Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing personal identification number (PIN)-based data transfer activities is provided. The system includes a transfer system that includes a processor and a PIN processing application and decryption engine executing thereon. The PIN processing application and decryption engine implement a method. The method includes receiving an instrument identifier for an instrument upon which a data transfer is requested, and receiving a PIN input at the transfer system by a holder of the instrument. The PIN includes encrypted data elements that include the instrument identifier, a data value for the data transfer, a transfer system key of the transfer system, and a seed value associated with the instrument. The method includes decrypting the PIN to retrieve the data elements embedded therein. In response to successful validation of the data elements, the method includes encoding the instrument with the data value.

Abstract: A media recognition system includes a sensing part and a media discriminator. The sensing part is disposed proximate to a media to be queried and produces a sensing signal responsive to the media. The sensing signal is a digital signal produced in a single step by the sensing part from an analog signal. The media discriminator receives the sensing signal from the sensing part to determine acceptability of the media.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing personal identification number (PIN)-based data transfer activities is provided. The system includes a means for generating an instance of a PIN with elements including an identifier for an instrument and data to be transferred. The system also includes a transfer system including a reader for identifying the instrument, an input means for receiving the PIN, and an encoder. The system also includes a processor executing instructions for validating the PIN. The transfer system encodes the instrument with the data to be transferred in response to successful validation of the PIN.