Abstract: A deposit management system is operable responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system is associated with financial funds depositories. Each depository can accept items, such as deposit bags. Each depository includes a bar code reader that can read data from a bar code label that is located on a deposit bag. The system allows merchants to preregister a deposit before performing the deposit. A preregistered deposit is linked with a deposit identifier in a data store. The deposit identifier can be represented in a bar code. If the system determines that a depository read a bar code having a deposit identifier that corresponds in the data store to a preregistered deposit, then that depository is operated to automatically unlock its deposit entry door to permit the deposit. The system also allows merchants to review their deposit history.

Abstract: An apparatus including an automated banking machine is operative to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that is operative to read card data usable to identify at least one of a user of the machine and a financial account. A computer associated with the machine is operative to cause card data to be read through operation of the card reader, and to cause a determination to be made that read card data corresponds to a financial account authorized to conduct a transaction through the machine. The computer is operative responsive at least in part to the determination to cause the financial account to be at least one of assessed and credited with a value associated with a financial transaction. Transaction function devices of the machine are supported through slides that can be configured in different ways to facilitate mounting of devices within the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus including an automated banking machine is operative to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that is operative to read card data usable to identify at least one of a user of the machine and a financial account. A computer associated with the machine is operative to cause card data to be read through operation of the card reader, and to cause a determination to be made that read card data corresponds to a financial account authorized to conduct a transaction through the machine. The computer is operative responsive at least in part to the determination to cause the financial account to be at least one of assessed and credited with a value associated with a financial transaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for routing payment transactions electronically involve interrogating by computer logic each payment transaction received by a payments interface processor to identify a payment destination and a payment source and to determine, according to pre-defined parameters, whether the payment transaction is eligible for processing via an internal payment transaction processor of the financial institution that minimizes processing costs. Eligible payment transactions may be routed, for example, to an internal debit or credit card processor or ACH processor, and ineligible payment transactions may be routed to external card processing networks.

Abstract: Methods and systems for routing payment transactions electronically involve interrogating by computer logic each payment transaction received by a payments interface processor to identify a payment destination and a payment source and to determine, according to pre-defined parameters, whether the payment transaction is eligible for processing via an internal payment transaction processor of the financial institution that minimizes processing costs. Eligible payment transactions may be routed, for example, to an internal debit or credit card processor or ACH processor, and ineligible payment transactions may be routed to external card processing networks.

Abstract: System and method for authorizing transactions, such as payments or money transfers. A transaction authorization mechanism may be provided through which a transaction initiated via a first communications channel may be authorized through a second, separate communications channel or mechanism. A source entity may initiate a transaction to a target entity via a first communications channel to a transaction authorization service. The transaction authorization service may confirm the transaction with the source entity via a second communications channel. Various embodiments may use different communications channels, for example conventional telephone systems, mobile/cellular phone systems, and text messaging systems as the first or second communications channels. After the transaction has been authorized via the second communications channel, the transaction authorization service and/or the source entity may contact the target entity to inform the target entity of the transaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for virtual checking are described. A virtual check is created by a payor's device and then sent to the payee's device. The payee can be another mobile device. The virtual check has many of the same features as a regular, paper check plus additional features only available in digital form. In an example, the data can be encrypted by either the banks key or the payor's key. Further encryption can occur between the payor's device and the payee's device, which can connect on a peer-to-peer network. The check can be an image with tag data. In an example, data can be encoded into the image itself. The virtual check can include populated data that cannot be changed by the payee. In an example, the virtual check application of the payee can automatically perform a funds availability check.

Abstract: A system (10) for carrying out transactions between a customer at a customer station (14, 21, 202, 204) and a service provider at a service provider station (12, 194), includes transferring items through transaction devices such as pneumatic carrier delivery and receiving device (21, 200) and a deal drawer (20, 208). The customer at the customer station provides inputs corresponding to a financial account through input devices on the body which is stored in the memory (82, 158) on the body. After transfer to the service provider station, data in the memory is output to a charge device (56) which is operative to assess a charge to the customer's account responsive to data output from the memory. Vehicle sensors (230, 234) sense a vehicle adjacent the respective transaction device. At least one computer calculates at least one time value corresponding to each vehicle and stores the at least one time value and other data values concerning the respective transaction.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for replacing players in an online game are described. Replacing players in an online game includes associating a first player with a first online identity and associating a second player with a second online identity. Then replacing the first player and associating the first online identity with a third player that is registered with the first online identity. Replacing players in an online game can also include associating a first player with a first online identity and associating a second player with a second online identity. Then replacing the first player and the second play so that the second player is associated with the first online identity and the first player is associated with the second online identity.

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: A gaming apparatus may include a display unit capable of generating video images, a first value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The first value input device may be located at a first geographic location. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a first video image to be generated on the display unit, and to determine a first value payout associated with an outcome of a game. The first video image may represent a first game wagered on the first value input device. The controller may also cause a second video image to be generated on the display unit. The second video image may represent a second game wagered on at a second value input device located at a second geographic location different from the first geographic location.

Abstract: The invention includes systems, methods and program products for providing real-time point-of-sale paper currency, i.e., bill, authentication and recordation. The invention provides a point-of-sale terminal capable of real-time authentication and recordation of paper currency, a currency monitoring system for tracking paper currency usage and conducting paper currency authentication relative to a currency issuing entity's database, and a reconciliation system for reconciling a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A point-of-transaction machine that allows global users to reach all aspects of their finances, from their brokerage account to their banks, mortgage accounts, credit card accounts and more. Unlike conventional ATMs where you can only reach your bank account(s), the initial screen when signed on will give the global user options on which account or accounts they want to transact business. This initial screen will satisfy the banking, mortgage, and security law requirements of most countries, including those of the United States and Canada where such companies are required to be independent. The point-of-transaction machine will collect fees for each transaction, similar to current ATM usage fee agreements and will allow certain users to complete transactions without fees.

Abstract: A transaction system (104, 144) includes a customer station (116, 146) and a service provider station (112, 148). Items such as medical items, are passed between the service provider and the customer station through item transport devices (118, 154). An enclosure (10) positioned at the customer station houses a payment terminal (16) therein. A movable cover (14) is moved responsive to inputs to a remote control device (36) at the service provider station to enable a customer at the customer station to access the payment terminal. Through inputs to the payment terminal, the customer is enabled to make payment for items that are provided to the customer by the service provider.

Abstract: A heterogeneous stored-value system which offers interoperability among a number of proprietary payment card brands with differing fee structures. The system makes use of existing settlement practices and fee structures to increase the amount of commerce while imposing minimal changes. The benefits of the interoperability among different proprietary brands include reduced operating costs, since a single electronic cash pool can serve many different payment card brands. Although the electronic cash of the system is generic and is shared among the different payment card brands, the flow of electronic cash is prescribed in such a manner as to maintain an association between electronic cash (over the course of circulation) and the specific brand of payment card through which it was acquired by the customer. In this way, a transaction involving electronic cash represents a small piece of a much larger charge or debit transaction and carries its proportional share of the fees of the charge or debit transaction.

Abstract: A portable terminal device for electronic money IC cards containing monetary data therein, includes in a main body (10): a card slot opening (12, or 12 and 13) into which a plurality of electronic money IC cards (100 and 110, or 100, 110 and 120) are inserted; electric contact terminals (16 and 17, or 16, 17 and 18 ) for reading and writing the monetary data from and into the electronic money IC cards which are inserted into the card slot opening; a display (80) for displaying money amount of the monetary data which is read out from inserted electronic money IC cards or which is to be written into the inserted electronic money IC cards; and a button (82) for manipulating the reading and writing operations of the monetary data from and into the electronic money IC cards which are inserted into the card slot opening; wherein the card slot opening (12, or 12 and 13) is so configured that the plurality of electronic money IC cards (100 and 110, or 100, 110 and 120) are inserted into and positioned while being clo

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing a money order purchase via an ATM including a money acceptor and dispenser for receiving and generating money, respectively. Also included is an ATM card reader for receiving a card with a magnetic strip having an account number stored thereon wherein the reader is further adapted to retrieve the account number therefrom. A control mechanism operates in combination with a plurality of function keys to allow a user to withdraw cash, deposit cash, and purchase a money order by means of an ATM.

Abstract: A system for authorizing access to a secured device, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) or a pay telephone, without a key or combination for the secured device, and without a fixed communication link extending to the device. An encoded access message is produced which identifies a present access code previously stored at the secured device, the personal identification number (PIN) of a technician, and the identification number of a particular portable terminal. The technician manually enters the encoded access message and a PIN into the terminal, which verifies the identification number of the terminal and the manually-entered PIN against information encoded in the access message. If that information is authenticated, the portable terminal is connected to the secured device. The encoded access message is transferred from the terminal to the secured device, which compares an access code previously stored at that device with information contained in the access message. The proper PIN also is re-entered.

Abstract: An automated financial system (6) includes a plurality of wall-mounted user interface units (10, 12, 14) and a central module system (8), including a plurality of modules (40, 42, 46, 48) such as may be employed in a conventional ATM, located in a safe area remote from the interface units (10, 12 or 14). A track (20) connects each interface unit (10, 12 or 14) to the central module system (8). A motor-driven carriage (24) rides on each track (20) and has a cassette (26) fixed thereto, which is capable of carrying currency or other media between the respective interface unit (10, 12 or 14) and the central module system (8). A receptacle (18) for holding small amounts of currency is associated with each interface unit (10, 12 or 14) for supplying small amounts of currency to a user without the need for obtaining such currency from the central module system (8).

Abstract: A self-service system, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) system, uses predictive technology. When a user begins a transaction by inserting an identification card into a card reader of an ATM, the predictive technology predicts which service or services provided by the system the user is likely to request. This prediction is based upon a stored record in the system, representing previous transactions by that user. The prediction is made in advance of completion of an authorization process for the transaction, to increase the speed of operation of the ATM in carrying out the transaction. For example, to reduce overall transaction time, the ATM can count out a predicted amount of cash in advance of an anticipated withdrawal request. Also, the prediction is used to generate a special display for a particular user, the display being designed to simplify the decisions and selections required to be made by the user.

Abstract: A system for authorizing access to a secured device, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) or a pay telephone, without a key or combination for the secured device, and without a fixed communication link extending to the device. An encoded access message is produced which identifies a present access code previously stored at the secured device, the personal identification number (PIN) of a technician, and the identification number of a particular portable terminal. The technician manually enters the encoded access message and a PIN into the terminal, which verifies the identification number of the terminal and the manually-entered PIN against information encoded in the access message. If that information is authenticated, the portable terminal is connected to the secured device. The encoded access message is transferred from the terminal to the secured device, which compares an access code previously stored at that device with information contained in the access message. The proper PIN also is re-entered.

Abstract: The content of a banking transaction inputted through a terminal of specifying the transaction is executed if the transaction has sufficient related financial evidence (for example balance). In turn, in the case that there is no financial evidence or insufficient financial evidence, (for example, where the cash is selected as a transaction financial source and the cash is not deposited yet or a balance of the deposit selected as a financial source is lacking) an execution of the transaction is temporarily halted and the content of the halted transaction is stored in a file of halted transactions. Data relating to a transaction financial source is stored in a file of halted transactions; the information is checked when the balance of the account is renewed by a deposit or transfer, that is when it changes, and with respect to such checking execution of the halted transaction is judged as to whether it can now be carried out.

Abstract: An arrangement for dispensing bank notes includes card reader (15), first keyboard (11) and second keyboard (12). The card reader, the two keyboards and the requisite electronics are incorporated in a control panel (10) which is common to a cash dispenser (1) and to a goods vending machine (19) and which is intended for the initiation of a process for dispensing bank notes from the cash dispenser and/or a process for the purchase of goods from the vending machine.A third keyboard (13) having at least two buttons (131,-132) is provided for the initiation of the bank-note dispensing process or the goods vending process, wherein depression of a first button (131) of the two buttons will cause the first keyboard (11) to show different numbers of bank notes or bank-note values on the buttons of the keyboard, whereas depression of a second button (132) will cause the keyboard (11) to show on the buttons thereof different qualities of goods.

Abstract: A transaction processing system which includes apparatus for accepting a precontract including the amount of payment/deposit and delivery time of payment/deposit, cash counting apparatus for counting cash, a payment/deposit processing apparatus to be manipulated by the user at the time of payment/deposit on the basis of the user's precontact, delivery apparatus for delivering a medium such as cash and bonds precontracted by the user, transfer apparatus for transferring the medium for the payment/deposit precontract between the cash counting apparatus and the delivery apparatus, and control apparatus for activating the system on the basis of the precontract data of the user. A payment/deposit precontract from a user is accepted via a public telephone line or a data communication network, a medium delivered to the delivery apparatus is prepared in view of other payment precontracts and the time of the visit of the user to the transaction processing system.

Abstract: A multipurpose board has a frame circumferentially supporting at least three transparent plates with segregating clearances between the transparent plates. Particles only partially fill each segregating clearance, the particles in the respective segregating clearances having different physical properties. When the board is moved, particle flow in each segregating clearance permitted by the only partial filling thereof forms varieties of wave-like combinations when movement is stopped, which are visible three dimentionally through the transparent plates.