Point of sale transaction system
A point of sale document transaction system (“POSDTS”) provides a wholly contained system for authenticating users and payment methods for the authorization and charging of document output via industry standard methods of Electronic Funds Transfer. The POSDTS provides self service payment and collection at an output device without need for additional back end or server systems and integrates directly into industry standard financial interfaces. POSDTS operation can be extended to include any series of production devices that can be controlled via electronic means, network protocols, or embedded software.
1. A wholly-contained point of sale transaction apparatus comprising:
a) a controlled device for rendering a service to a user in exchange for payment thereof by a user;
b) an authentication device for providing authenticating input data from said user of said controlled device;
c) terminal means for entering user information and request for services to said controlled device; and
d) computer means programmed to a plurality of algorithms for
configuring which services are to be provided by said controlled device to any prospective user,
authenticating said user,
authorizing user permission of said controlled device to carry out said point of sale transaction,
fulfilling said user request for services by turning on use of said controlled device, enabling any user requested services based upon a predetermined permission level, and tracking use of said controlled device, and
processing said transaction by charging or debiting said user for use of said controlled device after said fulfilling step to manufacture or otherwise deliver said requested service.
2. A wholly-contained apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said terminal means is selected from the group consisting of hardware, software, and combinations thereof.
3. A wholly-contained apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said computer means is integral with said terminal means.
4. A wholly-contained apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said controlled device is a printer and wherein input of print jobs is selected from the group consisting of an electronic network and directly through said controlled device or said terminal means.
5. A wholly-contained apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said controlled device is a multi-function device for providing printing, scanning, copying and/or faxing services.
6. A wholly-contained apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said controlled device is controlled by said terminal means and said computer means.
7. A wholly-contained apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said terminal means is for handling cash payment as well as credit, debit, and account charges for said user.
8. A wholly-contained apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said algorithm for processing transactions provides for payment transaction authorized by cell phone and wherein said payment transaction is processed through a service provider for said cell phone.
9. A wholly-contained apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality of controlled devices in communication with said authentication device, said terminal means, and said computer means.
10. A wholly-contained apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said computer means is further programmed with an algorithm for electronically transferring funds to or from said user's account at a bank.