WO1989008899A1

WO1989008899A1 - Credit card transaction apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO1989008899A1
Application number: PCT/US1989/000817
Authority: WO
Inventors: David A. Adkins; William W. Haeuser; Thomas L. Younger
Original assignee: Datacard Corporation
Priority date: 1988-03-10
Filing date: 1989-03-01
Publication date: 1989-09-21

Abstract

An authorization/transaction terminal for use in association with integrated circuit cards is described and shown. The authorization/transaction terminal includes: keyboard means for input of data; reader means for receiving data from a card; integrated circuit reader means, for receiving data from the integrated circuit; a first display means for displaying transaction information; a graphic display means for displaying a graphic image stored on the integrated circuit; and, microprocessor means for control and operation. In application, graphic information may be stored on the integrated circuit of an IC card, and displayed on the graphic display means during operation of the device, i.e. conduction of a transaction. A method is provided whereby increased security to a transaction is accomplished through utilization of the terminal described, in association with an integrated circuit, or smart, card.

Description

CREDIT CARD TRANSACTION APPARATUS AND METHOD

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to credit card transaction/authorization terminals. More specifically, the present invention concerns the inclusion in a credit card transaction/authorization terminal a display means for displaying a graphic image. The invention also concerns use of credit card arrangements having integrated circuit modules therein, from which data for generation of a graphic image in the transaction/authorization terminal can be obtained.

Background of the Invention

Plastic card arrangements can be, and have been, provided with integrated circuit modules therein. Such integrated circuits can be utilized for the storage of relatively large quantities of information. This information can be retrieved from the credit card, i.e. the integrated circuit module(s), by placing the integrated circuit module(s) into electrical communication with an appropriate reader apparatus. Manipulation of the data on the integrated circuit module can, in some instances, be accommodated by using, in association with the reader, a computer (i.e. microprocessor) and appropriate software. Transaction cards, such as credit cards, debit cards, etc., which have integrated circuits therein, accessible by means of a reader or the like, are generally referred to as "smart" cards. Integrated circuit cards (IC cards) are well known and have been described in a variety of references, including U.S. Patents. Examples are described in United States Patents 4,701,600 and 4,587,413. The use of an integrated circuit in association with an identification card, (ID card) , is described in United States Patent 4,590,365. .

Hardware and software arrangements for storage, transfer, and retrieval of data are numerous and widely known. Examples may be found in United States Patents 4,102,493; 4,092,524; 4,007,355; and, 3,869,082. The listed references are intended to be representational only of such systems, and not of any particular system or arrangement to be utilized in association with the principles of the present invention.

The present invention concerns authoriza ion/transaction cards. Such cards are typically utilized to authorize and/or conduct some form of transaction. For example, a credit card utilizable by a consumer to obtain credit is a form of authorization/transaction card. Another type of authoriza ion/transaction card is the debit card; i.e. a card representing an account which is debited, directly, by various transactions involving the card. In other instances the cards may be used: to obtain access to a physical location; to indicate authorization for (and to key) operation of equipment or the like; to provide information such as medical information to a health care provider or the like; and in an infinite number of other manners.

Such cards are used in authorization/transaction terminals. That is, the cards are used at sites: whereat steps in conducting the proposed transaction are undertaken; and, whereat steps in determining authorization for the proposed transaction are made.

Generally, each time an authorization/transaction card is used, several issues are of major importance. First, is the card authentic? Second, is the person proffering the card the one authorized to do so? Third, is the transaction sought one which is within the scope of authority of the. card holder? If the answer all three of these in the affirmative, then typically whatever transaction, or use of the card, is proposed, will be considered authorized and be permitted to proceed. Problems relating to authorization/transaction card use have generally involved the above related questions. Such cards, for example, may be stolen and used by unauthorized persons. Stolen cards may be doctored or modified, to assist the fraud. In other instances, the proffered card may simply be a complete forgery. Even authorized card holders may abuse use of the cards. For example, holders of credit cards may attempt (intentionally or otherwise) use beyond an authorized credit limit. Users of cards which operate as passes to permit access to physical locations, or for operation of various types of equipment or machinery, may attempt to extend their use (again internationally or otherwise) beyond authorized limits. Of course, these are only two of a infinite number of ways in which authorization/transaction cards may be abused. A variety of systems and arrangements have been developed to help minimize abuses relating to authorization/transaction card use. These have generally involved provision of means whereby one to whom the card is proffered, during or before a transaction, can determine: that the card is authentic; that the one proffering the card is authorized to do so; and, that the transaction is one which can, or should, be permitted. The first involves examination of the card for signs that it is a forgery. The second generally relates to determination of the identity of the one proffering the card. The third generally relates to a determination that the specific transaction (i.e. credit requested, debit requested, access requested, etc.) is one which can acceptably can be offered to the identified person. These different issues have, generally, been handled in substantially different manners.

As to the detection of card forgeries, generally schemes to prevent this of concern placement of code information, or hard-to-σopy design material, on the card; which security indicia is examined by one to whom the card is proffered (for example a sales clerk) . Also, schemes designed to indicate tampering have been developed. With respect to a determination that the one proffering the card is authorized to do so, (typically that the person is the owner or issuee of the card) , a variety of procedures have been developed. For example, cards having owner ID photographs thereon for comparison have been developed. Further, many cards include an authorized user's signature thereon, and comparison of signatures can be used for authentication. In some instances, personal identification information about the authorized user may also be included on the card. In many instances, multiple identification cards (driver's license, etc.) may be requested of the transaction card user,, by the one to whom the card is proffered.

In making the determination of whether the specific transaction ought to be authorized (once having identified the one proffering the card as one authorized to do so) a variety of systems have been developed. For example, with credit transactions, retail merchants or the like are often required to verify with remote authorization centers that the credit card holder has a sufficient line of credit for the transaction. Often, this is accomplished by the merchant calling a remote authorization processing center, so as to obtain authorization over the phone. While the above schemes address problems with card use, none has been fully acceptable, and improved systems seeking to: speed the authorization/transaction process; decrease risk of error; and/or make it more difficult for unauthorized uses to go undetected, are continually sought.

Recently, authorization terminals have been developed which include: a credit card reader; a keyboard; a line display; and, a communications board, all under microprocessor control. When a credit card transaction occurs, the authorization terminal is utilized to read the account number and information on the credit card and establish communications with the remote authorization processing center. The credit card account number related information is then transmitted electronically to the remote authorization processing center. Upon receipt of the account information, the remote authorization processing center checks to see if there is proper authorization to utilize the card for the specified amount entered at the keyboard authorization terminal. The card issuer then electronically transmits an appropriate response to the card authorization terminal, the response being displayed at the card authorization to the merchant.

In at least one system, credit card authorization terminals for use during credit card transactions, have been developed which include: keyboard means for operator entry of credit card transaction-related information; and, line display means for display of information. Such an arrangement is described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 832,164 filed February 25, 1986 and assigned to the assignee of the present patent application. The terminal described includes printer means for printing credit card transaction-related information, and credit card reader means for reading credit card information stored on the credit card, for example on a magnetic tape strip or the like. The credit card authorization terminal for the arrangement is operably controlled by a microprocessor control means, in communication with: a keyboard; display means; the printer means; and, credit card reader means. Data communication means is operably interconnected to the microprocessor control means, for communicating data between the microprocessor control means of the authorization terminal and a remote authorization processing location. Additionally, the credit card authorization terminal includes a credit card imprinter means for imprinting credit card transactions onto paper copies. For the arrangement, the credit card imprinter means is contained in a housing structure, which also houses the keyboard means, display means, credit card reader means, printer means, and microprocessor control means.

The above described arrangement, when used in association with a transaction card or the like having appropriate information stored thereon, can be very effective in application to rapidly determine that in fact there is appropriate authorization for the transaction. However, the problem of identifying that the one proffering the card is indeed the one authorized to do so, is not directly addressed by the arrangement. It is noted, however, that if the card has been reported to a central authorization center as stolen or lost, the display screen would typically indicate such during the transaction. The arrangement previously described is also not appropriate for use with transaction cards wherein a substantial amount of information is stored in an integrated circuit or the like and has to be retrieved therefrom during the transaction. With respect to IC cards for use with arrangements according to the present invention, further background is in order. Images taken by a video camera, or the like, can be converted to data storable in electronic storage media, for example integrated circuits, by a variety of means. Generally, these means involve: taking the image with the camera; and, digitizing the data (image) via any of a variety of conventionally applied equipment, processes and software. The digitized information can then be stored in an integrated circuit, and retrieved therefrom for display on a video screen, LCD or the like, as a graphic image. The term "graphic image", as used herein, is meant to refer to any type of image generated by such means including but not limited to: an image of a person or object; an image of a sheet or screen of alpha/numeric information; and, an image of a signature.

In many instances, due to limited storage space in the integrated circuit or the like, the digitized information must be "compressed" by the microprocessor, before it is stored in the integrated circuit. A variety of methods, algorithms (i.e. programs) etc. for compressing information are well known and widely used. It will also be understood that decompression of the information will generally be necessary, before data derived from the IC can be used to generate a fully decipherable graphic image.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, a system is provided wherein: an authorization/transaction card is provided with an integrated circuit module having graphic information stored therein; and, an authorization/transaction terminal is provided having means therein for retrieving and displaying graphic image data stored on a card integrated circuit module. According to applications of the invention, at appropriate times the graphic image is displayed to a terminal operator. Preferably, the authorization/transaction card includes not only the integrated circuit module with information for developing a graphic image stored therein, but the card also includes an information storage system (such as a magnetic storage arrangement) whereby account code information, access information, etc. can be derived to authorize and conduct a transaction. Further, preferably the authorization/transaction terminal includes therein: means for deriving the authorization/transaction information from the magnetic storage system of the transaction card; and, keyboard means and display means to facilitate conduction of the transaction.

More specifically, an authorization/transaction terminal according to the present invention includes: (a) keyboard means for operator entry transaction-related information; (b) a first (line) display means for display of transaction-related information; (c) a first card reader means for reading transaction information stored on the transaction card; (d) first microprocessor control means operatively interconnected to: the keyboard means; the first display means; and, the card first reader means, for controlling operation; (e) integrated circuit reader means for communicating with an integrated circuit on a transaction card placed in - association therewith;

(f) a second (graphic) display means for displaying a graphic image derived from information stored in the integrated circuit means; and,

^'(g) a second microprocessor control means operatively interconnecting the integrated circuit reader means and the second, graphic, display means to display a graphic image derived from data stored in an integrated circuit of a card having an integrated circuit. There is no particular requirement that the first microprocessor means and the second microprocessor means interact or even be capable of interaction. It will be understood that many advantages according to the present invention may be derived even from a system wherein there is no such interaction or possible interaction. However, in some preferred embodiments and applications, it may be desired that an operator of the terminal be able to manipulate or change data stored in the integrated circuit, in which case it will often be desirable to have the capability of interacting the keyboard (and first microprocessor control means) with the second microprocessor means. Further, to obtain many advantages from application of the invention there is no requirement that the first display means and the second display means be completely independent of one another. However, as will be understood from the further descriptions below, for many applications it will be preferred that the graphic image provided according to the present invention be retained at the terminal throughout the transaction, whereas the information displayed on the first display means may be changed during the transaction. Therefore, it is foreseen that for many typical applications it will be preferred that the two display means be independent of one another. Further, it is noted that terminals having display means for interaction with the keyboard, i.e. the first (line) display means, are well known. However, authorization/transaction terminals including display means for display of a graphic image, and according to the present invention, are not.

Preferred authorization/transaction terminals according to the present invention will also include: printer means for printing transaction-related information; and, card imprinter means for imprinting transactions.

Transaction cards, for use with authorization/transaction terminals according to the present invention, and in systems according to the present invention, generally include: integrated circuit means (integrated circuit modules) therein, on which graphic image data can be, or is, stored. Preferred authorization/transaction cards also include: storage means such as magnetic storage means from which information relating to the transaction itself can be obtained; and, embossed characters or the like, from which an imprint by the imprinter can be obtained. The present invention also concerns a method for the conduction of authorization/transaction process, which method generally includes steps of: (a) providing an authorization/transaction card having an integrated circuit module thereon;

(b) storing data for development of a graphic image in the integrated circuit; (c) storing on said card selected transaction information;

(d) r e t r i e v i n g f r o m t h e authorization/transaction card, by means of an authorization/transaction terminal according to the present invention, information such as code information for authorization of the transaction;

(e) retrieving from the integrated circuit means, of the authorization/transaction card, data usable for generation of a graphic image;

(f) displaying the graphic image on a display means of the authorization/transaction terminal; and, (g) evaluating the graphic display.

It is foreseen that a variety of types of information may be stored in the integrated ' circuit module, and displayed on the graphic display. For example, a visual image of an authorized user may be so stored. Also, a graphic image of the user's signature may be stored. A graphic presentation of certain printed information may also be stored; for example, medical information, health information, etc. Further, specific identification information (hair color, eye color, etc.) may be so stored.

Advantages to this arrangement will be readily apparent. For example, a picture of a user can be stored in the integrated circuit, which picture can only be viewed by one having a reader/display terminal. This would make it more difficult for unauthorized users to commit fraud. For example, it would be difficult for the unauthorized user to know, with certainty, that the image which would eventually be projected by the integrated circuit and display means, would be similar enough to the appearance unauthorized user to pass inspection. If the authorized user's signature was stored in the integrated circuit, rather than displayed visually on the card, it would likely be more difficult for a credit card thief to practice the signature and commit forgery. Also, far greater amounts of information can be stored in the integrated circuit, then could otherwise be easily be printed on the transaction card.

Also, in some instances it may be desirable to change or update the information stored on the card. This could be more readily accomplished with an integrated circuit storage system. If the information were instead mere printing on the face of the card, change would typically require complete destruction of the card and preparation of a new card.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the present invention, while illustrating various objects and features thereof. In the drawings, in some instances relative component sizes and material thicknesses, may be shown exaggerated to facilitate an understanding of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of an integrated circuit card usable in a terminal according to the present invention, and according to the methods of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the transaction card illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of an authorization/transaction terminal according to the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the arrangement according to Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of steps of conducting an authorization/transaction process according to a preferred application of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention As required, detailed embodiments and applications of the present invention as disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments and applications are merely exemplary the invention which may be embodied in various forms, arrangements or processes. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims- and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure, system or process.

In Figs. 1 and 2, a preferred authorization/transaction card 1, for use with an authorization/transaction terminal according to the present invention, and in methods according to the present invention, is shown. Fig. 1 depicts a top or front side 5 of the card 1, and Fig. 2 an opposite, bottom or back side 6.

Card 1 is a "smart" card. That is, it includes mounted thereon, or embedded therein, an operational integrated circuit means or module 10. For card 1, integrated circuit means 10, comprises a chip 12 mounted on front side 5 of card 1. Chip 12 includes contact means whereby the chip 12 can be placed into operative electrical communication with a reader/writer/microprocessor combination so that: information can be stored in the integrated circuit chip 12; and/or, so that information can be derived from integrated circuit chip 12 for use. Integrated circuit chips or modules are obtainable from many suppliers, including for example Thompson/Mostek (Carrolton, Texas 75006) . Typically, card 1 comprises a plastic substrate 15 having chip or module 12 mounted thereon. The substrate may be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, including those conventionally used for plastic credit cards, debit cards, or the like. Laminated arrangements involving a plurality of materials may be used. Transaction card substrates, such as substrate 15, are readily available from many suppliers, including Datacard Corporation (Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440) , the assignee of the present invention.

For typical preferred applications, card 1 includes information stored thereon, and obtainable therefrom, which does not concern the integrated circuit module or chip 12. Specifically, and referring to Fig. 1, card 1 includes embossed characters 20 thereon. The embossed characters generally carry specific identification information (name of users; account numbers; expiration date information, etc.) in a manner which can be transferred to a receipt or the like, through use of an imprinter apparatus. Embossed cards such as embossed credit cards are well known, and the intent here is to indicate only the card 1, Fig. 1, is capable of carrying such information if desired.

The card 1 may also carry decorative indicia, security indicia, advertising indicia, or other informational indicia. At reference numeral 21 such indicia, in the form of a security hologram, is shown.

A further means of storing information is indicated on a back side 6 of card 1, in Fig. 2. Specifically, the card includes magnetic strip 25, (i.e. a strip of magnetic recording media) which can be provided with information by many of a variety of conventional means. It is foreseen that for typical information, magnetic strip 25 will include stored therein: information regarding account number, access codes, etc.; and, in some applications, information relating to credit limits, debit limits, extent of authorization, etc. For the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the card 1 does not include any visually perceptible identification means other then perhaps a printed name formed by means of characters 20. That is, no signature appears readily viewable on the card, no picture appears readily viewable on the card, etc. It is foreseen that for many applications such information would be stored, electronically, in integrated circuit module or chip 12, and be retrievable therefrom only with an appropriate reader/display means. This feature facilitates use without likely fraud. It will be understood that in some applications certain advantages of the present invention can be obtained even when identification information is viewable on the card. As previously suggested, card 1 may be any of a wide variety of types of cards. For example, the card 1 may be a credit card, whereby an issuer authorizes the user (issuee) to obtain commercial credit, for various transactions. On the other hand, card 1 may be a debit card, issued upon payment of an appropriate balance or fee, and against which transactions are debited. Card 1 may also be an authorization card (or key) to obtain access to facilities and/or to key operation of equipment. For example, card 1 may be inserted by a user into an apparatus for obtaining access to an otherwise locked facility; or, card 1 may be used as a key, to provide an authorized user access for operation of equipment such as computer equipment or the like. Also card 1 may be a transaction card utilized in a hospital or the like, for obtaining health care services. It will be understood that the above-suggested uses for card 1 are representational only, and that a very wide variety of uses may be made of cards according to the principles of the present invention. Generally, when a card 1, such as that described above and shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is to be used several important, independent, evaluations are made. First, such cards are generally for authorized use by only one person, or certain identified persons. Therefore, a first issue is whether the person in possession of the card is an authorized holder/user of the card. For example, has the card been stolen?

A second major issue of concern is typically whether the particular transaction/access/service being sought ought to be provided for the user who proffers the card. For a credit transaction, this may concern the issue of whether that user's account limit and credit practices are appropriate for issuance of the credit requested. For a debit card, the issue may simply be one of whether sufficient balance remains for the transaction. If obtaining medical services with the card, the issue may be one of insurance information, account information, timeliness of treatment, or repetitiveness of treatment, etc. For example, the issue might be how recently the last treatment, dosage, etc. was administered. If access to a physical facility and/or equipment is being sought, the issue may simply be one of whether the card is one which is appropriate for the particular access being sought.

It is foreseen that in applications according to the preferred embodiment described and shown, of the present invention, information relating to these two major issues is stored and handled differently. More specifically, it is foreseen that information relating to identification of the user, or personal information about the user, will be stored in the integrated circuit means. On the other hand, information relating primarily to the transaction, will be stored in the magnetic strip arrangement 25, or in some other second storage means. The second storage (transaction information storage) , may be as is more or less conventional for authorization/transaction cards. In some alternate applications, transaction information may be stored in the IC means along with the identification or personal information, etc.

By conventional means, graphic information can be stored in the IC module or chip 12. For example, an image captured by a video camera can be utilized: to take a user's photograph; to photograph a user's signature; and/or, to photograph information such as health information or personal identification information. Such graphic information can be captured by any of a variety of cameras including, for example, an RCA color video camera Model CLC020 (RCA Corporation, Indianapolis, Indiana 46201) . For storage of the captured image in the IC module, it is generally required tha s the capture camera be placed in operative communication with a microprocessor whereby the image collected can be assimilated (typically digitized and compressed) ; a card reader/writer be placed in association with the microprocessor so that the compressed information can be stored, electronically, in the IC module of an IC card operatively positioned in the reader/writer; and, that appropriate microprocessor algorithms be provided for writing the information (i.e. the image) collected by the camera into the IC module or chip 12. Digitizing hardware and software are available, commercially, from a variety of sources including AT&T ICB, Electronic Photographic and Imaging Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46219. Image compression software is also readily available from conventional sources. The equipment permitting personalization of smart cards (i.e. card reader/writer equipment) is also commercially available, for example the Bull TLP-0224 unit available from Thompson/Mostek (Carrolton, Texas 75006) is sufficient.

Prepared as above-described, card 1 is appropriate for use with an authorization/transaction terminal according to the present invention, and as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4; and, in processes according to the present invention as illustrated in Fig. 5.

Referring first to Figs. 3 and 4, the authorization/transaction terminal is generally indicated at reference numeral 40. The terminal 40 includes a housing 41 incorporating: a keyboard 42; a first display 43; a vertically disposed first reader 44, adapted for reading the magnetically encoded data on a magnetic strip 25 of credit card 1; a printer device 45; and, a data communication and modem logic 47 (non-viewable in Fig. 3 but shown in a schematic view of Fig. 4) operated by microprocessor 48 (also non-viewable in Fig. 3) and its associated memory 49 (also non-viewable in Fig. 3) . Power for the transaction/authorization terminal may be derived from a variety of means including: a conventional AC outlet; an internal DC supply; or from a AC outlet transforming unit. The authorization terminal will preferably have a communication port providing for suitable communication (typically telephone line) connection 55 so as to enable communication over lines 56 or the like, to a remote authorization processing center 57. As indicated in Fig. 4, the authorization terminal may include a hand set 60, so as to enable use as a telephone for conventional voice transfer. In addition, a PIN pad 61 or second keyboard might be provided either as part of the housing 41 or as a separate unit for entry of card holder information. As illustrated, the optional PIN pad 61 would be suitably operatively connected to the microprocessor 48. Additionally, a speaker 65 might be provided so as to allow the authorization terminal 40 to serve as an intercom device, or to provide voice authorization, keyboard response, alarm, and/or to monitor dialing activity.

As thus far described, authorization/transaction terminal 40 is substantially the same as that described in United States Patent Application Serial No. 832,164, owned of the assignee by the present invention.

The arrangement 40 depicted in Figs. 3 and 4, however, differs substantially therefrom by inclusion of the following: means for reading a "smart" card, i.e. integrated circuit card; microprocessor means for manipulating information retrievable from the IC modem of such a card; and, display means for displaying a graphic image stored in the IC modem. In particular, reference numeral 70 generally designates an IC reader, i.e. a device into which a smart card or the like can be inserted to bring the integrated circuit module 12 into electrical communication with a microprocessor. Reference number 71, Fig. 4, generally indicates microprocessor means in operative communication with the reader 70. Finally, reference number 72, ig_D 3, indicates a graphic display, such as an LCD display, suitable for presentation of a graphic image to a viewer. It will be understood that, operationally, IC reader 70, microprocessor 71, and display 72 are such that a graphic image stored in the IC module 10 of card 1, can be interpreted, typically decompressed, and displayed to an operator of terminal 40.

The preferred authorization/transaction terminal 40 also includes, in association therewith, an imprinter arrangement 75, such as a conventional credit card imprinter comprising a table 76 and roller or slide 77. Such an imprinter 75 may be utilized, in conventional manners, to generate a printed image on a receipt or the like, from embossed characters 20 on card 1.

The housing configuration of the preferred embodiment facilitates ease of use. The imprinter device 75 is generally configured as a rugged flatbed-type imprinter. Immediately behind the imprinter 75, the housing structure 41 includes a raised or vertically extending portion 80 defining a surface 82 disposed above imprinter device 75 and extending upwardly away from the inner imprinter device 75. Positioned on the surface 82, to facilitate ease of use, are keyboard 42, first display 43, reader 44, printer device 45, IC reader 70, and graphic display 72. In addition, the housing portion 80 includes an overhanging portion 84 which projects generally forwardly of the housing portion 80, so as to provide for efficient use of counter space. It will be appreciated that the terminal 40 of the present invention provides a relatively small foot print on a counter shelf. Referring to Fig. 4, at reference numeral 95, it is indicated that, optionally, microprocessor 48 and microprocessor means 71 may be in communication with one another, indeed they may be the same, or part of the same, microprocessor unit. However, there is no requirement that they be so, for obtainment of many advantages according to the present invention. That is, the system whereby the transaction is conducted (and information concerning the transaction is processed and manipulated) may be kept, electronically, isolated from the system whereby manipulation of data stored in the IC module may be conducted for graphic display. It is foreseen that if it is desired that one operating terminal 40 should be able to change the data in a card located in IC card reader, that communication between microprocessor means 71 and at least some keyboard, for example keyboard 42, will be necessary. To use keyboard 42 for changing data in a card in IC card reader 70, generally microprocessor 71 and microprocessor 48 would be in communication.

LCD or video displays usable as display 72 are commercially available from a wide variety of sources. A usable such display is the Epson ELF obtainable from Epson America, Torrance, California 90505. Conventional IC readers may be utilized, for example ones as are obtainable from Panasonic. Flow diagram 100, Fig. 3, generally illustrates an exemplary operation of an apparatus 40 according to the present invention. For the example operation indicated by flow diagram 100, it will be assumed that: the card 1 to be used is a credit card; the graphic image stored in IC module 10 of the card 1 comprises a photographic image of the authorized user, along with a photographic image of the user's signature; and, the user desires to make a typical, conventional, consumer purchase transaction. It will be understood that the various steps of the process need not necessarily be conducted in the order described. Typically, the operator will first swipe the credit card through the first (magnetic) reader 44. In some instances, the authorization terminal 40 will provide the operator with the capability to verify that the embossed number on the card is the same as the encoded number, for determining that the card has not been altered. The terminal 40 will then usually display, on the first (line) display 43 a card encoded account number. The operator will generally enter the amount of the transaction. The data authorization terminal will then electronically transmit the account transaction information to the remote authorization processing center. The data authorization terminal 40 will then receive credit approval/disapproval information displayed on the first (line) terminal display 43. Assuming authorization, the transaction will be conducted, if the terminal operation is sufficiently convinced as to the identity of the one proffering the card.

At some point before or during the transaction, identification of the identity of the card user as an authorized user will likely be desired. If such is the case, then the card 1 is inserted into IC reader 70. The microprocessor associated therewith retrieves the information stored in the card IC modem 10, and generally renders the information viewable as a graphic display on display 72. If, as indicated for this example, the stored graphic display^"comprises a picture of an authorized user and a picture of the user's signature; then the operator can determine authorization by evaluation of the display, for example by comparing the user and the image, or by comparing a signature to the one depicted in the display. The IC card may then be moved from the IC reader.

If the imprinter is to be used, the operator imprints the transaction document with embossed data on the card and writes the credit information on the imprinted document. If the data authorization terminal 40 has sufficient storage capability to retain the overall transaction information, the data authorization terminal can be utilized to download or electronically transmit transaction information at a later point in time to the remote authorization processing center.

At the time of the transaction, printer device 45 under the control of microprocessor 48 can be used to print an audit trail of the transaction, including credit card account number, transaction amount, authorization number, etc.

As previously suggested, it is foreseen that in some instances it may be desired to make an input into the stored data of an IC modem 10 in the card 1. This can be accommodated with appropriate software, microprocessor arrangement, and keyboard arrangement.

The integrated circuit module 10 and the magnetic strip 25 are "contact" points or locations on the card, that is, they are points at which the card operatively contacts or communicates with the terminal, during applications of the present invention. It will be understood that these "contact" points may be located in a variety of places on the card. In some embodiments it may be desirable to locate the magnetic reader and the IC reader in a single unit, so that the magnetic strip will be read as the card is inserted into the IC reader. It will be understood that such an arrangement is within the scope of the present invention.

From the above-descriptions, it will be understood that the present invention may be used in any of a wide variety of applications. That is, the credit transaction described as merely exemplary of the invention. It will also be understood that advantages are obtained by containment of the hardware necessary to effect the invention in a convenient housing structure. Further, it is to be understood that even though the above-numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is the illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts, within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED AND DESIRED TO BE SECURED BY LETTERS PATENT IS AS FOLLOWS:

1. An authorization/transaction terminal for use with an integrated circuit authorization/transaction card, said terminal including:

(a) a housing;

(b) keyboard means for operator entry of transaction-related information;

(c) transaction display means for line display of transaction-related information;

(d) first reader means for reading transaction- related information stored on the card; (e) transaction microprocessor control means operatively connected to: the keyboard means; the transaction display means; and, the first reader means, for controlling operation thereof; (f) integrated circuit card reader means for operative receipt of the IC card therein; (g) graphic display means for display of a graphic image to an operator; and, (h) authorization microprocessor control means operatively interconnected to the integrated circuit card reader means and the graphic display means, for providing on the graphic display means a display of a selected image stored in an integrated circuit of the card.

2. A terminal according to claim 1 including: (a) data communication means operatively interconnected to the transaction microprocessor control means for electronically transferring data between the transaction microprocessor control means and a remote processing location.

3. A terminal according to claim 1 including imprinter means for imprinting card transactions.

4. A terminal according to claim 1 wherein the housing includes a raised housing portion including the keyboard means, the transaction display means, the first reader means, the integrated circuit card reader means, and the graphic display means.

5. A terminal according to claim 1 wherein the transaction display means comprises a line display and the graphic display means comprises an LCD graphic display independent of the line display.

6. A terminal according to claim 1 wherein the transaction microprocessor control means is electronically independent of^' the authorization microprocessor control means.

7. A terminal according to claim 1 wherein the irst reader means comprises a reader adapted for reading magnetic recording media.

8. A terminal according to claim 1 including printer means for printing transaction-related information.

9. A terminal according to claim 1 including PIN pad means operatively interconnected to the transaction microprocessor control means.

10. An authorization/transaction terminal for use with an integrated circuit authorization/transaction card having a strip of magnetic recording media thereon; said terminal including:

(a) a housing;

(b) keyboard means for operator entry of transaction-related information;

(d) first reader means for reading transaction- related information stored on the card; said first reader means comprising a reader adapted for reading magnetic recording media;

(e) transaction microprocessor control means operatively connected to: the keyboard means; the transaction display means; and the first reader means, for controlling operation thereof;

(f) integrated circuit card reader means for operative receipt of the IC card therein;

(g) graphic display means for display of a graphic image to an operator; said graphic display means comprising an LCD graphic display independent of the transaction display means; and,

(h) authorization microprocessor control means operatively interconnected to the integrated circuit card reader means and the graphic display means, for providing on the graphic display means a display of a selected image stored in an integrated circuit of the card.

11. A terminal according to claim 10 including:

(a) data communication means operatively interconnected to the transaction microprocessor control means for electronically transferring data between the transaction microprocessor control means and a remote processing location.

12. A terminal according to claim 10 including imprinter means for imprinting card transactions.

13. A terminal according to claim 10 wherein the transaction microprocessor control means is electronically independent of the authorization microprocessor control means.

14. A terminal according to claim 10 including printer means for printing transaction-related information.

15. A method of conducting an authorization/transaction procedure through utilization of: an integrated circuit card having graphic image- generating data stored in the integrated circuit, the card also having transaction information stored, therein; and also an authorization/transaction terminal; said method including the steps of:

(a) providing an authorization/transaction terminal including: (i) a housing;

(ii) keyboard means for operator entry of transaction-related information; (iii) transaction display means for line display of transaction-related information;

(iv) first reader means for reading transaction-related information stored on the card;

(v) transaction microprocessor control means operatively connected to: the keyboard means; the transaction display means; and, the first reader means, for controlling operation thereof; (vi) integrated circuit card reader means for operative receipt of the IC card therein; (vii) graphic display means for display of a graphic image to an operator; and,

(viii) authorization microprocessor control means operatively interconnected to the integrated circuit card reader means and the graphic display means, for providing on the graphic display means a display of a selected image stored in an integrated circuit of the card;

(b) reading transaction information stored in the card with the first reader means;

(c) inserting the card into the integrated circuit card reader; (d) displaying a graphic image stored on the integrated circuit on the graphic display mean ;

(e) evaluating the graph display; and,

(f) inputting data relating to the transaction through operation of the keyboard means.