WO1983000245A1

WO1983000245A1 - Integrated device and method for the acquisition, processing and control, related to transactions of all payment instruments such as cheques, magnetic cards and memory cards

Info

Publication number: WO1983000245A1
Application number: PCT/FR1982/000108
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michel Jean Francois Ma Widmer
Original assignee: WIDMER, Michel, Jean, François, Marie
Priority date: 1981-06-26
Filing date: 1982-06-25
Publication date: 1983-01-20
Also published as: EP0082175A1; AU8683282A

Abstract

Device for the acquisition, processing and control of all payment instruments (3, 5, 6) comprising: - a processing area (2) carrying out the following operations: endorsing, reading of the RIB (banking identity statement), post-marking and issuing of cheque forms (3), - a processing area (4) of magnetic cards (5) and memory cards (6) providing for the setting in place thereof, blocking and reading of the RIB, - a control system for the receivability of the payment instruments from their RIB, checking the non opposition by remotely interrogating a central file (12) by means of a MODEM (13) connected to a communication network (14), by consulting a mass storage (10), and checking the identity of the issuer by comparison between an identification number provided by the central file (12) and a code communicated at (17) by the issuer, - a system for updating the accounts, writting the transactions on the mass storage (10), regularly addressed at the central file (12) for straightening out the accounts.

Description

Integrated method and device for entering, processing and controlling at the place of a transaction all payment documents such as checks, magnetic cards and memory cards

The purpose of this addition is an improvement to the device for entering, processing and checking payment documents described in the main patent application No. 79 27673 of November 9, 1979, and intended to widen the field of use of this device. .

The main patent proposes an apparatus ensuring simplification, control, automation and increased rationalization in the individual and merchant ink transactions carried out using checks and magnetic credit cards.

The main characteristic of the device is to carry out on the place of the transaction and in an integrated way the control of the identity of holders of checks and credit cards. To do this, the system reads the bank identity statement (RIB) carried on each of the supports of the payment vouchers concerned. In addition, it includes an inaccessible system generating electronically and from a secret algorithm a code called "Personal Identification Number" (KIP) known only to the holder.

Following each transaction proposal, made using a check or a magnetic card, the issuer is invited to sign their PIN. The device compares the number signified by the sender and the calculated secret PIN. He considers it probable that the identity of the bearer and that of the holder of the payment document match when the two numbers match, otherwise he refuses the transaction.

In addition, the device performs automatically and at the place of the transaction a certain number of check processing steps,

- simplifying the necessary requirements between; individuals and traders,

- and increasing the speed of the administrative and banking operations of collection and clearing which must be usually carried out by the merchant and the banks.

In particular, the device proposes to automatically perform:

- automatic editing of the check, i.e. printing of the amount, the name of the beneficiary and the place of issue of the check,

- the post-marking of the check, that is to say the addition to the standardized coded line of the check of the amount of the transaction,

- And, finally, storage of the transaction amount associated with the issuer's RIB.

The main patent describes in detail the algorithms and your basic subsets allowing those skilled in the art to produce the device according to the invention using conventional techniques. However, an apparatus according to the main patent, produced according to its directives and using the simple existing sub-assemblies present a certain number of difficulties of use linked essentially to problems of reliability and bulk, due to the unsuitability existing materials, which restrict the field of use.

Thus, the usual multi-track standardized magnetic card reader systems include a certain number of independent fixed magnetic heads each associated with one of the card tracks. The cards are moved relative to the heads using a complex system of rollers driven by an electric motor. This multi-track magnetic badge reader system leads to a number of usage problems. The multiplication of the number of heads leads to a complication of the device, the complexity of the drive mechanism leads to numerous reliability and maintenance problems and finally the mode of application of each head against its track is often deficient due deformation of the cards and many faults ensue. Furthermore, the device does not provide for carrying out a certain number of operations and functions, the realization of which is very desirable in order to unify in a single device the entry of all the payment methods and to optimize the progress of their processing steps. In particular, the device is not intended to process the new types of memory cards essentially constituted by an internal electronic memory accessible from the outside by means of an electrical connection socket with electrodes cooperating with a contact pad. arranged on the map.

Similarly, the device is not equipped to make the back of the check in the name of the beneficiary.

In addition, the device is not intended to edit receipts, day newspapers, and more generally the various transaction vouchers.

Admittedly, it is possible to widen the actuating cai of the apparatus in the desired direction by adding to it additional sub-assemblies intended to perform the desired additional functions. It will then be necessary to dispense in parallel with the device a memory card reader, a backing system and one or more printers. each intended to edit a given format of documents.

It is easy to understand that this solution considerably increases the size of the device and leads to device sizes which are practically unusable in the commercial field. In addition, the juxtaposition of inexpensive, uncoordinated sub-assemblies leads to a very significant increase in the cost price of the device.

Finally, the methods of control of payment vouchers which equip the system are summary and deserve to be supplemented in order to respond to the growing problems of cases of anonymous fraud in terms of payment voucher.

The purpose of this addition is to remedy these various drawbacks and shortcomings of the device

- by proposing an embodiment of the device perfectly adapted to these operating conditions as well as to the needs, constraints and desires of its users, traders, customers and banking organizations

- by considerably increasing the characteristics, quality, reliability of the device - and by improving its cost price.

Depending on the addition, the device performs the universal and integrated processing (on line or off Une) of all known payment vouchers and ensures the verification of the admissibility of each of them.

- by checking the identity of the holder-issuer - and, possibly, by ensuring the non-opposition made on these securities. In addition, the device according to the addition performs a complete and automatic printing of the wording of the checks as well as the postmarking and the backing thereof, that is to say that at the end of the transaction the checks are in condition to be fully processed mechanically by the bank for which they are intended. In addition, the device according to the addition ensures:

- an instant update of magnetic and memory cards, - the edition of supporting vouchers such as cash register receipts, credit card tickets, merchant's daily journal, grouping vouchers for purchases in supermarkets, - the storage of the validated transaction before transfer and possibly the instant electronic transfer of funds. However, the main originality of the device according to the addition is to be designed around original sub-assemblies perfectly adapted to its conditions of use and meeting in particular the fundamental criteria of size and reliability which are imposed on it.

Thus, the device according to the addition comprises two insertion zones, one intended for the introduction and processing of check forms as well as for the edition of supporting tickets and the other, reserved exclusively for processing. magnetic and memory cards. The formula corresponding to a check issued is first introduced according to its greatest length in the area reserved for it. This zone comprises a plate provided with a drive device vis-à-vis which are arranged an endorser mechanism, a reader of the coded line of checks, a print head with sequential transverse action and a post coding wheel. -marking. The formula goes back and forth along this processing stage.

During the outward journey, carried out at constant speed under the action of the drive mechanism,

- the reader analyzes the coded line of the check, isolates the RI B, that is to say the number of the form, the references of the bank and the contact details of the holder inside this bank, - the endorser, essentially constituted by a personalized wheel with the coordinates of the user of the device and driven by the continuous movement of the formula, prints on the back of the latter the coordinates of the user of the device receiving the check. During the return journey, traveled in sequential step by step mode, the reader as well as the endorser are deactivated; on the other hand, during the successive stop phases that the formula undergoes

- a coding wheel performs the post-marking symbol by symbol of the formula, - and the print head edits in columns perpendicular to the direction of movement ia for check mui. The printing mode and the post-marking system will be described in detail below. Furthermore, the magnetic cards as well as the memory cards offered are applied face down against a plate after insertion inside their insertion slot. Their lateral movements are blocked by application of a movable jaw strongly pressed towards the plate. After which, a socket fitted with electrodes is lowered facing the position, standardized in the plane of the plate, of the memory card transfer pads.

The successive sequences of application of the jaw then of the sleeve against the badge are ensured by a system of cams formed on a movable plate covering the jaw and the sleeve. The tray is translated during operations parallel to the jaw. The cams cooperate successively with the jaw and the socket and apply the latter sequentially against the card.

Once these operations have been carried out, it is electrically analyzed whether the card produced is of the magnetic or mixed memory type. The electrodes of the connection socket carry out this recognition electrically by checking whether or not they are facing the contacts of the pads. In the case where a memory card has been inserted, the electrodes of the socket, connected to each of these contacts, exchange information between the devices and the card. In the case where a magnetic card has been inserted into the device, the magnetic tracks located on its reverse side are, during the positioning, positioned facing a longitudinal groove formed through the plate. Vis-à-vis this groove and on the other side of the plate, is arranged a head provided with magnetic air gaps, mounted on a carriage and guided by rails parallel to the groove. After the device recognizes the presence of a magnetic card, it begins the track processing sequence. To do this, a motor drives a system of latches and this return pulleys which translate the read head by causing each of these gaps to follow εt and read the track that it has to process.

In all cases, the R I B which characterizes the card or check and their holder is isolated by the device.

The system automatically checks the admissibility of the ticket at its place of transaction, thanks to its isolated RI B.

The sequences of control of the admissibility of the title are unified whatever the payment titles concerned. According to one form, preferred according to the addition, of the control of the admissibility of the title, the device is provided with a removable mass memory on which is grouped and classified, according to their RI B, all the titles judged inadmissible because object of their holder's opposition or a ban from a banking organization.

The device can thus discard, by simple consultation of its mass memory, the titles deemed inadmissible which are registered there.

Furthermore, the device according to the addition checks the identity of the issuer of the proposed security.

According to a preferred form according to the addition, the device is connected to a central banking control body using a demodulator modulator system connected to a telecommunications network. He sends the RI B read on the ticket to the central site and the site sends him back information allowing him to judge, at the place of the transaction, the admissibility of the ticket.

Advantageously, the central control body communicates to the device a secret code called "Personal Identification Number" (PIN) known to the holder which, compared by the device to a code signified by the issuer, allows him to judge the identity between the issuer of the security and its holder.

In addition, the system performs the electronic transfer of funds corresponding to the validated transactions.

According to a particularly advantageous form, the cispositif according to the addition stores the images of the transactions carried out inside a removable memory.

In a particularly advantageous form, the same removable memory medium brings together both

- the list of titles deemed inadmissible because they are the subject of an opposition

- and images of transactions recently carried out in correlation with the R I B of the payment medium concerned.

In this case, the memory medium, personalized with the contact details of the holder of the deposit, is sent regularly to a centralized banking organization, responsible for managing these accounts, which

- analyzes the information it contains,

- transfers the splits between the holder of the RI B and the beneficiary corresponding to the transactions behind completed - and finally resends the medium, after having updated its inadmissible title file. In addition, electronic memory cards instantly see their account decremented by the amount of the transaction.

Thus, at the end of a financial transaction carried out through the device according to the addition and using any payment medium such as check, credit card, memory card, the processing of the medium and its control is entirely carried out on site by the device. Checks are made out, post-marked, endorsed. The balance of memory cards is updated. The bank accounts corresponding to the checks and credit cards offered are debited. All these operations are carried out during a single operation for processing the payment medium. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the appended drawings, which description and drawings are given only by way of nonlimiting examples.

In these drawings: - Figure 1 is a schematic view generally describing the sequences of use of the device according to the addition;

- Figure 2 is a descriptive diagram of the functional links of sets between ies diffférent essential subsets of the device according to the addition; - Figure 3 is a side side view of a mixed card (magnetic, memory);

- Figure 4 is a front side view of the card shown in Figure 3;

- Figure 5 is a cutaway perspective view of the device according to the addition for blocking and processing of magnetic and memory cards; - Figures 6 and 7 show in section two embodiments, preferred depending on the addition, of the magnetic head of the device; - Figure 8 is a cutaway perspective view of the read-write mode, depending on the addition, multi-track magnetic cards;

- Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the device integrated printing, preferred according to the addition, intended to carry out the edition of checks, tickets, slips -;

- Figure 10 and Figure 11 show a perspective view and a partial view of a post-marking encoder wheel whose use is preferred inside the device according to the addition;

- Figure 12 is an exploded view describing an embodiment of the encoder wheel according to the addition.

In FIG. 1, there is seen a device 1 for entering, processing and checking any payment document. At the bottom, the various functions that the device fulfills appear symbolized. Thus, there is on the front face of the device 1 an insertion slot 2 Inside which are introduced the form of check issued 3. Similarly, there is a second insertion slot 4 reserved for processing magnetic cards 5 as well as memory cards 6 offered for payment.

During a transaction and after an offer by an issuer of one of three payment vouchers 3, 5, 6, the device 1 checks the admissibility of the voucher after having isolated the RI B according to different methods which will be described later. To this end, the device 1 first checks that the title in question is not the subject of any opposition; it is one of the roles of the mass memory 10, located in its reserved housing 11 inside the device 1 is connected to the latter, which brings together the R l B of the payment titles subject to opposition both from a bank and from their owner. After all proposed titles 3, 5, 6, the device consults its memory 10 and rejects any payment title whose RI B is present among that of inadmissible titles.

Furthermore, the device 1 checks the identity of the transmitter. To do this, it is connected to a central banking organization 12 via a demodulator modulator system symbolized at 13 and connected to a communication network 14. It transmits according to f1 ie RI B carried on the title at the central site 12 In return, the site 12 transmits according to f2, in the direction of the device 1, a personal centifïcatïon number (PIN) which it previously agreed with the holder of the title. The operator asks the issuer to signify what they consider to be their PIN. The transmitter enters its IP N using the keys 15 of the mobile keyboard 17 connected to the device 1 via the driver 18. The device 1 compares the two codes and considers that the transmitter is truly the holder if both correspond. In this case only, the transaction is accepted.

Of course, it is understood that a variant of the device consists in entrusting directly to the central site 12 the control of the non-opposition of the titles; that is to say, the latter himself checks with the aid of the R I B and a clean file the non-opposition of the title considered.

After checking the admissibility of the transaction, the device 1 takes care of the transfer of the corresponding funds. To this end, it enters inside a removable memory, advantageously confused with memory 10, the amount of the transaction associated with the R I B of the formula. Periodically, the removable memory 10 is extracted from its housing 11 and addressed, as it appears in g1, to the central site

12. This central organization 12 takes into account the transaction images carried by the memory 10, consequently carries out the updating, on the memory of a central management computer 20, of the accounts of the issuers and of the beneficiary-user of the device 1. l do it, in

22, a listing 23 of the new account situations and sends the account statements 24 to its various customers and members 28.

In addition, computer 20 at the centra! updates, in memory 10, the list of R I B of payment titles subject to an opposition. At the end of these two treatments, the removable memory medium 10 is redirected according to g2 and replaced in its housing 11. The device 1 can then operate using this new updated data. An accepted security is subject to the issue of a supporting document

25, 26 or of a ticket 27 and of a notification on the daily journal of the day 29. A check formula 3 undergoes the whole of the formatting steps necessary for it within the device 1. Besides its reading, it is edited, endorsed, post-marked. Note, on the right side of the device, a large insertion slot 30, extended by a guide wall 31, intended for the edition of large documents such as daily newspapers or grouping slips 32. The mode of operation of the printing device will be described later. FIG. 2 schematically describes the organization and the operating sequences of the main scus-assemblies around which the device 1 is built according to the addition.

If we consider a blank check form 3, introduced in its insertion zone 2, the latter is engaged along a plate 38 until it reaches the drive mechanism shown diagrammatically at 40 consisting of a set of rollers 41 driven by a motor 42. The formula is then set in continuous motion along k1 by the constant rotation along r1 of motor 42.

During an alier path, a backing mechanism, essentially constituted by a rubberized wheel 43, engraved with the coordinates of the user of the machine, is applied along 11 in the direction of the reverse side of the formula using 'a system of electromagnets not shown. This wheel 43 is driven along r'1 by the formula's own movement and performs the printing of the back.

Furthermore, the read head 44 scrolls opposite the coded line 45 of the formula 3 and decodes the RI B 46 carried on this line.

During the return journey, the formula is driven step by step along k2 by the motor 42 rotating sequentially along r2. During the stop sequences, a coding wheel 50 performs the post-marking character by character in the extreme extension of the coded line 45. Likewise, the print head 51 movable along h transmits the formula by columns perpendicular to the axis of the check according to a method described below. During this return journey, the read head 44 as well as the endorser mechanism 43 are inactive, in particular the endorser has been rapped according to 12. It is noted that the relative arrangement of the different sub-assemblies intended to perform the placing steps in the form of a check has important operating advantages. Thus, the endorsing device 43 and the read head 44 carry out the processing of the formula at constant speed, which improves the precision and the quality of their work. In addition, as it is positioned, previously to the drive mechanism 40, the backer 43 does not require this means of movement. In addition, the coding wheel 50 and the print head 51 which precedes it, arranged beyond the drive mechanism 40 can print the formula 3 during a single sequential return path.

The magnetic and memory cards are introduced inside the positioning, locking and processing device 60. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a distinction is made between the structural differences which separate these two types of cards.

In FIG. 3, the reverse side 62 of a mixed card (magnetic-memory) 61 is shown. This could also be the reverse side of a multitrack magnetic card. Indeed, we note the presence of different magnetic tracks 63, 64 and 65 located on the surface of the card 61.

In FIG. 4, we can see the back side 70 of the card 61. In the upper left part, there is a pastil for information transfer 71 provided with two rows of contacts 72 to 79. The card 61 supports an internal electronic memory which collects information which it is capable of exchanging with a processing device via contacts 72 to 79. In FIG. 5, the device 60 for processing cards appears enlarged. A card 61 has just been inserted along n1 inside the front insertion slot 4 and placed on the plate 81. This card is covered by a jaw 82, movable along o and urged along ol by a non-apparent spring system. Furthermore, a cylindrical bush 83, provided with electrodes at its lower part is placed and slides freely inside a recess 84 formed in the jaw 82. It is separated from the jaw 82 according to ol by means of a spring. not shown resting on the jaw 82. The position of the axis of the socket 83 with respect to the jaw 82 has been chosen so that each of the eight electrodes 86 to 93 that the socket has is facing at the normal position of contacts 72 to 79 of the memory cards.

The jaw 82 is capped with a carriage 95 movable and guided along p, the lower face of which is provided with two sets of cams with pads 96 and 97.

The operation of the system 60 will now be described. After having set up the card 61 with respect to the plate 81, the carriage 95 is translated along p1 by virtue of the movement according to ql of the cam 100 actuated by the electromagnet 101 applying to the integral caster 102 of the carriage 95. During this movement along p1, the lateral pads 96 of the carriage cooperate with the pads 106 of the jaw. The latter is applied according to o2 against the card 61 which is thus blocked vis-à-vis the plate 81.

The movement of the carriage according to p1 continues, the central shoe 97 meets the shoe 107 of the bushing, sculpted in relief at the top of the latter. Thus the socket is applied according to o2 against the card 61. These electrodes meet the surface of the card. During this time, the jaw 82 remains pressed against the card 61 by continuous cooperation between pads 96 and 106.

If a magnetic card is inserted, the device 1 detects its nature because the socket 83 does not encounter, after lowering, the presence of any contact facing these electrodes 86 to 93. In this case, or in the case where one wishes to process the magnetic tracks of a mixed card, the device controls the following translation of the carriage 110 guided by the side rails 111 and 112 and which support the magnetic read / write head 115. A longitudinal light 117 is provided in the plate 81 facing the normalized position of the magnetic tracks 63, 64 and 65. The magnetic head 115 is applied against the card through the light 117 and moved along the magnetic tracks.

Finally, after processing a card 61, the cam 100 is moved along q2 using the electromagnet 101, the spring system 118 recalls the carriage 95 according to p2 and the cams 95 and 106, 97 and 107 , dissociate. The socket 83 rises along ol and the jaw 82 releases the card 61 which can be removed from the slot 4.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, two principles of articulation of the head 115 are described with respect to the movable frame 110 which ensure perfect application of the latter with respect to the magnetic tracks, during its movement of translation and this even in the case where the card 61 is somewhat veiled.

In FIG. 6, we see the magnetic head 115, the active part of which is located at the upper part at 127. this head has two grooves 130 and 131 hollowed out longitudinally and symmetrically along its side walls. We note, moreover, that the head 115 is freely introduced inside a cylindrical cavity 132 of axis aa ′ formed inside the frame 110. The frame meanwhile is pierced with two cylindrical recesses 134 and 135 coaxial to the same axis cc 'orthogonal to the axis aa'. Inside each of the recesses 134 and 135 are partially introduced those balls 137 and 138, engaged by their wings in each of the two grooves 130 and 131. These are pushed frontally center the two grooves 130 and 131 and cooperating with them through the action of two springs 139 and 140 located behind the biϋes inside the two recesses 134 and 135. I t is clear that this type articulation allows free rotation of the head around the axis cc 'secured to the frame as well as around the axis x2 secured to the head.

In Figure 7, there is another embodiment of the head 115. The latter is pierced with an axial recess 157 and introduced freely inside a cavity 132 of axis aa 'formed inside the frame 110. The frame meanwhile is hollowed out, longitudinally and symmetrically with respect to its axis, of two grooves 160 and 161. Inside the recess 157, two balls 137 and 138 are partially introduced, moreover engaged in each of the grooves 160 and 161. These two balls pushed frontally against these grooves cooperate with them by the action of a spring 164 located between them inside the recess 157. It is easy to imagine that this type of articulation allows free rotation of the head around of the x axis secured to the frame, as well as around the y2 axis secured to the head.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is a distinction between the head 115 described in FIG. 6 during activity along a multitrack magnetic card 61. The card has been raised slightly so as not to clutter the figure. The head 115 is engaged and articulated inside the cavity 132. Note the presence of the ball 137 cooperating with the groove 130 of the head 115. The ball is applied against the groove by means of the spring 139 tooth la pressure is adjusted by the screw 170. At the top of the head, we notice the presence of three air gaps 171, 172 and 173 applied along u against the tracks 63, 64 and 65 using the spring 174.

It is understood that a head articulated according to the preceding principles intimately follows the deformations and curtains of a card during its translation along s along the tracks and thus ensures faithful processing of multitrack magnetic cards.

FIG. 9 describes the operating principles of the printing device 173 leading, in a unified mode, to the edition of the checks 3, of the various supporting bundles 25, 26 and of the ticket 27, of the newspaper of the day 29 and, as we as will be seen below, a grouping slip 32. These different documents all have a different format and printing direction.

As seen in FIG. 9, a blank check formula 3 has just been introduced along k between the walls 179 and 180 of the insertion slot 2. A ribbon spring 185 with an opposite double spiral is fixed at 185 st 187 on the plate 33. The active part 188 of the spring 185 is applied against the left edge 190 of the formula 3. Therefore, the right edge 191 of the formula is pressed along 1 against the vertical wall 193 of the plate 38 and serves as a guide. So, ia formula is perfectly directed along k during its translational movement.

After introduction, the formula is put into translational movement along k1 by wedging between the two rollers 41 driven by the stepping motor 42.

Prior to any printing, the entire document to be edited is stored electronically in 193 in a form that can be compared to a table reproducing the image of the document you wish to print. During printing, the interface 199 controls the sequential starting of the motor 42. The print head 51 (in particular with needles) edits, perpendicular to k and along h, a series of parallel slices of symbols. To do this, it is fixed on the carriage 200 and guided along h by the rails 201 and 202. During the downtime of formula 3, the carriage 200 performs a sequential outward movement following h1 and a return following h2 to the using the stepping motor 206, pulleys 203 and 204 and the guide 205 partially wound on these pulleys and fixed on the frame 200 at its two ends.

During head movements along hl, the interface 199 isolates the successive slices of symbols which must be printed inside the table of memory 198. Through the Motor 206, it controls the movements as well as the actions of the head and delivers the printing sequences of each symbol of a slice. When the printing of a slice is carried out, the print head is returned along h2 to its rest position. During this phase, the print head is inactive.

The interface 199 then directs the action of the motor 42 so as to position a new slice to be printed facing the head. A new printing phase takes place and this until all the slices of symbols that make up the document have been edited. The Interface 199 then controls the ejection of the document via the engine 42.

It will be noted that documents 3, 25, 26, 27 have very different dimensions and geometries. In particular, the lines of the formula 3 and of the ticket 27 are directed along k, while those of the tickets 25 and 26 are directed along h. However, all of these documents were printed in successive bands of symbols aligned along h.

For the sake of simplification, elements 43, 44 and 50 have not been represented opposite the plate 38 in FIG. 5. However, it is understood that the post-marking coding wheel 50 performs its printing symbol by symbol during the stop phases of the check formula vis-à-vis the plate 38 Furthermore, the print head 51 shown in FIG. 5 is only intended to work only vis-à-vis a single plate 38. It is easily understood that it is possible, by lengthening the amplitude of the rails guide 201 and 202 to make the print head 51 of the device 178 work with respect to two independent, parallel and contiguous document transmission plates. This is what has been achieved inside the device 1 shown in FIG. 1. In this case, the formulas 3, the tickets 25, 26 and 27, as well as the daily newspaper 29 are edited from the plate 38 in the extension of the insertion slot 2. In addition, grouping slips 32 , large widths, are printed, still using the head 51, on a track 30 parallel to the plate 38 and extended to its right by a wall 31 facilitating guiding.

In FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, there is a coding wheel 50 intended for post-marking check formulas and produced according to a preferred form of addition.

In FIG. 10, it can be seen that the wheel 50, of thin cylindrical shape, is constituted by a stack of metal plates 210 around the axis of rotation 211. Note in more detail in FIG. 11 the side wall of the wheel CMC7 50, on which appears the character O represented in the coding system CMC7. Indeed, on the side walls of the wheel are distributed the imprints of each of the characters. The character O is made up, like all the others, by the juxtaposition with spacing of a parallel alignment in relief of small rectangular parallelepipeds 212. FIG. 12 describes the method of manufacture and assembly of the wheel 50. It can be seen in exploded form the constituent elements of a CM C7 coding head according to the addition. This consists of a stacked assembly of different modules around the axis 211. The active part of the print head is formed by five almost circular plates 222 to 226. The plates 222, 224 and 226, of external diameter Re, are crenellated. Each small slot 228 which surrounds these plates constitutes one of the parallelepipeds a subset of the imprint of a character of the wheel. Lacquers 223 and 225 serve as spacers between 222, 224 and 226. They are circular and have an outside diameter Ri.

Each of the constituent plates of the wheel 50 was obtained by cold cutting inside a metal sheet. They are joined by means of two flanges 230 and 231 and held by two screws 233 and 234 which pass through them right through. We note the presence of three sets of aligned lights 236, 237 and 238, arranged both on the plates and on the flanges. The two sets of lights 236 and 238 are intended to receive the screws 233 and 234 while the set 237 must contain a wedge axis threaded in force inside after assembly so as to secure and align each of the cylindrical plates.

Furthermore, three notches 250, 251 and 252 are visible on the side walls of the plates 222, 224 and 225. These are marking means intended to facilitate the relative positioning of the wheels during assembly. Finally, a stepping motor 260 actuates the wheel 50 around its axis 221 by means of two pinions 261 and 262. It makes it possible to select the character to be printed. Opposite this is arranged a conventional striking system consisting of an electromagnet 270 actuating the cam 271 returned by the spring 272. The hammer 275 is thus directed by Pulse along I facing an ink ribbon not shown.

Referring again to FIG. 2 and after having described the operation of each of the essential sub-assemblies of the apparatus, we will now describe schematically the flow diagram of the operation of the device.

As we have seen, the check forms issued are processed inside the piatine 38. As for the cards, both magnetic and memory, are processed in the cispositif 60. In a first phase, the device 1 isolates the R i B of each of these titles. Then, he proceeds to a phase of the admissibility of the title which is symbolized in 280. The control of the admissibility of the check forms 3 and of the cards 5, 6 is carried out according to the same sequences and using common devices. . This can be done "on line" by information exchange using MODEM 13 connected by a telecommunications network 15 to a control body 12, the latter receiving from device 1 the R IB of the ticket in question and transmitting in return information allowing to judge of its receipt bility.

In addition, the control can be carried out in "off Une" using the memory 10 allowing the device to judge on the spot of the non-opposition made on the title. Furthermore, the device 1 performs a test at 281 of the identity of the transmitter. To do this, it checks with a comparator 282 the identity between a code supplied by the transmitter at 17 and a PIN supplied elsewhere to the device, ie in "one" notably by the control body 12 , or "off line" by an internal computer. At the end of this test, the payment order is either rejected, as it is shown in 283, or validated and is then the subject of an automatic adjustment of the accounts in 284 which can also be carried out in "on line "remotely or via memory 10 regularly transmitted to a specialized banking organization. All of the functions performed by the device 1 are entirely microprocessor-controlled.

One realizes the considerable advantages brought by the device described in the field of financial transactions. In particular, it appears that this device - reduces the mobilization of the customer, the latter only having to provide the payment voucher that he offers and possibly to communicate his Nl P, - benefits the user of the device to which it performs a complete management of daily transactions and to which it ensures the admissibility of the title,

- and, finally, considerably simplifies the role of banks whose accounts feel automatically updated and which, moreover, receive formulas that are fully formatted and directly mechanographifiable. We also realize that the device is built around sub-assemblies such as the card processing system 60 or the check form processing system 178, perfectly suited to the tasks assigned to them. In particular, these systems provide the device with remarkable reliability, external dimensions similar to those of a conventional cash register, great uniformity and low cost price.

We finally realize that the control modes of the titles performed by the device feel perfectly adapted to current techniques of communication, banking structures, customer habits and fully respond to the growing problems of payment fraud.

The invention having now been explained and its interest justified in detailed examples, the applicant reserves exclusivity for the entire duration of the patent without limitation other than that of the claims below.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for controlling

- automatically, independently

- and at its place of issue - the admissibility of a check (3) offered by an issuer carrying a formula,

- and this with the help of at least one centralized auxiliary system generating bank data

. likely to provide, in exchange for the references of the bank of the holder of the form and the contact details of the holder within this bank. Information making it possible to judge the admissibility of the check, the process consisting in: - reading, at the place of issue, the standardized coded line (45)

(in particular in CMC 7 characters) which characterizes the bank identity of the check form,

- to decode this line so as to isolate from it, at the place of transmission, the bank account statement (RIB) (46) from the formula,

- to enter into contact with said auxiliary system generating bank data,

- to provide him with the R I B of the formula,

- to interrogate this system so as to receive from it said information making it possible to judge the admissibility of the check,

- and to decide, with the help of this information, of the admissibility of the check, said process being characterized in that: - an auxiliary system generating bank data (10) located at the place of issue is interrogated,

- and we regularly update the data of this system with the help of a centralized banking organization.

2. Method according to claim 1 for independent control of the receivability of checks, said method being characterized in that:

- we store

. Inside an auxiliary system generating bank data, consisting of a mass memory removable address (10) and located at the place of the transaction,. a file of inadmissible checks classified according to their RIB, - this file is queried after each issue, using the

RIB (46) read on the check,

- and we refuse any check declared inadmissible by this file.

3. Method for controlling

- automatically, interactively - and at its place of issue

- the admissibility of a check proposed by an issuer carrying a formula,

- and this with the help of at least one centralized auxiliary system generating bank data. likely to provide, in exchange for references from the bank of the holder of the form and contact details of the holder inside this bank,. Information making it possible to judge the admissibility of the check, the process consisting of:

- to read, on the place of issue, the standardized coded line (45) (in particular in CMC 7 characters) which characterizes the bank identity of the check formula,

- to decode this line so as to isolate the statement of bank identity (Rl B) (46) from the formula at the place of transmission,

- to enter into contact with said auxiliary system generating bank data,

- to provide him with the bank details (46) of the formula, - to interrogate this system so as to receive from it the said Information making it possible to judge the admissibility of the check,

- and to decide, with the help of this information, on the admissibility of the check, said process being characterized in that:

- we interrogate a centralized auxiliary system (12) generating bank data located at a distance from the place of issue

- and we get in touch with it, using a modu system demodulator linker (MODEM) (13) connected to a telecommunication network (14).

4. Method according to claim 3 for interactive control of the admissibility of a check - intended to carry out on the place of the issue of a check the verification of the identity of the issuer,

- and this with the help of a remote control body (12)

. with which the holder's bank is affiliated. including said auxiliary data generating system and to which this bank has entrusted for each account a "secret code" which it has agreed with the holder, said process being characterized in that:

- contact is made with said control body (12), - the R I B (46) of the holder of the formula is communicated to it,

- we receive from this organization a secret code known to the holder,

- the issuer (virtual holder) is made to signify what it considers to be its code,

- we compare the two codes - and we consider that the holder of the formula is the real holder and therefore that the check is admissible if the two codes correspond.

5. Method for entering and processing checks according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - after checking and acceptance of the check, the removable mass memory (10) (personalized with the beneficiary's contact details) is recorded characteristics of the transaction and the associated RIB, that is to say the check image of the transaction, - the contents of this memory (10) are regularly transmitted to a centralized banking organization (12) responsible for updating accounts so that the latter transfers the funds between the account of the issuing holder and the account of the beneficiary.

6. Method according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that after control and acceptance of the check, by remote control to a centralized banking organization (12) responsible for ia updating of accounts the transfer of funds corresponding to the tran share, by communicating to it the RI B (46) of the issuer, that of the beneficiary and the amount of the transaction.

7. Method for entering and processing checks according to claims 2 and 5, characterized in that: - a removable memory medium (10) is collected regularly to said centralized banking organization

. on the one hand, the check images of the transactions last carried out,. on the other hand, the previously used file of inadmissible checks,

- and said banking organization:

. analyzes this information,

. performs the transfer of funds corresponding to the most recent transactions. and resends said removable memory medium (10) after updating its inadmissible check file.

8. A method of entering and processing checks according to one of the preceding claims intended to limit the number of processing phases, by performing at the place of the transaction and at the end of a single and same implementation, all of the formatting steps that the check formula (3) must undergo, said method being characterized in that the formula is made to go back and forth (h1, h2) along its greatest length along of a plate (38) by successively carrying out:

- on the outward journey (hl)

. continuous training of the formula. reading (44) of the coded line,. endorsement (43) to the beneficiary's contact details, - and on the return journey (h2)

. training (41) in sequential mode of the formula allowing. the post-marking (50) completing the coded line with the amount of the transaction. and the impression (51) of the formula, step by step, by column perpendicular to its axis.

9. Device (1) for independent control of the admissibility of a check intended to implement the method of claim 2, characterized in that it comprises in combination:

- a decoder reader (44) of the standardized coded line of checks,

- a removable addressed mass memory (10) comprising a file of inadmissible checks classified according to their RIB, said memory thus making it possible to judge the inadmissibility of a check following an interrogation made to it using RI B read on the check.

10. Device (1) for interactive control of the admissibility of a check according to the method of claim 3, characterized in that it comprises in combination:

- a decoder reader (44) of the standardized coded line of checks

- and a MODEM (13) which carries out, via a communication network (14), the exchange of banking information between said device (1) and said centralized auxiliary system generating bank data (12),

. the device (1) communicating the RI B (46) of the holder read on the check. and the centralized system (12) communicating in return the said information making it possible to judge the admissibility of the check (3).

11. Device (1) for controlling the admissibility of a check (3) intended to verify the identity of the holder of the check according to the method of claim 4, said device being characterized in that it comprises in combination in addition to the elements of claim 9:

- a keyboard (17) allowing the transmitter to signify a code

- And a comparator system (282) verifying the similarity between the code supplied by the transmitter and the secret code supplied by the remote data generator system.

12. Device (1) for entering and processing a check intended to implement the method according to claim 5 and characterized in that it comprises a removable memory (10) recording the characteristics of each transaction by associating it with the

RIB of the corresponding check.

13. Device (1) for entering and processing a check according to claims 8 and 11, intended to implement the method according to claim 6 and characterized in that it comprises a removable support (10) of addressed memory gathering

- on the one hand, a list of checks deemed inadmissible indexed by their RI B, - on the other hand, a list of check images of transactions recently carried out.

14. Device (1) for entering, checking and processing a check according to one of claims 8 to 13, intended to limit the number of processing steps by implementing the method according to claim 8 and characterized in what it comprises successively, along a drive path (38) of the check according to a round trip cycle

- an endorser mechanism (38) driven by the check in its forward movement, - a reader (44) of the coded line of the check,

- a drive mechanism (41),

- a transverse print head (51),

- a post-marking coding wheel (50), the endorsing mechanism and the coded line reader being activated only during the outward journey (hl) of the check provided by the constant speed drive mechanism, while the coding wheel post-marking and the transverse print head operate only during the return journey (h2) of the check in sequential stepwise mode provided by the drive mechanism (41).

15. Device (1) for entering and processing payment vouchers according to one of claims 8 to 14, intended to standardize payment transactions by checks (3) and credit cards (5) on which is magnetically inscribed the RIB of their holders, said device being characterized in that it comprises a head

(115) for reading the magnetic strips (63, 64, 65) of the cards making it possible to isolate the R IB of their holders and associated with said means of checking the admissibility of checks in order to check the admissibility of cards according to the same sequences.

16. Device (1) according to claim 15, intended for entering and processing all payment vouchers such as

- checks (3), - magnetic credit cards (5) provided with magnetic tracks (63, 64, 65),

- memory cards (61) provided with connection pads (71) with electrical standardized position contact (72 to 79), this device being provided with two ticket processing systems

- one of which (178) is assigned to the processing of checks (3) according to the method of one of claims 1 to 8

- and the other system (60) performs:

. the establishment,. the blocking

. and the processing of magnetic and memory cards (5,

6), said device (1) being characterized in that it comprises an integrated sub-assembly (60) for positioning blocking and processing of magnetic and memory cards, constituted by the combination

- a plate (81) opposite which is located

- A movable jaw (82) intended to be applied frontally vis-à-vis. the plate for blocking the cards (61), this jaw being provided

- an electrical connection socket (83) provided with electrodes (86 to 93) intended to be connected to the contacts (72 to 79) of the connection pad (71) of the memory cards, said device being, plus, provided with - a mobile sub-assembly (95) performing successively

. the application of the jaw (82) facing the plate (81)

. then the approach and connection of the connection socket (83) opposite the standardized zone where the card connection pad (7) is located.

17. Device (1) for integrated entry and processing of all payment documents (3, 5, 6) according to claim 16, characterized in that its jaw (32) is pierced with a cylindrical recess (84) perpendicular to the plane of the plate (81), inside which slides said socket (83) for electrical connection separated from the jaw (82) by a spring system,

- The jaw (82) and the sleeve (83) being made movable in the direction of the plate

- by means of a set of differential cams (96, 97) integral with a carriage (95) moving parallel to the plate (81). cooperating with both the jaw and the socket,

. and whose kinematics successively applies the jaw (82) then the socket (83) in the direction of the plate

(81).

18. Device (1) for entering and processing all payment vouchers (3, 5, 6) according to one of claims 15 to 17, provided with a system allowing the processing of magnetic cards while the latter remain fixed relative to the device, said device being characterized in that:

- its plate is provided with longitudinal recesses (117)

- face which is guided by a magnetic head (115)

. provided at its upper part with air gaps (171, 172, 173) intended to treat the various tracks (63, 64, 65) of the magnetic cards mulpîtïste,. set in motion along these tracks by a frame (110) to which it is linked, guided along the axis s of said longitudinal recesses.

19. Device (1) according to claim 18, intended to carry out with a minimum of congestion a faithful treatment of the standardized magnetic multitrack cards (5), said device being characterized in that its magnetic head

(115) multitrack - is provided with a recess (157) arranged along a metric axis,

- And freely introduced inside a cylindrical cavity (132) formed in the frame, the sides of said cavity being provided with two longitudinal grooves (160, 161) symmetrical with respect to the axis of the cavity, a ball (137, 138) being partially introduced inside each recess of the head,

- each of these bièlies (137, 138) being pushed towards the outside of the head (115) by means of a spring system located between them two inside the recesses

(157)

- And introduced inside the two said longitudi nales grooves (160, 151) of the frame by cooperating with the latter.

20. Device (1) according to claim 18, intended to carry out with a minimum of congestion a faithful processing of the standardized multitrack magnetic cards (5), said device being characterized in that its mul tipîste magnetic head (115) cylindrical

- is provided with two longitudinal recesses (130, 131) arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the head,

- freely introduced inside a cylindrical cavity (132) made in the frame, - and connected to the frame by means of two balls (137, 138)

. each engaged in one of the longitudinal recesses (130, 131) of the head (115). and partially introduced into two cylindrical bores (134, 135) formed in the frame (110), these two bores being situated on the same axis s parallel to the axis of the track.

21. Device (1) for entering and processing payment vouchers according to one of claims 10 to 20, intended to carry out in a unified manner and with a reduced bulk - the filling of checks (3),

- edition of slips of all formats and all printing directions, such as:

. sets of supporting documents for payments (25, 26) by credit card (29),. receipts (27),

. daily newspapers (29),. grouping slip (32), said device comprising in combination typically

a document advance track (35) provided with means for sequentially moving them, such as a double set of rollers (41) driven by a stepping motor (42),

- a printing head (51)

. directed facing the runway

. guided along a perpendicular axis (h) to the direction of translation of the document (k)

. and set in motion sequentially along this axis, in particular using a pulley system (203, 204), guide (205), stepping motor (206), - And a system of global storage (198) prior to the document to be edited in the form of a table

. connected to a control interface (199) for the various moving parts and the print head,

. delivering to the print head the stored symbols to be printed in the form of bands perpendicular to the direction of translation (k) of the document.

22. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, intended to position the support laterally in its movement with respect to the print head and this regardless of the width of the document within a wide range, said device being characterized in that it comprises:

- an insertion slot (2) provided with a side wall (193) centered on the desired direction (k) and serving as a guide for the document to be edited,

- As well as a system with variable lateral geometry (185), in particular an ear tape spring with opposite double spirals acting against the edge of the document (191) opposite to that which is against the guide wall (193), so as to continually apply the document against it.

23. Device (1) according to one of claims 20 and 21, intended for editing documents of very different widths such as - on the one hand, checks, receipts,

- And on the other hand, large grouping purchase slips, said device being characterized in that it comprises two parallel zones for inserting documents (2 and 30), one (2) intended for documents of small width and the other (30) intended for large documents, the Print head (51) having a clearance covering the. added width of the two insertion zones and thus able to edit either of the two types of documents.

2 4. Device (1) for entering and processing checks (3) according to claim 14, provided with a coding wheel (50)

- intended to carry out post-marking of cnèques,

- cooperating with a striking hammer (275) - of thin cylindrical shape, movable along an axis (211) parallel to the plane of the check,

- And whose side walls are provided with an alignment of characters in relief, said device being characterized in that, to simplify its manufacturing cost and increase its definition, said encoder wheel

- is made using a coaxia assembly! almost circular plates (222 to 226),

- At least two of these plates (222, 224, 226) each comprising on their side wall a subset of the imprints of characters carried by the wheel.

25. Device (1) for entering and processing checks according to claim 23, the coding wheel of which is intended for the post-marking of checks using exploded characters, in particular CMC 7, formed by an assembly of small rectangles ( 212) parallel and spaced apart, said device being characterized in that its said coding wheel (50) for post-marking consists of a ccaxial stack

on the one hand, of circular disks (223 and 225) of diameter Ri,

- And secondly, discs (222, 224, 226) crenellated outer diameter Re> Ri, all of the slots conjugate to form the alignment of said exploded characters r r Iair wall of the wheel.

26. Device (1) for entering and processing checks according to one of claims 23 and 24, characterized in that:

- On the one hand, the quasi-circular plates constituting the wheel (50) are pierced with a central hole, engaged and assembled on the same axis of rotation (211), - on the other hand, they are provided, on their side wall, positioning marks during assembly such as lugs or notches (25C, 251, 252) which must cooperate with each other.