Abstract: A method for integrating a plurality of financial services provided at different geographical locations and in different time zones, and electronic delivering such services directly to a customer facility at any time requested by the customer. Customers connect to the system whenever desired to access each of the services, and messages are stored and routed between the customers and each of the service providers at the respective times when the customers' facilities and the service providers' facilities are operative. The system can interface with a customer's stand-alone personal computer, local area network, and/or mainframe computer. A variety of security functions provide different levels of access to the services for different customers.

Abstract: A computer using a passive backplane internal architecture is provided. In particular, a CPU board is provided that has a plurality of I/O interfaces (e.g., IDE, EIDE, SCSI, wide SCSI, etc.) so as to reduce the need to upgrade the system over time. However, once repair or upgrade is needed, the plug-in board configuration of the computer greatly facilitates such activity, which reduces the need for specialized (and expensive) technicians to maintain the computer. The power supply of the computer is preferably provided on an additional board within the computer. This improves the airflow of cooling air in the computer, thereby enhancing system reliability.

Abstract: A system and process for use by a financial institution to facilitate relationship pricing in connection with a single account that includes a plurality of account components, including a checking component, a savings component and a investment component. The system includes software engines operated on specially programmed general purpose computers. The engines are sub-systems that generate input and drive another sub-system or the product processors. The overall function of the engines is to, among other things, allow pricing to be determined based on a customer's total individual or household relationship to the financial institution. The preferred system includes a rate engine, a pricing engine, a linkage engine, a balance engine, and a cycle engine.

Abstract: An improved monetary system using electronic media to exchange economic value securely and reliably.

Abstract: An electronic-monetary system having (1) banks or financial institutions that are coupled to a money generator device for generating and issuing to subscribing customers electronic money including electronic currency backed by demand deposits and electronic credit authorizations; (2) correspondent banks that accept and distribute the electronic money; (3) a plurality of transaction devices that are used by subscribers for storing electronic money, for performing money transactions with the on-line systems of the participating banks or for exchanging electronic money with other like transaction devices in off-line transactions; (4) teller devices, associated with the issuing and correspondent banks, for process handling and interfacing the transaction devices to the issuing and correspondent banks, and for interfacing between the issuing and correspondent banks themselves; (5) a clearing bank for balancing the electronic money accounts of the different issuing banks; (6) a data communications network for provi

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and communicating the availability of additional products to at least one customer of a financial institution is disclosed. A processor analyses data about the customer and identifies characteristics indicative of financial products compatible with the customer's financial needs. The customer's files are appropriately electronically tagged and representatives of the financial institution are alerted of the marketing opportunity and, in turn, communicate the availability of the product to said customer. The representative may be a teller, branch manager, telemarketer or direct mail supervisor. Reporting of tagging is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for advanced multi-currency collateral monitoring and controlling for use in a variety of businesses. The system maintains portfolios of collateral accounts and liability information. It supports transaction processing whether by manual input or SWIFT messaging. The system has the ability to apply acceptance rules in determining whether a security purchase by a client is of a sufficient quality as to have collateral value. Additionally, the system may hold-up or prevent a security sale based upon insufficient collateral remaining in the client's accounts. Tables, preferably located in a relational database are included within the system for assessing the risk associated with holding securities of a particular type, and the risk associated with holding securities in currencies other than the liability currency.

Abstract: A financial information and transaction system comprising a host financial computer system, which host system maintains records of user account information; at least one terminal providing a user interface for accessing the host financial computer system, the at least one terminal including a means for transmitting and receiving data corresponding to the user account information, and a smart card interface device; wherein access to the records of user account information are organized in a hierarchy of three or more levels, which hierarchy comprises an initial level, a final level, and one or more intervening levels; wherein the records of user account information are accessed by passing through the hierarchy of three or more levels; and wherein means are provided for allowing access to the final level in the hierarchy by an automated task without passing through the one or more intervening levels is described.

Abstract: A security enclosure with an electronic lock, a concealed hinge door and lock wheel which operates a lock internal to the security enclosure. The electronic lock operates by a key pad into which a required security code may be entered. When the correct code is entered, a solenoid within the enclosure retracts moving a pin which allows the lock wheel to rotate. When the lock wheel is rotated, strike bolts extending into the top and bottom of the enclosure and left and right strike bars extending to the sides of the enclosure are retracted enabling the door to be pulled open. The door construction is such that there are no external hinges which may be drilled out, and the door itself is recessed so that it cannot be pried open. Attempts to turn the lock wheel when the solenoid is engaged have no effect because the wheel cannot be turned without breaking.

Abstract: A realtime multilateral foreign exchange settlement system having a computer implemented netting system, a processor-based multilateral settlement coordinator (MSC) having a first money module and a first host application, where the first host application receives debit and credit data from said netting system. A plurality of processor-based multilateral settlement agents (MSAs) each having a second money module and a second host application. A plurality of processor-based counterparty settlement agents (CSAs) each having a third money module and a third host application. The second and third money modules communicate via cryptographically secure sessions. The first money module receives electronic money from the third money modules of net debit CSAs via the second money modules. When all net debit counterparties have paid, the first money module sends the electronic money to the third money modules of net credit CSAs via the second money modules.

Abstract: An electronic sales and service support system and method for identifying sales targets using a centralized database to improve marketing success. The system includes a central database that receives comprehensive information from a variety of internal and external feeds, and standardizes and households the information in a three-level hierarchy (households, customers, and accounts) for use by a financial institution. The comprehensive information stored on the central database is accessed through micromarketing workstations to generate lists of sales leads for marketing campaigns. A database engine is provided for generating logical access paths for accessing data on the central database to increase speed and efficiency of the central database. The system distributes sales leads electronically to branch networks, where the sales leads are used to target customers for marketing campaigns.

Abstract: An electronic-monetary system having (1) banks or financial institutions that are coupled to a money generator device for generating and issuing to subscribing customers electronic money including electronic currency backed by demand deposits and electronic credit authorizations; (2) correspondent banks that accept and distribute the electronic money; (3) a plurality of transaction devices that are used by subscribers for storing electronic money, for performing money transactions with the on-line systems of the participating banks or for exchanging electronic money with other like transaction devices in off-line transactions; (4) teller devices, associated with the issuing and correspondent banks, for process handling and interfacing the transaction devices to the issuing and correspondent banks, and for interfacing between the issuing and correspondent banks themselves; (5) a clearing bank for balancing the electronic money accounts of the different issuing banks; (6) a data communications network for provi

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for transferring funds. The invention supports funds transfers from a source account to a cash access file which can be accessed virtually twenty-four hours a day by both customers and non-customers. Access is achieved by the recipient entering a codeword selected by the sender, along with a transaction code randomly generated by the system. Once the sender provides the codeword and the transaction code to the recipient, the recipient can receive transferred cash through an ATM, even without using a card to access the system. Cash may be transferred across international borders and dispensed in a currency different than that of the sender's source account. Although cash is made available to a recipient virtually as soon as the requested transfer is approved and confirmed by the sender, the sender's account is not debited until the cash is actually received by the recipient. Other features, including security, cancellation, and status inquiries are also described.

Abstract: An electronic-monetary system having (1) banks or financial institutions that are coupled to a money generator device for generating and issuing to subscribing customers electronic money including electronic currency backed by demand deposits and electronic credit authorizations; (2) correspondent banks that accept and distribute the electronic money; (3) a plurality of transaction devices that are used by subscribers for storing electronic money, for performing money transactions with the on-line systems of the participating banks or for exchanging electronic money with other like transaction devices in off-line transactions; (4) teller devices, associated with the issuing and correspondent banks, for process handling and interfacing the transaction devices to the issuing and correspondent banks, and for interfacing between the issuing and correspondent banks themselves; (5) a clearing bank for balancing the electronic money accounts of the different issuing banks; (6) a data communications network for provi

Abstract: A processing system and method receive batch payment data from a plurality of different sources, such as lock-boxes, an ATM or customer activated terminal, an enhanced telephone, a bank teller, or a personal computer. The batch payment data is converted into individual transaction data for on-line processing and is sent to a temporary payment queue. A transaction mover places the data from the queue to a transaction queue and a transaction router subsequently assigns the transactions to available drivers. Each driver processes the payment data and makes appropriate account information updates to a set of master files. A transaction handler coordinates the control of the transaction mover as well as the control of the transaction router. The system operates in conjunction with on-line operations, such as customer service and other mortgage services, and has a transaction handler monitor which controls the speed of processing so that on-line operations can continue during the processing of the payment data.

Abstract: A delivery system and method allow a financial institution to provide financial services to a plurality of remote devices, such as personal computers, personal data assistants, and screen phones. In addition to providing services to these remote devices, the system and method provide services to automatic teller machines (ATMs), external service providers, and internally within the financial institution to staff terminals and to the individual branches of the financial institution. The delivery of financial services is not limited to any particular network but rather may be provided through dial-in access, Internet access, on-line service provider access, or other types of delivery networks. The system is comprised of a set of reusable global components which are modular and are organized into services sets.

Abstract: A sales process support system and method for identifying sales targets using a centralized database to improve marketing success. The system includes a central database that receives comprehensive information from a variety of internal and external feeds, and standardizes and households the information in a three-level hierarchy (households, customers, and accounts) for use by a financial institution. The comprehensive information stored on the central database is accessed through micromarketing workstations to generate lists of sales leads for marketing campaigns. A database engine is provided for generating logical access paths for accessing data on the central database to increase speed and efficiency of the central database. The system distributes sales leads electronically to branch networks, where the sales leads are used to target customers for marketing campaigns.

Abstract: An electronic-monetary system having (1) banks or financial institutions that are coupled to a money generator device for generating and issuing to subscribing customers electronic money including electronic currency backed by demand deposits and electronic credit authorizations; (2) correspondent banks that accept and distribute the electronic money; (3) a plurality of transaction devices that are used by subscribers for storing electronic money, for performing money transactions with the on-line systems of the participating banks or for exchanging electronic money with other like transaction devices in off-line transactions; (4) teller devices, associated with the issuing and correspondent banks, for process handling and interfacing the transaction devices to the issuing and correspondent banks, and for interfacing between the issuing and correspondent banks themselves; (5) a clearing bank for balancing the electronic money accounts of the different issuing banks; (6) a data communications network for provi

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of computerized intelligent agents to facilitate the integration of networked performance of financial transactions with computerized methods of financial accounting. Incorporated into this combined financial transaction/financial accounting system are intelligent agents that automatically analyze the system information to provide users with financial advice. This invention permits the automated performance on-line of a wide variety of financial transactions and integrates these transactions with computerized financial accounting. All of this information is collated and analyzed automatically by intelligent agents, which generate user-specific financial reports, profiles, and advice, and under appropriate conditions take action.

Abstract: An improved monetary system using electronic media to exchange economic value securely and reliably.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide easy installation and removal of peripheral devices in a computer is disclosed. A bracket for engaging a peripheral device is installed in a manner that a bottom portion couples to a computer housing; a side portion extends at an acute angle; and an engaging flange is positioned at the end of the side portion.

Abstract: A system for communicating with a global electronic delivery system that integrates a plurality of financial services provided at different geographical locations and in different time zones, and delivery such services directly to a customer facility at any time requested by the customer. The customer connects to the system whenever desired to access each of the services, and the delivery system stores and routes messages between the customers and each of the service providers at the respective times when the customers' facilities and the service providers' facilities are operative. The communications system can comprise a stand-alone personal computer, a local area network, and/or a mainframe computer. The communicates system also includes a variety of security functions that provide different levels of access to the services for different customers.

Abstract: A system for open electronic commerce having a customer trusted agent securely communicating with a first money module, and a merchant trusted agent securely communicating with a second money module. Both trusted agents are capable of establishing a first cryptographically secure session, and both money modules are capable of establishing a second cryptographically secure session. The merchant trusted agent transfers electronic merchandise to the customer trusted agent, and the first money module transfers electronic money to the second money module. The money modules inform their trusted agents of the successful completion of payment, and the customer may use the purchased electronic merchandise.

Abstract: An integrated financial system that includes a single customer account that permits a customer to perform various financial transactions. The account includes at least banking components and brokerage components. A consistent user interface means is provided to allow a customer to access the account from a different sources including at least an automatic teller machine, a phone and a personal teller transaction. The account is flexible enough to include a variety of other components such as a credit card component, a line of credit component, a secured credit component and a money market component. A system and method for opening a single integrated account for a customer in a single session is also described.

Abstract: A form creation and ordering system allows for creation and editing of forms, receives telephone calls placed by users, prompts the users to indicate between one and a predetermined number of desired forms, prompts the users to indicate a selected mode of delivery, and provides the desired forms to the users via the selected mode of delivery. The system may also uniquely identify each of the users by providing identification information, receive user profile data that varies according to the identification information, prompt the users to indicate whether the desired forms should be customized prior to being provided to the users, and customize the desired forms by adding customized user information in response to the users indicating that the desired forms should be customized prior to the forms being provided to the users.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing funds to be transferred instantly to an account so that the funds are available to the beneficiary at the time they are sent, based on customer information which can be automatically accessed by the system, rather than needing to be manually entered. Further, the system automatically computes the appropriate exchange rate and any fees to be charged to the account and displays them to the user so that the user may authorize or cancel the transaction. They system also analyzes the parameters of the transfer to assure that the transfer conforms with pertinent government regulations. The system also enables the user to quantify the amount to be transferred in the currency of the originating account or the currency of the receiving account, thereby maximizing the flexibility of the system. The system further is designed so that it can be understood and accessed by individuals having no special expertise in computers, wire transfers and the like.

Abstract: An interactive voice response system provides voice prompts that supply information to a user, request data from the user, and present the user with a plurality of selectable options. The user can first select one or more options by providing one or more letters of the alphabet corresponding to one or more of the selectable options. If the letter or letters that are provided correspond to more than one selectable option, the user further selects one of the options from among the selectable options corresponding to the one or more letters.

Abstract: An electronic-monetary system having (1) banks or financial institutions that are coupled to a money generator device for generating and issuing to subscribing customers electronic money including electronic currency backed by demand deposits and electronic credit authorizations; (2) correspondent banks that accept and distribute the electronic money; (3) a plurality of transaction devices that are used by subscribers for storing electronic money, for performing money transactions with the on-line systems of the participating banks or for exchanging electronic money with other like transaction devices in off-line transactions; (4) teller devices, associated with the issuing and correspondent banks, for process handling and interfacing the transaction devices to the issuing and correspondent banks, and for interfacing between the issuing and correspondent banks themselves; (5) a clearing bank for balancing the electronic money accounts of the different issuing banks; (6) a data communications network for provi

Abstract: A system and method for allowing telephone-based interactive performance of financial transactions in multiple languages. The system prompts the customer of a financial institution in various languages until the customer's language and home country are identified. The system then connects the customer telephonically with a representative who speaks the customer's language and who can authorize the transaction by accessing the customer's records. Authorization by the local representative and record keeping are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the confidentiality and security of sensitive data which has been encrypted as it is being processed in data communications systems. The apparatus uses a metallic plate which covers the encryption circuitry and a memory in which the encryption key is stored and includes circuitry which erases the stored encryption key when an attempt is made to remove the protective cover. The metallic plate is formed into top and bottom cover plates for the top side and bottom side respectively of a printed circuit board which are secured together with a screw. An integrated circuit, which is located within the top and bottom cover plates stores the encryption key, an erase circuit and a switch which changes position when the screw is rotated causing a signal to be generated by the erase circuit which erases the encryption key stored in the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A realtime multilateral foreign exchange settlement system having a computer implemented netting system, a processor-based multilateral settlement coordinator (MSC) having a first money module and a first host application, where the first host application receives debit and credit data from said netting system. A plurality of processor-based multilateral settlement agents (MSAs) each having a second money module and a second host application. A plurality of processor-based counterparty settlement agents (CSAs) each having a third money module and a third host application. The second and third money modules communicate via cryptographically secure sessions. The first money module receives electronic money from the third money modules of net debit CSAs via the second money modules. When all net debit counterparties have paid, the first money module sends the electronic money to the third money modules of net credit CSAs via the second money modules.

Abstract: A system for the open distribution of electronic money is provided having a customer trusted agent associated with a first money module, a merchant trusted agent that establishes a first cryptographically secure session with the customer trusted agent and associated with a second money module. Where the money modules establish a second cryptographically secure session. The customer trusted agent provides electronic money purchase or sale information and an account credential to the merchant trusted agent, and the merchant trusted agent provides a receipt ticket to the customer trusted agent. The merchant trusted agent accesses an authorization network and initiates an authorization process using information from the electronic money purchase or sale information and the account credential.

Abstract: A system and method provides for enabling on-line transactional services among sellers and buyers having no previous relationship with each other. The system includes a financial clearinghouse for receiving a request for goods or services from a buyer and making a real-time determination of a risk classification of the buyer utilizing an on-line repository of credit information. The financial clearinghouse determines a risk-based discount fee as a function of the buyer's risk classification in order to establish a payment amount to the seller from the clearinghouse. If the transaction is authorized by the financial clearinghouse, the financial clearinghouse transmits the payment amount to the seller and transmits an invoice to the buyer for the purchase price of the transaction. The system can also include a broker coupled to the financial clearinghouse for providing an on-line order acceptance and processing capability between the buyers and sellers.

Abstract: An interface device for electronically integrating a plurality of financial services provided at different geographical locations and in different time zones, and delivering such services directly to a customer facility at any time requested by the customer. The customer connects to the system whenever desired to access each of the services, and the interface device stores and routes messages between the customers and each of the service providers at the respective times when the customers' facilities and the service providers' facilities are operative. The system can be accessed through a customer's stand-alone personal computer, local area network, and/or mainframe computer. The system also includes a variety of security functions that provide different levels of access to the services for different customers.

Abstract: A system for open electronic commerce having a customer trusted agent securely communicating with a first money module, and a merchant trusted agent securely communicating with a second money module. Both trusted agents are capable of establishing a first cryptographically secure session, and both money modules are capable of establishing a second cryptographically secure session. The merchant trusted agent transfers electronic merchandise to the customer trusted agent, and the first money module transfers electronic money to the second money module. The money modules inform their trusted agents of the successful completion of payment, and the customer may use the purchased electronic merchandise. A first processing device generates an encryption key. A third processing device receives information from a second processing device by way of a fourth processing device, which information allows the third processing device to generate the encryption key.

Abstract: An enclosure or chassis for a high-performance personal computer which is portable, provides easy access to its internal components for servicing, and provides mechanisms which allow peripheral devices such as hard disks, floppy disks and CD-ROM drives to be quickly and easily installed and removed. The chassis provides an efficient cooling mechanism so that a heat sink required for a high-performance processor can be smaller than would be the case without such efficient cooling mechanism. The chassis opens up into a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion houses the peripheral devices, and the bottom portion houses the motherboard, power supply and cooling fans. A tamper switch is provided which monitors the state of the chassis (open or closed) and reports over a network whenever the chassis is opened. However, the computer can still be operated when the chassis is opened for inspection, service and repair.

Abstract: A system for electronic commercial payment is provided having a customer trusted agent associated with a first money module, a merchant trusted agent that establishes a first cryptographically secure session with the customer trusted agent and associated with a second money module. Where the money modules establish a second cryptographically secure session. The customer trusted agent provides remittance advice information to the merchant trusted agent, and the merchant trusted agent provides a commercial payment ticket to the customer trusted agent. Upon receiving said commercial payment ticket, the customer trusted agent initiates a transfer of electronic money from the first money module to the second money module.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing funds to be transferred instantly to an account so that the funds are available to the beneficiary at the time they are sent, based on customer information which can be automatically accessed by the system, rather than needing to be manually entered. Further, the system automatically computes the appropriate exchange rate and any fees to be charged to the account and displays them to the user so that the user may authorize or cancel the transaction. The system also analyzes the parameters of the transfer to assure that the transfer conforms with pertinent government regulations. The system also enables the user to quantify the amount to be transferred in the currency of the originating account or the currency of the receiving account, thereby maximizing the flexibility of the system. The system further is designed so that it can be understood and accessed by individuals having no special expertise in computers, wire transfers and the like.

Abstract: A system for open electronic commerce having a customer trusted agent securely communicating with a first money module, and a merchant trusted agent securely communicating with a second money module. Both trusted agents are capable of establishing a first cryptographically secure session, and both money modules are capable of establishing a second cryptographically secure session. The merchant trusted agent transfers electronic merchandise to the customer trusted agent, and the first money module transfers electronic money to the second money module. The money modules inform their trusted agents of the successful completion of payment, and the customer may use the purchased electronic merchandise.

Abstract: A system for open electronic commerce having a customer trusted agent securely communicating with a first money module, and a merchant trusted agent securely communicating with a second money module. Both trusted agents are capable of establishing a first cryptographically secure session, and both money modules are capable of establishing a second cryptographically secure session. The merchant trusted agent transfers electronic merchandise to the customer trusted agent, and the first money module transfers electronic money to the second money module. The money modules inform their trusted agents of the successful completion of payment, and the customer may use the purchased electronic merchandise.

Abstract: A system for open electronic commerce having a customer trusted agent securely communicating with a first money module, and a merchant trusted agent securely communicating with a second money module. Both trusted agents are capable of establishing a first cryptographically secure session, and both money modules are capable of establishing a second cryptographically secure session. The merchant trusted agent transfers electronic merchandise to the customer trusted agent, and the first money module transfers electronic money to the second money module. The money modules inform their trusted agents of the successful completion of payment, and the customer may use the purchased electronic merchandise.

Abstract: An improved monetary system using electronic media to exchange economic value securely and reliably.

Abstract: An improved monetary system using electronic media to exchange economic value securely and reliably.

Abstract: A system for demonstrating financial and financially related concepts and displaying financial and financially related information is provided. The system includes a central processing unit for processing financial information and for creating graphic displays from numerical data, a demonstrator station and at least one viewer station. Both demonstrator and viewer stations include display means for displaying financial information in graphic and textual form. The demonstrator station further comprises data entry means for entering alphanumeric data, and input means for inputting signals to direct the display of information on the display means of both the demonstrator station and the viewer station or stations. The graphic information displayed on the viewer station display means is a subset of the information displayed on the demonstrator station displaying means. The system also includes means for generating graphic displays based on entered data.

Abstract: A marketing method for providing manufacturer purchase reward offers by automatically tracking the purchases of member consumers through the use of bar-coded membership cards and using the purchase records in a data processing system to determine if the required purchases have been made to earn a reward. Each member consumer receives a reward booklet disclosing the available reward offers, a periodic status report indicating the member consumer's progress toward earning rewards, and a reward certificate for those rewards earned.

Abstract: An automated investment system for investment banks which allows their customers to invest idle funds, including odd amounts of funds, throughout the day is disclosed. The cash investment system disclosed is a data processing system which utilizes selected interest bearing and discounted securities and instruments traditionally sold by banks as the basis for a new interest bearing investment vehicle of varying maturities which can be purchased with an odd amount of funds, and without the need to interact with salespeople. The investments and underlying securities and instruments are stored in an inventory file maintained in the bank's data processing facility. A customer reviews the investments being offered on a given day through a terminal located at the customer's facility.