Abstract: A method to prevent check fraud and to ensure valid negotiable instrument transactions with the use of randomized alphanumeric and special character sequence passwords or passcodes. Check stock is prepared with either serialized or un-serialized check numbers printed on the check stock. Randomized passcodes are generated, one for each check in the check stock. Each of the randomized passcodes is printed on a single check and correlated to a unique check number. A passcode file listing correlated check numbers and passcodes is prepared. Alternatively, the passcode can be maintained physically separate from the check. When a check is presented for payment, the check number and passcode has to be presented to the payor bank that compares the check number/passcode combination to list in the passcode file. If there is no match, or if the match has occurred before concerning another payment, the check is invalidated. The passcodes may be printed on the checks in invisible ink.

Abstract: A method to prevent check fraud and to ensure valid negotiable instrument transactions with the use of randomized alphanumeric and special character sequence passwords or passcodes. Check stock is prepared with either serialized or un-serialized check numbers printed on the check stock. Randomized passcodes are generated, one for each check in the check stock. Each of the randomized passcodes is printed on a single check and correlated to a unique check number. A passcode file listing correlated check numbers and passcodes is prepared. Alternatively, the passcode can be maintained physically separate from the check. When a check is presented for payment, the check number and passcode has to be presented to the payor bank that compares the check number/passcode combination to list in the passcode file. If there is no match, or if the match has occurred before concerning another payment, the check is invalidated. The passcodes may be printed on the checks in invisible ink.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method of controlling a position of an animal includes tracking a position of the animal using a positioning system, such as a global positioning system. A time-varying position of a base object is also tracked using the positioning system, and a relative position of the animal with respect to the base object is determined, based on the positions of the animal and the base object. When the relative position exceeds a minimum value, a stimulus is provided to the animal to encourage the animal to reduce the relative position. A user of the system may define a region for the animal using a map of the surrounding territory.