Abstract: An architecture is disclosed allowing a server to communicate bidirectionally with a gateway over a first communication link, over which service requests are initiated by the server. In response to a transaction received from a host legacy system at the gateway, the gateway parses one or more transaction response values from the host message, maps the one or more transaction response values to a canonical response code, and stores the canonical response code in a transaction log. According to a broad aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, communication networks that employ transactions between applications must effectively manage transactions that flow over the network. In addition, networking systems must also detect counterfeit transactions, especially, when the networking systems are utilized for financial transactions. An active, on-line database is utilized as a transaction log to track original requests, valid retrys and detect fradulant transactions.

Abstract: A server communicates bidirectionally with a gateway over a first communication link, over which service requests flow to the server for one or more merchants and/or consumers. Service requests are associated with a particular merchant based on storefront visited by a consumer or credentials presented by a merchant. Service requests result in merchant specific transactions that are transmitted to the gateway for further processing on existing host applications.

Abstract: A reader/writer apparatus for a contact-type smart card and having a frame forming a card slot for receiving a smart card and a landing contact mechanism carried on the frame for making electrical contact with contact pads on the smart card when inserted in the card slot. The landing contact mechanism includes a connector carriage carrying a card contact set thereon facing the card slot and mounted to the frame on a pivot axis defined thereon such that the connector carriage rotates generally in a plane parallel to the card slot. A drive post formed on the connector carriage contacts a leading edge of a smart card inserted in the card slot to rotate the connector carriage through a prearranged angle as the card moves to a predetermined read position within the card slot.

Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a customer computer system to a merchant computer system, and for the further secure transmission of payment information regarding a payment instrument from the merchant computer system to a payment gateway computer system. The payment gateway system evaluates the payment information and returns a level of authorization of credit via a secure transmission to the merchant which is communicated to the customer by the merchant. The merchant can then determine whether to accept the payment instrument tendered or deny credit and require another payment instrument. An architecture that provides support for additional message types that are not SET compliant is provided by a preferred embodiment of the invention. A server communicating bidirectionally with a gateway is disclosed.

Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a customer computer system to a merchant computer system, and for the further secure transmission of payment information from the merchant computer system to a payment gateway computer system. The payment gateway system formats transaction information appropriately and transmits the transaction to the particular host legacy system. The host legacy system evaluates the payment information and returns a level of authorization of credit to the gateway which packages the information to form a secure transaction which is transmitted to the merchant which is in turn communicated to the customer by the merchant. The merchant can then determine whether to accept the payment instrument tendered or deny credit and require another payment instrument.

Abstract: A system that facilitates the coupling of a plurality of clients to one or more merchants utilizing a network to conduct commerce over the network is disclosed. When a client initiates a connection with a merchant, the merchant responds to the request for connection by transmitting one or more messages back to the client to determine a particular payment processing which entails determining a suitable payment instrument, a payment protocol and standard message formats for conducting the electronic commerce. The payment protocol comprises a message format, a protocol associated with the message format and a weight associated with each of the items associated with the payment processing. The weight is provided by both the client and the merchant to facilitate dynamic negotiation of a mutually acceptable payment processing. The negotiation results in the exchange of standard message formats that the client and the merchant are equipped to process efficiently and securely.

Abstract: An architecture is disclosed allowing a server to communicate bidirectionally with a gateway over a first communication link, over which service requests are initiated by the server. In response to a transaction received from a host legacy system at the gateway, the gateway parses one or more transaction response values from the host message, maps the one or more transaction response values to a canonical response code, and stores the canonical response code in a transaction log. According to a broad aspect of a preferred embodiment of the invention, communication networks that employ transactions between applications must effectively manage transactions that flow over the network. In addition, networking systems must also detect counterfeit transactions, especially, when the networking systems are utilized for financial transactions. An active, on-line database is utilized as a transaction log to track original requests, valid retrys and detect fradulant transactions.

Abstract: An electronic monetary system provides for transactions utilizing an electronic-monetary system that emulates a wallet or a purse that is customarily used for keeping money, credit cards and other forms of payment organized. Access to the instruments in the wallet or purse is restricted by a password to avoid unauthorized payments. A certificate form must be completed in order to obtain an instrument. The certificate form obtains the information necessary for creating a certificate granting authority to utilize an instrument, a payment holder and a complete electronic wallet. Electronic approval results in the generation of an electronic transaction to complete the order. If a user selects a particular certificate, a particular payment instrument holder will be generated based on the selected certificate.

Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a customer computer system to a merchant computer system, and for the further secure transmission of payment information regarding a payment instrument from the merchant computer system to a payment gateway computer system. The payment gateway system evaluates the payment information and returns a level of authorization of credit via a secure transmission to the merchant which is communicated to the customer by the merchant. The merchant can then determine whether to accept the payment instrument tendered or deny credit and require another payment instrument. An architecture that provides support for additional message types that are value-added extensions to the SET protocol is provided by a preferred embodiment of the invention. A server communicating bidirectionally with a gateway is disclosed.

Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a party in communication with a first application resident on a first computer which is in communication with a second computer with a certification authority application resident thereon. The second computer is in communication with a third computer utilizing an administrative function resident thereon. The first, second and third computers are connected by a network, such as the Internet. A name-value pair for certification processing is created on said first computer and transmitted to an administrative function on the third computer. Then, the name-value pair is routed to the appropriate certification authority on the second computer. The administrative function also transmits other certification information from said administrative function to said certification authority on the second computer.

Abstract: An architecture that provides a server that communicates bidirectionally with a gateway over a first communication link, over which service requests flow to the server for one or more merchants and/or consumers is disclosed. Service requests are associated with a particular merchant based on storefront visited by a consumer or credentials presented by a merchant. Service requests result in merchant specific transactions that are transmitted to the gateway for further processing on existing host applications. By presenting the appropriate credentials, the merchant could utilize any other computer attached to the Internet utilizing a SSL or SET protocol to query the vPOS system remotely and obtain capture information, payment administration information, inventory control information, audit information and process customer satisfaction information.

Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a customer computer system to a merchant computer system, and for the further secure transmission of data from the merchant computer system to a payment gateway computer system. The payment gateway system evaluates the information and returns authorization or denial of credit via a secure transmission to the merchant which is communicated to the customer by the merchant.

Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a customer computer system to a merchant computer system, and for the further secure transmission of payment information regarding a payment instrument from the merchant computer system to a payment gateway computer system. The payment gateway system evaluates the payment information and returns a level of authorization of credit via a secure transmission to the merchant which is communicated to the customer by the merchant. The merchant can then determine whether to accept the payment instrument tendered or deny credit and require another payment instrument. An architecture that provides support for additional message types that are not SET compliant is provided by a preferred embodiment of the invention. A server communicating bidirectionally with a gateway is disclosed.

Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a customer computer system to a merchant computer system, and for the further secure transmission of payment information from the merchant computer system to a payment gateway computer system. The payment gateway system receives encrypted payment requests from merchants, as HTTP POST messages via the Internet. The gateway then unwraps and decrypts the requests, authenticates digital signatures of the requests based on certificates, supports transaction types and card types as required by a financial institution, and accepts concurrent VPOS transactions from each of the merchant servers. Then, the gateway converts transaction data to host-specific formats and forwards the mapped requests to the host processor using the existing financial network.

Abstract: An infrastructure for a real time bank-centric universal payment system in which a central processing unit (CPU) defines an electronic commerce trust system formed from a plurality of financial service provider members subscribing to a common standard having applicability throughout the infrastructure. The central processing unit is operatively interconnected to the correspondent processing units of financial service provider members that in turn are operatively interconnected through access mechanisms to a network of customers and goods and services providers who are account subscribers with the financial service provider member and subject to the common standard of the system. The CPU provides non-revocable real time debit and credit transactions and effects provider net settlement between and among members through a central exchange monetary system. Features of the infrastructure include an ECTS hot file, bill presentment and payment options and provider designed services that enhance brand identity.

Abstract: An electronic monetary system provides for transactions utilizing an electronic-monetary system that emulates a wallet or a purse that is customarily used for keeping money, credit cards and other forms of payment organized. Access to the instruments in the wallet or purse is restricted by a password to avoid unauthorized payments. An appropriate indicia such as color, an icon or other information associated with the display screen will be used to communicate security authorization for a particular instrument, payment instrument or payment instrument holder. When access is authorized, a graphical representation of the payment instruments is presented on the display to enable a user to select a payment method of their choice. Once a payment instrument is selected, a summary of the goods for purchase are presented to the user and the user enters their electronic approval for the transaction or cancels the transaction.

Abstract: Portable transaction terminal apparatus adapted for use in eating and drinking establishments. A terminal housing has a generally rectangular shape and a size slightly larger in length and width to corresponding dimensions of a restaurant guest check. A folio-type cover is mounted to a left side portion of the terminal housing by a hinge arrangement and thereby adapted to swing between open and closed cover positions, the cover corresponding in length and width to the terminal housing so as to completely cover a top face of the terminal housing in the closed cover position and to lie flat against a surface in the open cover position. A data entry keypad and an alphanumeric display are carried on the top face of the terminal housing. A card reader module is mounted in the terminal housing for accepting and reading a transaction data card selected for use by a guest of the establishment for payment of the amount of the guest check.

Abstract: Secure transmission of data is provided between a plurality of computer systems over a public communication system, such as the Internet. Secure transmission of data is provided from a customer computer system to a merchant computer system, and for the further secure transmission of payment information from the merchant computer system to a payment gateway computer system. The payment gateway system receives encrypted payment requests from merchants, as HTTP POST messages via the Internet. The gateway then unwraps and decrypts the requests, authenticates digital signatures of the requests based on certificates, supports transaction types and card types as required by a financial institution, and accepts concurrent VPOS transactions from each of the merchant servers. Then, the gateway converts transaction data to host-specific formats and forwards the mapped requests to the host processor using the existing financial network.

Abstract: An architecture that provides a server that communicates bidirectionally with a client over a first communication link, over which service requests flow to the server for one or more merchants and/or consumers is disclosed. Service requests are associated with a particular merchant based on storefront visited by a consumer or credentials presented by a merchant. Service requests result in merchant specific transactions that are transmitted to the gateway for further processing on existing host applications. By presenting the appropriate credentials, the merchant could utilize any other computer attached to the Internet utilizing a SSL or SET protocol to query the server remotely and obtain capture information, payment administration information, inventory control information, audit information and process customer satisfaction information.