Abstract: A method for processing transaction information is provided according to the present invention. The method enables business vender to provide consumers with paperless transaction information, e.g. invoice information, via a route mainframe and a electronic data interchange platform.

Abstract: A patient encounter electronic medical record system, method, and computer product includes pre-populated, diagnosis specific templates, selective, specialty-specific master databases, and anatomic specific databases and templates to achieve comprehensive, accurate and compliant medical documentation that captures patient data concurrently with the clinical patient encounter session. The system is enabled for a distributed computing environment including graphical user interfaces and voice, text, and digital image and x-ray input.

Abstract: Patrons at a restaurant or bar can pay at their table using credit cards, without involving the restaurant or bar cashier and/or wait staff. Patrons are assisted using this system in dividing the bill by displaying the amount due (including tax) and allowing each patron to enter the amount they wish to pay. When the initial bill is presented, a balance due will be displayed and the indication will be provided that the bill has yet to be paid in full. As each transaction is entered, a running total will be displayed indicating the remaining balance due. When the running total reaches zero, the bill is paid in full, and an indication will be provided, such as by illuminating a green indicator light or by displaying a balance due of $0.00.

Abstract: Tax collection tools and techniques automatically and electronically separate tax amounts from other funds in a commercial transaction, and divert the collected tax into a holding fund. The holding fund bears income, at little or no risk. Funds collected are tracked, as are their payment due dates, and tax payments are made automatically from the holding fund to tax authorities in a timely manner on behalf of merchants. Income from the holding fund may be distributed among various parties. Collection of debt, whether taxes or otherwise, through automatic incremental billing is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method reads magnetic stripe data and bar code data from a stored value card. The magnetic stripe data and the bar code data originally applied to the card are associated with one another. For instance, the magnetic stripe data may be encrypted to determine a number that corresponds to a numerical sequence embedded in the bar code data. The magnetic stripe and the bar code data are compared at the point of sale. If the comparison produces a match, the card activation, store purchase or other transaction may proceed. Otherwise, the stored value card may be discarded. When the stored value card is originally purchased, the activation of the card may be delayed until payment for the card is actually received.

Abstract: A global payment system supports real time payments by a first party to a second party via an electronic interface using any of a plurality of input devices. First party identifying information and information relating to the requested transaction desired by the first party is entered into the system via the selected input device for accessing the payment system. The information is verified and the funds are transferred to a dedicated account for a second party per the instructions received from the first party. The global payment system is a financial transaction system permitting the identified first party to use any of a variety of payment options to complete the transaction without requiring the second party to pre-approve the method of payment. The system is compatible with known ATM/POS debit/credit card formats or other electronic input terminal devices, including either a second party controlled device, or a first party controlled device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for managing at least one transaction through traditional credit card authorization payment infrastructures by supplying personal account numbers to retailers. Personal account numbers correspond to issuer managed accounts that may be assigned at point of sale, and activated at redemption, and may restrict which merchants can process the personal account number to extract value therefrom. Also disclosed is an apparatus for distribution in retail and redemption at selected redemption sites. The apparatus is a card that includes machine readable code and account information where at least some of data corresponding to the machine readable code differs from the account information. The card may configured to retain a personal account number or other account information compatible with selected redemption site interfaces. Redemption can be limited to selected retailers or groups of retailers.

Abstract: A system and method for accelerating customer sales transactions in a retail store. A customer checkout accelerator provides a customer user interface initiate a request for a preapproval amount for a sales transaction before reaching the point of sale for completion of the purchase transaction. A card reader integrated into the customer checkout accelerator reads a customer payment card number when the payment card is swiped through the reader. A customer checkout accelerator server module resident on a store controller server determines a preapproval amount for the sales action and transmits the request to an external card services system for payment approval. The customer checkout accelerator also provides the ability to purchase additional promotional items in the checkout lane with this process integrated into the payment preapproval process.

Abstract: A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical disk media using an interconnected system central server computer through an Internet Service Provider. The system central server contains databases and processing, and is connected to a credit verification system. The central databases collect inventory administration information and customer data from the kiosks including creditcard and email addresses. The central server initiates credit verification and sends receipts to customers via email. The central server maintains databases that are used for remote inventory control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk has the capability to identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and may also perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. A kiosk may also provide publishing-on-demand or act as a portal for remotely served advertisement.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for coordinating a change in status of a stored-value card for a customer. Transaction information is received at a host system from a point-of-sale terminal. The transaction information includes stored-value-card information identifying the stored-value card and payment-instrument information identifying a payment instrument to be used for financing the change in status of the stored-value card. The host system receives a payment authorization from a payment authority in response to a transmission of the payment-instrument information to the payment authority. The host system also receives a confirmation of the change in status of the stored-value card from a stored-value-card authority in response to a transmission of the stored-value-card information to the stored-value-card authority. The host system transmits an approval for effecting the change in status of the stored-value card to the point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A portable consumer device having an information bearing region is packaged with an anti-tampering member. The region includes information pertaining to an account associated with a payment processing system. With a permanent alteration of the anti-tampering member so as to make the region accessible, a merchant's point of service terminal can interact with the region so as to change a state of the account.

Abstract: A system that includes computer hardware, computer software, apparatus, and methodology that enables individuals, businesses, and all types of organizations (both for profit and non-profit) to capture and securely transmit check images (including, but not limited to, personal checks, business checks, travelers checks, money orders, merchant coupons, food coupons, line of credit checks, etc.), deposit information, and other information from remote locations (i.e., locations that could include the financial institution's remote locations, other financial institution's locations, businesses, private residences, etc.), for the purpose of having those checks credited to the depositing individual's or organization's bank account(s) and having the check images (and/or physical checks) entered into the bank check clearing channels for ultimate delivery to the maker bank for payment out of the maker's account.

Abstract: A drinkware is provided to provide information to a receiver. The drinkware is a RF device coupled to a handheld drinking container. The RF device can receive and send RF signals and communicate with a sensory device. A transmitter can send a signal to the communication device, which then activates sensory device. The RF device can communicate with the transmitter to control a fountain machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for decreasing the circulation of money of small denominations and coins, includes a first input unit for inputting the amount to be paid, connected to a central unit, a second input unit for inputting a rounded amount to be paid connected to the central unit and controlling a rounding unit, a display unit showing a rounded payable sum defined by the rounding unit and a printing unit connected to the central unit. A method and arrangement for drawing lots include an input unit for entering data of participation in the drawing, and a drawing centre including a database of game rules, a game rule interpreting unit, an odds creating unit and a drawing unit connected to a prize indicating unit. The input unit is connected to the drawing centre via a control unit; a game database is connected to the control unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for database registration. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for database registration includes receiving a user identifier of a user and then sending a query to a first database based at least in part on the user identifier. A first data value associated with the user is received from the first database. A second data value associated with the user is received from a data source, which is different from the first database. The first data value and the second data value are stored in a second database, which is different from the first database.

Abstract: A system is proposed for performing transactions with terminals which fundamentally allow a plurality of different transactions to be performed. The terminals (10, 11) are connected for this purpose via a terminal network (30) with at least one node computer (40, 41) via which they can be set up for performing a transaction. The suitability for performing a further, hitherto unprepared transaction can be provided later anytime without any special setup measures. A terminal (10, 11) requests for this purpose data providing the functionality required for performing the further transaction from a node computer (40, 41) following a trigger signal designating the further transaction. The transaction is then performed in interaction between a terminal (10, 11) and a node computer (40, 41).

Abstract: A restaurant system includes a lighted pour spout for use in dispensing liquid from a bottle. The pour spout includes a coupling portion for attachment to a bottle and an interior portion that extends into the bottle. The interior portion may include a light and a battery for illuminating the pour spout and bottle. The restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having a first display for use by a customer and a second display for use by a bartender or waiter. The kiosk includes a first input device for use by the customer. A processor is in data communication with the displays and the first input device to retrieve data from the first input device, such as a drink order, and actuate the displays. Drink recipes may be displayed on the second display to aid a bartender in mixing drinks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for automatically determining a fare for utilizing chargeable means of transport conveying persons. According to said method, a credit which is established in a currency that is valid in a first currency zone and is used for automatically deducting the fare when utilizing a means of transport is allocated to a user terminal, a factor for converting the first currency into a second currency that is valid in a second currency zone is defined as soon as the user terminal is utilized in a second currency zone, and fares are automatically determined in the second currency, are converted into the first currency using the defined conversion factor, and are deducted from the credit established in the first currency as long as the user terminal is not utilized in another currency zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating an integrated stored-value and loyalty program within a financial infrastructure. An identifier and a packet of transaction information defining a transaction between a merchant and a customer are received at a loyalty host. Qualifying aspects of the transaction are identified from the packet of transaction information. A customer reward is determined from the identified qualifying aspects and a history of information defined by the identifier. Information defining the reward is transmitted to a stored-value host that records a value parameter that may be applied as value by the customer to another transaction.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing a transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: offering for sale, in a retail environment, the transaction instrument; selling a selected transaction instrument; communicating with the issuer of the transaction instrument via an internet accessible web site, and enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include the step of sending a message, through the web site, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In another example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time of distribution. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing a transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: offering for sale, in a retail environment, the transaction instrument; selling a selected transaction instrument; communicating with the issuer of the transaction instrument via an internet accessible web site, and enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include the step of sending a message, through the web site, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In another example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time of distribution. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes.

Abstract: A method is provided for securely storing and retrieving data. A data unit is split by an entity, into a first component and at least a further second component such that the data unit cannot be reconstructed without having the first and second component. The second component is stored on a secure server in a non-volatile memory, the secure server being separate from any entity that may store the first component. The first and second component of the data unit are then subsequently accessed by a secure data retriever who is not an originator of the data, where the second component is accessed from the secure server. The secure data retriever combines these components into the original data unit. The method is particularly applied in commerce for credit card information in which significant restrictions are placed on the permanent storage of such data.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for authorizing automated value transfers from an account available to users who do not have a pre-existing trust, business or financial relationship. In an embodiment of the present invention, a Sender at a first location purchases a PIN Card at a point of sale, such as a retail location or a bank teller. The Sender contacts an intended Recipient at a remote location and discloses a Transfer PIN associated with the PIN Card, as well as the amount being transferred, to that intended Recipient. The Recipient needs only the Transfer PIN and a Cash Card to receive the money transfer at a participating remote location. To receive the value associated with the PIN Card, the Recipient inserts or swipes the Cash Card at an ATM and enters the Transfer PIN. An authorization system then authorizes the dispensing unit to dispense that value amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a security deposit is used to facilitate a transaction with a customer. It is arranged for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer. For example, a subsidy provider may offer to apply a subsidy amount to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of the task by the customer. It is also arranged for the customer to provide a security deposit. Based on the performance of the task by the customer, it is arranged for the security deposit to be returned to the customer.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems for providing preauthorization and transaction settlement for a transaction using a prepaid unit-based presentation instrument are disclosed, wherein the presentation instrument includes a unit balance. The method may include receiving a preauthorization request that includes a price-per-unit and a preauthorization amount. The methods and/or systems may then determine whether the unit balance is sufficient to cover the preauthorization amount. If the unit balance is sufficient to cover the preauthorization amount, the presentation instrument is authorized for the transaction. If the unit balance is insufficient to cover the preauthorization amount, a currency balance is determined from the unit balance and the price-per-unit, authorizing the presentation instrument for a transaction up to the currency balance and sending an indication that the currency balance is authorized for the transaction.

Abstract: At a point-of-sale, a retail customer can elect to have transaction details uploaded to a server, or to have the details stored on removable media, for later loading into budget or financial software by the customer. The election and selection of a destination for uploading the transaction details can be through a card, touch-screen entry, or by the cashier. The different detail items in the transaction are automatically categorized through customizable templates for the customer.

Abstract: A system and method for selling discounted fuel which takes advantage of the efficiencies, lower transactional costs, and other savings of grocery stores and similar businesses to provide discounts at conventional fuel stations. The method is implemented by a grocery store or other business; a host computer system; one or more participating fuel stations; and a communications network for providing communications between the host computer system, the business, and the fuel station.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are used to permanently disable or destruct an RFID so that it is no longer possible to read some or all of the data encoded on the RFID tag. In one method for disabling data on a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an RFID tag is identified and its identity is confirmed. Verification that a prerequisite event has occurred is obtained, occurrence of which is required prior to disablement of the data. A destruct instruction is transmitted to the RFID tag. The RFID tag verifies that the destruct instruction is valid and disables the data upon verifying validity of the destruct instruction. The tag may disable the data by erasing the data, disabling the data, auto-destructing, or performing any operation that makes the data unreadable.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for coordinating a change in status of a stored-value card for a customer. Transaction information is received at a host system from a point-of-sale terminal. The transaction information includes stored-value-card information identifying the stored-value card and payment-instrument information identifying a payment instrument to be used for financing the change in status of the stored-value card. The host system receives a payment authorization from a payment authority in response to a transmission of the payment-instrument information to the payment authority. The host system also receives a confirmation of the change in status of the stored-value card from a stored-value-card authority in response to a transmission of the stored-value-card information to the stored-value-card authority. The host system transmits an approval for effecting the change in status of the stored-value card to the point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: At each of a plurality of merchant Point Of Service terminals (POS), for each of a plurality of consumers, where each consumer seeks to conduct a transaction with the merchant for a good or service by using a payment device issued by an issuer in a payment system, data is read from the payment device. The data can include an identifier for an account issued by an issuer. The consumer is permitted to receive the good or service from the merchant prior to validating the account with the issuer. Transaction information for each transaction is stored during a predetermined aggregation criteria, such as time period, number of transactions, monetary volume, etc., into an aggregation set of said transactions. During the predetermined aggregation criteria, an evaluation is made, by communication with the corresponding issuer, whether the accounts in the aggregation set of transactions are valid.

Abstract: Among other things, generating a transaction slip associated with a transaction. The slip includes a non-contribution associated with a retail transaction, and a space for a customer to provide an amount for contribution. The slip is received from the customer. The contribution amount and non-contribution amount are identified from the slip, and a card of the customer is billed for the amounts.

Abstract: A system and method for accelerating customer sales transactions in a retail store. A customer checkout accelerator provides a customer user interface to initiate a request for a preapproval amount for a sales transaction before reaching the point of sale terminal for completion of the purchase transaction. A card reader integrated into the customer checkout accelerator reads a customer payment card number when the payment card is swiped through the reader. A customer checkout accelerator server module resident on a store controller server determines a preapproval amount for the sales transaction and transmits the request to an external card services system for payment approval. The customer checkout accelerator also provides the ability to purchase additional promotional items in the checkout lane with this process integrated into the payment preapproval process.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for extracting real world value from a virtual account by receiving point-of-sale information from a consumer, converting a real currency purchase amount to an equivalent virtual value, and processing the transaction. The point-of-sale information comprises a real currency purchase amount and account information, the account information determined from a bank card. Converting the real currency purchase amount utilizes a current real-to-virtual exchange rate associated with a virtual medium. The transaction is processed by debiting a current virtual value balance by the equivalent virtual value, the current virtual value balance associated with an account naming at least the consumer, the account determinable from the account information. Beneficially, the invention provides easy, real-world access to virtual value in a virtual medium.

Abstract: A system and method for providing promotional pricing is disclosed. One or more pricing offers may be provided to a plurality of credit accounts, wherein the pricing offers may be directed to transactions associated with particular products and/or merchants. It may be determined whether a transaction associated with a credit account qualifies for certain pricing offers based on predetermined criteria. A balance incurred through a transaction may be assigned to a promotional bucket associated with a particular pricing offer if the transaction qualifies for the particular pricing offer, or the balance may be assigned to a default bucket if the transaction does not qualify for any pricing offer, thereby causing a total balance to be distributed among the default bucket and the promotional buckets. Payments associated with the credit account may be allocated to the default bucket and the one or more promotional buckets according to a payment hierarchy.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for supporting multiple applications and multiple instances of the same application on a wireless smart device are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a system for supporting multiple instances of the same application. The system includes a wireless smart device for communicating with a wireless reader. The wireless smart device includes multiple instances of the same application for performing wireless transactions with an external device. The wireless smart device also includes an application manager for identifying one of the instances as active, for detecting a request from a wireless reader for performing a wireless transaction, and for communicating the request to the active instance.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is enabled to conduct an EMV transaction. A wireless access node in the EMV card-reader terminal is provided for connecting a mobile terminal to the card-reader terminal. An EMV-proxy module executing in the card-reader terminal facilitates communication between the mobile terminal and the card-reader terminal. The EMV-proxy module lets the mobile terminal function in essentially the same way as a regular EMV chip card with respect to the card-reader terminal. The card-reader terminal may then conduct EMV transactions on behalf of the mobile terminal without requiring new software and/or hardware at the EMV issuer. EMV data is stored in the mobile terminal in the form of secure dynamic data objects. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: An implementation of a system and method for gating entry in a transit system using information from a bankcard, such as a credit card or debit card is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the digital signing of a message to be signed, the message to be signed is transmitted via a communication network to a mobile radio telephone to be used as a signing unit. A message to be signed is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver and then from the receiver to the mobile radio telephone via a telephone network. The mobile radio telephone user indicates that the message to be signed should be signed, and the mobile radio telephone generates a signed message. The signed message is then transmitted from the mobile radio telephone to the receiver and from the receiver to an addressee.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a program product, system and method for deposit processing using check images. In one embodiment of the present invention, the program product comprises machine-readable program code for causing, when executed, a machine to perform the following steps: at least one check processor receiving deposit information for a plurality of different deposit transactions, with the deposit information including original check image data and endorsed and voided check image data for at least one check to be deposited; selecting a print processor that has access to at least one printer based on at least one criterion; sending the electronic check data and check image data to the selected print processor; identifying a clearing end point; generating cash letter data for a maker bank; the print processor or the check processor transmitting the check image data and the cash letter data directly or indirectly to the selected end point and/or to at least one printer.

Abstract: A system for accepting and storing items for subsequent pickup by a commercial carrier includes a storage area which is defined by an outer housing, and a customer interface area that includes a weighing unit and a unit, such as a magnetic card reader, for accepting payment from a customer. The system may also include a control system that accepts address information from the customer through a key pad, and then instructs a printer to print an address label for the item. The system includes safeguards which prevent unauthorized access to the storage area, and will not provide a receipt to the customer until internal sensors verify deposit of the item. A manifest printer may also be provided for the benefit of the commercial carriers who service the system, to print out a summary of the transactions that pertain to each carrier. Alternatively, no storage area is provided.

Abstract: A product sales processing system includes a portable terminal; a cash register, a customer operating the portable terminal so that product codes are read and stored in the portable terminal, and payment is made at the cash register based on the stored data; and an intermediating device that connects the portable terminal to the cash register such that the portable terminal and the cash register can communicate with each other, the portable terminal comprising: a code reading section that reads the codes that are provided to products; a storage section that stores the codes which have been read by the code reading section; and a communication section that, when the portable terminal is connected to the intermediating device, transmits product purchase information which includes the codes stored in the storage section to the cash register via the intermediating device.

Abstract: A method for issuing a permanent credit device to a user at a point of sale involves the use of a credit device for performing point of sale transactions which is able to be programmed on the fly with new or existing credit account information for one or more accounts and which requires biometric authentication prior to enabling of the credit device for use.

Abstract: A system and method for activating a vending machine utilizing a wireless link to a cell phone in conjunction with a security feature using a finger print reader or personal identification number (PIN). An account is established with a payment processing center (PPC) who oversees the movement and distribution of payments from a cell phone account to a vending machine account. Account information is maintained in the cell phone and in the vending machine and may be communicated to the PPC at a later time after the transaction. The wireless link may be Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, infrared, or other short range wireless technology.

Abstract: A wireless communications device has a transponder for transmitting information for making a transaction to a point of sale terminal. When the device is within the range of a field generated by the point of sale terminal, the transponder is excited and transmits the information to the point of sale terminal. The wireless communications device also includes a cellular transmitter for use in making a purchase transaction.

Abstract: A system (100) configured to facilitate ordering of goods or services from a vendor (150) by a customer may include one or more base stations (130) configured to receive an abbreviated dialing sequence that corresponds to an order from a mobile terminal used by the customer. A processing center (140) may be coupled between the one or more base stations (130) and vendor (150) and may be configured to receive the abbreviated dialing sequence. Processing center (140) may also transmit customer information that relates to the order to vendor (150), and may bill the customer's wireless account for a monetary amount of the order.

Abstract: A system for managing token image replacement is provided. The system includes a remote server, a personal computer (PC) connected to the remote server, a smartcard that can be read by the PC, and a card image server. Using application logic and rules, the remote server is able to read the card image on the smartcard and determine if the card image on the smartcard needs to be updated. If an indicator on the smartcard is set to “update”, the remote server then retrieves a backup card image that corresponds to the card from the card image server. The remote server forwards the backup card image to the PC which, in turn, writes the backup card image including transaction information to the smartcard. Once the backup card image is written onto the smartcard, the indicator in the smartcard is then reset to ensure that subsequent interactions with the system would not initiate an update.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, hardware and method for mobile payment via a low-cost simple POS station and a mobile device. A general objective of the invention is to process payment authorization via the mobile consumer's own mobile device and mobile network, instead of the POS network's backbone.

Abstract: Pre-paid negotiable instruments are issued in response to a request at a host system from the holder of a stored-value account. The request is made through an IVR system or a web interface, and the host allocates funds from the account and provides a balance remaining after the negotiable instrument is issued. The instrument is printed with a transaction number or other identifier at an issuing system, and is then sent to the account holder. The account holder activates the instrument after receipt. The payee receives the instrument and authorizes the instrument by providing the transaction number or identifier to the host. When authorized, payment is guaranteed to the payee from the issuer.

Abstract: A family stored value card program is provided. One embodiment is a method for implementing a stored value card program. One such method comprises: identifying an existing stored value card account; and enabling a first customer associated with the existing stored value card account to establish a new stored value card account associated with a second customer, the new stored value card account linked to the first stored value card account.

Abstract: A system and method of transferring information between a first software application and a second software application which employ an isolation layer. The system includes a client computer system provided by a first seller of computer systems, including a client software application, and a server computer system provided by a second seller of computer systems different from the first seller of computer systems, including a server software application which provides information from the server computer system to the client computer system. The system additionally includes isolation layer software, either at the client computer system or at the server computer system, which facilitates communication between the client software application and the server software application to transfer the information.