Multi-function transaction processing system

Abstract

A multi-function transaction processing system including a transaction terminal having a data entry facility and a transaction processor, the transaction processor being communicatively associated with a control processor that defines user accounts and issues one or more authorization codes associated with the user account(s) in response to payment authorities provided at the transaction terminal utilizing a payment authority input of the data entry facility. Furthermore, a printer assembly is communicatively associated with the transaction terminal and generates a card assembly, the card assembly including a first portion containing the authorization code thereon, and a second portion including additional promotional materials thereon. The user account as defined by the control assembly, includes a defined value, the authorization code provided being utilized to facilitate a transaction in accordance with that defined value.

1 . A multi-function transaction processing system comprising: 
 a. a transaction terminal, said transaction terminal including a data entry facility and a transaction processor;    b. said transaction processor of said transaction terminal being communicatively associated with at least a remotely located and independent control processor;    c. said data entry facility including a payment authority input structured to accept a payment authority;    d. said control processor structured to define an authorization code, at least in response to said payment authority;    e. said authorization code structured to be provided to a merchant in connection with a transaction not to exceed a defined value at least initially and at least partially defined by said payment authority.    
   
   
       2 . A multi-function transaction processing system comprising: 
 a. a transaction terminal disposed at an issuing merchant, said transaction terminal including a data entry facility and a transaction processor;    b. said transaction processor of said transaction terminal being communicatively associated with at least a remotely located control processor, said control processor being operated independent of said issuing merchant;    c. said data entry facility including a payment authority input structured to accept a payment authority;    d. said control processor structured to define an authorization code, at least in response to said payment authority and to communicate said authorization code to a consumer associated with said payment authority;    e. said authorization code structured to be provided to a redemption merchant in connection with a transaction not to exceed a defined value at least initially and at least partially defined by said payment authority.    
   
   
       3 . A multi-function transaction processing system comprising: 
 a. a transaction terminal disposed at an issuing merchant, said transaction terminal including a data entry facility and a transaction processor;    b. said transaction processor of said transaction terminal being communicatively associated with at least a remotely located control processor, said control processor being operated independent of said issuing merchant;    c. said data entry facility including a payment authority input structured to accept a payment authority;    d. said control processor structured to define an authorization code, at least in response to said payment authority and to communicate said authorization code to a consumer associated with said payment authority;    e. said authorization code structured to be provided to a redemption merchant in connection with a transaction not to exceed a defined value at least initially and at least partially defined by said payment authority.    
   
   
       4 . A multi-function transaction processing system as recited in  claim 3  wherein said control processor is independent of a financial institution authorizing a payment associated with said payment authority.  
   
   
       5 . A multi-function transaction processing system comprising: 
 a. a transaction terminal disposed at an issuing merchant, said transaction terminal including a data entry facility and a transaction processor;    b. said transaction processor of said transaction terminal being communicatively associated with at least a remotely located control processor, said control processor being operated independent of said issuing merchant;    c. said data entry facility including a payment authority input structured to accept a payment authority;    d. said control processor structured to define a pin mumber, at least in response to said payment authority and to communicate said pin number to a consumer associated with said payment authority;    e. said pin number structured to be provided to a redemption merchant in connection with a transaction, a value of said transaction not to exceed a defined value associated with said pin number at a time of said transaction.    
   
   
       6 . A multi-function transaction processing system comprising: 
 a. a transaction terminal, said transaction terminal including a data entry facility and a transaction processor;    b. said transaction processor of said transaction terminal being communicatively associated with at least a remotely located and independent control processor;    c. a printer assembly communicatively associated with said transaction terminal and structured to generate a card;    d. said data entry facility including a payment authority input structured to accept a payment authority;    e. said control processor structured to define an authorization code, at least in response to said payment authority and to communicate said authorization code to said printer assembly for generation of said card;    f. said card including both said authorization code and promotional materials thereon.    g. said authorization code structured to be provided to a merchant in connection with a transaction not to exceed a defined value at least initially and at least partially defined by said payment authority.    
   
   
       7 . A multi-function transaction processing system as recited in  claim 6  wherein a portion of said card with said authorization code is separable from a portion of said card with said promotional materials.