Abstract: The present invention provides a method for managing an account for an unidentified individual by communicating with the unidentified individual who is using a device to communicate which transmits an identifier associated with the origin of the communication, obtaining from the unidentified individual a group of characters associated with the unidentified individual's personal information, comparing the group of characters to a database including a plurality of personal information associated with a plurality of individuals, identifying from the plurality of individuals one individual whose plurality of personal information includes the group of characters associated with the unidentified individual, and managing an account for the identified individual in an account database.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for verifying customer identifications. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving, at a transaction gateway, a communication associated with a transaction initiated by a customer; determining the communication includes an identity verification request to verify encoded data obtained from an identification presented by the customer; routing the identity verification request to an identity verification service; receiving, from the identity verification service, a result including one or more identification values obtained from the encoded data; and transmitting the result to a requester associated with the communication.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying a user's identity during a point-of-sale transaction are provided. The system and method provide for applying for, receiving and verifying a financial services provider card; providing a plurality of requested biometric identification data to a financial services provider; uploading the plurality of biometric identification data of a user requested by the financial services provider via a network connected computing device to a preselected website; storing the plurality of biometric identification data in a remote server coupled to the preselected website; and using the plurality of requested biometric identification data to execute a point-of-sale transaction, wherein a merchant can verify the financial services card with the biometric identification data provided by the remote server or provided by the user via a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A method of adding a value to a customer account is provided. A request to add a value to a customer account of a customer is received from a point of sale terminal. Value identification data associated with the value and account identification data associated with the customer account may form part of the request. The customer account identification data may be entered at the point of sale. The request may be associated with a purchase of the value. The value may be caused to be added to the customer account. During subsequent value purchase transactions, additional value may be added to the account.

Abstract: A method and system for storing purchase information are presented. A consumer sets up a transaction management account to electronically receive information regarding purchases. The customer provides information regarding the management account to a transaction terminal and makes a purchase. The vendor then electronically sends a receipt to the management account, where purchase information can be managed by the consumer. The management account may be associated with multiple financial accounts, so that when the consumer makes a purchase, information regarding the financial accounts may be provided to the consumer. The consumer can then choose an account to use to complete the purchase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating a transaction using a secondary transaction number that is associated with a cardholder's primary account. The cardholder provides the secondary transaction number, often with limited-use conditions associated therewith, to a merchant to facilitate a more secure and confident transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle for example at a service station, the system including an identification tag associated with the vehicle, a data storage device associated with the vehicle for storing vehicular data, at least one tag reader configured to read and transmit data from the identification tag and a station relay unit configured to receive the transmitted and to transmit an authorization signal. Disclosed is also a method of authorizing a purchase associated with a vehicle, for example at a service station, comprising associating with a first identifier and a second identifier with a vehicle, when requested to authorize a purchase associated with said vehicle, acquiring the first identifier and the second identifier, determining that the acquired first and second identifiers are correctly associated and if the first acquired identifier and said second acquired identifier are associated, authorizing the purchase.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a user station or input medium allowing a user to view available functions and to enter selection information for requesting the association of one or more functions with a user operation vehicle. A verifier, responsive to the user station or input medium, can be provided to determine based upon a set of pre-determined rules, whether the user is entitled to the selected functions. A linkage generator can be provided to associate a user operation vehicle with the selected functions after they have been verified by the verifier. A reward function may also be combined with one or more of the functions associated with the user operation vehicle. Interoperability can also be provided between functions on a user operation vehicle based on a pre-determined set of rules. The interoperability between functions may be bidirectional.

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 restaurant information system includes a point-of-sale (POS) device constructed and arranged for identifying a customer at a restaurant, an amount owed for food or other items purchased at the restaurant, a financial services provider, and a restaurant customer service of which the customer is a member. A network server is associated with the restaurant customer service, and is configured to access a personal customer file created by the customer. The POS device is configured to prompt and receive a customer entry including a review or other comments concerning the restaurant, and to address the customer entry to the second network server for writing in the customer's personal file. The network server may also be configured to compile a searchable database reflecting customer entries made in a number of different customer files.

Abstract: Demographic and transaction data are presented in a report usable for marketing-related purposes and other applications using a camera apparatus to capture customer image data at a point-of-sale location and sends the image data to a customer image database where the image data is stored. Demographic data (such as gender, age group, height) are extracted from the customer image data and sent to the customer image database. Point-of-sale transaction data is collected and sent to a transaction database where the transaction data is stored. A computer processes customer image data, transaction data, and attributes relating to the customer image data and transaction data, to correlate extracted demographic data to transaction data. The correlated data is preferably sent to a target marketing database and used to generate a market research report.

Abstract: A self-service tanning system and method allows salon owners to offer tanning customization in order to meet the personal needs of various customers and to meet the various FDA regulations associated with each state. The present invention allows salon owners to customize each tanning customer session to prevent over exposure for new patrons, while allowing patrons who are already tanning to tan at a more progressive rate. In addition to tanning customization, the present invention offers built-in safety features, payment options, and networkability.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting fraud when facilitating a payment transaction over a global wide area network. The method comprises receiving a sale information, receiving a payment information from a buyer, and analyzing a transaction information for fraud. If the analyzing indicates fraud, an enhanced transaction information is communicated to a human for fraud analysis. In one embodiment, the method comprises performing rule-based analyses to determine whether the transaction appears to be fraudulent. Rule-based analyses may include suspect data rules and velocity rules. Velocity rules generally determine whether there has been excessive activity that may lead to a conclusion that the transaction may be fraudulent. Suspect data rules are used to determine whether the billing, shipping, selling addresses, telephone numbers, and account numbers, and other data are in a syntactically correct format and whether they exist.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying the trusted status of a website by displaying a trust symbol that is displayed as part of the website so that they trust symbol does not scroll when the website is scrolled, preventing the trust symbol from ever being hidden from the user. Specifically, displaying the trust symbol in the comer or bottom of the web page works well. The trust symbol can include information about the website that may be displayed when the computer user interacts with the trust symbol. Both the trust symbol and the information displayed about the website can be generated dynamically by the third party validator for display on website. However the location of the display of the trust symbol remains under the control of the website operator so as not to interfere with the aesthetics of the site.

Abstract: A point-of-sale device useful in relation to a variety of circumstances and/or utilization methods. Various implementations of such point-of-sale devices are disclosed. For example, one particular point-of-sale device includes a base unit adapted for performing merchant functions and a peripheral unit adapted to perform customer functions. The base unit can include a base unit housing with a processor disposed therein and capable of supporting a variety of transaction types.

Abstract: A controller of a commodity sales data processing apparatus outputs, in response to closing operation for one transaction or bill exchange operation for instructing bill exchange, an opening command to a cash storing unit, which can be freely opened and closed to store cash and opens according to the opening command, to open the cash storing unit. The controller prohibits the opening of the cash storing unit when the bill exchange operation in the operation input unit is performed regardless of a state in which the one transaction is suspended.

Abstract: An Internet advertisement method and system that issues an authentication key for enabling selected target customers to receive a commercial sample at a membership-based offline store by performing an advertisement in the form of a banner on a web page of an online market, such as an Internet shopping mall, such that an advertiser can conveniently satisfy needs of customers desiring to purchase goods after receiving the sample without delivering the sample, a targeting goods advertisement can be effectively performed, membership-based offline stores can be publicized, and increasing visits from customers can lead to an increase in sales. The Internet advertisement method includes providing an advertisement including information on providing a sample, and generating an authentication key for enabling a customer terminal selecting the advertisement and requesting a sample of advertised goods to receive the sample at an offline store.

Abstract: A network for processing retail sales transactions includes a customer transceiver with a unique customer number, a reader receiving the customer number and sending it to a point-of-sale device where it is combined with transaction information to form a transaction entry. The transaction entry is sent through a merchant computer to a transaction processing system having a customer database. The transaction processing system references an entry in the customer database corresponding to the customer/transmitter ID number and routes the transaction entry to a payment processing system specified in the customer database entry.

Abstract: Payment systems are provided that utilize a portable device, and in particular, payment systems that utilize a first portable device that belongs to a seller and a second portable device that belongs to a buyer, but do not utilize a point of sale (POS) device.

Abstract: A random weight item transaction system include a scale with label RIFD tag functionality, service person RFID tag functionality and customer RFID tag functionality. A slicer in proximity to the scale may include service person and bulk food product RFID functionalities. The scale may make weigh transaction data available to a computerized checkout system via a communications link or via writing the information to the label RFID tag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enabling a computer network transaction for a product being purchased by a buyer from a seller by generating a once-only transaction feature associated with the transaction, by providing the transaction identification feature to a transaction acquirer, together with a buyer identification feature which identifies the buyer to the transaction acquirer, and by providing the once-only identification feature to the seller, such that the seller may provide the transaction identification feature to the transaction acquirer and the transaction acquirer can match the transaction identification feature received from the seller with the transaction identification feature they have been provided with and, if they match, can enable settlement of the transaction.

Abstract: An optical disc has a security feature in the form of an RFID tag that communicates with a voltage controlled optical modifier layer in the optical disc. In the presence of an interrogation signal, the RFID tag allows the optical disc to be used normally by outputting a voltage to the optical modifier layer. In the absence of an interrogation signal, the optical modifier layer prevents a laser from reading from or writing on the optical disc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical disc has a security feature in the form of an RFID tag that communicates with a voltage controlled optical modifier layer in the optical disc. In the presence of an interrogation signal, the RFID tag allows the optical disc to be used normally by outputting a voltage to the optical modifier layer. In the absence of an interrogation signal, the optical modifier layer prevents a laser from reading from or writing on the optical disc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitate communications security in a distributed computing and applications environment. A pass-phrase is generated to wrap a strong set of security credentials that are employed to establish trusted relationships between entities such as a service provider and one or more partners seeking access to the provider. The pass-phrase is generally constructed from weaker cryptographic material and is generally transported or communicated separately from the wrapped security credentials. When the partner desires to access service resources, the pass-phrase is employed to unlock the strong set of security credentials contained within the wrapper. The unlocked security credentials are then utilized to establish encrypted communications channels between the service provider and the partner.

Abstract: Connection of a USB memory (storage device) to a USB port (data transmitting and receiving unit) is detected and the date and time of detection of this connection is stored. Using this detection of connection as trigger, a camera is caused to pick up an image of an area embracing a user positioned in a position where the user can operate a user interface. Picked-up image data outputted from the camera is stored together with shooting date and time.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for enabling cashless fueling transactions through the use of vehicle-based decal sticker RFID tags. The tags store a unique customer identification number as well as other frequent purchase information. When read by a reader installed at the fuel dispenser, the tag information is sent to the network host via the Point of Sale (“POS”) system, where it is linked to a customer's account for transaction processing and subsequent activation of the fuel dispenser. Several tags may be read by a single interface unit, avoiding the need to connect a tag reader to each fuel dispenser.

Abstract: The invention broadly comprises a method for enabling point of sales (POS) functionality in a wireless communications device (WCD) including the steps of: transmitting, using an interface element in at least one specially programmed general purpose computer, a POS function control signal to a communication network for transmission to a WCD, the WCD located in a retail location; activating a POS function, in response to the control signal, to enable POS functionality in the WCD, the POS function stored in a memory element for the WCD or in a memory element for the at least one specially programmed computer; acquiring, using the POS function, an identification of an item via the WCD; receiving, using the interface element, the identification data for the item from the WCD via the communication network; and generating, using a processor for the at least one general-purpose computer, an order including the first item.

Abstract: A wireless consumer transaction system and method includes wireless equipment coupled to a point-of-sale system, whereby consumers are enabled to set up and carry out point-of-sale transactions in an automated or semi-automated manner using a wireless device. Users entering within the coverage area of the wireless equipment are prompted to conduct a point-of-sale transaction. The point-of-sale system transmits menu options to the user's wireless device. The user selects from the options provided, and is given the ability to purchase the desired goods or services in an automated manner using the wireless device. The wireless equipment of the point-of-sale system is preferably coupled to a point-of-sale computer, which is in turn coupled to a remote processing center. An automated purchase transaction may be conducted by obtaining approval and/or automatically withdrawing funds from the remote processing center in response to user-initiated activity.

Abstract: A method of effecting a sale over a computer network in which it is determined whether a user passes fraud control before effecting a sale over a computer network. Information associated with a method of payment, such as credit card information, debit card information, checking account information, a telephone service account, a cable television account, a utility service account, or an Internet service provider account, is requested from the user after the user passes the fraud control. Information associated with the method of payment is received from the user in real time. Method-of-payment information is communicated to a payment authorization database, which can be located locally or remotely. The method-of-payment information includes the received information associated with the method of payment. Payment authorization information associated with the method of payment is received from the payment authorization database.

Abstract: Electronic transaction data sets are processed for a multitude of disparate transactions using a plurality of autonomous payment networks. A software-programmed computer circuit receives and processes electronic transaction data to identify a seller using information provided in the transaction data, and uses the identification to access seller profile information for selecting one of a plurality of networks. In this context, a seller can be identified using one of a plurality of identification approaches (e.g., different account IDs), and such identification can be used for retrieving and using electronic profile data to select a payment network for the seller, which may be completely independent from the identification. Payment data is accordingly configured so that the selected network can receive and process the data, such as by configuring the data into a network-specific format and/or communicating the data using network-specific protocols.

Abstract: A retail point-of-sale system to provide a customized set of identification data to facilitate a retail sales point-of-sale transaction is provided. The retail point-of-sale system, for example, can include a plurality of retail sales point-of-sale terminals, one or more retail system computers, a database accessible by the one or more retail system computers, and a program product stored in the memory of the one or more retail system computers. The plurality of retail sales point-of-sale terminals can be positioned, for instance, at one or more retail locations and can be positioned to accept purchase transactions from purchasers of goods. The one or more retail system computers can be positioned, for example, to provide data to and from each of the plurality of remotely positioned retail sales point-of-sale terminals to thereby facilitate one or more point-of-sale transactions through each of the plurality of remotely positioned retail sales point-of-sale terminals.

Abstract: Personal information of users is used to customize the browsing experiences of the users on a World-Wide-Web site. To ensure privacy of the users' personal information, each user is assigned a unique Universal Anonymous Identifier (UAI). The UAI is generated by a trusted third party and provided to the Web site operator. The Web site operator then indexes the users' personal information by UAI. Only the user has the ability to correlate his/her true identity with his/her personal information.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable electronic transfer device using a near-field wireless communication module and a method of using it. The device includes an element for entering an amount and an acceptance command so that a debitor can enter their personal identification number on their portable device and not on that of a third party. If the acceptance command is authenticated, a secure message containing the amount is sent via the near-field wireless communication module to a creditor. The creditor can then add their references to the message and send it to effect the transaction. Alternatively, the creditor sends their references to the debitor via the near-field wireless communication module and the debitor can formulate a transaction request including the amount and the references of the creditor.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, ingredients for a particular electronic recipe accessible at a particular web site are encrypted, wherein the encrypted ingredients may be decrypted by a food retailer that intends to pre-package the encrypted ingredients. Instructions for preparing the electronic recipe and the encrypted ingredients are transmitted to a computer system associated with a particular user. The particular user may select the food retailer at which the encrypted ingredients are to be pre-packaged and transmit the encrypted ingredients to the food retailer. The selected food retailer may decrypt the encrypted ingredients utilizing a decryption key provided by the particular web site and pre-package the encrypted ingredients for the particular user.

Abstract: An image projection kit and a imagery content distribution system and method.

Abstract: A store system comprises: store controller 21 incorporating programs for executing sales and sales management tasks; display 27 for displaying a screen for the execution of a task specified by each of the programs; first input means for inputting data to store controller 21 based on an instruction displayed on the screen produced on the display 27; and second input means for inputting handwritten or voice memo information to store controller 21. Store controller 21 requests an operator to select key information to be appended to the memo information when the operator inputs the memo information via the second input means, and stores the memo information, together with the appended key information, in a storage device within the system.

Abstract: This invention concerns a consumable authentication method for validating the existence of an untrusted chip. A random number is encrypted using a first key and sent to an untrusted chip. In the untrusted chip it is decrypted using a secret key and re-encrypted together with a data message read from the untrusted chip. This is decrypted so that a comparison can be with the generated random number and the read data message.

Abstract: Provided is a method of and system for settling signatureless payment of a slip of bank card sales in a mobile terminal such as a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, and a smart phone, having a mobile IC (Integrated Circuit) chip card, to then be printed on a transaction approval sales slip, to thereby make personal authentication completed and prevent the sales slip from being forged or fabricated, without signing on a customer's autographical signature of the sales slip. The signatureless payment settlement system has an algorithm for producing a personal authentication value in an IC chip card mounted on the mobile terminal including the cellular phone or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and receives a card issuing company key, card issuing information, a card password, an IC chip card produced random number to produce a personal authentication value.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the self-checkout of secured items from a lending or sales establishment. A self-checkout system may be configured to determine a patron's eligibility to checkout items. Subsequently, the system may be configured to determine whether an item wished to be checked out by a patron is stored in a secure locked case. The present invention provides means for allowing the patron to unlock the secure locked case without the need of library staff assistance. A blocking mechanism is provided which controls access to the unlocking mechanism such that a patron may only unlock a secure locked case when authorized to do so by the system.

Abstract: A method for managing the submission of a plurality of engagements using a plurality of logins is disclosed. The method might include the steps of providing a plurality of logins corresponding to a single entity, wherein each of the plurality of logins includes a user name, a password and a location code, providing information relating to the plurality of engagements, receiving an identification code and a location code corresponding to the single entity and an engagement code corresponding to one of the plurality of engagements, and searching the plurality of logins for an available login. If an available login does not exist, then create an available login or return to the searching step. If an available login exists, then assign the available login to one of the plurality of engagements, and make the available login, unavailable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a security protected transaction settlement method in performing transaction settlement of sales using a register terminal. The upper limit amount that each casher who operates the register terminal can settle is preset and registered in advance. When a casher makes settlements of the sales using the register terminal, a judgment is made if the casher can settle the transaction by comparing the sales amount and the upper limit amount preset for the casher. If the sales amount is higher than the preset upper limit amount, the register terminal is disabled and the casher can settle the transaction only if an authorization code is inputted by a supervisor who has authority to settle any account in excess of the upper limit.

Abstract: An optical disc has a security feature in the form of an RFID tag that communicates with a voltage controlled optical modifier layer in the optical disc. In the presence of an interrogation signal, the RFID tag allows the optical disc to be used normally by outputting a voltage to the optical modifier layer. In the absence of an interrogation signal, the optical modifier layer prevents a laser from reading from or writing on the optical disc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

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: The present application relates to a method and an apparatus of encrypting and/or decrypting password to secure secrecy of the password.

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: In general, the invention features methods by which more than one client program connected to a network stores the same data item on a storage device of a data repository connected to the network. In one aspect, the method comprises encrypting the data item using a key derived from the content of the data item, determining a digital fingerprint of the data item, and storing the data item on the storage device at a location or locations associated with the digital fingerprint. In a second aspect, the method comprises determining a digital fingerprint of the data item, testing for whether the data item is already stored in the repository by comparing the digital fingerprint of the data item to the digital fingerprints of data items already in storage in the repository, and challenging a client that is attempting to deposit a data item already stored in the repository, to ascertain that the client has the full data item.

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: A system including at least one theft security system having at least one transceiver device, set up adjacent at least one passage, for detecting antitheft labels that pass the passage, characterized in that each theft security system and/or each transceiver device is preferably provided with an identification code with which each theft security system and/or each transceiver device is identifiable within the system, the system further having at least one control device, and the system further having a communication device, the communication device being adapted for real-time transmission of real-time information about detected antitheft labels from each theft security system and/or each transceiver device to the control device, the control device being adapted for real-time processing of the real-time received real-time information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for communicating via a handheld device to Internet applications such as customer relationship management applications. Automatically generated user information, such as an electronic mail (e-mail) address, containing a certification key is used to authenticate a mobile user's access to Internet applications. Access from mobile devices, such as personal data assistants, is possible because no password is required to log in. Other security measures may be used in conjunction with providing user information to ensure access only to authorized users.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to cashless transactions. In particular, the present invention relates to methods (100) for conducting cashless transactions and systems (400, 500) for implementing said methods. In a first aspect there is provided a method (100) of processing a cashless transaction. The method includes, determining (102) a first identification from a first identification device (426); pre-authorising (104) the cashless transaction on the basis of first identification; determining (106) a second identification from a second identification device (420A); and in the event that the first identification and the second identification are associated, authorising (110) the cashless transaction.