Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reader/writer includes an insertion portion and a support member. An information storage medium held by a person with fingers is inserted into the insertion portion. The support member supports the insertion portion on an installation surface by causing an insertion direction of the information storage medium with respect to the insertion portion to be lowered to the front to intersect with a horizontal plane. In the support member, an intersection angle between the insertion direction and the horizontal plane is set to a predetermined acute angle at which the fingers of the person do not interfere with the installation surface when the information storage medium is inserted into the insertion portion.

Abstract: A method for use an earned autopay account, an available autopay account, an earned points account, and an available points account each associated with a customer. The method includes storing a cache including first and second numbers of points stored in the available autopay account and the available points account, respectively. A points authorization request requesting a first transaction amount is received from a requesting computing device. A second transaction amount is subtracted from the first and/or second numbers of points. A points redemption request including a third transaction amount is sent to the payment processing computing device. Each of the first, second, and third transaction amounts includes a particular monetary value and/or a corresponding transaction number of points. The payment processing computing device subtracts the third transaction amount from the available points account and/or the available autopay account.

Abstract: The disclosure includes systems and methods for disabling a payment function of a transaction card. The system receives payment account data from a transaction card and transmits a payment authorization request message to a card issuer associated with the transaction card. The system receives, from the card issuer, an authorization request response message. The authorization request response message declines the transaction and includes a status response code corresponding to a status of the transaction card. The system determines whether the status response code indicates that the transaction card is to be captured, and if so, disables the payment function of the transaction card via activation of a disabling system.

Abstract: A parking guidance system of a parking lot includes: a first license plate number recognizing device recognizing a license plate number of a vehicle entering or exiting from a parking lot; and a server classifying a priority of the vehicle and distinguishing whether the vehicle is a parking or charging use vehicle based on the license plate number, assigning a parking or charging spot based on at least one of the classified priority, information on whether the vehicle is the parking use vehicle or the charging use vehicle, or information on remaining parking spots and remaining charging spots, providing a guidance on a position of the assigned parking spot or charging spot to the vehicle until the vehicle arrives at the position, and determining a parking fee or a charging fee of the vehicle and providing a guidance on the fee when the vehicle exits the parking lot.

Abstract: Examples for determining printing device functionality based on consumption and payment are described herein. In some examples, signals indicative of an amount of utilized print consumable by a printing device and signals indicative of payment for the amount of utilized print consumable are received at a computing device. Signals to cause the printing device to alter a functionality based on the signals indicative of an amount of utilized print consumable and the signals indicative of payment for the amount of utilized print consumable are transmitted by the computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a point of sale reward system are provided. The system notifies users proximate to a point of sale location of rewards available for redemption specific to that user at that specific point of sale location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to obtain transaction information are described. One example method includes conducting a transaction using a proximity-based communication link, storing information related to the transaction in a database of a mobile device, identifying a service based on the information, querying the service from the mobile device, wherein the query is based on the information, and obtaining detail of the transaction from the service based on the information. Other implementations are possible.

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: An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records corresponding to authorized user or financial account data. The machine includes a card reader for reading data from user cards. The automated banking machine causes financial transfers related to financial accounts that correspond to data read from user cards. The automated banking machine also includes devices that control the supply of power to included devices to avoid exceeding power supply capacity.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments describe a system and a method for performing the functions of a PCI Express feature card remotely from a data processing system. The system is comprised of a circuit board connected to a PCI-E feature card. The PCI-E feature card is remotely located in comparison to the circuit board. Architecturally, the PCI-E feature card appears to the circuit board to be located at the circuit board.

Abstract: An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records corresponding to authorized user or financial account data. The machine includes a card reader for reading data from user cards. The automated banking machine causes financial transfers related to financial accounts that correspond to data read from user cards. The automated banking machine also includes devices that control the supply of power to included devices to avoid exceeding power supply capacity.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention provides a system for authenticating identities of a plurality of users. In one embodiment, the system includes a first handheld device including a wireless transceiver which is configured to transmit authentication information, a second device including a wireless receiver, where the second device is configured to receive the authentication information.

Abstract: An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader for reading user cards, and at least one of a note acceptor and a cash dispenser. The automated banking machine carries out financial transfers related to user accounts based on information read from cards. The automated banking machine provides a printed receipt for transactions conducted. The machine carries out transactions when operatively connected to a source of power and a transaction network. The machine also carries out functions to control the power status of devices in the machine.

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: A system for point-to-point encryption is provided. A card reader system reads unencrypted card data stored on a magnetic stripe of a card and encrypts the card data, the card reader system being contained in a first housing. A point of sale device coupled to the card reader system and contained in a second housing separate from the first housing has a user interface for obtaining a transaction amount. A transaction request system transmits the transaction amount and the encrypted card data to an authorization gateway, wherein the unencrypted card data is prevented from being processed by the point of sale device.

Abstract: Systems and method for performing secure electronic payment transactions to allow merchants to perform payment processing such that the merchant payment system is not required to store data specific to a particular payment device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an authentication code across a network for use in authentication of documents, such as printed lottery tickets. The system includes document-printing terminals that include a key that is used in a mathematical function with the bet information for a specific-game entry to generate a document code that is sent to a central server. The central server stores the received document code and then generates an authentication code for the document desired to be printed at the terminal, and sends the authentication code back to the terminal for printing on the issued document. The authentication code can be a further mathematical processing of the document code. Verification of the document occurs from comparison of the authentication code on the document and stored authentication and/or document codes at the server.

Abstract: A self-service terminal comprises a fascia defining an aperture through which a receipt or other type of media items is dispensible to a customer. The fascia comprises a protrusion located immediately beneath the aperture in a generally central location. The protrusion comprises a lower surface against which a customer's finger may rest and an upper surface for guiding an exiting receipt or other type of media item. The protrusion extends outwardly from the fascia to ensure that even if the customer places a finger on the protrusion, opposing edges of the receipt or other media item exit a sufficient distance from the aperture to allow the receipt or other media item to be visible to and removed by the customer.

Abstract: An RFID Point-of-Sale system for completing a sale transaction to a customer of a plurality of items associated with a plurality of unique RFID tags at a store includes an arrangement of a plurality of RFID tag scanners for detecting the plurality of unique RFID tags associated with the plurality of items, and a checkout platform including a transaction panel, wherein a list of the plurality of items is displayed on the transaction panel based on a matching of the detected plurality of unique RFID tags with information stored in an inventory database.

Abstract: A method, procedure and operational function of the business for inhibiting internal theft of items without inventory identifiers are provided. In one aspect, the method comprises receiving an item for sale at a POS terminal, wherein the item is missing an inventory identifier. After the item is received, a determination is made as to whether a description of the item is stored in an inventory system. If the item is not stored in the inventory system, the sale of the item is inhibited. Thereafter, the entry of identifying information in the POS terminal is requested such that the identifying information identifies the item such that the description of the item can be stored in the inventory system.

Abstract: An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader for reading user cards, and at least one of a note acceptor and a cash dispenser. The automated banking machine carries out financial transfers related to user accounts based on information read from cards. The automated banking machine provides a printed receipt for transactions conducted. The machine carries out transactions when operatively connected to a source of power and a transaction network. The machine also carries out functions to control the power status of devices in the machine.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a sheet dispensing mechanism including at least one currency note picking member. Rotation of a picking member causes an end note to be picked from a stack of currency notes. The picking member includes an outer surface portion that has a thickness including a built in physical wear indicator. The indicator includes material surface layers of different colors. Each color indicates a different surface wear state.

Abstract: Digital cash token protocols use a combination of blind digital signatures and pseudonym authentication with at least two pairs of public and private keys. A user is provided with one master pair of private and public keys and as many pseudonym pairs of private and public keys as desired. The resulting digital cash token based hybrid protocols combine the advantages of blind digital signature and pseudonym authentication. Blind digital signatures based on the master pair of keys are used to withdraw digital cash from the user's bank account under the user's real identity. A pseudonym pair of keys is used for converting digital cash into digital cash tokens by a digital cash issuer. All pseudonyms can be used for spending the digital cash tokens. These protocols ensure anonymity when withdrawing digital cash from the user's account under the user's real identity in addition to providing pseudonym authentication when spending digital cash tokens under a pseudonym.

Abstract: A card payment system includes a purchases assistance system linking online merchants of goods or services, including digital goods, with the operator of the card issuance system. Merchants can use the purchases assistance system to seek help from the Issuer for resolving disputes related to purchases of digital goods of which the provisioning may have failed, to trade better commercial terms from the Issuer in exchange for providing details of products purchased by cardholders, to verify the balance of debit cards and request a reservation of funds from the Issuer to lower their financial risks prior to certain types of transactions, or to signal to the Issuer special loyalty rewards associated with specific purchases.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register Systems having Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminals.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a lockable first fascia portion (20) which when unlocked enables access to a chest lock input device (104), inputs to which enable opening a chest door (18) of the machine. Opening the first fascia portion also enables access to an actuator (116) which enables moving a second fascia portion (22) for conducting service activities. A controller (72) in the machine selectively illuminates light emitting devices (118, 126) for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Sensing devices (128) adjacent a card reader slot (28) on the machine enables the controller to detect the presence of unauthorized card reading devices. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article (98) which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data.

Abstract: A virtual payment card system for ordering and paying for goods, services and content over an internetwork is disclosed. The virtual payment card system comprises a commerce gateway component (52) and a credit processing server component (53). The virtual payment card system is a secure closed system comprising registered merchants and consumers. A consumer becomes a registered participant by applying for a virtual payment card. Likewise, a merchant becomes registered by applying for a merchant account. A consumer can instantly open an account on-line. That is, the credit processing component (53) immediately evaluates the consumer's virtual payment card application and assigns a credit limit to the account. Once an account is established, a digital certificate is stored on the registered participant's computer. The consumer can then order a product, i.e., goods, services or content from a merchant and charge it to the virtual payment card.

Abstract: An ATM includes a user interface having a display device. The display device includes a flexible display panel. The display panel can be flexed to limit the displayed information to only the field of view of the current ATM user. The curvature of the display panel can be changed by a moving device to correspond to the settings assigned to the current ATM user responsive to identifying input received from the user.

Abstract: A service providing system for improving convenience of users by quickly executing a membership registration process in a system in which plural shops and groups jointly administrate its members. In the system, an external reading/writing unit stores a write data table in which provider-side data is correlated with information notification level, a portable information terminal enables the user to select the information notification level in accordance to a control of a portable terminal-side application and writes user-side data correlated with the information notification level selected by the user in the notification data table and the information notification level selected by the user to a non-contact IC. The external reading/writing unit reads the user-side data and the information notification level out of the non-contact IC, stores the user-side data and writes the provider-side data correlated with the information notification level in the write data table to the non-contact IC.

Abstract: A printer 10 has a reception unit 28 for receiving print commands from a host 12, and has print heads 64, 66 capable of printing multiple colors. A data processing part 24 applies a specific colorization process according to a print command received by a reception unit 28 and generates color print data for printing multiple colors. The content of a colorization process is determined by colorization information stored in a colorization information storage unit 62. The colorization information is set by a data configuration unit 26 according to a color setup command from the host 12.

Abstract: Demographic and transaction data are presented in a report usable for marketing-related purposes and other applications using a camera apparatus to capture customer image data at a point-of-sale location and sends the image data to a customer image database where the image data is stored. Demographic data (such as gender, age group, height) are extracted from the customer image data and sent to the customer image database. Point-of-sale transaction data is collected and sent to a transaction database where the transaction data is stored. A computer processes customer image data, transaction data, and attributes relating to the customer image data and transaction data, to correlate extracted demographic data to transaction data. The correlated data is preferably sent to a target marketing database and used to generate a market research report.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal including a housing defining at least one interior location and at least one opening from the outside through which an insect can enter the at least one interior location, point of sale electronic circuitry located within the housing, at least one light source located within the housing and being operative to illuminate at least one region adjacent the at least one opening and light source driving circuitry operative to cause the at least one light source to output radiation of a type which repels an insect otherwise seeking to enter via the at least one opening.

Abstract: A keyboard is disposed on a front side of an upper surface of a housing and a display unit is disposed on a rear side of the housing upper surface. The housing houses therein a printer mechanics unit at a position just under the keyboard. The housing houses therein a control board on a back side of the display unit, the control board carrying a microcomputer thereon. The housing further houses therein a roll paper receptacle portion at a position just under the display unit and the control board, the roll paper receptacle portion accommodating removablely roll paper to be fed to the printer mechanics unit. According to this construction, the housing is not required to extend backward to ensure a mounting space for the roll paper receptacle portion, that is, the size of the device is reduced.

Abstract: A transaction managing apparatus for a POS terminal has: a transaction defining unit for defining a plurality of kinds of unsettled transaction types by combining a plurality of predetermined categories; and a management control unit for designating one of the plurality of kinds of unsettled transaction types by the interactive operation with the operator and managing and controlling processes in a lump from the start of the transaction to the end. The transaction defining unit defines four kinds of unsettled transaction types by combining at least three items such as sales sum-up timing, presence or absence of necessity of prepayment, and delivering method of goods as categories.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method of using a device that is communcatively disposed between a scanner and a conventional point-of-sale (POS) terminal. The device (IPDP) can be used to process and distinguish between product-specific information, such as a UPC bar code, and item-specific information, such as a serial number. The IPDP transfers product-specific information to the POS terminal where it is processed in a conventional manner. The item-specific information is transferred to a separate item-level processor that analyzes the data and communicates with an item-level database. The item-level database can be used to verify the specific item's authenticity, expiration date, warranty registration, and the like. As a result, the system can be used to help prevent counterfeiting.

Abstract: An article data reading apparatus having a first display 4 receiving operational entry from a customer or store clerk as an operator of the apparatus permits setting of operation mode to customer operation mode or store-clerk operation mode. In the customer operation mode, customer operation information relating to operations by the customer when a customer becomes the operator is displayed on the first display 4; in the store-clerk operation mode, store-clerk operation information relating to operations by the store clerk when a store clerk becomes the operator is displayed on the first display 4. Thus, read operability for both customer and store clerk can be improved.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a card reader (256) in the machine operative to receive cards from users. Cards that are to be captured and held in the machine are moved by the card reader to the interior of a bin (268). Cards entering the bin are engaged with and moved away from the card reader by action of a movable member (274). Authorized servicers recover captured cards from the bin by opening a lock (272) and accessing the interior of the bin by opening a lid (270). The user interface of the machine includes a movable fascia portion (240) that assures proper alignment of the fascia opening and card reader and also minimizes the risk of undetected installation of unauthorized card reading devices.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a controller (72) in the machine operative to selectively illuminate light emitting devices (118, 126) for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Sensing devices (128) adjacent a card reader slot (28) on the machine enables the controller to detect the presence of unauthorized card reading devices. Structural features adjacent to a card reader slot (242) further reduce the risk of the undetected installation of unauthorized card reading devices.

Abstract: A programmable food service system including one or more food service devices and at least one data key. Each data key is provided with a data memory for storing program data corresponding to sequences of food service operations. Each food service device includes a programmable controller for controlling the food service device to carry out sequences of cooking operations. Each food service device includes a key aperture adapted to receive a data key and a data reader arranged to read program data from the data key memory. The program data is passed on to the programmable controller, thereby making the appropriate sequences of cooking operations available to the food service device.

Abstract: A method of activating a prepaid account uses an existing electronic funds transfer network which includes a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, debit/credit card processing infrastructure and an account issuer authorization center. The method includes obtaining identification data concerning the account to be activated at the POS terminal; sending an activation request from the POS terminal through the card processing infrastructure to the processing center; receiving the activation request message at the processing center, deciding whether or not to activate the account and generating a response code based upon the activation decision, the response code not resulting in the transfer of any funds and being a code other than an approval code or a denial code; sending the response code through the card processing infrastructure to the POS terminal; and receiving the response code at the POS terminal and confirming at the POS terminal that the account has been activated.

Abstract: A diagnostic server software component for an automated banking machine is provided. The diagnostic server is operative to periodically retrieve diagnostic messages from a nonvolatile memory of the machine and store the diagnostic messages on the hard drive of the machine. The software is further operative responsive to communication from an external computing device to send diagnostic messages stored on the hard drive to an external computing device. The software may further be operative to route transaction diagnostic messages between the machine and a remote host banking system. The software may retrieve the diagnostic messages directly from a specified memory address of the nonvolatile memory. The software may periodically communicate with terminal control software of the machine to cause the terminal control software to retrieve the diagnostic messages from the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a mobile cashier terminal adaptable for use with cash or cashless voucher gaming system having a LAN interconnecting cashier terminals, a central voucher-record database server, one or more logical gaming controllers, and a plurality of player terminals in order to play games of chance at each player terminal. The system provides voucher printers at the cashier terminal and preferably at the player terminals as well. The vouchers include unique bar codes printed on the vouchers, and the bar codes are readable by scanners at the cashier terminal and at the player terminals. The player terminals are preferably adapted to provide the player with the option of receiving at least certain amounts of cash rather than a voucher, but to also ensure that at least a voucher is provided to the player in the event that the player terminal fails to dispense cash when earned by the player and payable to the player under the game rules at the player terminal.

Abstract: An IC card terminal device reads functions stored in an IC card inserted therein, and displays them on its screen. The card user selects that one of the functions, which they intend to execute. The IC card terminal device determines whether or not it has an application corresponding to the selected function. If the terminal device does not have the application, it reads information stored in the IC card and related to the function. On the basis of the information, the terminal device is connected to a host apparatus as a service provider, thereby downloading a necessary application therefrom. After that, the downloaded application corresponding to the selected function is executed.

Abstract: A customer management system and method using an LCD barcode displayed on a mobile terminal. The present invention is simply and conveniently identifies customers using commodity barcodes being widely used and customer information barcodes on cellular phones, realizing effective marketing at minimum cost according to the purchase propensities or preferences of the customers for commodities and rapidly provides the customers with a variety of commodity information and a variety of benefits based on the results of their barcode use at any place, thereby effectively managing the customers integratedly.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system includes an object apparatus and a monitoring apparatus monitoring a current state of the object apparatus over a communications network. The object apparatus includes a state information reporting unit reporting information about the current state of the object apparatus, and a test data generating unit generating test data and controlling the state information reporting unit to output the test data to the monitoring apparatus via the communications network. The monitoring apparatus includes a test data returning unit returning the test data back to the object apparatus via the communications network so that the test data generating unit of the object apparatus compares the returned test data with the test data generated by the test generating unit to discriminate whether the state information reporting unit is in condition for normal reporting.

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: The present invention comprises a method of activating a prepaid account using an existing electronic funds transfer network which includes a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, debit/credit card processing infrastructure and an account insurer authorization center.

Abstract: A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system for receiving and processing CPOs for packages of component goods or services. The package CPO management system preferably deconstructs an overall package CPO into component CPOs which are individually offered to sellers. If each component CPO of a given package CPO is accepted, the package CPO management system binds the buyer, on behalf of each of the accepting sellers, to purchase the entire package. An offer price for each component CPO is preferably calculated by initially determining the total market price of the package based on the market price of each individual component good or service within the package. The package CPO management system then calculates an offer price for each component CPO based on the total price offered by the buyer for the entire package (as adjusted by a reserved margin, if appropriate) multiplied by the ratio of the market price of the respective component CPO to the total market price of the package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of electronic data processing based self-help service, which is comprised of a network management center and customer terminals connected via network communication system. The network mode of the system can be W/B (Web/Browser) or C/S (Client/Sever). The network management center includes a hardware portion of network center servers, auxiliary PCs or the embedded operation system and network equipment—includes network cards inside the servers and network cables; and a software portion of an information data database, a network management database, an electronic business database, a management software, a encrypt key authentication and information security software package including a firewall or VPN system. The customer terminals include a customer terminal host and a plurality of customer terminal slaves constructed by way of building block with different service content.

Abstract: An electronic point-of-sale (PoS) system comprises a network with a number of PoS terminals and a PoS server computer attached to it. The PoS terminals and the PoS server interact over the network to perform conventional PoS transactions. Additionally, each of the PoS terminals monitors its own operation for predetermined security-related events (such as refunds or voids). Upon detection of such an event, the PoS terminal sends an alert message and data over the network to a control computer (which may be the PoS server computer, or may be a separate computer). The control computer responds to the alert message by activating a video camera and recorder to record a view of the PoS terminal, along with the data.