Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of identity verification. Specifically, the invention is directed to a device and method for facilitating signature-less financial transactions as an improvement over common, prior art check-based financial transactions. This system and method provides the ability to use a check as a form of payment at a point of use without having to use the signed check as the binding document that is processed through the financial system to obtain payment by the entity rendering the service. The system and method comprises reading a hardcopy check via an electronic scanner, correlating the account number to a biometric or other piece of data that would positively identify the person tendering the check and using the biometric or other data to confirm the identity of the person tendering the check. This data is then associated with an auditable record of the person who performed the biometric or other data comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing funds to be transferred instantly to an account so that the funds are available to the beneficiary at the time they are sent, based on customer information which can be automatically accessed by the system, rather than needing to be manually entered. Further, the system automatically computes the appropriate exchange rate and any fees to be charged to the account and displays them to the user so that the user may authorize or cancel the transaction. They system also analyzes the parameters of the transfer to assure that the transfer conforms with pertinent government regulations. The system also enables the user to quantify the amount to be transferred in the currency of the originating account or the currency of the receiving account, thereby maximizing the flexibility of the system. The system further is designed so that it can be understood and accessed by individuals having no special expertise in computers, wire transfers and the like.

Abstract: A remote communication system for facilitating secure electronic sales of products, wherein a suitable seller input device in association with a local seller data transmission system couples the seller to a packet network system for communicating to a remote receiver/decoder apparatus to download registration data to the seller system. Upon retrieving a telephone toll number from the remote apparatus, a telcom network communication link for communicating the telephone number from the seller to the remote receiver allows the seller to upload the product that is to be offered for sale to the remote apparatus. The telcom connection, linking the seller system to the remote apparatus may also include a 900 number billing system whereby a fee is assessed and charged at a rate determined by the toll connection provider after uploading the product.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fingerprint sensing system includes a sheet prism having a sensing surface and a number of prismlets positioned opposite to the sensing surface. Each prismlet has an entrance surface and an exit surface, and is adjacent to another prismlet. The width of the sheet is more than ten times the maximum thickness of any one of the prismlets. When a finger is positioned on the sensing surface, a portion of the radiation entering a number of the entrance surfaces and incident at the sensing surface is reflected through total internal reflection. The reflected radiation emits from a number of the exit surfaces to create an image of the fingerprint. In another embodiment, the system further includes a second sheet prism stacked together with the previously described sheet prism. The second sheet prism has a flat surface and a number of prismlets positioned opposite to the flat surface, which faces the prismlets of the previously described sheet prism.

Abstract: In a checking system, notably for checking the identity of persons, the person to be checked is the bearer of a chip card containing a limited series of information elements constituting a codified representation of significant morphological characteristics of the card bearer's face. The checking station comprises a card reader for the preparing and presenting, on a screen, of a schematic image of the face on the basis of the codified information elements read in the card. It is then possible to make a comparison between the displayed face and the bearer's face, as well as between the displayed face and the bearer'photograph which may be attached to the card.

Abstract: A system and method for the discrete identification of a duress transaction at an ATM banking machine. The system and method allows the customer to alert the police that a crime is taking place without alerting the criminal that an alarm has been given by the entry of an access number equating to a non-prestored personal distress or emergency number in place of the stored PIN number. When an access number is entered to begin a transaction, the system compares the entered access number with the prestored PIN number. If the entered access number is the same as the PIN number, the transaction proceeds as normal. If not, an algorithmic function is applied to either the entered access number or the PIN number. These two number are then again compared and if after application of the algorithmic function they are the same, then the duress signal is triggered.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing funds to be transferred instantly to an account so that the funds are available to the beneficiary at the time they are sent, based on customer information which can be automatically accessed by the system, rather than needing to be manually entered. Further, the system automatically computes the appropriate exchange rate and any fees to be charged to the account and displays them to the user so that the user may authorize or cancel the transaction. The system also analyzes the parameters of the transfer to assure that the transfer conforms with pertinent government regulations. The system also enables the user to quantify the amount to be transferred in the currency of the originating account or the currency of the receiving account, thereby maximizing the flexibility of the system. The system further is designed so that it can be understood and accessed by individuals having no special expertise in computers, wire transfers and the like.

Abstract: An identification instrument such as a pocket-sized card includes both human-recognizable and machine-readable indicia. The human-recognizable material may be any combination of photographs, graphical or textual information, with the machine-readable section encoding any or all of the human-recognizable areas in their entirety. When the card is presented for verification, the machine-readable section is scanned, decompressed and/or deciphered and compared to the database used to generate the human-recognizable section or sections. Only with a substantial matching of the information may the card and its user be authenticated. Preferably, a Symbol Technologies compliant two-dimensional barcode is used as the machine-readable encoding format. Multiple levels of encryption and decryption are also described in conjunction with enhanced security.

Abstract: A verification method for use in a verification system comprises a verification terminal operated by a verification authority, a remote terminal remote from the verification terminal, and a communication link coupling the verification terminal to the remote terminal. The method includes the steps of generating a document data file from an identity document provided at the remote terminal, and then transmitting the document data file from the remote terminal to the verification terminal. The method further includes generating a verification data file that verifies an attribute of the document at the verification terminal. The verification data file preferably comprises a digitized signature of the verification authority operating the verification terminal. The verification data file is transmitted to the remote terminal. Finally, the document data file and the verification data file are merged to produce a verification record. The verification record may be time stamped and stored and/or printed by a printer.

Abstract: The process provides a staggered degree of security as a safety concept against unauthorized use of a transaction card for purchasing of items. The card has four memories memorizing an amount of money, a money installment and its limiting value, a number of usable transactions and its limiting value, further data for doing an identity check of the ownership of the cardholder and also an authenticity check. The card is usable at three different types of payment instruments with or without an identity check and/or an authenticity check.

Abstract: A process which provides electronic access to pre-paid funds for cash or payment for goods and services. A card is issued to a customer with a value selectable by the customer. The card has a magnetic stripe with an encoded card number including a bank identification number (BIN) and an account number. The central card processor establishes a zero balance database including the card numbers, but with blank fields for the customer data and the value of the account. When a customer purchases a card, the sales agent transmits to the central database computer which fills in the blanks in the database, activating the account, and transmits an acknowledgement signal back to the sales agent. The customer can immediately use the card in ATM or other remote terminals to acquire cash or purchase goods and services. The customer inputs a PIN number which is provided with the card, or a customer selected alternative PIN number.

Abstract: A transaction card is described in which data representing an identifiable image can be stored in a limited amount of storage space. The image to be stored is converted to an associated matrix of pixel values. The matrix of pixel values is partitioned into a plurality of ordered image portions corresponding to a like partitioning of the image. The partitioning is generally related to feature locations in the image. Each image portion is compared with a reference set of image portions represented by pixel groups. Associated with each pixel group is a signal group. For each image portion, a signal group is chosen for the associated reference pixel group that most closely matches with the pixel image portion. The signal groups representing the matrix of pixel values or the image to be stored are stored as bit patterns on the storage space of a transaction card. The bit patterns may then be read and converted to the signal groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to prevent a fraudulent use of a credit card, a security pass card and the like. A computer system containing card account numbers is provided with corresponding security codes. For authorization of credit issuance or a security check, a computer operator feeds the account number to the computer which in turn displays the corresponding security code on a terminal display. The operator verifies that the card bearer has the same security code, thereby verifying that the card bearer is the true card holder.

Abstract: A self-service system, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) system, uses predictive technology. When a user begins a transaction by inserting an identification card into a card reader of an ATM, the predictive technology predicts which service or services provided by the system the user is likely to request. This prediction is based upon a stored record in the system, representing previous transactions by that user. The prediction is made in advance of completion of an authorization process for the transaction, to increase the speed of operation of the ATM in carrying out the transaction. For example, to reduce overall transaction time, the ATM can count out a predicted amount of cash in advance of an anticipated withdrawal request. Also, the prediction is used to generate a special display for a particular user, the display being designed to simplify the decisions and selections required to be made by the user.

Abstract: A self-service automated teller system includes a fraud detection module which uses a biometric recognition technique, such as voice or fingerprint recognition, in combination with predictive technology. The biometric recognition test is normally decisive, but if this test produces a result which is close to a predetermined threshold, the predictive technology checks to determine whether the transaction is consistent with the user's normal behavior before permitting the transaction to proceed. A suspicion count may also be included in the decision-making process, to determine whether or not the user has a previous record of suspicious transactions.

Abstract: An IC card according to the present invention includes data processing means for processing data; a memory for storing a personal identification number; a power-supply terminal to which a power-supply voltage is applied by an external unit; an input/output terminal for inputting data from and outputting data to the external unit; a voltage detecting circuit for detecting the power-supply voltage applied to the power-supply terminal from the external unit; and a check-processing circuit for verifying a personal identification number input from the external unit by comparison with a personal identification number stored in the memory in response to a command for verifying applied to the input/output terminal when the power-supply voltage detected in the voltage detecting circuit is at least equal to a threshold voltage and constantly responding that an identification error has occurred when the power-supply voltage detected in the voltage detecting circuit is lower than the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A pre-paid vending machine (10) includes a card reader (15) which reads credit data and secret code number from a credit card (11). When a user inputs a secret code number and amount data from an input display (16), whether or not the input secret code number is the same as the secret code number read from the credit card is checked. If the numbers are the same, the input secret code number, the amount data and the like are transmitted to a credit center (13), where it is determined whether or not a credit can be granted. If the credit can be granted, the input amount data is magnetically recorded on the ID card (12) as a credit amount, whereby the ID card can be used as a pre-paid card. When a user buys a thing by inserting the ID card to an automatic vending machine (20), the price of the thing is subtracted from the credit amount of the ID card.

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 firm banking terminal having a data inputting unit, a dismantlement monitor for outputting a detection signal when the terminal body is dismantled, a processor for stopping operation of the terminal when it receives the detection signal, and a memory for storing authorization data allowing dismantlement of the terminal without interrupting normal operations when the data received through the data inputting unit coincides with the authorization data.

Abstract: In connection with a system for simplifying the use of a plurality of credit cards, check cards, customer cards, or the like, it is proposed to provide an electronic multi-function card comprising a storage accommodating a plurality of individual data sets representing individual single-purpose cards, and comprising at least two display boxes in which data can be displayed by electronic activation, and further contact means accessible from the outside which enable the data sets stored at any time to be paged through successively and the individual data of each single-purpose card to be displayed in the display boxes, and permitting further the entry of a secret code and, finally, the data sets and/or individual parts thereof to be entered and read out, respectively.

Abstract: In a system for carrying out financial transactions via facsimile machines, account customized transaction vouchers are completed by at least one party to a transaction. The transaction vouchers issued to that party contain thereon in bar code format a series of pseudo random alphanumeric characters with a different set of characters on each voucher. The party transmits by facsimile an image of the completed voucher to a facsimile machine at a central facility. A character reader at the central facility reads the incoming data and authorizes the requested transaction based on the pseudo random alphanumeric set of characters on the voucher when confirmed by a comparison to a list of pseudo random alphanumeric sets of characters in the account record of that party. Used sets of alphanumeric characters are deleted from the list in the account data to permit onetime usage of a voucher. A credit voucher is sent from the central facility to a facsimile machine at the site of the other party to the transaction.

Abstract: An automatic transaction apparatus for dealing with cash or the like operates by being accessed by the user through the use of a user specific transaction medium card, which is inserted to the apparatus so that information recorded on it is read. In the event of some trouble of the apparatus, if the card cannot be ejected and returned to the user, a receipt slip of the card with information specific to the user being printed thereon is issued to the user in response to the ejection failure signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for password protecting a personal, laptop or single user computer. The user's password entry is compared to the value of a secondary password retained by the computer as well as the value of the user's stored primary password. The user may thus access the computer when his primary password is corrupted or forgotten by obtaining an alternate password from the computer manufacturer which matches the secondary password generated or stored by the computer. The operation of the method and the organization of the apparatus make the secondary and alternate passwords valid for a limited time, thereby preserving the overall integrity of the password protection system. The primary, secondary and alternate passwords may be encrypted for added security.

Abstract: Apparatus for communication of information from a passive identification module that may be associated with a fluid container and an active communication module associated with a fluid delivery device. The passive identification module has no independent battery or power source but receives its operational energy from an RF signal generated by the active communication module. Upon initiation of a fluid delivery transaction a communication link is established between the passive identification and active communication modules and will proceed only if appropriate authorization is received by the active communication module and an associated information storage and retrieval device. Information regarding the fuel delivery transaction may be stored on the storage and retrieval device and may be communicated to another local or remote device for further processing.

Abstract: When the dollar amount of the transaction is first keyed into a machine, a number intended to indicate the dollar amount is printed onto the document both in an optically readable non-magnetic code and in ordinary numerals. By optically reading the non-magnetic code from the document a set of electronic signals is created which represents the number indicative of the dollar amount, and in direct response to that set of electronic signals the number is then printed onto the document in magnetic ink.

Abstract: A system and method which allows an individual customer to select his or her own personal identification number for an ATM card through use of a telephone line. The system generally comprises a voice response unit linked to both existing telephone networks and a card encoding/embossing unit. The voice response unit is interactive to allow the acquisition and storage of data to be encoded. The system voice prompts, stores, and voice confirms the client identification data and transaction order number to the customer representative. The system then voice prompts, stores, and voice confirms to the customer his or her chosen PIN outside the range of perception of the customer representative. The system receives the requested PIN and combines it with the existing client data base. The system generates the initial encoding data and enters the data into the database. The appropriate transaction order number in the voice response unit is located, and the selected PIN is accessed.

Abstract: A portable Personal Identification Card allows a cardholder to enter a PIN code into his card at a location remote from an authorization terminal. In an alternate embodiment, a PIN code may be enterd at the authorization terminal. The authorization terminal reads the cardholder's account number from the PIN card. The account number is transmitted to a central computer which uses this number to index into memory to find a personal identification number and encryption parameters. The centerl computer transmits a pseudo-random number to the PIN Card. Both the PIN Card and the central computer perform an encryption of a function of the corresponding personal indentification number and pseudo-random number to derive a CGIPIN (Computer Generated Image of the PIN). If the CGIPIN transmitted from the PIN card matches the CGIPIN of the central computer, access is authorized.

Abstract: In a system for carrying out finanical transactions via facsimile machines, account customized transaction vouchers are completed by at least one party to a transaction. The transaction vouchers issued to that party contain thereon a series of pseudo random alphanumeric characters with a different set of characters on each voucher. The party transmits by facsimile an image of the completed voucher to a facsimile machine at a central facility. A character reader at the central facility reads the incoming data and authorizes the requested transaction based on the pseudo random alphanumeric set of characters on the voucher when confirmed by a comparision to a list of pseudo random alphanumeric sets of characters in the account record of that party. Used sets of alphanumeric characters are deleted from the list in the account data to permit onetime usage of a voucher. A credit voucher is sent from the central facility to a facsimile machine at the site of the other party to the transaction.

Abstract: A method of authenticating input data including user data and pin code data for an access control system. The method includes the steps of receiving the user data and the pin code data from a keyboard and/or a card reader, combining an offset data with the user data, making a modulo adjustment of said offset user data, obtaining one or more variables from the offset user data, calculating a matrix index by bringing certain variables into a predetermined equation, determining a constant from a matrix by the matrix index and comparing the constant with a corresponding digit value of the pin code data. If the constant matches the digit value, a validation signal is generated and the next constant is obtained from the matrix by the next matrix index obtained by use of a predetermined second equation so that the next digit value of the pin code data is compared with this constant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for password protecting a personal, laptop or single user computer. The user's password entry is compared to the value of a secondary password retained by the computer as well as the value of the user's stored primary password. The user may thus access the computer when his primary password is corrupted or forgotten by obtaining an alternate password from the computer manufacturer which matches the secondary password generated or stored by the computer. The operation of the method and the organization of the apparatus make the secondary and alternate passwords valid for a limited time, thereby preserving the overall integrity of the password protection system. The primary, secondary and alternate passwords may be encrypted for added security.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a selective access system against fraudulent use of a magnetic card having a confidential card. Each cade (CM) is associated with a class corresponding to a zone of a memory (PROM). The number of classes is equal to the number of zones and is substantially less than the number of cards (CM) which may be presented. At each failure to input a confidential code, one of the bits is modified in the corresponding memory zone.

Abstract: A data transfer system includes a currency cassette adapted to be inserted in a cassette receiving compartment of a cash dispenser mechanism, the cassette having a first printed circuit board on which are mounted a RAM, a microprocessor connected to the RAM, a photodiode adapted to receive data from an LED mounted on a second printed circuit board secured to the cassette receiving compartment, and LED adapted to transmit data to a photodiode mounted on the second board, and a first circuit including a first coil adapted to receive power from second circuit including a second coil mounted on the second board. In operation, data is transferred between the RAM and a microprocessor external to the cassette by means of the cooperating photodiodes and LEDs, with the first circuit serving to provide a dc power supply for the other components mounted on the board.

Abstract: A credit card system for providing verification of authority of a credit card bearer to use the credit card for a credit transaction. Initial authorization of card use is given to the authorized user upon selection by the user of one of a set of supplemental characters appearing on the card as the authorized user's private identifier. Presentation of the card at a point of sale initiates a check of this private identifier against a supplemental character identified by the presenter of the card as his/her private identifier.

Abstract: An integrated circuit card having a one-chip micro computer, a memory, and an address bus and data bus for coupling the micro computer and the memory, includes an input/output bus and interface for communication with an external terminal device. The micro computer executes processing commands from the external device, and returns the processing results to the external device through the interface. Instead of returning the processing results to the micro computer immediately when processing is finished, the IC card includes a timer for measuring elapsed time starting with the receipt of a processing command. The processing results are returned to the external device only when a predetermined elapsed time has been measured by the timer.

Abstract: An identification authenticating system includes a first memory for storing a program to perform a preselected calculation on an input value to obtain an expected result. An input value is supplied to the program wherein calculation is performed thereon. An external signal is supplied, and that signal is compared the expected result. A comparison determines whether the expected result and input value correspond to one another, thereby authenticating an identification.

Abstract: In a card authorization terminal for effecting card authorization processing for a large transaction amount of money with communications with a host computer but card pseudoauthorization processing for a small transaction amount of money without communications with the host computer, transaction data used for pseudoauthorization processing are once stored in a memory unit and then transmitted to the host computer during communications with the host computer for card authorization processing. Further, in the case of transactions of small amounts of money, only some transactions extracted at random are processed for card authorization.

Abstract: An IC (integrated circuit) card identification system includes a comparator for comparing a first identification number entered by a cardholder with a second identification number, a storage memory for storing at least the second identification number, a timer for measuring a time lapse during a card-identifying operation, and a central controller for controlling the timer to set a first processing time period to be substantially equal to a second processing time period. During the first processing time period, the comparator determines that the first identification number is coincident with the second identification number since the first identification number has been entered. During the second processing time period, the comparator determines that the first identification number is incoincident with the second identification number since the first identification number has been entered.

Abstract: A credit card system for providing verification of authority of a credit card bearer to use the credit card for a credit transaction. Initial authorization of card use is given to the authorized user upon selection by the user of one of a set of supplemental characters appearing on the card as the authorized user's private identifier. Presentation of the card at a point of sale initiates a check of this private identifier against a supplemental character identified by the presenter of the card as his/her private identifier.