Abstract: When an accounting process is performed through connectionless communications such as a WWW, etc., a retrieval CGI stores a retrieval result in a file having a file name generated from a process ID and a user ID. Then, a retrieving/accounting process is performed in units of a user ID and a process ID. A session is managed using the process ID as information to be exchanged, thereby requiring no resident combinational software. Furthermore, a volume-dependent accounting can be realized even when communications are disconnected.

Abstract: A computer-implemented discounting system suitable for use in conjunction with a point-of-sale transaction device. The discounting system includes a memory subsystem for storing information related to at least one promotion and a software module coupled to the memory subsystem. The software module receives promotional codes entered by consumers and determines if the promotional codes relate to the promotions for which information is stored in the memory subsystem. If so, the software module transmits discount information for the promotions related to the entered promotional codes to the point-of-sale transaction device. For each promotion, a promotional code, a promotion period, a product code, a discount amount, a promotional code count and a maximum number of promotional codes are stored in the memory subsystem.

Abstract: A system and method for influencing and potentially altering a consumer's purchase decisions at the point-of-purchase in a retail store using a portable bar code scanner that is in constant wireless communication with the store and a retailer/manufacturer's computer/controller. The consumer uses the portable bar code scanner to scan products in the store, and if a scanned product is currently under a promotion, the controller alerts the consumer's portable bar code scanner as to the promotion, so that the consumer can to take advantage of the promotion. In another embodiment, the consumer will be identified before beginning shopping by their frequent shopper card, so that the computer/controller, in communication with the portable bar code scanner, can utilize the consumer's past purchase history and offer the consumer promotional product discounts.

Abstract: A method and system for using a frequent shopper card as a phone calling card including (a) issuing a transfer certificate with a predetermined phone time and having a first personal identification number, at a terminal; and (b) adding the predetermined phone time to an account, associated with the frequent shopper card having a second personal identification number, based on the first personal identification number, at a server. The server includes a memory containing a data structure for storing information relating to using the frequent shopper card as a phone calling card. The memory includes fields which store the account information associated with the frequent shopper card, and fields which store the first and second personal identification numbers. A computer program product includes a computer storage medium having a computer program code mechanism embedded in the computer storage medium for causing a computer to allow the frequent shopper card to be used as a phone calling card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a user to access the internet from a remote location by using a local internet service provider with whom the user does not have an account. The user logs on to the local internet service provider's system using an identifier that includes the user's identification term and an identifier for the user's home internet service provider server. A first server in the local internet service provider's system determines that the login information includes the identifier for the user's home internet service provider server and sends a query to a second server. The second server verifies that the user's home internet service provider has an account with the local internet service provider and returns an internet protocol address for the home internet service provider's server to the first server. The first server then seeks authorization from the home internet service provider's server to provide internet access to the user over the local internet service provider's system.

Abstract: The past purchase data of the customers stored in a point-of-sales data management system, i.e., stored in a POS system are read out, and are classified and totalized depending upon designated periods or designated articles, and the classified and totalized data are output to terminal equipment of the POS system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing security of an IC card such as a cashless payment card, an ID card, a medical health management card, a local government service card, etc. in each transaction with an object to improve a level of the security. The permissible number of accesses to a data file in each transaction is beforehand set. When a transaction is started between a card-type storage medium and a transaction apparatus, the number of accesses to the data file after the start of the transaction is counted and the counted number of accesses is compared with the permissible number of accesses. If the number of accesses exceeds the permissible number of accesses, it is judged that an error has occurred so as to interrupt the transaction.

Abstract: A restricted access computer system. The system comprises a general purpose computing platform and a control system comprising a control hardware device and a control software program. The control hardware device is connected to the computing platform and to an access-status device such as a coin hopper or the like. The control software program runs on the computing platform and, in a secure mode, replaces the graphical user interface portion of the operating system of the general purpose computing platform. The control hardware device and control software program interoperate to allow access to application software programs on the computing platform only when certain conditions are satisfied. The control hardware device resets the computing platform if the control software program fails to communicate therewith. The control hardware device also restricts operation of the user keyboard and display monitor to reduce the possibility of unauthorized use of the computer system.

Abstract: A centralized system of accumulating cash value for consumers based upon point-of-sale transactions with multiple merchants is disclosed wherein for each transaction, the consumer's account number (such as the Social Security number) which may be different from the consumer's credit card account number, for example, is transmitted to a central system along with data identifying the merchant and a credit value for the transaction. The credit value may be based upon predetermined incentives associated with the transaction such as coupons, rebates or discounts, and/or upon a credit rate determined by the merchant applied to the amount of the transaction. At the central location, a cash value for that consumer is incremented by the credit value and a bill value for that merchant is similarly incremented. Periodically, the merchants are billed for the accumulated bill value or credited for any third party incentive amounts confirmed at the central location.