Abstract: A file backup system for POS data includes a master terminal and a backup terminal along with a master file and a backup file, all of which are coupled to a plurality of satellite terminals. A file controller is provided for each of the files. When one of the files is down, the master file is capable of copying the contents of the down file while simultaneously responding to a request from any terminal and controlling the transfer of data without stopping the operation of the system.

Abstract: A credit authorization terminal (CAT), when communication processing is performed between the CAT and a host computer to perform settlement processing for one customer, performs input processing of information concerning settlement for the next customer in parallel with the communication processing. The CAT can continuously perform input processing of information concerning settlement for a plurality of customers. The CAT continues to perform communication processing to perform settlement processing for one customer without hanging up a line between the CAT and the host computer, when communication processing is terminated for the previous 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 parameters needed for communication to the corresponding host computer bank.

Abstract: A card to be used is first discriminated as to whether the card is a credit card or a debit card on the basis of data recorded on the card. In the case of a credit card, a necessary credit card processing including card authorization is effected. In the case of a debit card, a necessary debit card processing including immediate payment processing of an amount of money for transaction is efffected.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method are provided for processing charge vouchers against charge card accounts administered by a host institution that issues an approval/disapproval to a merchant for a proposed transaction. The apparatus is processor based and broadly includes a keyboard input having command keys and a charge card reader. Upon activation, account identification data is read from a customer's charge card and the customer enters a maximum charge amount. An autodialer connects the processor to the host institution by way of a transmitter/receiver and a communication line. The host verifies the credit limit of the customer account to ascertain availability of funds. If the host approves the proposed transaction, the maximum charge amount is reversed and an approval signal is sent to the processor; if the host does not approve the transaction, a disapproval signal is sent.

Abstract: In a gasoline dispenser system, a dispenser head includes a PIN PAD for permitting a customer to privately enter their personal Identification Number into the PIN PAD at a location remote from the dispenser head, for permitting the PIN number to be transmitted to a receiver in the dispenser head, for processing via a point-of-sale authorization controller, to either authorize or deny a transaction between the customer and associated service station.

Abstract: A card authorization terminal in which a plurality of CATs (card authorization terminals) are connected to a data transmission line. At least one of the CATs comprises: a memory from/into which data can be read out and written; a data transmitting circuit to transmit and receive the data through the data transmission line; a transmission instructing device through which an operator instructs transmission of data to another designated CAT; and a controller for reading out the storage data from the memory in response to an output of the transmission instructing device, and for transmitting the read out data to the designated CAT by the transmitting circuit. The designated CAT includes a controller for storing the reception data into the memory in response to the reception of the data transmitted from the one CAT.

Abstract: A check processing device incorporated in a point of sale terminal comprises a xerographic copier to reproduce an image of personal identification onto the back of a check, an electronic stamping mechanism for imprinting a transaction date, time and number on the back of the check and a scanner which reads and stores a customer's checking account number and controls a cash register according to the validity and presence of the check and the presence of personal identification.

Abstract: A point of sale system as illustrated comprised of a terminal with input or output devices including a manual data input, a coded data input (e.g., bar code scanner and/or smart card reader), an on-line display, and a hard copy output. A primary processing module has ten expansion connectors such that the primary module can become any level of processor from powerful peripheral controller to a master processor with a large non-volatile database, such flexibility giving a point of sale terminal configuration advantages such as the following: (1) reduced cost in volume production because one common computing core is used to control different functions; (2) improved system redundancy since the primary processor unit can control localized peripherals at the bus level independently of a point of sale system network; and (3) improved system performance by (a) reducing the amount of peripheral network communication traffic, and (b) direct access to database information in small to medium size point of sale systems.

Abstract: An automated system for controlling a fuel dispensing pump is disclosed. The system comprises debit card vending apparatus, said apparatus comprising automated means for accepting the payment either in cash, credit or IC cards, means for automated verifying of said payment methods and means for issuing a system's debit card, and gasoline pump controlling apparatus, said apparatus comprising automated means for controlling the operation of said fuel pump activity according to information obtained from said system's debit card. Means to allow a user of said debit card vending apparatus to enter required information are also provided. In accordance with the invention, two said apparatuses are located separately, each having its own microprocessor for controlling the tasks to be performed.

Abstract: A transaction processing system using a prepaid microchip card includes a customer's microchip card reader/writer for communicating with a customer's microchip card in which a balance is recorded, and a vendor's microchip card reader/writer that can be electrically coupled to the customer's microchip card reader/writer and is used for communicating with a vendor's microchip card in which a balance is recorded. A transaction is processed by deducting the amount of the transaction from the balance in the customer's microchip card and adding this amount to the balance in the vendor's microchip card.

Abstract: A terminal unit for transaction processing, according to the present invention, is adapted to record information for identifying a plurality of banks in a credit card while storing priority of the banks in a bank priority file, for reading the information, for identifying the plurality of banks from the credit card by a card reader, and reading the priority from the bank priority file. On the basis of the read identification information, the present invention allows selecting one of the banks in order to enable a transaction with the selected bank.

Abstract: An assembly for the self-serving purchase and dispensing specifically of lottery tickets wherein potential purchasers may approach and utilize the machine at an indoor or outdoor location such as at a drive-up window and further wherein the assembly does not have to be attended by a cashier or like personnel but may be operated by the purchaser to the extent of accepting the money for purchase, allowing a pre-selected lottery number to be imprinted on the purchase ticket and attend to the dispensing, subsequent to imprinting of the subject lottery number thereon, to the possession of the purchaser.