Abstract: An electronic card has a power source, a user selection mechanism operable to allow a user to select a customization variable for a single transaction, a processor for generating a transaction specific data packet that includes a card number and a customized number and an electronic communication device operable to cause the data packet to be read by a read head of a magnetic strip reader. The electronic communication device is operable to dynamically convey the transaction specific data packet to a read head of a magnetic card reader so that the transaction specific data packet is read by the read head. The transaction specific data packet is dynamically generated for use by the card for the single transaction of the card and the customized number is determined based upon the customization variable selected by the user selection mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic card has a power source, a user selection mechanism operable to allow a user to select a customization variable for a single transaction, a processor for generating a transaction specific data packet that includes a card number and a customized number and an electronic communication device operable to cause the data packet to be read by a read head of a magnetic strip reader. The electronic communication device is operable to dynamically convey the transaction specific data packet to a read head of a magnetic card reader so that the transaction specific data packet is read by the read head. The transaction specific data packet is dynamically generated for use by the card for the single transaction of the card and the customized number is determined based upon the customization variable selected by the user selection mechanism.

Abstract: Methods in which an encrypted transaction validation code is received which positively identifies a first transaction for a first entity, the first entity having a first entity identifier, and the first transaction is electronically verified as being valid by use of the first entity identifier and the validation code. The first entity identifier can be transferred as an account number and the validation code transferred to the money source in a non-account data field. A money source can validate the validation code by duplicating the encryption process used to create the validation code and by then comparing the result to the validation code received. The validation code can be, at least in part, encrypted, and a money source can validate the validation code by duplicating a validation code encryption process and by then comparing the result to the validation code received.

Abstract: Methods for providing secure transactions in which a customization parameter and an encrypted transaction validation code are received from a user to positively identify a transaction for a user who has a first entity identifier. The validation code and first entity identifier are used by a money source which electronically verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the validation code while the first transaction is customized through use of the customization parameter.

Abstract: An electronic card ha a power source, a user selection mechanism operable to allow a user to select a customization variable for a single transaction, a processor for generating a transaction specific data packet that includes a card number and a customized number and an electronic communication device operable to cause the data packet to be read by a read head of a magnetic strip reader. The electronic communication device is operable to dynamically convey the transaction specific data packet to a read head of a magnetic card reader so that the transaction specific data packet is read by the read head. The transaction specific data packet is dynamically generated for use by the card for the single transaction of the card and the customized number is determined based upon the customization variable selected by the user selection mechanism.

Abstract: An East-West casino offers two or more gambling games in which one is a poker game using a traditional Western deck of cards and another is a poker game based upon a new Chinese Poker Deck of cards.

Abstract: An East-West casino offers two or more gambling games in which at least one game involves a Feng Shui element of chance and the other involves either a game based upon a new Chinese Poker Deck of cards or a video slot machine having a carousel in which two or more wheels rotate in opposite directions and a random event associated with the two or more wheels is used in connection with a payout or bonus round of the video slot machine. The game involving a Feng Shui element of chance can be a Yin-Yang roulette game or a video slot machine or a Feng Shui keno machine while a game based upon the Chinese Poker Deck may be a poker game and the casino itself may be a website. The video slot machine can use a carousel in which two or more wheels rotating in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method for implementing an anonymous face to face or Mail Order Telephone Order credit card transaction by a user who has established a user account associated with a fictitious name. The user generates a valid personal charge number by executing an algorithm in a computer affixed to the electronic credit card that uses a user key and a card number as input variables. A merchant is provided with the valid personal charge number and the fictitious name that is submitted for approval to a credit approval center. The electronic credit card is sized such that a standard magnetic stripe reader can read it.

Abstract: A method for implementing an anonymous payment card transaction, in either a face-to-face transaction or a MOTO transaction, in which the user is allowed to select an option for anonymous delivery of goods. The option is conveyed to a money source by means of a customization parameter. The customization parameter is used to customize generation of a user one-time payment card number, to customize a user identifier or as a customization variable that is included in a user transaction data packet which includes the user one-time payment card number and the user identifier. A delivery agent can be used to deliver the purchased goods to a delivery location that is not known by the merchant by use of a tracking identifier provided by the money source to the merchant and the delivery agent.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions generates a Secure Card Number (“SCN”) for a first entity that is transferred with a first entity identifier to a second entity and then to a money source that verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the SCN. The SCN includes a Transaction Information Block (“TIB”) used for invoking one or more restrictions on use of the SCN, a Counter Block, and an encrypted Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) Block. The SCN is transferred to the money source in an account number or a non-account data field. The TIB can be used by the money source to determine which of multiple account numbers associated with the first entity should be used for the first transaction. The money source can also use the TIB to determine whether the device which generated the SCN has a changed status condition, such as a low battery condition or an invalid user entry status.

Abstract: A data packet can be dynamically stored in a magnetic strip by an encoder of an electronic card and subsequently transferred to a money source after it is read by a standard magnetic stripe reader as part of a verification process of a payment card transaction. A computer contained on the electronic card can run diagnostic tests and send the results to the money source as part of the data packet. One diagnostic test monitors the battery life of the electronic card to permit the money source to replace the electronic card before its battery runs out of useful life. The data packet can also contain data input into the electronic card by the user, such as a customization variable.

Abstract: A user can customize use of a payment card, which can be an electronic card, by selecting either a first or a second user key as a selected user key. The selected user key is entered into a card number generator that uses it and a user sequence number to generate a user payment card number that differs for each transaction through use of an algorithm. Multiple payment card transactions can be handled differently depending upon which user key is chosen as the selected user key. Different user keys can be used for different accounts, different types of transactions, or to classify the transactions. A user can receive one bill, or multiple bills. Different levels of privacy can be accorded to transactions that use different user keys. A user may pay the issuer for increased security, or the user may be paid by the issuer to allow transaction data to be distributed to third parties.

Abstract: An electronic card that can function as an anonymous credit card or banking card for use on or off the Internet utilizes a magnetic storage medium affixed to the card that can be read by a standard magnetic stripe reader. An encoder generates a data packet that is stored in a designated portion of the magnetic storage medium, which can be a magnetic stripe. The data packet can contain a personal coupon and an alias. A computer or microprocessor generates the personal coupon after a Personal Identification Number is input into the card.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions generates a Secure Card Number (“SCN”) for a first entity that is transferred with a first entity identifier to a second entity and then to a money source that verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the SCN. The SCN includes a Transaction Information Block (“TIB”) used for invoking one or more restrictions on use of the SCN, a Counter Block, and an encrypted Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) Block. The SCN is transferred to the money source in an account number or a non-account data field. The TIB can be used by the money source to determine which of multiple account numbers associated with the first entity should be used for the first transaction. The money source can also use the TIB to determine whether the device which generated the SCN has a changed status condition, such as a low battery condition or an invalid user entry status.

Abstract: A card has an embossed display of user information in which at least a portion of such display is dynamically controlled. The card has an input device, such as a keypad or wireless device, a logic device, and a dynamic embossing device. The logic device generates an activation signal when the input device receives an input that satisfies an activation condition, such as correct entry of a user key. The dynamic embossing device completes the dynamic portion of the embossed display of user information in response to the activation signal. The dynamic embossing device uses individual activation mechanisms to control multiple studs readable as part of the embossed display when they are in a non-deflected position. The dynamic embossing device can use an electromagnetic force activation mechanism and an individual electromagnet to control each stud or a temperature-induced, bimetallic bending force activation mechanism and an individual bimetallic strip to control each stud.

Abstract: The System includes an Alarm Unit and a separate Alert Unit. The Alarm Unit is securely affixed to the parcel before the parcel is left at the delivery site, and the Alert Unit is placed at a secure site that is within radio range of the delivery site. The Alarm Unit is armed by the deliveryman upon depositing the parcel at the delivery site, and arming of the Alarm Unit results in the transmission of messages verifying to the seller or delivery agent that delivery has taken place and notifying the purchaser or intended recipient that the parcel has arrived. Movement of the parcel after it has been deposited at the delivery site and has been armed results in messages being transmitted to the shipping agent and to the intended recipient announcing that the parcel has been stolen. Such unauthorized movement of the parcel also activates a very loud audible alarm affixed to the parcel and activates a tracking beacon in or on the parcel, permitting the whereabouts of the parcel to be determined or tracked.

Abstract: A method for providing secure credit card transactions over the Internet generates a personal charge number from a user account number by inserting a user key into the user account number in accordance with an algorithm that uses a user insertion key and a permutation variable. After the personal charge number is used, the permutation variable is changed, and a new personal charge number is generated. A money source repository verifies the validity of the personal charge number by using the personal charge number and a user identifier to access a file with the user account number, the user key and the user insertion key, taking into account which permutation variable is valid at a given point in time. Alternatively, the money source repository could generate a string of valid personal charge numbers for a user which are sequentially accessed according to usage.

Abstract: A system and method for pseudo cash transactions allows a portion of the pseudo cash to be refunded through use of a credit back indicator which is used by a record adjuster to adjust the file associated with a pseudo cash unit which can then be accessed by the user with a user identifier to obtain a refund or credit.

Abstract: Totally anonymous or effectively anonymous cash-like transactions are accomplished by using a pseudo cash data package converter for inserting a user key into a pseudo cash preliminary data packet through the use of a user insertion key to generate a pseudo cash unit with a fixed monetary value that can be used to purchase goods or services via the Internet. A pseudo cash repository facilitates the cash-like transactions and maintains a record of the pseudo cash units and their fixed monetary value. Depending upon the level of anonymity selected by a purchaser, the pseudo cash repository can either transmit pseudo cash preliminary data packets or pseudo cash units to a first entity. If the first entity loses an effectively anonymous pseudo cash preliminary data packet, it can be replaced by the pseudo cash repository without risk of loss.