KR100784577B1 - Charge card purchase - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is digitally arranged to record the credit card buyer's signature in digital form when the buyer enters his signature on the physical credit card receipt (2; 40) using the pen point 17 placed on the portable device. A credit card purchase processing apparatus comprising a pen 1; 1 '. The present invention further provides a signal processing means arranged to generate a digital credit card receipt corresponding to the physical credit card receipt by storing the digital signature together with the digital purchase information relating to the credit card purchase associated with the physical credit card receipt ( A credit card purchase processing apparatus comprising: 16; 33). The present invention also discloses a credit card receipt and credit card purchase processing method.

Description

Credit Card Purchases {CHARGE CARD PURCHASE}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing a credit card purchase, and a credit card receipt.

In order to make effective use of credit card purchases, it is usually required that a buyer present his or her credit card and confirm the purchase with his signature on a credit card receipt that includes, for example, purchase information such as purchase cost and credit card number. do.

The credit card receipt may be a preprinted credit card receipt in which the seller enters the purchase information by hand. Some information, such as credit card numbers, for example, can be added by impressions imprinted on the credit card itself using a particular device. When the buyer signs the credit card receipt, the buyer receives a copy of the receipt and the seller keeps the original. The original is sent back to the merchant's bank, where the information on the credit card receipt is entered into a computer to form the basis for the transfer of payment from the buyer's account to the seller's account.

Since all of the credit card receipts are handled manually, there is a risk of error and wastes time in physically processing the receipts. For example, a seller may enter incorrect information on a receipt, and a bank may enter incorrect information into a computer.

Some sellers use a credit card reader linked to a cash register, which makes things easier. When a buyer wants to purchase a credit card, the seller passes the credit card through a credit card reader to read the credit card information from the credit card and sends it to the cash register, where the cash register prints a credit card receipt that the buyer can sign. do. This significantly reduces the risk of errors associated with receipt issuance. In some cases, the buyer holds a copy of the signed receipt and the seller keeps the original. In another case, the buyer signs a receipt kept by the seller and receives another receipt indicating that the purchase by credit card is valid but without the buyer's signature. In both cases, information about credit card purchases may be sent to the bank in digital form.

Nevertheless, the seller or bank should still keep the physical credit card receipt in case the buyer later claims that payment was made from his account even though he did not purchase.

In another case, the buyer confirms the purchase by instructing his PIN code on the keyboard. In this case, all the information on the credit card receipt is sent to the bank in digital form. However, this is less secure because it is easier to find the PIN code assigned to a credit card than to forge the cardholder's signature.

It is an object of the present invention to completely or partially solve the above-mentioned problems.

This object can be achieved by the apparatus disclosed in claim 1, the method disclosed in claim 18, and the credit card receipt described in claim 22.

More specifically, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for processing a credit card purchase, the device comprising a portable device (preferably a digital pen) and signal processing means, the portable device having a credit card When the purchaser signs on the physical credit card receipt using a pen point in the portable device, the purchaser's signature is arranged to digitally record, the signal processing means being credit card associated with the physical credit card receipt. By storing the digital signature along with the digital purchase information for the purchase, a digital credit card receipt is generated corresponding to the physical credit card receipt.

The advantage of the device is that the purchaser can confirm the purchase with his signature on the physical credit card receipt he can hold, while the seller does not have to waste time processing the physical credit card receipt. Instead, a digital credit card receipt is created, which includes the purchaser's signature, so that it completely corresponds to and replaces the original physical credit card receipt. More specifically, the digital credit card receipt includes all the information added to the hand and / or device on the physical credit card receipt associated with the purchase.

Another advantage of the device according to the invention is that it does not require a fundamental change in the existing infrastructure for the processing of credit card receipts. The only change the buyer will notice is that the buyer should use a digital pen or other portable device instead of the traditional pen. The change for banks is that the credit card purchase information is received in digital form, so the purchase information no longer needs to be entered by hand. In addition, banks no longer need to keep physical credit card receipts. The seller also reduces the burden of processing physical credit card receipts.

Since the portable device is mainly purchased by the seller, it is desirable to be designed from the seller's point of view. But a user can also own a portable device.

The signal processing means can be integrated into the portable device. This may include a software program to be executed by the processor. It may also be implemented in hardware by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The signal processing means can also be implemented partly or wholly in a unit separate from the portable device.

The term credit card as used herein may be a credit card, debit card, or other kind of card or physical unit that may be used for a valid purchase and require the cardholder's signature as confirmation of purchase. Credit card purchases may be associated with a product or service.

The device according to the invention can be effectively used even by a seller who previously handled a credit card purchase entirely by hand with a preprinted physical credit card receipt. In this case, the portable device may be arranged to record the additional information in digital form when the purchaser writes the additional information on the physical credit card receipt using the portable device, the additional information in the digital form being sent to the signal processing unit. Constitute at least a portion of the digital purchase information that is stored.

The portable device can therefore be used to record all handwritten information on a preprinted physical credit card receipt. If necessary, the signal processing means can supplement handwritten information such as date and time, seller name, serial number of credit card receipt, pen ID or similar kind of information.

The portable device may take various forms. For example, the portable device may include an acceleration sensor or a gyrosensor that records the movement of the device as the purchaser writes using the portable device. However, in a preferred embodiment, the portable device includes an optical sensor for recording the surface image of the physical credit card receipt when the purchaser writes on the physical credit card receipt using the portable device. Thus, a fixed part or complex sensor is required.

The recording of the purchaser's entry can be performed by recording a number of images with partially overlapping content and determining the relative positions of the images, as disclosed in International Patent Application No. WO 99/60467. have. This application is referred to herein.

However, the device for convenience includes means for identifying the location-coding pattern of the image when the image is recorded and converting the location-coding pattern of each image into coordinates for the location of the portable device on the physical credit card receipt. Thus, the content that the purchaser writes on the physical credit card receipt can be stored in the memory in the form of a sequence of coordinates by the signal processing means.

Thus, in this case, the credit card receipt has an absolute position-coding pattern that codes the coordinates for a number of absolute positions on the credit card receipt, which the buyer writes on the credit card receipt by continuously reading the position-coding pattern. The contents can be read. The signature written on the credit card receipt is therefore recorded in such a way that it can be reproduced graphically on a computer screen, for example. In addition, the sequence of coordinates that make up the signature enables to accurately determine where the signature was recorded on the credit card receipt. This feature makes the comparison of the physical credit card receipt original and the digital credit card receipt as secure as the prior art of comparing the physical credit card receipt original with the consumer's copy of the credit card receipt.

Means for identifying and converting the position-coding pattern to coordinates may be implemented by appropriate software of the processor and the portable device. Optionally, the means can be formed as part of the signal processing means or physically separate means that can be integrated into the portable device. In the case of physically separate means, the portable device records only the image transmitted to the signal processing means for processing.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a form of preprinted physical credit card receipts having a location-coding pattern on at least a portion of the surface.

This preprinted physical credit card receipt may look the same as a conventional preprinted physical credit card receipt, with the difference that a location-coding pattern is provided on at least a portion of its surface, a portion of which is written using a digital pen. Part or parts. An additional difference is that a copy is unnecessary and only one receipt is sufficient. This preprinted credit card receipt can be used in the same way as a conventional preprinted credit card receipt except that the required purchase information is filled in using a digital pen or other portable device.

As an alternative to a preprinted physical credit card receipt, the device may use a credit card receipt printed at the time of purchase. For this purpose, the signal processing means may be configured to cause a receipt printer to print the physical credit card receipt. Conveniently printed physical credit card receipts include information describing the purchase, such as price, details of the product or service purchased, and credit card number.

The device comprises a paper form, for example a sheet or reel, the sheet or roll being provided with a position-coding pattern over its entire surface, the sheet or roll being the physical credit card. Used to print a receipt. In this case, the paper is thus preprinted with a position-coding pattern, and only purchase information is added.

In a preferred embodiment, however, the signal processing means is configured to cause the receipt printer to print a location-coding pattern on at least a portion of the physical credit card receipt.

An advantage of this embodiment is that conventional monochrome paper can be used to print receipts. The location-coding pattern is printed on at least a portion of the receipt for which the buyer is to enter his signature. If additional information has to be entered by the buyer or seller, the location-coding pattern is of course printed where this information will be entered. Printing may consist of two courses, one by position-coding patterns and the other by other information.

The device may preferably be coupled to a credit card reader to receive a credit card number from a credit card reader, the credit card number forming part of the digital purchase information. The signal processing means thus receives a credit card number and any other information stored on the credit card from the credit card reader and adds this information to the digital credit card receipt. Optionally, the credit card reader may form part of the device. The connection can be made by wire or wireless.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is coupled to a cash register to receive at least some of the digital purchase information from the cash register. In this embodiment, all purchase information except the credit card number may be obtained from the cash register and then printed on the credit card receipt. Optionally, the cash register may constitute part of the device itself. In addition, the connection can be made here by wire or wireless.

The device may conveniently be arranged to send the digital credit card receipt to an external unit, for example a bank. In this way, the entire processing of the credit card receipt can take place automatically.

The aforementioned position-coding pattern is preferably of the type described in international patent applications WO 00/73893, PCT / SE00 / 01895, PCT / SE00 / 01897 and PCT / SE00 / 01898, which applications are incorporated herein by reference. do.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of presenting a physical credit card receipt to a buyer; The purchaser writing his signature on the physical credit card receipt using a portable device that digitally records the signature when the signature is recorded; And generating a digital credit card receipt including the signature and digital purchase information in digital form.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a credit card receipt comprising at least one writing area 21 for a buyer signature, said credit card receipt extending at least over said writing area and storing a digital record of said signature. A position-coding pattern is provided that allows for this.

The advantages of the method and credit card receipt are apparent from the description of the device. What is said about the device also applies to the method and credit card receipt as appropriate.

The invention will now be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows schematically a first embodiment of a configuration according to the invention.

Figure 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, which aims to print a physical credit card receipt at the time of purchase.

3 is a schematic view of an enlarged portion of a paper sheet provided with a location-coding pattern.

4 schematically shows how symbols included in a location-coding pattern can be constructed.

5 is a schematic diagram of an example of a 4 x 4 symbol used to code a position.

The credit card receipt processing device shown in FIG. 1 comprises a preprinted credit card receipt 2 and a portable device in the form of a digital pen 1.

The digital pen 1 includes a case 11 shaped like a pen. The open part 12 exists in the short side part of a case.                 

The case essentially houses the optics, electronic circuitry and power supply.

The optics comprise at least one IR light emitting diode 13 for illuminating the surface to be reproduced and a photosensitive area sensor 14 for recording a two-dimensional image, for example a CCD or CMOS sensor. Optionally, the pen may also include a lens system (not shown). IR light is absorbed by the position-coding pattern and in this way allows the symbols to be sensed by the sensor.

The power supply of the pen is obtained from a battery 15 mounted in a separate compartment of the case.

The electronic circuitry includes a processor 16 having an associated memory. The processor is programmed to perform the functions described below.

The digital pen 1 also includes a pen point 17, which allows the user to write conventional pigment-based writing which is written digitally by the digital pen at the same time. .

The digital pen 1 also includes a button 18 and the unit is operated and controlled using the buttons. Finally, the pen also has a transceiver 19 for wireless short range communication with external units, for example using IR light or radio waves.

The credit card receipt 2 is a preprinted credit card receipt. It has a number of write areas 20. The entry areas are for various items of purchase information, such as credit card numbers, purchase items, and prices, which items are handwritten by the seller. The credit card receipt also has a writing area 21 for the purchaser's signature.

The location-coding pattern 5 is printed over the entire surface of the credit card receipt. This location-coding pattern 5 has the property that if any part of the pattern with a given minimum size is recorded, the location of the location-coding pattern and thereby the location of any part on the credit card receipt can be clearly determined.

The position-coding pattern 5 may be of the type disclosed in the above mentioned US 5,852,434, in which each position is coded by a specific symbol.

However, the position-coding pattern is advantageously in the form disclosed in the above-mentioned international application, where each position is coded by a plurality of symbols, each symbol contributing to coding a plurality of positions.

The location-coding pattern consists of fewer kinds of symbols. An example is disclosed in PCT / SE00 / 01085, where a large dot represents "1" and a small dot represents "0". Another example is disclosed in PCT / SE00 / 01895, where four different dot arrangements in relation to raster points code four different values. This position-coding pattern is described in more detail below.

1 shows a position-coding pattern composed of symbols in the form of a large dot 5a and a small dot 5b. For the sake of brevity, the pattern is shown only in a small portion of the credit card receipt and at the same time is greatly enlarged.

The location-coding pattern on the credit card receipt constitutes a subset of the large location-coding pattern. The subset codes point coordinates within a particular coordinate area that are subregions of a large virtual coordinate area. The large coordinate region corresponds to all points where the large position-coding pattern can be coded. Since the subset on the credit card receipt can be dedicated to the seller, only the particular seller is authorized to use the subset. Other subsets of large location-coding patterns may be dedicated for different vendors. Additional subsets of large location-coding patterns may be dedicated for applications other than digital credit card receipts.

If a subset on a digital credit card receipt is dedicated for a given seller or seller's business, it is possible to sequentially set these digital signatures to come from this given seller's digital credit card receipt by analyzing the coordinates representing the digital signature. Do. Moreover, the exact location where the signature is written on the credit card receipt can be set.

All credit card receipts from a given seller may have the same location-coding pattern. Optionally, all receipts from such merchants may have unique location-coding patterns that belong to a certain definite subset of large location-coding patterns.

If the unique identifier of the digital pen is included in the digital credit card receipt, it is also possible to set the signature sequentially according to which particular digital pen is written.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is used in the following manner. When a credit card purchase is made, the seller takes the preprinted credit card receipt 2 and enters the purchaser's credit card number, and uses the digital pen 1 to enter the purchase area 20 with the digital pen 1. Fill in. While the seller writes, the optical sensor 14 records a continuous image of the credit card receipt surface and thus the corresponding portion of the location-coding pattern 5 located within the vision field of the sensor 14.

The processor 16 writes one image at a time from the sensor 14, and is programmed to identify the symbols within the image, determine which two coordinates (coordinate pairs) the symbols are coded in, and store these coordinates in its own memory. do. The processor 16 also analyzes the stored coordinate pairs and converts them into a polygonal train that constitutes a description of how the pen moved over the writing areas 20, 21 of the credit card receipt.

When the seller enters the purchase information on the credit card receipt, the buyer must approve the purchase with his signature in the entry area 21. The signature is also written using a digital pen that records a digital form signature as a sequence of coordinates. The buyer then receives a physical credit card receipt as a receipt for the purchase.

The processor 16 also has software for implementing signal processing means for generating a digital credit card receipt. Alternatively, the signal processing means can be made as a physically separate signal processing unit to which the digital pen is connected. The signal processing means may compile the purchase information written in the entry area of the credit card receipt to form a digital credit card receipt comprising the digital signature of the buyer and optionally the pen-ID. The information need not be written in any particular order so that the signal processing means can identify the information item. Instead, the signal processing means may use the coordinates to identify the writing area in which the information is written. The signal processing means may also comprise Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) software which decrypts the essays and stores them in character-code form, for example in ASCII form.

The signal processing means may store a plurality of digital credit card receipts. These may be sequentially transmitted to an external unit, such as a computer or a mobile phone, using the transceiver 19 for storage on the seller's premises and / or for transmission to the seller's bank.

In the embodiment described above, the digital pen is provided by the seller. It is also possible to make a purchase using a digital pen owned by the buyer. In this case, the digitally recorded signature and additional purchase information can be sent to the merchant's signal processing means for further processing and storage.

The information may be transmitted online at the same time as it is written, or may be delayed and stored in the memory of the signal processing means and then transmitted once a connection is established with a receiver, such as a bank.

The device shown in FIG. 2 is a slight improvement over FIG. 1 and can be used for complete automatic processing of credit card purchases. This includes a digital pen 1 ′, a cash register 30, a credit card reader 31, a receipt printer 32, and a signal processing unit 33. The digital pen 1 ', the cash register 30, the credit card reader 31 and the receipt printer 32 are all connected to the signal processing unit 33 by wire or wirelessly.

The digital pen 1 'is constructed and functions in the same manner as the digital pen 1 of FIG. 1 except that the signal processing means is at least partly implemented as a separate unit.

The cash register 30 is a general cash register. If the user inputs to the cash register and indicates that the recorded purchase information input is related to card purchase, the cash register transmits this purchase information to the signal processing unit 33.

The credit card reader is a conventional credit card reader. When the merchant scratches the credit card through the reader, the reader reads the information stored on the card and sends this credit card information to the signal processing unit. Credit card information includes at least a credit card number.

The signal processing unit 33 has a processor programmed to perform the functions described below. When the signal processing unit receives the purchase information regarding the credit card purchase from the cash register 30 and the credit card number from the credit card reader 31, the signal processing unit stores this information in a file and receives the receipt printer 32. Instruct to print the physical credit card receipt 40. Credit card receipts are printed on white paper. The credit card printer prints on one side the purchase information and the received credit card number, and on the other hand prints the location-coding pattern 5 which extends to the part of the receipt 40 on which the buyer wrote his signature. The location-coding pattern is of the same type as described above with respect to FIG. 1.

Printing can be performed at once by printing a pattern and a credit card receipt at the same time. Optionally, the credit card receipt may be printed on paper already provided with the pattern. As another option, the credit card receipt may be printed first or vice versa with a second implementation that first prints the pattern with ink that absorbs IR light and then absorbs visible light without absorbing IR light. In this way, the ink used to form the receipt does not interfere with the IR reading of the pattern.

Once the credit card receipt 40 is printed, the purchaser authorizes the purchase by writing his signature at the intended location using the digital pen 1 '. The signature is recorded by the digital pen in the manner described with reference to FIG. 1 as a coordinate pair sequence. The coordinate sequence is sent from the digital pen 1 'to the signal processing unit 33 which stores the coordinate sequence together with the card number and purchase information in the above-mentioned file. Optionally, a unique pen identification number (identifier) is sent from the digital pen and stored in the file. This unique identification number can be used to sequentially check which pen is used to sign a credit card receipt. The items of information stored together in the file form a digital credit card receipt.

When the buyer signs the physical credit card receipt, the buyer can have it. The digital credit card receipt is sent either directly or later to the merchant's bank, where the information is processed in the same manner as a conventional credit card system. Preferably, the digital credit card receipt is also stored by the seller.

Two embodiments of the device according to the invention and two types of credit card receipt according to the invention have been described above. Other devices and credit card receipts are possible within the scope of the claim. For example, the apparatus need not include all the units described in FIG. 2; Digital pen and signal processing means are enough. One or more other units of FIG. 2 may be added. The units shown in FIG. 2 need not be physically separate units, but two or more of them may be integrated with each other. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the digital pen is provided by the seller. It is also possible for the purchaser to use a device that provides a digital pen. In this case, the buyer's digital pen can communicate with the signal processing unit 33 to digitally send the signature and any additional purchase information from the digital pen to the signal processing unit.

When filling in a credit card receipt, the usual behavior is to fill in all items and / or to verify all items in the receipt and when everything is normal the receipt is signed and can no longer be changed. This behavior can also be used in the current situation. Thus, first all strokes of the pen on the receipt are registered, stored in memory and engraved in time. Finally, when the receipt is signed, the pen waits for a few seconds and then compiles all the pen strokes in the receipt into a file, ending with the physical receipt and can no longer be changed. Moreover, the completion of the signature is a signal of the pen which transmits the information to the receiver by connection of a network for transmitting the file to the bank or the like as described above. Completion of the signature may be indicated, for example, if there are no more pen strokes on the signature area within a few seconds, such as two seconds, the transfer operation is initiated. Another option for indicating that a transfer operation is undertaken when the buyer's pen is used is described below. When there is no longer a pen stroke on the signature area within any time, for example 3 seconds, the pen's signature lookup software determines whether the signature can verify that it is the pen owner's signature. In the negative judgment, the above-mentioned file is compiled and terminated and the transfer operation starts. The file is compiled and terminated upon signature verification but other combinations of the above are possible, such that the transfer operation is initiated in other ways, such as by pressing a button or ticking the transfer box. When a unique pattern is used for each individual receipt, if there is any objection to the bank or buyer performing their duties, the identification between the physical receipt and the data receipt can be verified at any time after receipt of the receipt. Since the two copies no longer match each other, any tampering of the physical or digital receipt will be easily found.

As already mentioned, the digital credit card receipt is sent to the bank or related recipient by signal processing means. In addition, the digital credit card receipt can be logged by the signal processing means, so that the seller can verify that the receipt has been sent to the bank sequentially. Alternatively or in addition, the bank may return a copy of the digital credit card receipt as a receipt delivery confirmation.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the digital recording of the signature is performed by the location-coding pattern. As mentioned in the introduction, recording may also occur by any sensor type of sensor in the pen that detects the pen's movement. In this case, of course, a general physical credit card receipt can be used intact.

Finally, a preferred embodiment of the absolute position-coding pattern is described. For simplicity, a description will be given regarding the paper sheet. This is related to the absolute position-coding pattern disclosed in PCT / SE00 / 01895. The surface provided with the location code is called a location-coding pattern because it is a somewhat patterned print.

3 shows an enlarged portion of a sheet provided with a location-coding pattern 105 on its surface 102. The sheet has an x coordinate axis and a y coordinate axis.

The location-coding pattern is a virtual raster that is invisible to the naked eye or cannot be detected directly by a device that determines the location on the surface, and a number representing one of four values of "1" to "4", respectively, as described below. The symbol 4 is included.

The position-coding pattern is arranged in such a way that the symbol on the partial face of the paper sheet codes the absolute coordinates of the point on the virtual face, as described below. The first and second partial surfaces 125a and 125b are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 3. The location-coding pattern (4x4 mark in this case) portion to be found on the first partial surface 125a codes the coordinates of the first point, and the location-coding pattern portion to be found on the second partial surface 125b Code a second point coordinate on the virtual plane. The location-coding pattern is thus partially shared by adjacent first and second points. This position-coding pattern is referred to herein as "floating."

4A-4B illustrate embodiments of symbols that may be used in a location-coding pattern. The symbol comprises a virtual raster point 130 represented by the intersection between the raster lines and a marking 106 in the form of a dot. The value of the symbol depends on where the marking is located. In the example of FIG. 4, there are four possible positions, each on a respective raster line extending from the raster point. The displacement of the raster point is the same for all values. In the following, the symbol has the value 1 in FIG. 4A, the value 2 in FIG. 4B, the value 3 in FIG. 4C and the value 4 in FIG. 4D. In other words, the symbol has four different forms.

Of course, the dots can be represented as having different shapes.

Each symbol may represent four values of "1-4". This means that the location-coding pattern can be separated into a first location code for the x-coordinate and a second location code for the y-coordinate. Separation has the following effects:

Symbolic value x-code y-code One One One 2 0 One 3 One 0 4 0 0

Thus, each symbolic value is converted into a first digit for the x-code and a second digit for the y-code, which in this case is a bit. In this way, two completely independent bit patterns are obtained. The patterns can be combined into a combined pattern, graphically coded using a number of symbols according to FIG. 4.

The coordinates for each point are coded by a number of symbols. In this example, the 4x4 symbol is used to code the position in two dimensions, x- and y-coordinates.

The position code is composed of a series of numbers, a series of 1's and 0's, which have the characteristic of not appearing again once the 4-bit sequence appears in the bit series. The number series is circular, which also means that this property is provided when the end of the series is connected to the beginning of the series. Thus, a 4-bit sequence always has several series of clearly determined positions.

If the series has the characteristics described above for a 4-bit sequence, the series can be up to 16 bits long. However, in this example, only a 7 bit long series is used as follows:

"0 0 0 1 0 1 0"

This series contains seven unique sequences of four bits that code the positions of the following series:

Position of series sequence 0 0001 One 0010 2 0101 3 1010 4 0100 5 1000 6 0000

To code the x-coordinates, a series of numbers are written sequentially in vertical columns over the entire surface to be coded. Coding is based on the difference or positional displacement between the number of adjacent longitudinal columns. The size of the difference is determined by the position (with the number sequence) of the number series where adjacent vertical columns begin. More specifically, if, on the one hand, a number can be coded by the 4-bit sequence of the first vertical column to have values (positions) 0-6, and the corresponding (on the same "level" sequence) of adjacent columns on the other hand If we take the modulo 7 between the numbers, it will be the same regardless of the comparison along the two columns. By using the difference between the two vertical columns, one can code a constant x-coordinate for all y-coordinates.

Since each position on the surface is coded with a 4x4 symbol in this example, three differences (with values 0-6) as mentioned above are available for coding the x-coordinate. Coding is performed in such a way that, among three differences, one difference always has a value of 1 or 2, and the other two have values in the range of 3-6. Therefore, there is no difference that can be zero in x-code. In other words, the x-code has a structure where the difference is as follows: (3-6) (3-6) (1-2) (3-6) (3-6) (1-2) (3-6 (3-6) (1-2) ..... Thus, each x-coordinate is coded with two numbers between 3 and 6 and the next number of 1 or 2. If 3 is subtracted from a high number and 1 is subtracted from a low number, a mixed radix is obtained, yielding a position directly in the x-direction, from which the x-coordinate can be determined directly as shown below.

By using the above-described principle, it is possible to code the x-coordinates into 0, 1, 2, ... using the numbers represented by the three differences. This difference is coded into a bit pattern based on the series of numbers. The bit pattern can in turn be graphically coded by the symbol of FIG.

In most cases, when reading 4x4 symbols, it is not possible to obtain the complete number of coding x-coordinates, but it is possible to get two numbers of parts. However, since the lowest part of the number is always one or two, the complete number can be easily reconstructed.

The y-coordinate is coded according to the same principle used for the x-coordinate. The cycle number series is repeatedly written in the horizontal horizontal row of the surface to be coded. As in the case of x-coordinates, horizontal rows start at different positions in the series of numbers, with different sequence of bits. However, for y-coordinates, the coordinates are coded by a number based on the starting position of the number series of each horizontal row without using a difference. Once the x-coordinate for the 4x4 symbol is determined, the starting position of the number series for the horizontal rows contained in the y-code with the 4x4 symbol can be determined in effect. In the y-code, the most significant digit is determined by making it the only digit with a range of values. In this example, one of the four horizontal rows starts with position 0-1 of the series of numbers to indicate that it relates to the lowest digit in the y-coordinate, and the other three horizontal rows start at positions 2-6. Thus, the following number series exist in the y-direction: (2-6) (2-6) (2-6) (0-1) (2-6) (2-6) (2-6) (0-1) (2-6) ... Thus each y-coordinate is coded by three numbers between 2 and 6 and the next value between 0 and 1.

If 0 is subtracted from a low number and 2 is subtracted from a high number, the position in the y-direction of the mixed radix is obtained in a manner similar to the x-direction, from which it is possible to determine the y-coordinate directly.

Using this method, it is possible to code 4 x 4 x 2 = 32 positions in the x-direction. Each of these positions corresponds to three differences, which makes 3 x 32 = 96 positions. Moreover, it is possible to code 5 x 5 x 5 x 2 = 250 positions in the y-direction. Each such position corresponds to four horizontal rows, which gives a 4 × 250 = 1000 position. Thus, it is possible to code 96000 locations as a whole. However, since x-coding is based on the difference, it is possible to choose at which position the first series of numbers starts. Considering that this first number series can start at seven different positions, it is possible to code a 7x96000 = 672000 position. The starting position of the first series of numbers in the first vertical column may be calculated when the x-coordinate is determined. Seven different starting positions for the first series mentioned above may code different paper sheets or recording surfaces of the product.

To further illustrate the functionality of the location-coding pattern, specific examples are provided based on the described embodiments of location codes.

5 shows an example of an image with 4x4 symbols read by the device for positioning.

This 4 × 4 symbol has the following values:

4 4 4 2

3 2 3 4

4 4 2 4

1 3 2 4

These values represent the binary x- and y-codes as follows:

x-code : y-code :

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0                 

1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0

The vertical x-sequence codes the next position in the number series: 2 0 4 6. The difference between the columns is -2 4 2, modulo 7 gives 5 4 2, and the number of positions in the mixed radix is: (5-3) × 8 + (4-3) × 2 + (2-1) = Code 16 + 2 + 1 = 19. Since the first coded x-position is position 0, the difference in the range of 1 to 2 and appearing within the 4x4 symbol is this 20th difference. In addition, for each such difference, there are a total of three vertical columns and a starting vertical column, so the rightmost vertical sequence in the 4 x 4 x-code is the x-code (3 x 20 + 1 = 61). It belongs to the 61st vertical column of and the leftmost vertical sequence belongs to the 58th vertical column.

The horizontal y-sequence codes positions 0 4 1 3 in the number series. Since this horizontal series starts with the 58th vertical column, the starting position of the horizontal row is the modulo 7 subtracted from 57, giving the starting position 6 3 0 2. If you convert digits to mixed radix, 6-2, 3-2, 0-0, 2-2 = 4 1 0 0, and the third digit is the least significant digit of the associated number. The fourth digit is the next most significant digit. It should be equal to the number involved in this case. (The exception is when the relevant number consists of the highest possible digit at every location. Then you know that the beginning of the next number is one greater than the beginning of the related number.)

The position of the 4-digit number is 0 x 50 + 4 x 10 + 1 x 2 + 0 x 1 = 42 in the mixed radix.

Thus, the third horizontal row of the y-code is the 43rd with a starting position of 0 or 1, and since there are a total of four horizontal rows for each horizontal row, the third horizontal row is a number 43x4 = 172.

Thus, in this example, the position of the top left corner of the 4x4 symbol group is (58,170).

Since the x-sequences of the 4x4 group start in horizontal row 170, the x-vertical columns of the entire pattern are number series ((2 0 4 6)-169) modulo 7 = 1 6 3 5 To start. The number (0-19) is coded into the mixed radix between the last starting position 5 and the initial starting position, and by adding an indication of the number of mixed radix (0-19) the total difference between these vertical columns is obtained. To do this, the neural algorithm generates these 20th numbers and adds their digits directly. The sum obtained is called s. Next, the paper sheet or recording surface is given by (5-s) modulo 7.

In the above example, the embodiment illustrates that each position is coded by 4 x 4 symbols and a series of numbers having 7 bits is used. Of course, this is just an example. The location can be coded with more or fewer symbols. The number of symbols need not be the same in both directions. Number series can be of different lengths and need not be binary, but can be based on other numbers. Different number series can be used for coding in the x-direction and coding in the y-direction. Symbols can have different numbers of values. From the above, coding by 6x6 symbols is preferred, and each symbol can represent four values. Those skilled in the art can easily generalize the above examples with respect to such coding.

In this example, the marking is a dot, but of course, may have a different appearance. For example, it may consist of lines or marks starting at the virtual raster point and extending from there to a predetermined location. As another option, the marking may consist of a square, rectangle, triangle or other suitable one which is easy to detect. The marking may or may not be filled.

In the above example, the symbol within the square subplane is used to code the position. The partial surface can be of other shapes, for example hexagonal. The symbols need not be arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns at 90 ° angles to one another, but may be arranged at other angles, such as 60 ° angles, and / or in other ways. In addition, polar or other coordinate systems may code the location.

In order for the location code to be detected, a virtual raster must be determined. This can be done by checking the distance between the different marks. The shortest distance between two marks is two neighboring symbols with values of 1 and 3 (horizontally) or 2 and 4 (vertically) such that the marking is located on the same raster line between two raster points. Must be derived from When such a marking pair is detected, the associated raster point can be determined using the distance information between the raster point and the displacement of the marking from the raster point. Once two raster points are located, additional raster points can be determined using the measurement distance to the other marking and the relative distance of the raster points using information.

The position-coding pattern described above may allow multiple unique positions to code the absolute coordinates of such a position. It can be said that every location or point that can be coded using a location-coding pattern is a combination of virtual planes. Other portions of the virtual surface may be dedicated for other specific purposes. For example, one area of the virtual surface may be dedicated to be used as a recording surface, differently as a specific recognition area, and very different areas as various activity icons. Different areas of the virtual plane may be used for other applications. For example, the relevant subset of location-coding patterns can be used to create any activity icon that can be arranged in an optional location on the product. The coordinates coded by this subset of location-coding patterns are thus not related to the location on the product but to the location on the virtual plane, and the location is always dedicated to correspond to this activity icon.

In this preferred embodiment, the nominal space between the dots is 0.3 mm. Any portion of the location-coding pattern comprising 6 × 6 dots defines the absolute coordinates of the point on the virtual plane. Thus, each point on the virtual plane is limited to a 1.8 mm x 1.8 mm subset of the location-coding pattern. By determining the position of 6x6 dots on the sensor in the device used to read the pattern, the position can be calculated by inserting on a virtual plane with a resolution of 0.03 mm. Since each point is coded with 6 x 6 dots, each of which can represent one of four values, 2 ⁷² points can be coded, which is a surface of 4.6 x 10 ⁶ km ² by the aforementioned nominal space between the dots. Corresponds to

The absolute position-coding pattern can be printed on any paper or on another material capable of a resolution of approximately 600 dpi. Paper can have any size and shape, depending on the desired application. The pattern can be printed by standard offset printing. Common black carbon-based inks or other inks that absorb IR light may preferably be used. This can be used to superimpose other printed text on an absolute position-coding pattern without interfering with reading, in fact other ink including black ink that is not carbon-based.

The surface provided with the above-mentioned pattern printed with carbon-based black ink is visually visible only with light gray shades (1-3% concentration) of the surface, familiar and aesthetic to the user.

Of course, a smaller or larger number of dots than described above can be used to define the points on the virtual plane and a larger or smaller distance between the dots can be used for the pattern. The above examples are only used to illustrate the preferred implementation of the pattern.

Claims (26)

A device for processing credit card purchases, When a purchaser writes his signature on a physical credit card receipt (2; 40) using a pen point (17) placed on the portable device, the portable device is arranged to digitally record the signature of the credit card buyer ( 1; 1 '); Signal processing means (16; 33) arranged to generate a digital credit card receipt corresponding to the physical credit card receipt by storing the digital signature together with the digital purchase information relating to the credit card purchase associated with the physical credit card receipt; And Stock of blank physical credit card receipts provided with a location-coding pattern 5 on at least part of the surface Including, credit card purchase processing device. The method of claim 1, The portable device (1,1 ') is arranged to record the additional information in digital form when the purchaser writes the additional information on the physical credit card receipt (2,40) using the portable device. The form of additional information constitutes at least a portion of the digital purchase information stored by the signal processing means. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The portable device comprises an optical sensor 14 for recording an image of the physical credit card receipt surface when the purchaser writes on the physical credit card receipt using the portable device. Device. The method of claim 3, wherein The apparatus may comprise means for identifying a location-coding pattern of the image when the image is recorded and converting the location-coding pattern of each image into coordinates for the location of the portable device on the physical credit card receipt ( Credit card purchase processing device comprising: 16). delete The method according to claim 1 or 2, And the signal processing means is arranged such that a receipt printer (32) is arranged to print the physical credit card receipt. The method of claim 6, And said signal processing means is arranged such that said receipt printer is arranged to print a location-coding pattern (5) on at least part of said physical credit card receipt (40). The method of claim 6, And the device comprises a form of papers used to print the physical credit card receipt, wherein a location-coding pattern is provided on the front of the paper form. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The device is connected to the credit card reader 31 and arranged to receive a credit card number from the credit card reader 31, the credit card number forming part of the digital purchase information. Purchase processing unit. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The device is connected to a cash register (30) and is arranged to receive at least a portion of the digital purchase information from the cash register (30). The method according to claim 1 or 2, And the device is arranged to transmit the digital credit card receipt to an external unit. The method of claim 11, Signing completion on the physical credit card receipt by the purchaser triggers the transfer of the digital credit card receipt to the external unit. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And the signal processing means is arranged to generate the digital credit card receipt by compiling the digital signature and the digital purchase information into a single file. The method of claim 13, And the file is closed for change for a predetermined time after the purchaser has finished writing on the physical credit card receipt. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The device is arranged to send the digital credit card receipt to an external unit, and the signal processing means is configured to verify the signature by comparing the digital signature recorded by the portable device with a pre-stored signature of the portable device owner. A credit card purchase processing device, characterized in that. The method of claim 15, And verifying the signature triggers the transmission of the digital credit card receipt to the external unit. The method according to claim 1 or 2, And said portable device is a digital pen. As a method of processing credit card purchases, Presenting the physical credit card receipt to the buyer; When a signature is recorded, a purchaser writes his signature on the physical credit card receipt using a portable device that digitally records the signature; Generating a digital credit card receipt including the signature and digital purchase information in digital form; And Providing a location-coding pattern on the physical credit card receipt Including, credit card purchase processing method. The method of claim 18, And providing the physical credit card receipt. delete The method of claim 18 or 19, Using the portable device to record additional purchase information in digital form, the purchaser writing the additional purchase information on the credit card receipt, wherein the digital form additional information includes at least one of the digital purchase information. Credit card purchase processing method comprising a portion. A credit card receipt comprising at least one entry area 21 for a buyer signature, wherein: The credit card receipt is provided with a location-coding pattern extending at least over the entry area and enabling digital recording of the signature. The method of claim 22, And the location-coding pattern is an absolute location-coding pattern that codes the coordinates of a plurality of locations on the credit card receipt. The method of claim 22 or 23, Credit card receipts for additional purchase information, comprising an additional writing area (20) provided with said location-coding pattern to enable digital recording of said additional purchase information. The method of claim 22 or 23, The location-coding pattern comprises a raster and a plurality of symbols, wherein each symbol value is determined by the position of the marking relative to the raster point in the raster. The method of claim 22 or 23, The credit card receipt is used for the credit card purchase processing device according to claim 1.

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