Abstract: A method and system for checking a franking mark (28), comprising at least an identification code and a unique bit string, said system comprising means for: a) reading the franking mark (28), b) decoding the franking mark (28), c) checking whether the identification code is correct by comparing it to data stored in a memory (40), d) checking whether the unique bit string is valid by comparing it to data stored in said memory (40).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method, a system and an agent for sending information over a communication network. In the vicinity of a server in the communication network, there is an agent functionality that helps serve one or more clients or users by providing relevant information from a cache containing up-to-date information. The agent can be operated by the user and can also learn the usage behavior of the client.

Abstract: A method and device for printing a franking mark on a document by making available a unique bit string; establishing an identification code; and securely printing the franking mark on the document. The franking mark at least includes information relating to the bit string and the identification code. The bit string is selected from a centrally stored set of unique bit strings, and the unique bit strings which are made available for use are centrally registered.

Abstract: In rows (1) of data elements (11, 12), there may occur special data elements, such as control characters. By replacing each special data element (12) by a replacement data element (14), which contains a positional indication of a next special data element (12′) and which does not correspond to a special data element (12), it is possible to reproducibly remove all special data-elements from the row (1) without the length of the row increasing essentially. only one single supplementary data element (13) is required for transmitting the positional indication of the first special data element.

Abstract: Device for receiving and forwarding fax messages with control information and other information, which control information comprises destination address information and a transmission priority code, and which device is provided with:a memorydecoding means connected to the memory for receiving the fax messages and for decoding the control information and for storing, for each fax message, the decoded control information together with the other information in the memory;fax forwarding means connected to the memory for reading, for each fax message, the decoded control information together with the other information out of the memory and for forwarding at least the other information of the fax message, a communication link being automatically selected on the basis of the transmission priority code and the instant in time of forwarding being determined within a time interval determined by the transmission priority code.

Abstract: A pointing device (1), such as a joystick, is provided comprising an integrated Dual Tone Multiple Frequency (DTMF) generator (104) for generating DTMF pointing signals in response to movements of a tiltable stick (12). Preferably, the pointing device (1) also comprises a card reader/writer (106) operatively connected with the DTMF generator (104) by means of a control device (101) for exchanging smart card commands as DTMF signals. A device according to the invention allows games to be remotely played, a smart card (2) being used to pay for the games and/or to collect prizes via a telephone network.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for protectedly debiting an electronic payment mechanism, such as a telephone card. In the communication protocol between the payment mechanism and a payment station, an authentication is used to identify the payment mechanism during various steps of the protocol. According to the invention, the authentications are mutually related by states of a cryptographic process in order to be capable of detecting an interference in the protocol. The method may be applied to existing payment cards having a dynamic memory, it being guaranteed that the contents of the dynamic memory, in which there is located information related to the authentication, is not lost during the protocol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for electronic orders and payments by means of a communication network (6), such as a telephone network. A facilitating unit (2) comprising a voice response system (21) and a communication server (22) makes it possible, with the aid of simple subscriber equipment (8, 10) and a smart card (9), to order services and to effect electronic payments. The facilitating unit (2) is designed so as to be readily scalable and expandable. Preferably, it is also possible to revalue a smart card (9) by way of the system (1) of the invention.

Abstract: A connector in the shape of a standard printed circuit chip card having contact areas joined by conductors and to be used to apply battery recharging energy to an electronic device such as a mobile telephone through a chip card receiving slot in the device. The connector may be fixed to a power source or may be joined by wires to a remote power source. In some embodiments a sleeve to which the wires are fixed may be placed over a standard chip card. This sleeve may be formed with an opening to expose the chip card contacts so that normal operation may be carried out while batteries are being recharged.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for protectedly debiting an electronic payment mechanism, such as a telephone card. In the communication protocol between the payment mechanism and payment station, an authentication is used to identify the payment mechanism during various steps of the protocol. According to the invention, the authentications are mutually related by states of a cryptographic process in order to be capable of detecting an interference in the protocol. The method may be applied to existing payment cards having a dynamic memory, it being guaranteed that the contents of the dynamic memory, in which there is located information related to the authentication, is not lost during the protocol.

Abstract: The invention provides a device (1) for providing a transparent exchange of commands and data between an IC card (11) and a remote terminal (42) via a communication network (41). The device (1) acoustically couples the IC card (11) with a telephone set (43). In order to speed up the exchange of data and commands, the device (1) preferably utilizes high level commands which represent several low level card commands. However, low level commands may also be transparently passed as a special high level command. The device (1) is inexpensive but allows an efficient use of IC cards for, e.g., payment and identification purposes.

Abstract: Personal computers, a first processor and a second processor belonging to a processor circuit such as a PC card, communicate with one another via a quasi dual-port RAM. The first processor and the second processor alternately read data out of the RAM and write other data into the RAM. Furthermore, the second processor communicates directly with an associated peripheral device. By offering the possibility of, in a first mode, communication between the first processor and the RAM, and communication among the second processor, the peripheral device and the RAM and, in a second mode, communication between the first processor and the peripheral device without using the RAM and without the intervention of the second processor, the PC card becomes sufficient for test purposes and permits backup possibilities. By storing a synchronization protocol into the first processor and into the second processor, the first processor and the second processor can be easily synchronized with each other.

Abstract: Processor circuit having two communication paths suitable for modem applications is described. The card includes a receiving/transmitting (R/T) circuit and a first processor. The R/T circuit is coupled to a second processor, e.g., the processor of a personal computer. It is also coupled to a network via the first processor. Data to and from the network is routed by the first processor to the second processor via the R/T circuit. A dual access memory device is also used to couple the first and second processors together. Use of the dual access memory device simplifies error diagnosis and the passing of error information between the first and second processors. A new main program is placed in a RAM of the first processor without the need for an expensive emulator or use of an EEPROM through the use of the dual access memory device. By storing an auxiliary program, e.g.