Abstract: A method of processing drug prescriptions via a communications network includes registering doctors, pharmacies and patients as participants such that each registered participant's identity is uniquely defined and determinable. Registered doctors from which prescriptions are received via the communications network have their identities authenticated. Each of the received prescriptions indicates a respective registered patient's identity for whom the prescription is intended. Registered patients from which orders are received via the communications network also have their identities authenticated. Each of the received orders indicates the prescription being ordered. The method also includes forwarding the orders to registered pharmacies via the communications network.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating debit card transactions engaged in by a cardholder on a communications network.

Abstract: A system for processing a debit transaction between a merchant and a consumer. The system includes one or more processors programmed to receive payment information for the consumer, collect authentication data for the debit card from the consumer, transmit an alias account number unique to the debit transaction to the merchant, receive a credit authorization message including the alias account number from the merchant, translate the credit authorization message to a debit authorization message using the authentication data, and transmit the debit authorization message to a payment processor.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating debit card transactions engaged in by a cardholder on a communications network.

Abstract: A method of processing of a transaction between a first and second party is provided. The first party accepts payment via a plurality of different payment options selectable by the second party, and the plurality of different payment options are associated with a plurality of different authentication protocols prescribed therefor.

Abstract: A method of processing drug prescriptions via a communications network includes registering doctors, pharmacies and patients as participants such that each registered participant's identity is uniquely defined and determinable. Registered doctors from which prescriptions are received via the communications network have their identities authenticated. Each of the received prescriptions indicates a respective registered patient's identity for whom the prescription is intended. Registered patients from which orders are received via the communications network also have their identities authenticated. Each of the received orders indicates the prescription being ordered. The method also includes forwarding the orders to registered pharmacies via the communications network.

Abstract: A method of centralized identity authentication for use in connection with a communications network includes registering users of the communications network such that each registered user's identity is uniquely defined and determinable, and registering a plurality of vendors having a presence on the communications network. The registered vendors selectively transact with registered users, wherein the transactions include: (i) the registered vendor selling goods and/or services to the registered user; (ii) the registered vendor granting the registered user access to personal records maintained by the registered vendor; and/or (iii) the registered vendor communicating to the registered user personal information maintained by the registered vendor. The method also includes each user's identity being authenticated over the communications network prior to completion of transactions between registered vendors and registered users.

Abstract: A method of processing commercial transactions carried out over the Internet (50) between account holders (30) and participating merchants (20) includes receiving a purchase request (352) of a buyer from a participating merchant (20) indicating that the buyer desires to carry out a transaction with the merchant (20). The transaction includes the buyer purchasing one or more selected items (340) from the merchant (20). The buyer is authenticated (310) as an account holder (30) and transaction fulfillment data (362) is established. The transaction fulfillment data (362) indicates a delivery destination for the selected items. In turn, the transaction fulfillment data (362) is communicated to the participating merchant (20), and transaction details (384) from the participating merchant (20) are received. The transaction details (384) include a cost for the selected items.

Abstract: A method of centralized identity authentication for use in connection with a communications network includes registering users of the communications network such that each registered user's identity is uniquely defined and determinable, and registering a plurality of vendors having a presence on the communications network. The registered vendors selectively transact with registered users, wherein the transactions include: (i) the registered vendor selling goods and/or services to the registered user; (ii) the registered vendor granting the registered user access to personal records maintained by the registered vendor; and/or (iii) the registered vendor communicating to the registered user personal information maintained by the registered vendor. The method also includes each user's identity being authenticated over the communications network prior to completion of transactions between registered vendors and registered users.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting processing of a transaction conducted between a first party and a second party. The first party accepts payment via a plurality of different payment options selectable by the second party, and the plurality of different payment options are associated with a plurality of different authentication protocols prescribed therefor.

Abstract: A method of processing commercial transactions carried out over the Internet (50) between account holders (30) and participating merchants (20) includes receiving a purchase request (352) of a buyer from a participating merchant (20) indicating that the buyer desires to carry out a transaction with the merchant (20). The transaction includes the buyer purchasing one or more selected items (340) from the merchant (20). The buyer is authenticated (310) as an account holder (30) and transaction fulfillment data (362) is established. The transaction fulfillment data (362) indicates a delivery destination for the selected items. In turn, the transaction fulfillment data (362) is communicated to the participating merchant (20), and transaction details (384) from the participating merchant (20) are received. The transaction details (384) include a cost for the selected items.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting processing of a transaction conducted between a first party and a second party. The first party accepts payment via a plurality of different payment options selectable by the second party, and the plurality of different payment options are associated with a plurality of different authentication protocols prescribed therefor.

Abstract: A method of administering a commercial transaction carried out over a communications network (20) used for shopping includes receiving a shopper (50) at a first web-site maintained on the communications network (20). The shopper (50) has an affinity group (40) associated therewith. The method further includes forwarding the shopper (50) to a second web-site maintained on the communications network (20), and obtaining a generated click-through fee related thereto. A portion of the obtained click-through fee is distributed to the affinity group (40) associated with the shopper (50), and it is communicated to the shopper (50) how much was distributed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a commercial transaction over the Internet or other network connection are provided. The method includes the use of random numbers which are unique for each user session. These random numbers are pre-loaded onto a handheld, portable device, token, at the time of the device's manufacture or programming. These numbers are generated by external systems. The external systems then deliver the number sets to the token for storage in the token's internal memory and also to another random number database that is accessible by an authentication system. The random numbers are dispensed by the token to a user by pressing a button on the token or otherwise signaling the token. A simple polynomial equation may be employed in order to increase the number of codes. A dispensed number is cross referenced, by the authentication system, to the random number database that was created when the token was programmed. In this way the user or transaction can be authenticated.

Abstract: A method of processing a transaction between a merchant and a buyer over a communication network is provided. The transaction is processed using one of a plurality of alternative payment options and each of the alternative payment options are provided by one of a plurality of alternative payment providers. Each of the alternative payment providers uses a different alternative payment implementation. The method includes: obtaining transaction information from the merchant; returning a redirection URL and an order identifier to the merchant; obtaining a transaction message from the merchant, where the transaction message specifies the type of operation; performing the operation type specified in the transaction message with the appropriate alternative payment provider; and returning a processing message to the merchant containing the results from performing the operation type specified in the transaction message.

Abstract: A universal payments dashboard system provides eCommerce merchants with an easy to integrate web page (inline frame) that displays all alternative payment button options that consumers can use on the merchant website(s) to pay for the purchase. Such merchants can display the dashboard on their shopping cart page(s) and on their checkout page(s) at the point where users select the payment option. The dashboard communicates with a payment dashboard provider to complete the payment for the transaction, including any consumer interaction such as entering checking account information, personal details, etc. Upon completing the payment for the order, the dashboard provides the merchant with the completed order information (e.g., a prepaid order) along with all the payment information. The dashboard supports all alternative payment options, payment transaction notifications to enable single cash register functionality and work in conjunction with alternative payment initiatives.

Abstract: A method of administering a commercial transaction carried out over a communications network (20) used for shopping includes receiving a shopper (50) at a first web-site maintained on the communications network (20). The shopper (50) has an affinity group (40) associated therewith. The method further includes forwarding the shopper (50) to a second web-site maintained on the communications network (20), and obtaining a generated click-through fee related thereto. A portion of the obtained click-through fee is distributed to the affinity group (40) associated with the shopper (50), and it is communicated to the shopper (50) how much was distributed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a commercial transaction over the Internet or other network connection are provided. The method includes the use of random numbers which are unique for each user session. These random numbers are pre-loaded onto a handheld, portable device, token, at the time of the device's manufacture or programming. These numbers are generated by external systems. The external systems then deliver the number sets to the token for storage in the token's internal memory and also to another random number database that is accessible by an authentication system. The random numbers are dispensed by the token to a user by pressing a button on the token or otherwise signaling the token. A simple polynomial equation may be employed in order to increase the number of codes. A dispensed number is cross referenced, by the authentication system, to the random number database that was created when the token was programmed. In this way the user or transaction can be authenticated.

Abstract: A method is provided for carrying out commercial transactions. The method includes the steps of: establishing a transaction processing system on an electronic communications network; establishing an account within the transaction processing system for a corresponding account holder; obtaining from the account holder a session description of acceptable future commercial transactions related to the account; administering commercial transactions carried out via the transaction processing system; and, verifying that administered commercial transactions related to the account meet one or more of the session description.

Abstract: A method of centralized identity authentication for use in connection with a communications network includes registering users of the communications network such that each registered user's identity is uniquely defined and determinable, and registering a plurality of vendors having a presence on the communications network. The registered vendors selectively transact with registered users, wherein the transactions include: (i) the registered vendor selling goods and/or services to the registered user; (ii) the registered vendor granting the registered user access to personal records maintained by the registered vendor; and/or (iii) the registered vendor communicating to the registered user personal information maintained by the registered vendor. The method also includes each user's identity being authenticated over the communications network prior to completion of transactions between registered vendors and registered users.