Abstract: An adaptive method and apparatus for accurate network traffic volume limit reporting including receiving a network traffic volume limit for each subscriber based on the subscriber's level of service and reporting the network traffic volume on a more frequent basis for subscribers who are approaching their network volume limit.

Abstract: Radio-frequency devices that have internal radio-frequency chips are personalized. A radio-frequency device is inserted into a package. An identifier is read electromagnetically from the radio-frequency chip with a radio-frequency transceiver while the radio-frequency device is within the package. Personalization information is written electromagnetically onto the radio-frequency chip while the radio-frequency device is within the package. An association between the personalization information and the identifier is recorded on a storage device.

Abstract: A system for personalizing a plurality of transaction cards comprises an array of shells that are adapted to engage a sheet having a plurality of transaction cards. Each of the shells comprises an antenna adapted for transmitting data onto one of the cards. An orientation detector is used to determine the orientation of the sheet relative to the array of shells. A controller is used to direct operation of the antenna so that data may be recorded on the cards.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for information access control. Information read from a portable device is received. One portion of the information includes optical information read optically from the portable device and another portion of the information includes electromagnetic information read electromagnetically from the device. A cryptographic key is determined from the received information. The portable device is communicated with electromagnetically to retrieve an electromagnetic transmission packet that includes encrypted data. The retrieved encrypted data are decrypted using the determined cryptographic key.

Abstract: A system for personalizing a plurality of transaction cards comprises an array of shells that are adapted to engage a sheet having a plurality of transaction cards. Each of the shells comprises an antenna adapted for transmitting data onto one of the cards. An orientation detector is used to determine the orientation of the sheet relative to the array of shells. A controller is used to direct operation of the antenna so that data may be recorded on the cards.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided of managing a cryptographic key. A first key component is received from a first key custodian. A second key component is received from a second key custodian. A key operation is performed on the first and second key components to generate the cryptographic key. A cryptographic-key number is assigned to the cryptographic key. A key form is printed specifying the cryptographic key. An association is recorded between the cryptographic-key number and an electromagnetic tag identifier coupled physically with the key form.

Abstract: A transaction card assembly that includes a transaction card having a contactless integrated circuit that communicates with a card reader, and a sheet surrounding a transaction card and substantially coplanar with the card. The transaction card is detached from the sheet by pressing on at least a portion of the card in a direction substantially perpendicular to the sheet. Also, a punchout transaction card that includes a contactless integrated circuit that communicates with a card reader. At least a portion of an edge of the card was attached to a substantially coplanar sheet surrounding the card, and the card was detached from the sheet by pressing on at least a portion of the attached card that was substantially perpendicular to the sheet.

Abstract: Radio-frequency devices that have internal radio-frequency chips are personalized. A radio-frequency device is inserted into a package. An identifier is read electromagnetically from the radio-frequency chip with a radio-frequency transceiver while the radio-frequency device is within the package. Personalization information is written electromagnetically onto the radio-frequency chip while the radio-frequency device is within the package. An association between the personalization information and the identifier is recorded on a storage device.

Abstract: A presentation instrument includes a first information encoding region and a second information encoding region. The first information encoding region has a unique characteristic. The first information encoding region stores an account identifier. The second information encoding region has a first security value stored thereon. The first security value relates to the unique characteristic of the first information encoding region.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing secure transactions. An electromagnetic transmission packet is received from a portable device at a processing device. The electromagnetic transmission packet includes an encrypted magnetic-stripe image and an encrypted version of an alphanumerical identifier. A keyed nonencrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is received at the processing device, and the encrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is decrypted. The decryption of the encrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is compared with the nonencrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier. Thereafter, a decryption of the encrypted magnetic-stripe image is transmitted to a host system for processing the secure transaction using an account identified by the decryption of the magnetic-stripe image.