Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) die includes a high capacitance solid state circuit region configured to perform predetermined operations and an RFID block configured for wireless communication with an external source. The RFID block is configured to record results from a plurality of stages of a manufacturing process. The RFID block is further configured to generate an internal BIST command in response to an external command wirelessly received by the RFID. The integrated circuit die also includes a built-in self-test (BIST) block coupled to carry out testing of the high capacitance solid state circuit region in response to the internal BIST command. The RFID block is configured to be capable of storing store information relating to the testing. The RFID block is further configured to enable wireless retrieval of the test results from the testing of the high capacitance solid state circuit region.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine includes a card reader that can read a unique magnetic characteristic of a magnetic stripe on a card. The machine can then send data reflective of the read characteristic to a remote card validator. The card validator can compare the received data to referenced magnetic characteristic data corresponding to cards authorized for use with the machine. The machine can also communicate with a transaction host computer to carry out a financial transaction. As a result of the magnetic data comparison, an invalid card can be discovered and a fraudulent transaction prevented. Communication between the card validator and machine is independent from communication between the transaction host and machine.

Abstract: A data storage card has an optical data storage region and a magnetic data storage region, and is adapted to cooperatively engage both a drive mechanism of a magnetic stripe reader and a rotatable drive mechanism of an optical data reader. An exemplary embodiment of the card includes a card body defining first and second opposed generally planar surfaces, with an aperture formed in the card body. An annular optical data region centered on the aperture is disposed on one of the first and second surfaces of the card body. At least one magnetic linear data region is disposed on at least one of the first and second surfaces. The card includes an insert structure disposed in the aperture, and configured to engage with the rotatable drive mechanism of the optical data reader in an optical data reading mode, and to engage rollers of the magnetic stripe reader in a magnetic data reading mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the insert structure is a unitary structure fabricated of an elastic material.

Abstract: A hybrid card is described. The hybrid card includes an organic substrate, a first layer of a substantially organic backer that is securely affixed to a first side of the substrate, a second layer of a substantially organic backer that is securely affixed to an opposite side of the substrate, a first layer of thin-film overlay that is attached to the first layer of backer, a second layer of thin-film overlay that is attached to the second layer of backer. Manufacturing methods for the various embodiments of the hybrid card are also described.

Abstract: This invention is related to a discernment card which is resistant to bending and high heat, and capable of preventing unauthorized copying of recorded identity information leakage of personal information and deletion of identity information, and to a discernment card business system for preventing unauthorized use of identity information. The discernment card (1) comprises a card main body (10) integrally formed by a high strength alloy and at least one identity information recording portion (20) comprising specific identity information inscribed on the card main body, wherein plural cells (30) are inscribed at predetermined positions of identity information recording portion of the card main body and specific identity information of the identity information recording portion is specified by one or more of inscribed depth, inscribed width and inscribed shape of the cells.

Abstract: Metal-containing transaction cards, useful for the purchase of goods and/or services are disclosed. The metal-containing transaction cards may be standard-sized (i.e., about 3? inches by about 2 14 inches) or any other size yet still usable as a transaction card. Moreover, the metal-containing transaction card may include a pocket having characters embossed therein. Further, the metal-containing transaction card may include a fill panel disposed within the pocket. The metal may be titanium or stainless steel.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and informing health care professionals of patient's radiation exposures may comprise a radiation dosage history card, being a pre-printed card with a magnetic stripe. The card, having originating medical provider information preprinted thereon, may comprise one or more removably attached placards. A first removable placard may comprise a visual listing of a currently administered radiation dose and dosage date. A second removable placard may comprise a listing of: a year-to-date total radiation dosage, and a total tracked radiation dosage; while a third removable placard may comprise a list of each previous radiation dosage, treatment type, treating medical center, and date of said previous radiation dosage to comprise the total tracked radiation dosage. The placard data may be coordinated to match the data encoded upon the magnetic stripe. Data may be electronically mailed between present and previous medical providers to maintain an up-to-date universal exposure record.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (152) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a keypad (172), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a code reading device (180), a display (182), a cash acceptor (184), a check acceptor (186) and a biometric reader (188). The banking machine operates responsive to indica read from user cards. The banking machine operates responsive to instructions executed by at least one processor (190) in the machine. The banking machine is operative responsive to reading gaming tickets or other items through operation of the code reading device, and/or a biometric feature reading device, to dispense cash or provide other value to users. The banking machine is also operative to cause value to be transferred by users for the purchase of gaming items.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monetary cards are described. The cards are free from personally identifiable data, e.g., no name or embossment. In an example, the card includes a first number that activates the card and a second number written to the card at activation away from the card manufacturer. This helps prevent theft at the manufacturer. This second account is a bearer account where anyone who knows the account number can withdraw the funds from the account. The account may be funded with either the account number or the authentication number.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for transaction cards or other articles. The assembly includes a carrier having a front panel and a rear panel, and a transaction card or other article retained within the carrier. At least one panel of the carrier comprises a lens sheet assembly including a lens sheet, and an optional image layer. The carrier with lens sheet assembly provides enhanced security features, increased durability, and eye-catching features compared to traditional carrier or packaging assemblies.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the subject invention, a secure payment card is provided, including: a flat body, the flat body having a patterned channel in proximity to a first face of the flat body; an elongated magnetic stripe disposed on the first face of the flat body, the magnetic stripe extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein at least a portion of the channel being located under the longitudinal axis; and a magnetic fluid disposed in the channel, the magnetic fluid configured to define a readable magnetic pattern.

Abstract: A promotional sheet assembly assembleable from components of a single material web processed in a multi-station press is provided. The assembly includes opposing surfaces bearing printed information and/or indicia thereon, and a consumer premium delimited by one or more of visible, revealable, and/or machine readable information.

Abstract: A printing apparatus has a casing, a card supply opening at one side of the casing, a printing unit that performs a predetermined recording to a card supplied from the card supply opening, nip rollers that nip the card when being recorded at the printing unit, a magnetic encoder unit disposed adjacent to the printing unit that performs a predetermined recording to the card nipped by the rollers, and a card discharge outlet that discharges the card recorded at the printing and/or magnetic encoder units. The card supply opening, the printing unit and the magnetic encoder unit are disposed sequentially and substantially horizontally along the card conveyance path, and the card discharge outlet is provided in a side of the casing so that the card supply opening and card discharge output are positioned substantially vertically.

Abstract: Mobile commerce authentication and authorization systems enable currently existing point-of-sale devices that are neither structurally nor systemically altered to conduct financial transactions with a customer using an access terminal across a wireless communications system. The point-of-sale devices receive an input from a payment instrument replacement, which identifies the transaction to the point-of-sale device as a transaction including an access terminal. Authentication of the user of the access terminal is achieved at least by application of position and/or location determinable features of the access terminal, the position and/or location of a point-of-sale device of a vendor or merchant where the customer seeks to purchase goods or services, and the payment sum entered on the point-of-sale device. A payment matching server may assist in processing the location data and the payment sum amount across communications network.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an absorbent pad having a mechanism for theft detection and deterrence, and/or inventory control, including product tracking. The mechanism is positioned at an edge of the pad, thereby maintaining effectiveness, even when the pad is covered by a food product or exposed to a dielectric effect created by food liquids or salts in the package.

Abstract: A protected contactless presentation instrument is disclosed. In one embodiment, the protected contactless presentation instrument includes an RFID chip that can be manually exposed and shielded by a user. The protected contactless presentation instrument may include a moveable tab that includes the RFID chip. The protected contactless presentation instrument may also include a moveable shield. Another embodiment of the invention provides for a contactless presentation instrument that includes an electroluminescence material.

Abstract: Data-storage devices and methods are disclosed. An exemplary data-storage device includes a medium having at least two dimensions and having a surface. Multiple data-containing loci are arranged on the surface. Each locus has a respective amount of magnetically responsive particles. The respective amounts are different in at least some of the loci. The respective amount at a particular locus corresponds, at least in part, to a respective unit of data contained by the locus. The loci can be substantially two-dimensional or three-dimensional, the latter being configured as respective holes, containing respective amounts of magnetically responsive particles, extending depth-wise into the medium. The loci typically range in size from the micrometer range to the nanometer range. The medium can be any of various configurations such as cards, sheets, films, etc.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a communication module is disclosed. Generally, a fingerprint authentication device coupled with a communication module biometrically authenticates a user. The communication module sends an indication that the communication module is active for the user to receive a message based on the biometric authentication of the user. The communication module receives a message for the user that has been routed to the communication module based on the indication that the communication module is active for the user to receive a message.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element for securing data carriers, having a three-layer thin-film element (20) composed of a reflection layer (22), an absorber layer (26) and a dielectric spacing layer arranged between the reflection layer and the absorber layer (24). According to the present invention, the reflection layer (22), the absorber layer (26) and the dielectric spacing layer (24) are coordinated with each other in such a way that, for viewing from the absorber layer side (26) at all viewing angles (28, 28?) and in the entire visible spectral range, the thin-film element exhibits a very low reflection and appears black.

Abstract: An improvement upon a driver's license, a national driver's license includes traditional identification information as well as insurance, both automobile and health, automobile registration, health care, emergency contact, driving records, criminal record, credit and banking, and employment information either embedded thereupon or information that may be used to access one or more computer systems containing said information.

Abstract: Fuel dispensers located at a fueling facility may perform operations in a coordinated manner. In particular implementations, a system and process for coordinating the operation of fuel dispensers at a fueling facility may include the ability to determine at a first fuel dispenser that a function is to be performed by at least one other fuel dispenser at the fueling facility. The system and process may also include the ability to generate at the first fuel dispenser a message regarding the function, the message to be sent to the at least one other fuel dispenser at the fueling facility. Fuel dispensers may, for example, coordinate operations that relate to diagnostic testing, theft deterrence and loss prevention, safety monitoring, and redundant customer services.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marking of polymeric liquid crystal material having determined optical characteristics allowing its authentication and reading by a machine and its authentication by the human eye. The marking is applied onto an item, good or article by a variable information printing process. The marking is in the form of indicia representing a unique code which allows for an easy authentication by the human eye and a secure tracking and tracing of the marked item, good or article throughout its life cycle.

Abstract: A financial transaction device is disclosed. The device includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises a writable field enabling a writing instrument and/or a printing device to write on the first writable field. The writable field allows transaction device purchasers to include a custom note, picture, design, logo, pattern and/or any other indicia on the device. The writable field creates an added element of thoughtfulness to make the gift exchange more special.

Abstract: A card for use in secure transactions includes a card body having a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface having a combination of a plurality of symbols disposed thereon. The card body has a plurality of LEDs disposed in connection with the plurality of preprinted symbols, individual ones of LEDs being disposed to identify respective individual ones of the plurality of symbols when illuminated. An LED controller is coupled to the plurality of LEDs and operable upon actuation to selectively illuminate individual ones of the plurality of LEDs to identify a sub-combination of the plurality of symbols, thereby providing an illuminated one-time code for use in a secure transaction.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a first cover panel, a second cover panel, and an intermediate sheet, and an account identifier. The intermediate sheet transitions between a collapsed and an extended position and defines fold lines dividing the intermediate sheet into sections. When the intermediate sheet is in the collapsed position, the sections form a stack. The first cover panel is coupled with one of the sections that forms a top of the stack, and the second cover panel is coupled with another of the sections that forms a bottom of the stack. The account identifier is coupled with at least one of the first and second cover panels and the intermediate sheet and links the transaction product to an account or record configured to track a value available for use toward a purchase of one or more of goods and services. Other products, combinations, and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transaction product assembly includes a transaction product and a mechanical article. The transaction product includes an account identifier fixedly connected thereto, wherein the account identifier links the transaction product to an account and is machine readable by a terminal. The transaction product also includes a transmitting electrical assembly and at least one control button configured to interact with the transmitting electrical assembly in a manner causing the transmitting electrical assembly to output a radio frequency signal. The mechanical article includes at least one movable member, a receiving electrical assembly, and a motor. The receiving electrical assembly is configured to remotely receive the radio frequency signal output from the transmitting electrical assembly and to activate the motor. When activated, the motor induces movement of the at least one movable member relative to a remainder of the mechanical article in a manner consistent with the radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A transaction card includes an audio circuit, a housing, a switch, and an account identifier. The audio circuit is configured to capture an audio file and to transform a pitch of the audio file. The audio circuit includes a speaker configured to play the captured audio file as transformed by the audio circuit with a different pitch than the pitch originally captured for the audio file. The housing substantially encloses the audio circuit. The switch is movable by a bearer of the transaction card external to the housing. When the bearer interacts with the switch, the audio circuit is activated to transform the pitch of the audio file to the different pitch. The account identifier is fixedly coupled to the housing, and the account identifier links the transaction card to an account or record, wherein the account identifier is machine readable.

Abstract: There is provided a non-contact type IC card that prevents electrostatic discharge failure of an IC chip embedded in an IC card. A non-contact type IC card includes at least a magnetic recording layer, a metal reflective layer, and a hologram layer, which are sequentially laminated on a card base member, and an antenna and an IC chip connected to the antenna that are embedded in the card base member. The metal reflective layer is made of a material of which electric conductivity is smaller than 28.9×106/?m, or is composed of a thin film of which surface resistivity is 7.02 (?/?) or more.

Abstract: An optically variable magnetic stripe assembly includes a magnetic layer, an optically variable effect generating layer over the magnetic layer, and a reflective layer between the magnetic layer and the optically variable effect generating layer. The reflective layer includes at least one metal portion.

Abstract: A plastic card, such as a credit card or gift card, manufactured from recycled polyethylene or recycled polypropylene, and methods of manufacturing the same. The plastic card is made from an unfilled or filled recycled polymeric material, such as a blend of virgin and recycled polyethylene or polypropylene, that can be readily printed, embossed, thermally imaged, surface printed with a variety of inks and printing methodologies, laminated, and/or polished, such that the card will perform acceptably in a retail point of sale machine readable activation system. The plastic card performs similarly to a traditional PVC card in retail point of sale systems or environments.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine further includes a cash dispenser and a receipt printer. The machine is operative to dispense cash to an authorized user based on identifying data including card data, and to cause a financial transfer from an account corresponding to card data through communication with at least one remote computer. The machine includes a check acceptor that operates to determine magnetic symbols included on checks. Cash may be dispensed in exchange for a check received through operation of the check acceptor of the machine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transaction card with a three-dimensional tipping guide and techniques for using the card. The transaction card includes a base with a front and a back card surface wherein sets of indicators are visible along the outer areas of the front and back card surfaces. The card is configured to be rotated during usage. Also disclosed herein are accessory devices that support the transaction card.

Abstract: A smart card capable of performing more than one function, said smart card comprising a first memory means comprising a first set of data to access a bank account, a second set of data to access a credit card account, a third set of data representing the identification of a holder of the smart card, and a fourth set of data to access telephone communication services. The smart card further comprises a microprocessor, said microprocessor being in electrical communication with a second memory means, and a location tracking means for determining a location of the smart card.

Abstract: Each printed sheet product includes a core of flexible, microvoided polymer sheet material and a planar RFID assembly encoded with a unique electro/magnetic code permanently and integrally joined together with the core. The microvoided sheet material collapses around the core so the sheet product remains planar. Scoring defines one or more individual identification elements removable from a remainder of the sheet product that include at least a first element with RFID assembly but only part of the core. A separate magnetic strip storing its own unique data magnetically can be provided on the first removable element even at least partially overlying the RFID assembly for independent identification operation.

Abstract: A method of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal having an optical character recognition (OCR) reader comprises the steps of (a) receiving from a self-service depositor a check to be deposited, (b) illuminating the check with infrared radiation, (c) capturing a first image of the check while the check is illuminated with infrared radiation, (d) processing the first check image to provide an enhanced image of the check, and (e) applying OCR techniques to read a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from the enhanced check image.

Abstract: A system and method for establishment of rules governing child accounts may include associating, in a database, a first transaction card through which access to monetary funds is extended with a second transaction card through which access to the monetary funds is extended. Also, in the database, the second transaction card is associated with one or more rules governing access to the monetary funds by the second transaction card. Finally, an individual owning the first transaction card is permitted to specify the rules governing access to the monetary funds by the second transaction card.

Abstract: A discounted coupon card for use by a consumer and methods for using the same are disclosed and described herein. The card comprises two sides and is about the size of a standard credit card. One side of the card includes a sponsoring theme or advertising. The opposite side of the card includes a magnetic strip that includes electro-magnetic data corresponding to the merchants and the purchase incentives and indicia identifying the merchants and purchase incentives or discounts. The magnetic strip is adapted to be read by a magnetic strip reader and the data on the strip can be transmitted to a computer network to provide instant and future discounts for advertised goods or services from a plurality of businesses.

Abstract: In a method of providing a packaging laminate with an identification code the packaging laminate is subjected to a magnetic field, thus magnetising a matrix of magnetic domains in the packaging laminate. Each magnetic domain is made up of a number of the magnetisable particles. A method of identifying a package is also disclosed. The package has walls of a packaging laminate comprising magnetisable particles. The method comprises the steps of subjecting the packaging laminate to a magnetising magnetic field, thus magnetising a matrix of magnetic domains in the packaging laminate, and detecting an emitted magnetic field emitted by the magnetic domains in the matrix. A package having an identification code is also described.

Abstract: A method and system provides a stored value token that comprises a notebook with a plurality of sheets fastened together by a binding device. The sheets may have one or more parallel lines for guiding handwritten text. The lines may be formed from ink. The notebook may further comprise a cover and a back. The cover may have human-readable media that identifies the token as a gift card and that may illustrate the type of consumer goods which may be purchased by with the notebook stored value token. The human-readable media can be formed from ink which is placed on a sheet that is attached to the cover by an adhesive. The back of the notebook stored value token can comprise a machine-readable code can that can be applied to a sheet which is attached to the back of the notebook stored value token by an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention described herein represents a significant advancement in user configurable and reconfigurable RFID readable data input. A writing substrate includes a wireless energy transmission circuit and a plurality of switchable contacts. When or after a user writes on the substrate, it can be sense remotely to produce a map of the writing which provides input a character recognition process. Thus a user can write anything they wish to create data and control processes on a cheap, disposable user interface.

Abstract: A composite magnetic card for bearing printed data and suitable for mailing purposes comprising (a) a first planar sheet of paper cardstock having a first face and second face; (b) a second planar sheet comprising a magnetic material having a first face and a second face and defining at least one detachable portion defined by a die cut while having suitably located portions integrally retained to non-detachable magnetic material of the second planar sheet; wherein the first sheet first face is sufficiently and suitably adhered with an adhesive to the second sheet first face to retain the detachable portion of the second sheet to the first sheet but wherein the adhesive is not disposed at first selected locations between the first sheet and the second sheet within the card. The resultant card after the detachable portion has been removed is adhesive-free to provide a non-sticky, clear area of the card, which may be readily used to clearly displace further desired data.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus has an excitation unit that applies a magnetic field to a medium provided with at least one magnetic element that generates a signal when the magnetic field is applied thereto and a pseudo element that generates no signal when the magnetic field is applied thereto; a detection unit that detects a signal when the signal is generated; and an identification unit that identifies the medium based on a result of the detection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for activating a presentation instrument using a computerized network. The method utilizes a presentation instrument package that comprises a greeting card and a presentation instrument. A package identifier on the greeting card is read and transmitted to a host computer system to indicate that the presentation instrument has been purchased. After being purchased, the package identifier may be detached from the greeting card and the presentation instrument may be removed from the greeting card. To activate the presentation instrument, an access code and a presentation instrument identifier obtained from the presentation instrument may be provided to the host computer system. Furthermore, the recipient may select a personal identifier to associate with the presentation instrument. The personal identifier may be transmitted to the host computer system for storage.

Abstract: Particles conveying a code are incorporated into polymer matrix to form a core document substrate. These particles may be colored to create a distinctive look of the document that makes it unique for a particular document issuer and enables visual authentication. Addition of a covert attribute to the particle, such as a UV pigment or hidden layer of material, allows a covert, forensic characteristic and it also allows a mathematical description to be calculated describing the random distribution of a specific area on a document and then captured on it (e.g., in the bar code or magnetic stripe or digital watermark on an ID document).

Abstract: A media processing device may include a frame with a transport passage in which information recording media are transported and a magnetic head for processing magnetic information signals on the information recording media. The magnetic head may be embedded in the frame and part of the frame may be interposed between the magnetic head and the transport passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an object (200) such as a credit card, bank note, document, label, etc which carries an identification layer (103) which contains readable information. The identification layer can include randomly distributed conductive/magnetizable particles (303), semiconductive particle, optically active particles and the like. The identification layer is sandwiched between an upper layer (105) and lower layer (104) to form the object. At least some of the particles are exposed along one edge (102) of the object and can be read by a read head (201) which moves along the edge.

Abstract: A payment terminal including a magnetic card reader, a decoder receiving analog signals from the magnetic card reader and providing a digital data output to utilization circuitry and data integrity assurance circuitry operative to eliminate spurious data due to Electromagnetic Field (EMF) interference.

Abstract: A system allows consumers the ability to remotely transmit order and/or payment preference data to a vendor to facilitate sales transactions. A personal transmitter or key fob functions to transmit a signal to the vendor when the customer approaches the vendor, which signal comprises preferred order information for vendor processing. The vendor may acknowledge order receipt, generate the order, and automatically submit the transaction for payment through a secure connection. A web site acknowledges receipt of the payment request, retrieves specific transaction information for the target vendor, and processes the payments electronically. Customer information, vendor preferences and encrypted Customer payment specific pointers are downloaded to the personal transmitter on an ongoing basis and stored as encrypted data. If multiple vendors are within the proximity of the consumer, the transmitter will signal an error and list the vendors to the consumer, from which list the target vendor may be selected.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for creating, deploying, transferring, clearing, managing, redeeming and reporting on the use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion.

Abstract: An electronic information device includes an integrated circuit embedded within the device. The electronic information device further includes a first antenna that is embedded within the device and is connected to the integrated circuit. The electronic information device further includes a second antenna that is embedded within the device and is connected to the integrated circuit. The first antenna is oriented within a first plane and the second antenna is oriented within a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane.