Abstract: The present invention includes a prepaid telephone calling card for use by the visually impaired. A braille printer is configured to print a wallet-sized, plastic prepaid telephone calling card having one or more information fields printed in braille. A first information field printed in braille corresponds to an access number through which an individual can access a host computer for completing prepaid telephone calls. A second field printed in braille corresponds to a unique account code associated with the prepaid card. Various other information fields may also be printed in braille on the card, as desired. The information fields may also be printed in very large type face to facilitate reading by individuals who are not blind, yet substantially visually impaired.

Abstract: A system for generating and transmitting summary transaction data includes a computer database from which information is compiled and forwarded to a requesting party automatically, i.e., without the need to interface with a human operator. A party having access to a prepaid transaction account number may access the host computer from a remote location and interactively request transaction information pertaining to the account using virtually any communication modality. The computer is suitably configured to communicate with one or more of the foregoing communication modalities and to automatically compile and transmit the summary data to a requested destination, for example, to a PC. The computer may further be configured to allow the requesting party to select among various formats to configure the form of the summary data. Summary transaction data may be generated and transmitted for virtually any type of prepaid transaction card, including phone cards, travel, credit cards, stored value (e.g.

Abstract: An improved paging system including a transmitter and a call controller. An incoming call trunk, a memory device, an outgoing call trunk, and a central processing unit make up the call controller. A paging party connects to the call controller though the incoming call trunk and enters a phone number. The phone number is stored in the memory device, and the subscriber is notified of the page via the transmitter. To dial the phone number left by the paging party, the subscriber connects to the call controller through the incoming call trunk and enters an authorization code associated with a prepaid electronic account stored in the memory device. The central processing unit retrieves the stored phone number from the memory device and connects the subscriber directly to the phone number. During the duration of the phone call, the balance of the prepaid account is incrementally decreased by the central processing unit.

Abstract: A prepaid transaction instrument, such as a prepaid telephone card, comprises an identification code for use by a consumer in gaining access to a prepaid telephone account associated with the identification code and a replacement code related to the identification code according to a secret relationship maintained by the issuer of the card. The replacement code may be printed on a separate and distinct document from the identification code or may be printed on the same document as the identification code, but on a separable portion of the document. If the consumer loses the prepaid card, the issuer of the prepaid card issues a replacement card to the consumer when provided with the replacement code by the consumer.

Abstract: An improved system for "regenerating" or adding funds to a prepaid, remote memory account. The system includes a service provider network or host computer system including an account database of prepaid accounts. An integrated transaction card is issued to a consumer. One side of the card shows a prepaid telephone card for accessing the host computer system and an authorization code that allows access to the account database. The other side of the integrated transaction card is a transaction instrument, such as a prepaid transaction card, credit card, debit card, or the like. Information relating to the transaction instrument is stored at the host system so that a consumer may transfer funds from the transaction instrument to the prepaid phone card without the host system having to prompt the consumer for the necessary transfer information.

Abstract: An improved distributed system for effectuating commercial transactions by a consumer is provided. The system includes a service provider network or host system which comprises an account database of prepaid accounts and an audio library containing audio indicia or sound bites. A prepaid instrument is issued to a consumer for providing access to the service provider network, the audio library, and the account database. The prepaid instrument has two sides. On one side of the instrument is a visual indicia such as a photograph, drawing, picture, or other image. On the other side of the instrument is a telephone number for accessing the host system and the audio library containing audio indicia that relates to the visual indicia on the prepaid instrument, and a predetermined authorization code that allows access to the account database.

Abstract: A secure manner for issuing travellers cheques and other instruments is provided which overcomes many of the shortcomings associated with known devices. In particular, the present invention provides a device which permits an issuer of prepaid instruments to securely provide credit, replacement, or reimbursement to a purchaser who has lost or had stolen a prepaid instrument.

Abstract: A prepaid transaction instrument associated with an account database having an envelope and a card insert that a user slides into the envelope. The card insert comprises various instruction in a first language, such as English. Other information such as indicia of an authorization code for accessing the account database, indicia of an access telephone number, indicia of an issuer of the transaction instrument, and the like may also be provided on the card insert. The envelope comprises information or instruction for using the transaction instrument in a language different from the language of the card insert. Appropriately placed aperture(s) on the envelope allow the user to see vital information from the card insert such as, for example, the account database number or the access telephone number.

Abstract: A prepaid transaction instrument, such as a prepaid telephone card, comprises an identification code for use by a consumer in gaining access to a prepaid telephone account associated with the identification code and a replacement code related to the identification code according to a secret relationship maintained by the issuer of the card. The replacement code may be printed on a separate and distinct document from the identification code or may be printed on the same document as the identification code, but on a separable portion of the document. If the consumer loses the prepaid card, the issuer of the prepaid card issues a replacement card to the consumer when provided with the replacement code by the consumer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupler which allows a host processor such as, for example, a personal computer or point of sale device or the like to communicate with and control a portable data carrier. A portable data carrier is a portable device which contains integrated circuit(s). Examples of portable data carriers are Integrated Circuit Cards, data keys, super smart cards, and smart coins. The coupler is adapted to receive the card in a standard card receptacle or card reader to establish connection between the card and a connector in the coupler to which the necessary control signals are applied. The presence of an integrated circuit card is detected in the coupler's card connector terminal which provides a card present signal to the host processor. The host, in turn, provides Clear-To-Send (CTS), Request-To-Send (RTS), Data-Set-Ready (DSR) and Data-Terminal-Ready (DTR) signals.