Abstract: A system for point-to-point encryption is provided. A card reader system reads unencrypted card data stored on a magnetic stripe of a card and encrypts the card data, the card reader system being contained in a first housing. A point of sale device coupled to the card reader system and contained in a second housing separate from the first housing has a user interface for obtaining a transaction amount. A transaction request system transmits the transaction amount and the encrypted card data to an authorization gateway, wherein the unencrypted card data is prevented from being processed by the point of sale device.

Abstract: The present Gaming Device For Multi-Player Games provides the end user with a private bidirectional link to the gaming site to enter their moves, to optionally receive private data from the gaming site to enable the end user's device to display private data that is hidden from the other players, and to communicate privately with another member or members of a sub-group. The Gaming Device For Multi-Player Games comprises a content display for displaying content that is transmitted to the plurality of end users on the unidirectional forward path, a plurality of controls for enabling an end user to generate data for transmission to at least one of the multicasting system and the plurality of end users, and a message display for displaying end user private communications received at the end user device.

Abstract: The Gaming System With End User Feedback enables a reverse path feedback architecture wherein the forward path multicasted gaming content transmitted by a gaming site can be dynamically modified as a result of end user interaction or feedback, wherein each end user has a private bidirectional link to the gaming site to enter their moves, optionally receive private data from the gaming site to enable the end user's device to display private data that is hidden from the other players, and to communicate privately with another member or members of a sub-group.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a financial card system. The system includes a communications device on which a non-contact integrated circuit chip is installed; and an authentication terminal having a reader/writer allowing reading/writing information on the communications device and capable of transmission and reception of information with the communications device through the reader/writer. The communications device has a storage block, a common area information transmission block, and an individual area information transmission block. The reader/writer of the authentication terminal has a storage block, a common area information reception block, and an individual area information reception block.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for providing a reliable verification of a player at a remote gaming terminal are disclosed. This is done by providing gaming events remotely via a first mode of communication, establishing criteria for verifying the identity of a player, receiving a player request to participate in a gaming event remotely, obtaining personal information for that player via a second mode of communication, verifying that the obtained personal information is adequate, and permitting the requested gaming event to commence. Additional features can include a subsequent repetition of the steps of obtaining and verifying personal information, and permitting the gaming event to commence or continue. Personal information can include pictures and/or the geographic location of the player. A cellular telephone can be used to take pictures and determine the geographic location of the player, and both of these items can be transmitted via a cellular telephone call.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read data from user cards and to use the data read by the card reader in operation of the machine. Status messages are received from automated banking machines operating in a network. The messages are received by an event management system operating at least one computer in operative connection with a data store. The data store includes information representative of the banking machines in the network, status messages generated by the banking machines and actions to be taken including entities to be notified of conditions which cause status messages to be sent by the various banking machines.

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.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a means of securitization of life settlement contracts using a method of stripping the death benefit asset from the premium liabilities by producing a Stripped Collateralized Life Settlement Obligation. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a means of securitizing life insurance contracts using a method of stripping the death benefit asset from the premium liabilities by producing a Stripped Collateralized Life Insurance Obligation.

Abstract: A filter module for a WOSA/XFS transaction processing system is disclosed. The system includes a WOSA transaction manager which is responsive to transaction requests from at least one application. A service provider layer is adapted to relay transaction requests passed from the transaction manager to associated hardware for execution. The filter module is adapted to intercept transaction requests from the transaction manager to the service provider layer and to process the requests. The filter module is further adapted to intercept transaction responses form the service provider layer to the transaction manager and the at least one application and to process these responses.

Abstract: A system operates to receive status messages from banking machines operating in a network. The messages are received by an event management system operating at least one computer. The computer is in operative connection with a data store. The data store includes information representative of the banking machines in the network, status messages generated by the banking machines and actions to be taken including entities to be notified of conditions which cause status messages to be sent by the various banking machines. A device status processing program in the computer resolves an action to be taken responsive to the status message. Responsive to the action resolved by the device status processing program the computer causes a notification message to be dispatched by a multimedia reporter to an entity who is to be notified of the condition at the banking machine which caused the status message.

Abstract: A combined bill acceptor and smart card reader (or other data unit reader) comprises a bill acceptor, a host interface, and a smart card reader interposed between the bill acceptor and the host interface. The smart card reader preferably permits unimpeded pass-through of cash transaction data from the bill acceptor to the host interface when currency is accepted by the bill acceptor, and transmits cashless transaction data to the host interface when a smart card is read by the card reader. The smart card reader may route the cash transaction data using a hardware connection, such as a relay, or a soft connection, such as by serial interface devices in communication with the bill acceptor and the host device. The smart card reader may provide secure storage of transaction history data, as well as advanced authentication and verification functions.

Abstract: A method and a system for operating a revolving credit program utilizing a table of tiered interest rates in which one of the interest rates is applied as a finance charge to a remaining outstanding balance (20) of an account depending upon the percentage that payments made during a billing cycle (12) comprise of an account parameter, such as the outstanding balance, a highest balance or a beginning balance. In the preferred embodiment the applied interest rate (34) is determined by the percentage the outstanding balance (32) is reduced by payments on the balance during a billing cycle. Also in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tiered interest rate table is structured to apply progressively reduced interest rates to outstanding balances reduced by progressively greater payment percentages from the previous billing cycle, thereby encouraging a credit customer to make larger payments and pay down the outstanding balance faster.

Abstract: A method and system for performing purchase transactions such as credit and charge card transactions includes a home entertainment (HE) device having a display screen. A signature capturing sensor such as a remote control having a touch pad is operable for generating touch pad signals as a function of being touched by a consumer. A controller is operable with the HE device for controlling the HE device to display on the display screen purchase transaction form such as a credit card slip having a signature entry area. The controller is further operable with the HE device and the touch pad for controlling the HE device to display on the display screen a signature of the consumer in the signature entry area of the credit card slip in response to touch pad signals being generated by the touch pad as the consumer touches the touch pad and enters the signature on the touch pad. The controller uses the credit card slip and the entered signature displayed on the display screen to effect a credit card transaction.

Abstract: A diagnostic server software component for an automated banking machine is provided. The diagnostic server is operative to periodically retrieve diagnostic messages from a nonvolatile memory of the machine and store the diagnostic messages on the hard drive of the machine. The software is further operative responsive to communication from an external computing device to send diagnostic messages stored on the hard drive to an external computing device. The software may further be operative to route transaction diagnostic messages between the machine and a remote host banking system. The software may retrieve the diagnostic messages directly from a specified memory address of the nonvolatile memory. The software may periodically communicate with terminal control software of the machine to cause the terminal control software to retrieve the diagnostic messages from the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: A method of testing operation of an automated banking machine system is provided. The method may comprise storing in a data store data representative of a simulated automated banking machine, at least one condition which occurs at the machine and at least one action to be carried out responsive to the condition. The method may further comprise inputting an input representing the condition at the machine and indicating through a display, responsive to the stored data, the at least one action being carried out responsive to simulating the condition at the machine. The method may also include carrying out the at least one action responsive to operation of the computer. The method may include simulating responsive to the input, that the machine has generated a message indicative of the condition. The method may include providing a further input which prevents performance of the carrying out step.

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: An automated banking machine (12) is operative to conduct transactions in response to HTML documents and TCP/IP messages exchanged with a local computer system (14) through an intranet (16), as well as in response to messages exchanged with foreign servers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 96) in a wide area network (18). The banking machine includes a computer (34) having an HTML document handling portion (76, 80, 82). The HTML document handling portion is operative to communicate through a proxy server (88), with a home HTTP server (90) in the intranet or the foreign servers in the wide area network. The computer further includes a device application portion (84) which interfaces with the HTML document handling portion and dispatches messages to operate devices (36) in the automated banking machine. The devices include a sheet dispenser mechanism (42) which dispenses currency as well as other transaction devices.

Abstract: An electronic transaction processing system performing a deposit and/or a withdrawal of digital cash between a customer and a banking facility includes a customer money card storing digital cash of the customer, a bank money card storing digital cash of the banking facility and an escrow card storing transaction information with respect to a transaction with digital cash between the customer and the banking facility. A transaction is processed by renewing digital cash stored in the customer money card and in the bank money card in response to the amount of the transaction, and transaction processing is performed after storing each balance information of digital cash stored in the customer money card and in the bank money card and the amount of the transaction in the escrow card.

Abstract: An electronic money storage and transfer system wherein at least electronic money is transferable between a centralized repository of money containing at least one financial account accessible by an account identification number. The portable electronic wallet including a dedicated modem for accessing the financial account in the financial institution and a telecommunications receptacle for receiving a telecommunications plug for connecting the portable electronic wallet to the other electronic money storage and a plurality of portable electronic money transfer devices.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a retail checkout terminal includes the step of determining a first product code associated with a first item when a user enters the first item into the checkout terminal. The method also includes the step of determining if a master product database is devoid of first product information corresponding to the first item and generating a first no-record control signal in response thereto. Moreover, the method includes the step of detecting if the user manually enters the first product information corresponding to the first item in response to generation of the first no-record control signal and generating a first manually-entered control signal in response thereto. The method further includes the step of storing the first product information corresponding to the first item in a supplemental product database in response to generation of the first manually-entered control signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for notifying a user of account activity, such as a withdrawal from a savings or checking account. A computer system maintains information on financial accounts and electronic user contact information for at least one of the financial accounts, such as a telephone number, e-mail address or pager number. Information on a transaction with respect to one of the financial accounts is received and processed. The computer system then processes the information on the transaction and generates an electronic message providing information on the transaction. The user contact information for the financial account involved in the transaction is processed. The message is then electronically transmitted to the location identified by the user contact information for the financial account.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for electronic orders and payments by means of a communication network (6), such as a telephone network. A facilitating unit (2) comprising a voice response system (21) and a communication server (22) makes it possible, with the aid of simple subscriber equipment (8, 10) and a smart card (9), to order services and to effect electronic payments. The facilitating unit (2) is designed so as to be readily scalable and expandable. Preferably, it is also possible to revalue a smart card (9) by way of the system (1) of the invention.

Abstract: An automatic transaction apparatus comprises a media operation unit having a card access port and paper currency depositing/receiving port and a housing unit which includes a card process portion and a plurality of paper currency dispenser portions which are positioned at the side of the card access port and the paper currency depositing/receiving port. Also included are a slider portion which is arranged to be movable in a given direction behind the card access port and the paper currency depositing/receiving port and in front of the card process portion and the plurality of paper currency dispenser portions. Further included are a transport unit which is supported by the slider portion, and which has a chuck portion which is movable between the operation unit and the housing unit. A controller also forms part of the apparatus; the controller controls movement of the slider portion and the chuck portion.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to propose an account bankbook, a money transfer card, a receipt file, and a checkbook utilizing an optical card, an IC card, or a hybrid optical/IC card. On the surface of a resin card base board 1 are formed an IC chip 11, an optical recording sheet 13, a magnetic stripe 14, and an embossment 12. In a semiconductor memory within the IC chip 11 are written validation keys, search keys, payee information, the upper limit amount of a check, and a program for processing transaction data. Access restrictions corresponding to various applications are imposed upon these data. The history of various cash transactions is recorded in the optical recording sheet 13. These records are of write-once type and rewriting or deletion thereof is impossible.

Abstract: A process for executing payment transactions between a user and a merchant, the process being carried out in connection with a bank or other institution maintaining a financial account for the user. The process comprises a step of segmenting the financial account of the user into a first sub-account containing unrestricted funds and a second sub-account containing restricted funds and transferring funds from the first sub-account of unrestricted funds to the second sub-account of restricted funds. Preferably, the transferring of the funds is done periodically according to a predetermined budget or is done from time to time according to specific authorization. The process also comprises tendering a restricted funds bank card to the merchant for accessing restricted funds in the second sub-account and scanning the restricted funds bank card electronically to identify the account to be accessed.

Abstract: An unattended banking machine such as an ATM machine has a payment acceptor for accepting payment from the machine user and for determining the amount of payment from the user. A calculator determines the transactional difference between the amount of the transaction and the payment by the user. In ATM machines service fees may be charged to the ATM user for issuing a money order or for a wire transfer that are not in even multiples of the smallest denomination of the currency being dispensed by the ATM machine. The preferred cash dispenser has only bills of different denominations and no coins. To pay the transactional difference without the use of very small denomination currency and/or coins the transactional difference is divided into a cash payment portion which is dispensed in bills from the machine's cash dispenser.

Abstract: A method and a system for operating a revolving credit program utilizing a table of tiered interest rates in which one of the interest rates is applied as a finance charge to a remaining outstanding balance of an account depending upon the percentage that payments made during a billing cycle comprise of an account parameter, such as the outstanding balance, a highest balance or a beginning balance. In the preferred embodiment the applied interest rate is determined by the percentage the outstanding balance is reduced by payments on the balance during a billing cycle. Also in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tiered interest rate table is structured to apply progressively reduced interest rates to outstanding balances reduced by progressively greater payment percentages from the previous billing cycle, thereby encouraging a credit customer to make larger payments and pay down the outstanding balance faster.

Abstract: The automated improved check processing system and method includes a data entry device (200, 202) for receiving checking account information (304, 306, 308) and a check amount (302) of a check (210, 300) provided in a transaction. The transaction may take place at a bank teller window or a point-of-sale. The checking account information and check amount are electronically transmitted to the institution or servicer (208) drawn on for electronic presentment and posting to the proper checking account. Additionally, an image capturer (204) may be used at the time of the transaction to obtain a digitized image of the face of the check. The captured image may then be forwarded electronically to a database, which is readily accessible for research purposes.

Abstract: A stored value transaction system has a plurality of value storing transfer devices, including at least one local device, collection device, consolidation device and settlement device. First and second transfer devices are provided for performing a value information transfer transaction between each other. First and second cryptographic verifiers within the first and second transfer devices, respectively, provide individual first and second secure transaction determinations and permit the value information transfer transaction in accordance with the first and second individual secure transaction determinations. The first and second cryptographic verifiers include respective first and second pluralities of encryption keys. The first and second pluralities of encryption keys have at least one common encryption key whereby both the first secure transaction determination and the second secure transaction determination are made in accordance with the common encryption key.

Abstract: Financial transactions are performed rapidly by creating a commercial document, delivering an image of the document to the payee via facsimile, delivering an image of the document to the drawee via facsimile and processing the image of the document using a computer which responds to software commands for retrieving electronically encrypted information on the commercial paper document.

Abstract: An automated remittance system, method, and associated remittance document are disclosed whereby consumers' pre-authorizations are obtained by a billing system provider to initiate an electronic transfer of Funds from the consumers' depository accounts to a vendor's depository account upon the provider's scanning and verifying the returned remittance documents that have unique current billing indicia. Computer means control the system and maintain currency of all associated data base files as well as generate the remittance documents.

Abstract: A transaction protection system is provided that permits non-related third parties to offer an impartial, readily accessible standardized service that will protect and encompass any moneys that are tendered by an individual or business entity to a transaction in relation to a second business or entity. Delivery of payment will occur upon a future condition being met automatically whereby the system both performs an escrowing function, a payment function and a notifying function automatically. The transaction processing system acts as a temporary depository control in the flow of the moneys from parties in a transaction ensuring that sufficient balances are available for the transaction and assuring that payment is made only upon satisfaction of the conditions set by the parties to the transaction. The system is implemented by means of either an integrated credit/debit system, deposit slips and forms or through conventional checks combined with either credit card or deposit slips.

Abstract: An IC card (24) and a data memory card (23) are mounted to a terminal equipment (1) connected to a center computer (32) via a line. Confirmation information stored in the IC card is checked whether or not it coincides with confirmation information stored in an RAM (6) in the terminal equipment or confirmation information stored in the data memory card. After coincidence of the confirmation information is detected, the terminal equipment performs the processing to be conventionally performed by the center computer in place of the center computer. An IC card intake and outtake processing mechanism (104) in the terminal equipment does not send out the IC card to the outside of the terminal equipment when the power of the terminal equipment is shut down.

Abstract: There is disclosed a currency transfer system and method which utilizes the existing ATM network but which provides for the temporary assignment of a PIN number and the temporary establishment of a credit limit within an existing account. Using the system a customer can, by using a temporary PIN at an ATM machine, withdraw an amount equal to or less than the temporary credit limit. The depositing customer purchases temporary ATM cards which have contained within them preprogrammed credit limits which are then read into the system under an assigned temporary PIN number.

Abstract: There is disclosed a currency transfer system and method which utilizes the existing ATM network but which provides for the temporary assignment of a PIN number and the temporary establishment of a credit limit within an existing account. Using the system a customer can, by using a temporary PIN at an ATM machine, withdraw an amount equal to or less than the temporary credit limit. In one embodiment, a depositing customer can establish the temporary credit limit by the transfer of funds from an existing account and in another embodiment the depositing customer can purchase temporary ATM cards which have contained within them programmed credit limits which are then read into the system under an assigned temporary PIN number.

Abstract: A terminal banking apparatus for processing bills and checks includes an input apparatus for inputting the number of each account and the amount of bills or checks at a front counter of a bank, a tentative paying file for storing the number of each account and the corresponding amount input from the input apparatus, a magnetic ink character reader for reading the number of the account described by magnetic ink characters on each of the bills or checks carried, and an amount reader for reading the amount described on the bills or checks stored in the tentative paying file depending on the number of the account read by the character reader.

Abstract: A credit authorization terminal (CAT), when communication processing is performed between the CAT and a host computer to perform settlement processing for one customer, performs input processing of information concerning settlement for the next customer in parallel with the communication processing. The CAT can continuously perform input processing of information concerning settlement for a plurality of customers. The CAT continues to perform communication processing to perform settlement processing for one customer without hanging up a line between the CAT and the host computer, when communication processing is terminated for the previous customer.

Abstract: An automatic cash transaction system having a plurality of automated teller machines and a supervisory center for supervising the automated teller machines, wherein cash transactions are performed using an identification card storing at least an index representative of the number of a user's account.

Abstract: In a system for carrying out financial transactions via facsimile machines, account customized transaction vouchers are completed by the parties to a transaction, each filling in the amount of the transactions, whether he or she is a sender or receiver of fund, the accound number of the other party and signature. The voucher optionally contains a transparent pocket for receiving an identification card of an authorized user of the system, and each party transmits by facsimile an image of the completed voucher together with identification card to a facsimile machine at a central facility, such as an automated clearing house ACH). A character reader at the central facility reads the incoming data and authorizes the requested transaction based on personal identification numbers correctly transmitted to the central facility via telephone pushbotton switches and an adequate account balance.

Abstract: An IC card transaction system is disclosed in which at least a portion of the data required to complete a transaction processing is stored in the card by a customer in advance of transaction processing. A skip code is entered for portions of transaction data that is not pre-stored. An automatic transaction processing unit reads the transaction data stored in the card and receives from the customer any additional data which was not previously stored in the card (e.g. data associated with the skip code) and which is required to complete a transaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic funds transfer system that assures that funds to be electronically transferred are actually present to be transferred. This is accomplished by sending both the debit side and the credit side of the transaction as described in automated clearing house records to a payor's financial institution or data processor and comparing both records to assure the funds are present before releasing the funds to a payee. The release of funds to a payee is accomplished by the sending of a credit by an automated clearing house record to a payee's financial institution or data processor or by the printing and mailing of a check if the payee is not a member of the automated clearing house.