Network transaction and cash-accepting add-value station
First Claim
1. A method of remote cash vending employing a central computer on which customer accounts are established and stored, a network transaction station that is associated with an automated service providing machine that dispenses a product therefrom, said network transaction station correspondingly transferring payment for such product from a customer account stored in said central computer;
- a cash add-value station for adding value to the balance of the associated customer account based on cash deposited into said add-value station and automatically accepted therein; and
a network having nodes coupled respectively to said central computer, said network transaction station, and said add-value station;
the method comprisingopening a customer account by using a standard pre-coded card as a customer identification, including presenting said card to a reader device in said add-value station, whereby a pre-coded number on said card becomes the associated customer account number; and
accepting a customer selected PIN;
accepting one or more cash deposits from said customer into a money-accepting device in said add-value station;
transferring to said central computer the customer identification pre-coded number and PIN, and an associated value corresponding to the amount of cash deposit;
establishing a customer balance at said central computer; and
thereafter accepting said pre-coded number and said PIN in said network transaction station to permit the customer to purchase product from said automated service providing machine up to the amount of the associated customer account balance as stored on said central computer.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A networked copier and printer system permits on-line payment for use of copier or computer printer, charging against a positive balance customer account stored at a central station, and permits customers to add to their copier account. A network transaction station accepts a customer ID from a magnetic card or bar code reader, or from a keypad input. After the customer enters his or her PIN, the account balance is downloaded from the central database, and the copier or printer is enabled. An add-value station on the network allows the customer to deposit cash and add to his or her account balance, after entering a customer ID and PIN. The value added station presents a receipt that omits the customer account identification but contains a unique transaction tracking code. An off-line mode permits copying during network outages.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method of remote cash vending employing a central computer on which customer accounts are established and stored, a network transaction station that is associated with an automated service providing machine that dispenses a product therefrom, said network transaction station correspondingly transferring payment for such product from a customer account stored in said central computer;
- a cash add-value station for adding value to the balance of the associated customer account based on cash deposited into said add-value station and automatically accepted therein; and
a network having nodes coupled respectively to said central computer, said network transaction station, and said add-value station;
the method comprisingopening a customer account by using a standard pre-coded card as a customer identification, including presenting said card to a reader device in said add-value station, whereby a pre-coded number on said card becomes the associated customer account number; and
accepting a customer selected PIN;
accepting one or more cash deposits from said customer into a money-accepting device in said add-value station;
transferring to said central computer the customer identification pre-coded number and PIN, and an associated value corresponding to the amount of cash deposit;
establishing a customer balance at said central computer; and
thereafteraccepting said pre-coded number and said PIN in said network transaction station to permit the customer to purchase product from said automated service providing machine up to the amount of the associated customer account balance as stored on said central computer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- a cash add-value station for adding value to the balance of the associated customer account based on cash deposited into said add-value station and automatically accepted therein; and
Specification