System and method for performing a variety of transactions h aving distributed decision-making capability

摘要

A system and method whereby a multiplicity of users may perform a variety of transactions, such as a product/service request, a bill payment request and long distance telephone service, through a system operator. The system includes a plurality of telephone instruments respectively having a telephone identifier and a wallet card swipe reader or the like for inputting a user identifier. A plurality of user actuators, such as individual buttons, are located on the telephone instrument to initiate a request for a particular transaction. A system processor in communication with the telephone instrument determines which type of transaction is being requested and determines whether the request is valid. Preferably, the validity check is completely performed at a gateway computer having a validity table in its memory corresponding to the particular telephone instrument. The gateway computer stores all transaction requests accrued over a period of time in its memory and forwards them to a central computer at a predetermined regular time. The central computer then correlates the transaction request with complete information in its database to carry out the transaction as requested.