TRANSACTION APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS
First Claim
1. A transaction apparatus comprising:
- a token device interface arrangement;
a customer input device; and
a communications network configured to communicate with one or more transaction servers,the transaction servers configured to enact a plurality of different kinds of transactions,wherein the apparatus is configured to operate selectively;
according to a first mode, to receive token device authentication information from a customer via the customer input device, to transmit the authentication information to an authentication processor, and to receive from the authentication processor a validation signal, in order to validate a transaction involving payment using a customer-provided token device; and
according to a second mode, to receive token-less transaction authentication information from a customer via the customer input device, to facilitate a transaction, without involving a customer-provided token device in the validation of the transaction authentication information.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to alternative kinds of transactions, which do not involve payment using only cash or a token device such as a smart card or chip and PIN card. In some embodiments, transactions involve a customer providing token-less transaction authentication information using customer interface means (150) that is adapted to receive, from a customer, in a first mode of operation, PIN or other token device authentication information, for use in a token device transaction, and token-less transaction authentication information, when operating in another mode of operation. In some embodiments, the customer interface means may be a specially-adapted chip and PIN card reader apparatus. Accordingly, such a customer input means facilitates manual input by a customer of voucher, coupon, accrued loyalty points, Air Miles, ticket or pass authentication information, without the need for a retailer to install new equipment or IT infrastructure.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A transaction apparatus comprising:
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a token device interface arrangement; a customer input device; and a communications network configured to communicate with one or more transaction servers, the transaction servers configured to enact a plurality of different kinds of transactions, wherein the apparatus is configured to operate selectively; according to a first mode, to receive token device authentication information from a customer via the customer input device, to transmit the authentication information to an authentication processor, and to receive from the authentication processor a validation signal, in order to validate a transaction involving payment using a customer-provided token device; and according to a second mode, to receive token-less transaction authentication information from a customer via the customer input device, to facilitate a transaction, without involving a customer-provided token device in the validation of the transaction authentication information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A transaction system, comprising:
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a transaction server configured to store information relating to token-less transactions, a transaction apparatus configured to; operate selectively according to a first mode, to receive token device authentication information from a customer via the customer input device, to transmit the authentication information to an authentication processor, and to receive from the authentication processor a validation signal, in order to validate a transaction involving payment using a customer-provided token device; and configured to operate according to a second mode, to receive token-less transaction authentication information from a customer via the customer input device, to facilitate a transaction, without involving a customer-provided token device in the validation of the transaction authentication information; and a transaction process configured to enable completion of token-less transactions between the transaction server and the transaction apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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24. A method of enacting a token-less customer transaction by interacting with a transaction apparatus, the method comprising:
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inputting, into a customer input device of the apparatus, token-less transaction authentication information for identifying a token-less transaction, wherein the customer input device is adapted also to receive, via the customer input device and when operating in a different mode, token device authentication information relating to authentication of a customer-provided token device, for use in authenticating the token device and validating a transaction involving payment using the token device; communicating at least some of the information to a token-less transaction server in order to verify the token-less transaction; verifying the token-less transaction; and completing the token-less transaction.
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Specification