Abstract: A mobile device includes multiple subscriber identification module (SIM) cards. When a user of the mobile device requests to call a phone number, the mobile device determines a mobile telecommunications service provider of the phone number, based on service provider information received for the phone number from a service mapping server. The mobile device selects for the call a SIM card from the multiple SIM cards that is associated with the determined service provider of the phone number. The mobile device places the call to the phone number using the selected SIM card.

Abstract: A self-service terminal for reading wireless tags incorporated into media items is described. The terminal comprises a media acceptor for receiving media items, such as banknotes incorporating an RFID tag, and a wireless tag reader for reading received media items incorporating wireless tags. The terminal may also include a wireless tag reader for reading wireless tags in media items that are being transported to determine if multiple superimposed media items are present. The terminal may include a wireless tag reader for reading wireless tags in media items presented as a bunch, and subsequently retracted, to determine if any of the presented media items had been removed.

Abstract: A mobile device includes multiple subscriber identification module (SIM) cards. When a user of the mobile device requests to call a phone number, the mobile device determines a mobile telecommunications service provider of the phone number, based on service provider information received for the phone number from a service mapping server. The mobile device selects for the call a SIM card from the multiple SIM cards that is associated with the determined service provider of the phone number. The mobile device places the call to the phone number using the selected SIM card.

Abstract: A mobile device includes multiple subscriber identification module (SIM) cards. When a user of the mobile device requests to call a phone number, the mobile device determines a mobile telecommunications service provider of the phone number, based on service provider information received for the phone number from a service mapping server. The mobile device selects for the call a SIM card from the multiple SIM cards that is associated with the determined service provider of the phone number. The mobile device places the call to the phone number using the selected SIM card.

Abstract: A non-contact IC card system includes a non-contact IC card having a display element and an IC card reader/writer communicating with the non-contact IC card. The IC card reader/writer disables detection of a load modulated signal from the non-contact IC card when the non-contact IC card displays data on the display element.

Abstract: A method of facilitating communications between a computer device and a smart card reader having an associated smart card, the computer device including a smart card resource manager and a smart card reader service, the smart card reader service acting as a relay for commands between the smart card resource manager and the smart card reader, the method comprising: receiving from the smart card resource manager a first command for setting a protocol for communications with the smart card; and responding, prior to receiving a reply from the smart card to the first command, to the smart card resource manager with a message indicating that the smart card has successfully received the first command.

Abstract: A method, system, GUI, apparatus, and computer readable media for enabling a customer to access to a media file uploaded by a user are provided. A user profile may be generated using received login and profile information. The user profile may be hosted on, for example, a web site, SMS/MMS gateway, and a WAP site. A media file may be received from the user and may be upload to the user profile. The media file may be associated with a user account. A request to access the media file may be received from a customer. An account associated with the customer may be updated to indicate their requested access to the media file. The customer may then be enabled to access the media file. The user's account may be updated to indicate the transaction.

Abstract: A method of facilitating communications between a computer device and a smart card reader having an associated smart card, the computer device including a smart card resource manager and a smart card reader service, the smart card reader service acting as a relay for commands between the smart card resource manager and the smart card reader, the method comprising: receiving from the smart card resource manager a first command for setting a protocol for communications with the smart card; and responding, prior to receiving a reply from the smart card to the first command, to the smart card resource manager with a message indicating that the smart card has successfully received the first command.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for utilizing a digital coin. A bit string is received. The number of bits in the bit string represents a coin value of the digital coin. The individual bit values of the bits of the bit string are used to determine an identity of the digital coin. The identity of the digital coin is validated by a node of an authentication hierarchy. The validation includes comparing bit values of at least a portion of the bits of the bit string to bit values of corresponding bits of known bit strings that represent known issued digital coins. The validation also includes checking that a matching known issued digital coin was not previously redeemed. A digital coin can also be split into multiple digital coins that are each a continuous sequence of bits of the bit string of the original digital coin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a financial card system. The system includes a communications device on which a non-contact integrated circuit chip is installed; and an authentication terminal having a reader/writer allowing reading/writing information on the communications device and capable of transmission and reception of information with the communications device through the reader/writer. The communications device has a storage block, a common area information transmission block, and an individual area information transmission block. The reader/writer of the authentication terminal has a storage block, a common area information reception block, and an individual area information reception block.

Abstract: A card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine is provided which is operative to authenticate firmware in at least one hardware device of the machine. The hardware device is operative to generate through operation of at least one processor in the at least one hardware device a firmware certificate responsive to the at least one measurement request message and the firmware content. The automated banking machine is operative to send a message from the automated banking machine to a host banking system responsive to the firmware certificate. The host banking machine may authenticate the message and send the automated banking machine an authorization message for performing a transaction function with the automated banking machine. Such a transaction function may include dispensing cash with a cash dispenser of the automated banking machine.

Abstract: A smart card personalization system maintains a database containing card issuer data format templates, card applications, card operating system commands, and personalization equipment specifications and provides a centralized interface of inputs and outputs to a card issuing process which dynamically adjusts to changes in the issuing process to easily permit a card issuer to change data formats, card applications, card operating systems and/or personalization equipment in a card issuing process. The system interfaces to any card issuer management system, manages the transfer of cardholder data and card applications to the particular personalization equipment used, and maintains statistics for real-time and off-line inquiries to support critical management and reporting functions. Furthermore, the system works with a variety of security methodologies to prevent fraud.

Abstract: The present invention provides a memory card equipped with an interface controller connected to external connecting terminals, a memory connected to the interface controller, and a security controller connected to the interface controller. A second external connecting terminal capable of supplying an operating power supply to the security controller is provided aside from a first external connecting terminal which supplies an operating power supply to the interface controller and the memory. An interface unit of the interface controller connected to the security controller receives the operating power supply from the second external connecting terminal and thereby enables a stop of the supply of the operating power supply from the first external connecting terminal. Even if the supply of the operating power supply to the interface controller is cut off, the output of the interface unit is not brought to an indefinite state.

Abstract: A method of facilitating communications between a computer device and a smart card reader having an associated smart card, the computer device including a smart card resource manager and a smart card reader service, the smart card reader service acting as a relay for commands between the smart card resource manager and the smart card reader, the method comprising: receiving from the smart card resource manager a first command for setting a protocol for communications with the smart card; and responding, prior to receiving a reply from the smart card to the first command, to the smart card resource manager with a message indicating that the smart card has successfully received the first command.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a support member, an electrical circuit, a button and an account identifier. The support member at least partially depicts a measurement device. The electrical circuit is coupled to the support member, and the button is in communication with the electrical circuit such that user interaction with the button activates the electrical circuit causing the electrical circuit to automatically indicate a reading of the measurement device. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record and is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for conducting a transaction include identifying information defining a transaction including at least a transaction amount, identifying an account identifier to associate with the transaction, and establishing a pre-authorization record associated with the account identifier, the pre-authorization record including an authorization restriction based on the transaction amount.

Abstract: To achieve backward compatibility for smaller chip cards, in particular to legacy card readers/writers or legacy mobile terminals, according to the present invention a smaller chip card comprises a card body and a first contact area (14) with dimensions and locations of contacts according to predefined standard. An integrated circuit chip (36) is, firstly, physically and electrically connected to contacts of a second contact area (38), where the locations of contacts in the second contact area (38) are different from locations of contacts in the first contact area (14). According to the present invention, the integrated circuit chip (36) is also connected to contacts in the first contact area (14).

Abstract: Electronic Credit Card (ECC) is an electronic device that enables transmission/reception of data and/or digital information to/from a host computer via a Terminal Station (TS). TS includes Teller Machines in supermarkets/shopping complex, Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), EFTPOS devices and proprietary transceiver devices developed by Creative On-Line Technologies Limited for PC interface. It provides latest financial information including balances on its display unit. Keypads (1) enable PIN (personal identification number) entries so that an ECC is operational. Information Display Unit (2) including an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen or other display screens provides visual information. ENTER key (3) confirms a transaction. It is also used to activate an ECC when a PIN is keyed. Audio Transducer (4) confirms entries made on keypads (1). Audio Transducer is also used to activate a financial transaction via a telephone.

Abstract: A system has a plurality of memory locations and a processor. The plurality of memory locations is partitioned by security level and by smart card application. The plurality of memory locations has at least one limited access partition to store limited access information associated with a smart card. The processor is coupled to the plurality of memory locations to receive a transaction request related to the smart card, to authenticate the smart card, to access the limited access information of the limited access partition in response to a data pointer of the smart card, and to process the transaction request according to the limited access information. The limited access information includes a restriction defined by an owner of the smart card.

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 “coil-on-a-chip” RFID tag having an rfid integrated circuit and an antenna contemporaneously formed on a substrate. The antenna is a helical multiple layer, multi-turn coil having an axis of revolution oriented at an angle, preferably ninety degrees, with respect to the major body plane of the rfid integrated circuit. The coil has a central opening with an annular core of magnetically permeable material. The RFID tag has an increased operating range over known ID tags.

Abstract: A bill handling apparatus, such as an ATM, for handling bills each having an IC chip which holds unique discriminative information includes a manipulating unit for selecting the type of transaction to be done by a customer. A controller is provided for recognizing the type of the transaction selected with the manipulating unit. A bill discriminator reads a surface information on the bills and performs true/false determination. A wireless IC reader reads discriminative information held by the IC chips of the conveyed bills. The discriminative information, result of discriminating the bills, and transaction information are searchable for tracing the bill.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing personalized information are provided. Based on an identification of a customer and/or a product, the personalized information is produced and wirelessly provided to a display such as a wireless display. A wireless information reader is used to gather the identification and the personalized information and transmit power and data to the display.

Abstract: Transaction cards having one or more folds therein to provide compact and easily stored transaction cards are provided. Moreover, foldable transaction cards are provided having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding key chains, or other devices for attaching the transaction cards to other items, such as sets of keys, wallets, or other items. Other embodiments include spring-loaded clips on the foldable transaction cards and protective sleeves, housings or cases for full-sized and smaller-sized cards. Still further, transaction card systems are provided comprising a case or housing for holding and/or storing foldable transaction cards therein.

Abstract: The systems and methods provide for configuring and managing resources on a multi-purpose IC card. In one aspect, a user interface (UI) for an application is presented on a display device. A user is enabled via at least one graphical dialog screen of the UI to configure a communicatively coupled IC card. Management of one or more resources on the IC card is facilitated via at least one graphical dialog screen of the UI.

Abstract: A method of screening passengers for a passenger aircraft flight includes a step of obtaining voluntary consent from a plurality of passengers to perform background check. The method further includes formulating a data record associated with each of the plurality of passengers. The passenger aircraft flight is scheduled as one of a plurality of regular scheduled flights. Prior to the passenger aircraft flight, it is determined whether a person is associated with a formulated data record. The method includes denying participation by the person in the passenger aircraft flight if the person is not associated with a formulated data record.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device to load commands from at least one server to at least one integrated circuit card, the said card including a first command execution program and a first memory. The invention is characterised in that firstly, the said server includes: means to load in the card at least one command sequence block, specific to a service means to back up at least one sequence block in the first memory, update means capable of modifying, erasing, adding, in the first memory at least one sequence block, and, secondly, the card includes: means to search for a sequence block capable of searching for a sequence block specific to a service, after executing a command in a block. The invention applies, in particular, to the field of mobile telephony.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for exchanging at least one secret initial value between a processing station and a chip card, in an initializing step for the chip card. In the initialization of chip cards in known methods an initial value, e.g. a key, is transmitted from a processing station to the chip card and stored therein. Since this key is transmitted in plaintext this involves security problems. In the present invention the described security problems are solved by only parts of the key being exchanged between processing station and chip card and the key being generated in the chip card and the processing station from the parts.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling adults to perform stock market transactions on behalf of minors and other young persons who have demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the stock market. The method comprises enabling an adult to set up and put money into a custodial account that can be accessed by the minor, enabling the minor to make a stock transaction request, notifying the adult of the stock transaction request, and enabling the adult to fulfill the stock transaction request on behalf of the minor. The method can also include instructing the minor on the stock market and evaluating the minor's knowledge of the target stock before transmitting the stock transaction request to the authorizing adult.

Abstract: A method (and system) for preventing counterfeiting and cloning of smart cards, includes providing a smart card with a cryptographic structure for authorizing the smart card which can not be accessed completely by a predetermined small number of readings. The cryptographic structure can be built only by whoever emits the card or an agent thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) comprising an input for receiving an input; calculation means (P) for producing a response (OUTPUT) in response to the input (INPUT) and a secret key (A) by utilizing a first predetermined function (f), and an output (3) for feeding said response (OUTPUT) further. In order for an attacker not be able to find out the secret key, the device further comprises a memory (M) in which the key-specific number (RND) is stored, and means for retrieving the key-specific number (RND) from the memory (M) and for feeding it to the calculation means (P?) for carrying out predetermined calculation operations (f2) on the basis of the key-specific number (RND) when producing said response (OUTPUT).

Abstract: The present invention relates to determining the validity of a transaction of a data processing system such as the validity of a financial transaction carried out at an automatic teller machine (10) which has a magnetic card reader. In addition to the entry of a PIN, a user of the system is requested to enter personal information that has been nominated by the user and may consist of a date of birth and a telephone number. A keypad (16) allows the user to enter the PIN. The user is also requested to enter digits from the personal information to be checked against stored security data so that the level of security can be enhanced. A data processing unit of the system is programmed to cause further requests for digits from the personal information in the event that errors are made in the data entry.

Abstract: In an IC card 30 is sealed an IC chip 70 provided with an exposure sensor 84. When exposure sensor 84 detects that IC card 30 has been opened, exposure sensor 84 outputs an exposure detection signal to a CPU 76. In response to the exposure detection signal, CPU 76 provides a predetermined operation, such as erasure of data in a non-volatile memory 78. As such, the data in non-volatile memory 78 cannot be obtained if IC card 30 is improperly opened to check the data in non-volatile memory 78. Thus the IC card can obtain an enhanced data security.

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 IC card has a card substrate having semiconductor integrated circuit chips mounted thereon and a plurality of connector terminals formed thereon. The connector terminals are exposed from a casing. The connector terminals are laid out in plural sequences in staggered form between sequences adjacent to one another forward and backward as viewed in an IC card inserting direction. Owing to the adoption of the staggered layout, a structure or configuration wherein the amounts of protrusions of socket terminals of a card socket are changed and the socket terminals are laid out in tandem, can be adopted with relative ease. If a connector terminal arrangement of a downward or low-order IC card is adopted as a specific connector terminal sequence as it is, whereas a function dedicated for an upward or high-order IC card is assigned to another staggered connector terminal arrangement, then backward compatibility can also be implemented with ease.

Abstract: A technique for transferring money between a customer and a beneficiary comprises a money-transfer company, and a plurality of selling agents and paying agents. The money-transfer company maintains a server, a database, and a communications interface for communicating, via a telephone network and/or the Internet, with data terminals located at the selling and paying agents' sites. Customer transaction cards are distributed to customers. These cards have a visible card number and a corresponding alphanumeric card code stored in, e.g., a magnetic strip. In response to a customer's request, the money-transfer company activates the customer's transaction card by loading customer and beneficiary information into a corresponding transaction card record stored in the database. A selling agent initiates a money-transfer request from a data terminal. Specifically, the selling agent enters a monetary amount and swipes the customer's card in a magnetic strip reader located on the data terminal.

Abstract: Financial transaction and similar cards are fabricated with a split core adapted to received embedded electronic circuitry. The card core has two or more laminated layers. The cavity is milled into one or more of the layers to receive the electronic circuitry. The core layers are then laminated together, along with protective overlays. Alternative fabrication methods include co-extrusion and injection molding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable data carrier having a display device. This data carrier contains a microprocessor and storage devices associated with the microprocessor as well as means for displaying data stored in the storage devices associated with the microprocessor. In addition, the data carrier contains a display controller for controlling the display means and an energy supply unit for supplying at least the display unit and its controller with energy. Such a data carrier is to be improved so as to reduce the energy demand for the display unit. This is obtained by a nonvolatile memory disposed separately from the microprocessor and its storage device, said memory being associated with the controller of the display means and containing the data intended for display.

Abstract: A terminal 2 held by the user is provided with a radio transmitter and receiver 3. Electronic money information is transferred via the radio transmitter and receiver 3. By using a portable telephone, it is unnecessary to directly insert an IC card 1 into service supply equipment 17. In addition to the service supply equipment 17, a device 9 for storing electronic money information in a lump is provided. Since the electronic money information is transferred into the device 9 for storing the electronic money information in a lump, it is unnecessary to collect the electronic money information stored in terminals one by one.

Abstract: A processor automatically sets a direction of transferring electronic money information depending on the existence of IC cards connected to IC connecting portions and the existence of an external device connected to an external device connecting terminal, thus making instructing operations for transferring electronic money information easier.

Abstract: In an IC card 30 is sealed an IC chip 70 provided with an exposure sensor 84. When exposure sensor 84 detects that IC card 30 has been opened, exposure sensor 84 outputs an exposure detection signal to a CPU 76. In response to the exposure detection signal, CPU 76 provides a predetermined operation, such as erasure of data in a non-volatile memory 78. As such, the data in non-volatile memory 78 cannot be obtained if IC card 30 is improperly opened to check the data in non-volatile memory 78. Thus the IC card can obtain an enhanced data security.

Abstract: A memory card and apparatus used therewith. The memory card comprises a rectangular card body having terminals in the vicinity of one end and a storage device disposed in the card body for storing data. A switch on the card is operable to a state to prevent stored data from being erased; and a status signal representing the state of the switch is supplied to one or more of the terminals. The apparatus with which the card is used has mating terminals to receive the status signal. Depending upon the state of that status signal, the apparatus is selectively inhibited from writing data to the memory card or erasing data stored in the memory card.

Abstract: A method for managing communications between local and remote objects in an object oriented client server system in which a client application invokes a focal object as a proxy for a remote object on the server.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate has a peculiar crystal defect. Crystal defects in a fixed area of a substrate can be treated as data acquired by coding the distribution of the crystal defects. The coded data is utilized for certificate data of an IC card by identifying a semiconductor substrate itself.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine which is highly reliable and which does not require any complicated operations when performing sales using a non-contact IC card, and a sales method therefor are provided. When a non-contact IC card is held up for a first time against an automatic vending machine in standby mode, monetary amount information on the card is displayed on a display section without any monetary amount information being extracted from the card, whereupon the lamps of product selection buttons corresponding to products which are available for sale are illuminated. After a product has been selected, the non-contact IC card is held up for a second time, whereupon payment processing is performed such that the monetary amount information on the card is updated.

Abstract: A method for data communication includes receiving a data packet that includes at least one contiguous data item, defining a window that initially includes the beginning of the data items, determining whether the window includes a part of a split data item and processing the contiguous data items when there are no split data items. The method also includes processing all data items occurring before a split data item when a split data item is found, storing the first part of a split data item, moving the window to include both parts of the split data item, appending the stored first part to the second part to create an appended packet and processing the appended packet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method enabling value stored in an advanced technology memory on a transaction card to be utilized in a magnetic stripe transaction with the card. The invention provides a special transaction number that is encrypted and recorded on the magnetic stripe of the card. The special transaction number comprises the value to be transferred or transaction amount, a personal identification number (“PIN”), and an account number. The special transaction number is recorded in a non-discretionary data field. Further, an indicator character may also be recorded on the magnetic stripe to alert a host system of a financial institution of the existence of the special transaction number. Thus, the special transaction number is read during a magnetic stripe transaction and the value represented by the special transaction number may be utilized to perform the transaction.

Abstract: An open network system for supporting input/output (I/O) operations for non-standard I/O devices are disclosed. The system includes a server coupled to a plurality of I/O devices through an open network and an extended open system protocol that supports communication with devices that are not personal computers (PCs). These devices include magnetic stripe readers, check readers, smart card readers, credit card terminals, screen phone terminals, PIN pads, printers, and the like. The extended open network protocol includes tags which identify device and input operations and attributes which identify the location, data exchange method, and data variable names for the retrieval, acquisition, and submission of data between the server and I/O devices. Preferably, the open network protocol is implemented in a Hyper Text Transport Protocol (HTTP).

Abstract: An identity card comprises an easy-to-use, more specifically card-shaped, information carrier provided with an electronically readable memory capable of digitally storing personal user data, including data concerning the user's physical features. The information carrier is installed in and can be removed from an input unit of a housing of comfortable dimensions. The housing has been provided with reading equipment which is capable of reading the personal data stored in the memory of the information carrier. Moreover, the housing has been provided with a screen for representing the data read.

Abstract: An identity card comprises an easy-to-use, more specifically card-shaped, information carrier provided with an electronically readable memory capable of digitally storing personal user data, including data concerning the user's physical features. The information carrier is installed in and can be removed from an input unit of a housing of comfortable dimensions. The housing has been provided with reading equipment which is capable of reading the personal data stored in the memory of the information carrier. Moreover, the housing has been provided with a screen for representing the data read.