Abstract:
A transaction device comprises a terminal module and printer module mechanically secured in an angled configuration. This angled configuration orientates a touch screen input and display device at an angle to the horizontal to reduce reflected light problems. In addition, the angle orientation of the printer improves space efficiency. A lower surface of the terminal module is easily accessible for connecting the device to other modules or to remote computers.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to transaction terminals requiring a printed report and has particular application with respect to financial transaction terminals requiring a print receipt. 
     Financial transaction terminals are more desirable when the terminals can accommodate different forms of user payment. The terminals process payment by debit cards where the device reads a magnetic stripe in combination with the user entering an authorized PIN or by conventional credit card payment, cheque payment or smart card payment. A number of modular financial transaction systems which include a processing terminal electrically connected by cables to a printer have been used. Terminals of this type can also be connected to cheque readers, magnetic stripe readers and/or hand held input devices for entry of PIN numbers. Basically, the terminal includes ports for connecting to these accessory devices similar to a small computer system. 
     A modular system allows the user to connect the particular equipment that has been determined to be necessary, however, such modular systems are not space efficient. To overcome this problem, some modular systems include a specific support arrangement for organizing the individual modules of the system in a more efficient manner. In these modular systems, the terminal modular does the majority of the data processing and communication processing, however, individual modules typically have their own processors for controlling their specific function such as printing or cheque reading. The electrical cable connections between the devices are for exchanging information signals between the processors. With this arrangement, each module is more expensive due to independent processors, however, each module is more independent and requires less interaction with other modules. 
     Some financial transaction terminals have included touch screens as an input/output device. The use of touch screens simplifies reprogramming and also simplifies entry of information and instructions. Although touch screens have been used before, they have experienced some difficulty in that under some light conditions, the screens are difficult to read and interpret. 
     The present invention seeks to overcome a number of the deficiencies described above and provide a transaction terminal which is cost effective and convenient to use and service. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A transaction device according to the present invention comprises a terminal module and a printer module. The terminal module includes a processor, a touch screen input and display means, application memory means, data storage means, an electrical plug type connection for communicating with the printer module, and input and output ports. The printer module includes a paper supply roll support arrangement, a printing head, a paper drive arrangement, a paper outlet and an electrical plug type connection for communicating with the terminal module. The terminal module and the printer module are mechanically secured one to the other at an angle to one another. The transaction device, when supported in an operative orientation on a horizontal surface positions the touch input and display means of the terminal module at an upwardly extending angle relative to the horizontal. 
     According to an aspect of the invention, the mechanical securement of the two modules also maintains the plug type connection of the printer module in engagement with the plug type connection of the terminal module. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, the terminal module includes an injection molded housing and the printer module includes an injection molded housing. These housings include interlocking members which engage and form part of the mechanical securement of the modules. 
     According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the printer module and the terminal module, when secured, form an electrical cable access gap beneath the terminal module and the printer module. 
     According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the terminal module, on a bottom surface, includes a recessed cable connection cavity and the input and output ports of the terminal module are located in a wall of this cavity. 
     According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the recess cavity includes a hinged cover member to enclose the cavity for cable storage and allows passage of cables to and from the base of the transaction device. 
     According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the printer module of the transaction device has an adjustable support at a rear portion of the printer module which is movable between at least two different support positions. A variation between the two support positions causes the angle of the touch screen input/output display means to vary relative to horizontal, at least 5 degrees. With this arrangement the transaction device can be adjusted to change the angle of the touch screen to minimize problems from reflected light. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the display screen changes seven degrees. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the transaction device; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the transaction device showing the terminal module and the printer module; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial exploded perspective view showing the securement of the printer module to the terminal module; 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing the transaction device two different support positions; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the terminal module with the touch screen facing downwardly; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing certain components of the transaction module; 
     FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view showing details of a hinge arm of a cover member; 
     FIG. 8 is sectional view showing the movement of the hinge cover to a locked position; 
     FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 with the cover in the locked position; 
     FIG. 10 is a side view of the transaction terminal with partial cutaway, a memory card locked in place due to the securement of the two modules; 
     FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing various cables entering wand leaving the base of the transaction module 
     FIG. 12 is a partial side view showing details of a spring biased latch arrangement of the printer module; 
     FIG. 13 shows a side view of part of the cover of the printer module about to be moved to a locked position; 
     FIG. 14 is a partial side view showing locking of the cover of the printer module; 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevational view showing an improvement to the magnetic card slot with a change of direction ramp at the exit to the slot; 
     FIG. 16A is a perspective view showing a cheque reader attached to the side of the printer module; 
     FIG. 16B is a sideview of the printer module of FIG. 16A; 
     FIG. 17 is a partial exploded perspective view showing part of a printed circuit board of the terminal module; and 
     FIG. 18 is a schematic of the components of the terminal module. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The transaction terminal generally shown as  2  includes a transaction module  4  which is mechanically secured to a printer module  40 . The touch screen input/output unit  6  allows the transaction module to display various symbols on the touch screen and the user merely presses on the desired symbols for inputting information and/or instructions. Any required changes to the symbols is a software change and relatively easy to carry out. 
     The printer module  40  preferably has a large cavity therein for receiving a roll of paper and a thermal print head is provided near the paper discharge port  44 . The printer module includes adjustable feet  42  which are movable between two different support positions for altering the angle of the touch screen  6 . 
     The printer module  40  and the transaction module  4  are connected at an approximate 90 degree angle to one another and the transaction device is supported at the front edge  14  of the transaction module and by the adjustable feet  42  located at a rear position of the printer module. With this arrangement, there is a triangular cavity beneath the transaction device used to allow cables to connect to various ports on a bottom surface of the transaction module. 
     The angled orientation of the terminal and printer modules reduces the size of the area on a counter that the device occupies. The occupied space is typically referred to as the foot print of the device and the angled configuration of the two modules allows the foot print to be relatively small. Angling of the terminal module, angles the touch screen reducing problems associated with reflected light. In addition, the modular design allows separation of the two modules by the user should repair of one of them be required. The generally perpendicular connection is also preferred to ease connection and to form a strong mechanical connection. 
     A holder  12  is attached to the side of the terminal module and is used for receiving the conventional hand held secure entry pin device  70  for entering of PIN numbers. This device connects with a RS 232 port in the base of the transaction module. 
     The transaction module  4  is shown separated from the printer module  40  (in FIG.  2 ). The transaction module includes a molded plastic housing  16  having side extensions  18  and a channel recess  20  at an upper end of the module for receiving the paper discharge end of the printer module  40 . The printer module includes a C-shaped flange  52  which mates with a stub block  30  provided on a back surface of the transaction terminal. The printer module also includes a male plug type connector  54  which is received in a female plug type connector provided on the back of the surface of the transaction module when the modules are secured. 
     Details of the mechanical securement of the printer module  40  with the terminal module  4  are illustrated in FIG.  3 . The transaction module on the back surface thereof includes the stub block  30  which is received in the C-shaped flange  52  of the printer module. The female plug type connector  24  is located in a cavity  25  which allows the male type connector  54  of the print module to engage the connector  24 . The side extension members  18  each include near a base portion thereof, a recessed keyway  22  which receives the outwardly extending slide keys  48  of the printer module. These slide keys include a passageway for a bolt  50  to pass therethrough and engage threaded ports  29  in the transaction module. 
     The actual mechanical securement of the printer module to the transaction module includes a number of cooperating surfaces including the C-shaped flange  52  engaging the stub block  30 , the slide keys  48  engaging the recess keyways  22 , the interior of the side extension members  18  engaging side portions of the print module, as well as the mechanical securement of the bolts  50  drawing the printer module into engagement with the transaction module. 
     The removable flash card  80  is received in its associated port  82  and is used by the transaction module. This flash memory card is retained in the transaction module and requires the printer module to be separated from the transaction module to remove the card. This card contains programs, user parameters and transaction records. If there is a problem with the transaction module, this card can be removed and placed in a replacement module. The financial transactions, parameters and operating system are maintained and used by the replacement terminal. Preferably, the card cannot be removed without disconnecting the printer module to provide additional safety against unauthorized removal. 
     From the above it can be understood that a strong mechanical securement of the printer module  40  to the transaction module  4  has been achieved. Furthermore, once assembled, the modules form a transaction terminal which is similar to an integral terminal but has significant advantages with respect to service and shipping. 
     The assembled transaction module and printer module are shown in the side elevation of FIG.  4 . Touch screens often suffer from reflected light problems which render the touch screen difficult to view. The two adjustable feet  42  of the printer module are connected and move as a unit. 
     The solid lines of FIG. 4 show the feet  42  in an elevated position and the dashed lines show the feet in a lower position where the angle of the touch screen has been reduced. This results in an approximate seven degree variation in the angle of the touch screen between the two positions. It has been found that if there is a reflected light problem in one position rendering the screen difficult to read, then adjustment of the feet to the alternate position changes the angle of the screen about seven degrees and the reflected light problem is overcome. Generally, a variation of the angle of the touch screen of at least five degrees is sufficient. 
     FIG. 4 also shows the front edge  14  of the transaction terminal having inserted rubber feet  31  for griping with the support surface. Similarly, the adjustable feet  42  include rubber inserts  45  for improving engagement with the supporting horizontal surface. 
     The lower surface of the transaction module  2  is shown in FIG.  5 . The stub block  30  includes on the vertical face  32 , a series of input/output ports  34 . The stub block  30  cooperates with the hinged cover  102  for defining an enclosure which contains and organizes any cables which are connected to the transaction module. It is noted that the printer module is connected to the terminal by the separate connectors  24  and  54 . Further details of the ports are shown in FIG.  6 . 
     The cable collection cavity  112  includes a removable cover  140  which is secured by bolts  142  to the transaction module. Beneath this cover are four SIM (Subscriber Interface Card) sockets  144 . The SIM cards are not normally end user replaceable and include circuit protection. These cards are replaceable by qualified service personnel. Additionally, the rear surface of the transaction module includes a further multi pin connection port  150 . The connecting socket is located at the base of the port  150 . Also two threaded ports  151  and  153  are provided either side of this connection port  150  for mechanically securing an accessory to the side of the terminal. These ports are used for securing of the holder  12  or the holder can be removed and a cheque reader  200  received and supported as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B. This type of connection avoids a cable connection and simplifies the device for the end user. 
     The hinged cover  102  includes cover sidewalls which cooperate with the stub block for completing the enclosure. 
     FIG. 6 shows some details of the hinged cover  102  and an integral spring arm  106 . The spring arm extends from one end of the cover and includes a hinge port  134  at the free end thereof for engaging a stub member of the housing of the transaction module. The port  134  is supported by the cantilevered arm  132  which is connected to the extension arm  130  extending from the projection  106 . This arrangement defines the spring arm  106  where the resiliency of the plastic accommodates limited movement in the direction  136  of the cover  102  relative to the housing. 
     Locking of the lid can be appreciated from FIG.  5 . The free end of the cover  102  has cam members  114  located on either side of the cover which cooperate with the grooves  116  provided in the stub block  30 . As the cover is brought into engagement with the stub block, the cams  114  engage the grooves  116  and force the cover to move somewhat forwardly to accommodate movement of the cam member over the stub block. Once the cam member clears the back edge of the groove  116 , the face  115  of the cam member snaps into the groove and allows the cover to return rearwardly. This movement of the cover is caused by the spring arms  106  which return to a non stressed state. 
     Details of the securement of the spring arms  106  to the transaction module are shown in FIG.  7 . The spring arms hook onto circular stubs  115  of the housing of the transaction module. Details of the movement of the cover during the closing thereof, is shown in FIG.  8  and FIG. 9 shows the cover in a closed condition. 
     FIG. 10 shows the overlapping relationship of the printer module and the transaction module. The bottom surface of the printer module includes an extending support flange  154  which engages the bottom of the transaction module and the flange wraps either side of the transaction module to further improve the securement. 
     The angled assembled condition of the two modules and the large space beneath the transaction module to allow any cables to pass in or out of the device is clearly shown in FIG.  11 . Any excess length of cables can be stored in the cable cavity  112 . 
     A particular latch closure of the printer module is shown in FIGS. 12,  13  and  14 . The printer module includes a hinged cover member  176  having pressure roller  172  engaging the thermal printing head  190 . Paper stored in the printing module is fed over the printing head and is pressed against the spring loaded printing head by the pressure roller  172 . A release handle  164  is pivoted at  166  to the lid  176 . This release handle also includes a recess  168  which engages an extension  163  of the locking arm  162 . With the release handle  164  in an open position as shown in FIG. 12, the arm  162  extends upwardly. The cover  176  may be brought into engagement with the base of the printing module and the locking arm will take a position generally as shown in FIG.  13 . The cover  176  generally meets with the bottom portion of the housing  175  and essentially closes. 
     The pressure roller, prior to bottoming out in the recess  160  of the bottom of the housing of the print module loosely contacts the spring loaded printing head  190 . This printing head is pivotally supported and pivots about point  191 . The spring  193  biases the head to the position of FIG.  12 . 
     During closing of the cover member  176 , the pressure roller  172  bottoms out on the printing head. In this position, the latch  164  is then activated to pivot around the point  166 . This pivotting action also causes the locking arm  162  to pivot about point  174  and engage the edge  179  of the recess  160 . These components form a cam arrangement where the pressure roller engages and moves the spring biased thermal printing head  190 . Each end of the pressure roller is supported by a spring arm of the lid. Closing of the latch causes the cam arrangement to displace the spring arms and the pressure roller against the thermal printing head and displaces the head against the spring bias. This provides a pressure on the paper providing good grip to advance with the pressure roller and good contact with the printing head. 
     The printing head is displaced downwardly due to the camming of the arm  162  as the release handle is moved to the locked position of FIG.  14 . The printing head moves down and provides a spring bias maintaining the arm  162  locked in the recess  160 . It is released by pulling on the release handle  164  which allows the cover  176  to move upwardly and the thermal printing head moves several degrees in a counter clockwise direction around the pivot point  191 . 
     With this arrangement, proper pressure between the roller  172  and the thermal printing head  190  is maintained. The pressure roller  172  is also driven by gears provided at the side of the printer module and advances the paper in accordance with a stepping motor provided in the printer module. The printer module communicates with the transaction module through the plug type connections and the actual control signal for the motor is provided by the transaction module. In this way, the printer module does not have a processor and processing of the print function is carried out by the transaction module. 
     The print module also includes a fixed paper tear bar  180  secure adjacent the discharge port  44 . A paper out sensor is also provided adjacent the print head. 
     FIG. 15 shows a further feature of the invention where the magnetic stripe card reader is of a conventional design with respect to a major portion of the slide, however, the bottom of the slide closest to what will be the horizontal support surface includes a discharge ramp  200  which causes a change in angle of the card as it is being discharged during a downward sliding of the card. This prevents the card striking the horizontal support surface and encourages the timing of the action of the user to pull up on the card. This arrangement has been found to ease the modification for swiping of cards to accommodate the angling of the transaction module. 
     It can also be seen that the slide assembly has been supported at an elevated position and on part of one of the extensions  18 . In this way the operating portion of the slide has been shifted upwardly providing additional clearance near the base of the unit for removal of the card. 
     The extensions  18  also serve to enhance the securement of the printer module to the transaction module and improve the overall appearance of the terminal such that it appears to be an integral device. Should there be a need to service either the printer module or the terminal module, this is accomplished by merely replacing the faulty module. If the transaction module is in need of repair, the user can remove the memory card  80  and insert it in a new terminal module. This card includes the financial information, the operating system and other components for operating the device. This memory card can come in various storage capacities and it also provides a simple way for updating the operating system and implementing any improvements to the terminal. 
     The SIM cards located in the base of the terminal allow use of the device with different types of smart cards. A smart card includes an electronic storage of funds on the card which is appropriately reduced for payment of purchases. There are a number of providers of this type of service and they all include their own protocols and procedures for executing this payment option. The provision of the four SIM receptors in the base of the terminal accommodates four different providers. 
     A check reader  200  of FIGS. 16A and 16B includes its own electrical connector which mates with a multi pin connector on a circuit board of the device and exposed connection port  150 . Bolts connect the check reader to the threaded ports  151  and  153 . A slot  210  provides a guideway for sliding a check  215  past a read head. The touch screen is used to enter any information for the check payment transaction. 
     In some embodiments, a check reader is not required and port  150  is closed. The check reader and/or the base of the terminal can include a further mounting position for the holder  12 . 
     The schematic layout of FIG. 18 shows the various ports provided with the terminal module and the connection of the terminal module with telephone lines, the printer module, an expansion module and the other components of the system. With the operation of various payment options, the PIN entry device  70  can also include a smart card entry slot for accommodating transactions. 
     The terminal device has been described with respect to financial transactions, however, it does have application for other types of transactions such as health card transactions, as but one example. Smart Cards allow the storage of information on the card and this has particular benefits with respect to health services. A person can have on his own card, all of the particulars to uniquely identify the person, as well as critical health records and health history. The printer module in these applications provides a paper copy of the information that has been added to the file history and can also be used for signature purposes to confirm that a particular service has been performed. 
     It can therefore be appreciated that this transaction device has a number of different uses and is not confined to the financial transaction field. 
     Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.