Abstract: A transaction processing system using a prepaid microchip card includes a customer's microchip card reader/writer for communicating with a customer's microchip card in which a balance is recorded, and a vendor's microchip card reader/writer that can be electrically coupled to the customer's microchip card reader/writer and is used for communicating with a vendor's microchip card in which a balance is recorded. A transaction is processed by deducting the amount of the transaction from the balance in the customer's microchip card and adding this amount to the balance in the vendor's microchip card.

Abstract: A portable pocketsize data carrier, also referred to as pay token, stores more than one bank and/or credit account number in selectably accessable registers. The pay token is equipped with four or five selector buttons for carrying out a large variety of performance modifications. Aided by visual feedback through an integrated display window, the user may using a single button(a) insert a confidential number into the pay token for internal comparison with a factory-made number which cannot be read out(b) Select and activate one of 9 account or similar registers(c) Define a small cash amount in single figures currency units or a multiple thereof which the user desires to transfer from a selected token account to an uncommitted register, the rapid payment register or money register. The latter is electronically so connected that entry of the personal identifying number is not required prior to payment from that register--as is required when payment is made from any of the account registers directly.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for memorizing and processing information confidentially, which includes a device for controlling access to its own functions, intended to receive a confidential code, and a time delay circuit imparting a minimum predetermined delay between two attempts at introducing a confidential code even in the event of a power cut of the circuit between attempts.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing smart cards, each card comprising a body, electrical contact tabs, and an integrated circuit placed in the card body and electrically connected to said tabs, said integrated circuit including storage means for storing monetary amounts unit-by-unit as the card is used, said apparatus comprising:processor means capable of processing data stored in a card and suitable for feeding electrical power to said integrated circuit;electrical connections suitable, when a card is in a determined position suitable for enabling data to be read from and/or written to said storage means, for inter-connecting said processor means and said integrated circuit in a card via said contact tabs; andmarker means under the control of said processor means for marking the body of a card with marks representative of the quantity of charge units in the card which have already been used up.

Abstract: A card combination which is issued to a single cardholder can be reprogrammed by the cardholder for use by a sub-user to a desired extent with regard to value and time. The cardholder uses a master enabling code to access the programming mechanism. He/she assigns a sub-PIN for use by the sub-user and opens a subordinate account for the allowed credit value within card's total credit value. This subordinate account can be accessed using the sub-PIN. A limited term can be selected during which any transaction using the sub-PIN and using the subordinate account can be conducted. After the expiration of that term the sub-PIN is automatically erased and any balance in the suborinate account is re-credited to the main credit account of the card. Such a multi-user card can also be used in conjunction with a program for varying the value of units stored in the credit account.

Abstract: A file system for a portable data carrier provides improved security for files which support multiple applications, from custom repertory dialing to storage of individual medical and/or banking records. Although the portable data carrier looks and feels much like an ordinary credit card, it includes a computer and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. Power for operation of the portable data carrier is provided from an associated station via a reader/writer. The reader/writer also couples data between the data carrier and the associated station. The applications reside in multiple files in memory on the portable data carrier. Appropriate application software residing in the station, when accompanied by an appropriate password, enables the retrieval and modification of these files. A separate password is required for gaining access to each of designated levels of interaction between the portable data carrier and the associated station.

Abstract: A portable data carrier system provides improved security for files which support multiple applications, from custom repertory dialing to storage of individual medical and/or banking records. Included in the system is a portable data carrier which looks and feels much like an ordinary credit card. The portable data carrier, however, includes a computer and an electrically erasable field programmable read-only memory. Power for operation of the portable data carrier is provided from an associated station via a reader/writer. The reader/writer also couples data between the data carrier and the associated station. Operation of the data carrier is through an executive operating system that is accessed from the station via a set of commonly understood command primitives. These command primitives manipulate the files in the data carrier in accordance with security requirements.