Abstract:
The invention relates to a device that can read numerical information from a credit card, interfaced with a general purpose digital computer for automatic credit card validation and/or dialing approaches to include through the computer charge and billing information in conjunction with the credit card utilized. The entire system is automatic and eliminates telephone operator intercept. It can be utilized in conjunction with an automatic telephone dialing equipment. There are unique characteristics in the credit card itself which might be either visual, mechanical, or magnetically validated, and wherein the validation equipment preferably has no moving parts to eliminate breakdown problems.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There have been other attempts of incorporating some type of coded ticket or card-reader apparatus with telephone equipment such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,784,793 and 3,929,278, but none of these is a credit card arrangement operating in conjunction with a general purpose computer to eliminate operator intercepts on toll calls. Further, none of these apparatus incorporate the concept of using automatic dialing associated with the card, and numerous flexible arrangements for storing data on and reading it from the card which can be utilized with a card reader having no moving parts. Other general patents of interest in the supervised-type telephone or intercommunication systems include the following: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,499,115; 3,511,939; 3,524,931; 3,725,601; 3,728,493; 3,931,478; 4,054,756; and 4,081,614. None of these, however, utilize a credit card in a manner proposed by applicants to eliminate operator intercept, nor do they utilize the type of card readout contemplated and wherein card readout is accomplished with apparatus having no moving parts. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, the general object of the present invention is to provide a device that can read numeral information from a credit card. Numerical information on the card has the receiving phone number, an individual&#39;s credit card number, and any other numerical information required. The information read from the card by the apparatus of the invention is transmitted to a general purpose digital computer for recording or validating the information read therefrom, and making arrangements to conduct some type of telephonic communications, including the recording of time charges, or anything else appropriate, and preparation of suitable billing or tabulation of the information generated. 
     A further object of the invention is that the credit cards themselves would preferably be of standard size, made of plastic or metal, could utilize magnetically, optically with punched holes or colors, or mechanical actuation. For more security, additional digits can be dialed or &#34;touch-toned&#34; in case the card is lost. 
     A further object of the invention is that the care reader and validator utilizes no moving parts, is fast, accurate, and relatively inexpensive. 
     A further object of the invention is to incorporate the credit card reader and credit card itself in conjunction with a general purpose digital computer to give the telephone a greater flexibility, versatility, and eliminate operator intercepts to complete long distance calls and record billing and pertinent number information. 
     A further object of the invention is to incorporate a credit card reader with automatic dialing equipment to facilitate dialing frequently used numbers with a credit card recorder, thus conserving time and ensuring greater accuracy. 
     The aforesaid objects of the invention and other objects which will become apparent as the detailed description proceeds are achieved by providing a credit card, a credit card reader to validate numerical data and information stored on the credit card, a general purpose digital computer to receive the information from the credit card reader, record the same, and provide interface with a telephonic network, and means to record time and numerical data necessary in conjunction with the call so as to charge it to the credit card number validated. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a better understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram indicative of the overall system incorporating the card, reader, automatic dialer and general purpose digital computer; 
     FIG. 2 shows the mechanical breakdown of a card holder and microprocessor board associated with the signal readout from the credit card; 
     FIG. 3 shows a microprocessor and peripheral units with which the microprocessor reads card information; 
     FIGS. 4 through 8 are plan view schematics of different types of credit cards to be associated with the system; 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a modified embodiment of a moving scan reader for the credit card validator and reader; and 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a modified embodiment of the reader which utilizes an optical readout system incorporating light transmission over glass lead lines. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference to the embodiment of the invention illustrated generally in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the numeral 10 indicates generally a credit card reader which is designed to effect reading of a card input indicated by numeral 12. The detailed description of the reader 10 and card 12 is set forth in more detail hereinafter. Accompanying and operating in connection with the card reader 10 is a dialer 14, which can be of any type currently available on the market simply adapted to be compatible with the credit card reader in a manner that is well understood by one skilled in the art. 
     In any event, the credit card reader provides an input signal indicated by numeral 16 to a general purpose digital computer 18 where the signal is processed to determine validity which may send a return signal 20 back to the reader signaling further readout or authorizing actuation of the dialer 14 which then can send a signal 22 into the computer for transmission via signal 24 to effect a telephone call. The information from the call as to time, charges, number called, etc., is then passed back as a signal 26 into the computer to provide data summary information 28 and billing and accounting information 30 as desired. 
     Hence, the general concept of the invention is the combination of the credit card with the reader, an optional automatic dialer association, and signal communications back and forth and between the reader and the general purpose computer. 
     FIG. 2 shows the card holder and microprocessor board. It is desired to achieve the objects of the invention that all of the cards have a row of signals below the number area. Insertion of the credit card indicated by numeral 40 in FIG. 2 turns on respective switches 42 and 44 at each end of the card. The swiches 42 and 44 turn on indicator lights 46 which are positioned on the outside of the top of the card reader case, indicating to the individual that the card has been properly inserted. These switches 42 and 44 also start the microprocessor wherein it is programmed to start by reading the first of the signal row beneath the number area. If there is no number above it, the first signal would not give an input. The program then moves to the second signal input. Assuming it gives a number above it, the program moves to a number reading subroutine. It reads the number signals and goes to subroutine that represents the number. This subroutine turns on the proper frequency generators for its number. The frequency generator outputs are attached to the phone line, so it will be transmitted through the phone line, and this is the line 16 connected to the general purpose digital computer of FIG. 1. The program has a timer subroutine that will keep the frequency on for the proper time. After the proper time, the program returns to the next signal row input. If there is a next number, the microprocessor program goes to a subroutine for a different number. This procedure continues to the end of the signal row, reading signals where there is a signal, and proceeding if there is not. It will also read and send through the phone line 16 in the same way. Basically, the microprocessor is indicated by numeral 50 and it includes appropriate ROMS 52 and 54, RAMS 56 and 58, and PIA&#39;s 60 and 62, these connected to appropriate frequency circuits indicated generally by numeral 64. Power to the unit is provided by a power input line 66, and of course the readout is through the optical sensors indicated generally by numeral 70. It should be understood, however, that the sensors 70 could indeed be magnetic sensors or mechanical sensors to adapt the system for these different types of readout. 
     The microprocessor 15 is also programmed to read out letters in the same way as the numbers. Sometimes the area code numbers are not used, depending if it is a local transmission or long distance, and if they should not be transmitted, a small cover is fastened over the area code number signals and the signal row on the card before it is inserted. After insertion, the program will not send the numbers above the covered signal rows because the sensors will not see them. 
     All the cards operate in the same manner, with the inputs simply requiring a different sensor 70. The program may require a minor change because some inputs may be of high or low voltage, and this can be readily accomplished by appropriate programming well known to those skilled in the art. 
     As indicated earlier, the transmissions over line 16 operate the computer for storing and acting upon the information. If there is some additional information that is not on the card which wants to be sent by the individual, the program can also operate to pass on signals from the phone keys without disconnecting the sending microprocessor 50. 
     The particular program associated with the components comprising the two RAMS, the two ROMS, and the PIA of FIG. 2 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, all in a manner with interconnections shown that is understood by those skilled in the art. 
     The credit cards have all the number information in the following methods: 
     1. The card, FIG. 4, has a binary number system with each bit black. All the bytes are black, with unused bit area bright. The readout optical reflector sensors are stationally positioned in front of each bit, as shown in the readout FIG. 2. 
     2. The card, FIG. 5, uses the reverse procedure, all the used bits are white, with all the unused bits black. This procedure works the same optical reflector sensors as the previous unit, but with a different program in the microprocessor unit reads out the numbers correctly even though the sensors high and low are opposite. Also, the bits are made of various colors, with color filters on the sensors. 
     3. The third card, FIG. 6, shows a punched card that has the used bits punched, which activates the optical sensor by the reflection area behind the hole. 
     4. The fourth card, FIG. 7, is a stationary magnetic unit. The permanent magnets activate the bit sensors, putting the numerical information into the microprocessor without requiring card movement. 
     5. The fifth card, FIG. 8 is a card that has a raised section for every bit that is high. It is sent into the microprocessor by the high unit pressing a contact. As shown on a portion of the sketch, a seven segment number is also used as a transmitting system for enabling transmission of any number or letter. This combination is also used on all the previous card systems. 
     All the cards can transmit all the numerical and letter information desired. In addition to this, all the cards have an invisible magnetic or optical symbol on the lower edge that starts the microprocessor. If an individual made a counterfeit card that looked like the one he copied, the lack of this invisible magnetic symbol would prevent use of a person&#39;s card by an individual that had copied it. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a moving sensor pickup that alternatively could be utilized to scan the information in the credit card. This system utilizes a simple chain drive to move the scanner up and down along the track with a flexible electrical lead from the scanner connected into the detection circuitry, this being similar to that illustrated and described with regard to the nonmoving embodiments set forth above. 
     FIG. 10 is an optical readout embodiment utilizing a plurality of optical transmissions by light through flexible glass strands utilizing a sequential scan from a central rotater mechanism that is mechanically driven. There is, however, no movement of the card or any scanning sensor and, hence, this arrangement is simple and substantially mechanically free from operating defects. 
     The particulars of the program to be utilized in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1 and the circuit arrangement of FIG. 2 is substantially as follows: 
     
         __________________________________________________________________________TELEPHONE CONTROL PROGRAM FOR CREDIT CARD__________________________________________________________________________BOTH PIA&#39;S INITIALIZATION ROUTINE8000   86 LDA A (IMM.)             801A                             00 (Data Dir. Reg. A)8001   00                          801B                             B7 STA A8002   B7 STA A                    801C                             30 (PIA 2)8003   0C (PIA 1)                  801D                             02 (Data Dir. Reg. B)8004   01 (Control Reg. A)         801E                             86 LDA A8005   B7 STA A                    801F                             37 (IMM.)8006   0C (PIA 1)8007   03 (Control Reg. B)         8020                             B7 STA A8008   B7 STA A                    8021                             0C8009   30 (PIA 2)                  8022                             01                          8023                             B7 STA A800A   01 (Control Reg. A)         8024                             0C800B   B7 STA A                    8025                             03800C   30 (PIA 2)                  8026                             B7 STA A800D   03 (Control Reg. B)         8027                             30800E   86 LDA A (IMM.)             8028                             01800F   FF                          8029                             B7 STA A8010   B7 STA A                    802A                             308011   0C (PIA 1)                  802B                             038012   00 (Data Direction Reg. A)  802C                             86 LDA A (IMM.)8013   B7 STA A                    802D                             008014   0C (PIA 1)                  802E                             B7 STA A8015   02 (Data Dir. Reg. B)       802F                             0C (PIA 1)8016   86 LDAA8017   F0 (IMM.)                   8030                             00 (Peripheral Reg. A.)8018   B7 STA A                    8031                             B7 STA A8019   30 (PIA 2)                  8032                             0C (PIA 1)                          8033                             02 (Peripheral Reg. B)8034   B7 STA A                    8050                             BD JSR8035   30 (PIA 2)                  8051                             80 (Timing Subroutine)8036   00 (Peripheral Reg. A)      8052                             9C8037   B7 STA A                    8053                             4A DEC A8038   30 (PIA 2)                  8054                             2D BLT8039   02 (Peripheral Reg. B)      8055                             08803A   0E CLI                      8056                             B7 STA A                          8057                             0C803B   01 NOP     HOLD ROUTINE     8058                             00803C   01 NOP     AFTER PIA        8059                             F6 LDA B (Ext.)803D   3E WAI     INITIALIZATION                          805A                             30803E   86 LDAA    ROUTINE FOR ENTERING                          805B                             02803F   09         FIRST NUMBER     805C                             20 BRA                          805D                             E68040   BD JSR                      805E                             86 LDAA      ROUTINE FOR ENTERING8041   80         INITIAL ZERO NUMBER                          805F                             09           2nd NUMBER8042   81         CHECK ROUTINE8043   01 NOP                      8060                             BD JSR8044   58 ASL 58                   8061                             808045   58 ASL 58                   8062                             8D8046   58 ASL 58                   8063                             01 NOP8047   58 ASL 58                   8064                             58 ASL8048   F7 STA B                    8065                             58 ASL8049   30 (PIA 2)                  8066                             58 ASL                          8067                             58 ASL804A   02 (Peripheral Reg. B)      8068                             F7 STA B804B   C6 LDA B                    8069                             30804C   F0 (IMM.)804D   F7 STA B804E   0C (PIA 1)804F   02 (Peripheral Reg. B)806A   02                          8081                             B7 STA A806B   C6 LDA B                    8082                             0C806C   F0                          8083                             00           CHECK CARD FOR806D   F7 STA B                    8084                             4A DEC A     FIRST NUMBER806E   0C                          8085                             F6 LDA B     ZEROES SUBROUTINE806F   02                          8086                             30                          8087                             028070   BD JSR                      8088                             C1 CMP8071   80                          8089                             008072   9C                          808A                             27 BEQ8073   4A DEC A                    808B                             F58074   2D BLT                      808C                             39 RTS8075   088076   B7 STA A                    808D                             01 NOP       CHECK CARD FOR8077   0C                          808E                             86 LDA       INITIAL ZERO8078   02                          808F                             09           SUBROUTINE8079   F6 LDA B                    8090                             B7 STA A     (2nd NUMBER)                          8091                             0C807A   30                          8092                             02807B   00                          8093                             4A DEC A807C   20 BRA                      8094                             F6 LDA B807D   E6                          8095                             30807E   7E JMP     STOP             8096                             00807F   80                          8097                             C1 CMP8080   3C         ROUTINE          8098                             00                          8099                             27 BEQ                          809A                             F5                          809B                             39 RTS809C   01 NOP809D   CE LDX809E   FF         NUMBER ON809F   FF         TIMING80A0   09 DEX     SUBROUTINE80A1   2E BGT80A2   FD80A3   39 RTS__________________________________________________________________________ 
    
     Hence, the summary of the program comprises the following steps: 
     1. Card positioned into receiver to cause actuation; 
     2. All PIA&#39;s initialized; 
     3. If correct card determined, it goes past WA1, but if not correct card, it goes to subroutine that lights a remove light (this is just that the indicator lights 46 will go off); 
     4. Routine is processed for entering the first number; 
     5. A subroutine is accomplished for checking initial zeroes; 
     6. After any initial zeroes, all the other numbers are read; 
     7. A subroutine is processed for holding the number output time correct; 
     8. Routine for entering the second number, and then simply repeat steps 5 through 7 on the second number, and so on through all the numbers; 
     9. A wait instruction with this providing a tone indication indicating then Step 10 to 
     10. Proceed to dial the long distance direct-dialed call, or to initiate an automatic dial of up to 20 numbers since the computer is enabled. 
     In some instances, it may be desirable to operate the basic system without the credit card per se, and in this instance the desired numerical information can be prestored in the microprocessor 50 which would include the access number and the actual code identification number. In other words, only the card 12 and the credit card reader 10 would be eliminated, but the microprocessor 50 and all of its associated equipment would store the preprogrammed information to achieve the transmission of the input signal 16, the validate signal 20, as well as the dialing information in association with the general purpose digital computer 18. This eliminates the necessity for the current reader portion only and in some instances may simplify the system and reduce the cost. It may be particularly applicable where it is not necessary to store information on card 12 and would be permanently stored on the attachment to the telephone which would constitute the microprocessor 50 and its associated equipment as best shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. 
     This attachment might also be small enough and compact enough to be carried in the same manner as the card 12 and simply attached to any telephone mouthpiece for preprogrammed transmittal of the tone information, thus accomplishing the purpose of the card 12 within the transmitter portion itself. 
     While in accordance with the patent statutes, only the best known embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be particularly understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby, but that the inventive scope is defined in the appended claims.