초록 ▼

A point-of-sale (POS) processing system includes a host and a plurality of portable POS terminals. A local controller may be provided intermediate the host and the POS terminals, so that the POS terminals communicate with the host via the local controller. Each POS terminal includes a main portion a

A point-of-sale (POS) processing system includes a host and a plurality of portable POS terminals. A local controller may be provided intermediate the host and the POS terminals, so that the POS terminals communicate with the host via the local controller. Each POS terminal includes a main portion and an extension portion. The main portion may be supported by a harness for strapping the main portion to a dealer's body. The extension portion may be small in size and light in weight so that it can be easily held with one hand. The main portion includes a two-way communication subsystem, a processor, and at least one data interface. The extension portion includes a reading device (e.g., a magnetic strip reader) for reading financial account data from an account authorization device (e.g., a credit card, debit card or prepay card). It further includes an input device (e.g., a keypad) for inputting a security code access key (e.g., a PIN), and a device for generating encrypted data representative of the security code access key. The main portion may also include a printer for printing receipts generated as a result of a sale transaction.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A portable point-of-sale (POS) terminal for communicating with a point-of-sale host system, said point-of-sale terminal comprising:a main portion for communicating with said point-of-sale host system, an extension portion and means for coupling said main portion to said e

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A portable point-of-sale (POS) terminal for communicating with a point-of-sale host system, said point-of-sale terminal comprising:a main portion for communicating with said point-of-sale host system, an extension portion and means for coupling said main portion to said extension portion so that said extension portion is separable by a minimum distance from said main portion while said extension portion remains coupled to said main portion;said main portion having a total weight and outer dimensions permitting a person to carry said main portion with little physical exertion and comprising:a two-way communications subsystem; anda main portion processor for processing a sale transaction and sending and receiving sales data to and from said host via said two-way communications subsystem;said extension portion having a total weight and outer dimensions permitting a person to carry said extension portion with little physical exertion and comprising:reading means for reading financial account data from an account authorization device;inputting means for inputting a security code access key; andmeans for generating encrypted data representative of said security code access key and forwarding said encrypted data to said main portion.