Patent ID: 6234389
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: G06Q,G07F,G07G

Abstract:
For use with a computer device that includes a central processor unit (CPU), memory, and a PCMCIA-complaint card slot connector, and for use with a card bearing magnetically stored information, a portable point of sale transaction module comprising:a module housing including a projecting member having a PCMCIA-compliant connector sized to matingly engage said card slot connector in said computer device;a virtual pinpad unit, disposed in said housing, including a screen upon which a pinpad image responsive to user contact-entry during said transaction is displayed; anda card reader able to read data stored on a card in a manner selected from a group consisting of (i) data stored magnetically on at least one magnetic stripe on said card, and (ii) data stored in a solid state memory contained within said card, said card reader disposed in said module housing;wherein software storable in said memory and executed by said CPU processes data read from said card by said card reader during a transaction made with said card and processed pinpad data entered by said user on said virtual pinpad, including user-entered personal identification number data entered during said transaction.