Multi-issuer transaction device with individual identification verification plug-in application modules for each issuer

A method for executing a transaction using a personal identification device having stored identification data and an electronic transaction device, adapted to receive said identification device and read identification data therefrom, said transaction device including data processing means including a first control program and a plurality of program modules, said modules each including a module microprocessor, at least one stored transaction program and at least one stored module program for operating said module microprocessor, comprising:

• connecting said identification device to said transaction device;
• operating said data processing means of said transaction device under said control program to read said identification data from said identification device and to select one of said program modules and one of said stored transaction programs in accordance with said identification data;
• operating said data processing means of said transaction device under said control program to load said selected transaction program from said selected program module:
• operating said data processing means of said transaction device under said selected transaction program to execute portions of a transaction;
• and operating said module microprocessor under said module program to execute portions of a transaction.

A program module for use in a transaction terminal of the type accepting personal transaction identification devices, wherein said devices include stored identification data, and wherein said transaction terminal includes a first interface means for receiving said personal transaction identification devices for generating first data signals corresponding to the stored identification data;

• a second interface means with at least two terminal connector means for detachably receiving program modules, said second interface means for generating second data signals corresponding to data stored in said program modules;
• and processor means within said transaction terminal for receiving data signals from said first and second interface means and including a control program responsive to said first data signals for selecting a program module;
• said program module comprising:
• a module microprocessor;
• module connector means for connecting said module microprocessor to said terminal connector means for communication with the terminal processor means;
• a module program for operating said module microprocessor;
• and
• a transaction program executed by said terminal processor means for carrying out transactions with said personal transaction identification devices.