Credit and bank issued debit card operated system and method for controlling a prepaid card encoding/dispensing machine

What is claimed:

1. A vending machine control system for controlling and monitoring credit card transactions of a pre-existing vending machine which encodes prepaid cards, said pre-existing vending machine having a currency acceptor and control interface lines for use in encoding said prepaid cards, said vending machine control system comprising:

a) means for reading magnetically stored information from a credit card;

b) means for obtaining an authorization amount for said transactions for said credit card from a credit verification source external to said vending machine;

c) means for storing said authorization amount;

d) means for selecting a prepaid amount to be encoded on a prepaid card;

e) means for determining whether a prepaid amount selected with said means for selecting is below a maximum allowed transaction amount;

f) means for controlling the encoding of a prepaid card in response to said means for selecting;

g) means for storing transaction information corresponding to said operation of said vending machine and said magnetic information from said credit card;

h) means for housing elements a) through g) separately from said pre-existing vending machine; and

i) means for connecting said vending machine control system to said pre-existing vending machine at a point on said control interface lines which is operationally related to said currency acceptor such that said pre-existing vending machine can be operated with either currency or said credit card.

2. A vending machine control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for selecting a prepaid amount to be encoded on a prepaid card comprises a user operated keypad containing at least one key which increments said prepaid amount by a predetermined amount.

3. A vending machine control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for selecting a prepaid amount to be encoded on a prepaid card comprises and an initial prepaid amount which is predetermined for encoding on said prepaid card when said vending machine is activated by said user.

4. A vending machine control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for determining whether a prepaid amount is below a maximum allowed transaction amount comprises a memory which stores a maximum transaction amount a means for reading said maximum transaction amount from said memory and comparing said maximum transaction amount to a prepaid amount selected by said user.

5. A vending machine control system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said maximum transaction amount is obtained from a credit verification source when said user uses a credit card to purchase said prepaid amount for said prepaid card.

6. A vending machine control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for controlling the encoding of a prepaid card comprises:

a) a first control line connected to a relay at a first end and a magnetic card encoding device at a second end wherein said relay is operable to provide a control pulse in response to an operation of said vending machine by a user; and

b) a second control line interfaced to said first control line at a first end of said second control line and a controller at a second end of said second control line wherein said controller produces pulses substantially identical to the control pulses produced by said relay for controlling a prepaid amount for encoding on a prepaid card.

7. A vending machine control system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising disabling means between said vending machine and said means for controlling the encoding of a prepaid card which prevents operation of said vending machine from operating when a predetermined event occurs.

8. A vending machine control system in accordance with claim 7 wherein said disabling means sends a disabling control signal to said vending machine in response to a disabling input signal from said means for controlling the encoding of a prepaid card.

9. The system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising accounting means, within said vending machine control system, for monitoring transactions of said pre-existing vending machine by way of said connection to said control interface lines.

10. A vending machine control system in accordance with claim 9 wherein said accounting means monitors all credit card and non-credit card transactions of said pre-existing vending machine by way of said connection to said control interface lines.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said means for obtaining an authorization amount obtains said authorization amount without causing a charge to occur against said credit card, said vending machine control system further comprising means for subsequently causing charges to occur, respectively, to a plurality of earlier used credit cards in a single batch operation.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the currency acceptor generates pulse codes to encode a prepaid card with a monetary value, said vending machine control system further comprising memory means for storing a plurality of pulses codes each for use with a plurality of different pre-existing vending machines, respectively, such that the pulse codes generated by said vending machine control system are compatible with said pre-existing vending machine to which said vending machine control system is connected.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said currency acceptor generates pulse codes to encode a prepaid card with a monetary value, wherein said means for controlling the encoding of said prepaid card generates pulses substantially identical to the pulses generated by said currency acceptor for controlling the encoding of said prepaid card.

14. A method for controlling a pre-existing vending machine to encode a prepaid card, said pre-existing vending machine includes a magnetic card writing device, comprising the steps of:

a) retrofitting a controller, separate from said pre-existing vending machine, to said pre-existing vending machine, wherein said controller includes a memory for storing a plurality of pulse per dollar counts for a plurality of different pre-existing vending machines;

b) obtaining a pulse per dollar count from the memory which is compatible with said pre-existing vending machine;

c) generating, based on said obtained pulse per dollar count, a pulse code for transmission to said magnetic card writing device within said pre-existing vending machine;

d) transmitting said pulse code from said controller to said pre-existing vending machine;

e) receiving said pulse code at said pre-existing vending machine; and

f) writing a prepaid amount to a magnetic card based on said received pulse code.

15. A method for controlling and monitoring credit card transactions and operation of a pre-existing vending machine for encoding prepaid cards, said pre-existing vending machine having a currency acceptor and control interface lines such that said currency acceptor generates pulses along said interface control lines to encode a value on a prepaid card, comprising the steps of:

a) retrofitting a controller, separate from said pre-existing vending machine, to said pre-existing vending machine by way of a connection to said control interface lines at a point operationally related to said currency acceptor;

b) reading, at said separate controller, magnetically stored information from a credit card;

c) obtaining, at said separate controller, an approval code for a specified authorization amount for said transactions for said credit card from a credit verification source external to said separate controller and said vending machine;

d) storing said approval code at said separate controller;

e) selecting, at said separate controller, a prepaid amount to be encoded on a prepaid card;

f) determining, at said separate controller, whether said selected prepaid amount selected is below a maximum allowed transaction amount;

g) controlling, by said separate controller, the encoding of a prepaid card in response to said selected prepaid amount; and

h) storing transaction information corresponding to said operation of said vending machine and said magnetic information from said credit card.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of obtaining an authorization amount obtains the authorization amount without causing a charge to occur against said credit card, said method further comprising the step of subsequently causing charges to occur, respectively, to a plurality of earlier used credit cards in a single batch operation.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the currency acceptor generates pulse codes to encode a prepaid card with a monetary value, said method further comprising the step of storing a plurality of pulse codes each for use with a plurality of different pre-existing vending machines, respectively, such that the pulse codes generated by said vending machine control system are compatible with the pre-existing vending machine to which said vending machine control system is connected.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein said currency acceptor generates pulse codes to encode a prepaid card with a monetary value, wherein the step of controlling the encoding of a prepaid card generates pulses substantially identical to the pulses generated by said currency acceptor for controlling the encoding of the prepaid card.

Description Submit all comments and votes

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to automated dispensing equipment which dispenses products or services (hereinafter collectively referred to as vending machines) and more particularly, to devices for dispensing debit cards or vending cards which, in turn, are used to make purchases from other vending machines such as photocopiers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Credit and bank issued debit cards have been in wide spread use in business establishments. The majority of uses of these cards are referred to as attended uses. Personnel of the business establishment, or attendants, are required in order to process and complete a sale or transaction using a credit or bank issued debit card.

In the past, credit card transactions were made by imprinting information stamped on a credit card onto a multi part credit card receipt using a forced-contact device. It was a common business practice to contact a credit card company by telephone to verify the availability of credit on the card to ensure that there was sufficient credit to complete the transaction. If sufficient credit was available, the credit card company and or credit card processor company provided an authorization number over the telephone which was manually printed onto the credit card receipt.

Magnetic strip technology has largely made the forced-contact devices unnecessary and has allowed for the expansion of credit card and bank issued debit card transactions. Using magnetic strip technology, information concerning a credit card (or bank issued debit card) owner's account is stored as magnetic information on a magnetic strip attached to a credit card or bank issued debit card. By passing the magnetic strip through a magnetic card reader the information about an individual's credit card (or bank issued debit card) account can be read. The information can then be transmitted over telephone lines to the credit card company (or other authorization service) to obtain an authorization for a particular credit card transaction. Imprints of credit card information onto a receipt using a forced-contact device is no longer necessary, as magnetic information is output to a printer which outputs credit card (or bank issued debit card) information (such as the credit card account number or bank issued debit card number) and the transaction information (such as amount, date and store where purchase was made) onto a receipt for the credit card owner.

Various self-service devices using credit cards and bank issued debit cards have been appearing in the marketplace. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) have allowed users to deposit, withdraw and transfer funds to and from bank accounts. Originally ATMs were only used with bank issued debit cards. It is now possible to use credit cards for transactions, such as withdrawals, at ATMs (this may be more accurately described as a loan against an available credit line). Neither credit cards or bank issued debit cards contain information about account content. Account content is stored on the computer of a credit card company or bank. This information is accessed with the credit card or bank issued debit card.

In the vending field, credit cards and bank issued debit cards can be used directly at the pumps at self-service gas stations for dispensing gasoline. Although self-service, this type of vend is still referred to as an attended vend (or attended transaction), as an operator must always be on duty at the gas station. Credit cards can also be used on airplanes for personal telephone calls. This use is also considered an attended transaction as flight attendants are available, as well as a telephone operator for assistance, collect calls, information, etc.

Vending machines, such as copy machines, are often used in a completely unattended state. After normal working hours in libraries, office buildings, post office, court houses or copy facilities, users can still operate a copy machine using either coins, cash or private debit cards. Private (non-bank issued) debit cards are often referred to as "stored value cards" or "prepaid cards" or "vending cards". Prepaid cards differ from bank issued debit cards in that prepaid cards have a cash value encoded on the card's magnetic strip. The prepaid card does not require a connection to a database, as do bank issued debit cards and credit cards, to determine if a transaction is within an available credit limit (for a credit card) or within an available balance (for a bank issued debit card). Prepaid cards have been used to solve some of the problems associated with coin operated vending machines.

Coin operated machines require that a user have sufficient change for the number of copies the user is reproducing. The user may not be aware before arriving at the copy facility how many copies are necessary or the cost per copy. Further, for large copy jobs, carrying a sufficient amount of change is burdensome both by the weight and space taken up by the coins and the need to acquire the coins from a bank or other financial institution. This can also pose security problems for a user late at night in a library, for example. Although coin changers are often found in the vicinity of coin operated vending machines, coin changers can also run out of change causing problems during unattended use. There is a lack of accountability, as there is no receipt for transactions. From an operator's perspective, problems with coin operated vending machines include vandalism, theft, inaccurate counting/reporting, collection and depositing.

Prepaid card operated vending machines, such as copy machines, use a magnetic card reader attached to the vending machine. To obtain a prepaid card, present systems use either an operator to carry out the encoding of the prepaid amount on the magnetic card (sometimes referred to as a "copy card") or a machine analogous to a change machine for dispensing a new prepaid card and/or encoding a new prepaid amount onto an existing prepaid card. During unattended use, however, both of these means for obtaining a prepaid card may be inoperable. In the first instance, an attendant is not available during unintended use to encode a purchased amount on an existing prepaid card or issue a new card. In the case of a prepaid card dispensing machine, sufficient change or cash must still be carried by the user to operate such a machine.

Further, generally, both existing coin and prepaid card operated vending machines do not provide transaction information concerning the type of transaction, location, duration, time and other items of information concerning the various transactions. This information can prove useful to the operator of vending machines.

The primary function of the coin mechanism on a vending machine for prepaid cards is to accept standard coins and/or bills and/or make correct change to encode a desired prepaid amount on the card.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a system and method for controlling and monitoring credit card transactions of a vending machine which dispenses and or encodes prepaid cards. Means are provided for reading magnetically stored information from a credit card, receiving an authorization amount for the transaction from a credit verification source which is external to the vending machine, storing the authorization amount, selecting a prepaid amount to be encoded on a prepaid card, determining whether a selected prepaid amount is below a maximum allowed transaction amount, controlling the encoding of a prepaid card in response to a selected prepaid amount, and storing transaction information corresponding to the operation of the prepaid card vending machine and the magnetic information from the credit card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be described by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of the present invention controlling a copy machine and interfacing with remote locations;

FIG. 2 shows a block schematic diagram of the operational aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a main routine while awaiting credit card input in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a subroutine for checking a system of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a help message subroutine used in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a card reader interrupt subroutine in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing a service subroutine for monitoring system performance and editing system operational parameters in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing a routine for sending batched transaction(s) information in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are flow diagrams showing a transaction subroutine in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a subroutine for ensuring that a proper vend has occurred and that the total number of copies is less than the maximum allowed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing the general operation of the system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing the general operation of an additional embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a computer system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a block schematic diagram of operational aspects of the computer system shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of switch control in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C are flow diagrams showing a method of general operation of a computer system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a modem operation subroutine in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a prepaid card encoding/dispensing system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing a method of operation of the prepaid card encoding/dispensing system shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of a computer system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a diagram of a multiple computer system in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a pulse converter used in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is shown in FIG. 1 a system 10, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. System 10 has a copy machine 28 as an example of a vending machine under control by vending machine control system (controller) 12. Other types of vending machines, microfiche machines and computer operated devices for on-line searching, database searching or printing may be used as a vending machine instead of copy machine 28.

Copy machine 28 has a control panel 30 where various copy commands can be executed by the user. Copy button 32 is depressed for copying a document. Many commercial copy machines used for unattended, fee-based copying are only used for making single copies on one size paper. It is possible, however, that other copy functions can be selected such as choosing different paper sizes with paper size selection button 34 or other special features such as reductions and enlargements using special features button 36. With the present invention, additional copy features can be tracked and charged at different rates, if appropriate connections are made between copy machine 28 and controller 12 and appropriate programming of controller 12 is provided.

Copy machine 28 also has a control connection means 38, which may be one half of a connector plug for meeting with a complimentary connector plug. Control connection means 38 is connection point at copy machine 28, designed to allow for fee-based vending of copies. Many console or full size copy machines come equipped for the addition of equipment to convert a non-fee based copy machine to fee-based copying. On these models, it is only necessary to obtain the necessary complimentary connector plug to fit this connector. The removal or addition of a wire harness may be involved to provide for mounting the connector plug. On devices other than copy machines, such as a microfilm or microfiche reader, it will be necessary to make an appropriate connection to monitor, interrupt and control the device. In the case of a microfilm reader this could involve taking control of a print button by placing a second switch (controlled by controller 12) in series with the user operated print button. To allow a "print", both switches must be closed. In the case of a computer for on-line access, this could be a connection to provide a keyboard interrupt so access to the computer cannot take place until an appropriate keyboard control signal is provided.

Copier 28 is connected to controller 12 via electrical connection line 26. Controller 12 contains a text display screen 14 (LCD display screen), a magnetic card reader 16, a keypad 18, a printer 20 (shown with a receipt 24) and a speaker 22. Although shown separate from copier 28, controller 12 can be mounted on or near copier 28 as dictated by the copier service provider. Controller 12 is used to determine an available credit limit for copying (vending) for a given user on copy machine 28, as well as allowing/disallowing copier use. Alternatively, a bank issued debit card (such as a Money Access Center card, "MAC" card) can be used instead of a credit card. For purposes of this description, "magnetic card" will be the generic designation for a credit card or a bank issued debit card or a smart card.

A magnetic card (not shown) is passed through card reader 16 and the information from the magnetic strip of the magnetic card is read by card reader 16. Certain portions of or all of this magnetic information is transmitted over a communications line 40 to a remote credit verification location 46. Communication line 40 can take the form of a telephone line, dedicated telephone line or cellular communication line. The type of communication line required will depend upon the location and use of a particular vending machine. Appropriate communication hardware for the connection line being used, such as a cellular telephone, will be necessary to establish communication and will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Along with the magnetic card information, a predetermined dollar amount is transmitted to remote credit location 46. For example, a $10 amount may be transmitted, requesting an authorization or approval for copying up to $10. In another embodiment, a user may select the dollar amount for authorization through keyboard 18. A grant or deny signal is then transmitted back over communication line 40 to controller 12 from remote credit verification location 46. Remote credit verification location 46 may be a credit card agency or processor in the case of a credit card, a bank in the case of a bank ATM card or a private organization in the case of a privately provided debit card.

Once controller 12 receives the return signal, controller 12 allows copying up to the authorized amount if a grant signal which authorizes a vend transaction, along with an available credit limit has been provided and refuses copying if a deny signal has been provided. Appropriate instructions to the user are provided by display 14.

Audible information (voice messages) can also be provided via speaker 22. An example of voice message is a reminder, repeated after a given time period, that a copy should be made or the transaction will be terminated. This could help a user from forgetting that there is an authorized credit still left on the machine which could be used by another if the user walks away. The problem of "forgetting" is also addressed by a timeout feature which terminates a transaction if no action is taken within a preset period of time. The allowable time between copies for a given transaction authorization can be set by the copy service provider.

Other audible or graphic messages, including instructions, pricing and advertising, can be provided as set up by the copy service provider.

A keypad 18 is also provided for entering key code information. A keypad with one or more keys can be provided, depending on the type of user input which may be required. In the case of a bank issued debit card, such as an ATM card, a personal identification number (PIN) may be required. In an exemplary embodiment of the past invention three keys are provided--a SERVICE key, a HELP key and an END key.

Controller 12 is shown connected to three types of remote locations through communication line 40. Remote credit verification location 46 has already been discussed. Remote service location 42 may be the same as or separate than remote credit verification location 46. Remote service location 42 receives and sends information concerning the operation of copy machine 28 and controller 12. Information such as additional copy paper or receipt paper required, or malfunctions may be communicated from copy machine 28 and controller 12 to remote service location 42.

Remote service location 42 may transmit a sleep signal or an out-of-order signal if it detects a malfunction in either device. Remote service location 42 may also be used to monitor when equipment is in use. Remote location 44 can also be the same as one or more of the other remote locations. It may have a function of receiving transaction information so that the types of use, rates of use and times of use can be monitored and analyzed to enhance copy service. With this information, deliveries of paper, toner and other supplies may be timed to enhance productivity of the vending machine and those servicing it. In the case of a computer system 400, shown in FIG. 13, remote location 44 can be an on-line service or other location for sending/receiving data.

In the embodiment of system 10 shown in FIG. 1, only a credit card reader 16 is shown. An alternate embodiment may use a coin mechanism or bill acceptor mechanism or prepaid card to pay for the copy vending. In such an embodiment, the transaction tracking and service capabilities of the present invention are still provided.

When a user has completed all of the user's copying, the number of transactions and cost per transaction are stored in a memory device of controller 12. This information, along with a predetermined transaction/cost information with other users will be settled by batch processing at a later time. The predetermined number of transactions may be related to the amount of memory, or requirements of the credit card company/processor (such as every 100 transactions). The batch settlement can also be related to a time period or combination of time period and number of transactions. Batch processing of transaction information is an efficient use of time, as a separate call is not required after every user's copying is complete. The operation of batch processing is discussed in more detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, batch settlement occurs daily.

Although not illustrated in system 10 shown in FIG. 1, it also possible to have multiple vending machines, such copy machines 28, attached to a single controller 12.

There is shown in FIG. 2 a block schematic diagram of the logic and communications circuits contained within controller 12.

Controller 12 contains a microprocessor 50 such as the Z0868108PSC by Zilog. Microprocessor 50 controls the input output (I/O) and memory functions of controller 12. Microprocessor 50 has a memory 52 for storing program information as well as transaction information. Memory 52 is shown consisting of a Read Only Memory (ROM) 54 and a Random Access Memory (RAM) 56. An example RAM is the DS1486 manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor. An example ROM is the 27C256-12/P by Microchip. This ROM chip is a 256K ROM. Microprocessor 50 may also be controlled by an instruction set stored in an Electrically Erasable Read Only Memory (EEROM) such as the 93C56-P serial EEROM also made by Microchip. Other types of memory including removable memory such as disks or removable cards may be used and will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Microprocessor 50 controls input and output through serial communications block 58 and I/O block 66.

Ser. communication block 58 encompasses a communication section 60 for communicating with a modem (not shown); a communication block 64 for communicating with a card reader such as card reader 16; and a communication port for communication with a receipt printer such as receipt printer 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the on board modem used for communicating with remote locations is the CH1785 PCB mount modem by Cermetek. This modem provides communication at 2400 baud. Controller 12 also contains a 6252SA/6250SA/6272SA by Xico as card reader 16 and a receipt printer 20 made by Citizen. Ser. communication ports are commonly referred to as "COM" ports. Thus, communication ports 60, 62 and 64 may be referred to as COM1, COM2 and COM3 respectively. The necessary circuitry and print out connectors for the modem, card reading and receipt printing functions are well known. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and RS232 output is provided by the ADM235LJN integrated circuit by Analog Devices.

Controller 12 also has an optional speech processor 76. Speech processor 76 provides synthesized speech as a source of output through speaker 22. In this way, text information can be provided audibly as well as graphically. Speech is provided through the MSM6295GSK speech controller manufactured by OKI. Whether or not speech processors are provided to the user is optional. This feature can also be remotely activated and modified from a remote location such as remote service location 42. If speech is provided, a volume control mechanism and appropriate amplification and preamplification may be provided.

Speech processor 76 is operated by receiving a control signal from CPU 75. CPU 75 is a Microchip PIC16C54-H-HS/P. CPU 75 receives enabling and menu selection data from microprocessor 50. Based on the enabling and menu data received from microprocessor 50, CPU 77 starts speech processor 76. CPU 70 provides speech processor 76 with control signals and instruct speech processor 76 to play particular prerecorded message accessed from memory 79. Memory 79 is a ROM in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Memory 79 contains all of the prerecorded speech data used by speech processor 76. Speech data from memory 79 is converted to an analog signal via digital to analog converter in speech processor 76. The converted analog signal is fed to low pass filter network 80. Low pass filter 80 has a corner frequency of 4 khz in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The filtered signal is fed from 80 to audio amplifier 78. Audio amplifier is a Sanyo LA4460 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Finally, the amplified analog signal is passed to speaker 22. An additional embodiment of the present invention an additional speaker is provided for non-speech output such as "BEEP" tones.

Controller 12 can be used to interface with a vending machine, such as a console copy machine 28 by identifying the pulse widths and amplitude of a copy enable signal. For example on the Minolta EP 1080 the Omron relay is inactive (off) and the output monitoring line is inactive (+24 volts) prior to a vend (copy) taking place. The transition from a low signal (0 volts) to a high signal (24 volts) is counted as one copy. Controller 12 monitors the line activity (in this case voltages) over a period of time. When the readings during this monitoring period agree with the transaction that is being requested, controller 12 stores the signal information in memory.

If the readings do not agree with the transaction that is being requested, the time period over which the control signal is monitored is increased or decreased by a predetermined increment and a new reading is taken place and compared to the transaction being requested. This process is repeated until agreement between the readings and the desired transaction is achieved.

In an exemplary embodiment, an operator works interactively with controller 12, requesting a particular transaction (such as a single 8 1/2".times.11" copy) and indicating to controller 12 through keypad 18 whether the reading of controller 12 (as shown through display 14) agrees with the requested transaction.

There is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B flow diagrams showing a main routine which checks for system errors, and whether it is time to communicate with a remote location, while waiting for a user to pass a magnetic card through magnetic card reader 16 (or deposit coins or currency if another type of payment means is provided).

Processing begins by entering block 82 where initial conditions for each