Abstract: A computer system prevents an illegal program transmitted from an external communication device to a computer system such as IC cards and stored therein from being executed. The system comprises a CPU, a communication circuit, a first memory area storing a first and second computer program, a second memory area including storage areas for the first computer program, for data received by the communication circuit, for data used in program execution of the CPU. When a program to be executed by the CPU is the first computer program, if the program code is stored in the first memory area or a storage area for the first computer program in the second memory area, the program is allowed to be executed, and if the program code is stored in the second memory area other than the storage area for the first computer program, the program is not allowed to be executed.

Abstract: The RF tag recycling system for recycling RF tags containing information on goods to which the RF tags are attached includes data storage mediums which are portable by consumers and issued by stores affiliated with the system, at least one RF tag collecting apparatus configured to calculate, when one of the data storage mediums is inserted into the RF collecting apparatus, a reward point value for RF tags put in the RF collecting apparatus, and to update the one of the data storage mediums on the basis of the calculated reward point value. The RF tag recycling system further includes a data processing apparatus configured to accumulate the calculated reward point value received from the RF tag collecting apparatus and to notify one of the stores which is an issuer of the one of the data storage mediums of information on an accumulated reward point value.

Abstract: A method cleans at least a region of a document to remove amino-functional group release agents from the region cleaned. Then, processed data can be recorded in the cleaned region using a MICR encoder without encountering problems with the amino-functional group release agents.

Abstract: Enclosed re-programmable non-volatile memory cards include at least two sets of electrical contacts to which the internal memory is connected. The two sets of contacts have different patterns, preferably in accordance with two different contact standards such as a memory card standard and that of the Universal Serial Bus (USB). One memory card standard that can be followed is that of the Secure Digital (SD) card. The cards can thus be used with different hosts that are compatible with one set of contacts but not the other. A cover that is hinged to the card to normally cover one set of contacts can be rotated out of the way by hand when that set of contacts is being used.

Abstract: A secure magnetic stripe card stripe reader (MSR) module and software system capable of encrypting the magnetic stripe data to CISP standards for use in point of sale (POS) and other applications requiring data security using non secure networks and computing devices. Additionally, when incorporated within an attachment for conventional personal digital assistant (PDA) or cell phone or stationary terminal, provides encrypted data from the magnetic head assembly providing compliance with Federal Information Processing Standards Publication Series FIPS 140 covering security and tampering standards. Moreover, this module and software system includes the capability of providing secure POS transactions to legacy transaction processing systems transparently to the existing infrastructure. Furthermore, this module and software system includes the capability of transparently providing detection of fraudulently copied magnetic stripe cards.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using a keycard for automating transaction requests are disclosed. Methods may comprise receiving a request for a product identification number that is associated with a product by inputting keycard information at a merchant terminal, wherein the keycard was selected from among a plurality of keycards and is associated with a specific provider and value; processing the request; transmitting a transaction confirmation; and retaining the keycard by the merchant.

Abstract: A data distribution system (10) including an information card (12) to work with a reader (14, 72). The information card (12) includes visible indicia (20) on its front, stripe zones (34) and a ring zone (36) nominally “on” its back and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag (70). The zones (34, 36) are suitable for magnetically recording and the RFID tag is suitable for electronically storing data. Optional characteristics for such data can concurrently be recorded or stored. The reader (14, 72) may be a linear reader (14a), a rotary reader (14b), a card-stationary reader (14c, 14d), or a RFID reader/interrogator (72), and may optionally act automatically in response to reading one or more of the optional data characteristics. If the reader (14) is a rotary reader (14b) the information card (12) may particularly be loaded into a cartridge (16) which is loaded into the rotary reader (14b).

Abstract: A stored-value card includes an electrical assembly, a housing, and decorative indicia. The electrical assembly stores an audio file and includes at least one light and a speaker. The housing generally encloses the electrical assembly and includes an account identifier and an activation area. The account identifier signifies a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. Decorative indicia correspond with the audio file and the at least one light. The activation area and the electrical assembly are adapted such that depressing the activation area activates the electrical assembly to play the audio file via the speaker and to illuminate the at least one light to provide an audio and visual presentation. Stored-value card assemblies, methods of promoting sales of stored-value cards, methods, of using a stored-value card and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing and a light circuit. The housing defines a first primary panel and a second primary panel spaced from the first primary panel. The first primary panel defines an account identifier signifying a financial account linked to the stored-value card. A side is defined between the first primary panel and the second primary panel. The light circuit includes a light and a switch and is generally enclosed within the housing but for the light. The light extends from the side of the housing and is configured to be illuminated upon application of a force to the switch. Stored-value card assemblies and methods of using a stored-value card are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flash memory mass storage drive stores user files in a convenient credit card sized drive. Embodiments function as both a credit card and a mass storage drive. Communication may be through a host interface connector such as a USB connector, a magnetic interface, a smart card interface, and/or a near field communication interface. In certain embodiments the drive comprises a portion that is sufficiently thin to be swiped through a standard credit card, ATM, or point of sale device. The USB connector of the drive can easily be plugged into even a crowded receptacle of a host computing device.

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: A Q-Chip MEMS magnetic device comprises a thin-film electronic circuit for implantation in the Track-2 area of a magnetic stripe on the back of a credit card. The Q-Chip MEMS magnetic device periodically self-generates new sub-sets of magnetic data that are to be read in combination with other magnetic data that is permanently recorded in the surrounding surface of the magnetic stripe. A collocated battery and microcontroller provide operating power and new data for magnetic bit updates. A swipe sensor triggers such updates by sensing electrical contact with a legacy card reader. Several thin-film coils of wire are wound end-to-end around a common, flat, ferrous core. These are driven by the microcontroller. In one instance, such core comprises “hard” magnetic material with a coercivity of 200-300 Oersteds. Magnetic data written from the corresponding adjacent coils will persist for later readings by a legacy card reader.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus, methods, and systems for displaying and packaging financial presentation instruments, particularly stored value, gift, or other pre-paid debit cards. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for displaying a financial presentation instrument with an integrated holder is provided. The method comprises providing a data card having an information storage medium and an aperture therethrough. The data card is then suspended from a display hook through the at least one aperture. Hence, the present invention advantageously allows for convenient displaying and easy access to the data card for activation at the time the card is purchased by a consumer. Further, the integrated holder on the data card decreases the operating costs and increases the efficiency for selling such debit cards as no additional materials, packaging, or carriers other than the data card itself are needed for the presentation and display of such debit cards.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is provided wherein a device is disabled if the device is located more then a predetermined distance away from the owner. Accordingly, a lost or stolen device is rendered unusable. The device has coupled thereto a receiver or transceiver. A transmitter or transceiver is located separately from the device. When the receiver and transmitter can communicate, the device is usable, when the receiver and transmitter cannot communicate, the receiver disables the device, rendering the device unusable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for transforming characters stored in a fixed format into an alternate format or template with which the fixed format would otherwise be incompatible. In particular, methods and systems are disclosed for reading a customer identification (CID) number from a radio frequency identification device (RFID) and processing the CID number into a format that is compatible with an otherwise incompatible standard, template, sequence, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe card includes a magnetic stripe, a plurality of magnetic write heads, and data circuitry. The magnetic stripe stores magnetic fields indicative of a dynamic number. The plurality of magnetic write heads located under the magnetic stripe generates the magnetic fields to write bits of the dynamic number onto the magnetic stripe. The data circuitry generates the dynamic number and sequentially provides the bits of the dynamic number to the plurality of the magnetic write heads.

Abstract: A secrecy management information recording device has an information input section which inputs image information printed by a printer and secrecy management information corresponding to the image information, a transport mechanism which receives a printing sheet on which the image information has been printed by the printer, and discharges the sheet after passage over a heat generating resistor, and a magnetic tag forming section which controls generation of heat by the heat generating resistor according to content of the secrecy management information corresponding to the image information printed on the transported printing sheet to thermally transfer at least one magnetic member contained in a thermal transfer sheet onto the printing sheet. A magnetic tag representing the content of the secrecy management information is thereby formed on the printing sheet.

Abstract: A glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire is encoded with multi-bit digital information. Encoding is achieved magnetically, optically or through a combination of magnetic and optical encoding processes. Magnetic encoding is carried out by modifying the constituent magnetic domain structure through selective relief of interfacial stress between the glass coating and the amorphous metallic alloy core. It is also achieved by selective surface crystallization of the amorphous metallic core in order to produce a controlled magnetic bias field. Optical encoding is associated with the glass coating. It is readily achieved by fluorescent element deposition, patterned removal of fluorescent element coating, Bragg grating, and thermally activated pattern deposition. The magnetic and optical multi-bit encoding approaches for glass-coated amorphous metallic microwire can be used individually or collectively in either a redundant or a complementary manner.

Abstract: A distinctive recorded sound is generated when a credit card or other financial transaction card is used at a point of sale (POS) terminal. As is common, the POS terminal includes a card reader through which the card is swiped to read data that is encoded on a magnetic stripe affixed to the card. A recorded sound may be stored in the card or in the card reader. In either case, the sound is played back through the card reader when the card is swiped.

Abstract: A card assembly comprising a display portion and a transaction card is provided. The display portion comprises a substantially planar substrate. The transaction card comprises a substantially rectangular and substantially planar substrate having first and second short edges and first and second long edges. The transaction card further comprises at least one magnetic stripe having a card identification number encoded thereon. The at least one magnetic stripe is substantially parallel to the long edges. The transaction card is detachably coupled to the display portion at a coupling interface located along one of the short edges. The card assembly may be configured so that the transaction card can be inserted into a card-reading device while the transaction card is still attached to the display portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for counting or measuring the relative positions of a number of resonant tag elements in proximity to each other. By measuring the resonant frequency of a given set of tags using a reader antenna and comparing the measured frequency to a reference resonant frequency, the observed frequency shift is used to ascertain certain properties of the set of tags, such as the number of tags present or the relative positions thereof.

Abstract: A multimedia card, including, a multimedia portion, a multimedia card holder portion, and a multimedia cover portion, and wherein the multimedia cover portion and the multimedia card holder portion releasably cover the multimedia card portion in between the multimedia cover portion and the multimedia card holder portion.

Abstract: A smart card having a support element, at least one electrically conductive contact-making element in a surface area of the support element, and at least one electrical circuit, which is on and/or in the support element, and is coupled to the at least one electrically conductive contact-making element. Microstructures and/or nanostructures are incorporated in the at least one electrically conductive contact-making element, of such a size that the microstructures and/or nanostructures absorb electromagnetic radiation at at least one wavelength.

Abstract: Data storage device for use as a portable card, magnetically encodeable card, or magnetic credit card, including a substrate having at least one surface. A high density, magnetically coercive material layer is disposed/deposited on the substrate for storing magnetic signals. The magnetically coercive material may have an axis of magnetization that is oriented in a predetermined direction relative to a surface of the substrate. A layer of non-magnetically material is disposed on the substrate for defining an exchange break layer. A protective coating is formed on the magnetic material layer and has a thickness between a maximum thickness which would materially attenuate magnetic signals passing between the magnetic material layer and a transducer and a minimum thickness enabling the protective coating to be abraded by usage in an ambient natural atmosphere operating environment. The protective coating may comprise one or more layers.

Abstract: A stored-value card assembly comprises a stored-value card and a magnetic sheet. The stored-value card defines a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface includes an account identifier linking the stored-value card to at least one of a financial account or a financial record. The stored-value card is substantially non-magnetic. The magnetic sheet is placed on the second surface of stored-value card and is removably coupled to the stored-value card. Methods of assembling a stored-value card assembly, methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card assembly, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A selectable, multi-purpose card is provided. The card comprises a plurality of features stored in a memory storage device operatively mounted on the card. The plurality of card features allows the card to function as multiple cards, and a selection device mounted on the card enables a user to select any of the plurality of card features in a single step. In one embodiment the plurality of card features comprises a transaction card feature and a security card feature. The card may also include a flexible display configured to display a security code. In some embodiments, the display may also be configured to display a remaining amount of account value.

Abstract: A substrate is printed with areas of magnetizable ink. The magnetizable ink is compressed into the surface of the substrate, and overprinted to hide it. Suitable inks for the purpose are disclosed. The ink may be permanently magnetized in any of a variety of patterns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing ink comprising at least one film forming binder and plurality of at least one type of electrically conductive micro-wires wherein the mean length of said type of micro-wires is in a range of between 3 ?m to 250 ?m.

Abstract: A secure card package which includes an inactive transaction card that includes an edge. The secure card package also includes a security piece that includes an edge. The security piece and the inactive transaction card are connected in an edge-to-edge manner to prevent the transaction card from being activated. The security piece is selectively detachable from the transaction card so that, when detached, the transaction card can be activated. The invention also includes a process for activating an inactive transaction card which includes the steps of receiving the inactive transaction card and a security piece and detaching the security piece from the inactive transaction card so that the inactive transaction card can be activated.

Abstract: System and method for the processing of MICR documents that produce read errors. MICR documents are read and sorted to a destination pocket for processing subject to a determination that existing digit errors do not prevent the routing of the document. In example embodiments, an error does not prevent the routing of the document if it is not related to the routing/transit field. An optical character recognition (OCR) process is performed on the stored, electronic image of the document to correct digit errors in the stored data read from the documents. If a determination is mode that the correction cannot be determined through the OCR process, the image and corresponding MICR data is displayed on a user terminal, for manual correction by reference to an image of the document, rather than the document itself.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe card reader for reading a magnetic stripe on a card having at least one track of magnetically stored information stored thereon as a stream of encoded discrete data bits separated by bit times is disclosed. Aa magnetic head is provided for reading the magnetic pulses as the magnetic stripe is passed thereby to output a time varying analog signal. A data converter incorporated on an integrated circuit is then operable for converting the analog signal to a digital time series of digital values. A processor incorporated on the integrated circuit can ten process the digital output of the data converter and is operable to first determine potential bit boundaries and then recover timing information from the digital time series to discriminate the bit times between data bits. The value of each data bit is then determined during each bit time to provide a stream of extracted data bits.

Abstract: A selectable, multi-purpose card comprising a plurality of features stored in a memory storage device operatively mounted on the card and a selection device for allowing a user to select a feature in a few simple steps, preferably in a single step. In one embodiment the card includes a plurality of magnetic strips positioned on the card in a manner to allow swiping each magnetic strip separately using conventional reading devices. Each magnetic strip activates a different feature of the card. In another embodiment the card includes a programmable magnetic strip, a plurality of features stored in the memory storage device mounted on the card, a plurality of buttons or contacts, and a device for programming the magnetic strip with a different card feature. The card may also include a thin, flexible display.

Abstract: Transaction cards having one or more folds therein to provide compact and easily stored transaction cards are provided. Moreover, foldable transaction cards are provided having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding key chains, or other devices for attaching the transaction cards to other items, such as sets of keys, wallets, or other items. Other embodiments include spring-loaded clips on the foldable transaction cards and protective sleeves, housings or cases for full-sized and smaller-sized cards. Still further, transaction card systems are provided comprising a case or housing for holding and/or storing foldable transaction cards therein.

Abstract: A multifunction card includes a programmable memory, a magnetic stripe, and an electronic ink display. The programmable memory is able to store corresponding account data and image data for a plurality of different accounts. The card holder is able to use a portable terminal to select one of the accounts stored in memory. The terminal is able to write account data corresponding to the selected account to the magnetic stripe of the card. The terminal is also able to electronically change the electronic ink display to the image corresponding to the selected account. Thus, a single multifunction card, with the ability to have both its magnetic stripe data and appearance changed in accordance with a selected account, can substitute for many different cards.

Abstract: Convenient transaction cards are provided that may be attached or interconnected with portable electronic devices, such as, portable communication devices, personal digital assistants, or other portable computing means. The transaction cards may be foldable to provide for convenient storage and access of the transaction card when utilized. In addition, the transaction cards may be provided within a case or a housing that may be removable from the electronic device.

Abstract: In a non-contact IC card for performing communication with a reader/writer, an encryption block having a DES (data encryption standard) block for performing an encryption operation in accordance with a public key encryption algorithm and an ECC/SHA1 (elliptic curve cryptosystem/secure hash algorithm 1) block for performing an encryption operation in accordance with a common key encryption algorithm are incorporated into an IC chip. A CPU having a built-in clock gear causes a change of the operation frequency of the non-contact IC card. The communication operation with the reader/writer and the encryption operations performed by the encryption block are performed at different operation frequencies.

Abstract: Compact or convenient transaction cards comprising protective sleeves for full-sized and smaller-sized cards, cut lines and rotatable means for forming “fanned” cards, rollable cards, collapsible cards, cards having hinges or axes for rotating parts to form full-sized cards from smaller-sized cards, housings for having lights and sounds emanating therefrom, and the like are provided.

Abstract: A check book unit has a card reader and a PDA-type system. Check transactions are recorded in the unit using the PDA-type unit and a computer keeps track of the balance and other data associated with the check transaction. A card reader is also included and uses one of the magnetic stripes on a debit card. After a debit card is used, the details of the transaction are recorded onto the magnetic stripe. When the debit card is swiped through the card reader on the unit, the details of the transaction are transferred into the computer memory associated with the unit. The computer then records the details of the transaction from the data entered on the debit card and performs the arithmetic required to balance the user's check book balance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing an irregularly shaped Radio Frequency operable transaction device using conventional International Standards Organization dimensions for conventional transaction cards and traditional transaction card manufacturing machinery. The invention provides for normal manufacture of a plurality of transaction transporters joined together in a single sheet. The outline of a RFID transaction device is impressed in a center portion of one of the transporters. A RFID transaction device including a RFID module may then be removed, or punched out of the transporter in accordance with the transaction device outline. Alternatively, the RFID module may include an outline pressed into the transporter permitting removal of the module from the transporter independent of the removal of the transaction device. The RFID module may then be removed and used to complete a RFID transaction.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods for imaging magnetic fields and for using images of magnetic fields in the authentication of magnetic stripe cards or documents are disclosed. The systems described provide an increased tolerance for misalignments of magnetic reading heads. One preferred embodiment of the invention includes sensing circuitry for sensing an image of the magnetic field using an array of magnetic reading heads and sampling circuitry connected to the sensing circuitry.

Abstract: Transaction card comprising a substrate having a front face and a back face, a first magnetic stripe for storing data associated with a credit account, the first magnetic stripe being located along an edge of the back face, a second magnetic stripe for storing data associated with a rewards account, the second magnetic stripe being located along another edge of the back face, and account information located on the front face, the account information being associated with the credit account and the rewards account.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic resonator for use in a marker in a magnetomechanical electronic article surveillance system is manufactured at reduced cost by being continuously annealed with a tensile stress applied along the ribbon axis and by providing an amorphous magnetic alloy containing iron, cobalt and nickel and in which the portion of cobalt is less than about 4 at %.

Abstract: A combination of a radio frequency identification transponder (RFID Tag) and to a magnetic electronic article surveillance (EAS) device is disclosed. The present invention relates generally to radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, and more specifically to RFID transponders for use in RFID systems and the method for their assembly.

Abstract: The apparatus and method described herein provides for creating multiple spatial patterns, such as magnetic patterns on credit cards. The invention includes storage of information from which patterns may be created, a pattern creation device for creating the spatial patterns, and control whereby the information which is stored is selectively utilized to cause the pattern creation. This allows multiple desired patterns to be simulated, allowing convenient replacement of a number of separate pattern carrying devices.

Abstract: A data storage card that includes a card body, an aperture, an optical storage region, and a magnetic storage region. The card is formed to cooperatively engage both a drive mechanism of a magnetic stripe reader and a drive mechanism of an optical data reader. In one embodiment, the card includes a resiliently displaceable cover member that automatically moves in and out of the aperture for proper use in various data readers. Also, in one embodiment, the optical data region is formed on a film to reduce the thickness of the card. Moreover, in one embodiment, the card includes a semiconductor and a counterbalance weight. Also, the card includes a spacer for abutting against components in a optical data reader in one embodiment. Finally, in one embodiment, the aperture is smaller than standard optical data discs so as to cause proper abutment against members of the optical data reader.

Abstract: A unique conductivity pattern is applied to printable articles to provide a “signature” for later verifying the authenticity of the printable articles. Preferably, the conductivity pattern is hidden from sight and differs from other conductivity patterns applied to other printable articles in an effectively random manner. Capacitive sensors read the conductivity patterns, and the resulting data for recording the signatures reflects not only details of the conductivity patterns themselves but also the characteristics of the capacitive sensors and their use.

Abstract: A universal credit card with a cellular telephone that has inside of an outer housing and adjacent to a side thereof a magnetic reader/writer capable of reading data from a magnetic strip of a credit card. Along a side of the outer housing adjacent the magnetic reader/writer is a wide and deep enough slit to swipe the credit card. When a template credit card is swiped through the slit, a magnetic strip of the template credit card reads or writes data from at least one credit card that the user selected on the telephone's keypad from a plurality of credit cards whose data had been entered into memory. A controller and software operate the magnetic reader/writer the user's keypad selection. Alternatively, there is a slot in the outer housing rather than a slit, and insertion and/or removal of a credit card in the slot constitutes swiping the credit card.

Abstract: The invention concerns a man/machine interface method for a ticket processing device (DIS) comprising a magnetic read/write station (PIL), a thermal printing station (TT) and control means (UC), including the following steps: a) writing on the magnetic stripe of a configuration ticket at least certain operating parameters of the ticket processing device to be configured (DIS), and printing said parameters on said configuration ticket, corresponding to said configuration parameters; b) inserting the configuration ticket into the processing device to be configured; c) reading the content of the configuration ticket magnetic stripe; d) storing the configuration parameters read, thereby enabling the control means (UC) to provide the configuration for the functioning of the ticket processing device using said stored configuration parameters and an installer to be provided with a ticket configuration whereon are printed said corresponding configuration parameters.

Abstract: A code encoding device for outputting character, audio, and moving picture data converted to color marks by referring to a code conversion table (104, 204) and a code decoding device for outputting color marks converted to character, audio, and moving picture data by referring to a code conversion table (112, 212). High density recording is made possible through the medium of color marks. At the time of encoding and decoding of data, one unit of data is linked with one color among the plurality of colors to enable high density recording compared with conventional bar codes and two-dimensional codes.

Abstract: A security device having multiple security features is used with an item, such as a secure document, ticket, label or tag, to authenticate the item and/or encode data pertaining to the item. One example of the security device includes a carrier substrate, a metallic layer disposed on the carrier substrate, and a magnetic layer disposed on the metallic layer in substantial registration with at least a portion of the metallic layer, thereby providing both metallic security features and magnetic security features. The metallic layer and the magnetic layer also form graphic or visually identifiable indicia on the carrier substrate to provide a visual security feature. According to one method, the metallic layer is applied to the carrier substrate, the magnetic layer is applied to the metallic layer, and the layers are etched to form the graphic indicia. The magnetic layer can, in one embodiment, include a magnetic chemical resist that is printed on the metallic layer in the form of the graphic indicia.