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Claims  |
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I claim:
1. An electronic money system; using transaction packets as its
medium-of-exchange said packets being comprised of digital bytes that
specify the transaction amount, type of transaction, settlement routing,
nationality of base currency, and system security; is comprised of:
personal terminals, automated and semi automated vendor terminals, and an
electronic banking network consisting of PACs, VACs, HBTs, and
clearinghouses; said
personal terminal being comprised of a receiver/transmitter, running debit
and credit account registers, crypto crediting entry gate, liquid crystal
display, and button switches that configure terminal to conduct a variety
of transactions or to display running account balances; said
vendor terminal being comprised of a receiver/transmitter, transaction
amount entry means, memories, modem, and display; said
vendor account custodian terminal being comprised of apparatus that
periodically receives vendor's transaction packets from which it credits
vendor's account and forwards said packets to designated PACs; said
electronic clearinghouse being comprised of means to direct transaction
packets from the various VACs to their specified personal account
custodians; said
personal account custodian terminal being comprised of means to receive and
store individual transactions, means to debit individual running accounts
using said transaction information, means to credit running accounts from
cash deposits, means to generate crypto entry codes to gain crediting
access to PT's running accounts, means to interact with PT via its
homebase terminal, and means for detecting and pinpointing fraud,
malfunction or error; and said
homebase terminal being comprised of means for interfacing a telephone line
to said PT to provide a convenient entry point into the electronic banking
system.
2. Personal Terminal as claimed in claim 1 which conducts credit & debit
transactions, pays bills, and interacts with VTs to conduct fully
automated or semi automated transactions, incorporates:
side mounted, button switches that when pressed in specified sequences
either inserts a number into said PT's display as a means of entering
transaction data, or reprograms PT's internal logic to carry out any one
of several transactional sequences, or authorizes consumation of a
transaction, or completely deactivates the personal terminal, or displays
running accounts.
3. Method for generating transaction packet claimed in claim 1, where said
packet serves as the medium-of-exchange in said electronic transaction, is
comprised of the following steps:
a personal terminal(PT) and a vendor terminal(VT) are brought in proximity
to each other, with either the PT or VT initiating the transaction, said
initiation consisting of activating a very low power microwave radio
transmitter which latches said PT's microprocesser to internal battery
power;
manually or automatically keying in transaction amount; check running
account of PT, and if adequate proceed to add or subtract said transaction
amount from specified credit or debit running account, transfer new
balance to zero current drain memory;
complete point-of-sale transaction by transferring PT's PAC-ID, PIN, and
transaction number to VT, then deactivate PT; and
assemble transaction packet in VT by combining PT's PIN, PAC-ID, and
transaction number with VT's IDN, calendar-clock byte, and amount and type
of transaction.
4. Method for detecting and pinpointing fraud, error, malfunction and
counterfeiting throughout a far flung electronic money system as claimed
in claim 1 consists of the following steps:
constructing a security byte by combining the PT's sequential transaction
number with the VT's calendar clock number;
correlating said transaction sequence numbers with calendar-clock numbers
for like PINs, then flagging PINs and VTs that contain out-of-sequence
numbers;
debiting both PT and PAC running accounts and periodically comparing them,
and flagging discrepancies; and
correlating flagged items from all PACs to pinpoint and confirm a suspect
vendor, counterfeit PT, or equipment malfunction.
5. A method for automating sales tax collection and payment that is
integrated into vendor terminal and VAC operation claimed in claim 1, is
comprised of the steps of:
multiplying the purchase price by VT stored tax multipliers with the
products added together and then added to said purchase price to establish
a net transaction amount;
inserting said net transaction amount into a transaction packet and
communicating said packet to a VAC for normal settlement;
feeding each tax entity product into a pair of accumulating (running sum)
registers, with one paired register being cleared after it transfers its
running sum to tax entity's VAC, and the second register is readout and
cleared only occasionally by said taxing entity serving only as a means
for cross checking the automated tax collection process at its source; and
tagging the running sum readout from each said register with a vendor ID
and calendar-clock number so when each tax entity is paid with a lump sum,
it can also independently get a printout with vendor's identity, the
period over which the vendor's tax payment has accumulated, and the lump
sum tax being paid by each vendor.
6. A system for detecting and localizing potential vendor fraud and
counterfeit PTs, is comprised of:
a recycling transaction number assignor, inserted in the personal terminal,
said assignor retaining the previously assigned transaction number so when
a new transaction is registered said assignor adds one to that stored
number and reads out the new number as part of the transaction;
a calendar-clock inserted in the vendor terminal that reads out and inserts
numerical sequences representing time of day and date into the transaction
packet, and
a correlator in the PAC terminal that detects when said transaction number
sequences for like-PIN packets are out of order when said calendar-clock
numerical sequences are in progressing order, or the reverse, logging
association VI-ION & PT's PIN.
7. Method for conducting transactions between personal terminals, PT/PT, is
comprised of the steps of:
pressing button switch to debit the payer's running account by an amount
registered in payer's display;
entering said registered amount into payee's PT/PT credit memory and
payer's PIN and PAC-IDN into PT/PT debit memory; and
during next interaction between payee's PT and its PAC, payee's credit
memory is readout crediting payee's PT and PAC accounts, said debit
memory's information being used to address the PT/PT packet, via PT/PT
clearinghouse, to payer's PAC where payer's PAC account is debited by
amount expressed in said packet.
8. A system that conducts and settles personal, international transactions,
is comprised of:
personal terminals that include a national currency code stored in its
permanent memory to identify the nationality of PT's currency;
vendor terminals with currency translators that store currency conversion
multipliers and include means for identifying said national currency code,
for selecting the appropriate currency multiplier, for multiplying
transaction amount by said multiplier and for communicating the result
back to a personal terminal where a normal point-of-sale transaction is
consumated;
means for assembling two transaction packets, one based on local currency
and the other on the PT's home currency, and means for fowarding both
packets to vendor's VAC; and
vendor account custodian terminal with means for separating out the local
currency transaction packet and crediting its amount to the vendor's
account and forwarding PT's home currency packet to its designated PAC via
an international clearinghouse for debiting. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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BACKGROUND FOR INVENTION
Currency is money in circulation and is used in the hand-to-hand settlement
of simple transactions without independent reference to the standing of
the payer. A currency transaction consists of debiting the payer's
on-person cash supply while adding the same amount to the payee's cash
supply. Currency, checks, and credit cards are transactional vehicles.
Implicit to the success of all transactional vehicles is trust, which
requires strong defenses against fraud, and counterfeiting.
Any true money system must be capable of serving as a national, or
international, medium of exchange; it must readily circulate; it must have
easily recognized values; it must be transferable in a variety of
transactions; its value must be difficult to dilute by counterfeiting; and
it must have a guarantor.
It is contended that an advanced money would lend itself to automated
transactions, handle mixed debit & credit transactions, and keep track of
personal accounts in an on-person terminal. Physically, the on-person
terminal should easily fit into a pocket and not require manual dexterity
or above average intelligence in its use.
This invention incorporates aspects of a universal toll paying system
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,904, in that the toll paying uses
point-of-sale debiting via-.radio signals, and also credits are inserted
within the in-vehicle terminal electronically. The use of a radio medium
at the point-of-sale speeds transaction times, making it especially
efficient for automated, dynamic, mass applications.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
This electronic money system uses as its medium-of-exchange packets of
bytes that identify the personal account custodian or PAC, payer, amount
of transaction, type of transaction, vendor, and provides a security
number, and a national code. This group of bytes is referred to as a
transaction packet. The packet is created at the point-of-sale and
incorporates all the information needed to completely consumate, or
settle, each transaction. When the transaction is settled, the packet
loses its link between the payer and transaction.
This electronic money system has three principal activity areas;
point-of-transaction, homebase, and the electronic banking system. The
complete system is comprised of six subsystems; 1) personal terminals, PT,
2) vendor terminals, VT, 3) homebase terminals, HBT, 4) personal account
custodian, PAC, terminals, 5) vendor account custodian, VAC, terminals,
and 6) an electronic clearinghouse. The point-of-sale is where a personal
and a vendor terminal, or two personal terminals, initiate the first step
of the transaction. Homebase might be a private residence or workplace.
The electronic banking system is comprised of PACs, VACs and
clearinghouses.
The personal terminal should be about the size of a thick credit card. Its
preferred embodiment incorporates a microwave receiver/transmitter, or
R/T, With antenna, various memory elements, addition and subtraction
registers, a crypto gate, a visual display, a rechargable battery and a
transaction number assigner.
The vendor terminal includes an R/T, a transaction amount inserting key or
number pad, a calendar-time clock, memory, and visual display.
The personal account custodian or PAC terminal includes a crypto entry code
decypherer, PT interrogater, account computer, account reconciliation
scanner, transaction sequence correlator, and interfaces to HBT telephone
and the clearinghouse.
The vendor account custodian, or VAC, terminal includes interfaces for
telephone and clearinghouse, vendor dialer, and account computer. The
homebase terminal includes a telephone number ROM, and PT/modem interface.
The clearinghouse transfers transaction packets between the various VACs
and PACs.
System security is realized by lost & stolen electronic files, cross checks
of running account balances, a crypto process for inserting PT credits,
and correlations between transaction sequenced numbers and calendar-clock
numbers.
Debit transactions are registered in a running account held within the PT.
Credit transactions, up to designated limits, are conducted at the option
of the payer, by switching from subtraction to addition in a running
account.
The availability of zero current drain memory elements known as flash
memories or electronically erasable programable read only memories,
EEPROMs, make it possible to retain information for long periods without
draining the PT's battery. The transaction processers draw current only
when a transaction is in process.
The homebase terminal, HBT, employs a modem which adapts any telephone into
a remote terminal for recharging debit and credit accounts, and for paying
bills or settling person-to-person transactions.
The system is easily converted from a national to an international money
system through a national code that is stored in the PT indicating its
native money denomination. Vendor terminals using currency translators
convert each PT's denomination into the local currency and consumate the
transaction back through designated VACs and PACs.
The system can also be adapted to execute automated sales tax collections
and payments by inserting appropriate multiplying and accumulating
registers into the vendor's terminals and adding memories and a printer
into VAC terminals.
The various aspects and advantages of this invention will be more fully
understood from a consideration of the following detailed description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1a illustrates pictorially how the system is configured.
FIG. 1b illustrates pictorially how two PACs linkup to support
person-to-person transactions.
FIG. 2a describes a personal terminal (PT) configuration in block diagram.
FIG. 2b shows external details of the PT.
FIG. 2c describes a preferred half duplexed R/T.
FIG. 2d shows specifics of the credit/debit block.
FIG. 2e shows specifics of the person-to-person transaction processer.
FIG. 3a illustrates a manual vendor terminal in block diagram.
FIG. 3b illustrates an automated vendor terminal in block diagram form.
FIG. 3c shows the adaptations needed to incorporate automatic sales tax
collection into the system.
FIG. 4a shows how the HBT connects with the homebase telephone.
FIG. 4b describes some details of a preferred HBT modem.
FIG. 5 illustrates the PAC subsystem in block diagram form.
FIG. 6 describes the VAC subsystem in block diagram form.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1a and 1b, show the overall electronic
money system's operation in pictorial illustrations. The transaction
packet, which is also the medium-of-exchange of this system, is created
when an individual carrying personal terminal, PT,101, on their person
wishes to conduct a transaction by bringing the PT in proximity with
vendor terminal, VT, 102. The amount of the transaction is keyed in by the
VT. The amount of the transaction is then debited from the PT's debit or
credit account. Information that characterizes the transaction is
accumulated in the VT where these characterizations are periodically
transferred from the vendor terminal to a vendor's account custodian, 103,
or VAC. The VAC credits the vendor's account in the amount of each
transaction, and sorts the transactions into like-PAC batches, forwarding
them via satellite transponder 104, which performs as a multiple access
relay point, communicating with specified PACs in assigned time slots.
Personal Account Custodian, or PAC 105, is the place where the PT's
account is stored and from which the vendor's account is credited. The
satellite serves, for this illustration, as a clearinghouse. (A true
clearinghouse can be realized by use of relay ground stations which
perform intermediary VAC/PAC sorting.) As a final step in the settlement
process, each PAC periodically makes lump sum cash settlements with each
VAC to balance all accounts.
The PT's debit and credit account is periodically credited, through
homebase terminal, 106. Bill paying transactions occur when a telephone
connection between payee and payer is made and amount of the bill is
presented and acknowledged. The PT's account is debited by bill payee,
108, who acts as vendor. The payee transfers all accumulated collections
to its VAC. The VAC credits payee's account and debits designated PAC
accounts.
An individual, wishing to transfer funds from a cash account to his PT,
preferably dials his PAC, transmits telephone number and hangs up, then
places PT onto HBT interface surface, 106. PAC confirms number and returns
call. PAC accesses PT's debit account credit entry port through a crypto
gate and proceeds to credit that account with funds debited from a savings
account, for example. Acknowledgements are made monthly.
Another type of transaction, referred to as PT/PT, would transfer funds
between two individuals. FIG. 1b illustrates how this could take place.
Payer 110 presses a button in his PT which steps the number shown on the
PT's display to the payment that is to be transferred to recipient 111.
The transaction is actuated by debiting the payer's PT account by the
displayed amount and simultaneously transferring that amount into PT/PT
memories located in the PT, one for crediting the other for debiting. The
information stored includes PAC and PIN data lifted from the payer's PT.
When the payee's PT is next in contact with its PAC, the stored PT/PT
credit information is readout to payee's PAC, 113, where the payee's PT &
PAC accounts are credited. The payer's PAC debits payer's PAC account with
the amount obtained via satellite, for example, from the payee's debit
memory.
FIG. 2a shows a functional block diagram of the preferred embodiment of a
personal terminal, PT. It shows antenna 200 which receives and transmits
microwave signals to and from receiver/transmitter, or R/T, 201 which
operates in a half duplex mode. When R/T 201 is in its receive mode,
amplifier 202 draws no current and latch switch, 203 is open, applying no
voltage to microprocesser 204 from battery 205. The various functions of
microprocesser 204 are indicated by blocks 207 through 213. Block 206 is a
transaction sequence controller that triggers the various steps that
comprise the transaction. Block 207 is a read-only-memory, or ROM, that
contains permanent personal information, such as social security number,
date of birth, and sex. It is from this information that a crypto entry
code is derived to gain entry to the crediting port of account registers.
Block 208 is an erasible-programable-ROM or EPROM which includes semi
permanent information such as the personal account custodian's
identification number, a nationality code, etc. Block 209 is a temporary
memory that stores time and/or point of entry information to facilitate
automated toll, mass transit, and parking transactions. Block 210 is where
the debit/credit transaction occurs. This block is described in detail by
FIG. 2d. Block 211 is the liquid crystal display unit or LCD. It provides
running account information, transaction type being conducted, and
guidance. Block 212 is a recycling transaction sequence number assignor.
It assigns a sequentially advancing number to each transaction. Block 213
is the person-to-person transaction processer described in more detail by
FIG. 2e. Block 214 is programable logic that is changed by manually
activating push button switches 223,224, and 225.
FIG. 2b shows a preferred physical embodiment of the PT. The PT is enclosed
in plastic case 220. Embedded in the plastic is spiral antenna 221 and
liquid crystal display, LCD, 222 which displays running accounts and other
transaction related information. Beneath this is optional LCD strip
providing advisory operating information. Side buttons 223 and 224 might
be used to read in the transaction amount and determine whether the
transaction is to be credit or debit. Button 224 might be clicked n times
to select the numeral for each decimal position. One click on button 225
could allow completion of the transaction. Two clicks on button 225 could
display debit running account, and three clicks display credit running
account. The first click on button 223 could turn-on PT. An
end-of-transaction signal from the VT would turn-off the PT. Simultaneous
pressure on buttons 223 and 225 could make the PT totally unresponsive.
Simultaneous pressure on buttons 224 and 225 could activate PT for an
automated interrogation. Four clicks on button 225 could configure the PT
for a PT/PT transaction. This switching scenario can be simplified by
relying more on the VT and verbal commands to set up many transactions.
FIG. 2c describes circuit details of a preferred half duplexed microwave
receiver/transmitter that is comprised of gallium arsenide, field effect
transistor, or FET, 230, transistors 231 and 232, and diodes 234 and 235.
Transistor 231 and diode 234 bias FET 230 so when no input voltage is
applied to transistor 231 the FET operates as a detector. When input
voltage is applied, the positive feedback in the FET's circuit causes it
to break into oscillation. Some of that oscillation feeds into antenna
236. Diode 235 biases transistor 232 so it draws zero current when there
is no current drawn by the FET. The presence of microwave signal from
antenna 236 causes dc current to flow in FET 230. This is amplified by
transistor 232 and further amplified by amplifier 237, which draws zero
current when quiescent.
FIG. 2d describes the operation of debit/credit processer 211. It is
described as being implemented by hardwire-logic circuitry which can serve
as the basis for developing a software algorithm to program a
microprocesser. The heart of this processer is debit register 240, credit
register 245 and crypto entry gates, 246, 251 and 252. The two registers
retain the running balance of the debit and credit accounts. These
registers use zero current drain or flash memory elements. The crypto
gates restrict access for crediting these accounts. Access needs an entry
code derived from the information stored in ROM 207. When the correct
entry code is received, crypto gates 251 and 252 are opened. Credit/debit
switch 253 is positioned depending on a personal decision as to whether
the credit or debit register is to be credited.
The creditline limit is stored in electronically erasible PROM or EEPROM
247. This amount can be adjusted by access to crypto gate 246. The credit
available is the difference between credit limit in 247 and the amount
stored in 245. One adjustment procedure would have the creditline limit
being fed to subtraction register 248 along with the output of credit
register 245, whose readout is fed to the CREDIT AVAILABLE line and to the
LCD. CREDIT TRANSACT line feeds add register 250 along with the input from
the current account stored in credit register 245. The contents of credit
register 245 is then erased and the new amount stored in add register 250
is fed into register 245. Add register 250 is then cleared. This upgrades
the credit balance by the amount of the transaction. Crediting of the
credit account occurs by feeding the amount to be credited through crypto
gate 251 into subtract register 253 which initiates a similar transfer
procedure as was described.
Crediting debit register 240 could use a similar process involving crypto
gate 252 and add-register 254. DEBIT TRANSACT line feeds subtract-register
255 which is also inputed by the output from debit register 240. The
difference is stored until register 240 is cleared. The new amount stored
in register 255 is read into register 240.
The input to register 255 can also be changed by switch 257 to conduct a
PT-to-PT transaction. Switch 257 is part of ganged switch 260 described in
FIG. 2e. LCD 211 gets information from register 255 and from the debit or
credit transactions stored in registers 250 and 255.
FIG. 2e illustrates how a person-to-person or PT/PT transaction could be
conducted and how block 213 could be configured to support that
transaction. When button 225 is clicked four times by both payer and
payee, three-pole-single throw switch, 260, is moved from its normal
position 2 into position 1. The payer's register 261, which is connected
to LCD 211, has the amount of the transaction fed into it by pressing
buttons 223 and 224 appropriately. The two PTs involved in the transaction
are held in close proximity. The payer clicks button 225 a fifth time
which fires initiator 262. This directs the amount stored in register 261
to be debited from the payer's running account and be fed into the payer's
zero current drain debit memory, 263a, also payer's PIN and PAC-IDN is
transmitted to the payee's zero current drain credit memory, 263b.
The PT/PT transaction's final step occurs when payee's PT is next in
contact with its PAC. Then the crypto credit entry code is determined and
the amount stored in the payee's credit memory is credited to payee's PT
running account and also to its PAC account. The payer's PIN and PAC-IDN
form part of a PT/PT addressed packet directed to the payer's PAC, sent
via a PT/PT clearinghouse, where that transaction amount is debited from
payer's PAC account.
FIG. 3a illustrates the functions of a typical manned vendor terminal, or
MVT. It includes antenna 300, R/T 301, and sequence controller 302. The
transaction process begins by selecting from verbal instructions whether
the transaction is to be a credit or debit and the amount of the
transaction by number pad 303. The proposed transaction would optionally
appear on LCD 304 and 304a for viewing by both vendor and customer. Switch
303a initiates the transaction sequence by first activating the
transmitter which, in turn, closes latch switch 203 and initiates a PT
running account check. (This also triggers a check through lost or stolen
file 311.) If the running account check is positive and the customer
approves the transaction by clicking button 225, the transaction is
consumated by inserting the transaction amount into the appropriate PT
register where the new running balance is computed, followed by the
transfer of the transaction amount, transaction type, sequential number,
customer's PIN, PAC-ID into transaction packet organizing memory 306,
where it is combined with time-of-transaction information readout from
calendar-clock 307 and vendor's IDN readout from VID-ROM 308a. The
transaction amount from number pad 303 and initial running balance from PT
are fed into confirm block 305 where the PT's expected new running balance
is computed and compared with the PT's actual new running balance as read
out of the PT into block 305. If the two new balances are the same, a
turn-off opens latch switch 203 and transfers the information stored in
memory element 306 into buffer memory 308. The information stored in
buffer memory 308 is periodically transferred to the vendor's account
custodian, VAC.
The entire transaction can be timed by narrow pulse clock 312, which
inserts its pulse train into sequence controller 302. These pulses, used
for timing VT/PT transactional bytes, are sent via the transmitter portion
of R/T 301. The narrow pulses do not interfere with the data pulses yet
are easily handled by the microwave radio link between PT and VT.
In order to handle personal international transactions, currency translator
310 is inserted between number pad 303 and sequence controller 302. The
nationality code received from the PT identifies the country of origin of
the PT. A key selects the correct currency multiplier stored in translator
310 which converts the vendor's price into the PT's national currency so
the transaction within the PT will occur in terms of its currency. The
currency translator also generates two transaction packets one in terms of
local currency, the second in terms of the PT's currency. The PT's PAC
receives the transaction, via the VAC and an international clearinghouse,
in terms of the PT's currency. The VAC credits the vendor's account in the
local currency. Periodic lump sum settlements, via normal international
funds transfer machinery, settle imbalances that develop between VACs of
one nationality and PACs of another.
FIG. 3b describes a vendor terminal that would be used for small, automated
transactions such as in vending machines, parking meters, toll plazas,
mass transit etc. Each generic application would use a modified version of
this basic terminal, referred to here as AVT.
An automated vendor terminal would include an R/T & sequence controller
assemblage, 321, which is similar to that used in the PT. The functions
associated with this sequencer include customer presence actuated-switch
322 which starts the transaction by turning on the AVT's transmitter, then
turning on the PT and receiving its running debit account balance, PIN,
and PAC information, determining that the PT's balance is adequate,
feeding in the base price stored in EEPROM 324a which might be modified by
price processer 324 prior to being fed through confirm processer 325,
where the transaction is confirmed. The transaction packet is assembled
and stored in memory, 323. Vendor unit IDN is fed into each packet from
VID-ROM 328. Any price qualification information, such as vehicle axle
count, would come from an external sensor and be fed into price adjustment
processer 324.
The information in memory 323 is periodically readout by a portable
interrogator, in the case of parking meters, buses, or by telephone
request for others. The interrogation is preceeded by a crypto word which
must match up with the code stored in crypto-ROM 326. When matchup occurs,
entry gate 327 opens and reads out the contents of memory 323 into the
interrogater's buffer memory. The interrogater's accumulated information
is eventually fowarded to its VAC.
FIG. 3c illustrates how the VT and VAC can be adapted to include automated
sales tax collection as part of the sales transaction. A preferred
adaptation begins at transaction data entry unit 305. This feeds the
purchase price into multiplier registers 332, 333, and 334 where it is
multiplied by city, state, and federal tax multipliers. These multipliers
are stored in crypto-EPROM 331. The tax multipliers are initially entered
into this EPROM unit by a tax agent via a crypto controlled entry process.
If there is no tax, the multiplier is zero. If the multiple should change,
the EPROM can be reset with knowledge of the entry code.
The tax products computed are then summed together in add register 335. The
sum total is added to the purchase price in add register 336. This amount,
which is the net transaction amount, is then fed into memory unit 340.
Each calculated tax amount is fed into respective running
accumulator/buffer memory pairs 337, 338, or 339 where running sums are
stored until requested. Sequencer 330 controls the computational sequence
for each transaction. Calendar clock 307 feeds its time-of-transaction
bytes into the transaction packet being assembled in memory unit 340. Data
entry unit 305 feeds PAC and PIN information into memory unit 340 to
complete the assembly of the transaction packet. The packets are readout
and cleared by the VAC. A vendor identification number, retained in ROM
308a, is also inserted into the data stream.
Paired buffer memories 337 to 340 have one of their memory units readout
and cleared by a tax entity's VAC telephone request. The second memory
unit continues to accumulate tax data as a running sum of the tax amounts
being collected. That running sum is readout, perhaps semiannually, by a
tax agent, to serve as a cross check on the vendor's payment transfers.
The communication between VAC and vendor memories would typically occur
via switched phone line using modems 341 and 601, with dialer 600
initiating the interrogation.
Sequencer 345 initiates the readout from VT memories 337 to 339 into VAC
memories 346 to 349. The contents of memories 347 to 349 are fed to a
printer where permanent information for tax collectors is accumulated.
Memory 346 feeds its data into the VAC account computer.
FIG. 4a illustrates a homebase terminal, or HBT 401, which is connected to
telephone 400. Its operation begins with an individual slipping PT 401
onto the HBT's transaction surface at a homebase location, dialing its
PAC, sending the homebase telephone number and PIN, and then hanging up.
The PAC terminal checks the phone number as correct for that PT and then
redials it. An operator learns from the customer how much funds to
transfer into the debit and/or credit accounts from the individual's
personal account and then enters those amounts. While this is occuring,
the PIN is fed into the encryption generator and the entry crypto code
word is read back to the PT. The amount to be credited to each account is
read in and confirmed. The individual's personal account, stored in the
PAC's computer, is also debited by those same amounts. If the individual
wishes to receive a loan for either account, this would also be
appropriately registered. Finally the contents of both the
person-to-person transaction memories are readout and cleared.
FIG. 4b illustrates circuit details for a preferred HBT modem. The data
rates at which the PT normally operates in its transaction mode are much
higher than that which can be supported by a phone line circuit. A
preferred modulation method for the modem would be a double sideband
suppressed carrier, amplitude modulation which is also frequency shift
keyed by the presence of 1s or 0s. The sharp cusp created at the nulls of
this modulation fires a one-shot multivibrator that generates a narrow
pulse which clocks the operation of the PT so it matches that of the HBT
telephone line data stream.
To implement this modem, bridged Tee oscillators 410 and 411, set at two
separate audio freqencies, are keyed depending on whether a 0 or 1 is
present. Bridged Tee amplifiers 412 and 413 amplify one or the other
received frequency with each output being detected by oppositely poled
diodes 414 and 415. Diodes 416 detect the presence of any signal causing
LED 417 to flash as a visual busy signal. When there is no transaction,
there are no signals present on the line so LED 417 turns off, and the
line is cleared for normal telephone operation. The data output from the
receiver port of R/T 409 actuates bridged Tee oscillators 410 and 411, and
is fed into phase lock unit 418 to generate a sinewave whose zero
crossovers track the input data train. The sinewave is fed to balanced
modulator 419. The resulting modulated signal is then fed onto the
telephone line via hybrid 420. The output from bridged Tee amplifiers 412
and 413 feed the transmitter port of R/T unit 409, which interacts with
the PT lying on the transaction surface of HBT 400. The signals received
from the PT are processed thru TTL/bipolar converter unit 421, whose
bipolar output turns on either oscillator 410 or 411. The zero crossover
cusp, detected by diodes 422 and 422a, is used to trigger one shot
multivibrator 423, which generates a very narrow pulse that is
superimposed onto the output of amplifier's 412 and 413.
FIG. 5 describes the operation of a personal account custodian's, or PAC,
facility. A principal function of the PAC is to represent the individual
customer much as a bank would. It also includes encryption generator 500
which receives PIN information from PTs wishing to credit their running
accounts, and through a crypto process derives the unique entry code that
has been burned permanently into the PT's crypto ROM when issued. When the
entry code, deciphered from the PIN, matches that of the crypto gate, the
crediting process proceeds. The crediting process can be conducted at PAC
interface 501 on the PAC's premises or through a telephone connection with
homebase terminal 502, with the redialing procedure carried out by unit
502a. VAC data is received via interface unit 503.
PT/PT transaction data is similarly taken from a PT via PT/PT interface
unit 504a or 504b. The PT's PT/PT memory units are readout into 504a or
504b, one unit storing debits that are subtracted from the designated PAC
account, and the second storing credits which are added to its designated
account. Those accounts not in this PAC are fowarded to the designated PAC
via clearinghouse that is interfaced by 503a.
Six separate processes occur at a PAC terminal. One is crediting PT
accounts and debiting of PAC personal accounts. A second is debiting
accounts with amounts entered by VACs. (Personal credit and debit accounts
are held in account computer 505.) The third process is an account
reconciliation conducted by account scanner 506. (Whenever a PT is
interrogated its current accounts are routinely readout and compared with
the amount held in the corresponding PAC account. When major discrepancies
occur, that account is flagged for investigation.)
The fourth process spots potential vendor fraud and counterfeit PTs using
clock/transaction-number correlater unit 508 which accumulates each PT's
transactions with calendar-clock/transaction-numbers. The unit checks if
the order of calendar times tracks transaction-sequence numbers. More
specifically, each PT's transactions are collated in order of their
numbered sequence. The calendar-clock data, which for example indicates a
transaction occuring at 3:05 PM on Jan. 24, 1993 by a numerical tag of
93-1-24-1505 is subtracted from the subsequent numbered transaction and as
long as the difference is positive the transactions are considered to be
legitimate. This makes it easy to detect an out-of-order time sequence and
to identify a suspect vendor or potential counterfeit duplicate PT for
further investigation. This process pinpoints potential fraud perpetrators
which the double entry reconciliation cannot do. The double entry
reconciliation process is the last line of defense against counterfeiting
of PTs.
The fifth process is the redialing procedure used to remotely credit a PT
via telephone. A preferred redialing procedure includes sending the
homebase telephone number to a PAC redialing unit, checking that number
with a lookup table that lists approved numbers that any given customer
could use in the crediting procedure and then redialing it.
The sixth process concerns local lost, stolen and counterfeit reports which
are compiled in buffer memory unit 507 and sent to the VACs for forwarding
to vendors. Lost & stolen PTs are reported by their owners to their PAC.
These can be distributed via the clearinghouse to all VACs and then to
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