Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart card which enables users to securely complete online transfers without entering sensitive transaction information into a third-party system. The smart card may include a touch-sensitive screen configured to display selectable transfer options. The smart card may include a microprocessor and wireless interface. The wireless interface may provide wireless communication capabilities and the ability to initiate online transfers based on information captured by the touch-sensitive screen. The smart card may be a parent smart card associated with a parent account. The parent account may be linked to a dependent account. The parent smart card may receive a communication related to the dependent account. Selectable transfer options displayed on the touch-sensitive screen may enable a transfer from the parent account to the dependent account.

Abstract: A method of providing originator information to an intended communications recipient during establishment of a communication session includes reading, at an originating communication terminal, originator information carried by a device located with the originating terminal, and including at least some of the originator information in at least one signal transmitted by the originating communication terminal during establishment of the communication session for transmission to a communication terminal associated with the intended communications recipient.

Abstract: A method of providing telephone response unit (TRU)-based services includes receiving from a point-of-sale (POS) device a request at a host computer system to activate TRU-based services. The request includes an identifier that indicates the specific TRU-based services to be activated. The method also includes confirming the availability of the specific TRU-based services to be activated and storing at the host computer system information that indicates the services are activated. The method also includes returning a message to the POS that indicates that the TRU-based services have been activated.

Abstract: A kind of pen-type mobile telephone. It comprises: housing (1), display (2), button (3, 4, 5), telephone receiver (6), earphone (7), etc. It is characterized in that said pen-type mobile telephone's housing possesses slender rod-form; said display (2) is slender and in longitudinal setting; In said housing (1), also included are: printed circuit board (11), radio frequency module (12), fundamental frequency module (13), and SIM card plug & receptacle (14); said printed circuit board (11) uses more than 6 layer printed circuit board, with its width less than the width of the housing (1); widths of said radio frequency module (12) and fundamental frequency module (13) are also less than the width of the housing; socket (9) inserted with SIM card plug & receptacle is set at the side face of said housing (1), and said SIM card plug & receptacle (14) uses drawer-type SIM plug receptacle. The volume of said housing (1) is less than: length 140 mm×width 35 mm×thickness 23 mm.

Abstract: The balance or a portion of the balance associated with a prepaid card with or without a microcircuit is paid into a balance portion collection server, as a donations to charities, after setting up a call between a terminal and the server and after confirmation of the payment by the user at the terminal to increment a counter with the balance or balance portion. In another embodiment, balance portions are paid cyclically into the server or into a connection unit as and when a telephone call runs.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring money by use of a prepaid card account is disclosed wherein two cards are issued to the user accountholder, one of which is provided to another user, and either user may add value to the prepaid account so that the other user may use the card and that value in a financial transaction.

Abstract: A processing unit, for example a computer server, that is connectable to a data communications network, has a device reader for reading a supplied network identity from a portable storage device such as a smart card or the like. The processing unit then uses the supplied network identity from the portable storage device for communicating via the data communications network. The processing unit monitors the continued presence of the portable storage device. In the event that the processing unit detects that the portable storage device has been removed from the device reader, it signals a fault state. The processing unit can be arranged to power itself down where a portable storage device having same network identity is not returned in the device reader within a predetermined time.

Abstract: A smart card reader and transaction system which uses the voice path of a switched telephone network to effect smart card transactions are described. The smart card reader may be used with either a regular telephone or an ADSI telephone. If the telephone is not a handsfree set, the smart card reader is preferably connected between the base set and the handset. If the telephone is a handsfree model, the card reader is positioned between the base set and the switched telephone network. A smart card application server controls the smart card reader and switches it between a user mode and a card communications mode. Most applications software resides on the application server so that the smart card reader is simple to construct and inexpensive to manufacture. The advantage is a simple, portable, inexpensive yet reliable system adapted to be owned and used by the general public.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of prepaid telecommunication services and method therefor in which in substantially real time after a request for such services is submitted by a purchaser, the request is processed, a PIN number is issued for that particular service, and the prepaid telecommunication service is accessible. The PIN number can be transmitted to the purchaser or a third party recipient for whom the request for services was made. This transmittal includes incorporating the PIN number in an electronic mail message (for sending on a data processing network such as the Internet).

Abstract: A pay telephone includes a keypad, a card reader, and a processor. The keypad receives input signals from a caller. The card reader reads identification data and speed dial numbers from a card received from the caller. The processor receives the input signals from the keypad and the identification data and speed dial numbers from the card reader, and concurrently validates the card using the identification data and initiates a telephone call using the input signals or the speed dial numbers.

Abstract: A kit for converting an existing pay telephone to additionally provide computer network access includes an upper housing unit that latches to a lower housing of the existing telephone, and a network adapter unit which includes a network computer and a control module that selectively disables a hook switch connection to a payphone electronics module of the existing payphone. A coin scanner and an escrow unit of the existing payphone are connected through the control module to the payphone electronics unit. The network computer, in combination with the control module, provides a stand by mode, a pay phone mode, and a network mode. Also disclosed are a complete network access pay telephone and a method for converting the existing payphone to add network access.

Abstract: A system for using a prepaid card permits a card user to purchase a card, issued by an issuer such as a bank, through an agent at a retail establishment via a terminal, select a PIN, have the card activated at the point of purchase, use the card to purchase goods and services, and reload the card for future use. The system uses a communications network for issuance, activation, and accounting, and activation is accomplished on a real-time basis, either one account at a time or in a batch mode. The card can be used to purchase a wide range of goods and services including telephone services. The card can also be used to make cash withdrawals at an ATM or a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for querying a central service dials telephone numbers to establish contact with the central service, and accesses services housed in the central service. The geographical location of the apparatus is stored in a tie unit and sent to the apparatus upon request. The apparatus forwards this information to the central service that then provides information about facilities (e.g., restaurants, sports venues, theaters, etc.) at that location.