Abstract: A system for tracking currency bills comprises a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system.

Abstract: Methods for the selection, purchase and shipping of items offered for sale. Said methods are enabled by computer software modules that allow a consumer to: (1) pay for items sold through an e-commerce website by using check and cash payment methods; (2) specify a future payment date and a future shipping date for a designated transaction with an e-commerce vendor; (3) specify a price at which the consumer is willing to purchase a particular item offered through an e-commerce website, after which the website crawls the Internet and automatically purchases the item and/or notifies the consumer if the item is found at or below the specified price; (4) arrange a customized installment payment schedule for purchasing items through an e-commerce website; and (5) create and manage a gift registry with an e-commerce vendor with a great degree of flexibility.

Abstract: A method for processing a check transaction includes receiving transaction information that is transmitted by a terminal; determining eligibility of the transaction for payment via a bank account; providing an electronic authorization response that is transmitted to the terminal, the authorization response including a unique transaction identifier if the transaction is eligible for payment via the bank account; and receiving an electronic response packet that is transmitted by the terminal if the transaction is eligible for payment via the bank account, the response packet including the unique transaction identifier and a transaction decision regarding payment via the bank account.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for presenting trading information. One example method includes displaying a plurality of effective trade indicators corresponding to price levels at which effective trades have been initiated, and displaying trading information corresponding to each effective trade. The effective trades can be determined based on user-configured trade definitions. The trading information can include a traded quantity and profit/loss corresponding to each effective trade. In addition to the trading information, current market information could be displayed as well in relation to the plurality of effective trades.

Abstract: A system for tracking currency bills comprises a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system.

Abstract: A check is printed on a generic form that does not include a pre-printed account number (e.g., a blank sheet of paper). In response to detecting a request for check printing on the generic form, fraud prevention techniques are performed to ensure validity of the printed check.

Abstract: Accommodating the data needed to process checks for payment under the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act by using expanded fields of a financial data file. The financial data file can comprise the complete, original MICR data from an original or substitute paper check. The financial data file can comprise truncated data in conventional fields F1-F7 and untruncated data in expanded fields F10-F1 . The financial data file further can comprise a result from an image quality analysis performed on an electronic image of the check. The untruncated MICR data and the electronic check image can be used to correct errors in the financial data file and to present the check for payment via a substitute check or an electronic image cash letter. The truncated MICR data can be used to electronically process the check via conventional means.

Abstract: A system and method of recognizing characters in a captured image, includes selecting a portion of the image encompassing a string of characters in the captured image to be recognized. The selected portion is examined to identify segments that potentially include the characters of the string. During the examining multiple tests on pixels in the selected portion are performed. The identified segments are then examined to recognize the string of characters.

Abstract: A system and method for performing Electronic Check Presentment (ECP) processing. The system and method employ digital imaging techniques to digitally image the physical checks as they arrive subsequent to posting of the ECP items. The images are electronically linked to the data records that represent the checks. During the proofing process, in which the data records for the ECP items are validated against the data records for the physical items, the records are updated such that the posting date and ISN number for the data records for the physical items reflect the posting date and ISN number of the ECP items. As the digital image of the check is electronically linked to the data records, the image is thus carries the posting date and ISN of the ECP item.

Abstract: A check processing method involves capturing at a first compression rate certain portions of a received check, and evaluating, based on that captured image data, whether certain information of the check can be reproduced by image data at a second compression rate that is greater than the first compression rate. If so, then image data representing the subject portions of the check is captured at the second compression rate image data, stored, and used to electronically process a corresponding check payment transaction. If not, then a specific process is executed without using image data at the second compression rate. This processing step outputs a specific signal or stores image data containing representing the subject portions of the received check at the first compression rate. Such process may be embodied in a check processing apparatus and may be carried out in response to a program of instructions.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash is then dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited check. The ATMs dispense cash responsive to communications with a transaction host. The transaction host provides transaction identifying data to the ATM. The ATM sends the transaction identifying data and check images to an image and transaction data server for processing.

Abstract: A method of processing paper checks that divides into two independent paths the processing of a data file representing a check and the digital image of the check. The data files and image files are separated both in time and in space, with the data files being used to promptly initiate the transfer of funds to and from appropriate accounts, while the paper checks, at a remote location and typically lagging in time, are scanned to create digital image files and deposited as an image or substitute check if deemed ACH ineligible. The method provides for the comparison of data files to image files, based on MICR information, to find any unmatching or mismatched items for exception processing and a process to manage ACH-ineligible items as an image or substitute check. The process further provides for a trial period protocol for performing image matching on ACH-eligible items during a trial period before sending such transactions for settlement.

Abstract: A system and method refund a current value of an event ticket to a user. The ticket is purchased from a ticket issuer and out of a pool of tickets. Information associated with the event ticket is obtained from a physical event ticket provided by a user to a kiosk. Ticket information is provided to at least one of: the ticket issuer, an event coordinator, venue owner, a third party or to the Internet via a query. In response, these sources return information associated with the event for which the event ticket was purchased. Subsequently, the kiosk calculates a current value for the event ticket based on at least one of the ticket information and event information. The current value is refunded to the user of the kiosk and the ticket issuer returns the ticket to the pool of available tickets.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and validating indicia representative of at least one of a document and a transaction and a set of data by an originating party involves at least one of a document and a transaction and a set of data having at least one information item original to the at least one of a document and a transaction and a set of data. An identifier representative of the at least one information item original to the at least one of a document and a transaction and a set of data is generated. The integrity of the integrity of the at least one of a document and a transaction and a set of data is validated by using the identifier to determine whether at least one information item of the at least one of a document and a transaction and a set of data has not been altered from the at least one information item original to the at least one of a document and a transaction and a set of data.

Abstract: A method of processing paper checks that divides into two independent paths the processing of a data file representing a check and the digital image of the check. The data files and image files are separated both in time and in space, with the data files being used to promptly initiate the transfer of funds to and from appropriate accounts, while the paper checks, at a remote location and typically lagging in time, are scanned to create digital image files and deposited as an image or substitute check if deemed ACH ineligible. The method provides for the comparison of data files to image files, based on MICR information, to find any unmatching or mismatched items for exception processing and a process to manage ACH-ineligible items as an image or substitute check. A process for translating raw MICR data to a desired format, and for identifying the proper translation to be applied, is described.

Abstract: A system for expediting the deposit, settlement and submission into the payment system for collection of funds represented of commingled paper and electronic financial instruments that are received by a payee at a location remote from the payee's collecting and clearing bank in which the instruments are separated at a payer's location where and the separated instruments accompanied by cash letters are delivered into the payment system and the payments' deposit with the collecting and clearing bank is coordinated with the timing of a settlement of accounts in the payment system.

Abstract: An improved method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for processing a check in an automatic teller machine in a data processing system. A check is received from a user at the automatic teller machine. The check is scanned to generate an image. A transaction is performed involving the check. The image is transmitted to a mobile device associated with the user, wherein the image is in a format for use with a financial program.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating a self-service check depositing terminal. The method comprises the steps of receiving a user identification (ID) card from a depositor at the self-service check depositing terminal, reading ID data from the user ID card, sending the ID data to a consolidation server of a first financial institution to allow the first financial institution to process the ID data, and receiving from the first financial institution a first message containing a first Uniform Resource Locator (URL) which (i) is associated with a consolidation server of a second financial institution which is different from the first financial institution and (ii) is based upon the ID data which has been processed at the first financial institution.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to third-party payment services including the ability to arrange and pay for goods or services with a printed paper check using facilities hosted by the third-party payment service. In one embodiment, a third-party payment services system may be arranged to provide access to a third-party payment account linked to a source of funds for the third-party payment account. The third-party payment services system may receive a request to transfer funds from the third-party payment account to a recipient using a printed check and may receive a use limitation for the check. A unique number to be printed on the check may be derived and associated with the third-party payment account. A payment request for the check may be verified using the unique number when use limitations for the check have been observed. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light is used for checking the authenticity of sheet material, in particular bank notes, whereby the ultraviolet light transmitted, i.e., pervading the sheet material to be checked, is used for checking authenticity.

Abstract: The present invention provides various features for extracting a user's bank account information for use in facilitating the electronic transfer of funds to or from the user's bank account. One feature of the invention involves a method and system for extracting a bank routing number from character strings provided by a user from the face of a bank check. The method involves receiving from the user a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line. A contiguous string of characters within the MICR line that satisfies a checksum test is stored as the bank routing number for the user. A check number and an account number may also be received from the user. A test is performed to verify that the check number, the account number, and the bank routing number all coexist within the MICR line. Another feature of the invention involves a method and system for facilitating the transfer of funds between a buyer and a seller. A bank routing number is determined for the seller as noted above.

Abstract: A method of electronically managing payment media, includes the steps of: (i) determining an amount of payment media dispensed from a payment media dispensing device, based on electronic point-of-sale data received from a point-of-sale register associated with the payment media dispensing device; and (ii) determining an inventory amount of the payment media remaining in the payment media dispensing device based on the determined amount of payment media dispensed from the payment media dispensing device. A computer program product can store a computer executable program that includes instructions to cause a controller of a transactions processing system to perform the above steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for implementing a loyalty program on a network-wide level. The system associates UPC and SKU data on a network level to reward consumers and/or to analyze the data for a variety of business purposes, such as market segmentation analyses and/or analyses relating to consumer spending behaviors or patterns for example. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates implementation of an incentive or loyalty program by providing a universal rewards currency. This universal rewards currency may be “spent” by participants who have earned rewards and accepted by the other participants in the multi-tiered network created by the system. The network may comprise any number of participants, including consumers, retailers (and any of their employees), manufacturers, third-party providers, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method of facilitating a transfer of a refund amount from an educational institution to a student. A refund controller receives from an educational institution a request for authorization of an instant paper check of a payment amount equal to at least a portion of a total refund amount associated with the student of the educational institution student. The refund controller verifies the payment amount is equal to or less than an amount of funds available to the student and transfers funds equal to the payment amount to an instant issuance account. The refund controller authorizes the educational institution to issue an instant paper check for the payment amount to the student. The instant paper check draws from the instant issuance account.

Abstract: A method of enabling remote deposit of checks includes receiving at a second site a plurality of check images and a plurality of entered dollar amounts, wherein the check images were generated at the depositor site by scanning the checks and the entered dollar amounts were manually entered at the depositor site. Each of the entered dollar amounts correspond to a respective one of the check images. The check dollar amounts are read from the check images at the second site using character recognition, and certain of the entered dollar amounts are used as hints to improve the accuracy of the character recognition. The enhanced character recognition results are provided to the depository bank along with the check images to enable the checks to be deposited in the depositor's account.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates in response to data read from user cards and dispenses cash to authorized users. The machine includes at least one processor which controls various banking machine devices and operates the machine in response to inputs by customers. A sensor is in operative connection with a gate that controls access through a currency dispensing opening. The at least one processor operates to analyze signals from the sensor and to determine if the gate movement corresponds to a suspect condition. If the at least one processor determines that there is a suspect condition, the machine executes one or more protective actions to minimize the risk of improper activity.

Abstract: The remote deposit gateway is a payment management system designed to capture many types of payments and provide basic management tools for tracking and researching these payments. Payment capture of check images are used for Check 21 Act processing. Recurring checks allow scanned checks to be used on a recurring payment plan. Credit card payments can be entered for single or recurring payments. Management of returns and special notes for each item are allowed in the system. Batching of payments and checking sums is a feature of the system. The system employs a smart calendar program to track processing chronologically. Use of the system speeds up funds collection times, reduces collection costs and increases collection rates on returned items.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing binary options (also referred to as digital options) in existing clearing systems, such as futures clearing systems. The binary option is treated, or processed, similar to standard options on a non-tradeable cash-settled underlying futures contract. A hypothetical instrument, referred to as a book instrument is created to facilitate clearing of the binary option. The book instrument has an expiration date after the expiration of the binary option, such as the day after the expiration of the binary option. For each binary option that expires in the money, a transaction is created for the book instrument future. The underlying book future has an assigned price that is a fixed amount less that the final price for the underlying statistical or actual value of the binary option at expiration. Transactions are loaded in the clearing system and processed and all positions are liquidated.

Abstract: Techniques for use of wireless labels to provide information relating to documents in a document processing operation are described. A plurality of document processing trays each have affixed a label for receiving and displaying messages which are received wirelessly from a central communication interface The messages provide information relating to documents to be placed within or contained within the trays. When a group of documents undergoes initial processing, the group of documents is sorted into a plurality of sorting locations. Each of the sorting locations has an associated tray and label and the documents within the sorting location are placed within the tray. Messages relating to the documents within each tray are transmitted and displayed on the label affixed to the tray. The messages provide information such as the large group, such as an entry, and sorting location to which the documents belong and the endpoint of the documents.

Abstract: A system for expediting the deposit, settlement and submission into the payment system for collection of funds represented of commingled paper and electronic financial instruments that are received by a payee at a location remote from the payee's collecting and clearing bank in which the instruments are sorted at a payer's location where and the sorted instruments accompanied by cash letters are delivered into the payment system and the payments' deposit with the collecting and clearing bank is coordinated with the timing of a settlement of accounts in the payment system.

Abstract: An original check identifier in MICR format includes separator symbols that do not appear on a typical computer keyboard. When a user is entering a check identifier from a computer or a telephone, the user is instructed to replace the separator symbols with replacement symbols that appear on a typical computer keyboard. The replacement symbols indicate the separation of fields within the check identifier, such as the routing number field, the account number field and the check number field. The entered check identifier with replacement symbols is parsed to distinguish the fields. After the fields are distinguished, the routing number, the account number and the check number of the check identifier are identified.

Abstract: A system and method for purchasing a money order via the internet including the steps of providing an internet based money order system capable of generating money orders upon the receipt of a purchase request by a prospective buyer via the internet for a predetermined amount of funds. The prospective buyer transmits information to the money order system. via the internet, which information is required to purchase the money order. The money order is then remotely generated by the money order system and is delivered to an intended recipient of the money order.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to facilitate a transfer of a refund amount from an educational institution to a student. For example, a refund controller may receive from an educational institution an indication of a refund amount associated with a student of the educational institution student. The refund controller may then determine a method of refund delivery associated with the student and automatically arrange for the refund amount to be provided to the student in accordance with the determined method of delivery.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to output a visual and audible user interface which enables a consumer to operate the machine. The visual user interface includes a plurality of hierarchically organized visual screens. For each visual screen, the exemplary machine includes corresponding verbal instructions which are output through external loudspeakers or a headphone placed in operative connection with an external port of the machine. Upon insertion of the headphone into the port, the machine is operative to mute the output to any external loudspeakers and set the audio output through the headphone to a minimum or medium volume level. The automated banking machine is responsive to operating at least one volume control key to cycle the audible output through a plurality of different volume levels. For each input, the machine is operative to output verbal description of the function associated with the input.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) identifies and stores documents such as currency bills deposited by a user. The machine then selectively recovers documents from storage and dispenses them to other users. The machine includes a central transport (70) wherein documents deposited in a stack are unstacked, oriented and identified. Such documents are then routed to storage areas in recycling canisters (92, 94, 96, 98). When a user subsequently requests a dispense, documents stored in the storage areas are selectively picked therefrom and delivered to the user through an input/output area (50) of the machine. The control system (30) for the machine includes a terminal processor (548). Identification devices identify the type and character of a document, and distinguish genuine documents, such as genuine currency bills, from unidentifiable or suspect documents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for processing value units, such as bank notes, coins or checks. A system and method for processing deposits of value units are provided by which bank notes of the deposit are checked successively in two bank note processing machines, and the data of both the first and second checking operations are supplied to an evaluation device in order to perform an evaluation of the deposit on the basis of both the first and second checking operations. This two-stage processing provides the possibility of carrying out the processing of deposits in cash centers considerably more efficiently than with hitherto used methods.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating a remote check image capture system. The method comprises scanning a batch of checks to provide a stream of captured check images, locally storing the captured check images, and transmitting the captured check images to a bank server while other checks are being scanned to enable a human operator to begin balancing checks without having to wait until all checks of the batch of checks have been scanned.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software are described for authorizing transactions undertaken with a negotiable instrument which is pre-allocated a specific amount of funds. A host computer system may receive a request to allocate funds to a negotiable instrument. The host may verify the availability of funds, and allocate the funds to the negotiable instrument. The host may then receive a request to authorize the transaction in which the negotiable instrument is used. The host may verify that the particular instrument has been allocated the specific amount indicated, and thereby authorize the transaction.

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: According to the present invention, a business is issued a deposit card readable on a debit card reader enabling the business to transmit deposit information to its bank or financial institution for crediting rather than debiting of its account. More particularly, a method is provided for facilitating bank deposits for a business having a debit card reader configured to send deposit information to a bank at which the business maintains at least one account. The method comprises the steps of: (i) compiling deposit information concerning cash and negotiable instruments to be deposited in the account; (ii) transmitting the deposit information to the bank via the debit card reader; (iii) consolidating the cash and negotiable instruments into a deposit package; (iv) labelling the deposit package to link it to the deposit information in step (ii); and, (v) delivering the deposit package from step (iv) to the bank.

Abstract: A method, and system for processing electronic return items, the method comprising: receiving directly or indirectly from a plurality of different payor banks a plurality of different electronic return notification files, each electronic return notification file in the plurality for a different bank of first deposit, each electronic return notification file including a data structure with a designated bank of first deposit, an amount, and a reference key for the return item and a return reason; sorting multiple electronic return notification files by designated bank of first deposit; and sending each of a plurality of the electronic return notification files directly or indirectly to its respective designated bank of first deposit.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited checks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically processing accounts receivable (AR) check transactions via a location-base device associated with a merchant. The location-base device, such as a point-of-sale (POS) device, can be configured to perform various functions that facilitate processing of AR checks. Such functions may include improved user interface, an ability to handle a repetitive input parameter, an ability to handle multiple merchant identifiers, an ability to generate multiple receipt types, an ability to edit check transactions, an ability to manage throughput of the device, and an ability to allow scanning of different types of checks so as to allow subsequent processing of the scanned checks to be different based on the type of the check. The location-base device configured in one or more of the foregoing manner facilitates a check authorization process performed by a check processing service.

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 method for screening for potential fraud in commercial paper is provided. For example, a method of the invention comprises steps of presenting a check for cashing to a check cashing agent (e.g., a bank teller); scanning or inspecting the check for data; selecting data for analysis; analyzing selected data with a commercial paper fraud detection system (“CPFDS”); and reporting results of the fraud detection system analysis to the check cashing agent. The commercial paper fraud detection system provides a means for predicting if commercial paper is potentially fraudulent. For example, the commercial paper fraud detection system may detect stolen checks, altered checks, and fabricated or counterfeit checks, among other types of fraud. Also provided is a computer program product for detecting fraud in commercial paper.

Abstract: A card actuated automated banking machine (152, 198, 200) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a display (182), a check imaging device (186) and at least one processor (190). The automated banking machine is operative responsive to receiving a check and certification data to dispense cash in exchange for the check. The person presenting the check need not provide user identifying inputs through input devices in order to receive cash for the check. A check recipient prior to presenting the check for payment is also enabled to verify that the check will be paid through communication with at least one computer (204) through at least one consumer interface device (208).

Abstract: A self-service deposit terminal for bank notes, in the deposited notes are subjected to an acceptance procedure in which the deposited notes are passed through a note validator and a decision is made regarding the validity of the notes, so as to differentiate between: a) authentic notes; b) counterfeit notes; and c) suspect notes. Reject notes are then separated from authentic notes and diverted to a purge bin. On route to the purge bin counterfeit notes are marked, so as to render them unusable and suspect notes are marked without rendering them unusable.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage to implement a method to determine flow schedules for processing a check presented at a bank by a patron. The flow schedule can be determined by using a routing number associated with the check and then looking up the routing number in a database in order to determine whether the check is an on-us check or transit check. The system can further determine whether a transit check is a local or non-local check based on whether the bank uses the same check processing center as the paying financial institution of the check. The type of check deposited by a patron affects the flow schedule and hence the information relayed to the patron. The flow schedule also varies in accordance with whether the patron is a customer of the bank and other factors.

Abstract: A method for printing drafts includes: communicating between a second computer corresponding to a financial institution and a first computer corresponding to a company that has a financial account with the financial institution, wherein the first computer is located at the company's premises and remotely from the second computer; and printing a draft check by a printer that is coupled to the first computer responsive to the communicating between the first and second computers, wherein the draft check is payable from a financial account that the company has with the financial institution.

Abstract: A system for merchants to electronically process statistically-analyzed checks and receive payment on the same electronically from a third-party service provider while the image of the check writer's check is stored electronically and the payment itself is presented through the normal check-processing system.