Abstract: A combination patron-supervisor library self-check-in/out workstation includes both a patron visual display and a supervisor visual display so that a supervisor can monitor patron initiated transactions so that the supervisor may in real-time have access to the patron visually displayed patron operational information as well supplemental information.

Abstract: A system for controlling currency exchange and merchandise sales on commercial airline flights includes a point-of-sale (POS) computer for receiving currency and merchandise inventory information preflight and for recording transactions in-flight. Data is exchanged between the POS computer and a cash/currency processing computer (CPC) for reconciling preflight and post-flight inventories and for generating reports for use by the airlines, merchandise vendors and currency exchange service providers. A control method includes the steps of determining currency and merchandise inventories preflight, recording transactions in-flight and reconciling and reporting transactions post-flight.

Abstract: A system and method for electronically authenticating a subscriber account for a network service is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a subscriber account provider receives initial information from a subscriber. The received information is stored by the subscriber account provider. A transaction processing device is provided to the subscriber and the subscriber is electronically authenticated prior to enabling the subscriber account for performing the network service. In the preferred embodiment, the step of electronically authenticating the subscriber comprises receiving captured information from subscriber through said transaction processing device. After receiving the captured information the subscriber account provider utilizes the captured information to receive verifying information about the subscriber; and then compares the verifying information with the initial information to authenticate the subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method for securely storing data provides for storing, managing, and updating an owner's secret data and for accessing the stored data by a trusted third party upon the occurrence of an event, such as the death of the owner. The system and method makes use of application software, such as a virtual wallet running at least in part on the server of a trusted third party and with a virtual executor function and a virtual archivist function. The virtual executor function automatically escrows a trusted third party's access aspect of the owner's secret device for accessing the stored data. Upon verification of the occurrence of the event, the virtual executor provides access to the stored data using the trusted third party's access aspect. The virtual archivist function automatically updates technologies related to the stored data.

Abstract: An credential verification service (CVS) authenticates digital credentials, such as, digital certificates, at the request of online service providers. The CVS stores the authentication results and transaction information in a central activity log. The transaction information can include a size of the transaction, the online service requesting the authentication, an internet protocol (IP) address of a computing device originating the transaction and the goods or services involved in the transaction. The CVS generates an activity report from the activity log that lists the authentication results and the transaction information. A fraud detection module within the CVS analyzes the activity log to identify any unusual patterns in order to identify fraudulent activities or general misuse of the digital credential.

Abstract: An information processing (camera) system comprises a radio communication terminal (medium) and an information appliance (camera) communicable the radio communication terminal (medium) within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention concerns apparatus and methods for a family of electronic devices based on the concept of a Personalized Authenticated Controller (PAC). The PAC is able to recognize characteristics of an authorized person and allows only that person to rapidly communicate authenticated identification and requests to access, control and transact with many “smart” Instrumentalities designed with compatible communication capabilities. The PAC is conveniently combined with an electronic wristwatch and worn by its user. Personal Smart Instrumentalities, such as vehicles and firearms, will operate without difficulty for their owners but become worthless if stolen. Commercial Smart Instrumentalities, such as merchants and banks, can quickly communicate with the customer's PAC to establish positive personal identification and optionally charge purchases or transfer funds. Various security features are incorporated to ensure authentication of the customer and integrity of the transaction.

Abstract: A password is split into a plurality of pieces. The pieces are stored at different remote servers. The different remote servers have the property that together they can determine that the user has knowledge of the correct password. If any subset of the servers are compromised, the compromised subset cannot convince any remaining servers that they know the password.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is disclosed that is reprogrammable through a pager network. The device includes a communications port. The device also includes a data transceiver for transmitting send data and receiving receive data from a pager network. In addition, the device has a processor. The processor is in electronic communication with the communications port for communicating through the communications port. The processor is also in electronic communication with the data transceiver for communications with the pager network. The device also includes reprogrammable memory programmed with instructions to cause the device to receive new program code from the pager network and to reprogram the reprogrammable memory with the new program code.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for authorizing a commercial transaction between a customer and a goods or service provider via an authorization service provider with authentication of the customer by comparing a biometric sample of the customer with a biometric model of the customer stored with the authorization service provider. The telephone link between the supplier and the authorization service provider is set up via a router which associates the real telephone number of the authorization service provider and the telephone number of the supplier with a virtual telephone number and transmits a code which is isochronously calculated by the router and the authorization provider with the aid of the same algorithm.

Abstract: An alert notification system for customers and sales personnel in a shopping area and a method of use is disclosed. In a first aspect, a system for alerting customers and sales personnel that merchandise has been left in a shopping area is disclosed. The system comprises a merchandise detector for detecting merchandise purchased by a customer and a customer detector for detecting whether the customer has left the merchandise. The system further includes a notification system responsive to the customer and merchandise detectors for alerting the customer when the customer has left the purchased merchandise. In a second aspect, the method comprises detecting the presence of merchandise associated with a customer via a second detector and detecting whether the customer has left the merchandise via a second detector. The method further includes alerting the customer, responsive to the first and second detectors, via a notification mechanism if the customer has left the merchandise.

Abstract: The invention discloses a tokenless biometric identification computer system, comprising at least a database containing registered biometric samples of users. A comparator compares a bid biometric sample of a user to at least one registered biometric sample, the bid biometric sample obtained directly from the user during an identification process for conducting an electronic transaction by the user. A stored audio signature is associated with a transaction processor entity, which the transaction processor entity is responsible for conducting the electronic transaction. A sound generator generates an analog or digital signal from the stored audio signature, and a transducer converts the analog or digital signal to a play back audio signature.

Abstract: A method and system for processing postage payments is described. In one configuration a digital pen is utilized to provide a mail piece identifier. The data provided is utilized to account for postage and verify payment of postage.

Abstract: A system and method are used to complete a transaction associated with a gaming machine. The system and method assign the transaction to an employee of the casino and sense a biometric characteristic of the employee at a jackpot fill station. The sensed biometric characteristic is compared with a stored characteristic of the employee and a match is confirmed. The transaction is authorized if the match is confirmed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for verifying a player's eligibility for participation in on-line gaming. A method for verifying a player's eligibility to participate in on-line gaming includes performing one or more verification checks for the player. The method includes, for each verification check, requesting data about the player from one or more data source providers. The method includes receiving the data from the one or more data source providers. The method includes, for each verification check, calculating a check score based on received data from the one or more data source providers. The method includes calculating a verification score that is based on the check scores.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of sharing an online shopping cart over a computer network includes the steps of providing an electronic address of a sharee, the sharee being a person with whom the shopping cart is shared. One of a plurality of predetermined roles may be specified for each sharee, each of the plurality of roles defining privileges granted to the sharee. A password may be assigned for the shopping cart and a unique cart number and a unique sharee number may be generated and stored in a database. An electronic message, such as an email, may then be sent to the sharees' electronic addresses, the electronic message including at least the cart number, the cart password and the sharee number. The sharee may then retrieve the saved shopping cart over the computer network by supplying the cart number, the cart password and the sharee number sent in the email. The sharee may then exercise only those privileges defined by the role specified for the sharee.

Abstract: When a person visiting the store comes to a store clerk, the store clerk has to utter predetermined service keywords, for instance, a keyword meaning “Welcome” used in the store. When a voice recognizing unit 13 recognizes this utterance from a microphone 11, a store PC 31 enables input terminals of a POS terminal 12 according to the result of recognition. Thus, the store clerks are formed to utter keywords and give satisfactory impression to the visitors, thus contributing to service improvement of the store in management of the utterance of predetermined service keywords by store clerks to persons visiting a store.

Abstract: A method for registering biometric information for use in a transponder-reader system is disclosed. The method includes steps of detecting, verifying and storing a proffered biometric sample. During detecting, a sensor detects a proffered biometric to obtain a biometric sample. During the verifying step, the biometric sample is compared with other stored samples and/or other information. During the storing step, the biometric sample is stored on a database, for use by the transponder-reader system in authorizing transactions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method present to a consumer information during consumer idle periods. A signal indicating the start of idle time is used to present to the consumer various offers. The interactions are planned based on previously acquired consumer data, the current transaction, the venue of the transaction, the time of day and the date of the transaction, and the estimated time available. The method of the invention collects information about the customer utilizing a point-of-sale terminal. Information concerning the customer's transactions are accumulated and analyzed and the resulting information is used to improve the efficiency of the customer's next interaction with the system. The efficiency increase results from a fitting of a set of possible dialogues, into the idle time, so as to select a set of dialogues and their order that will provide the highest value.

Abstract: A system for controlling access to online content referenced in a hardcopy document. A user requesting access to online content available on a server responds to an authentication challenge from the server using a password mechanism printed in the hardcopy document. The password mechanism allows the user to identify a password for responding to an authentication request by the server. After authenticating the user, the server initiates a state change to enable subsequent access to the online content by the user with a different password that is also identified with the password mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a user for an account is provided. The system comprises a form factor enclosing a microprocessor, a first memory associated with the microprocessor, authentication information stored in the first memory for the account, a display device, a microcontroller in communication with the microprocessor, a second memory associated with the microcontroller, an input device providing a data entry interface for the user to the form factor and a card reader interface selectively connecting the microprocessor to a remote card reader. In the system, the microcontroller is adapted to receive authentication data from the input device provided by the user, to evaluate the authentication data against the authentication information and to enable the card reader interface if the authentication data is validated against authentication information.

Abstract: An unmanned lodging house device, which combines a payment system based on a mobile communication terminal with an electronic door lock unit, and a method for providing check in/out services using the unmanned lodging house device, and a computer-readable recording medium stored with a program for implementing the same method. The unmanned lodging house device includes a card reader, a door lock, a room status display, a user interface, and a controller. The controller receives a payment approval information and a room secret number through the card reader, and sets the received room secret number as a secret number of the door lock after the user confirms the received room secret number through the user interface, and further enables the room status display unit to display the room status when the setting of the secret number of the door lock is completed.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-party authentication is described. The multi-party authentication process uses synchronous and persistent biometrics signals received from parties to a transaction, based on a policy, to approve a transaction request. The biometrics signals preferably are expressed as compressed video signals having steganographically inserted challenge response data. Several business applications are described that are based on the multi-party authentication engine.

Abstract: A card reader module includes capabilities for receiving and decrypting an encrypted user PIN to facilitate off-line transaction authorization. In an off-line transaction, a transaction processing system need not communicate with an outside authorization network to obtain transaction authorization. Off-line transaction authorization is particularly relevant when a customer uses a secure payment device, such as a smart card. With a smart card, the transaction processing system, in cooperation with the smart card, compares a user-entered PIN, input through a keypad, with a user PIN stored on the smart card. If the input PIN matches the stored PIN, the transaction processing system authorizes the customer's transaction. Rather than including the keypad, the card reader module receives the PIN in encrypted format directly or indirectly from a separate keypad. To minimized fraud, the separate keypad encrypts the PIN before it is sent to the card reader module.

Abstract: A customer self-service terminal for use in conducting retail transactions. The terminal includes a camera having multi-mode image capability. When a customer wishes to conduct a transaction, the camera is used to scan product barcodes. The camera is set to capture an image of a barcode for extraction of data contained in the barcode. When all desired products have been scanned, the camera is used to record steps in the tendering of payment. The customer presents a financial identification card such as a credit or debit card and swipes it through a magnetic stripe reader. The customer then places the card in the field of view of the camera which is set to a video graphic mode to capture an image of the card for storage. The customer is then presented with a transaction document for signing. The camera is set to a live video mode to record the act of signing. After the transaction document has been signed, the camera captures an image of the signature.

Abstract: The invention concerns a personal data archive system with portable personal storage devices allowing the owner to enter and store personal data. Authorization checking devices are allocated to the storage devices and grant access to at least some of the personal data stored in the storage devices only in the event of a positive authorization and/or authentication.

Abstract: A system for detecting fraudulent transactions is disclosed. The system breaks the transaction down into its component parameters. A first score is computed depending on the propensity of the transacted commodity to be involved in fraud. A second score is computed as a function of the authentication of the remaining parameters of the transaction. A total fraud score is computed from the first score and the second score and compared against a fraud threshold to determine the likelihood of the transaction being fraudulent.

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 computer processing system for a shipment transaction involving shippers and carriers. The system is particularly suited to efficiently and automatically audit and effect payment of a shipment transaction and to efficiently provide access to relevant shipment information. According to one example embodiment, the system includes a processor arrangement that monitors shipper credit data and processes shipment transaction information in response to control data from a user identified from a database of shippers and carriers. Validated users of the shippers and carriers are assigned varying communication access levels authorizing transactions, such as payment to carriers. In response, the processor arrangement audits shipment transactions, issues reports on the audits, assists in resolving discrepancies and effect payments.

Abstract: The present invention concerns apparatus and methods for a family of electronic devices based on the concept of a Personalized Authenticated Controller (PAC). The PAC is able to recognize characteristics of an authorized person and allows only that person to rapidly communicate authenticated identification and requests to access, control and transact with many “smart” Instrumentalities designed with compatible communication capabilities. The PAC is conveniently combined with an electronic wristwatch and worn by its user. Personal Smart Instrumentalities, such as vehicles and firearms, will operate without difficulty for their owners but become worthless if stolen. Commercial Smart Instrumentalities, such as merchants and banks, can quickly communicate with the customer's PAC to establish positive personal identification and optionally charge purchases or transfer funds. Various security features are incorporated to ensure authentication of the customer and integrity of the transaction.

Abstract: A method for remote verification in which a first party at a first telephone confirms their identity to a second person at a second telephone. The fingerprint of the first person is read and compared to a stored fingerprint pattern. If the stored and sensor fingerprint patterns match, the first telephone transmits a signal to the second telephone which controls a display on the second telephone to display an image of the first person.

Abstract: This invention is wireless probability ticket that comprises a wireless device that initializes a transaction, a wireless carrier that connects to the wireless device and carries the transaction and a gaming transaction server connected to the carrier, wherein the gaming transaction server verifies and decrypts messages, identifies users of the wireless device, and sends a two layered message, the two layered message having a first layer and a predetermined second layer, wherein the gaming transaction server sends the first layer of the two layered message to the wireless device, thereby permitting the user of the wireless device to make a selection of at least one choice from the first layer, wherein the user selection is then sent to the gaming transaction server, and the gaming transaction server logs and tracks the choices received from the wireless device and further decrypts the second layer of the two layered message and then sends the second layer to the wireless device, wherein the wireless device fu

Abstract: A system and method allowing a consumer to make a purchase within a retail area and to remove that purchased item from the retail area without causing an alarm by an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The system first identifies the consumer and the product to be purchased, then validates the selected item. If the selected product is a valid selection, then the system posts the transaction to the consumer's account, optionally including a convenience charge, and commands the EAS to allow removal of the purchased item from the secured retail area, thereby allowing the consumer to make the purchase and avoid waiting for the availability of a human cashier or salesperson.

Abstract: The cashless vending machine system of the present invention comprises: a radio-communication terminal having a terminal information storage device for storing a verification key, and a terminal encryption processor for performing encryption with a random number and the terminal verification key; a vending machine having a radio-communication terminal pseudo network forming a pseudo network for the radio-communication terminal, and a verification key storage area for storing the terminal verification key from the radio-communication terminal, the radio-communication terminal pseudo network having a decryption processor for decrypting the terminal verification key from a value produced by the terminal encryption processor and a random number produced by a random number generator; and a center for communicating with the vending machine by radio or cable communication.

Abstract: A retail terminal is utilized as a gateway to an electronic billing application that allows a user to gain access to the electronic billing application and thereafter tender payment for the bill. A paper bill that is sent to a user is encoded with user login information that is obtainable by the retail terminal. The retail terminal obtains the user login information from the bill and logs the user into the electronic billing application. Various peripheral devices associated with the retail terminal are configured to accept payment for the bill. In one form, the user login information is encoded as a bar code on the bill that contains a user ID and, optionally, a password. The present invention improves the usability and reliability of an electronic billing application. Further, the present invention minimizes the chance that a user will erroneously enter someone else's account number, and provide a level of security by ensuring that the user is in possession of the printed bill.

Abstract: A request for a commodity that each office in an organization needs is sent from a terminal in the office to a general affairs service center in the organization. The request is then sent to a VAN center where it is entered into databases and appears in a home page of a WWW server. In the case of a request to order a commodity, a decision is made as to whether or not an estimate has been made for the commodity. If it has not been made, the order request is sent to the WWW server after a reply to the estimate request has been received from the vendor. The vendor acquires the request information that appears in a home page of the WWW server connected with a network and then makes an estimate for the commodity and delivers it.

Abstract: An operator number acquiring code is set in the macro-key data with correspondence to a macro-key. If the macro-key is depressed and there is the operator number acquiring code, the operator (logged on) number is supplied to the following key decode processing. A manager number may be also acquired. If a repetition start and end codes are set, the set data stored between these codes are repeatedly executed the specified number times. If a magnetic card data squiring code is set, data in a magnetic card is read and supplied to the key decode process as input key code.

Abstract: An automatic toll collection system for automotive vehicles moving along a roadway is provided which includes a toll collecting facility and an inspecting facility. The toll collecting facility is installed in a toll booth on the roadway to collect the tolls from an in-vehicle unit through radio communication. The inspecting facility is provided outside the roadway and troubleshoots the in-vehicle unit when an abnormal condition in which it is impossible to collect the tolls from the in-vehicle unit correctly is encountered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effectuating sponsor and player driven winning of multiple types of sweepstakes type promotions, contests and games through the unique use of automated game entry, enhanced sharing and trading of game pieces and of an Odds Accelerator that creates variable odds. The present invention provides the unique ability to add real-time variable odds changes to any given sweepstakes or promotion type game involving elements of chance or skill based on pre-determined sponsor rules. The system creates the ability for the players of a given promotion to join together via the system and increase all players' odds of winning a given prize or prizes. The system receives and stores data on its members including the number of elements played, the number of winning elements distributed, the number of losing elements distributed, and any other information required pursuant to set sponsor rules so as to determine the variable nature of a particular game's odds.

Abstract: The present invention is a wireless device, such as a pager, that has an identity, such as a frequency and a capcode. The wireless device is provided for notifying a user of a message, such as a telephone number, directed specifically to the identity of the wireless device. The wireless device includes a housing, a display attached to the housing, a driver connected to the display for causing indicia to appear on the display, a controller, such as a microprocessor, connected to the driver for sending to the display a signal comprising indicia to appear on the display, a memory, and a receiver connected to the controller for receiving a page signal directed specifically to the identity of the wireless device and for communicating the page signal to the controller. When the controller receives the page signal received by the receiver, the controller sends to the driver a signal comprising the advertising indicia for causing the display to display the advertising indicia.

Abstract: An integral USB MODEM/USB LAN card peripheral comprises a first connector connected to a computer; a second connector connected to a telephone line; a third connector connected to LAN; a USB controller used to collect and dispatch internet data; wherein the USB controller has a micro-controller connected to a first memory, and a USB SIE (serial bus interface engine) connected between the first connector and the micro-controller. The micro-controller is connected to a MODEM module and an ether network media access controller through an internal bus, wherein the MODEM module is connected to the second connector for accessing Internet; and the ether network media access controller connected to the third connector through a physical layer for accessing LAN. Therefore, the present invention enables a computer to access LAN and Internet simultaneously; and the remote users to share compute resource with other users.

Abstract: Apparatus, and a corresponding method, present to a customer various forms of information (product, brand . . . ) during periods where the customer is idle. A signal indicating the start or impending start of idle time is used to present to the customer various offers in a series of interactions between a computer interface and the customer. The interactions are planned based on previously acquired information about the customer, the current transaction, the venue of the transaction, the time of day and the date of the transaction, and the history of prior customer activities. The method of the invention enables a system of computers to collect information about the characteristics of a customer in a retail, banking or service establishment utilizing a point-of-sale terminal, which has input and output devices that the customer can use to communicate with the system of computers for identification purposes and to select from various options presented to the customer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system provides secure distribution of value-bearing instruments, such as coupons, tickets, gift certificates, money orders and traveler's checks. The distribution system involves three parties which are the consumer of the instrument, the supplier of the instrument and a security party which is referred to as a secure transaction service. The consumer registers with the secure transaction service for identity verification either before or after a transaction is initiated with the supplier of products or services. Verification of the consumer's identity can be established at any required level. In one aspect of the system, the supplier provides the consumer with a confirmation token which the consumer must then provide to the secure transaction service together with identification information of the consumer, so that only the valid consumer can complete the transaction.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the business method includes providing a sales point, with the sales point being configured to display merchandise. The sales point is remotely monitored to ensure use by an authorized agent, and also may be monitored for compiling information on transactions occurring at the sales point. Additionally, the sales point preferably incorporates one or more security alarms which may be remotely monitored. Preferably, the sales point incorporates the use of a display case which may incorporate a computer readable medium for operating various aspects of the display case.

Abstract: The program for personal authentication in a mobile phone enables the mobile phone user to buy a commodity without cash and a card, and without entering a password.

Abstract: A method and system of transaction card fraud mitigation utilizes location based services provided by a card holder's wireless carrier for verification of whether or not a transaction with the card holder's transaction card is fraudulent. For example, when factors indicative of a likelihood of a fraudulent transaction with the card holder's transaction card are present, the card processing system requests the card holder's wireless carrier to return the location information of the card holder's mobile phone, which is typically on the person of the subscriber. When the location of the subscriber's mobile phone is returned and determined to be at or near the location from which the transaction is being attempted with the transaction card, the card processing system has a reasonable degree of confidence that the particular transaction is or is not fraudulent and allows the transaction to proceed. Otherwise, the transaction is denied.

Abstract: A purpose of this invention is to totalize, store, and check special sales information concerning special customers or special purchasers, etc. Sales information of registered merchandise is totalized and stored in an area corresponding to a department code of a department file table specified in a product department, by an ordinary registration mode. When special registration process is specified by depressing a department shift key, a value of the product department is changed to a value specified in a department shift table by a special registration mode and the sales information is totalized and stored in an area corresponding to the department code of the department file table specified by the thus changed value. Accordingly, the special sales information can be totalized as ordinary sales information, and can be stored separately from the ordinary sales information.

Abstract: A portable telephone is provided with a transmission and reception unit 9, a control unit 10, a speaker 6, a display unit 5, a code reader unit 11, an operation input section 4, a microphone 3, and a storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 is provided with a telephone number memory 13, a password-data memory 14, and a personal-attribute memory 15. A buyer scans a code, in which product information is encoded, using the code reader unit 11, and enters password data via the operation input section 4. The control unit 10 performs a comparison of the entered password data and password data previously stored in the password-data memory 14. After the comparison, the transmission and reception unit 9 transmits via an antenna the product information, the telephone number stored in the telephone number memory 13, and personal-attribute data stored in the personal-attribute memory 15 to a mobile telephone company. The transmitted information is used in settlement of the sales amount.

Abstract: A point-of-sale terminal initiates a transaction and provides a prompt to be spoken to an operator (e.g. a cashier) of the POS terminal. The prompt indicates a verbal message that is to be spoken by the operator. The POS terminal then receives an audio signal via a microphone or similar device to record what the operator has spoken. Using speech recognition, the POS terminal determines whether the audio signal corresponds to the prompt, and thus whether the operator spoke the prompt properly. In one embodiment, the transaction is paused until the operator properly speaks the prompt. In another embodiment, the POS terminal stores an indication of whether the operator has properly spoken the prompt, thereby allowing the performance of the operator to be measured.

Abstract: A certification apparatus stores personal information certified to a user to register the user. When a user presented password sent from a portable telephone coincides with a password stored as a part of the personal information and the user who is operating the portable telephone is specified to be the same person as the registered user, adult certification data certifying the user being an adult on the basis of the personal information is sent to the portable telephone. Consequently, it becomes possible to make a portable terminal acquire certification information certifying personal information, and to prevent unfair use of the certification information by a third party almost surely. Thereby, a certification system capable of preventing unfair use by the third party almost surely can be achieved.