Card Reader (e.g., Reader For Credit, Debit, Or Smart Card) Patents (Class 725/6)
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Patent number: 7047558Abstract: The invention concerns an architecture of a terminal (5) allowing communications between a smart card (8) and a web server (4), via an internet network (RI). The terminal (5) is equipped with a secure enclosure (6) comprising a smart card reader (8), a keyboard (62), and optionally, other computing resources (63). The non-secure part of the terminal (5) comprises a web browser (51) and a first communication node (50) that routes the requests received to the browser (51) or to the secure enclosure (6). The secure enclosure (6) comprises a second communication node (60) and an HTTP server (61). The smart card (8) comprises a third communication node (80) and an HTTP server (81). The web server (4) comprises a merchant application (41) that can be placed in communication with the smart card (8) and activate software applications (A1–An) of the latter.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: CP8 TechnologiesInventor: Renaud Mariana
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Patent number: 7003789Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable code for extending payment protocols to include information related to the television context of commercial activity between a consumer using a television (or a set-top box) and a merchant, thereby enabling “TV commerce” to generate additional revenue streams which may include payments to the operator of the television system, as well as to various other parties (such as a cable or satellite provider who is providing the broadcast, the ad agency responsible for creating the advertisement from which the consumer made his purchase, etc.) involved with television advertisements and programs. A number of different payment protocols may be used for these TV commerce transactions, where the protocol messages are then augmented according to the present invention to include TV context data.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Mark H. Linehan
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Patent number: 6978335Abstract: A smart card virtual hub combines a ISO7816 compliant smart card reader interface with a USB hub that provides one or more attachment points for connection of devices to the USB bus, thereby interfacing such devices to the host computer. The hub in the presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides one port to which one USB functional device, such as a keyboard, may be attached. The attached keyboard shares a common USB bus bandwidth with the internal embedded smart card reader through a host-scheduled, token-based communication protocol that is handled by the USB driver and the device driver.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: 02Micro International LimitedInventor: Patrick S. Lee
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Patent number: 6970068Abstract: A device for sensing unauthorized use of an electronic security device has a host device and a detector with a loop antenna associated with the port that receives the electronic security device, such as a smart card. The host device comprises a housing having the port formed therein. In one embodiment, the port detector senses radiation emitted from unauthorized use of the electronic security device by attachment of hot-wire conductors to the security device, which conductors carry currents through the port and the detector. In an alternate embodiment, the dielectric constant of the electronic security device is measured and compared to a predetermined value for distinguishing a nominal device from one with attached hot wiring.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.Inventors: Michael Anthony Pugel, David Jay Duffield, Robert James Ramspacher
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Patent number: 6951029Abstract: In an information delivery system, a security device (SD) manages an access to information (INF). The security device (SD) is capable of providing a pointer (PO) which indicates a location (LO) from which additional data (ADA) may be obtained. The additional data (ADA) may be a description of the information (INF) which is offered. For example, in a pay TV system, the information (INF) may be a particular movie of which the description is “James Bond, Dr. No, action category, 12 year and older, broadcast April 19, at 20H30.” In that case, the pointer (PO) may be used to inform a subscriber that his security device (SD) allows him to watch this particular movie. However, the additional data (ADA) contained in the location (LO) indicated by the pointer (PO), may also be software for various purposes such as, for example, playing games or configuring a receiver (REC) which co-operates with the security device (SD).Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Franciscus L. A. J. Kamperman, Frank Bosveld
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Patent number: 6948090Abstract: A processing unit, for example a computer server, that is connectable to a data communications network, has a device reader for reading a supplied network identity from a portable storage device such as a smart card or the like. The processing unit then uses the supplied network identity from the portable storage device for communicating via the data communications network. The processing unit monitors the continued presence of the portable storage device. In the event that the processing unit detects that the portable storage device has been removed from the device reader, it signals a fault state. The processing unit can be arranged to power itself down where a portable storage device having same network identity is not returned in the device reader within a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventor: James E. King
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Publication number: 20040261097Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for regulating the viewing of a device among multiple users. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises assigning at least one programming time period block to at least one user, each of the programming time period blocks defining a unique period of time that the user is uniquely authorized to select programming on the device, receiving an identity signal from the user, determining if the identity signal corresponds to an identity of an authorized user who is currently authorized to select programming on the device, enabling selection of programming by the user when the identity signal corresponds to the identity of the authorized user, and disabling selection of programming by the user when the identity signal does not correspond to the identity of the authorized user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Darwin Mitchel Hanks
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Card-based and independent server-based billing and authorization system in a media exchange network
Publication number: 20040158850Abstract: Systems and methods of billing and authentication of a communication device in a communication network are provided. In one embodiment, the system may comprise, for example, at least one communication device, a communication network, information content, and a card. The communication device may be deployed at a location. The communication network may be communicatively coupled to that location. The information content may reside on the communication network and the location. The card may carry information related to one or more user-defined selections of the information content and may allow the communication device to access the user-defined selections.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, James D. Bennett -
Patent number: 6753758Abstract: A device and method for providing varying bias voltages to a security device in a cable set-top terminal, comprising a receiving unit in the security device for receiving replaceable conditional access cards, a card interface for sensing the insertion of conditional access cards in the receiving unit and outputting an enable signal to a logic unit, and the card interface for identifying a bias voltage of the conditional access card and outputting a request of the bias voltage to a controller, a controller for receiving the request of bias voltage from the card interface and outputting a selection signal of the bias voltage to a logic unit, the logic unit for receiving the enable signal from the card interface and selection signal of the bias voltage from the controller to output a control signal to a switch, and a switch for receiving a control signal from the logic unit and providing a switched voltage to the security device based on the selection signal from the controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: Gerald Adolph Colman
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Publication number: 20040111751Abstract: In a pay-per-item system, a method and apparatus of anonymously ordering an item, including ordering the item through an anonymizing intermediary.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventor: Yossi Tsuria
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Publication number: 20040083485Abstract: A system and method for collecting viewership data. The inventive system (10) is adapted to receive a signal having multiple channels of program content and associated channel identification information. The system (10) is adapted to parse the program content and channel identification information from the received signal. The system (10) outputs selective channels of program content in response to user input and the parsed program content. The system (10) monitors the selected channels and provides viewership data with respect thereto. The viewership data includes channel identification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: David P. Russ, Mark G. Welsh, Rao Sunkara
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Publication number: 20040049778Abstract: This invention is about card checking device, e-payment and real-time e-commerce. It lets former checking device to have pc-banking ability without damaging it. And it also enables e-payment through checking device, and enables its owner to order in his shop, to pay with e-finance, and to check product's delivery status in real-time.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Hyun-Jong Lee, Seung-Woo Lee
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Publication number: 20040019913Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed, in an interactive broadband set-top box receiving broadband signals from a headend, to facilitate communications with an installed card within the set-top box using a single IC chip that processes the broadband signals. The single IC chip is configured to a PCMCIA PC-card mode such that PC card signals are multiplexed to certain I/O pins of the single IC chip. In the PCMCIA PC-card mode, the single IC chip attempts to detect the presence of and identify an installed card in the set-top box. If an installed card is present and is identified as a POD module, then the single IC chip is reconfigured from the PCMCIA PC-card mode to a POD mode such that POD-compatible signals are multiplexed to certain existing I/O pins of the single IC chip when operating in the POD mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Jorge Juan Wong, Dave Datphuoc Huynh, Thomas Lee Spieker
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Publication number: 20030172375Abstract: A method for providing data to a plurality of people in a captive audience during an event comprises providing a limited range wireless network, renting a plurality of PDA devices to a plurality of people attending the event, loading software into the plurality of PDA devices to permit the PDA devices to receive data from the wireless network, transmitting data to the plurality of rented PDA devices from the wireless network during the event, and collecting the plurality of PDA devices after the event.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Norman S. Shaw, Robert S. Roaten, Jason B. Ziegler
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Publication number: 20030131349Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing and collecting impulse pay-per-view (IPPV) data in smart card enabled digital television terminals are provided. A headend controller sends security information to the terminal for use by the smart card. Authentication data based on the security information is computed by the smart card. The controller polls the terminal to retrieve the authentication data and current IPPV data from the smart card. Current IPPV data is validated by the controller based on the authentication data. Upon validation of the current IPPV data, updated IPPV data is sent from the controller to the smart card via the terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Jeffrey D. Kuczynski-Brown
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Publication number: 20030093812Abstract: The present invention includes a system for enabling a user to download information displayed on a display screen of a television receiver. The system includes a device coupled to said television receiver to access information to be displayed on the display screen and a portable data device adapted to download the information from the device. The device includes a set-top box and the portable data device may be a smart card which may include an integrated circuit (IC) chip having information stored therein. The set-top box includes a back-channel for outputting information and the portable data device is coupled to the device by way of a smart card reader. The portable data device includes a display, a processor, a memory, navigation buttons and a remind button. The portable data device may communicate to the device using the ISO7816 Protocol, USB Protocol, a Serial Parallel Interface, Sony Memory Stick Protocol, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2001Publication date: May 15, 2003Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Matthew S. Chang, Aditya Krishnan, Andrew M. Proehl, David K.L. Yang, Frederick J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20030084440Abstract: A smart card for providing a software upgrade to host device, which has a smart card interface, includes a memory that stores the software upgrade for delivery to the host device. The smart card includes a card information structure (CIS) for identifying the smart card as providing a software upgrade so that the host device can access the software upgrade of the smart card to upgrade the software and/or firmware of the host device. The host device is an open-cable compliant set-top-box.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventor: George Lownes
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Publication number: 20030061605Abstract: A remote electronic purse payment system for use in a content provider/subscriber environment is provided. Prior to an entitlement of a subscriber to receive and/or unscramble a particular content, and at the subscriber's discretion, a corresponding amount is debited on an electronic purse card (16) and corresponding transaction data are temporarily stored in a protected local storage within a CAM module (14) associated with the subscriber. The stored transaction data are protected against unauthorized access and cannot be withheld from authorized collection by the content provider. Entitlement to receive and/or unscramble the particular content is enabled locally within the CAM module (14). Deferred financial transactions are performed on demand of the content provider and over a remote communication channel to collect transaction data stored in the protected local storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Christophe Genevois, Wolfgang Neifer, Michael Krall
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Publication number: 20030048380Abstract: A self provisioning television Set-Top Box. The STB has an interface that couples the STB to a service provider and incorporates a cable modem. A programmed processor boots from a boot ROM and carries out a process for self provisioning in the event the STB is new and not set up to use the current service provider. The process includes initiating communication with the service provider using the cable modem and sending equipment identifying information including a Set-Top Box serial number and a smart card identifier to the service provider. The service provider replies with system specific information including an application server identifier from the service provider. The STB then sends a user profile to the service provider, and the service provider replies by sending account information including an account identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2001Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventor: Yuriko Tamura
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Publication number: 20030028883Abstract: According to the invention, techniques for using user-specific information to configure and enable functions in remote control broadcast and interactive systems. In specific embodiments, the user-specific information can be used to facilitate purchasing items electronically, for example. In other embodiments, the user-specific information can be used to complete a call for assistance in case of an emergency, select favorite material for viewing, or control access to content, such as adult entertainment. For example, in select specific embodiments, the user-specific information can be used for restricting access to sexually explicit material over electronic delivery media. In various specific embodiments, the user-specific information can also include information about persons other than the user, to which the user has a particular relationship. For example, information such as a mother's favorite flower, or a child's clothing size, and the like may be stored for a particular user.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: Digeo, Inc.Inventors: James A. Billmaier, Donald P. De Leva, Robert E. Novak
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Publication number: 20020166126Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing customers of hospitality facilities with the ability to access a variety of amenities and to interact with a video system in order to enable point-of-sale purchase of and payment for goods and services with a credit or debit card. In a preferred embodiment, the video services system comprises a plurality of card readers arranged in a distributed configuration, each of which are associated with a room terminal of a video services system. In a preferred embodiment, each the card readers may be powered using power provided by an associated TV and room terminal. Each room terminal functions as an interface between the systems control computer and the card reader associated with the room terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Applicant: MessagePhone, Inc.Inventors: Joel A. Pugh, Harry S. Budow
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Publication number: 20020138837Abstract: An electronic program guide (EPG) hardware card is disclosed. The card is insertable into a television tuning device having EPG capability. A non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, is situated within a case of the hardware card, and has data stored thereon representing one or more loader programs for the device. Each program corresponds to an EPG provider, and gives the device the capability to receive EPG information from this provider. The case of the hardware card may have a form factor such as a Smart Card, a Compact Flash, a Smart Media, or another form factor. Alternatively, the data stored on the card represents non-executable information corresponding to an EPG provider. A business model and a server-based embodiment are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Robert M. Fries, Michael E. Pietraszak
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Publication number: 20020112236Abstract: A loyalty program with game that executes games on a smart card, wherein the loyalty program with game can also be used as a simple loyalty program without game, no major modifications need not be made to shop terminals, and the number of times customers can play games can be limited according to sales amounts, wherein point data managed by a point application is divided into two types: “pre-game points” and “post-game points.” In shops, points are added to the pre-game points. For game execution, the pre-game points are subtracted, and points gained by game are added to the post-game points. Shop terminals need not be modified, and customers not to play game can also enjoy reasonable exchange of gained points. From the viewpoint of system management, by limiting the number of times customers can play game, points gained by game can be prevented from circulating infinitely.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventors: Hiroko Sukeda, Masaru Ohki, Kazuhiro Ozeki, Kazuo Fujita, Kunio Suzuki
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Patent number: 6424947Abstract: A subscriber unit in a television system including an integrated receiver and decoder (IRD) including a first smart card reader which is operative to accept a first smart card, and a remote control including a second smart card reader which is operative to accept a second smart card. The first smart card and the second smart card, when inserted in the corresponding first and second smart card readers respectively, are operative to communicate with each other in wireless communication over a wireless communication link to control access to services.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1998Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: NDS LimitedInventors: Yossef Tsuria, Yonatan Silver
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Publication number: 20020087968Abstract: A television set-top box incorporates a swipe card reader for reading credit cards, debit cards or automated teller cards or the like. A credit card can be activated by swiping the credit card through the set-top box credit card reader to automatically initiate a process of activation of the card with a remote server serving as an activation center or clearing house. Moreover, the card reader can be used to simplify on-line purchases from merchants over the Internet or for interfacing with a credit card authority to manage the user's credit card account.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: Aditya Krishnan, Matthew S. Chang, Andrew M. Proehl, David K. L. Yang, Fred J. Zustak, Peter Rae Shintani, Mark Kenneth Eyer, Nicholas Colsey, Brant L. Candelore, Dayan Ivy Golden
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Publication number: 20020073416Abstract: A method and device for placing orders over a network using bioauthentication account authorization for an account having different users and access levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2000Publication date: June 13, 2002Applicant: PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NORTH AMERICA CORPORATIONInventor: Carolyn Ramsey Catan
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Patent number: 6405369Abstract: A pay television system including a pay television network and a subscriber unit which receives pay television transmissions via the pay television network and displays the pay television transmissions on televisions coupled thereto. The subscriber unit includes at least two pay television decoders, wherein a first decoder includes a first card reader and a second decoder includes a second card reader. The system also includes a first smart card which is operative, upon insertion in a first slot in the first card reader, to activate decoding of the pay television transmissions in the first decoder and a second smart card which is operative, upon insertion in a second slot in the second card reader, to activate decoding of the pay television transmissions in the second decoder. The second smart card deactivates in accordance with predetermined criteria and reactivates upon insertion in the first slot in the first card reader after removal of the first smart card from the first card reader.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: News Datacom LimitedInventor: Yossef Tsuria
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Patent number: 6330021Abstract: This interactive television receiver console comprises a television receiver connected by a televised program reception channel to a televised program distributor implementing transactional applications. It further comprises an all-purpose interface pack with data transmission means connected to the televised program distributor by a data transmission channel, with data reception means connected to the televised program distributor by a data reception channel and with image overlay means connected to the television receiver and working on the image presented to the screen of this receiver, a chip card reader, a keyboard enabling action by an operator, and a chip card that gets plugged into the chip card reader and is customized for at least one transaction, the running of which it manages. Through its all-purpose character which is customized by means of the chip card, this card has a wide range of uses and is, at the same time, highly selective.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1995Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Syseca S.A.Inventor: François Devaux
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Patent number: 6275991Abstract: A television remote control unit including an IR (infra-red) transmitter with integral magnetic stripe ATM type credit card reader and method therefor for transmitting IR signals to a remote interactive location such as a television set or a TV cable remote control box. The remote control unit permits the user to swipe a credit card through the credit card reader so as to generate credit card transaction signals for transmission to the remote interactive locations. The remote control unit can be used in an interactive environment such as a hotel casino, a cable TV home shopping network, or an off track betting (OTB) environment.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: FCA CorporationInventor: Dan Erlin
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Patent number: RE39376Abstract: An amenity accessing system is provided that includes an access telephone (10) with a plurality of access keys. The telephone includes a line powered card reader (62) that interfaces with a CPU (60). Information stored in a memory (70) can then be output in response to a good card received by the card reader (62), this information being in the form of a calling string. The calling string is output to a switched network (22) and a store-and-forward switch (20). The store-and-forward switch (20) is operable to receive the calling string containing information as to the user's ID, credit card information, location of the access phone (10) and other relevant data. This billing information is validated at the store-and-forward switch (20) and, upon validation, an authorization code is then transmitted through a switched network (22) to one of various amenities (24)-(40).Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: SVI Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence R. Biggs, Jr., Harry S. Budow