Data card terminal for receiving authorizations from remote locations

US5357563A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• MicroBilt Corporation · US

Inventors

• James H. Hamilton · Lawrenceville, US
• Peter R. Cavicchi · Babylon, US
• Timothy W. Depew · Jacksonville, US
• Shelley K. Friedman · Boca Raton, US
• Edward G. Kligfeld · Jacksonville, US
• Paul W. Noblett, Jr. · Jacksonville, US
• Diane T. Vogt · Sunrise, US
• James T. Stills · Atlanta, US
• Gregory A. Philmon · Loganville, US
• Parameswaran B. Nair · Acworth, US
• Murray A. Morton · Coral Springs, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 17, 1993
• Grant date: Oct 18, 1994
• Expiry date: Jun 17, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F02B2075/025
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal is capable of requesting and receiving electronic authorization indicia via alternative communications links. The terminal includes first communications means for automatically connecting the terminal with a transaction processing host computer system via a first communications link, and second communications means for automatically connecting the terminal with the transaction processing host computer system via a separate second communications link if the first link fails. A third communications means automatically connects the terminal to an audio response unit (ARU) via a third communications link in response to a "call me" signal from the host computer system, or if the first and second communications links fail. Transaction data is automatically transmitted from the terminal to the ARU via DTMF signals. The terminal includes means for receiving manual entry of audible authorization indicia received from the ARU, and means for verifying manually entered authorization indicia.