Abstract: A system and method for processing financial transactions includes an input receptive of cash and a plurality of images of physical items of the transaction, wherein the images contain a visual record of the transaction data such as an amount of monetary value. A front, counter transaction processor processes the cash and a first item image and generates front counter transaction data. A back counter transaction processor processes item images of the transaction and generates back counter transaction data. A match module matches back counter transaction data to front counter transaction data. An output is adapted to transmit front counter transaction data and back counter transaction data to at least one of form fields and a temporary transaction datastore.

Abstract: A method and system is described for person-to-person and person-to-entity cash-transfer via ATMs. Beneficially, at the system endpoints (cash in, cash out) the remitter and receiver can each interact with the system without requiring interactions with local operators and without having any pre-existing user accounts.

Abstract: A bottom surface of a stacking and accommodating portion is structured such as to be sloped to be lower in accordance with moving away from a paper carry-in side, and a push plate is controlled so as to be moved in a direction moving close to a carry-in port of the paper by detecting a stack paper width determined on the basis of a product of a stacked number count information of the papers and a thickness information per one paper, and the papers are accommodated.

Abstract: A financial transactions processing system is operable in more than one mode so that it can have increased usefulness to the bank. Such a system can be switched between the available modes as desired by the bank so that separate, dedicated machines for operation in a single one of the different modes are not necessary.

Abstract: A method and system verifies the validity of a credit card payment transaction with a set of requester account data by searching an account record database for a matched record containing a record account number that matches the requester account number and an expected verification key that matches the requester verification key, said expected verification key changes after each successful payment transaction validation, according to a pre-determined list of values, and a set of pre-determined rules, to enhance the security and robustness of account transactions. Also, the present invention provides a method and system that is cost-effective to implement and highly compatible with the current account verification procedure.

Abstract: A transaction card is formed of an electrically-alterable display material. The display may be altered by the application of an external field, without requiring any circuiting on the card. The card also includes an information storage medium, and both the information storage medium and the display may be accessed by a card reader.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to application personalization and provide a method, system and computer program product for application and computing environment personalization utilizing a distributed personalization data registry. In an embodiment of the invention, a personalization data processing system can include a service registry module client configured for disposition in a computing environment, a service registry module disposed remotely from the computing environment, and a personalization service coupled to the service registry module and enabled to process requests for personalization data from the service registry module client for a specified user within the computing environment.

Abstract: A retail package for prepaid cards is disclosed which includes a card retainer, a proxy debit card retained by the retainer and adapted to be loaded with funds at a point of sale, and at least one electronic debit card retained by the retainer and requiring registration prior to use, wherein the proxy debit card and the at least one electronic debit card are linked to one another within a processing system to facilitate fund transfers therebetween after registration of the at least one debit card. Methods of distributing prepaid cards are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing and managing a plurality of credit cards are provided. The system and method enables a merchant to sign up customers for their proprietary, e.g., merchant/house, credit card without credit risk to the merchant and then allowing the customers to utilize the proprietary account without carrying the merchant's credit card. The method includes the steps of verifying a first credit card account for an amount of a transaction; retrieving a first customer record from a database using information from the first credit card account; determining if the customer qualifies for a second credit card account; issuing the second credit card account to the customer if the customer qualifies; and charging the amount to the second credit card account, wherein if the customer does not qualify for the second credit card account, charging the amount of the transaction to the first credit card account.

Abstract: A system and method whereby a holder of a financial account card, such as a credit card or debit card, is able to disable and re-enable use of the card by locking and unlocking the card repeatedly. A request to lock or unlock a card may be provided by a variety of delivery channels, e.g., telephone, automated teller machine, or online, to a card processor. For a locking transaction the card processor saves the current operable status of the card and changes the status to locked. For an unlocking transaction the saved operable status of the card is restored. The changed locked or unlocked status of the card is reported by the card processor to companion systems and an audit record created.

Abstract: A method of validating and activating a purchase card includes providing a purchase card that is removably attached to a card carrier, wherein the purchase card has an account identifier associated therewith and has a card indicium affixed thereto, wherein the purchase card includes a machine-readable information encoding region into which the account identifier is encoded, and wherein the card carrier has a carrier indicium affixed thereto; populating a database with a stored card indicium that relates to the card indicium, a stored carrier indicium that relates to the carrier indicium, and a stored account identifier that relates to the account identifier, thereby uniquely coupling the account identifier to the card indicium; at a point-of-sale device and in response to a customer request to purchase the purchase card, entering information from the card indicium into the point-of-sale device; at the point-of-sale device, entering information from the carrier indicium into the point-of-sale device; comparing

Abstract: A system and method for providing digital receipts for purchase transactions are provided. The method includes the steps receiving information for a first credit card account for executing a transaction; retrieving a first customer record from a database using information from the first credit card account; charging an amount of the transaction to the first credit card account; and transmitting a receipt to a predetermined location of the customer. The predetermined location may be an e-mail address of the customer or a server residing on the network. By receiving digital receipts, a customer or end-user will be able to digitally store these receipts and view or print the receipts out when necessary. Furthermore, the customer will be able to manage the receipts with conventional software packages.

Abstract: A method and system for providing and activating a credit card and credit line to a consumer. In one embodiment, the system and method include providing the consumer with a choice of one credit card from a plurality of cards. In response to the consumer's selection of one of the plurality of credit cards, an immediate authorization request is made for the credit card from an authorization source, such as a mobile telephone, kiosk, cash register, or credit card transaction device. Upon transmission of the authorization request, a rapid approval or disapproval is made based upon the applicant's financial status. This status may include the existence of an open bank account, such as a checking or savings account, or other credit worthiness indicia, such as prior business history with the lender and prior credit history. Once activated, the credit card may be used to purchase goods and services.

Abstract: A method and system for executing electronic funds transactions using a merchant-issued payment (MIP) card in a merchant-centric system having benefits which include reduced fees to acquiring merchants and optionally remitting a portion of the collected fees, or other incentive, to issuing merchants. The system also preferably provides information sharing on consumer transactions with merchants to facilitate consumer based incentive programs and the like. The system operates over conventional card processing infrastructure and utilizes the ACH network, or equivalent, to settle the transaction from a consumer checking account, or a merchant account in the case of a prepaid MIP card. Using the system, merchants may elect to qualify customers based on their own criterion. Embodiments are described for prepaid, fixed value, programmable, and refillable, forms of merchant-issued payment cards.

Abstract: An information processing system including an IC chip, a client driving the IC chip to carry out predetermined processing, a server connected to the client by a communication network, wherein the client has a processing-command requesting section configured to request for transmission of a processing command to the server; an ID-acquisition-command sender section configured to transmit an ID acquisition command; a chip-ID extraction section configured to extract the chip ID; and a processing-command sender section configured to embed the extracted chip ID into the processing command and transmit the command. The server has a command-group sender section configured to send the command. The IC chip has a chip-ID sender section configured to transmit data; a chip-ID determination section configured to determine whether the chip ID in the command is identical with the chip ID of the IC chip; and a processing execution section configured to carry out the predetermined processing.

Abstract: A reloadable debit card system includes an issuing institution whereat a main account is set up and multiple sub-accounts are established thereunder. Each sub-account corresponds to a respective cardholder. The sub-accounts are established and debit cards are printed with respective sub-account numbers prior to distributing the cards to an 80 POS distribution network. The cards are purchased from the POS member establishments for predetermined incremental values. Value can be added to such cards in such increments. A reloadable debit card method includes the steps of establishing a main account at an issuing institution and establishing sub-accounts thereunder. Multiple debit cards are printed with the respective sub-account numbers. The cards are then distributed to POS establishments for sale to cardholders, resulting in credits to the sub-accounts. Goods and services can be purchased with the cards whereupon the sub-accounts are debited.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling access to an object (16), such as a product for sale. The object (16) or its packaging (110) is secured, for example to a sales console (12,68) by use of connecting means (26). The connecting means (26) are either capable of release by a chosen external or internal signal or capable of release by activating remote activating means (18). An internal signal may be provided after expiration of a predetermined period. An external signal may be provided by proximity. Remote activation means (18) may be provided by a password or energy such as a magnetic force. The invention also provides novel packaging (110) for an object (16). Packaging (110) is adapted to secure the object (16) by connecting means (26) capable of release by remote activation. Also provided is a security vending system having security vending means, such as a sale console (68) or a cable (48) or a sale hanger (108).

Abstract: A pay for use power outlet may include a housing and a power management system disposed within the housing. An electrical receptacle or ground fault interrupt plug may also be positioned on the housing or remotely from the housing to provide a user with a source of electrical current.

Abstract: An RFID system, which operates at different frequencies, for information interchange is provided. The system includes a user RFID module and a proprietor RFID module. The two RFID modules include a tag and a tag reader which operate at different frequencies, respectively. The frequency of the tag of the proprietor RFID module is the same as that of the tag reader of the user RFID module. According to the frequency, the data in the proprietor RFID module is able to be read by the tag reader of the user RFID module. The frequency of the tag reader of the proprietor RFID module is the same as that of the tag of the user RFID module. According to the frequency, the data in the user RFID module is able to be read by the tag reader of the proprietor RFID module.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system for determining packaging preference of a customer by identifying the customer using a customer identifier, and retrieving available packaging preference information using the customer identifier. In an embodiment, the customer's packaging preference information for a particular identified item is retrieved and graphically communicated. In another embodiment, customer packaging preference information based on a quantity of items is retrieved and graphically communicated. Customer packaging preference information based on both the identified items and the quantity of items may also be retrieved and graphically communicated.

Abstract: In an arrangement and method for identification and association of a quantity of shipping packages supplied to a postal sortation site, an electronic data memory that can be read without contact and that has at least one memory region in which at least data for individual identification of the medium are stored is associated with multiple shipping packages. Each data medium is associated with one of at least two groups. At least the data stored in the memory region of the respective data medium regarding its individual identification are acquired with a reader. The respective data medium is identified with the acquired data. At least an acquisition process of the identified data of the data medium is registered. At least a number of the shipping packages supplied to the sortation site for a predetermined all time span is determined for at least one of the groups with aid of the registered acquisition processes.

Abstract: For the purpose of processing and editing the video data, which was recorded by means of the record player, in such a way as adding titles, playlists, menus, and other similar data, the conventional technique requires a processing and editing software operating on a personal computer. Such software is usually supplied together with the record player when purchased, in the form of recorded data media such as CD-ROM, but users are required to install the software by themselves. To solve the abovementioned problem, the present invention specifies that the software necessary for processing and editing on a personal computer the video data recorded by the record player is to be loaded in the hard disk recording media of the record player. Once the record player is connected to the data processing system, said software is automatically installed in the data processing system. In this way, operation for installation of said software is automated, leading to realization of improved usability of the record player.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to transmitting and receiving electronic service guide (“ESG”) fragments. In the transmission of ESG fragments, the identifier (“ID”), version, and/or uniform resource identifier (“URI”) values associated with the ESG fragments for transmission are processed and compared. The ESG fragments are encapsulated in a service guide delivery unit (“SGDU”) based on the processing and comparison of the values. Likewise, an SGDU can be received at a receiver, data pertaining to the ID, version, and/or URI values of the SGDU and associated ESG fragments may be extracted and compared to previously stored values. The SGDU and ESG fragments may then be processed in accordance with the comparison results.

Abstract: A universal serial bus (USB) device having integrated chip (IC) card reader/writer and flash memory disk functions is disclosed, in which an IC card reader/writer module and a flash memory disk module are integrated. The USB device comprises an IC card reader/writer module, a flash memory disk module and a USB interface. Through the USB interface, data in the USB device may be transmitted to an external electronic device such as a computer connected thereto so that an IC card may be subject to an authentication process and a data read/write process. Also, the flash memory disk module may serve as a portable hard disk of the external electronic device since data in the flash memory disk module and the electronic device may be transferred between each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for supplying a power supply voltage (Vccr) to a contactless integrated circuit reader (RD1) that is in a passive operating mode, in the presence of an external alternating magnetic field (FLD2), the reader comprising an antenna circuit (ACT) substantially tuned to a working frequency (F0). According to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of taking off in the antenna circuit (ACT) an alternating voltage (Vcd) induced in the antenna circuit by the external magnetic field (FLD2), and rectifying the induced voltage to supply an auxiliary supply voltage (Vccr).

Abstract: An imaging device (100) having an imaging system (102) that optically detects movement of an appendage (104), and a processor (200) that automatically translates the movement of the appendage to alphanumeric symbols (400) or graphical user interface navigation commands. The processor can automatically implement the alphanumeric symbols or navigation commands in an application (208). In addition, the processor can automatically identify a second alphanumeric symbol (502) that has a high statistical probability of following a first alphanumeric symbol (500). The processor also can detect a speed at which the appendage is moved and generate a motion parameter correlating to the detected speed. The processor can process the motion parameter to automatically translate the movement of the appendage. The processor can correlate the motion parameter to a user interface scroll speed.

Abstract: A position measurement system, includes: a plurality of concentric pattern projectors each for projecting a concentric pattern; an image sensor that has a sensor plane and that detects the concentric pattern; and an arithmetic unit that calculates a position of the image sensor and a normal direction of the sensor plane from a detection signal of the image sensor.

Abstract: A barcode display device is disclosed to include a connection interface connectable to a host system, a microprocessor for receiving data from the host system through the connection interface and converting the received data into a barcode signal, a display screen, and a display drive control module for driving the display screen to display the barcode signal outputted from the microprocessor so that the user can scan the displayed barcode with a barcode reader and store the barcode data in a memory inside the barcode reader.

Abstract: In an optical information reader, a case, and a light source is installed in the case. The light source supplies light. A lens is installed in the case and focuses the supplied light through part of the case onto optical information attached to a target. A particle blocking member is installed in the case to be arranged between the part of the case and the light source. The particle blocking member allows light reflected from the optical information to pass therethrough. The particle blocking member is integrally provided with a holder configured to support the light source. The particle blocking member blocks flow of particles into the light source side in the case.

Abstract: An optical scanner having a balanced mirrored spinner. The optical scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner for directing the laser beam to produce scanning light beams, and an apparatus for rotating the mirrored spinner including a motor having a shaft which rotates about a first axis of rotation, a spinner mount coupled to the shaft and having an axle coupled to the mirrored spinner for rotating the mirrored spinner about a second axis of rotation, a drive mechanism for rotating the mirrored spinner about the axle, and a balance for counteracting precession of the mirrored spinner as it rotates.

Abstract: There is described a data collection device that can incorporate an encoded information reading unit that can operate within a system including an access point that is wireline connected to a server. The encoded information reading unit can include at least one of a bar code reading unit, an RFID tag reading unit and a credit/debit card reading unit. Further incorporated in the data collection device can be dynamic access module. The dynamic access communication module enables the data collection device to participate in a self organized network that supports multi-hop data packet transmissions between data collection devices and which further enables the device to transmit data received from a peer device to the system access point.

Abstract: A memory card has external interface terminals, an interface controller connected to each of the terminals, a rewritable nonvolatile memory connected to the interface controller, and a data processor connected to the interface controller. The interface controller can perform an operation based on another command supplied from the outside in parallel with the operations of transferring a command for a data process supplied from the outside to the data processor and operating it. The interface controller has plural buffers and, after completely inputting the command for a data process from an outside to a first buffer of the plural buffers, allows data related to the other command supplied from the outside to be inputted to a second buffer of the plural buffers. The memory card can receive a command data and data to be processed subsequently from the outside without the need of waiting for the completion of the communication process between the data processor and the interface controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to suppress propagation of noise from an interface controller to an IC card microcomputer. A memory card of the invention includes an external terminal, an IC card terminal, an interface controller connected to the external terminal, a memory device connected to the interface controller, and an IC card microcomputer connected to the interface controller. The interface controller controls operation of the memory device and the IC card microcomputer in response to an input from the external terminal. The IC card terminal is directly connected to a connection line between the interface controller and the IC card microcomputer. When operation of the IC card microcomputer responding to an input from the IC card terminal is permitted in parallel with operation responding to an input from the external terminal, the interface controller sets an output buffer in the interface controller connected to the connection line into a high impedance state.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming a code pattern image, which includes position-dependent information differing at every position and position-independent information in common at various positions, the image forming apparatus includes: a position-dependent code storage section that stores a position-dependent code, in which position-dependent information corresponding to each position is encoded, or a position-dependent code image, in which a position-dependent code is expressed as an image code; a code pattern image generator that generates a code pattern image by combining a position-dependent code image at each position obtained on the basis of information stored in the position-dependent code storage section and a position-independent code image representing position-independent information; and an image forming section that forms, onto a surface of a medium, the pattern code image that is generated by the code pattern image generator.

Abstract: A printed tag is provided which can be read with an optical scanner. The tag includes a locator component. The locator component includes an endless line and can be used to locate the optical scanner with respect to the tag. An orientation component is located within the bounds of the endless line and can be used to orient the optical scanner with respect to the tag. A data component includes data to be read by the scanner.

Abstract: A time of day zoning control system for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system is provided. The system utilizes a programmable thermostat and a number of temperature sensors to control the HVAC system to regulate the temperature in a particular location within a dwelling or structure based on consumer preferences. The regulation control will utilize a temperature sensed by a particular temperature sensor at different times throughout the day to control the temperature in that zone to ensure occupant comfort. A single temperature sensor may be selected to control the HVAC system during these different periods, or multiple sensors may be utilized during the same period. When multiple sensors are used, a weighting factor may be used.

Abstract: A user adjustable visual display system and method for a digital thermostat having a backlit user display screen and system operation indicators is provided. The system allows a user to programmatically vary the illumination intensity of the backlit user display screen and the operational indicators. The variance provided includes disabling of the backlight and operational indicators. The system utilizes a variable pulse width modulated (PWM) intensity control for the backlight and indicators. Alternatively, an adjustable current drive illumination control is used to control the backlight and indicators. The selection of the desired intensity is provided via a display settings menu accessed via the user display screen.

Abstract: A control system for managing a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system based on occupancy of an area is provided. The occupancy may be determined by anticipated programming based on time of day zoning, and/or by actual sensed occupancy. In the later, the control system includes an occupancy sensor that communicates with a programmable thermostat. The occupancy sensor is disposed in the area and senses a state of occupancy of the area. The programmable thermostat instructs the HVAC system to adjust the temperature of the area within the structure based on the state of occupancy of that particular area to enhance occupant comfort and energy efficiency. The thermostat may also include programming modes or scripts that may be run to adjust operational control when abnormal occupancy conditions are sensed. Controllable dampers may also be used by the thermostat to achieve micro zoning control of the HVAC system.

Abstract: The present invention, in illustrative embodiments, includes methods and devices for reducing power consumption in a thermostat by adjusting pulse levels (duration and/or voltage) that are used to control an HVAC relay in light of variations of ambient conditions or other relay conditions. In some illustrative embodiments, an ambient condition is observed using existing thermostat features, such as, for example, a temperature sensor, and used to adjust pulse parameters.

Abstract: A visual display system and method for a digital thermostat having a user display screen to provide operational status information of the heating and/or cooling equipment controlled by the thermostat is provided. This visual display system utilizes animated icons to show operational status of the heating and/or cooling equipment. Static icons may also be used in one embodiment to indicate the current mode of the thermostat. Animated icons for the heating system, the cooling system, and fan operation are provided. The illusion of animation is provided by overwriting or replacing a displayed image with another image at a predetermined frequency. This predetermined frequency may be changed programmatically, and varied to provide different visual effects.

Abstract: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.

Abstract: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.

Abstract: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.

Abstract: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.

Abstract: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.

Abstract: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.

Abstract: An amount of time that air has been delivered from an air handler to a space is tracked, and based on the tracked amount of time, at least one turn-on time or one turn-off time of the delivery of air from the air handler to the space is controlled. Other features relate, among other things, to controlling a replacement air vent, and to user interfaces.

Abstract: A thermostat setup configuration wizard is provided that sequences a user through each of the required setup parameters to properly setup the thermostat for operation. The setup configuration wizard runs only upon initial power application to the thermostat, and is not reinitiated upon the return of power after a power loss in the home. The wizard utilizes a number of display screens that sequences a user through each of the available parameters, and allows the user to sequence through available options for each parameter. The wizard provides for navigation features that allow a user to move forward or back in the setup sequence as desired. The configuration wizard also sequences a user through the profile programming of the thermostat.

Abstract: A display system for a digital thermostat having a backlit user display screen to indicate user intervention or attention is required is provided. The display system flashes the backlight display in a predetermined pattern to draw the attention of the user to the thermostat. Different patterns may be used for different levels of warnings and/or system reminders. An additional visual indication may also be provided on the user display screen in addition to the flashing of the backlight display. Resumption of normal backlight operation occurs during user interaction. If the issue that resulted in the visual indication has not been properly resolved, flashing of the backlight will resume.

Abstract: A visual display system for use with a digital thermostat is provided. The visual display system provides an adjustable display resolution for the temperature readout provided thereon. This adjustable display resolution may be changed as desired by a user via a resolution adjustment menu. The display resolution may be adjusted to display the temperature information in tenths of degrees, half degrees, whole degrees, etc. as desired by a user. Such a display system accommodates different display resolution requirements of different original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers who may desire different displayed resolutions without having to manufacture and stock different models.