Importance

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Abstract

A banking system is provided which is comprised of a central computer, a customer accounts main memory, and plural remote transaction terminals in communication with the central computer. Each remote terminal includes a cash dispensing apparatus, a personal identification number (PIN) signal generator, a random number (RN) signal generator, a security device and a cash dispenser. The communication paths from the RN and PIN signal generators to the security device are wholly contained within the remote terminal and inaccessible to would-be thieves. The remote terminals also include data entry devices activated by a customer to provide a PIN number, a PIN OFFSET number bearing a predetermined relationship to both the PIN number and a customer information file (CIF) signal stored in main memory, and other banking information. In response to a customer-initiated operation, a remote terminal supplies bank transaction and customer identification information to the central computer. Upon receiving information from a remote terminal, the central computer searches the customer's record in main memory for a CIF number associated with the customer's account. The central computer thereafter forms a composite signal from the RN, CIF and PIN OFFSET signals which is applied to the security device of the remote terminal. The RN signal serves to conceal both the CIF and PIN OFFSET signals from an attempted interception during transmission from the central computer to the remote terminal. The security device includes a comparator for generating a DISPENSE signal when the PIN and RN signals bear a predetermined relationship to the composite signal. The cash dispenser includes a cash storage portion and a dispensing mechanism for issuing one or more cash units in response to a DISPENSE signal.

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First Claim