FR2786900A1 - Method of using a multi-purpose credit card - Google Patents

Abstract

The credit card may be a chip, magnetic, key card or similar which can be used on a product sale, service or distribution system of the type having in a metallic enclosure a computer (9) data processing system, a data reader with liquid crystal screen (3), a product selector with keyboard (4), means for accepting coins (2), notes (8) or electronic payment (7). The computer can be connected to machines and devices (6) for storing in quantity and delivering a product. The computer (9) detects the presence of a credit card via a card reader or similar connect to and immediately reads any non coded identification number preferably the fabrication number series and checks if the number is known (stored in memory) or unknown. If the number is not known by the computer (9) it is duplicated in its memory by associating it with a file which remains open during the presence of the card in the system. The duplication is conditional, as a minimum, upon the actuation of a commend and/or the detection by the computer of a payment via payments by coin, note or electronically (2,7,8). The data relative to the payment is immediately recorded in the file. If the identification number is known by the computer (9) it identifies and opens the associated file and the credit card is in the reader (1a,7) any payment passed into the system modifies the relative data in the open file. The data is transmitted to the computer (9) by connections from the means of payment

Description

Method for reusing a card such as a telephone card such as

  electronic wallet or card

  fidelity and devices implementing this method.

  There are commercially available magnetic stripe cards which may include information limited to memory: serial number, carrier number, encrypted code, etc., as well as a credit or a date for example. The more sophisticated smart cards fall into three main categories: a) simple memory cards (telephone cards) which have a serial number and a credit in their memory; b) cards with simple microprocessor and encrypted memory (access card, France Telecom card) which open a service using a code and which also have a

  series; c) microprocessor cards (blue card, holder

  more complex electronic funds which have a serial number, a bearer, etc., their memory is powerful and can include cryptography, transaction history, etc. The operation of an ATM is as follows: after the identification protocol of the bearer and validation of the code there is a banking operation. To do this there is in the DAB computer opening a file by

  duplicate carrier number to record the transaction.

  When the credit card is used as a means of payment on an electronic payment terminal (EPT), there is also a carrier identification protocol followed by the validation of the code, then of the purchase. To do this, a file is opened in the TPE computer by duplicating the carrier number to record the operation. The contents of the file are uploaded to the bank in the evening. In some cases for small sums, such as on the highway, there is no validation of a code but only duplication of the carrier number in a

  file containing the sum debited and then uploaded.

  Microprocessor cards are also used for electronic purses which contain in their memory a credit debited by introduction into a card reader associated with an automatic sales device. These purses are either disposable or rechargeable in devices comprising in a metal cabinet a card reader connected to a computer which is connected to a means of payment, such as a banknote acceptor. The banknotes are entered into the acceptor and the processing system credits the chip with

the map.

  Experiments have been made for networks of newspaper distributors accepting reserved or private electronic purses. They failed, as users were reluctant to own a card, the only one

  use is the purchase of newspapers.

  These systems are also expensive, because in addition to the high price of cards, each dispensing device includes a card reader associated with complex electronics for

interactive dialogue.

  In addition it is possible to carry out counterfeits by manipulating the credit which is in the microprocessor of

the map.

  How to constitute an electronic purse or similar being able to credit, to debit a monetary value, a service, a number of operation, etc, and not containing these defects? The invention relates to the solution of this problem, through a method and devices for implementing this method. The invention consists in the use of an electronic medium such as a card or chip key and a method

  identification of this support for various applications.

  A unique characteristic is noted on the support and stored by the processing system (computer for example): the manufacturing serial code which is duplicated and associated with

  a file, the file being able to contain various information.

  This information may be operational information

  such as purchases made by the card holder.

  The advantage of using the serial code is that it makes it possible to envisage treatments or operations by the computer that are much more complex than the treatments possible by the card chip. The main advantage of this invention lies in its universality and in its potential for evolution. The universality lies in the fact that only a small part of a smart card is used, so it becomes possible to use any card. The cost can be zero if the device uses a used telephone card which always has its unique identification or manufacturing number.

  numerous applications not limiting to those described.

  Another benefit is security. For example if a card represents a certain amount of money, the device will be more reliable if a computer independent of the card is the guarantor.

data integrity.

  The invention will be better understood from the description which will

  follow made by referring to figures 1 and 2 offering a view

synoptic of two variants.

  The invention will first be described in application to a self-service laundromat payment center, application

in no way limitative.

  We know that laundromats often have a payment center, a device comprising in a metal cabinet various peripherals: screen, keyboard, coin operated device, connected to a processing system that can be a computer and controlling

starting machines.

  From a chip or magnetic card or chip key or similar medium, the method according to the invention can be implemented by a system and device for the sale and / or distribution of products and services, freely service in particular, comprising in a known manner in a metal cabinet an information processing system such as a computer (9), a means of reading information such as a liquid crystal screen (3), a product selector such as a keyboard with keys ( 4), self-service means of payment such as coin acceptors (2) and tickets (8) or a TPE (7), said device being able to be connected to machines and apparatuses to start (6) (payment center ) or include a means of storage (6) in quantity of a product as well as a means of delivery to the unit of the same product (automatic distributor). The computer (9) noting the presence of an information medium such as a chip card or the like (magnetic card, chip key, etc.) in a card reader or the like to which it is connected, such as the reader (the ) or the TPE card reader (7), reads immediately any unencrypted identification number or the like, preferably the serial number of manufacture, available on said medium, (but this may be the carrier number , etc) and examines whether this number is known to him (archived in memory) or unknown. If the number is unknown, the computer (9) duplicates it and stores it in its memory by associating it with a file remaining open during the presence of said medium, said duplication being conditioned at least upon actuation of a command. (the key * on the keyboard for example) and / or when the computer records a payment by the means of payment (2, 7, 8) available to the user, the information relating to said payment being immediately saved in said file. If the number is known to the computer (9), the latter identifies and opens said associated file. In the presence of said medium in a reader (la; 7), any payment in one of the means of payment modifies the information relating to said payment in said open file, said information being transmitted to the computer.

  (9) by the connection connecting it to said means of payment.

  The detailed description which follows will be given in

  reference to a medium of the smart card or magnetic card type. Of course it applies to other similar supports of the type

chip key.

  Advantageously, the method is characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: -the card is inserted into a reader (la, 7) -after finding that the identification number is unknown the device asks the user (on screen (3) for example) if he wants to create a file associated with this card

  (create a loyalty card, an electronic purse).

  -the user activates a command validating this creation

  (a key on a keyboard (4) for example).

  -the computer (9) duplicates the identification number of the

map to a file.

  Without departing from the scope of the invention, said command may be to type a digital code chosen by the user, which may be recorded by the computer (9) and associated with the file identification number to allow it to be opened at

each use of the card.

  According to a first variant, the method of the invention is characterized in that the card is an electronic loyalty card; in that in the presence of the card in the reader (la, 7) the computer (9) records in the open file all purchases of products or service made by the means of payment (2, 7, 8); in that the computer (9) has the parameters and software for calculating a discount based on a predetermined purchase amount; in that when

  this amount is reached the computer (9) offers a free purchase.

  According to this variant of the method, an elementary transaction comprises at least the following steps, which can respect this succession: the user inserts the card into a card reader

(la, 7) of the machine.

  - the computer (9) opens the file associated with said card.

  - the user selects on the keyboard (3) a product or a machine (6) and pays for it in one of the means of payment

(2,7,8).

  - the computer (9) records said payment in the open file.

- the user withdraws the card.

  - the computer closes the file and archives it.

  When the amount paid and accumulated gives the right to a free purchase, the computer (9) informs the user, advantageously on the screen, for example after selecting the

  product, and delivers the product or service without payment.

  According to a second variant, the method of the invention is characterized in that the card is a prepayment card (or electronic purse); in that in the presence of the card in the reader (la; 7) the computer (9) records in the open file the sums paid by the means of payment (2,7,8), said sums can be greater than price of the deliverable product or service and constituting a credit allowing subsequent purchases in the presence of the card in a reader (la, 7) located on the metal cabinet or reader

(lb) located on a machine (6).

  According to this variant of the method and as regards the sales of products and services instantly delivered, an elementary transaction comprises at least the following steps, which can respect this succession: - the user selects on the keyboard (3) a product to

  deliver or a machine (6) to start.

  - the user inserts the card into a card reader

of the device (la, lb, 7).

  - the computer (9) opens the file associated with said card. - the computer (9) checks whether the credit is sufficient and

  delivers the product or starts the machine (6).

  the computer (9) substitutes in the file, for the initial value of the credit a new value equal to the initial credit,

  minus the cost of the product or service delivered.

- the user withdraws the card.

  - the computer (9) closes the file and the archive.

  Self-service devices such as the Minitel or computers allowing internet use are known. The user pays, for example in a money acceptor a predetermined time, part of which will be lost if it is not used entirely. The invention is

  particularly practical for free internet sales

  service in cafes for example, the user being able to purchase a computer occupancy time in advance,

  can be used once or several times, without loss.

  According to this variant of the method and as regards the sales of services having a variable duration and payable at the time of use, an elementary transaction comprises at least the following steps, which can respect this succession: - the user selects on the keyboard ( 3) a machine

(6) to start.

  - the user inserts the card into the reader (la)

payment center card.

  - the computer (9) opens the file associated with said card.

  - the computer (9) checks whether the credit is sufficient and

starts the machine (6).

- the user withdraws the card.

  - the computer (9) debits in the file the time of use, until the credit is exhausted or the user activates a command preferably located on the machine (6) and intended to stop it before the complete flow

of the time available.

  -when the machine (6) is stopped, the computer (9) substitutes in the file, for the initial value of the credit a new value equal to the initial credit, minus the cost corresponding to the time of use of the machine (6) , then close it and archive it. Of course, this variant may include a more costly card reader (lb) disposed on each computer. Self-service photocopiers are known. In some cases they are associated with a track card reader

  magnetic preloaded with one price photocopy credit.

  This system has the defect of requiring the presence of a person who must carry out the transaction and reload the cards with a device. In addition, coffee vending machines are known, sometimes distributed in various places in companies. This requires a coin changer per machine and complicated management of cash register statements. Of course we could offer payment by electronic wallet with known chip. But that would require a very small TPE for each machine compared to the modest turnover achieved by

these distributors.

  According to a variant concerning the sales of services or products of the type or the like self-service photocopying or automatic drinks vending machine, the method is characterized in that there is on each machine controlled by the central payment system a reader (lb ) card used to debit the card file; in that the activation of the machine start command (6) is dependent on an order from the computer (9) of the

central.

  According to this variant, an elementary transaction comprises at least the following steps, which can respect this succession: - the user inserts the card into the card reader (lb) of the machine (6) to be started

  - the computer (9) opens the file associated with said card.

  - the computer (9) checks whether the credit is sufficient and activates (makes operational) the command to issue the

  product or service located on the machine (6).

  - the user activates the order of the product or service

located on the machine (6).

  - the computer (9) substitutes in the file, for the initial value of the credit a new value equal to the initial credit, less the cost corresponding to the product or service delivered.

- the user withdraws the card.

  - the computer (9) closes the file and the archive.

  We will perceive all the advantage that the information relating to the payment is processed by a computer which can carry out very complex operations, considering that with an adequate software, an operator will be able to propose a decreasing sale price, of photocopies for example, depending of the

amount prepaid on the file.

  Information relating to the payment of the electronic wallet or the loyalty card can be accumulated by a coin mechanism (2) or a ticket acceptor (8). A variant of the method of the invention is characterized in that the card reader used by the computer (9) to read the duplicate identification number is the TPE card reader (7) disposed on the device for the sale of product or service and to which it is connected by a specific connection; in that the medium comprising the duplicate identification number used for the card is the same medium as that comprising the encrypted n necessary for payment, advantageously a bank card or the like; in that at least the following steps are used, which can respect this succession: -the user inserts his bank card into the TPE (7) -the computer (9) reads the serial number of the bank card through the TPE card reader

(7).

  -the user pays a certain amount by the TPE (7) by typing their secret code and carrying out the operations of

validation required.

  the computer (9) duplicates the serial number in

  a file and archive it with the amount paid.

  Thereafter, the debit of the file of the prepayment card can be done by its introduction indifferently in the readers (la), (lb) or (7). This variant has the advantage of allowing you to pay small sums with your bank card, especially in closed systems (vending machines for drinks, photocopying in a store, selling tickets or newspapers in a major metro station with a complex distributors), by reducing the costs relating to small transactions and allowing the installation of a single

TPE per system.

  According to the invention, the device for distributing and selling self-service products and services of the kind comprising, in a metal cabinet, an information processing system such as a computer (9), a means of reading information such as a crystal screen. liquid (3), a product selector such as a keypad (4), self-service payment means such as coin acceptors (2) and bills (8) or a TPE (7), said device being either connected to machines and apparatus to start (6) (central payment) or include a means of storage (6) in quantity of a product as well as a means of delivery to the unit of the same product (automatic distributor), implementing the method of the invention, is characterized in that it comprises at least one support of the chip or magnetic card or chip key type comprising at least readable identification information identifying said support and associated with the memory e computer dead; in that it includes software for processing and recording, according to the method of the invention, payment information from payment devices (2,7,8) during the presence of said

  support, as well as the necessary connections.

  According to a variant the device for distributing and selling self-service products and services implementing the method of the invention, is characterized in that it comprises at least one card-type support reader (la, 7) chip or magnetic or chip key located on the metal cabinet and a reader (lb) of said support located on each machine delivering product or service, a connection between said reader (lb) and the computer (9) said connection being a telephone line or a power line used as carrier current, or a wireless radio link, a connection between said reader (1b) and the start command

  machine or product delivery.

  Of course the card could be a new card supplied by a distributor for example. But smart cards are expensive as well as the distributors of said cards. In addition, we are witnessing a bulky proliferation of smart cards in wallets. According to the invention, the card for implementing the method of the invention and associated with the device according to the invention is characterized in that it is a card, used or not, used or usable for other functions in other pre-existing systems such as a telephone card for example, or a bank card, the computer (9) discriminating according to the type of card an adequate identification number on the card, such as a serial number or the like; in that the card is used as the medium for an electronic file key, the memory space of the card chip being used only for reading the unencrypted number constituting said key and in that the memory containing the information

  associated with said card is located in a computer (9).

  When in some sales mechanisms, the central payment office will be located for example in a metro station and the newspaper distributors it orders in other stations, the connection between the card reader (lb) and the computer ( 9) will consist of telephone lines

or the like.

  The same support could be both a pre-

  payment and a loyalty card without departing from the scope of the invention. Of course without departing from the scope of the invention, the computer (9) can be relocated from the metal cabinet as well as being connected to several similar cabinets to which it serves as a common processing system. Likewise, the computer can be connected to another localized TPE, located on a minitel (registered trademark) for example, into which the card can be inserted to make payment and create the card file, before using it on the place of sale by introduction into a

reader (la, lb, 7).

  Of course, the term machine (6) must be understood in the broad sense of any associated device that can be controlled by the computer (9), the reader (lb) can for example be located on a tennis court, at the entrance to a tanning booth, etc., and control the presence of the card by opening a door, lighting a warning lamp, lighting a place, etc., representing the delivery of a product or service. Furthermore, when it is a payment center that sells a service such as the rental of tennis courts, for example, the management of said rental can advantageously be carried out by the computer (9) by means of an interactive dialogue. with the user through

screen (3) and keyboard (4).

  Of course, the invention is not limited to modifications

details.

  The invention is particularly intended for trade and

  the auto sales industry.

Claims (11)

  1) Method for using a medium associated with a file, the medium being of the smart card or magnetic card type or chip key or the like, which can be implemented by a system and device for the sale and / or distribution of products and services of the kind comprising in a metal cabinet an information processing system such as a computer (9), a means of reading information such as a liquid crystal screen (3), a product selector such as a keyboard with keys ( 4), self-service means of payment such as O10 coin acceptors (2) and tickets (8) or a TPE (7), said device being able to be connected to machines and apparatuses to start (6) or include a means storage (6) in quantity of a product as well as a means of delivery to the unit of the same product, characterized in that the computer (9) noting the presence of an information medium such as a card chip or the like in a card or analog reader gue to which it is connected, like the reader (la) or the card reader of the TPE (7), performs the immediate reading of any unencrypted identification number such as preferably the serial number of manufacture, available on said support and examines whether this number is known to him (archived in memory) or unknown; in that if the number is unknown the computer (9) duplicates it and archives it in its memory by associating it with a file remaining open during the presence of said medium, said duplication being conditioned at least upon actuation of an order and / or the observation by the computer of a payment by the means of payment (2, 7, 8) available to the user, the information relating to said payment being immediately recorded in said file; in that if the number is known to the computer (9), the latter identifies and opens said associated file; in that in the presence of said medium in a reader (la; 7), any payment in one of the means of payment modifies the information relating to said payment in said open file, said information being transmitted to the computer (9) by the connection connecting it to said means of payment.   2) Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: -the card is inserted into a reader (la, 7), -after finding that the identification number is unknown the machine requests the user if he wants to create a file associated with this card, -the user activates a command validating this creation, -the computer (9) duplicates the identification number of the map to a file.   3) Method according to any one of claims 1 and 2,   characterized in that the card is an electronic loyalty card; in that in the presence of the card in the reader (la, 7), the computer (9) records in the open file all purchases of products or service made by the means of payment (2, 7, 8); in that the computer (9) has the parameters and software for calculating a discount based on a predetermined purchase amount; in that when this amount is reached the computer (9) offers a free purchase; in that an elementary transaction comprises at least the following steps, which can respect this succession: - the user inserts the card into a card reader (la, 7) of the machine, - the computer (9) opens the file associated with said card, - the user selects on the keyboard (3) a product or a machine (6) and pays for it in one of the means of payment (2,7,8),   - the computer (9) records said payment in the open file, the user withdraws the card,   - the computer closes the file and archives it.   4) Method according to any one of claims 1 and 2,   characterized in that the card is a prepayment card; in that in the presence of the card in the reader (la; 7) the computer (9) records in the open file the sums paid by the means of payment (2,7,8), said sums can be greater than price of the deliverable product or service constituting a credit allowing subsequent purchases in the presence of the card in a reader (la, 7) located on the metal cabinet or a reader (lb) located on a machine (6).   5) Method according to any one of claims 1, 2 and   4, characterized in that an elementary transaction comprises at least the following steps, which can respect this succession: - the user selects on the keyboard (3) a product to be delivered or a machine (6) to start, - the user introduces the card into a card reader of the device (la, lb, 7), - the computer (9) opens the file associated with said card, - the computer (9) checks whether the credit is sufficient and delivers the product or starts the machine (6), the computer (9) substitutes in the file, for the initial value of the credit a new value equal to the initial credit, minus the cost of the product or service delivered, the user withdraws the card,   - the computer (9) closes the file and the archive.   6) Method according to any one of claims 1, 2 and   4, characterized in that an elementary transaction comprises at least the following steps, which can respect this succession: - the user selects on the keyboard (3) a machine (6) to start, - the user inserts the card into the payment card reader (la), - the computer (9) opens the file associated with the said card, the computer (9) checks whether there is enough credit and starts the machine (6), - the user removes the card, - the computer (9) debits the usage time in the file, until the credit is exhausted or the user activates a command preferably located on the machine (6) and intended for stop it before the full time has elapsed, -when the machine (6) is stopped, the computer (9) substitutes in the file, for the initial value of the credit a new value equal to the initial credit, minus the cost corresponding to the time of use of the machine (6), then the close and archive it.   7) Method according to any one of claims 1, 2 and   4, characterized in that there is on each machine controlled by the payment center a card reader (lb) used to debit the card file; in that the activation of the machine start command (6) is dependent on an order from the computer (9) of the central unit; in that an elementary transaction comprises at least the following steps, which can respect this succession: - the user inserts the card into the card reader (lb) of the machine (6) to be started, - the computer (9) opens the file associated with said card, the computer (9) checks whether the credit is sufficient and activates (makes operational) the order for delivery of the product or service located on the machine (6), - the user activates the order of the product or service located on the machine (6), - the computer (9) substitutes in the file, for the initial value of the credit a new value equal to the initial credit, less the cost corresponding to the product or service delivered, - the user removes the card,   - the computer (9) closes the file and the archive.   8) Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,   characterized in that the card reader used by the computer (9) to read the duplicate identification number is the TPE card reader (7) placed on the product or service sales device and to which it is connected by specific connectors; in that the medium comprising the duplicate identification n used for the card is the same medium as that comprising the encrypted n necessary for payment, advantageously a bank card or the like; in that the method comprises at least the following steps, which can respect this succession: the user introduces his bank card into the TPE (7), the computer (9) reads the serial number of the bank card through the TPE card reader (7), the user pays a certain amount by the TPE (7) by entering their secret code and by carrying out the necessary validation operations, -the computer (9) performs duplicating the serial n in   a file and archive it with the amount paid.   9) Device for distributing and selling self-service products and services of the kind comprising, in a metal cabinet, an information processing system such as a computer (9), a means of reading information such as a liquid crystal screen (3 ), a product selector such as a keypad (4), self-service payment means such as coin acceptors (2) and bills (8) or a TPE (7), said device being able to be connected to machines and apparatus to start (6) (central payment) or include a means of storage (6) in quantity of a product as well as a means of delivery to the unit of the same product (automatic distributor), implementing the method of the invention according to   any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that   that it comprises at least one medium of the chip or magnetic card or chip key type comprising at least one legible identification information identifying said medium and associated with the read only memory of the computer; in that it includes software for processing and recording payment information from payment devices (2,7,8) during the presence of said medium. as well as the necessary connections.  10) Device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one reader (la, 7) of the chip or magnetic card or chip key type support located on the metal cabinet and a reader (lb) of said support located on each machine delivering product or service, a connection between said reader (1b) and the computer (9) said connection can be a telephone line or an electric line used as carrier current, or a wireless radio link, a connection between said reader (lb) and the   command to start the machine or deliver the product.   11) Use of a card for the implementation of the process   of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8,   the card being intended to be associated with the device according to   any of claims 9 and 10, use   characterized in that the card is a used card or not, used or usable for other functions in other pre-existing systems such as a telephone card for example, or a bank card, the computer (9) discriminating according to the card type an adequate identification number on the card, such as a serial number or the like; in that the card is used as the medium for an electronic file key, the memory space of the card chip being used only for reading the unencrypted number constituting said key and in that the memory containing the information   associated with said card is located in a computer (9).