underneath a keypad surface and are covered by a front region of the keypad surface. The keypad surface can pivot to allow access to the various devices.

Abstract: A method of recovering and thus possibly completing interrupted smart card transactions includes providing a smart card that stores a first and a second pointer, the second pointer being used to indicate an update of the first pointer. In the case of an interruption of a smart card transaction, these pointers are be used to indicate whether a change of a card balance has taken place by the equality of the values of these pointers.

Abstract: A method for currency management and tracking utilizing a unique standardized cassette for the transportation of note bundles and loading of note bundles into currency processing apparatus, the cassette having an accompanying smart card on which data regarding the individual note history of each note contained therein and distributed therefrom is recorded. The invention further provides for the uploading of data stored on cassette smart cards to a central data bank, thus allowing for the management and statistical modeling of the currency pool.

Abstract: A heterogeneous stored-value system which offers interoperability among a number of proprietary payment card brands with differing fee structures. The system makes use of existing settlement practices and fee structures to increase the amount of commerce while imposing minimal changes. The benefits of the interoperability among different proprietary brands include reduced operating costs, since a single electronic cash pool can serve many different payment card brands. Although the electronic cash of the system is generic and is shared among the different payment card brands, the flow of electronic cash is prescribed in such a manner as to maintain an association between electronic cash (over the course of circulation) and the specific brand of payment card through which it was acquired by the customer. In this way, a transaction involving electronic cash represents a small piece of a much larger charge or debit transaction and carries its proportional share of the fees of the charge or debit transaction.

Abstract: A hot docking system and method for managing and detecting hot docking of bus cards. The hot docking system detects the load impedance at the power pins of the bus connector to determine whether a card has been inserted. When insertion is detected, bus activity on the connector is ceased until the card is completely inserted which is indicated by signals present on card detect pins which are mechanically shorter that the bus signal pins and thereby provide this insertion signal after all other connections are complete. The power supply pins are mechanically longer than the bus signal pins thereby providing an early indication that a card has been inserted. On removal of the card, the card detect pins disconnect before the bus signal pins or the power supply pins, signaling the system to halt bus activity but maintain power on the connector until the card is completely removed.

Abstract: A digital cash safe for storing a monetary value corresponding to an amount of digital cash. The digital cash safe includes a circuit board on which a plurality of storage devices are mounted each of the storage device storing a monetary value and a controller to select one of the storage devices and transfer a monetary value from or into the selected storage device. The circuit board and the controller are secured by a case having a door and a door lock for controlling access thereto.

Abstract: A double-ended transaction terminal with a clerk operated portion on one end, a customer operated portion on the other end and a card reader portion in the middle. The card reader portion has a housing extending above the base of the terminal to provide a mutual shield of the displays on customer and clerk operated terminal portions.

Abstract: A portable terminal device for electronic money IC cards containing monetary data therein, includes in a main body (10): a card slot opening (12, or 12 and 13) into which a plurality of electronic money IC cards (100 and 110, or 100, 110 and 120) are inserted; electric contact terminals (16 and 17, or 16, 17 and 18 ) for reading and writing the monetary data from and into the electronic money IC cards which are inserted into the card slot opening; a display (80) for displaying money amount of the monetary data which is read out from inserted electronic money IC cards or which is to be written into the inserted electronic money IC cards; and a button (82) for manipulating the reading and writing operations of the monetary data from and into the electronic money IC cards which are inserted into the card slot opening; wherein the card slot opening (12, or 12 and 13) is so configured that the plurality of electronic money IC cards (100 and 110, or 100, 110 and 120) are inserted into and positioned while being clo

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling credit card use. As described in one aspect of the disclosure, a method is disclosed for facilitating communication between a first person (e.g., an account holder) and a second person (e.g., a user) so that the first person may authorize a transaction between the second person and a third party (e.g., a merchant). The method comprises the steps of linking the first and second persons to a financial account that is used for the transaction, receiving data identifying the financial account and the third party from the third party, inquiring whether the first person desires to communicate with the second person based on the data identifying the financial account, and enabling communication between the first and second persons based on a response to the inquiry from the first person and the data identifying the third party.

Abstract: A point of service (POS) terminal having an integral field replaceable printer for printing a customer receipt and a method for replacing the integral printer. The POS terminal comprises a single, unitary housing which houses the various components typically associated with a POS terminal, but which is also configured to accommodate an integral printer within the terminal housing. The integral print module may be easily accessed, removed and replaced by a merchant without the use of tools or special training and instruction. A moveable access panel associated with the terminal housing provides access to the removable, replaceable printer cartridge and allows the printer cartridge to be removed from the POS terminal and replaced without having to disassemble the POS terminal.

Abstract: A computer implemented consumer transaction point accumulation system in which a consumer earns and accumulates points immediately for immediate use during transactions at participating retailer outlets, wherein at each transaction, a customer's identification number is transmitted to a host data base which stores customer records including a customer balances of points accumulated to date. The system processing each consumer transaction during the consumer visit to the retailer outlet to determine points awarded for each transaction and to determine whether the item purchased is a redeemable item for which points may be redeemed for a reduction of the price of the redeemable item. The system updating said customer records immediately by adding points awarded or subtracting points redeemed from the customer balance of transaction points.

Abstract: A terminal for carrying out at a private location a transaction consisting of alteration of a token value stored in an IC card issued to a cardholder via an on-line transaction session with an operatively compatible terminal at a remote location. The private terminal establishes data links with the IC card and the remote terminal and passes secure authentication and transaction messages between them via these data links, relying on the IC card and the remote terminal for message security.

Abstract: An integrated financial system that includes a single customer account that permits a customer to perform various financial transactions. The account includes at least banking components and brokerage components. A consistent user interface means is provided to allow a customer to access the account from a different sources including at least an automatic teller machine, a phone and a personal teller transaction. The account is flexible enough to include a variety of other components such as a credit card component, a line of credit component, a secured credit component and a money market component. A system and method for opening a single integrated account for a customer in a single session is also described.

Abstract: A point of service (POS) terminal having an integral field replaceable printer for printing a customer receipt and a method for replacing the integral printer are provided. The POS terminal comprises a single, unitary housing which houses the various components typically associated with a POS terminal, but which is also configured to accommodate an integral printer within the terminal housing. The integral print module may be easily accessed, removed and replaced by a merchant without the use of tools or special training and instruction. A moveable access panel associated with the terminal housing provides access to the removable, replaceable printer cartridge and allows the printer cartridge to be removed from the POS terminal and replaced without having to disassemble the POS terminal.

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 image display terminal combines magnetic stripe and optical card technology to ensure compatibility with existing networking systems while permitting images stored on the optical card to be decoded and displayed in order to provide additional security for sales and other transactions or services which require authentication of the card and/or verification of the identity of the cardholder. The design of the terminal is modular, permitting flexibility for different applications and simple upgradeability. In addition, the terminal is provided with modem communications while also being capable of functioning as a stand-alone terminal.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes a cash-alternative transaction processing system and associated methods based on the use of smart cards, purchase point smart card reader/writer transaction register systems, and clearing center processors. Also includes are elements relating to use of smart cards in vending machines.

Abstract: A device (12) for interfacing an external peripheral unit (18) to a store controller (16) and store terminal (14) of a point of sale (POS) system has been provided. The interface device includes an MPU (50) for passively monitoring the data coming from the store terminal without causing any interruption to the POS system. When a specific key sequence indicative of a request for use of the peripheral unit has been detected, the device interrupts the flow of data between the store controller and store terminal and enables the MPU to now send data to the store controller and store terminal. Additionally, the device provides a plurality of data paths for allowing the MPU to read data from the store terminal, for storing and reading data from the store controller, and for transferring data between the MPU and the peripheral unit.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes a cash-alternative transaction processing system and associated methods based on the use of coin cards, purchase point coin card reader/writer transaction register systems, and clearing center processors. Also includes are elements relating to use of coin cards in vending machines.

Abstract: A new and improved tax collection system and method collects and remits taxes in real time at point-of-sale locations. The system includes a group of point-of-sale terminals at merchant point-of-sale facilities that receive and store tax collection information under merchant control. A bank computer at a merchant bank accesses the stored tax collection information and wire transfers the collected sums periodically to at least one computer at a tax authority bank. For credit or debit transactions, a service computer receives the tax collection information daily from certain ones of the point-of-sale terminals, and wire transfers the credited or debited taxes to the tax authority bank computer.

Abstract: An automatic donation system for a sales establishment includes an entry arrangement for entering the price of a product into a cash register and for entering the amount of cash being paid and a calculator for determining the excess cash payment. A card reader keypad receives a card number for accessing data including charity accounts concerning the card, and a computer apportions at least a part of the excess cash payment among said accounts, and then prints out the amounts entered.

Abstract: A system for dispensing fuel at remote locations includes an operations control center and a plurality of remotely located fuel dispensing modules in wireless communication therewith using a telemetry-based communications system. The modules can operate independently of each other and 24-hours a day without the necessity of an on-site attendant and preferably without connection to commercial power and telephone lines. The modules can also operate for weeks or months at a time without being refueled and in remote locations which are subject to severe adverse weather conditions. The operations control center processes information relating to the dispensing of fuel and authorizes the dispensing of fuel at the modules upon receipt of payment information therefrom by generating and transmitting approval information to the modules.

Abstract: A method which enables a credit cardholder to make a donation to a cardholder-selected charity any time he makes a purchase using the credit card. The method comprises a credit/charge card which identifies on its magnetic strip, charities to receive a donation, and a bank expedited system which processes the card user's purchase transaction, pays a previously decided amount to the charity or charities and also bills the cardholder. In this system, the donated amounts may be paid by the bank or card issuing organization, or the cardholder may add an amount which he pays to the selected charity. The proposed system may be described as being a bank expedited charity donation, (abbreviated to BAX) approach for credit/charge cardholders.

Abstract: A paystation device adapted to be coupled to a transaction terminal for carrying out a transaction between a seller and a buyer using a smart card having a cash token value stored therein and having a current cash token value. A smart card interface accepts insertion of a smart card for reading a current cash token value stored therein and for writing a new cash token value thereto. A display device displays cash amounts. A communication interface communicates data messages between the paystation device and the transaction terminal. A programmed control unit is coupled to and operates the smart card interface, the display device, and the communication interface.

Abstract: A point-of-sale apparatus having a key input unit including a "scale" key, a scale, one or more memories for storing an article code and, in correspondence to the article code, whether registration of the article weight is compulsory and, if not compulsory, is prohibited. The weight of the article is registered if the means for judging determines that registration of the article weight is compulsory and an error message is displayed if the means for judging determines that: (1) registration of the article weight is prohibited and (2) the scale key has been pushed.

Abstract: A system for remote resetting of franking meters is disclosed in which the meters communicate with a central resetting terminal. A transaction identification number (IDN) is generated at the resetting terminal and also at the meter. Initially the IDN's match. The IDN at the terminal is incremented when the terminal sends a recredit signal to the meter and accounts for the recredit amount. The IDN at the meter is incremented when the descending register of the meter is recredited. In response to a recredit request which includes the meter IDN the terminal compares the IDN from the meter with that stored at the terminal. If the IDN's match the terminal recredits the meter with the requested amount. If the comparison indicates that the IDN from the meter was not incremented in the preceding recredit routine, indicating that the meter was not recredited in the preceding routine, the terminal recredits the meter with the amount of the preceding request.

Abstract: A method for sending electrically stored data on flat information carriers requiring postal franking includes transmitting communication data from a personal computer into a memory of an information carrier with a read-write module. Associated shipping data are transmitted from the personal computer to a postage meter device synchronously with the transmission of the communication data. Postal charges for sending the information carrier are accounted for with the postage meter device on the basis of the shipping data. Control data are transmitted from the postage meter device to a printer for printing a postage imprint on each item intended for sending the information carrier.

Abstract: The technical field of the disclosure generally concerns electronic mail systems. The present invention provides an ATM or POS system having a terminal and process or which are connected to an ATM or POS data communications network. The network also includes a store and forward message switch which stores user messages for remote retrieval and use as an electronic mail system on a data communications network. Messages can be stored or retrieved through standard ATM or POS terminals, through a service bureau, through touch tone telephones or via modems. Messages can be retrieved remotely and sent to a facsimile machine, a remote paging device, computer or the like.

Abstract: A register system for facilitating point of sale transactions of any of a plurality of products, each of the products having a bar code encoded product identification associated therewith, is disclosed. The register system comprises a central computer for storing data representing a sales price for each of the products, a plurality of distributed point of sale registers coupled to the central computer, a bar code reader, operatively associated with each of the registers, for scanning the bar code encoded product identification from the products. Each register is responsive to the scanned product identification and communicates with the central computer for transferring to the register associated with the bar code reader the sales price for the selected one of the products. The register system includes a bidirectional card reader for reading data stored as a plurality of sequential multi-bit characters on a magnetic stripe on a card.

Abstract: A transaction processing apparatus includes a transaction processing terminal for registering data related to transaction processing, an external memory connected to the transaction processing terminal for collecting and storing the data related to transaction processing registered by the transaction processing terminal and a monitoring terminal connected to the external memory for periodically accessing and monitoring the external memory. The transaction processing terminal inhibits data transmission to the external memory when transmission of the data related to transaction processing to the external memory goes defective. The monitoring terminal transmits a signal for releasing the inhibition of data transmission to the transaction processing terminal when the data transmission between the transaction processing terminal and the external memory goes defective and then the data transmission is restored to a normal state.

Abstract: A multi-function terminal having a built-in microprocessor for use as a point of sale station in a retail goods or services facility. The terminal has a membrane keyboard with arrays of keys for data entry, arranged in key blocks. The individual key blocks preferably relate to particular attributes of the goods or services as well as processing costs. A particular designation of the keys can be changed by substituting a replaceable overlay. The overlays are sized to cover individual key blocks. The terminal also has a magnetic strip and bar code reader and decoder. The terminal can drive two printers through parallel ports. The terminal also has circuitry for driving an LED display and facilities for accepting various types of monitor drivers for driving a video monitor. The terminal interfaces with a host computer which controls operating parameters such as the mapping of characters to particular keys and the decoding convention used by the bar code and magnetic stripe decoders.

Abstract: A credit card system comprises a central unit and plurality of local units communicating with the central unit. The central unit includes a central storage device for each subscriber for storing amounts to be charged to the respective subscribers, and each of the local units includes a plurality of local storage devices assignable to the subscribers, at least one card reader for receiving a subscriber's card and for enabling the subscriber to open a local account, to transfer thereto a predetermined sum from the central unit, and thereafter to order local transactions involving the sale of products or services from the local account, until a specified permitted sum is in the local account. When the local account drops below the permitted sum, a transfer is automatically effected from the subscriber's central storage device.

Abstract: When a reception request is made by a customer, a window information apparatus retrieves information corresponding to the reception request from a window storage unit which stores information on businesses and transactions conducted at windows and informs the customer of a suitable window for the reception request. Also, the window information apparatus assigns a receipt number to a reception request from a reception input device and calculates the expected waiting time at a window corresponding to the reception request. The expected waiting time at the window is updated in response to a termination of processing at the window terminal. The updated expected waiting time is output in response to an inquiry of the customer.

Abstract: The portable automated teller machine disclosed by the present invention is a low-cost, pocket-size data terminal which can securely exchange information with a host bank computer. It is battery powered, operates without the need for direct connection to a telephone line and couples to the host bank computer via the telephone handset of any public or private telephone station. It allows its user to securely access bank and bank accounts and to securely effect either inter-account transfers or bill payments. Security is assured by assigning a PIN to each individual user and prestoring it therein, by assigning a machine identity number to each machine and storing it therein, and by providing encrypted data communication. It has prestored therein the individuals account numbers and the phone numbers and other parametrs needed for communication to the corresponding host computer bank.

Abstract: An IC card transaction system is disclosed in which at least a portion of the data required to complete a transaction processing is stored in the card by a customer in advance of transaction processing. An automatic transaction processing unit reads the transaction data stored in the card, checks to determine what transaction data, if any, which is required for the processing of the transaction is not stored in the card and, if necessary, receives from the customer any additional data which was not previously stored in the card and which is required to complete a transaction.

Abstract: In the present invention a method of compressing a signature signal is disclosed. The signature signal is divided into a plurality of signature segment signals where each segment is encoded by using a modified ring-encoding method, such that the total number of grid points along the perimeter of all the rings can be stored in an 8-bit byte. In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, a Fibonacci series is used to determine the relative spacing of the rings. The present invention also discloses a method and apparatus for electronically processing a POS transaction with a human signature for verification of the transaction, as well as for request of extension of credit by a credit company. The signature is electronically captured, compressed and combined with a transaction signal which is representative of the transaction. The record signal is then processed by the credit company for verification of the transaction or for requesting extension of credit.