A data transmission device includes a memory for storing a plurality of data consisting of a plurality of sorting areas. The device selectively transmits the data of the sorting area including a desired data in response to a predetermined command signal. Data of the sorting areas including data not desired may not be sent. A central processing unit is connected to each of the electronic cash registers through one or more communication lines and when the electronic cash register receives a command signal sent from the central processing unit, the electronic cash register acts according to the command signal to send specific data.

A dial-up asynchronous communication protocol allowing multiple POS terminals to efficiently multi-thread transactions to a host computer and to interleave mail messages and file transfers while retaining the ability to suspend these mail messages and file transfers when credit card authorization requests from the terminal or responses to those authorization requests from the host become available, and resume the mail messages and file transfers after the requests or responses have been transmitted.

Systems and methods for operating a data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, for providing chargeback protection services for the benefit of merchants are disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances. Also disclosed are methods for providing electronic and off-line transaction authorizations.

A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances. Also disclosed are methods for operation of the terminal, and methods for operation of transaction processor systems responsive to signals from the terminal, such as providing chargeback protected transactions and providing electronic and off-line transaction authorizations.