Credit card imprinter authorization terminal

A credit card imprinter authorization terminal (20) including an imprinter device (24), keyboard (26), a display (28), a credit card reader (30), and a printer (32) all contained on a single housing structure (22). The credit card authorization terminal (20) includes a microprocessor (36) and its associated memory (38) for controlling operation of the credit card authorization terminal. The printer (32) provides an automatic printout of credit card transaction related information providing an audit trail for future reference.

The present invention relates to a credit card authorization terminal. More 
particular, the present invention relates to a credit card authorization 
terminal including an imprinter. 
In today's world, a large percentage of, if not most, retail transactions 
take place by the use of credit. Most adults carry on their person a 
credit card associated with some retail chain, financial institution, etc. 
With the increased use of credit cards come many associated problems. 
There is always the possibility of losing or having one's credit cards 
stolen, and their being used by an unauthorized user. In addition, due to 
the instant availability of credit, some users have a tendency to charge 
on their line of credit more than they are authorized to charge. In an 
effort to deal with these problems, retail merchants, and the like, are 
required to verify with remote authorization centers whether the credit 
card holder has a sufficient line of credit for the transaction, and is 
authorized to use the card. Typically, this is accomplished by the 
merchant calling a remote authorization processing center so as to obtain 
authorization over the phone. Recently, authorization terminals have been 
developed which include a credit card reader, keyboard, display, and 
communications port all under microprocessor control. When a credit card 
transaction occurs, the authorization terminal is utilized to read the 
account number information on the credit card and establish communications 
with the remote authorization processing center. The credit card account 
number related information is then transmitted electronically to the 
remote authorization processing center. Upon receipt of the account 
information, the remote authorization processing center checks if there is 
proper authorization to utilize the card for the specified amount entered 
at the keyboard of the authorization terminal and also transmitted 
electronically from the authorization terminal. The card issuer then 
electronically transmits an appropriate response to the card authorization 
terminal, the response being displayed at the card authorization terminal. 
There is a need for card authorization terminals which provide for an 
integration of features in a single housing. For example, there is a real 
need for an authorization terminal which will provide a paper record of 
the credit card transaction, including audit information such as date of 
the transaction, credit card account number, the amount of the 
transaction, and authorization number or identifier. Moreover, the retail 
merchant after obtaining authorization on a credit card account must then 
use a credit card imprinter device so as to create multiple paper copies 
of the transaction details. Often times, the credit card imprinter device 
will not be readily available and/or being used. Moreover, the credit card 
imprinter device does not provide audit trail type information. 
Additionally, there is a need for an integrated card authorization terminal 
which efficiently utilizes counter space. Additionally, there is a need 
for a card authorization terminal which allows various configurations 
having a wide range of functional capability. 
Additionally, there is a need for an integrated card authorization terminal 
which provides card authenticating capabilities to reduce counterfeiting 
and fraudulent use of credit cards. 
The present invention solves these and many other problems associated with 
currently available authorization terminals. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a credit card imprinter authorization 
terminal for use during credit card transactions including keyboard means 
for operator entry of credit card transaction related information and 
display means for display of information. The credit card authorization 
terminal further includes printer means for printing credit card 
transaction related information and credit card reader means for reading 
credit card information stored on the credit card. The credit card 
authorization terminal is operatively controlled by microprocessor control 
means operatively interconnected to the keyboard means, display means, 
printer means, and credit card reader means. Data communication means is 
operatively interconnected to the microprocessor control means for 
communicating data between the microprocessor control means of the 
authorization terminal and a remote authorization processing location. 
Additionally, the credit card authorization terminal includes a credit 
card imprinter means for imprinting credit card transactions onto paper 
copies, the credit card imprinter means being contained in a housing 
structure housing the keyboard means, display means, credit card reader 
means, printer means, and microprocessor control means. 
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the printer means will 
automatically provide a printout of audit related information which might 
include credit card account number, transaction amount, authorization 
number, date, time, merchant identifier, and authentication code 
information under microprocessor control means control when proper 
authorization is received from the remote authorization processing center. 
This paper, or hard copy, printout can then be used later on for audit 
purposes. 
The present invention provides a convenient, single housing structure 
including the credit authorization terminal, printer means, and credit 
card imprinter means. 
In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the microprocessor 
control means might be operatively interconnected to a second keyboard 
herein referred to as a pin pad, for entry of the credit card holder's 
identification number so as to provide an additional element of security 
in the system. 
In yet other embodiments of the present invention, a microprocessor control 
means will include sufficient memory so as to enable capture and storage 
of the credit card transaction related data. The credit card transaction 
data can then be downloaded at a later time to the remote authorization 
processing location. An optional telephone handset might be included so as 
to enable use of the authorization terminal as a telephone. 
In yet other embodiments of the invention, a magnifying glass might be 
incorporated as a part of the housing structure for reading very small 
print on credit cards. In addition, an ultraviolet light might be included 
for reading print which is visible only under ultraviolet light. 
Various storage compartments might be included along with the authorization 
terminal to provide for storage of transaction documents. 
In those situations where a printout of audit information or the like is 
not required, the authorization terminal might not include the printer 
means. 
These and various other advantages and features of novelty which 
characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the 
claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better 
understanding of the invention, its advantages, and objects obtained by 
its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further 
part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is 
illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention. It will 
be appreciated that the invention has application for plastic cards in 
general, regardless of their nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
Illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a preferred embodiment of an authorization 
terminal, generally designated by the reference numeral 20, in accordance 
with the principles of the present invention. The authorization terminal 
20 includes a single housing 22 incorporating credit card imprinter device 
24, a keyboard 26, a display 28, a vertically positioned credit card 
reader 30 for reading the magnetically encoded data on a magnetic strip of 
a credit card, a printer device 32, and a data communication and modem 
logic 34 all operated by a microprocessor 36 and its associated memory 38. 
Power for the authorization terminal might be derived from a conventional 
AC outlet or from an internal DC battery supply or from an AC outlet 
transformer unit. As indicated in FIG. 2, the authorization terminal will 
preferably have a communication port providing for a suitable telephone 
line connection 40 so as to enable communication over telephone lines 42 
or the like to a remote authorization processing center 44. The data 
communication and modem logic 34 might be customized to meet communication 
requirements in various countries. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the 
authorization terminal might include an optional handset 46 so as to 
enable use as a telephone for conventional voice transfer. In addition, a 
pin pad 48 or second keyboard might be provided either as a part of the 
housing 22 or as a separate unit for entry of a credit card holder's 
identification number. As illustrated, the optional pin pad 48 would be 
suitably interconnected to the microprocessor 36 for input of data 
thereto. Additonally, a speaker 50 might be provided so as to allow the 
authorization terminal 20 to serve as an intercom device, provide voice 
authorization, keyboard response, and/or monitor dialing activity. 
It will be appreciated by looking at FIGS. 1 and 2, that the present 
invention provides a data authorization terminal which is relatively 
compact so as to not clutter up a counter space and yet be readily 
accessible and provide for a fast accurate way to verify credit. Moreover, 
as illustrated in FIG. 3, the data authorization terminal 20 might include 
sufficient memory so as to enable storing of credit card transaction 
information for later downloading or transmittal of the credit card 
transaction information to a remote processing center. Moreover, the 
present invention provides retail merchants maximum flexibility and 
security. In seconds they can authorize transactions for all types of 
major credit cards, private label cards, and access check acceptance 
services. 
It will be appreciated, that the isolated operational elements of the data 
authorization terminal 20 represent commercially available technology with 
the microprocessor 36 being programmed so as to provide suitable control 
over the individual operational elements. 
The housing configuration of the preferred embodiment facilitates ease of 
use. The imprinter device, is generally configured as a rugged flatbed 
type of imprinter. Immediately behind the imprinter 24 the housing 
structure 22 includes a raised or vertically extending portion 60 defining 
a surface 62 disposed above the imprinter device 24 and extending upwardly 
and away from the imprinter device 24. Positioned on the surface 62 so as 
to facilitate ease of use, are the keyboard 26, the display 28, the credit 
card reader 30, and the printer device 32. In addition, the housing 
portion 60 includes an overhanging portion 64 which projects generally 
forwardly of the housing portion 60 so as to provide for efficient use of 
counter space. It will be appreciated, that the authorization terminal 20 
of the present invention provides a relatively small footprint on the 
counter shelf. 
In typical use, as illustrated by the flow diagram 70, the operator will 
swipe the credit card through the credit card reader 30. In some 
instances, the authorization terminal will provide the operator with the 
capability to verify that the embossed numer on the card is the same as 
the encoded number for authenticating that the card has not been altered. 
The data authorization terminal 20 will then usually display on the 
display 28 the card encoded account number. At this point, the operator 
will enter the amount of the transaction. The data authorization terminal 
will then electronically transmit the account and transaction information 
to the remote authorization processing center. The data authorization 
terminal 20 will then receive credit approval/disapproval information and 
display it on the terminal display. The operator imprints the transaction 
document with the credit card data and writes the credit information on 
the imprinted document. If the data authorization terminal 20 has 
sufficient information to retain the overall transaction information, the 
data authorization terminal can be utilized to download or electronically 
transmit transaction information at a later point in time to the remote 
authorization processing center. At the time of the transaction, the 
printer 32 under the control of the microprocessor 36 will print an audit 
trail of the transaction including credit card account number, transaction 
amount, and authorization number. 
Illustrated in FIG. 4 is an alternate embodiment of a data authorization 
terminal 20' which includes a keyboard 26', display 28', credit card 
reader 30', and imprinter 24'. As with the first embodiment, the data 
authorization terminal 20' will include suitable data communication and 
modem logic and be controlled by a suitable microprocessor and associated 
memory. In this embodiment, there is no printer and the housing takes on a 
generally flatbed appearance. 
Illustrated in FIG. 5, is an embodiment of a data authorization terminal 
20" similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the data 
authorization terminal does not include a printer. In place of the 
printer, there is included storage compartments 100 for storage of 
appropriate documentation. It will be appreciated, that this embodiment, 
as well as the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, might also 
include as a part of their housing structures, storage shelves positioned, 
for example, underneath the main housing structure. This is illustrated in 
FIG. 4, for example, at 102. 
As an added security feature, the data authorization terminal 20 of the 
present invention might include a magnifying glass 104 suitably mounted, 
e.g., slideably or hingedly, on the housing 22 for reading small print on 
the credit card as well as an ultraviolet light source 106 for reading 
print invisible except when exposed to ultraviolet light. The magnifying 
glass and ultraviolet light might be located adjacent the storage 
compartment 102 as illustrated in FIG. 4 if present or in the raised 
portion of the authorization terminal 20. 
It is to be understood that even though the above numerous characteristics 
and advantages of the invention have been set forth in the foregoing 
description, together with details of the structure and function of the 
invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in 
detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts 
within the principle of the invention to the full extent indicated by the 
broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are 
expressed.