Abstract: The proposed ATM comprises a microcontroller for controlling a banknote dispenser and a computer for managing the ATM, which are arranged inside and outside, respectively, a safe. The computer is provided with one or more ports for interfacing with it; all the ports are occupied by corresponding connectors. A motion sensor is associated with each single connector for detecting any tampering or movements indicative of its removal from the corresponding port; in this case, the dispensing of the banknotes is inhibited, for example, by interrupting an electrical power supply of the microcontroller and/or of the banknote dispenser. A corresponding operation method of the ATM is proposed. A program product for controlling the ATM are also proposed.

Abstract: A system and method of determining likelihood of counterfeiting without inspection of currency compares signals returned by uniquely customized RFID chips when interrogated, preferably incident to a transaction. The RFID information is compared to RFID information for bills known to be in circulation in order to validate a given currency bill. Usage patterns can be determined from statistical analysis of such reports and reported usage patterns will statistically differ significantly if not radically with the number of RFID chips returning the same RFID information and such differences will increase in either or both of geographic locations of reports and frequency of reports with increase of the number of bills having duplicated RFID chips. The basic infrastructure for practice of the invention is also capable of tracking genuine currency following, for example, a theft or other criminal activity.

Abstract: Electronic currency consists of data in a form suitable to be stored in a user's data storage medium, comprising information on the data value, identification of each specific set of data or data point, and authentication information suitable to verify that said data has been generated by a specific Currency Issuing Authority (CIA). A method and a system for effecting currency transactions between two users over the Internet or other communication network are also described.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a housing and an antenna mounted in or on the housing. The antenna is for transmitting and receiving transaction signals to and from a point of sale (POS) terminal. The device also includes at least one user interface element mounted on the housing and a transceiver mounted in the housing and coupled to the antenna. Still further, the device includes a secure element mounted in the housing. The secure element is coupled to the transceiver and stores a payment application program. The payment application program is for handling exchanging of the transaction signals with the POS terminal. A tick counter is operated within the secure element. The tick counter is for enforcing at least one time-out period with respect to transactions handled by the payment application program.

Abstract: A computerized method (10) is provided which improves data security in electronic transactions in an insecure network (12). This is accomplished when the method (10) operates on a user (18) which has established a commercial relationship with a trusted third party broker (22), and merchants (20a-20d). The method utilizes network links (14, 24) between (a) the trusted third party broker and the user and (b) the trusted third party broker and the merchants. Protocols are selected to operate between each network link, the selection being made, at least in part, on the basis of the computer resources which may be expected to be available in each network link.

Abstract: Electronic currency consists of data in a form suitable to be stored in a user's data storage medium, comprising information on the data value, identification of each specific set of data or data point, and authentication information suitable to verify that said data has been generated by a specific Currency Issuing Authority (CIA). A method and a system for effecting currency transactions between two users over the Internet or other communication network are also described.

Abstract: A secure point-of-sale (POS) portal architecture for delivering multiple services is provided. According to one exemplary aspect of the architecture, a number of services offered by various parties are integrated for delivery to merchants. The parties offering the services include, for example, payment processors and merchant acquirers and other external value-added service providers. The integrated services, in turn, are offered to merchants and/or their respective customers via one or more POS devices and its supporting system infrastructure at the merchant locations. The integrated services include, for example, acceptance of multiple payment instruments, payment processing, user dialog management, sales promotion and customer support, loyalty programs, back office processing, receipt capture, employee training, risk management, dispute resolution, system security, system administration etc.

Abstract: A system and method for replenishing prepaid account balances is disclosed. Consumers are issued a prepaid account card similar to a credit card. Funds are added to prepaid accounts at retail locations by providing cash or equivalent to a clerk along with the prepaid account card. The clerk swipes the prepaid account card in an authorization terminal and rings up the transaction in a manner similar to a normal credit card transaction. The transaction is transmitted to a bank which processes the transaction and notifies a replenishment system that the customer has added value to the prepaid account. The replenishment system provides the customer with a confirmation number associated with the transaction. The replenishment system notifies a prepaid engine for the prepaid account. The prepaid engine updates the user's prepaid account balance, thereby making funds available for future purchases by the user.

Abstract: Electronic currency consists of data in a form suitable to be stored in a user's data storage medium, comprising information on the data value, identification of each specific set of data or data point, and authentication information suitable to verify that said data has been generated by a specific Currency Issuing Authority (CIA). A method and a system for effecting currency transactions between two users over the Internet or other communication network are also described.

Abstract: A system for use in banking operates responsive to data in data bearing records. The system is suitable for securing the contents in safety deposit boxes or similar locked receptacles, and selectively permits access to key locks only to individuals who have been determined to be authorized to have such access. Each safety deposit box or other receptacle includes a door (16) with at least one key lock (22, 24) thereon. An assembly (26) is installed on the preexisting door to limit access to a key lock to an authorized person. The assembly includes a body (32) that is held in a blocking position by a cover lock. A selectively programmable electronic key module (28) is operative to change the condition of the cover lock from a latched to an unlatched condition.

Abstract: A display system includes a liquid crystal display (10) including a backlight (3), a liquid crystal display panel (1), and a viewing angle control panel (2) for controlling the viewing angle of the display panel (1), the display system causing the amount of external light reflected by the liquid crystal display (10) to be relatively larger than the amount of light leaked from the backlight (3) onto the liquid crystal display panel (1). This provides a display system having an enhanced blocking effect.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and technologies for configuring a conventional smart card and a client machine, and for performing a smart card authorization using the configured smart card and client. Further, the combination of methods provides for mutual authentication—authentication of the client to the user, and authentication of the user to the client. The authentication methods include presenting a specified token to the user sufficient to authenticate the client to the user and thus protect the user-provided PIN. Security is strengthened by using an integrity key based on approved client system configurations. Security is further strengthened by calculating a PIN? value based on a user-specified PIN and a modifier and using the PIN? value for unlocking the smart card.

Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine that operates in response to data read from user cards includes a cash dispenser, keypad, and a card reader. The card reader is operative to read data bearing records such as user cards that include financial account information. The machine may include an encrypting pin pad (EPP) that is operative to remotely receive an encrypted terminal master key from a host banking system. The machine may authenticate and decrypt the terminal master key prior to accepting the terminal master key using a public key of a certificate authority. The machine may further receive and authenticate a new public for a new certificate authority for use with authenticating further terminal master keys.

Abstract: An automatic banking machine includes a card reader for reading user cards, and a cash dispenser. A movable camera is positionable within the ATM housing. The automated banking machine carries out transactions related to user accounts based on information read from cards. Service personnel are enabled to direct the camera toward regions of machine components while conducting service activities that are not directly visible by a servicer. A camera assembly includes a microphone to sense sounds associated with machine components during test operations. The generated data may be used by an on-site servicer, or sent to an entity at a remote location. The visual images may be used to enhance diagnostic and servicing capabilities.

Abstract: A system and method for managing sponsorships by a sponsor, in which the party requesting the sponsorship requests to use content owned and protected by the sponsor, such as trademarks, logos, and copyrighted material. An embodiment of the method involves receiving, at a computer network site, a request for sponsorship from a requester and responding to the request by sending either an approval or a rejection. If an approval is sent, the method further involves providing the requestor with access to content of the sponsor through the site. As part of providing this access, the method can involve requiring the requestor to accept an agreement posted on the site. The method can also include monitoring the requestor's actual use of the content.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus, for printing print data, and a printing control apparatus, for controlling a printing operation of the image forming apparatus, are connected through a network. In the printing control apparatus, there are provided an authentication means that authenticates a user of the image forming apparatus, a discriminating means that discriminates whether print data for which the printing is instructed by the authenticated user is for public business or for private business, a recording means that records information relating to printing of print data as private business information corresponding to the user when the print data are discriminated by the discriminating means to be for private business and a charging means that charges for private business printing of the user based on the private business information recorded on the recording means.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring an electronic sum of money from a credit memory associated with a money sender to an account or to a credit memory associated with a money receiver via an intelligent network in real time via user service signaling.

Abstract: A recurring order management system and method for a computer network is disclosed. The system receives a request to suggest a recurring order for one or more products or services. The system generates a profile which stores the suggested products or services, the suggested recurrence for those products or services and the suggested quantities to deliver upon each recurrence. The order then automatically recurs one or more times according to the specified recurrence.

Abstract: A process and system for managing and leasing memory capacity on a plurality of smartcards and/or smartcard terminals. The capacity is leased to developers of various applications who wish to load their applications on desired smartcards and/or smartcard terminals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information providing apparatus comprising first reception control means for controlling the reception, from a first information processing apparatus, of user identification data for identifying a user of the first information processing apparatus and a request for purchasing a content, first transmission control means for controlling in response to the request for purchasing the content the transmission of the request for purchasing the content to a second information processing apparatus, second reception control means for controlling the reception of the content and usage conditions thereof supplied from the second information processing apparatus, storage control means for controlling the storing of the content and usage conditions thereof in correlation with the user identification data, third reception control means for controlling the reception of the user identification data and a request for sending the content supplied from the first information processing apparatus, and second trans

Abstract: The electronic wallet system comprises a plurality of devices interconnected through a local network and capable of conducting electronic business transactions on an open network. Each device contains a smart card reader. A plurality of smart cards represent electronic purses able to contain electronic money. One of the devices contains an entity, the server, which contains a list of data entries, each entry corresponding to a purse liable to receive electronic money, contained in tokens, from other purses of the system. The tokens transferred between purses are stored temporally by the server. In order to improve the security of the transactions, the messages which are exchanged between the devices and/or the smart cards during token transfer operations are protected by secret keys which are only stored in the smart cards of the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a near field presence detection device provided to monitor an area (11) around a mouth (2) of a reading member, in particular a card reading member (1). The device comprises a presence detector (3) including a transmitter (4) and a receiver (5), said detector is provided to detect a change of field impedance due to a foreign object in the area (11). The device is further provided to generate a preliminary alarm signal and an effective alarm signal if preliminary alarm signal subsists within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Method for transferring an electronic sum of money from a credit memory associated with a money sender to an account or to a credit memory associated with a money receiver via a telecommunications and data network in real time, the necessary connections being set up via a transaction server.

Abstract: A bi-currency debt contract system for making secure debts and including guidelines and an associated procedure particularly adaptable for issuing debt of a hard or stabilized currency, such as but not limited to US dollars, to a debtor entity which utilizes the debt proceeds in a secondary economy historically characterized by unstable monetary conditions. A debt issuer entity makes a stable currency debt at a first interest rate, based on a currently available debt rate of the stable currency. An amortization schedule to satisfy the loan is established and is characterized by a portion of the debt being paid at a second interest rate commonly associated with the debt rate of the local currency of the secondary economy, which is significantly greater than the first interest rate. A remainder or second portion of the debt is amortized at the first interest rate on which the debt was also based.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substrate which is made from paper and is provided with at least one integrated circuit which is produced from a semiconductive organic polymer. A semiconductive organic polymer of this nature, when used as the base material for the integrated circuit, leads to the possibility of directly producing the substrate in the required thickness, to the need for support layers and/or protective layers being eliminated, and to the possibility of reducing the cost price of the substrate compared to substrates which comprise an integrated circuit of the silicon type.

Abstract: A card reader module includes capabilities for receiving and decrypting an encrypted user PIN to facilitate off-line transaction authorization. In an off-line transaction, a transaction processing system need not communicate with an outside authorization network to obtain transaction authorization. Off-line transaction authorization is particularly relevant when a customer uses a secure payment device, such as a smart card. With a smart card, the transaction processing system, in cooperation with the smart card, compares a user-entered PIN, input through a keypad, with a user PIN stored on the smart card. If the input PIN matches the stored PIN, the transaction processing system authorizes the customer's transaction. Rather than including the keypad, the card reader module receives the PIN in encrypted format directly or indirectly from a separate keypad. To minimized fraud, the separate keypad encrypts the PIN before it is sent to the card reader module.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device has a memory area that includes a data memory. The data memory has a counter element and an indicator element. The counter element counts at least one number of occurrences of events within the device. When the counter element reaches a threshold value, which is indicative of a large maximum number of occurrences of the events, the indicator element goes from a first state to a second state.

Abstract: A method and a device of identification and authentication of a holder of a mobile electronic transaction device in an electronic transaction process between a transaction service provider and a transaction terminal in communication via a computer network. A transceiver is adapted for transmitting an identity of the device to the transaction terminal and receiving a challenge transaction identifier from the service provider via the transaction terminal. A data processing device is adapted for determining an authenticity of a user identification input by comparison with a reference user identification, and for performing a cryptographic transformation of the transaction identifier using a secret key only on the identification input being determined as authentic. The transceiver is also adapted for transmitting a response result of the cryptographic transformation to the service provider via the transaction terminal for validating the transaction.

Abstract: An enhanced-security automated bank teller machine/customer activated teller (ATM/CAT). The ATM/CAT includes a multi-level security system. The first line of defense is access control to the service area behind the ATM/CAT through the use of an electronic lock on the service area door with an emergency override, which is only operable during non-curfew hours. The second line of defense is a passive infrared (PIR) detector in the service area, and lights and a loudspeaker to deter theft. The third line of defense is an impact sensor panel covering the security chest, which can be cheaply replaced. The fourth line of defense is the steel or composite material security chest and boltwork, which locks so that the door cannot open if the hinge is removed. Furthermore, the location of the lock, the latching bars, and the hinges cannot be ascertained from the outside of the security chest. The fifth line of defense is a glass plate to jam the boltwork closed if an attacker drills through the chest door.

Abstract: A currency converter consisting of a source of exchange rate information with either an object performing the role of currency selection, exchange rate information retrieval, and price display, or objects undertaking currency selection and exchange rate information retrieval and price display. Prices embedded within the document or environment are displayed in the default or selected currency. The appropriate currency for price display is selected by using methods such as a menu used by the user, or by reading system information to choose the currency. The exchange rate information is retrieved from the source of exchange rate information and is then passed to any other price display object or objects, and optionally, any other currency selection and exchange rate retrieval objects or currency selection, exchange rate information retrieval, and price display objects in the document or environment.

Abstract: A fingerprint authentication methodology in which a smart card with a credit card form factor is used to transmit the imprint of a fingerprint to a live-scan device. Use of a credit card form avoids direct contact of the imprint with the live-scan device, reducing wear and tear on the live-scan device. Use of a “smart” card to store an imprint template enables the owner of user to maintain control of the print.

Abstract: A method of recovering and thus possibly completing interrupted smart card transactions includes providing a smart card that stores a first and a second pointer, the second pointer being used to indicate an update of the first pointer. In the case of an interruption of a smart card transaction, these pointers are be used to indicate whether a change of a card balance has taken place by the equality of the values of these pointers.

Abstract: A file managing method includes a step of setting a key data of a portable storage medium having a plurality of storage areas, a step of determining whether the key data is changed, a step of inhibiting data from being processed in the plurality of storage areas when it is determined that the key data is not changed, and a step of processing data of the plurality of storage areas in response to a given command when it is determined that the key data is changed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing security of an IC card such as a cashless payment card, an ID card, a medical health management card, a local government service card, etc. in each transaction with an object to improve a level of the security. The permissible number of accesses to a data file in each transaction is beforehand set. When a transaction is started between a card-type storage medium and a transaction apparatus, the number of accesses to the data file after the start of the transaction is counted and the counted number of accesses is compared with the permissible number of accesses. If the number of accesses exceeds the permissible number of accesses, it is judged that an error has occurred so as to interrupt the transaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments is provided, including one or more data collector devices connected to a host device. Preferably, each of the money order dispensers include a digital processor for controlling the overall operation thereof, a keyboard for entering transaction data to request the printing of a money order, a display for displaying the transaction data, and a dot matrix printer for printing the requested money order. Each dispenser further includes an electrically-eraseable programmable read only memory (E.sup.2 PROM) for storing a security inhibit printing code, this code being automatically changed to prevent actuation of the printer when the security of the dispenser is compromised.

Abstract: An automatic account controller for remotely arranging for payment of debt to a vendor. The controller includes a detector for activating the portable account controller upon detection of indicia of identity of an authorized user and a selector for selecting a mode of payment to the vendor. The controller further includes a keypad for entering a payment amount, a wireless transceiver for communicating with the vendor, and a processor for executing the selected mode of payment to the vendor through the apparatus for communicating.

Abstract: A system for open electronic commerce having a customer trusted agent securely communicating with a first money module, and a merchant trusted agent securely communicating with a second money module. Both trusted agents are capable of establishing a first cryptographically secure session, and both money modules are capable of establishing a second cryptographically secure session. The merchant trusted agent transfers electronic merchandise to the customer trusted agent, and the first money module transfers electronic money to the second money module. The money modules inform their trusted agents of the successful completion of payment, and the customer may use the purchased electronic merchandise.

Abstract: A file management apparatus capable of inhibiting an accessing operation for a plurality of areas within files. The file management apparatus includes a memory storing files each having multiple areas, a first storage unit for storing lock data denoting a locking condition of an accessing operation for each of the files, a determination device for determining whether the accessing operation for areas to be accessed is inhibited by referring to the lock data for the files, and an accessing device for accessing a particular one of the areas when the determination means determines that access to the group of areas containing that particular area is not inhibited. The file management apparatus also determines the inhibited/non-inhibited status for data areas within each file based on lock data and key data corresponding to each of those data areas.

Abstract: A microcomputer for an IC card arranged so that only a user mode can be performed after the microcomputer has been shipped to a user. Data representing that the microcomputer has been shipped is written at the time of shipment in a test region of an EEPROM. A shipment confirmation routine for confirming whether the shipment data has been written is performed before execution of a branch routine for branching to other programs in accordance with an executed command supplied from outside the microcomputer. If the shipment data has been written in the test region of the EEPROM as confirmed in the shipment confirmation routine, only branching to the user mode is permitted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing secure electronic financial transactions are disclosed. Money is electronically stored on a plurality of smart cards. At least one smart card is equipped with an electronic security wall having a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the smart card is disabled from participating in at least one financial transaction, and in the open state, the smart card may participate in at least one financial transaction. At least one smart card is equipped with at least one of a first security key for changing the state of the electronic security wall from the open state to the closed state, and a second security key for changing the state of the electronic security wall from the closed state to the open state.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments is provided, including one or more data collector devices connected to a host device. Preferably, each of the money order dispensers include a digital processor for controlling the overall operation thereof, a keyboard for entering transaction data to request the printing of a money order, a display for displaying the transaction data, and a dot matrix printer for printing the requested money order. Each dispenser further includes an electrically-eraseable programmable read only memory (E.sup.2 PROM) for storing a security inhibit printing code, this code being automatically changed to prevent actuation of the printer when the security of the dispenser is compromised.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments is provided, including one or more data collector devices connected to a host device. Preferably, each of the money order dispensers include a digital processor for controlling the overall operation thereof, a keyboard for entering transaction data to request the printing of a money order, a display for displaying the transaction data, and a dot matrix printer for printing the requested money order. Each dispenser further includes an electrically-eraseable programmable read only memory (E.sup.2 PROM) for storing a security inhibit printing code, this code being automatically changed to prevent actuation of the printer when the security of the dispenser is compromised.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments is provided, including one or more data collector devices connected to a host device. Preferably, each of the money order dispensers include a digital processor for controlling the overall operation thereof, a keyboard for entering transaction data to request the printing of a money order, a display for displaying the transaction data, and a dot matrix printer for printing the requested money order. Each dispenser further includes an electrically-erasable programmable read only memory (E.sup.2 PROM) for storing a security inhibit printing code, this code being automatically changed to prevent actuation of the printer when the security of the dispenser is compromised.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments is provided, including one or more data collector devices connected to a host device. Preferably, each of the money order dispensers include a digital processor for controlling the overall operation thereof, a keyboard for entering transaction data to request the printing of a money order, a display for displaying the transaction data, and a dot matrix printer for printing the requested money order. Each dispenser further includes an electrically-eraseable programmable read only memory (E.sup.2 -PROM) for storing a security inhibit printing code, this code being automatically changed to prevent actuation of the printer when the security of the dispenser is compromised.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing money orders at a plurality of retail establishments is provided, including one or more data collector devices connected to a host device. Preferably, each of the money order dispensers include a digital processor for controlling the overall operation thereof, a keyboard for entering transaction data to request the printing of a money order, a display for displaying the transaction data, and a dot matrix printer for printing the requested money order. Each dispenser further includes an electrically-eraseable programmable read only memory (E.sup.2 PROM) for storing a security inhibit printing code, this code being automatically changed to prevent actuation of the printer when the security of the dispenser is compromised.