(19)
(11) EP 0 474 360 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
07.07.1993 Bulletin 1993/27

(43) Date of publication A2:
11.03.1992 Bulletin 1992/11

(21) Application number: 91307072.8

(22) Date of filing: 01.08.1991
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)5: G07G 1/12, G07F 19/00, G07C 9/00, G07G 5/00
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

(30) Priority: 29.08.1990 US 575159

(71) Applicant: VISA INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
San Mateo California 94402 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Francini, Joseph P.
    Castro Valley, California 94552 (US)
  • Asbo, Einar L.
    Mill Valley, California 94941 (US)

(74) Representative: Jackson, David Spence et al
REDDIE & GROSE 16, Theobalds Road
London, WC1X 8PL
London, WC1X 8PL (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) A system for validating the authenticity of a transaction employing electronic receipts


    (57) A digitized code signal representative of the signature of the purchaser is generated at the point of sale by the transaction terminal (36). This code signal along with the parameters of the transaction are stored (52) electronically. In the event that the customer questions the transaction, the financial institution (26) associated with the merchant (34) can generate a hard copy receipt which includes the parameters of the transaction as well as a representation of the signature of the purchaser. This hard copy receipt is then sent to the customer for validating the transaction. This eliminates the need to generate, transfer and store hard copy receipts unless they are specifically requested. At sale, transaction parameters are entered into an electronic cash register (38). A module (40) displays transaction data on a CRT (42). The module (40) may have a slot (46) for reading a magnetic stripe transaction card (22). Signature is effected with a light pen (44).






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