Abstract: A method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains eight (illustratively) linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication. The particular two candidate signatures used and the sequence in which they are submitted are selected with the user's consent and serve as a PIN-like unique personal code.

Abstract: A biometric method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. This approach is further enhanced by employing a frequency domain technique for calculating a Similarity Index of the partial fingerprint signatures. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains a reference set of linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication.

Abstract: A biometric method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. This approach is further enhanced by employing a frequency domain technique for calculating a Similarity Index of the partial fingerprint signatures. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains four (illustratively) linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication.

Abstract: A novel bridge device and accompanying methodology which link the world of the smart cards to that of the magnetic finance cards is described. This bridge device is called the Magnetic Stripe Bridge (MSB), whose primary function is to interface an ordinary or naked smart card, with just a smart chip embedded in, to a magnetic card reader for credit transaction without requiring alteration of the existing card processing infrastructure. This is done using techniques which include magnetic stripe signal emulation. Thus, any smart card is effectively transformed via the use of the MSB into an ordinary magnetic finance card and is admissible for use by any conventional magnetic card reader. Through this MSB and the accompanying methodology, secure smart cards can now be deployed everywhere, including on the Internet, thus significantly reducing the current extensive magnetic finance card fraud and identity theft.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions generates a Secure Card Number (“SCN”) for a first entity that is transferred with a first entity identifier to a second entity and then to a money source that verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the SCN. The SCN includes a Transaction Information Block (“TIB”) used for invoking one or more restrictions on use of the SCN, a Counter Block, and an encrypted Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) Block. The SCN is transferred to the money source in an account number or a non-account data field. The TIB can be used by the money source to determine which of multiple account numbers associated with the first entity should be used for the first transaction. The money source can also use the TIB to determine whether the device which generated the SCN has a changed status condition, such as a low battery condition or an invalid user entry status.

Abstract: A data packet can be dynamically stored in a magnetic strip by an encoder of an electronic card and subsequently transferred to a money source after it is read by a standard magnetic stripe reader as part of a verification process of a payment card transaction. A computer contained on the electronic card can run diagnostic tests and send the results to the money source as part of the data packet. One diagnostic test monitors the battery life of the electronic card to permit the money source to replace the electronic card before its battery runs out of useful life. The data packet can also contain data input into the electronic card by the user, such as a customization variable.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus for guessing the English acronyms comprise a game console and a system processor. The game console includes an alphanumeric keyboard, a display, and an ON/OFF switch. The system processor includes a central processing unit, a read only memory for storing the system software for performing the acronym guess, a random access memory and an input/output interface. The system software for performing the acronym guess includes a start loop module for setting the playing chances and the players'turn for each player, and a main loop module for displaying the subject category to be guessed, the acronym puzzle and the game wheel, and for guessing the meaning of the acronym based on the word spellings relative to each letter in the acronym puzzle and the related prompt information which are set and displayed at each segment on the game wheel.

Abstract: A biometric method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. This approach is further enhanced by employing a frequency domain technique for calculating a Similarity Index of the partial fingerprint signatures. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains a reference set of linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication.

Abstract: A biometric method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. This approach is further enhanced by employing a frequency domain technique for calculating a Similarity Index of the partial fingerprint signatures. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains four (illustratively) linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication.

Abstract: A user can customize use of a payment card, which can be an electronic card, by selecting either a first or a second user key as a selected user key. The selected user key is entered into a card number generator that uses it and a user sequence number to generate a user payment card number that differs for each transaction through use of an algorithm. Multiple payment card transactions can be handled differently depending upon which user key is chosen as the selected user key. Different user keys can be used for different accounts, different types of transactions, or to classify the transactions. A user can receive one bill, or multiple bills. Different levels of privacy can be accorded to transactions that use different user keys. A user may pay the issuer for increased security, or the user may be paid by the issuer to allow transaction data to be distributed to third parties.

Abstract: A novel “bridge” device and accompanying methodology which link the world of the smart cards to that of the magnetic finance cards is described. This “bridge” device is called the “Magnetic Stripe Bridge” or MSB. The main function of the MSB is to interface an ordinary or “naked” smart card with just the smart chip embedded in it to a magnetic card reader for credit transaction without altering the existing card processing infrastructure. As such any smart card is effectively transformed via the use of the MSB into an ordinary magnetic finance card and admissible for use by any conventional magnetic card reader. Through the MSB and the accompanying methodology, the secure smart cards can now be deployed everywhere, both on and off the Internet, thus significantly reducing the current rampant magnetic finance card frauds and identity thefts.

Abstract: A method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains eight (illustratively) linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication. The particular two candidate signatures used and the sequence in which they are submitted are selected with the user's consent and serve as a PIN-like unique personal code.

Abstract: An electronic card that can function as an anonymous credit card or banking card for use on or off the Internet utilizes a magnetic storage medium affixed to the card that can be read by a standard magnetic stripe reader. An encoder generates a data packet that is stored in a designated portion of the magnetic storage medium, which can be a magnetic stripe. The data packet can contain a personal coupon and an alias. A computer or microprocessor generates the personal coupon after a Personal Identification Number is input into the card.

Abstract: A novel bridge device and accompanying methodology which link the world of the smart cards to that of the magnetic finance cards is described. This bridge device is called the Magnetic Stripe Bridge (MSB), whose primary function is to interface an ordinary or naked smart card, with just a smart chip embedded in, to a magnetic card reader for credit transaction without requiring alteration of the existing card processing infrastructure. This is done using techniques which include magnetic stripe signal emulation. Thus, any smart card is effectively transformed via the use of the MSB into an ordinary magnetic finance card and is admissible for use by any conventional magnetic card reader. Through this MSB and the accompanying methodology, secure smart cards can now be deployed everywhere, including on the Internet, thus significantly reducing the current extensive magnetic finance card fraud and identity theft.

Abstract: A novel “bridge” device and accompanying methodology which link the world of the smart cards to that of the magnetic finance cards is described. This “bridge” device is called the “Magnetic Stripe Bridge” or MSB. The main function of the MSB is to interface an ordinary or “naked” smart card with just the smart chip embedded in it to a magnetic card reader for credit transaction without altering the existing card processing infrastructure. As such any smart card is effectively transformed via the use of the MSB into an ordinary magnetic finance card and admissible for use by any conventional magnetic card reader. Through the MSB and the accompanying methodology, the secure smart cards can now be deployed everywhere, both on and off the Internet, thus significantly reducing the current rampant magnetic finance card frauds and identity thefts.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions generates a Secure Card Number (“SCN”) for a first entity that is transferred with a first entity identifier to a second entity and then to a money source that verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the SCN. The SCN includes a Transaction Information Block (“TIB”) used for invoking one or more restrictions on use of the SCN, a Counter Block, and an encrypted Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) Block. The SCN is transferred to the money source in an account number or a non-account data field. The TIB can be used by the money source to determine which of multiple account numbers associated with the first entity should be used for the first transaction. The money source can also use the TIB to determine whether the device which generated the SCN has a changed status condition, such as a low battery condition or an invalid user entry status.

Abstract: An electronic game apparatus for guessing the English acronyms comprise a game console and a system processor. The game console includes an alphanumeric keyboard, a display, and an ON/OFF switch. The system processor includes a central processing unit, a read only memory for storing the system software for performing the acronym guess, a random access memory and an input/output interface. The system software for performing the acronym guess includes a start loop module for setting the playing chances and the players'turn for each player, and a main loop module for displaying the subject category to be guessed, the acronym puzzle and the game wheel, and for guessing the meaning of the acronym based on the word spellings relative to each letter in the acronym puzzle and the related prompt information which are set and displayed at each segment on the game wheel.

Abstract: A card has an embossed display of user information in which at least a portion of such display is dynamically controlled. The card has an input device, such as a keypad or wireless device, a logic device, and a dynamic embossing device. The logic device generates an activation signal when the input device receives an input that satisfies an activation condition, such as correct entry of a user key. The dynamic embossing device completes the dynamic portion of the embossed display of user information in response to the activation signal. The dynamic embossing device uses individual activation mechanisms to control multiple studs readable as part of the embossed display when they are in a non-deflected position. The dynamic embossing device can use an electromagnetic force activation mechanism and an individual electromagnet to control each stud or a temperature-induced, bimetallic bending force activation mechanism and an individual bimetallic strip to control each stud.

Abstract: The System includes an Alarm Unit and a separate Alert Unit. The Alarm Unit is securely affixed to the parcel before the parcel is left at the delivery site, and the Alert Unit is placed at a secure site that is within radio range of the delivery site. The Alarm Unit is armed by the deliveryman upon depositing the parcel at the delivery site, and arming of the Alarm Unit results in the transmission of messages verifying to the seller or delivery agent that delivery has taken place and notifying the purchaser or intended recipient that the parcel has arrived. Movement of the parcel after it has been deposited at the delivery site and has been armed results in messages being transmitted to the shipping agent and to the intended recipient announcing that the parcel has been stolen. Such unauthorized movement of the parcel also activates a very loud audible alarm affixed to the parcel and activates a tracking beacon in or on the parcel, permitting the whereabouts of the parcel to be determined or tracked.

Abstract: One end of a leaf spring is connected to a plate so that the leaf spring is disposed generally parallel to the plate, permitting the resulting article to be clipped onto an edge of a thin object, such as a waistband. Two spaced parallel slots extend through the plate, permitting a band of material, such as a belt, to be attached to the plate by threading the band into one of the slots and out of the other slot. The resulting article permits carrying cases that are provided with belt loops, intended for a user's belt, to be clipped onto the waistband of a beltless user.