Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) comprising an input for receiving an input; calculation means (P) for producing a response (OUTPUT) in response to the input (INPUT) and a secret key (A) by utilizing a first predetermined function (f), and an output (3) for feeding said response (OUTPUT) further. In order for an attacker not be able to find out the secret key, the device further comprises a memory (M) in which the key-specific number (RND) is stored, and means for retrieving the key-specific number (RND) from the memory (M) and for feeding it to the calculation means (P?) for carrying out predetermined calculation operations (f2) on the basis of the key-specific number (RND) when producing said response (OUTPUT).

Abstract: The method and system of the invention provide a variety of techniques for using a selected alias and a selected personal identification entry (PIE) in conjunction with use of a transaction card, such as a credit card, debit card or stored value card, for example. A suitable number or other identification parameter is selected by the account-holder as an alias. The account-holder is then required to choose a PIE for security purposes. The alias is linked to the account-holder's credit card number via a database. When the account-holder enters into a transaction with a merchant, the physical card need not be present. The account-holder simply provides his or her alias and then the PIE. This can be done at any point of sale such as a store, catalog telephone order, or over the Internet. The alias and PIE are entered and authorization is returned from the credit card company.

Abstract: The method and system of the invention provide a variety of techniques for using a selected alias and a selected personal identification entry (PIE) in conjunction with use of a transaction card, such as a credit card, debit card or stored value card, for example. A suitable number or other identification parameter is selected by the account-holder as an alias. The account-holder is then required to choose a PIE for security purposes. The alias is linked to the account-holder's credit card number via a database. When the account-holder enters into a transaction with a merchant, the physical card need not be present. The account-holder simply provides his or her alias and then the PIE. This can be done at any point of sale such as a store, catalog telephone order, or over the Internet. The alias and PIE are entered and authorization is returned from the credit card company.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a provider to verify a client's secret identifier includes structure and steps for the client to scramble his/her predetermined secret identifier in a random way with random data. The scrambled data is transmitted to the provider, and the provider determines whether the client's secret identifier is present in the received scrambled data. Preferably, the provider rejects a transaction if the random data in the received scrambled data is substantially the same as random data received in a previous transaction corresponding to said client.

Abstract: A device for checking user identification includes a calculation unit which calculates a check value by applying a user-specific formula to a randomly generated number, and a matching unit which checks if the check value matches a user-entered value that is entered by a user in response to the randomly generated number presented to the user.

Abstract: A process for coupon generation, delivery, and validation over a personal TV service system is disclosed. A client issues electronic coupons to personal TV service customers via a personal TV service center which generates a coupon authentication number for each receiver. The coupon authentication number is known to the key server and the coupon authentication number database. It is also known to the receiver in encrypted form. The product serial number for each receiver acts as a public key, which is known to both the customer and the personal TV service center. A unique offer ID number is assigned to each coupon. When the receiver receives the coupon, it performs a hash operation on the offer ID number using the authentication ID number and takes first or last N digits of the hashed result as the coupon ID number. The customer may redeem the coupon by submitting the offer ID number, the receiver serial number, and the coupon ID number. Before the coupon is redeemed, it must be validated.

Abstract: An electronic commerce server enables an orderer to given an order of purchasing a commercial article at a virtual shop existing on a network by accessing the virtual shop from a communication terminal used by the orderer, and to receive the purchase target article at an agency service trader's place other than the home. This server includes a receiving unit receiving from the virtual shop a piece of order information of the purchase target article and a piece of information for specifying a desired agency service trader's place for receiving the purchase target article, of which respective notifications are given via the communication terminal used by the orderer, an issuing unit issuing a piece of identification information unique to both of every orderer and every purchase target article on the basis of the order information, and a confirmation unit confirming the identification information received by the communication terminal used by the orderer through the agency service trader's place.

Abstract: A clear text security method has a table of secure prompts stored in memory of a transaction terminal, such as memory of a PIN entry device, that is connected to a remote device. A data entry prompt in a display command is received by the transaction terminal followed by a command for entry of data into the transaction terminal to be transmitted as clear text data. Before accepting the data entry command, the transaction terminal compares the data entry prompt to prompts stored in a table of secured prompts. The transaction terminal accepts the data entry command only if the prompt included in the most recent display command received by the transaction terminal is a secure prompt. The transaction terminal determines that the data entry prompt is a secure prompt if it matches a prompt in the secure prompt table, matches only a portion of any secure prompt in the secure prompt table, or a any prompt in the secure prompt table matches only a portion of the data entry prompt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic purse systems, and in particular it relates to the improved management of multiple money flows in such systems. According to the basic principles of the present invention it is proposed that the secure access modules (SAMs) of a purse provider support multiple user groups or environments in the system while still requiring only one system key. The user groups or environments are identified by a so-called float ID tag which is advantageously added to each set of data involved in a load or purchase process performed by the user of the electronic purse system.

Abstract: Secure protection and distribution of a personal identification number (PIN) is achieved by using a first encryption process only for PIN data and a second encryption process for non-PIN data. The first encryption process uses asymmetric encryption, where a public key is used for encryption of PIN data and a private key, held only by an authorizing agent, is used to decrypt the PIN data. The second encryption process uses a key which is available to an authentication requestor, such as merchants. A party seeking authentication of PIN data must forward the encrypted PIN data to an authorizing agent along with account data necessary to validate the PIN data. The authentication requestor is provided with a signal which is indicative of the verification status of the PIN data without being privy to the contents of the PIN data.

Abstract: A customer data capture system integrated with a dealership data management system allows customer and vehicle maintenance data to be exchanged between a kiosk on the floor of the dealership and the data management system. The customer inserts a customized card into a kiosk, and interacts with the pre-programmed software on the kiosk. The software recommends scheduled maintenance services and suggests potential coupon savings, based on the information received from the customer's card and the information stored in the data management system. A service order is generated and routed to the service department. As a result, the accuracy and speed of entering customer data are enhanced, while the dealership is able to offer value-added services at the point of sale, thus enhancing the dealership's business relationship with the customer.

Abstract: An intermediate system provides remote clients with access to a primary system, such as a server. The intermediate system creates and stores a log-in record for each client. The log-in record contains an encrypted primary system client identifier (PSCI). The PSCI contains authentication information for verifying a client's right to access the primary system. Storing an encrypted version of the PSCI enhances the security of the authentication information on the intermediate system. In some implementations of the present invention, the PSCI itself is an encrypted value. When a client attempts to log into the primary system, the intermediate system initially verifies the client's intermediate system access rights. The intermediate system makes this determination using the log-in record and data provided by the client. Next, the intermediate system sends the PSCI to the client's primary system for further authentication. The primary system uses the PSCI to verify the client's right to access primary system data.

Abstract: A system for managing credit card accounts or the like, having a database for storing a permanent customer ID associated with each cardholder, an account ID for each account accessible by the cardholder, a presentation ID (card number) appearing on each card, and a role identifier. When a transaction is conducted at a terminal, the presentation ID is provided to a database management system, which then can retrieve the customer ID and the account ID (for the account being accessed). If a card is lost, stolen or otherwise rendered unusable, a security suspense record is inserted into the database in an account ID filed associated with the affected presentation ID. When the presentation ID associated with the lost or stolen card is provided to the system, the security suspense record is retrieved and causes the transaction to be invalidated. All other presentation IDs (and associated cards) for the affected account can continue to be used, thus eliminating the need to close the account.

Abstract: This invention solves various problems associated with apparatus registration and communications after registration in an n:n communication system based on, e.g., a Bluetooth protocol. Information of a newly registered wireless communication apparatus is sent to already registered wireless communication apparatuses. A communication with the already registered apparatus starts by sending a Page message based on the Bluetooth protocol. When an apparatus that output a registration request in response to an Inquiry message based on the Bluetooth protocol is selected, identification information of the selected apparatus is stored. Upon registration, already registered apparatuses are not displayed.

Abstract: A method and system for approval by a verification computer of an online transaction between a user computer and a merchant computer over the Internet. The user computer transmits a transaction request to the merchant computer, which may include a product to be purchased and the payment amount. The merchant computer transmits to the verification computer a verification request including a first data string associated with the payment card (such as a debit card account number or a portion thereof) and the payment amount. The verification request is stored at the verification computer with a transaction identifier and a verification data string, which are also transmitted to the merchant computer. The merchant computer stores the verification data string as an expected verification data string and the transaction identifier, transmits the transaction identifier to the user computer, and the user computer transmits the transaction identifier to the verification computer.

Abstract: A system and method of configuring value cards which facilitates selection of personalized limits on value card use in transactions. The value card configuration system includes a display for displaying value card configuration options, an input device for recording customer selections of the value card configuration options, and a computer for controlling the display and the input device, for assigning a value card identification number to the value card, for dispensing the value card, for establishing a connection to a value card host computer, and for sending the selections to the value card host computer via the connection for later retrieval during a transaction in which the value card is used for payment.

Abstract: A user (121, 122) can gain access to a Local Area Network (LAN) (20) on a fee basis without the risk of having to transmit an un-encrypted PIN at upon initial access. The user initially sends a request to the LAN identifying a Billing Agent (26) that maintains an account associated with the user for payment of LAN access charges. In practice, the account can take the form of a pre-paid account identified only by a PIN known to the user. After the user has identified the Billing Agent, the LAN queries the Billing Agent for its digital certificate, which the LAN forwards to the user. The user utilizes the certificate to encrypt a PIN for transmission via the LAN to the Billing Agent for authentication. Upon successful authentication, the Billing Agent authorizes the LAN to grant access to the user, thus allowing the user to obtain a connection via the LAN to a private network (14) or a public network (16).

Abstract: A method and system for electronically recording and authorizing a transaction utilizes an electronic reading device for generating an electronic reproduction of written information by detecting positions of the electronic reading device relative to a particular address pattern in a data entry field of a formatted surface. The electronic reproduction of the written information is sent to a server that stores or processes the electronic reproduction. For example, the server can determine whether the electronic reading device is authorized to use the particular address pattern or whether the electronic reproduction correlates with stored data. In addition, to enable the electronic reading device, detection of a correct user personal identification number (PIN) or user fingerprint may be required.

Abstract: An authorization code (70) for gaining access to a secure device (10) is described. The device may be an ATM. The authorization code (70) comprises a sequence of characters, which may be digits, letters, or special characters, and the code (70) includes an identification field (70a) for identifying or verifying the identity of a user, and a transaction field (70b) for indicating an amount of money to be transacted. Use of this authorization code (70) enables a transaction to be executed by solely by entering the authorization code (70), without a user having to navigate through a sequence of screens or other prompts.

Abstract: A method and system for providing external user interfaces is described. In one configuration a co-located external processor and a business machine negotiate a communications connection. The co-located external processor then utilizes a server to determine a shared secret in order to pair a wireless connection with the business machine in order to act as the user interface for the business machine. In another configuration, the co-located external processor is connected to a remote data center that authenticates the user and provides the user interface code and secret pairing information to the co-located external processor. In another configuration, the co-located external processor performs data processing for providing a cryptographically processed print stream to a postage meter.

Abstract: Methods of operating and logging the usage of a photo-thermal epilation apparatus provide for the logging of usage information as the apparatus is employed for each epilation session. The operational information may be applied to determine when calibration is required, if additional usage funds must be paid before additional sessions may be conducted, and or when and who conducted epilation sessions with the apparatus. A usage log may be stored within a database that contains entries of operation or usage information. Each usage log entry may include information associated with a client, an operator, as well as other useful information related to the usage of the apparatus. The apparatus may further be configured to communicate with at least one remote computer. The communication with the remote computer may be included for enabling operation and usage of the apparatus to be metered, monitored, and or purchased in pre-determined usage allotments.

Abstract: A system and method for the identification and verification of a user is provided.

Abstract: Purpose: To provide a laundry system with improved customer services by utilizing portable information terminals having a radiocommunication function such as mobile phones and PHS. Constitution: Upon completion of washing or drying in a laundry machine 102, data for notifying the user of the completion of the treatment are transmitted to the user's mobile phone 100. In addition, when a prescribed time, for example, 10 minutes, elapses after washing or drying finished, a request for permission to unload the laundry is transmitted to the user's mobile phone 100 so as to ask the user whether the clothes can be taken out from the laundry machine 102 or not. The system charges the user when a prohibition response is sent back or there is no response to the request for permission to unload the laundry.

Abstract: A system and method for authorizing certain aspects of network based transactions between a customer and a merchant is disclosed. The system utilizes an account code for identifying rights to use an account identified by an account number, and a database for storing the account number, account code, and a Signature Phrase. The Signature Phrase is stored when rights to use the account have been positively identified. The customer can complete an e-commerce transaction using the customer's account by providing a Signature Phrase without the Signature Phrase or account code actually residing in the database or being provided to the merchant. The account code, account number, and Signature Phrase may be received through one or more external interfaces with the customer. In some embodiments, the database stores the account number, account code, and the Signature Phrase in a hashed format.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the identification of a user and securely establishing an encryption key for a communication between the user and a verifying entity, such as a bank, which makes use of the numeric value of the user's personal identification number (PIN) known only to the user and the bank and resolves the man-in-the-middle problem. The system and method replaces a public parameter with the customer's PIN to provide an encryption mechanism that is less complex than existing protocols. Use of the protocol enables new products and improvement of existing products using a service access device and service access device interface, including, for example, self-service terminals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination software and/or hardware system that provides consumers and merchants with a secure method for making and accepting credit card and ATM card payments over the Internet. Using various software and/or hardware implementations, the system operates by: 1) creating (at the consumer's Internet access device) a Data Encryption Standard (DES) encrypted Personal Identification Number (PIN) Block meeting American National Standards Institute (ANSI) X9.

Abstract: An individual identity authentication system for authenticating an identity of an individual includes a client computer system and a service provider computer system. The client computer system may be implemented at various locations, for example, airport terminals, so as to provide ready access for various users to authenticate the identity of a particular individual. The service provider computer system is in communication with the client computer system and executes code for causing the service provider computer system to perform a number of steps. One step includes receiving a personal identification number (PIN) and a social security number (SSN) of an individual that is entered into a secure terminal associated with the client computer system. Another step includes authenticating an identity of the individual when the entered PIN and the entered SSN correspond to a registered PIN and a registered SSN of the individual.

Abstract: An identity theft reduction system for reducing identity theft includes a client computer system and a service provider computer system. The service provider computer system is in communication with the client computer system and executes code for causing the service provider computer system to perform a number of steps. An employee of a financial institution, utilizing the client computer system, furnishes a personal identification number (PIN) and an associated social security number (SSN) of an individual along with a valid institutional code and an associated valid employee code to register the PIN and associated SSN. A credit report is provided to a requester when a supplied PIN and SSN correspond to a registered PIN and SSN.

Abstract: A prepaid card system enabling access to payment-based websites comprising one or more prepaid cards bearing a stored value and authentication codes; one or more cardholder computers communicating via the Internet with merchant websites; a “middleman” server communicating via an intranet with merchants, prepaid card issuers and said merchants' banks; one or more searchable databases hosted on the middleman's server storing merchant registration information, card issuer information; one or more software applications to interpret the data sent by the middleman server for the identification and online deduction of the amount of value used in a transaction from a prepaid card; one or more software applications for reception and transmission of cardholder card data; and one or more software applications for transaction accounting and payment processing between merchants, card issuers, middleman and merchants' banks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a forms system that preferably allows easy access to a large number of forms, a user to electronically sign a form, authentication of the data has not changed after the form has been electronically signed, data conversion, and external data importation into a data file. A further embodiment of the invention preferably includes a method to incorporate signature capabilities into a form. Another aspect of the invention is consistent handling of data entered into forms by users.

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

Abstract: There are provided an electronic payment system using a multifunctional prepaid card which is commonly used in payment for use of services and purchase of goods, and a method of selling the multifunctional prepaid card. The electronic payment system includes a multifunctional prepaid card having a predetermined Personal Identification Number (PIN), shopping/service providing means for providing services and goods to a user of the multifunctional prepaid card and requesting the PIN of the multifunctional prepaid card for payment, and a prepaid card management system for managing state/balance information for PIN for the multifunctional prepaid card on a database, making a settlement by referring to the balance amount of the corresponding PIN if payment for a specific PIN is requested by the shopping/service providing means, and updating the settlement result on the database.

Abstract: A method of promptly transferring cash from a sender to a receiver who is some distance from the sender. The intended receiver obtains a free unactivated cash card. The card includes an identification number, a magnetic strip for recording an amount of money and a passcode and indicia identifying the agency supplying the card. The receiver contacts an activating agent who activates the card and provides a passcode, typically four digits. The receiver contacts the sender and agree on the amount of money to be transferred. The sender then contacts the agent and requests that a sum of money be transferred to the cash card, identifying the particular card by the card identification number. The sender then deposits the sum with the agent, who credits the cash card with that amount.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (12, 200, 302) is provided. The machine may be operative to install a terminal master key (TK) therein in response to at least one input from a single operator. The machine may include an EPP (204) that is operative to remotely receive an encrypted terminal master key from a host system (210, 304). The machine may authenticate and decrypt the terminal master key prior to accepting the terminal master key. The machine may further output through a display device (30) of the machine a one-way hash of at least one public key associated with the host system. The machine may continue with the installation of the terminal master key in response to an operator confirming that the one-way hash of the public key corresponds to a value independently known by the operator to correspond to the host system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system enabling the customers (11) of a bank or an insurance company (12), remotely located, to accede safely and rapidly, by means of a microphone (17) connected to a communication network (15), to the services offered by this bank or insurance company (12).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for facilitating payments in a mobile device comprising providing the mobile device with a payment certificate. The payment certificate comprises identification information relating to the mobile device.

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

Abstract: A personal device is provided. The personal device includes an identification verification system that receives first identification data from a physical identification device, such as by inserting a driver's license into a card reader that is adapted to receive a driver's license. Second identification data such as a PIN number is also received. Payment authorization data or other suitable data is generated if the driver's license corresponds to the PIN. A payment selection system or other suitable system receives the payment authorization data and displays one or more payment accounts for selection by a user. Where a payment selection system is used, the payment selection system transmits payment account data to a point-of-sale system.

Abstract: A user 121, 122) can gain access to a Local Area Network (LAN) (20) on a fee basis without the risk of having to transmit an un-encrypted PIN at upon initial access. The user initially sends a request to the LAN identifying a Billing Agent (26) that maintains an account associated with the user for payment of LAN access charges. In practice, the account can take the form of a pre-paid account identified only by a PIN known to the user. After the user has identified the Billing Agent, the LAN queries the Billing Agent for its digital certificate, which the LAN forwards to the user. The user utilizes the certificate to encrypt a PIN for transmission via the LAN to the Billing Agent for authentication. Upon successful authentication, the Billing Agent authorizes the LAN to grant access to the user, thus allowing the user to obtain a connection via the LAN to a private network (14) or a public network (16).

Abstract: A cardless system for dispensing prepaid products, replenishing balances or settling an account which avoids the expenses of producing tangible prepaid cards every time the balance on the prepaid card is consumed. The system also provides the ability to replenish balances on existing prepaid cards thereby avoiding the expense of producing additional cards, and reduce equipment and labor costs. This system helps the environment by saving these resources involved in the production of the present disposable tangible prepaid cards. Additionally, the system offers monitoring of store inventory and recording of sales transaction. The system can manage several prepaid products on a single customer prepaid product account and provide introduction of new products or deletion of old products without the need of reprogramming, reinitialization, collecting, upgrading and redistribution of the user terminals.

Abstract: An apparatus for private personal identification number (PIN) management comprises a memory and a PIN comparator in communication with the memory. The PIN comparator is configured to ascertain a first delay period of a preceding PIN. The first delay period is greater than zero if the preceding PIN does not match a validated PIN and the first delay period equals zero if the preceding PIN matches the validated PIN. The PIN comparator is further configured to receive a current PIN after at least the first delay period and delay for a second delay period if the current PIN does not match the validated PIN. The second delay period is greater than the first delay period.

Abstract: A method for private personal identification number (PIN) management includes receiving a first PIN, receiving a first key used to scramble a second PIN that has been validated, receiving a first scrambled PIN comprising the second PIN scrambled with the first key, scrambling the first PIN with the first key to create a second scrambled PIN and validating the first PIN based at least in part on whether the first scrambled PIN matches the second scrambled PIN.

Abstract: A method and device for tokenless authorization of an electronic payment between a payor and a payee using an electronic identicator and at least one payor bid biometric sample. The method comprises a payor registration step, wherein the payor registers with an electronic identicator at least one registration biometric sample, and at least one payor credit/debit account. An electronic financial transaction is formed between the payor and the payee, comprising 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 payor bid biometric sample is electronically forwarded to the electronic identicator. A comparator engine compares the bid biometric sample with at least one registered biometric sample for producing either a successful or failed identification of the payor.

Abstract: A system composed of a plurality of user devices, each storing unique secret information, a system device and a control unit. The control unit produces key capsule data by performing a digital signature conversion with message recovery on the unique secret information for each user device and distributes the unique secret information to the user devices. When device authentication and encrypted communication is performed, each user device transmits the key capsule data distributed by the control unit to the system device. The system device receives the data and recovers the unique secret information from the key capsule data by a digital signature verification conversion with message recovery, which uses the verification key distributed in advance by the control unit. Thus, the user device and the system device can share unique secret information and, using it as a key, perform device authentication and encrypted communication by performing encryption and decryption based on a secret key encryption algorithm.

Abstract: In an access system and method for buses, a master card and respective slave cards for respective students are provided. The cards are read by a card reader to control access to the bus. A microprocessor and memory are provided together with an annunciator which determine whether a slave card annunciator code corresponds to an annunciator code on the master card, thus determining whether a respective student is boarding a bus which corresponds with his respective route.

Abstract: A method of customer identification for personalizable Internet portals is described. The method identifies customers on the basis of the phone number of the calling party, in which the phone number and service request is transmitted from the terminal via the access network to a proxy server, which in turn is responsible for converting the protocol between the access network and Internet, in which depending on the service request, the proxy server inserts a customer ID into the service request and the customer ID is called up by the proxy server from a customer registry based on the MSISDN, so that at the portal the ID can be taken from the service request and the authorization of the customer can be verified through an inquiry sent to the customer registry at which point the service request of the customer is fulfilled.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating a computer system from entry of a personal identification number (PIN) to a smart card. The system and method includes a computer system that is in communication with an unsecure network to allow a user to engage in a purchase transaction. The system and method also includes a smart card reader in which a smart card is inserted and read. A secure personal-identification-number (PIN) entry device is coupled between the computer system and the smart card reader. The secure PIN entry device is used for entering a correct code for the PIN. Communication between computer system and secure PIN entry device is disconnected until the correct code for the PIN is entered at secure PIN entry device and sent to the smart card in order to authorize use of the smart card for the purchase transaction. In response to the correct code for the PIN being entered and sent to the smart card, communication between computer system and secure PIN entry device is established.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for storing user identifications and passwords in a mobile device, such as a personal digital assistant. A modified keyboard device driver may be installed on each platform the user accesses. When the user is prompted for a password from a functioning terminal, the user may select the appropriate account on the mobile device. The mobile device then may send the user identification and password for the account to the terminal. The modified keyboard device driver receives the user identification and password from the mobile device and converts it into keyed text. The accounts with user identifications and passwords may be protected by a password. Thus, the user must only remember the one mobile device password to access a plurality of resources and computer systems. Furthermore, the communications between the mobile device and terminal may be encrypted to prevent snooping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating, archiving information and updating ownership of unique items by associating a unique identifying code with the item. Ownership history of the item is locked with a PIN or Personal Identification Number of the owner and cannot be changed until the owner releases the PIN. A new owner then associates his PIN with the item.

Abstract: A chip-based plastic currency comprising a plastic cash card issued to the cardholder by an issuing bank, and an IC chip implanted in the plastic cash card for the loading of an amount of cash repeatedly, for enabling the plastic cash card to be re-useable. The amount of cash to be loaded in the IC chip is determined subject to the amount of money of cash paid in advance by the cardholder, or the amount of money deducted in advance from the savings account of the cardholder in the issuing bank.