Abstract: A check-in method for airlines allows passengers to use Short Message Service (SMS) to check-in themselves and baggage. A passenger requests to check-in via SMS from practically anywhere and not limited to the airport. After receipt of the request, a confirmation message is sent back to the passenger's registered mobile phone number by SMS. The system will ask the passenger for, and receive from the passenger, the number of bags they intend to check-in for the flight. The passengers can in some embodiments drop the baggage off without any required further action. The system issues an SMS-based cryptographically secure code, such as a bar-code boarding pass to the passenger once the baggage (if any) is successfully transferred and registered to existing baggage management systems through the process above. This code, when scanned, recognized and authenticated provides identification and security clearance for the passenger to board the aircraft.

Abstract: A system including at least two parts or stations wherein a transaction or connection between any two or more of the parts or stations is conducted or established with an access code, the access code being available to an accessed part or station and requiring an identical access code to be provided to an accessing part or station at the time of conducting the transaction or establishing the connection. The system is characterised in that the access code is one of a plurality of codes provided to the accessed part or station and available to the accessing part or station. The system is further characterised in that the access code is selected from the plurality of codes at the time of conducting the transaction or establishing the connection, such that no two transactions are conducted or no two connections are established with the same access codes.

Abstract: A validation phase is performed at an RFID reader, in order to ascertain which of a plurality of potential candidates for authentication, are actual candidates for authentication. Once a candidate has been successfully validated, an authentication phase is initiated with a host computer, to determine whether the information presented by the candidate matches expected information about the candidate. If the authentication is considered successful, a final authorization procedure may be performed, or the authenticated candidate may be granted certain predetermined permissions. By performing the validation phase locally at the reader, the need for accessing a host computer is reduced and unnecessary queries to the host computer are avoided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, if a card in a card reader has not been accessed in a first specified amount of time, the card may be powered down. The card may be powered back up if an attempt is made to access the card. In some embodiments, if a memory card is in the memory card slot of the card reader, but has not been accessed in a second specified amount of time, the card reader may be electrically disconnected from the host controller if a sideband signal is available to signal the card reader when to electrically reconnect.

Abstract: An enhanced PIN, password, passcode protection system and method using an input terminal interface displaying a sequence of random symbols and a set of software rules set in a lookup table also prepared by software means, and the software means is stored in hardware means and at least one of a plurality of transformations are selected by a user and are based on preselected rules arranged in the lookup table and preprogrammed into the software. A currently used PIN has one or more symbols transformed according to the preselected rules and the user's PIN, transformed into a modified PIN, is input into the input terminal interface.

Abstract: A method, system, and program product for the electronic delivery and distribution of a solicitation for votes on shareholder issues from an issuer to a plurality of voters. The method includes creating an electronic solicitation message for the issuer; tagging the electronic solicitation message with at least one parameter to ensure the electronic solicitation message is available to the voters holding a shareholder position with the issuer; presenting the electronic solicitation message to the voters; recording and compiling a plurality of information regarding each viewing of the transmitted solicitation message; aggregating a plurality of electronic voting results from the voters; and reporting the aggregated electronic voting results to the issuer.

Abstract: A method for facilitating a wireless transaction includes receiving, by a transaction fulfillment system, a transaction request from a transaction requester and verifying an identity of the transaction requester. After verifying the identity of the transaction requester, a transaction code is communicated from the transaction fulfillment system to a wireless communication device. After receiving the transaction code, the transaction code is optically scanned from a visual display of the wireless communication device by the transaction fulfillment system.

Abstract: Computer-related methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture to permit/facilitate the creation, marketing, and/or distribution of options to purchase tickets to a particular future event, particularly an elimination format competition, when the chosen competitor's qualification for such a game is currently uncertain, but where the uncertainty will be resolved prior to the commencement of the particular future event.

Abstract: An improved electronic lock system is provided for use with real estate lock boxes. Each user has an identification card with a non-volatile secure memory for exchanging data with the lock box, and for exchanging data with a central computer. The user first inserts the card into a connector at the lock box, or at the central computer. The lock box or central computer must first enable (or unlock) the data in the card memory, and then can read the data stored in that card's memory and record this information in lock box memory. The card must then identify itself, and the user must identify himself/herself to the lock box or central computer. After the identification information is authenticated, the user can enter commands to the lock box; e.g., an access code is manually keyed into the lock box keypad by the user to obtain access to a secure compartment.

Abstract: An entering/leaving management system includes a mobile terminal and a managing server. The mobile terminal and a room IC card are carried to a room when using the room, and a start key of the mobile terminal is depressed, so that an IC card reading unit reads room identifier information from the room IC card. The mobile terminal adds time information acquired by a time management unit and the room identifier information to user identifier information read from a user IC card, so that the resulting information is stored into an information storage unit as entering/leaving managing information. After reading of all user IC cards is completed, the mobile terminal transmits the entering/leaving managing information to the managing server by using an information transmitting unit, so that the entering/leaving managing information is stored in the managing server.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for secure communication between an interrogator and an RFID tag. The system includes means for singulating the tag in a population of RFID tags and means for extracting from the tag, identity data adapted to uniquely identify the tag. The system further includes means for securely communicating the identity data to a secure database, means for providing authentication data by the database and means for securely communicating the authenticating data to the interrogator. The system also includes means for providing a further communication between the tag and the interrogator, and wherein at least one stream of data between the tag and the interrogator includes random data generated via a random physical process. The tag and database may each include means for maintaining a count of secure authentications. The count may be separately maintained by the tag and database and may be incremented following each secure authentication.

Abstract: A virtual card service system and method are disclosed that include a mobile communication terminal for transmitting an amount of withdrawal money and a withdrawal term for a virtual cash card to the virtual card service system, a virtual cash card system for receiving the amount of withdrawal money and the withdrawal term from the mobile communication terminal, verifying whether the withdrawal money is deposited in a parent account corresponding to the virtual cash card, storing information on the amount of withdrawal money and withdrawing term if the withdrawal money is deposited in the parent account, and informing the mobile communication terminal of authentication, and an ATM for receiving a virtual cash card identifying information, verifying whether the information is within the withdrawal term stored in the virtual cash card system, and withdrawing the amount of withdrawal money from the parent account.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that determine a threshold value for an authorization check, such as an age verification, that is performed at a point of sale or other point of access control where access to a product, service, location, event, or the like, is restricted to individuals who meet an authorization threshold. In embodiments associated with purchases that comprise a variety of items for purchase and a variety of associated age-related authorization thresholds, systems and methods are described for determining an age-related authorization threshold for the purchase as a whole that will authorize the purchase of the items. In embodiments in which a purchaser's authorization is checked with respect to a determined threshold value, a record of the authorization check can be stored and can subsequently be retrieved to verify that an authorization check for the encounter was carried out using the determined threshold value.

Abstract: A method to personalize a computer environment of a computer system. The method includes storing at least a portion of a user profile in a portable storage medium, logging onto the computer system using a user identification and validating the user identification from a relevant user list by the computer system. The method also includes retrieving the portion from the portable storage medium and at least partially configuring the computer environment of the computer system according to the retrieved portion, by the computer system. A method is also included to provide personalized services to a user. This method includes storing at least a portion of a user profile in a portable storage medium and retrieving the portion from the portable storage medium by a web server. This method additionally includes at least partially configuring an Internet service according to the retrieved portion by said web server.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for use with an electronic locking system is provided. At least one key is selected in order to have access to at least one lock. This key to lock relationship is transferred to a memory of the key. The key is presented to the lock and at least a portion of the key to lock relationship from the key is transferred to a memory of the lock. This transfer updates the memory of the key to lock relationships in the lock. The update of the memory in the lock is noted in the memory of the key. The key may then be placed in communication with a computer so that at least a portion of the memory of the key is transferred to a database in the computer. This transfer updates the database in order to reflect the fact that the memory of the lock has been updated and completed.

Abstract: The security clearance card, system and method of the present invention includes a card that stores data to verify the identity of an owner of the card. In addition to other types of information, the card stores biometric data of the owner and other identity data. Different portions of the data may be encrypted with different encryption techniques based upon a predetermined level of security assigned to the portions of the stored data. Reader elements are then capable of reading at least a portion of the encrypted data stored on the security clearance card, and receiving at least one biometric from an individual. The biometric stored in the card is then compared with the biometric of the individual presenting the security clearance card to verify that the holder of the card is the owner of the card.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for identifying an individual and reading biometric information pertaining to the individual from an optical card is disclosed. The system includes an optical card drive and a biometric scanner that are both coupled to a data processor. The optical card includes biometric data of the individual. The biometric scanner reads the biometric information from the individual.

Abstract: A mobile communication device, such as a mobile phone, which comprises a processor which is configured to process requests for authorisation of use of a credential, such as a credit card, and the processor causes the device to emit a signal, such as an audible intermittent tone, the characteristics of which are indicative of the deemed importance of a particular use of the credential. Advantageously the owner of the device is alerted to the deemed importance of a use of a credential. For example, an intermittent tone of characteristic frequency is emitted by a mobile phone in relation to the monetary value of a transaction using a credit card.

Abstract: A portable electronic device with which an owner of the device makes use of a specific application program and a method for issuing the device. An unissued IC card can be written with the specific data without satisfying the security function of the IC card. After the issuance of the IC card, the security function becomes valid and each IC card requires satisfaction of the security function in case of data writing or data rewriting.

Abstract: Embodiments enable controlling a proximity transaction between first and second communications devices, each of which is provided with a short-range transceiver. In an exemplary embodiment, the first communications device has an RF/ID reader, and the second communications device has an RF/ID tag, the RF/ID tag containing the same identifier information as the second communications device. The second communications device is positioned within the range of the reader of the first communications device. Then, the transceiver of the second communications device transmits a transaction request and the identifies information of that device to the first communications device. The reader of the first communications device then interrogates the tag of the second communications device and the transaction is completed upon the reader of the first communications device receiving identifier information from the tag of the second communications device that is identical to the identifier information already received.

Abstract: An electronic lock and money control system is provided that is capable of single unit stand-alone operation, as well as expandability to a network of multiple units having one of the units operate as a centralized network controller. The network includes at least one safe provided with a control system arranged to communicate with a data input device, electronic display, connector interface and electronic lock mechanism located on the safe. The control system includes a processor programmed to control operation of the electronic lock mechanism, as well as operate as a central system controller when connected to at least one other remote safe via the connector interface to monitor and accumulate financial and operational information for each remote unit. Thus, the safe can be used in stand-alone operation, or as a central control and reporting unit for a network of interconnected safes.

Abstract: A technique for on-line Personal Identification Number (PIN) verification uses polynomial hiding. The technique comprises enrolling a smart card, including initializing a smart card with an entity-selected PIN hidden in a polynomial over a finite field. The initialization polynomial is a function of the PIN, an entity-identifier, and a random number. The random number and the PIN are discarded after smart card initialization.

Abstract: A person authentication system, a person authentication method, an information processing apparatus, and a program providing medium authenticate a person who uses an information apparatus in data communication. A person authentication certificate storing a template which includes person authentication data is used in the person authentication system. A person authentication execution entity checks the validity of the certificate on the basis of a certificate expiration date, a certificate usage number limit, or a template expiration date in person authentication processing on the basis of the certificate. The person authentication is executed by comparing the template with sampling information input by a user if the validity is confirmed. A person identification certificate authority updates the certificate or the template according to the request of the entity or the authenticated person.

Abstract: An inventory management system utilizes unattended facilities remote from a central warehouse for service parts logistics. Items are placed in inventory in secure enclosures at the unattended facilities by the inventory management service or are delivered directly to the unattended facility. The unattended facilities may be located near one or more customers to reduce a service technician's travel time and customers' inventory costs. A service technician utilizes a passcode to retrieve needed items. The service technician may order items that are not kept in the inventory of the unattended facility in which case the items may be delivered to the unattended facility and the service technician may receive a notification related to all the items that comprise an order that the order is ready for pick up at an unattended facility.

Abstract: An identification tag (100) facilitates use of a secure computer system (300). The tag (100) is adapted to be worn on a user's wrist and includes an identification and registration circuit (102) that includes an identification component (106), an affiliation component (110), and a light-emitting diode (112). The computer system includes an RF identification tag registration device (302) operable to acquire user physical information and communicate the physical information to a computer (202), wherein the computer verifies that a valid user is wearing the tag (100). The identification and registration device (302) ensures that the physical information communicated to the computer pertains to the user wearing the tag by comparing pulse signals acquired from the user's hand and wrist as the device (302) is acquiring physical information.

Abstract: A wireless ATM system (30) comprises one or more wireless ATMs (32, 34, 36) that are operative to wirelessly communicate with a wireless ATM server (38). The wireless ATMs each include a wireless network interface (41). The wireless ATM server includes a corresponding wireless access point or wireless hub (40). Wireless transmission between the wireless ATMs and wireless ATM server is secured with a wireless encryption protocol. The wireless ATM server is operative to communicate with at least one host banking system (46) through at least one public or private network (44). The wireless ATM server is operative to route transaction and event messages between the host banking system and each of the wireless ATMs using a message gateway router (43). The wireless ATM server further includes a firewall (42).

Abstract: Durable self-adhesive laminates for use as supports for labeling comprising: (a) a thermoplastic resin film having (A) a label-receiving side and (B) an adhesive side, the label-receiving side consisting of a controlled-release surface without making use of a coated release substance and adapted to support a removable label attachable thereto by means comprising attraction forces between the resin film and a label; and (b) an adhesive having an ultimate release energy level greater than the attraction forces between the resin film and a removable label or labels.

Abstract: A limited electronic system and method are provided for automatically shutting down equipment when an account associated with purchased or leased equipment falls into arrears. The system includes a control center (connected to a machine) with a screen display, means for entering a code, and a controller. The controller has a disabling program that shuts down the machine after a predetermined interval, such as time. Because the program automates the shut-down when no (timed) interval is in place, the user must obtain a “re-set code” from a non-user—i.e., the financing entity, the equipment supplier, the account manager, or other entity—and enter it into the system to set the next interval so the machine remains operational. The re-set code is generated by the machine. The non-user at a location remote from the machine receives or generates parallel re-set codes.

Abstract: A rights management system, method and device for managing use of items having usage rights associated therewith by enforcement of the usage rights with repositories, including a client device adapted to request an item and receive the item and a usage right associated with the item and specifying a permitted manner of use of the item; and a server device adapted to send the item and the associated usage right to the client device in response to the request. The client device includes means for establishing a communication between the client device and a third party entity associated with the rights management system based on a received item and associated usage right.

Abstract: A secure pickup and delivery container includes a lockable door, a control unit, an access element, and an anchoring element, according to one embodiment. The control unit includes a processing element and a memory that can be programmed either on-site or remotely with access privilege information such as identity (e.g. of container, delivery person, etc.), location, date, time, frequency of access, and/or package-specific information. In one embodiment, access privilege information is programmed when an intended recipient of a delivery consummates a point of sale transaction, for example over the Internet or telephone. The access element can be a keypad, a biometric scanner, a card reader, a bar-code reader, and/or a wireless control element to read a programmable token such as a smart card. Delivery personnel can enter access request information into the access element, and if it favorably compares with the access privilege information, the control unit unlocks the door.

Abstract: Smart furniture is provided that automatically adjusts to a person's preferences based on an identification of the person. A person may be equipped with an identification device, such as a radio frequency identification device. The smart furniture may include a reader for the identification device to identify a person using the piece of furniture. The smart furniture may also include storage in which settings profiles of users are stored. The smart furniture may then receive a profile that matches the person using the furniture and set adjustable features according to the profile. Settings profiles may be uploaded to or downloaded from a remote storage using a wireless communications interface, such as a wireless network interface.

Abstract: A computer system (10) that allows a user to automatically access one of a plurality of Internet Service Providers which require information specific to the user and/or the ISP (12) to be accessed. A smart card (14) contains the information specific to the user and/or the ISP (12) to be accessed, and a smart card reader (18) reads the information contained on the smart card (14) when inserted into the recess 16 of the smart card reader (18). A computer (24) having a Central Processing Unit CPU (22) that is in communication with the smart card reader (18) and which is also adapted to be connected to the ISP (12) via telephone line (30).

Abstract: A data transfer device, having first data interface means for exchanging data with a data processing system, second data interface means for exchanging data with a user of the data transfer device, and control means for controlling data transfer between the first and second data interface means. The control means are configured for receiving control data from the first data interface means for selectively enabling data exchange between the first and second data interface means. The control means can be configured for enabling part of the first and second data interface means for operation in a first or open mode, and for enabling the second data interface means for operation in a second or secure mode of operation. The second data interface means may comprise Input/Output means for secure data exchange with the first data interface means under the control of program execution data operative in the data transfer device and comprised by the control data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that determine a threshold value for an authorization check, such as an age verification, that is performed at a point of sale or other point of access control where access to a product, service, location, event, or the like, is restricted to individuals who meet an authorization threshold. In embodiments associated with purchases that comprise a variety of items for purchase and a variety of associated age-related authorization thresholds, systems and methods are described for determining an age-related authorization threshold for the purchase as a whole that will authorize the purchase of the items. In embodiments in which a purchaser's authorization is checked with respect to a determined threshold value, a record of the authorization check can be stored and can subsequently be retrieved to verify that an authorization check for the encounter was carried out using the determined threshold value.

Abstract: A pass-code identification device includes a communication unit for communicating with an external apparatus, a data-holding unit for holding data, a pass-code-holding unit for holding a pass-code, a pass-code comparison unit for comparing an input pass-code received through the communication unit with the pass-code held by the pass-code holding unit, and a flow control unit for controlling a result of comparison of the pass-codes in accordance with a condition for comparing the pass-codes. The condition determines whether or not it is necessary to judge pass-codes. The condition also determines whether or not a pass-code is required to change a pass-code from valid status to invalid status and vice versa.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing an ID code for a loyalty program from non-restricted information from a payment card or other ID card having restricted information.

Abstract: An authorization code (70) for gaining access to a secure device (10) is described. The device may be an ATM. The authorization code (70) comprises a sequence of characters, which may be digits, letters, or special characters, and the code (70) includes an identification field (70a) for identifying or verifying the identity of a user, and a transaction field (70b) for indicating an amount of money to be transacted. Use of this authorization code (70) enables a transaction to be executed by solely by entering the authorization code (70), without a user having to navigate through a sequence of screens or other prompts.

Abstract: A mobile communication apparatus (1) includes a transponder unit (15) having transmission means (16) and a transponder circuit (17) and is adapted to accommodate an accessory unit (ESIM), the accessory unit (ESIM) being provided with at least the transponder circuit (17) of the transponder unit (15).

Abstract: A hand-held battery-operated device for interrogating and/or programming ISO7816 smart cards by means of an ISO7816 compliant card slot, in conjunction with a display, a keypad and barcode reader for data entry, a battery backup RAM for temporary storage of collected data, flash memory for storage of proprietary information provided by a smart card issuer, a RS232 port and RF link for communication with a host computer, in-system programming port for updating the flash program, all connected operatively to an internal microprocessor which perform clock or power glitching to access internal information of a smart card to determine whether the card has been tampered, compromised, and functionality.

Abstract: In an access system and method for buses, a master card and respective slave cards for respective students are provided. The cards are read by a card reader to control access to the bus. A microprocessor and memory are provided together with an annunciator which determine whether a slave card annunciator code corresponds to an annunciator code on the master card, thus determining whether a respective student is boarding a bus which corresponds with his respective route.

Abstract: An improved process for clearing bank checks. Paper bank checks are digitized, and the paper checks are placed into storage. The digitized versions are used in the check-clearing process. When paper versions of the checks are required, as when a check is needed for evidence in a lawsuit, a paper version is printed from the corresponding digitized version, each paper version bearing a unique serial number, wherein no two serial numbers are alike. At that time, selected data from the printed check is stored in a database. A recipient of the printed check is allowed access to the database, to verify authenticity of the printed check.

Abstract: In a smart card module for biometric sensors for installation in smart cards, a support has at least one through opening or window in the region of a sensor chip. The sensor chip is mounted on the support such that an active surface of the sensor chip is directed toward the support and is situated in the region of the window, so that it can be accessed through the window in the support.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microcontroller (30) intended to be incorporated in a portable object (1) of type smartcard, including at least: a contact stud (VCC) to supply the said microcontroller (30) with current; a data input and/or output contact stud (I/O); an efficient data processing part (?CE); and confidential information. According to the invention, the microcontroller also includes: means (GEN, CAP, COM) to vary the supply voltage of the efficient data processing part (?CE), the said means being able to secure the said confidential data against current attacks.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for use with smart card and method are operative in both an ISO mode in accordance with the International Standards Organization 7816 (ISO 7816) protocol, and a non-ISO mode in accordance with a non-ISO protocol. The dual-mode integrated circuit includes a microprocessor and switching block. An external interface is connected to the switching block and comprises an ISO port operative for communicating in an ISO mode when the ISO mode is detected and a non-ISO port operative for communicating in a non-ISO mode when a non-ISO mode is detected.

Abstract: An identifying system for overlapped tags, wherein one of the tags, e.g., a tag to be appended to an article, has an antenna coil and a radio frequency identification device (RFID) connected to the antenna coil. Two or more resonance capacitors are connected in parallel to each other and in parallel to the antenna coil and two or more switches electrically connect the two or more resonance capacitors to the antenna coil and to the RFID. A control circuit is configured to operate on-off controls of the two or more switches to change a resonance frequency of the identifying system.

Abstract: Provided is an IC card capable of downloading a card manager even after issuance of the IC card. A first card manager stored in the ROM of an IC card is made to be capable of downloading a privileged application, which is an application having a privilege, and a privileged API in the ROM is made accessible from the downloaded privileged application. When the privileged application accesses the privileged API, the privileged application can operate as the card manager, so that the IC card can download a card manager even after issuance of the IC card.

Abstract: A vehicular system for engaging in a transaction between an occupant of a vehicle and a remote unit comprises a vehicle accessory inside the vehicle cabin and a transceiver provided at the vehicle accessory, which includes a transmitter for sending communication signals from the vehicle to a remote unit for communication with the unit, which is located exteriorly of the vehicle and operable both to receive communication from and send communication to the transceiver provided at the vehicle accessory. The transceiver includes a receiver for receiving a signal from the unit. An interior rearview mirror assembly is attached to an interior portion of the vehicle. A user input device is provided at the mirror assembly in communication with the transceiver and accessible by a vehicle occupant during normal use of the vehicle. The communication signals comprise at least one signal responsive to the occupant's access to the input device.

Abstract: An accountability and identification system includes multiple touch sensors and at least one instrument. At least one of the touch sensors is a personal identification touch sensor having user information on a unique user stored in the memory. One or more touch sensors may be a data touch sensor having user information on a unique group of users stored in the memory. Immediate danger to life and health (IDLH) devices have an IDLH touch sensor mounted thereon having information unique to the specific IDLH device stored in the memory. Each of the instruments includes a receptacle for reading the information stored on touch sensors, a microprocessor having a memory portion for storing operating software and the information read by the receptacle, a display, and an operator interface for controlling operation of the operating software.

Abstract: A maintenance/inspection support apparatus including an inspection information storage section storing inspection information of a plurality of equipments serving as maintenance/inspection targets, an inspection information write section for writing, in a noncontact manner, the inspection information stored in the inspection information storage section on a plurality of information recording media corresponding to the plurality of equipments, an inspection information read section for reading, in a noncontact manner, the inspection information written on the information recording media by the inspection information write section, and a display section for displaying the inspection information read by the inspection information read section.

Abstract: A method and system for converting a first transaction account device to a second transaction account device wherein a card number associated with, or defined as, a first transaction account (e.g., stored value account) is re-associated with, or re-defined as, a second transaction account (e.g., credit card account).