Abstract: A method and device for providing willing participants, having credit card worthiness, with a credit card which uses subscribers supplied biometric information as the preferred means for verifying the identity of the credit card user during credit card purchase transactions with those vendors/online merchants displaying the Touch Scan Logo on their websites and/or retail outlets. Additionally, user can register pre-existing credit/debit card(s) with the credit/debit card purchases identification verification system.

Abstract: This invention concerns an integrated circuit (IC) device, such as smart cards, electronic wallets, PC cards, and the like, and various methods for authenticating identities and authorizing transactions based on the authenticated identities. The IC device has a memory and a processor. The IC device maintains an identity authentication table in the memory to hold an arbitrary number of identities. The identity authentication table correlates identities with authentication protocols, so that different protocols can be used to authenticate associated identities. The identity authentication table also correlates counts with the identities. Individual counts specify a number of uses of the IC device for a corresponding identity without requiring the IC device to authenticate the identity for each use. The IC device also maintains an authentication vector in memory. The authentication vector tracks identities in the identity authentication table that are currently authenticated by the IC device.

Abstract: In a sales management apparatus, control programs necessary for operating in different modes are stored in respective mode keys and any desirable control program is loaded by using a corresponding mode key to realize saving in memory capacity of the apparatus. A sales management apparatus having a memory for writing and reading a control program, a mode key having a memory for storing a control program, means for registering a person in charge according to data provided from the mode key and means for transmitting the control program from the mode key, which can switch a control program to another, e.g., registering, setting, checking or exact calculation program by replacing a mode-key by another.

Abstract: An interactive rapid response Internet accessed air travel management system. The system includes a web-based planning and reservation interface system and an interactive access device. The system responds to details of a member's desired travel, to thereafter act in real time to contact the domains of associated travel service providers to arrange for every aspect of the member's trip, from airline and hotel reservations, ticket issuance, and ground transportation, to restaurant and theater reservations, and any other travel related needs of the member. The system stores identification information to verify access device possession to prohibit unauthorized use of the system and to provide security pre-clearance to system members.

Abstract: A system (500) for identifying an unidentified customer (510) includes a database (42) that contains utterance data (162) corresponding to a known customer. A processing system (502) coupled to the database (42) receives utterance information corresponding to the unidentified customer (510) at the point of sale and compares the utterance information with the utterance data (162) to identify the unidentified customer (510) as the known customer. In response, the processing system (502) may automatically retrieve stored information (104, 132, 162) corresponding to the known customer.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for allowing users of a cellular telecommunication system to obtain services, goods, or other benefits from a third party. The invention allows the user to order a token from a token issuing system, receive the token to his mobile communication means, and obtain a service, goods, or some other kind of benefit by communicating the token to a verifying system, which verifies the token and allows the user to obtain the desired service.

Abstract: At a point of sale terminal, a biometrics device is coupled to the point of sale terminal to provide for an ability to scan a fingerprint of an authorized operator or manager. Once an authorized fingerprint is scanned, then a series of predetermined commands will automatically be performed within the point of sale terminal to implement the override function required of the manager or operator. The biometrics device replaces the need for a physical key to be used by a manager to access the point of sale terminal, and then also replaces the need for the manager to enter a keying sequence to perform the override function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying identity of a participant in a network-based transaction facility are described. According to one embodiment, user interface information is provided to the participant via a communications network. The user interface information specifies an identity verification interface for obtaining personal information of the participant. The personal information of the participant is passed to a third party for verification via the communications network. Subsequently, a verification result is received from the third party via the communications network. The verification result is then communicated to the participant via the communications network.

Abstract: A payment system and method of conducting a shopping transaction between a customer and a merchant utilizing an approval system over portable phone which controls the acceptance or rejection of the shopping transaction and a financial institution to provide credit or an account that can be debited to pay for the shopping transaction. A first communications link is used between the merchant and the computer approval system and a first customer identification code given by the customer to the merchant is transmitted over the first communications link to the computer approval system for validation thereby. If the first customer identification code is validated by the computer approval system, the computer approval system uses a different, second communications link to a portable wireless telephone that can be a cell phone to obtain the customer approval of the transaction and to obtain from the customer a second customer identification code.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of positively identifying individuals. The system comprises a point of identity verification terminal having a means for inputting data presented by a particular individual, at least one database storage and retrieval site having stored therein a plurality of corroborating identifying information unique to persons to be identified, and a means for exchanging data between the point of verification terminal and the database site. The database site comprises a means for validating that a point of verification terminal seeking to exchange data with the site is authorized to do so. At the database site, the system receives the information presented at the point of verification terminal and searches the database to find the unique corroborating identifying data corresponding to the unique input data. The system then transmits the corroborating data to the point of verification terminal where it is displayed on a display means.

Abstract: A method of authorizing a commercial transaction between a customer and a provider of goods or services over a network, wherein the provider of goods or services requests that the customer provide authentication by activating a fingerprint identification device, and the provider of goods or services receives at least an authentication code of the customer over the network from the fingerprint identification device, the method comprising the steps of: providing the customer with the fingerprint identification device which produces the authentication code when a fingerprint of the customer matches a stored fingerprint within the fingerprint identification device; receiving at least the authentication code from the provider of goods or services over the network; and authorizing the transaction if at least the authentication code is valid.

Abstract: An item processing kiosk is located in or near a pickup area and (i) displays selections allowing a customer to choose whether the customer is picking up or dropping off an item (ii) in response to the customer selecting one of the displayed selections, displays a request for the customer to enter a customer and item identification, and (iii) in response to the customer entering the customer and item identification, electronically transmits a message to a remote stock room terminal. The message designates whether an it is to be picked up or dropped off. The message is arranged to cause the stock room terminal to identify the customer and the item. A stock room attendant picks up the item from, or delivers the item to, the customer, as appropriate.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine may securely communicate with devices over a public network such as the Internet. The gaming machine utilizes a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption that allows a single gaming machine to securely communicate with a remote server using a public network. The secure communication methods may be used to transfer gaming software and gaming information between two gaming devices, such as between a game server and a gaming machine. For regulatory and tracking purposes, the transfer of gaming software between the two gaming devices may be authorized and monitored by a software authorization agent.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining customer privacy where an identity of the customer must be divulged. The invention includes separating data associated with the institution into a first database of private data and a second database of public data; storing an encrypted copy of the private data and an unencrypted copy of the public data with an intermediary service provider; providing to the customer a security system that allows the customer to decrypt the encrypted data and remain anonymous to the intermediary service provider; merging the encrypted copy of the private data and the unencrypted copy of the public data; and providing an interface that allows the customer to view the merged data.

Abstract: A method of monitoring inventory within a dispensing cabinet. The method includes using different treatment of allocation codes, web-based special ordering, considered consumed check in check out function, find item function for searching different locations, defective item return function, market research function, quota function, and consignment function.

Abstract: When an operator inputs a login ID of a member and a password thereof using, a terminal and they are confinned by a point server, a Web server receives an order of goods. When the operator designates the number of points for payment and issues order information, the point server assigns the points to this member according to the sum total of purchase prices. The Web sever requests a settlement server about settlement using settlement points per a part where no point is used, and the settlement server performs settlement processing. When settlement is ended, the point server determines a variation in the points of the members.

Abstract: In the present credit card security method, a credit card company requests a person applying for a credit card account to submit a name and a birth month. The credit card company associates a credit card with essential information, prints the credit card, and issues the credit card to the person. The essential information comprises an account number, the person's name, and an expiration date comprising an expiration month and an expiration year. The expiration month is the birth month of the person. The credit card is printed with the account number, name, and expiration year, but not the expiration month. The credit card company still requires the correct expiration month to be submitted before authorizing a credit card transaction. The cardholder can verbally provide the expiration month to a sales clerk in a telephone or point-of-sale transaction, and can personally enter it into a computer in an Internet transaction.

Abstract: A telephone calling account system, method, and card. The method typically includes determining a preexisting account designator of a preexisting account, creating a telephone calling account on a calling platform, and assigning to the telephone calling account the preexisting account designator of the preexisting account.

Abstract: A transaction data processing system and method is provided, which is especially configured to capture, store and retrieve transaction data, including a digital representation of a signature of a person initiating a transaction. The transaction data processing system includes a scanner located at a point of use location. The scanner is configured to scan a transaction document including the signature of at least one party to the transaction. A transaction data processor is also included for processing the scanned transaction data and for generating a transaction data record. A remote database site having stored therein a database of transaction data records is also provided. A communications link links the remote database site to the transaction data processor, which is located at the point of use location.

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 payment system for automatic vending machines is characterized in that it comprises at least one microprocessor or electronic chip (10), which can be suitably programmed so as to univocally identify the fingerprints (30) of each user of said machines, by memorization in memory elements (40) and comparison of certain scanning points of their images to effect electronic identification.

Abstract: A device for making purchases in real time over a data communications network, comprising at least one personal computer by means of which a user who wishes to make purchases connects to a data communications network access service provider, at least one second personal computer located within a point of sale whose online site the user wishes to visit in order to make purchases, the second personal computer being connected to the access service provider, and at least one television camera that can move inside the point of sale and is adapted to transmit, by means of the second personal computer, over the data communications network, images of the point of sale, the at least one television camera being such that it can be guided within the point of sale by the user of the first personal computer.

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: A customer selects a program in a program display portion 1. A face image pick-up portion 2 picks up a face image of a customer by a fixed camera and a card embossed image pick-up portion 3 picks up a card embossed image of a bank card by an image sensor provided at the insertion portion of the bank card. A service execution portion 4 provides a service selected by the customer such as payment, deposit or transfer of the money. A customer transaction data image processing portion 5 writes customer transaction data into a table and the table is picked up as an image. A journal data synthesizing portion 6 synthesizes the face image, the card embossed image, and the customer transaction data image into a predetermined form. A journal data storing portion 7 stores the synthesized journal data into an HDD provided in the system, and the journal data is periodically recorded in an MO (electronic recording medium).

Abstract: A member-store functional unit transfers the name of a member store and the title of a campaign to an ID-assigning functional unit which assigns IDs to the title of the campaign and the name of the member store. The ID-assigning functional unit then transmits the IDs to an encoding functional unit. A broadcasting functional unit broadcasts the IDs, encoded by the encoding functional unit, by multiplexing the IDs in an audio signal. A reception functional unit receives the IDs whereas a decoding functional unit extracts and decodes the IDs. The decoding functional unit then outputs the IDs to a customer-number-assigning functional unit with a receiver ID. The customer-number-assigning functional unit forms a judgment on validity of the member-store ID, the campaign ID and the receiver ID, and assigns a customer number to the receiver ID if the member-store ID, the campaign ID and the receiver ID are found valid.

Abstract: A user of a station or the like acquires a right to use a rental box installed in or around the station, and key information to open the box is recorded in a key information recording medium. The purchased goods are stored in the box which the user has a right to use. The user sets the key information recording medium in the rental box when he/she arrives at a station. The box open/close controlling device extracts the key information of the box from the box user information recording device, and checks it with the key information read out from the key information recording medium and judges whether the-box is opened or not. In this situation, the box status that the box status monitoring device detected is referred to, if required. In addition, information necessary for the users, such as presence of the goods in the box, a result of the checking of the key information, or the like is displayed in the display device.

Abstract: A method of providing information regarding lockbox receipts to a customer having a lockbox account, the method comprising the steps of: having alert criteria containing alert conditions selected by the customer; creating a database file for each of the receipts of the lockbox account which are received after the customer has selected the alert criteria, each of the files comprising a plurality of fields containing data relating to a respective one of the receipts, the alert criteria defining certain of the fields as containing data to be compared against the alert conditions; comparing the alert conditions with the data of the fields of the database files defined by the alert criteria; and alerting the customer that one or more of said files contain data that have met the alert criteria.

Abstract: A system, process and computer readable medium for distributing purchasing incentives throughout departments of a retail store including an incentive processor including a network controller and a database for storing shopping histories of consumers associated with respective unique consumer identifiers; a plurality of incentive distributors located throughout the departments of the retail store, each incentive distributor of the plurality of incentive distributors having a unique address, and including, a processor, a printing device, a network interface device, and one of a card reader device and a scanner device; and a network, coupling the network controller to network interface devices of the plurality of incentive distributors, for effecting two-way communications between the incentive processor and the plurality of incentive distributors.

Abstract: A computer implemented system awards promotional incentives. A participant in the awards system calls or connects to an interactive platform for registering and/or redeeming credits preferably described in uniquely identified certificates. In a telephone environment, the interactive platform is connected to a toll free telephone number where a participant's call is handled by a computer controlled voice response unit. In a computer network environment, a computer user connects to the interactive platform over the network. The participant receives awards credits based on the unique identification of certificates. Award credits for a participant are accumulated in a stored record associated with the participant until redeemed. Award credits can also be acquired as an instant winner based on a random or algorithmic selection of callers to receive such credits. Awards include electronic prizes such as free long distance telephone time, electronic cash and/or service credits.

Abstract: A system (500) for identifying an unidentified customer (510) includes a database (42) that contains utterance data (162) corresponding to a known customer. A processing system (502) coupled to the database (42) receives utterance information corresponding to the unidentified customer (510) at the point of sale and compares the utterance information with the utterance data (162) to identify the unidentified customer (510) as the known customer. In response, the processing system (502) may automatically retrieve stored information (104, 132, 162) corresponding to the known customer.

Abstract: The invention satisfies these needs by providing a method and device for tokenless authorization of an electronic payment between a payor and a payee using an electronic third party identicator and at least one payor bid biometric sample. The method comprises a payor registration step, wherein the payor registers with an electronic third party identicator at least one registration biometric sample, and at least one payor credit/debit account. The payee registers a payee identification data with the electronic third party identicator. An electronic financial transaction is formed between the payor and the payee, comprising payee bid identification data, a transaction amount, and at least one payor bid biometric sample, wherein the bid biometric sample is obtained from the payor's person, in a transaction formation step. The payee bid identification data, the transaction amount, and payor bid biometric sample are electronically forwarded to the third party electronic identicator.

Abstract: A system and method for a payee to initiate at a point of sale an electronic funds transfer from an account of a payor to the account of the payee, comprising the steps of: obtaining from the payor the duplicate part of a completed two-part draft instrument comprising an original and a duplicate and having account identifying information printed thereon in machine-readable form, the original being configured for use as a conventional draft instrument, and the duplicate being configured for selective use as either a duplicate of the original, or as the originating document for an electronic funds transfer, said duplicate part of the draft instrument being completed by the payor to authorize the payee to present the check electronically so as to initiate an electronic funds transfer for the face amount of the instrument; scanning the instrument to electronically read the account identifying information; presenting the instrument electronically through an electronic clearing house network so as to initiate at th

Abstract: A device for facilitating financial account transactions is described which includes a processing unit including a cryptographic processor. The device also includes an input unit, a display unit and a memory device connected to the processing unit. The memory device contains a private cryptographic key, a first data element and a second data element. The processing unit encrypts the first data element using the private cryptographic key and the second data element, modifies the second data element, combines the encrypted first data element and the second data element to generate a single-use financial account identifier, and displays the single-use financial account identifier. This identifier is then transmitted to a central processor for authorization of the transaction.

Abstract: In the invention, an information recording medium records encrypted information, encrypted key information obtained by encrypting key information for decrypting the encrypted information to obtain original information, and non-encrypted condition information used upon decrypting the encrypted information and recorded in the encrypted key information, and the encrypted information from the information recording medium is decrypted inside an IC card using the encrypted key information and condition information. Upon decrypting the encrypted information from the information recording medium, information that requires security protection or copyright protection can be prevented from being illicitly copied.

Abstract: A method and system for providing controlled access to information stored on a smartcard. The system includes a data processing center maintained by a trusted third party for storing a database of authorizations of various service providers to access information pertaining to individuals, and for responding to request by service providers for access from terminals which communicate with the data processing center and smartcards storing the individuals' information. The information is stored on the smartcard in encrypted form and the data processing center provides an access code, which includes a key for decrypting the information, only to service providers who are authorized to access the information. The service provider then sends the access code to the smartcard which verifies the access code and decrypts and outputs the requested information.

Abstract: The present invention is designed to improve distribution of electronic objects by permitting publishers to enforce the copyrights associated with their objects. In accordance with the present invention, respective unique publisher identification information (e.g., including publisher identity, account number, and copyright fees for a given document, etc.) is embedded by the system into respective conventional object data files. When a user initially downloads a given electronic file and seeks to access same (e.g., via viewing and/or printing), the user is required by the system to electronically purchase (e.g., via electronic finds transfer, Cybercash.TM., credit card transactions, or the like) an appropriate user access license for the object, based upon the publisher identification information embedded in the object. At the time of purchase of such license, the system requires the user to supply sensitive user information (e.g.

Abstract: An encryption communication system including a host and a data terminal card device is disclosed. The host includes a start information generation program circuit for generating password generation start information which has not been used in the past. When the data terminal card device is connected to the host for communication, a password generation program circuit included in the card device generates a password in accordance with the start information received from the host. The card device sends the generated password to the host for certification. If the received password is coincident with a password generated in the host, the host certifies the received password and allows communication to be held. An encryption circuit also included in the card device controls a plurality of different encryption programs in a sophisticated way so as to execute time-varying irregular control, thereby generating encrypted data.

Abstract: An automatic process for use in point-of-sale credit card or debit card systems for taking corrective action based on information returned from the banking system and/or the point-of-sale system. The automatic process replaces the human clerk as the interface in control of action by the point-of-sale device enabling unattended operation. The automatic process includes the maintenance of a hot list for denying use of repeatedly rejected cards, stopping the automatic operation if the banking system denies point-of-sale device access, and allows for local proprietary cards to be used independent of the banking system.

Abstract: A system and method of assessing the quality of an identification transaction is disclosed.

Abstract: A cash management system that tracks bills received at at least one business establishment by cashier, by amount and by time while securing those bills immediately within a drop safe upon receipt from the customer in preparation for pickup by a courier service.

Abstract: A method of providing security for a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of determining a time-of-day value and a day-of-week value. The method also includes the step of operating the terminal at a first security level if (i) the time-of-day value is within a first predetermined time-of-day range, and (ii) the day-of-week value is within a first predetermined day-of-week range. The method further includes the step of operating the terminal at a second security level if (i) the time-of-day value is within a second predetermined time-of-day range, and (ii) the day-of-week value is within a second predetermined day-of-week range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for credit card purchase authorization includes using a credit card validation unit to transmit to a credit card company computer a purchase amount, a credit card number and a purchase token comprising both the purchase amount and credit card number which are encrypted using the user's personal identification code as a key. The transmission can be made by a wireless communications device, such as a cellular telephone or PCS communications device. The credit card company computer creates a test token by encrypting the received credit card number and purchase amount using a stored user's personal identification code number as a key. The test token is then compared to the purchase token. If the test token corresponds to the purchase token, the purchase is considered to be authorized.

Abstract: The invention includes a markup language according to the SGML standard in which document type definitions are created under which electronic documents are divided into blocks that are associated with logical fields that are specific to the type of block. Each of many different types of electronic documents can have a record mapping to a particular environment, such as a legacy environment of a banking network, a hospital's computer environment for electronic record keeping, a lending institution's computer environment for processing loan applications, or a court or arbitrator's computer system. Semantic document type definitions for various electronic document types (including, for example, electronic checks, mortgage applications, medical records, prescriptions, contracts, and the like) can be formed using mapping techniques between the logical content of the document and the block that is defined to include such content.

Abstract: A system and method of implementing a secure purchase management system wherein a unique account code is assigned to a purchaser; a set of secret transaction codes are provided to the purchaser, one secret transaction code to be used for each individual purchase to be made by the purchaser; and each purchase request from a purchaser is verified to make sure it includes the purchaser's account code and a transaction code which has not been used before to thereby prevent unauthorized purchases and fraud.

Abstract: In a card-type storage medium and transaction apparatus, when a transaction is started between the card-type storage medium and the transaction apparatus and a data file that is an object of an access from the transaction apparatus is determined, a unique identifier generating device of the card-type storage medium generates a unique identifier for this transaction. A unique identifier notifying device notifies the unique identifier to the transaction apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to specify the transaction apparatus having access to the card-type storage medium by referring to that unique identifier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing remote financial transactions over an interactive network using a user operated payment module such as an initialized remote control device. The secure remote financial transaction system uses password security as well as a secure method for selecting and implementing personal passwords.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for requesting and dispensing negotiable instruments such as bank checks, money orders, and traveler's checks. An instrument may be requested in this apparatus and method by a bank customer from a telephone, a computer, a fixed-location dispenser, or a portable, hand-held dispenser that is in communication with a bank computer. This request may be made orally, using touch tones, or using data transmission over a communication network that may include telephone lines, two-way radio links, microwave links, satellite links, cellular telephone links, computer networks, and the Internet. After a request is processed and approved, the requested instrument may then be dispensed at any time in this apparatus and method to the bank customer or another party from any receive-only dispenser, fixed-location dispenser, or portable, hand-held dispenser that is also in communication with the bank computer.

Abstract: A secure touchscreen is provided, comprising a touchscreen and touchscreen controller for receiving inputs, a system controller, an encryption module and two external buses. The controller, system controller and encryption module are embedded in a mass of material to prevent unauthorized access of the inputs. Furthermore, the first external bus is used to operate and communicate with an external system in an encrypted mode, while the second external bus is used to operate and communicate with the external system in a normal mode.

Abstract: A credit card reader with thumb print verification means is provided including a credit card having a thin magnetic strip with an account number stored thereon and a thumb print image. Also included is an alert mechanism for providing an indication upon the actuation thereof. A first camera is included to scan the thumb print image of the credit card upon the receipt of an activation signal. Associated therewith is a second camera adapted to scan a thumb print of a person upon the receipt of the activation signal and the user placing a thumb thereon. An activation mechanism is connected to the first camera and the second camera for transmitting the activation signal thereto upon the depression thereof. Finally, an image comparison mechanism is adapted to compare the thumb print of the user and the thumb print image upon the receipt thereof from the cameras.

Abstract: A communication system and accounting apparatus are provided capable of easy management of accounting a use of information by a user in multi-media networks while protecting privacy of the user. As a user input money information to an PPC input unit of a user terminal, the money information including cash, a pre-paid card, an IC card, and the like, a discrimination unit judges a use permission of provided information in accordance with the money amount indicated by the money information and/or charge information added to the information provided by an information provider. In response to a user permission signal, a signal processing unit processes the provided information and supplies it to the user.