Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.

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 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: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.

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: 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: A substitute check is created for an original check which has an encode line printed thereon. Check image data which is representative of an image of the original check is received and analyzed to establish positioning of MICR characters within the encode line of the original check. An encode line of the substitute check is formatted based upon the positioning of MICR characters within the encode line of the original check such that the formatted encode line of the substitute check matches the encode line of the original check. The formatted encode line of the substitute check is printed to create at least a portion of the substitute check.

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: A system and method of performing a quasi-cash transaction for a customer including receiving a desired transaction dollar amount. A State identification card issued to the customer is electronically processed to retrieve machine readable information. Customer identification information is electronically parsed from the retrieved machine readable information. Quasi-cash document information is electronically generated utilizing the desired dollar amount and at least a portion of the parsed customer identification information. A quasi-cash document is printed, with the quasi-cash document including and displaying the generated quasi-cash document information. In one preferred embodiment, customer identification information parsed from the retrieved machine readable information includes customer name, customer address and identification card number information.

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: A prepaid entertainment card includes a card body. The card body includes first, second, and third codes. The first code encodes a card type, the second code encodes a monetary amount to be applied to paid television programming and the third code encodes a card identification. Such a card may be used by television programming providers to collect revenue for providing television programming to subscribers in advance of providing at least some of the programming to the subscribers.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the accessibility of a self-service terminal (SST) (50) comprises a sensor (52) for detecting the height of a user and a drive arrangement (84, 88) for moving a section of the terminal fascia incorporating a user-interfacing element such as a monitor (58) or keypad (62). The drive arrangement adjusts the position and orientation of the user-interfacing element to an optimum location relative to the detected height of the user.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a stand alone integrated smart card circuit chip card vending machine. It accepts bills in $1, $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations and/or credit cards and issues stored value smart cards for the value requested. It can also telephone a center to validate credit card transactions or send diagnostic and statistical reports. This invention has the capability to read and write to a card while it is in the dispenser stack, therefore the card has no value while in the dispenser and is not released until payment is received, that is, the cards are encoded in real time before they are issued.

Abstract: An identification verification apparatus including a camera for capturing an image of the user and a storage device that stores the captured image. The identification verification apparatus further microprocessor and a data detection device coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor has an associated memory structure, and the data detection device is operable to extract data from an identification card presented by the user. The extracted data is stored in the memory structure. The improvement also includes a device for superimposing selected portions of the extracted data upon the captured image of the user. A method of identifying a person presenting an identification card is also provided. The identification method includes the steps of recording an image of the person and retrieving identification information from the identification card. In addition, the method includes the step of superimposing at least a portion of the retrieved identification information on the recorded image.

Abstract: A customer frequency, analysis and reward system has multiple alternative components and allows for input of customer identification through use of a smart card, biometric input device, or a preexisitng identification, such as a credit card, government-issued id, or checking account. A customer interacts with the system initially at a data collection point-of-sale (POS) device at a retail outlet. Data is periodically collected from the retail site to a data warehouse, where various types of analysis may be performed. A customer can interact with the system using an internet interface, thus reducing costs of ownership.

Abstract: A method of executing a transaction on a smartcard of the type including a processor, a memory for storing a system program, an application programs and for storing data and an interface enabling communication with an external processor in a local terminal adapted to access related data is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: determining from the data stored on the smartcard in a pre-transaction state if the transaction can be executed validly by the smartcard (102); determining from the related data stored in a pre-transaction state and accessible by said external processor if the transaction can be executed validly by the external processor (102); in response to said determining steps being affirmative, executing said transaction on said smartcard and by said external processor (105); and in response to said smartcard or said external processor failing to execute said transaction, restoring said data and said related data to the or each pre-transaction state (108).

Abstract: Biometric facial comparison is deployed in a novel way to improve screening of applicants across multiple branch locations, preventing common forms of application fraud. The biometric facial comparison software is located at a computing location (20), readily accessible from a first applicant screening branch (30) and a subsequent applicant screening branch (40), by means of a communication network (10). The biometric facial screening is fast, affordable, nonintrusive, and takes place in person in the branch. Even if false identification documents are used, perpetrators will be automatically detected as they attempt to go from branch to branch making bogus transactions. Patterns of fraudulent behavior are detected even if no prior transaction is yet known to be fraudulent, and even if the applicant's face does not match the face of any known perpetrator.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for tracking individual user consumer transactions which provides the user with an eraseable, re-writeable, visual format display while avoiding retrieval of data from an outside source.

Abstract: A point of service (POS) terminal having an integral field replaceable printer for printing a customer receipt and a method for replacing the integral printer. The POS terminal comprises a single, unitary housing which houses the various components typically associated with a POS terminal, but which is also configured to accommodate an integral printer within the terminal housing. The integral print module may be easily accessed, removed and replaced by a merchant without the use of tools or special training and instruction. A moveable access panel associated with the terminal housing provides access to the removable, replaceable printer cartridge and allows the printer cartridge to be removed from the POS terminal and replaced without having to disassemble the POS terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing consumer transactions and recording them on a consumer's magnetic stripe card is disclosed, having a magnetic stripe reader, a magnetic stripe encoder, a printer and an account processing station. In one arrangement, a plurality of such apparatus are operatively connected to a master accounting station through an automatic communication system. A method for processing consumer transactions and a method for producing a promotional game are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic encoder that allows the power consumption to be reduced has a first member 1 magnetized at pitches .lambda. and a second member 2 disposed so as to be relatively movable to the first member 1. The second member 2 has at least four MR devices Ma1, Mb1, Ma2, and Mb2 with phases that differ from by .lambda./4 each. The MR devices Ma1, Mb1, Ma2, and Mb2 are connected as a bridge circuit. Thus, a displacement detecting circuit 30 that outputs two-phase sine wave signals INA and INB is structured. The detecting circuit 30 is intermittently activated by analog switches Sa1, Sb1, Sa2, and Sb2 driven by a first clock CK1. The output signals INA and INB of the detecting circuit 30 are sampled by sample hold circuits 41a and 41b, respectively. The sampled values are compared by comparators 42a and 42b, whereby binary data is obtained. The comparators 42a and 42b each have a bias circuit 44 that is intermittently driven by a second clock CK2.

Abstract: A promotional system is provided which provides a user with human readable and machine readable message responses to transactions in which the responses are formed by a transaction unit and based upon the user's present transaction while taking into account the user transaction history, the responses including calculations based on a set of promotional program rules to form a message response for the user and without the need for the transaction unit to communicate with a central memory or processing unit.

Abstract: A transport container and a transport container managing system are suitable for use for security management when valuable goods are transported by a transportation service.

Abstract: A point of service (POS) terminal having an integral field replaceable printer for printing a customer receipt and a method for replacing the integral printer are provided. The POS terminal comprises a single, unitary housing which houses the various components typically associated with a POS terminal, but which is also configured to accommodate an integral printer within the terminal housing. The integral print module may be easily accessed, removed and replaced by a merchant without the use of tools or special training and instruction. A moveable access panel associated with the terminal housing provides access to the removable, replaceable printer cartridge and allows the printer cartridge to be removed from the POS terminal and replaced without having to disassemble the POS terminal.

Abstract: An automatic teller machine having an operation guide, an input unit, a transaction medium handling unit a halt requesting unit for requesting suspension of a transaction, a transaction recording unit for recording transaction information including information entered up to the point when the transaction suspension was requested and also for recording a transaction processing stage arrived at when the transaction suspension was requested, and an unreleased medium storing unit. When a transaction suspension is requested, a transaction resumption procedure is guided by the operation guide and, based on this transaction resumption procedure, the suspended transaction processing is resumed from the transaction processing stage recorded in the transaction recording unit by using the transaction information recorded in the transaction recording unit to release the transaction media stored in the unreleased medium storing unit.

Abstract: A system for issuing ID cards to which personal information data such as a personal identification number are written and verifying whether or not the information data are successfully written to the ID card. When the information data are confirmed to be unsuccessfully written to the ID card as the result of verification, the card is regarded as a faulty card, and an erase signal is automatically overwritten to the faulty card before discharging the card out of the system, so as to ensure absolute secrecy of the personal information.

Abstract: A paper currency deposit and validating safe includes a generally box like housing having walls forming a chamber comprising a safe for securing money, bill receiving apparatus on the housing for receiving and validating bills of various denominations and for generating a signal proportionate to the denomination of each validated bill, data input port and data output port on the housing, and an electronic cash control system mounted within the safe and including software for recording and storing each deposit into the bill receiving apparatus, each access into the safe and each removal of bills from the bill receiving apparatus and for providing accountings of all such transactions.

Abstract: The process provides a staggered degree of security as a safety concept against unauthorized use of a transaction card for purchasing of items. The card has four memories memorizing an amount of money, a money installment and its limiting value, a number of usable transactions and its limiting value, further data for doing an identity check of the ownership of the cardholder and also an authenticity check. The card is usable at three different types of payment instruments with or without an identity check and/or an authenticity check.

Abstract: A data transfer system includes a currency cassette adapted to be inserted in a cassette receiving compartment of a cash dispenser mechanism, the cassette having a first printed circuit board on which are mounted a RAM, a microprocessor connected to the RAM, a photodiode adapted to receive data from an LED mounted on a second printed circuit board secured to the cassette receiving compartment, and LED adapted to transmit data to a photodiode mounted on the second board, and a first circuit including a first coil adapted to receive power from second circuit including a second coil mounted on the second board. In operation, data is transferred between the RAM and a microprocessor external to the cassette by means of the cooperating photodiodes and LEDs, with the first circuit serving to provide a dc power supply for the other components mounted on the board.