Terminal apparatus

US3938090A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Victor Scott Borison · Middletown, US
• Hans George Mattes
• Colonel Blake McDowell, III · Holmdel, US
• George W. Schramm · Oakhurst, US
• Gerald S. Soloway · Morganville, US
• John William Wesner, Jr. · Freehold, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 13, 1975
• Grant date: Feb 10, 1976
• Expiry date: Feb 13, 1995

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q40/02
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A business transaction terminal for a credit authorization system or the like includes a microprocessor for receiving data from a magnetic card reader and a keyboard, automatically processing such data and transmitting it to a central data base for authorization of a proposed business transaction. The terminal receives back a response from the central data base which directs subsequent actions by the terminal user. Options are provided for receiving the response in a number of ways such as audible response, visual indicators and numeric displays. Options also permit the terminal to be operated in a hands free mode.