Apparatus for dispensing money orders

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TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to dispensing machines, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Money order dispensing machines are well-known in the prior art. Such machines typically include a number of moveable printing levers and a printing control arm. In response to a customer request, the machine operator positions the printing levers at a position corresponding to the requested amount of the money order, inserts a blank order in the machine, and actuates the printing control arm. The above steps must be repeated each time a money order is requested by a customer.

Such mechanical money order dispensing machines have proven inadequate since they do not include any effective means for securing the dispenser. In particular, the machine operator can produce a "counterfeit" order by simply separating a blank money order into its separate parts, a customer portion and a vendor portion, and printing different numerical amounts thereon. Such counterfeiting techniques are facilitated by the simple mechanical nature of the prior art money order dispenser, wherein blank money orders are inserted one at a time for manual printing. Of course, this manual operation also makes the dispenser combersome to use, as well as extremely slow.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a money order dispenser having increased security, and which can also vend money orders efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments. In a preferred embodiment, one or more sets of money order dispensers are connected to one or more data collector devices, respectively, with the data collector devices in turn connected to a host device for controlling the overall operation of the system. Generally, each of the money order dispensers includes a digital processor to control the operation thereof, a keyboard for entering transaction data to request the printing of a money order, and a display for displaying system messages and the entered transaction data. Memory devices associated with the digital processor are also provided for storing transaction data, operating programs and control data, and a dot matrix printer is used for printing alphanumeric indicia on the dispensed money orders.

In accordance with more specific features of the present invention, each dispenser preferably includes an electrically-eraseable programmable read only memory (E.sup.2 PROM). This E.sup.2 PROM stores a security inhibit printing code which must be "recognized" by a printer software routine to enable the dot matrix printer. Each dispenser further stores a control software routine which operates to change or erase the security inhibit printing code stored in the E.sup.2 PROM when the security of the dispenser is compromised. For example, when a storage compartment cover of the dispenser is opened outside of a proper money order loading sequence, the control software routine changes the security inhibit printing code, thereby inhibiting the dot matrix printer. However, the remainder of the dispenser peripherals operate normally to allow the system operator to reestablish printer operation after the "compromised" condition has been rectified.

Preferably the dot matrix printer receives a money order in a transverse fashion with respect to the normal direction of printing thereon. This facilitates the use of a small printer, thereby reducing the overall dimensions of the dispenser. The printer software routine associated with the dispenser is further used to control the dot matrix printer in such a manner to change the normal orientation of the alphanumeric indicia printed on the money order such that the order is produced with the requested amount in a readable form. The dot matrix printer also includes a photocell sensing device for determining whether a money order and a printing ribbon are properly located in the dot matrix printer prior to the printing of the order. The money orders are delivered to the dot matrix printer in a continuous fan-folded stack. These features of the present invention insure that "counterfeit" money orders cannot be printed by the vendor.

In accordance with other features of the present invention, each data collector has a "manager" function which allows the system operator (e.g., a financial institution) to define control data for managing the operation of the dispensers connected thereto. In particular, the operator may predetermine authorized operational limits, such as a maximum limit on the amount of the money order, maximum amounts for higher limit items available with proper authorization codes, and various fee rates to be charged to the customers. This control data and changes thereto are down-loaded into the E.sup.2 PROM associated with each processor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a desired system configuration incorporating a plurality of money order dispensers connected to one or more data collector devices, which are in turn connected to a host device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the money order dispensers of FIG. 1 having its open storage compartment cover shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic hardware incorporated in the money order dispenser of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a representation of the preferred embodiment of the keyboard used in the money order dispenser of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of the dot matrix printer incorporated in the dispenser of FIG. 2 detailing the movement of a money order therethrough.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the FIGURES wherein like reference characters designate like or similar elements, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a representative system according to the present invention for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments. In FIG. 1, a money order dispenser 10a is shown connected directly through a communications link 12a to a data collector 14a. The dispenser 10a is located at a retail establishment where customers request the issuance of a money order from the retail establishment vendor. The data collector 14a provides various management functions for money order dispensers 10a-10n on a time-shared basis. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of data collectors 14a-14n are connected to a host device 16 through communications links 18a-18n. Each communications link 18 is either a modern link or an RS232 serial full-duplex interface for direct connection to the host device 16. Alternately, the data collectors 14 may be connected to an external modem (not shown) and then to the host device 16.

As shown in FIG. 1, the data collector 14a includes a floppy diskette 20 for storing a cumulative record of the money order transactions at its respective money order dispensers 10a-10n. Data collector 14a also includes an internal printer 22 for printing this transaction information, although alternately, an external printer 24 is used for this purpose through an RS232 serial link 26. An internal modem 28 is also provided for direct communications to the money order dispensers 10a-10n over the communications links 12a-12n at variable baud rate settings. As will be described in more detail below, each data collector 14 has the ability to read and program various memory devices in each money order dispenser connected thereto.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the data collector 14a further includes a full alphanumeric keyboard 30 which, as will be described below, allows the system operator (e.g., a financial institution) to define control data for managing the operation of the money order dispensers connected thereto. In particular, through the keyboard 30, or alternately a "manager" function switch associated with the data collector 14a, the operator sets limits on the following variables listed in TABLE I:

TABLE I ______________________________________ VARIABLE NAME DEFINITION ______________________________________ [-MCH MO# XXXXX-] Total number of money orders to be printed before dispenser must be reauthorized [-MCH MO# XXXXXXX-] Maximum money order dollar amount to be issued before dispenser must be reauthorized [-CST MO$ XXXXX.XX-] Maximum dollar value per money order per customer [-MCH CK# XXXXX-] Maximum number of vendor pay- ments which may be printed before dispenser must be reauthorized [-MCH CK# XXXXX.XX-] Maximum vendor payment dollar amount which can be issued before dispenser must be reauthorized [-CST MO# XXXX-] Maximum number of money orders which can be printed per customer [-VND CK# XXXX-] Maximum number of vendor pay- ments which can be printed per vendor [-VND CK# XXXXX.XX-] Maximum dollar amount per vendor payment [-WARN- #BLANKS XX-] Number of blank money orders left in dispenser when warning issued [-WARN- #TRANS XX-] Amount of transaction storage left in dispenser memory when warning is issued [-LOCK # ERRORS XX-] Number of errors allowed before dispenser locks. ______________________________________

As used throughout the remainder of the specification, the above limits and codes are referred to as "control" data. This control data is transmitted to the various money order devices 10a-10n located at the plurality of retail establishments.

Preferably, each of the other data collectors 14 shown in FIG. 1 include the same type of peripheral devices associated with the data collector 14a. The data collectors 14a-14n also have the capability of automatically polling their associated money order dispensers on command, as well as the ability to recognize invalid data transmissions. Moreover, each data collector includes various software routines for controlling such automatic polling, and for providing test procedures to aid in trouble-shooting and repairing the dispensers.

It should also be appreciated that although the configuration of FIG. 1 is desirable, it is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. In particular, each money order dispenser of the invention is capable of fully independent stand-alone operation, as well as a direct on-line connection to a point-of-sale system.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view is shown of one of the money order dispensers 10 of FIG. 1. Preferably, the money order dispenser 10 includes a removable bottom panel 31 which is fastened to a countertop at the retail establishment by appropriate securing means. The dispenser 10 is designed to be operable from 115 volts a.c. power, or d.c. power from an appropriate point-of-sale system. The power options are selectable by an internal selection switch (not shown). The dispenser 10 includes two RS232 connector input jacks 32 and 34 for connection to an external journal printer and external modem, respectively. The journal printer (not shown) is a conventional dot matrix printer and is provided for printing a journal tape of all transactions of the money order dispenser. The dispenser 10 also includes a modular phone jack 36, which is connected to an internal modem for data transmission to one of the data collectors 14 as shown in FIG. 1. When the internal modem is not used, the modem interface is brought to the RS232 connector jack 34 for connection to an external modem. Preferably, the external connection is used whenever an acoustical modem is required.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the money order dispenser 10 includes several input/output devices: a keyboard 40 having first and second sections 40a and 40b, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 42 and a dot matrix printer assembly represented generally by the reference numeral 44. As will be described in more detail below, each section of the keyboard 40 includes twelve (12) control keys for entering transaction data to request the printing of a money order, as well as for controlling other functions of the dispenser. The LCD display 42 is preferably a twelve (12) digit display for displaying the transaction data entered via the keyboard 40, and for displaying system messages received from the data collector and host devices associated with the money order dispenser. The dot matrix printer assembly 44 is provided to print the money orders held in a storage compartment 46. As shown in phantom in FIG. 2, the money orders are provided in a continuous fan-folded stack 48 in the storage compartment 46 to insure that counterfeit money orders cannot be printed by the vendor. A keylock 50 is provided to secure a storage compartment cover 47 in a locked position in the dispenser housing. This lock may be electronic if desired. The stack 48 of money orders is loaded into the dispenser by opening the storage compartment cover 47 to an open position as represented in phantom.

As also seen in FIG. 2, the storage compartment cover 47 includes an output throat 52 through which the printed money orders are dispensed. To effect printing of a money order, the dot matrix printer assembly 44 is provided with a sprocket and/or pressure feed clamp 54 for moving the money orders through the dispenser 10, a dot matrix printer 56 and a printing ribbon 58. In response to a customer request for a money order, the vendor enters the requested amount via the keyboard 40 as will be described below. If the money order is within the authorized limits of the dispenser, the dot matrix printer 56 is actuated to print the requested amount alphanumerically on the face of the money order. Upon completion of the printing, the pressure feed clamp 54 automatically advances the printed money order through the output throat 52 for manual removal by the operator. The transaction data, including money order amount, date and time, is then stored on a journal tape by the external journal printer, and also in internal memory.

As will be described below, the dot matrix printer 56 preferably includes a printer carriage for receiving the money order in a transverse fashion with respect to the normal printing of alphanumeric information thereon. This transverse feeding of the money orders allows the use of a relatively small dot matrix printer, thereby reducing the overall physical dimensions of the dispenser. The present invention further provides a control means for controlling the dot matrix printer to "rotate" the alphanumeric indicia printed on the money order such that the money order is produced in a readable form. The control means is required since normal printing of the indicia would render the money order unreadable due to the transverse feed. Accordingly, a printer software routine to be described is provided for controlling the printer to produce readable alphanumeric indicia on the printed money orders.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram is shown of the electronic hardware incorporated in the money order dispenser of FIG. 2. In particular, this hardware includes a central processing unit (CPU) 60 for controlling the overall operation of the money order dispenser 10a. The CPU 60 includes data, address and control buses, represented generally by the bus 62. As seen in FIG. 3, the keyboard 40, LCD display 42 and money order printer 56 are connected to the CPU 60 and are controlled thereby by various operating and applications programs resident in eraseable programmable read only memories (EPROM's) 64 and 66. EPROM's 64 and 66 are connected to the CPU 60 by the bus 62. As also seen in FIG. 3, the money order dispenser 10 includes random access memories (RAM's) 68 and 70 connected to the CPU 60 by the bus 62 for providing temporary storage of data processed by the CPU. The money order dispenser further includes a power supply circuit 72 driven off a standard 115 volts a.c. wall outlet, and an internal rechargeable battery backup 74. The battery backup 74 is provided to supply power for a sufficient time to allow complete memory protection should power be suddenly interrupted to the dispenser 10.

The money order dispenser 10 further includes a pair of electrically-eraseable programmable read only memories (E.sup.2 PROM's)) or equivalent semi-permanent memory device such as a battery support RAM, 76 and 78 connected to the CPU 60 by the bus 62. The E.sup.2 PROM 76 is provided for storing various communication protocols utilized by the money order dispenser. In particular, the E.sup.2 PROM 76 supports the NCR foreign attachment protocol, MSI special protocol, SDLC protocol and IBM 3680 store system interface. Additional protocols may be down-loaded into the E.sup.2 PROM 76 by the data collector as required. Data and control codes for the above protocols are well known in the prior art and a description thereof is unnecessary for a complete understanding of the present invention.

According to a feature of the present invention, the E.sup.2 PROM 78 is provided to store the transaction data for between 500-2000 vendor/customer transactions. Moreover, the E.sup.2 PROM 78 also stores a security inhibit printing code for the money order dispenser 10 for security purposes. The printer software routine for controlling the dot matrix printer 56 must "recognize" the security inhibit printing code resident in E.sup.2 PROM 78 in order to operate the dot matrix printer 56. If the security of the money order dispenser is compromised in any way, a control software routine stored in EPROM 64 operates to change or erase the security inhibit printing code stored in the E.sup.2 PROM 78. Once this code has been changed or erased, the software for controlling the printer 56 cannot be processed by the CPU 60, thereby preventing further printing of money orders from the dispenser. However, although the printer operation is inhibited, the remainder of the dispenser peripherals operate normally to allow the link to be restored by the financial institution. Preferably, the security inhibit printing code is down-loaded from the respective data collector device or the host device, and may be changed at regular intervals for increased security.

A "compromised" condition exists, for example, when the storage compartment cover 47 is opened outside of a normal money order loading sequence to be described, or when the bottom panel 31 is removed without a service request. The security code will also be changed or erased to inhibit the printer when power to the dispenser is interrupted, if a previously determined amount or number of money orders, or other system operator-imposed constraints, have been exceeded, or if no recent communications have taken place within authorized time limits.

A control and security circuit 80 is also provided and includes an internal clock for controlling the timing of the various circuits shown in FIG. 3, and also for defining the date and time information for the transaction data. As discussed above, the LCD display 42 is provided for displaying this transaction data as well as system messages. The display software stored in EPROM 66 also disables the display if the dispenser is not in use for a period of time, and controls the display to indicate when the E.sup.2 PROM 78 is approximately filled with transaction data. The money order dispenser 10 will discontinue further issuance of money orders and notify the operator if the E.sup.2 PROM 78 is full. According to the