초록 ▼

A self-contained payment system uses circulating digital vouchers for the transfer of value. The system creates and transfers digital vouchers. A digital voucher has an identifying element and a dynamic log. The identifying element includes information such as the transferable value, a serial number

A self-contained payment system uses circulating digital vouchers for the transfer of value. The system creates and transfers digital vouchers. A digital voucher has an identifying element and a dynamic log. The identifying element includes information such as the transferable value, a serial number and a digital signature. The dynamic log records the movement of the voucher through the system and accordingly grows over time. This allows the system operator to not only reconcile the vouchers before redeeming them, but also to recreate the history of movement of a voucher should an irregularity like a duplicate voucher be detected. These vouchers are used within a self-contained system including a large number of remote devices which are linked to a central system. The central system can be linked to an external system. The external system, as well as the remote devices, are connected to the central system by any one or a combination of networks. The networks must be able to transport digital information, for example the internet, cellular networks, telecommunication networks, cable networks or proprietary networks. Vouchers can also be transferred from one remote device to another remote device. These remote devices can communicate through a number of methods with each other. For example, for a non-face-to-face transaction the internet is a choice, for a face-to-face or close proximity transactions tone signals or light signals are likely methods. In addition, at the time of a transaction a digital receipt can be created which will facilitate a fast replacement of vouchers stored in a lost remote device.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.]an input signal receiver for receiving said vouchers sent to the said remote device;a memory for storing said vouchers and storing an identification number of said remote device and storing an account number;an output signal generator for sending said vouchers;a processor s

[What is claimed is:] [1.]an input signal receiver for receiving said vouchers sent to the said remote device;a memory for storing said vouchers and storing an identification number of said remote device and storing an account number;an output signal generator for sending said vouchers;a processor storing said received vouchers in said memory, wherein said processor generates and attaches a remote device set of log digits to said voucher, and wherein said processor retrieves vouchers from said memory and sends them to said output signal generator linked to said processor; anduser controls for inputting operating instructions to said remote device.