Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and system are provided for facilitating the processing of at least one check in accordance with an offer which the account holder may accept, in one example, via a check being presented by the account holder as payment for a transaction.

Abstract: A method for processing checks includes capturing check data from a check with a capture device of a check processing system, where the check data includes payee information. A category of the check is identified based at least in part on the payee information. A user account is updated with the category and at least a portion of the check data. A first edit to the check data is received from a user. A handwriting profile of the user is updated based on the first received edit. The handwriting profile is used to improve the accuracy of subsequently captured check data.

Abstract: A system providing a comprehensive tool useful in credit risk managing a set of loans. The system includes a method for obtaining an estimated financial outcome, i.e., a gain or a loss, for a particular loan, and applying the estimated loss for to the set. The system also includes a method for obtaining a probability of a loss for a particular loan, and applying the probability of loss to the set. The system further includes the generation of a list of loans from the set of loans with a heightened risk of loss.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing financial transaction information are provided. In one embodiment, a financial institution runs an index generating software program to generate a downloadable index of images of cleared checks. The account customer uses complementary software to remotely download, search, and display the index of cleared check images, together with the images themselves. In another embodiment, the financial institution periodically runs a software program to generate digital archives of the cleared check images for the account customer. The account customer is provided with secure online access to the digital archives. The account customer may use standard financial bookkeeping software to download and display the cleared check images and associate the cleared check images with transactions in the associated account registers.

Abstract: A faceplate for a housing of a computing device including a processor includes a bezel with interior and exterior surfaces. The bezel removeably covers at least a portion of an opening defined by the housing. A wireless local area network (LAN) unit is mechanically coupled to the interior surface of the bezel and comprises a data interface that enables data transfer between the wireless LAN unit and the processor.

Abstract: A method for determining a death benefit with respect to a charitable gift annuity contract, the method determining the death benefit funded on an after-tax basis of the charitable gift annuity. The method comprises determining if a wealth replacement rider has been selected; and if the wealth replacement rider has been selected, calculating the amount of the death benefit to be funded on the after-tax basis. The method further comprises calculating the new charitable gift annuity payout.

Abstract: Methods of the present invention identify an asset allocation model and at least one security associated there with. An investment account portfolio is stored that includes at least one substitute security associated with the identified at least one security. A virtual portfolio is then generated that includes the identified at least one security. A tax lot is created for the identified at least one security to identify a total value for the at least one security, and the method determines whether the virtual portfolio complies with the asset allocation model. The identified at least one security associated with the asset allocation model is restricted from the investment account portfolio.

Abstract: A method for processing payments is provided that includes receiving with at least one server data representative of a plurality of payments. For at least one of the payments, the at least one server causes data representative of at least one third party offer to be mailed to the payee associated with the payment along with a check for the payment amount of value associated with the payment. The method also includes receiving with the at least one server, data representative of an acceptance of the at least one third party offer. Responsive to the acceptance, the at least one server may cause: a gift certificate to be issued to the payee; value in the amount of the payment minus a service fee to be transferred to a merchant associated with the at least one third party offer; and to cause the check to be voided.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a carrying unit that carries an irradiated object having a reflecting portion and a transmitting portion in a carrying direction, a first light source arranged on one face side of the irradiated object that irradiates light to an irradiated portion in a path of carrying the irradiated object, a second light source arranged on other face side that irradiates light to the irradiated portion, a detecting unit arranged to be spaced apart from the irradiated portion by a predetermined distance that detects the transmitting portion, a lighting control unit that controls to put on the second light source during a time period of passing the transmitting portion through the irradiated portion, a lens array arranged on one face side of the irradiated object that converges reflecting light reflected by the reflecting portion and transmitting light, and a sensor that receives converged light.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided of processing a substitute check which has been made from an original check. The computer-implemented method comprises (a) reading from the substitute check a printed magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline, (b) reading from the substitute check an imaged MICR codeline, and (c) comparing the printed MICR codeline of step (a) and the imaged MICR codeline of step (b) to determine if the printed MICR codeline and the imaged MICR codeline match.

Abstract: A system for processing a composite trading order comprises a memory operable to store market data received from one or more market centers. The system further comprises a processor operable to generate a composite value based at least in part on the market data. The processor is further operable to receive a composite trading order associated with at least a portion of the composite value. The processor is further operable to generate a plurality of constituent trading orders that, when filled, combine to satisfy the composite trading order.

Abstract: A payment service provider receives a request to pay a payee on behalf of a payor and determines, responsive to the received request, that the payee will not accept the requested payment via a charge to a credit card account of the payor with a credit card issuer. The payor wishes to fund the requested payment from the credit card account. Accordingly, the payment service provider transmits, to the credit card issuer, account information identifying the credit card account and payment information representing the requested payment for inclusion in a credit card statement of the credit card issuer to the payor for the credit card account. However, the payment service provider directs the requested payment to the payee on behalf of the payor from a payment account other than the credit card account.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and displaying a payment lead time or expected payment delivery time in an electronic payment system is disclosed. A payee associated with a payor is identified. Prior to receiving a payment request to pay the payee on behalf of the payor, an expected payment delivery time for a payment to fulfill the payment request is determined. The expected payment delivery time is based on at least one payment attribute associated with the payee and at least one payment attribute associated with the payor. An interface screen is then generated for displaying the determined expected payment delivery time.

Abstract: A computer system for administering an insurance account includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor. The processor is adapted to: access from a memory storage device data indicative of a payment mode associated with premium payments to the account or payments from the account; access from the memory data indicative of a calculation associated with the account dependent on the payment mode; perform the calculation based on the accessed payment mode dependent data; and provide an output signal having data indicative of the performed calculation.

Abstract: A user or a device may separate a check into two or more portions prior to generating a digital image of the check for remote deposit of the check. The user or a device may separate the check by cutting or tearing the check. After separating the check into the portions, the user may generate a digital image of the portions of the check using a scanner for example. The digital image may be transmitted to an institution for deposit of the check. The institution may retrieve the images of the portions of the check and generate an image of the check based on the portions, by combining the images of the portions for example. The image of the check that may be generated based on the images of the portions may be processed for deposit.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting processing of a transaction conducted between a first party and a second party. The first party accepts payment via a plurality of different payment options selectable by the second party, and the plurality of different payment options are associated with a plurality of different authentication protocols prescribed therefor.

Abstract: A predatory lending detection system and method are described. The system is adapted to receive information pertaining to loans, store general loan information, as well as predatory lending laws, and process the loan information to detect violations of applicable predatory lending laws. In particular, the system compares the loan information to the general loan information and to the applicable predatory lending laws, detects variances therebetween, and scores such detected variances to determine a risk category for the loan.

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 method of generating a financial market index. The method includes selecting a plurality of constituent securities to comprise the index and determining a weight for each of the securities based on at least one forecasted parameter that is determined for each of the plurality of constituent securities that comprise the index. The method also includes generating the financial market index based on the weights.

Abstract: A client device coalesces data received from an exchange, and provides a client application such as a graphical user interface with the opportunity to process fewer, but up-to-date, data updates from an exchange when a large volume of prices becomes available. Accordingly, the trader can be assured of receiving updated information that are fed to the client applications at a rate that is cohesive with that client device's processing speed.

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: Providing interest to clients' deposited funds without the legal limitation on the number of demand withdrawals from deposit accounts is accomplished by an administration system that keeps all of the records for the clients' deposits and withdrawals, calculates the total of the deposits and withdrawals for all clients, and uses the calculation to determine whether funds are deposited to or withdrawn from a single deposit account in which all clients' deposit funds are kept. Clients can make unlimited withdrawals, such as by check, credit card, debit card, or electronic transfer, through the administrator. By placing the administrator as the holder of a single account, legal exemptions to the limitation on earning interest in demand accounts is facilitated.

Abstract: A method for processing checks includes capturing check data from a check, where the check data includes payee information or payor information. A category of the check is identified based at least in part on the captured check data. A user account is updated with the category and at least a portion of the captured check data. The user account is analyzed to identify transactions involving paper checks. Based on the analysis, an incentive is provided to a user associated with the user account, where the incentive discourages paper check transactions by the user.

Abstract: A system for processing deposits and/or withdrawals in a financial institution accepts a plurality of documents, including currency bills, at an input receptacle of a document-processing device, converts the image of at least some of the documents to electronic data representing the image. The currency bills are denominated by the document processing device, and the total value of the bills included in each deposit is accumulated. Whenever the total value of the bills in a deposit exceeds a prescribed value, a report may be generated containing at least an identification of the specified account, the total value of the bills in the deposit, and the serial numbers of the bills. The serial numbers may be extracted from images of the bills.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and system are provided for facilitating the output of an offer to an account holder of a financial account, which offer the account holder may accept via a check being presented by the account holder as payment for a transaction. For example, the account holder may alter an indicium on the check to indicate acceptance of the offer. An example of an offer is an offer to sell to the account holder transactional overdraft protection for the transaction for which a check is provided as payment. Another example of an offer to provide a benefit to the account holder in exchange for a commitment by the account holder to an obligation. Such an offer may be provided by, for example, a merchant different than the merchant at which the check is being provided as payment for a transaction. In one or more embodiments, the offer or an indication of the offer may be printed on the check or handwritten on the check.

Abstract: The invention involves a system and a method of determining collectability of a check writer from a database including negative information of a plurality of check writers for check writing approval or denial. The invention provides for an improvement of determining collectability of a check writer in order to more effectively distinguish between collectible check writers and non-collectible check writers. The invention includes receiving the information of the check writer, processing the information to determine a score of the check writer, classifying the check writer within a predetermined category, and removing or retaining the check writer information from the database, depending on the category within which the check writer is classified.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed, where check transaction risks can be determined based on a pattern of changes in identifier information such as MICR field information and driver license number. A MICR field on a given check includes a routing transit number and an account number. Some fraudulent check transactions involve a pattern of alterations of the MICR field, such as changing, adding, or removing of one or more digits or characters of the account number or the routing transit number. Various embodiments of systems and methods can be configured to detect such pattern of changes in the MICR field, thereby facilitating detection of fraudulent check transactions. Various techniques of the present disclosure can be used to detect fraudulent electronic check transactions such as web-based transactions, as well as paper check transactions.

Abstract: The described embodiments contemplate a system, method and computer-readable medium with computer-executable instructions for providing checks to an account owner by comparing a quantity of cleared checks to a quantity of issued checks. The novel method includes receiving a request to register for an automated check reorder service, determining a first quantity of issued checks, determining a second quantity of cleared checks, comparing the second quantity of cleared checks to the first quantity of issued checks, and sending a third quantity of new checks to the account owner. The novel method also may include receiving a request for material to be sent to the account owner, determining the account owner's last known address, notifying the account owner at the account owner's last known address, and sending the material to the account owner.

Abstract: Column misalignment between a character string recognized by a MICR and a character string recognized by optical character recognition is corrected to improve character recognition reliability. A magnetic data reading unit detects the magnetism of a character string printed in magnetic ink and outputs the detected magnetic data. An image reading unit optically reads the same character string printed in magnetic ink and outputs the image data. A magnetic data recognition unit applies a character recognition process to the magnetic data output by the magnetic data reading unit and outputs magnetic data recognition result. An image data recognition unit applies character recognition to the image data output by the image reading unit and outputs image data recognition result.

Abstract: A system for generating a display of at least one side of a market includes a computer system having one or more computers. The displayed side of the market includes one or more offers from one or more market participants. Each offer includes an offered price and an offered quantity. The computer system receives market data reflecting the one or more offers and generate a display of the received market data. The display includes a price axis, a quantity axis, and one or more offer bars. Each offer bar represents one or more offers including substantially equal offered prices. Placement of an offer bar along the price axis represents the substantially equal offered prices for the one or more offers represented by the offer bar. The height of an offer bar relative to the quantity axis representing the aggregate offered quantity for the one or more offers represented by the offer bar.

Abstract: A check processing apparatus and method acquire and save data verifying the identity of a person using a check, and output this information in an effective manner to prevent improper use of the check. A check scanner 140 images all or part of the presented check C. A photo ID scanner 110 scans personal identification 71 presented as proof of identity by the person using the check, and a controller 160 converts the scanner output to generate personal identification image data. A merge file generating means 170 merges the image data from the check scanner with the personal identification image data to produce a merged file. The merged file is stored in merged file storage means 180 and output to a display 33.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) (10) includes a display device (14), an input device (16), a cash acceptor (22), and a cash dispenser (24). The ATM also has access to a network, such as the Internet. The ATM enables a user thereof to make online purchases of goods and to receive from the user a cash payment for the purchase through a cash acceptor. The ATM administrator pays the merchant who supplies the goods. An ATM may be operative to also dispense purchased digital content and/or gift certificates. Purchased goods may also be hand delivered to an indicated address. The ATM may be further operative to charge a user fee for transactions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for electronically depositing a check in a bank account. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods may involve a check identification module configured to analyze content of an electronically imaged postal mail item; and a customer control module configured to receive from a customer an instruction to deposit the check in the bank account.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide for an end-to-end currency handling, and servicing apparatus. The apparatus may be used in any cash-centric business or enterprise for cash register till set up and balancing, back office reconciliation, and other cash payment handling activities. Further aspects of the invention provide real-time access to cash receipts for enterprise use in making financial and planning decisions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for processing check data, such as data stored using magnetic indicia. In one embodiment, a check transaction processing system receives an indication that a first check transaction from a first payor failed to clear because at least a portion of first MICR or other account data associated with the first check transaction is incorrect. The check transaction processing system reads a personal identifier associated with the first payor, wherein the personal identifier was provided in association with the first check transaction. MICR data or other account data associated with a previously processed check transaction associated with the personal identifier is located.

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 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 and 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 system and method further provides for sorting exceptions according to transaction type (ACH eligible versus ACH-ineligible) and prioritizing the further processing of the exceptions based on transaction type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cashless transaction processing system and method for locally authorizing cashless payment transactions at a payment module. Locally authorizing transactions can include utilizing locally stored databases and other authorization criteria or rules to validate or approve a plurality of payment identification data presented by a user, wherein the plurality of payment identification data presented by the user is intended to be utilized to effectuate payment for vended goods and services. In addition, the cashless transaction payment module system is scalable and configurable to include interfaces for vending equipment monitoring and control capabilities, interfaces for a card reader device and other payment interfaces, an interactive interface and protocol for interconnecting the system to a computing platform, and support for a plurality of communication options that include wired, point-to-point wireless, and wireless networking including LAN/WAN/WCDMA/CDMA/CDPD/2G/2.

Abstract: A stored value card and system provides a stored value card issued in the name of a cardholder and with an account associated with an issuer and a legal account holder. The legal account holder is initially a person or entity other than the cardholder. The legal account holder manages the account and is authorized to add funds to the account and the cardholder is authorized to use the funds in the account. As the account is being used, and account data is changing, the account data is compared to a plurality of triggering criteria. When a predetermined number of the triggering criteria are satisfied, the nature of the account is changed and the cardholder becomes the legal account holder who then manages and owns the funds in the account.

Abstract: Automated methods for processing a cash advance and/or a check cashing transaction using an ATM entail obtaining identification information for a user; producing an image of each side of an original check for the transaction; accessing a database of financial transactions to determine if the transaction has an unacceptable risk; voiding the original check and returning the voided check to the user; producing a cash (debit) card and corresponding account for a principal amount for the user; and communicating the image of each side of the original check to a settlement service provider via a communications network on a maturity date.

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 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 user or a device may separate a check into two or more portions prior to generating a digital image of the check for remote deposit of the check. The user or a device may separate the check by cutting or tearing the check. After separating the check into the portions, the user may generate a digital image of the portions of the check using a scanner for example. The digital image may be transmitted to an institution for deposit of the check. The institution may retrieve the images of the portions of the check and generate an image of the check based on the portions, by combining the images of the portions for example. The image of the check that may be generated based on the images of the portions may be processed for deposit.

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: Systems and methods are provided for using a point of sale device to obtain authorization from a customer to convert the customer's promissory transaction to a direct debit transaction. In an embodiment, the point-of-sale device prints an authorization form for the customer's signature.

Abstract: A reloadable debit card system includes an issuing institution whereat a main account is set up and multiple sub-accounts are established thereunder. Each sub-account corresponds to a respective cardholder. The sub-accounts are established and debit cards are printed with respective sub-account numbers prior to distributing the cards to an 80 POS distribution network. The cards are purchased from the POS member establishments for predetermined incremental values. Value can be added to such cards in such increments. A reloadable debit card method includes the steps of establishing a main account at an issuing institution and establishing sub-accounts thereunder. Multiple debit cards are printed with the respective sub-account numbers. The cards are then distributed to POS establishments for sale to cardholders, resulting in credits to the sub-accounts. Goods and services can be purchased with the cards whereupon the sub-accounts are debited.

Abstract: A transaction card package assembly comprising a transaction card and a card holder, wherein the package assembly further comprises at least three unique identifiers thereon such that the transaction card may be activated at a point of sale by either a one-step or two-step activation process.

Abstract: A system and 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 system and method further provides for sorting exceptions according to transaction type (ACH eligible versus ACH-ineligible) and prioritizing the further processing of the exceptions based on transaction type.

Abstract: A magnetic ink character reading apparatus, magnetic ink character reading method and program, and a POS terminal apparatus reduce recognition errors and thereby improve the read rate. The magnetic ink character reading apparatus reads a text string of magnetic ink characters using both a magnetic reading mechanism and optical reading mechanism to obtain magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) results and optical character recognition (OCR) results, which are compared. The OCR process is repeated if the results differ. The positions of the read character blocks are compared to find character blocks that are offset perpendicularly to the base line of the magnetic ink characters, and the OCR process is repeated. The area to which the OCR process is applied again is near the position of the offset character block corrected in the direction perpendicular to the line of magnetic ink characters to be in line with the character blocks for which the MICR result and OCR result were the same.