Abstract: A multi-application data card is capable of substituting for a plurality of existing single-application data cards. The multi-application data card can be a smart card comprising a memory formed with at least three memory banks or storage areas for storing and updating data relating respectively to at least one authorized holder of the card and at least two authorized applications of the card. Alternatively, the data card can be a conventional card having a magnetic stripe, and the memory functions can be performed at a location remote from the card reader and connected thereto by a data link. In addition, the data card can comprise both a magnetic stripe and solid-state circuitry so that it can be read by a card reader compatible with a magnetic-stripe card or by a card reader compatible with a smart card. In accordance with the invention, a card holder needs to carry just one card for all card uses, both financial and non-financial.

Abstract: Providing change to gaming machine players is facilitated by the use of a change card having a memory storing a cash value which a change person can use to input a credit into a gaming machine in exchange for cash from a player. A game monitor unit having a card reader, a keypad and a display is attached to the gaming machine and can be used to authorize and transfer a selected cash value to the credit meter of the gaming machine from the change card. Cash values along with authorizations and security codes are input to the change card at a change station utilizing a similar monitor unit. Financial controls and security can be enhanced by transmitting data relating to change card transactions from the gaming machine and the change station to a central data system.

Abstract: A cash card dispensing and revaluing system having payment apparatus for receiving and validating payment operating in conjunction with a cash card dispensing assembly for storing a number of cash cards and for dispensing a cash card upon consumer request and payment of a predetermined payment amount. Additionally including in the system a cash card revaluing assembly for revaluing a cash card upon insertion of the card into the revaluing assembly in conjunction with insertion of payment into the payment apparatus. The payment apparatus includes currency accepting and validating systems such as bill validators or, alternatively, credit and debit card validators.

Abstract: Encumbrances on making calls charged to a card can be reduced by a) storing information so that an association is created relating a card number and at least one calling telephone station, from which card calls charged to the associated card are to be made, b) using the association to retrieve the card number at the time a card call is made from the at least one associated telephone station and c) automatically supplying the retrieved card number to the telephone network at the appropriate part of call set-up, so that the card number need not be entered by the calling party. The association between the card number and the telephone station, which may be referred to as a "logical link", is 1) independent of any pre-existing relationship between the card number, or any subset thereof, and the telephone number of the telephone station and 2) continues to exist despite the going on hook of the calling telephone station. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, personal identification information, such as the PIN assigned to the card number by the card issuer or a specially assigned PIN for use with the invention, may also be related to the calling telephone station and the card number by storing additional information to create an association among the calling telephone station, card number and PIN.

Abstract: A separable safety credit card which contains multiple account numbers and is mechanically detachable into two component parts whereby that part upon which is embossed the credit account numbers may be separately carried from the individual identification part thereof for purposes of safety and security so that if either component is lost or stolen the card may not be used by another in the making of unauthorized transactions.

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 credit/service card with expanded surface area comprises a first card member (60), a second card member (62) and a hinge (64) connecting the two card members. The credit/service card also comprises a fastener (76) for holding the first (60) and second (62) card members together when the credit/service card is in the closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing credit card fraud by prohibiting the unauthorized use of a credit card through verification of the absolute identity of a credit card user. Account information is read from the credit card and the card holder's fingerprint is scanned and electronically encoded by a fingerprint scanner. The account information and the encoded fingerprint are then sent to a remotely disposed comparitor via a communication line. The comparitor compares the scanned fingerprint with the file record fingerprint of the authorized card holder and if the fingerprints match allows the transaction to take place. If the scanned fingerprint matches the file fingerprint, the system automatically allows the transaction to complete.

Abstract: A portable security system is based on maintaining wireless communication between two or more plastic cards within a defined range. In the simplest form, a first card intermittently transmits an identification code to a second card. The second card compares that code with a code in an internal register, and on matching those codes, transmits a return code to the first card. The first card compares the return code with a code in an internal register, and on matching those codes, resets a timer. If the timer is not reset during a defined number of transmissions by the first card, an alarm circuit is activated. One card is attached to a valuable object such as a wallet on the person, and the other card is placed elsewhere on the person; theft of the object from the person results in activation of the alarm circuit. In an advanced form, a master card communicates with a series of slave cards; each of the slave cards is attached to a different valuable object on the person.

Abstract: The INTERACTIVE CREDIT CARD FRAUD CONTROL PROCESS system utilizes a computer with telephone interface, memory, voice recognition software and hardware, and an information archive and retrieval process. A computer program (10) is used to automatically and electronically control the determination of the caller as the authorized credit card holder, or conversely an unauthorized perpetrator attempting to make a credit card transaction. The telephone interface is connected to a telephone line and the caller dials a number that connects the caller with the present invention (12), which then captures certain information about the incoming call (14 & 16) and creates a permanent Record Stamp (18) of the call to which transactional information is added as the call progresses. The caller is asked question prompts, and the system receives voice and touch tone responses from the caller from which the system determines if a VoicePrint is applicable (20). The caller responses are managed by the present invention in a method that determines if the caller is the authorized credit card holder, and if the caller is not the authorized credit card holder the present invention captures information that can lead to the capture and conviction of the caller as a credit card fraud felon. The present invention uses the caller's spoken voice print of the card holder's name as one of the determining factors to determine if the caller is the authorized credit card holder (22). The VoicePrint, included in a claim in the present invention, uniquely and positively identifies a single person, and therefore becomes a valuable tool and evidence in the apprehension and conviction of perpetrators of credit card fraud. With a VoicePrint of the authorized credit card holder on file, the present invention prevents any other person except approved persons from making credit card transactions with that card number. Even without the VoicePrint, the control process is highly effective in limiting fraud risk and the present invention creates a VoicePrint of the caller, ties that identifier to the Record Stamp, and can thereafter identify that person as the person who was the caller. Additional claims relate to using the present invention for security and access control, including the gathering of positive identifying evidence of perpetrators.

Abstract: A method of validating a credit card includes the steps of issuing a credit card to a holder, the card having an account number on it. The holder is issued with a personal identification number (PIN). Before a transaction involving the credit card can be authorized, a validation transaction must be carried out in which the credit card is inserted into an electronic terminal and the PIN code is entered. The PIN code and the account number are compared with information stored in a database, and only if the PIN code corresponds correctly to the account number is use of the credit card authorized. The method prevents credit cards being used for transactions involving amounts greater than an unauthorized transaction limit applying to the card in question.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for the immediate issuance of personalized identification cards during client interviews. The invention relates to the creation of personalized cards and recording of personal information on a realtime basis while a client is being interviewed by a card issuing authority. More particularly, the invention electronically records and permanently prints client personal information on cards using a computer and printing system in a single client contact. The invention immediately issues only a single permanent card, eliminating the need and expense of a delay in issuing a permanent card or in issuing two cards; a first temporary card and a second permanent card. The invention also eliminates the need for more expensive personalizing equipment.

Abstract: A method for programming a spare key containing an electronic coded security code into the memory (18) of a security system (10) whereby a known key is inserted into the lock cylinder (12) and the security device is triggered to read its encoded security code. If within a period of time an unknown key is inserted into the lock cylinder (12), the encoded security code of the unknown key is then inserted into the system memory (18). The new key security code becomes an additional acceptable security code to open the lock.

Abstract: An anti-fraud system for the dispatch of credit cards to customers, rendering the renewal credit card useless to anyone other than the intended customer. Validation of the renewal credit card is accomplished at any retail outlet by means of a timed sequence at the transaction processing computer which ensures that any first-time sales authorization request under the renewal credit card is followed immediately within a prescribed time interval by a processing of the old credit card number and expiry date. The system also operates if the old credit card is tendered first at a sales outlet after the renewal credit card has been issued. This unique sequence of events will then automatically invalidate the old credit card, validate the renewal credit card, and indicate to the credit card issuing company that the customer has acknowledged receipt of their renewal credit card. Since both the old credit card, and the renewal credit card are required in order to validate the renewal credit card, an unauthorized party in illegal possession of the renewal credit card only, cannot use it.

Abstract: Method of electronic payment by chip card. According to the invention, each token carries a number making it possible to check its authenticity. The invention is used for electronic payment.

Abstract: Background processing for PCMCIA card service functions for registered Card Services clients includes a Card Services Background Processing Application and a Card Services dynamic link library (DDL) residing in the system VM, and a Card Services VxD residing in priority ring 0. A request for a Card Services function is generated by a Card Services function requester. The Card Services function requester is either a Card Services Client or a PCMCIA socket adapter. In response to the request, the Card Services VxD sets-up a path between the Card Services function requester and the Card Services DLL. The Card Services DLL contains the Card Services functions, and the appropriate Card Service function is executed. If the Card Service function requested requires background processing, the Card Services DLL posts a message with the Card Services Background Processing Application. The Card Services DLL then acknowledges the request for Card Services function to the Card Services requester. Upon selection of the Card Services Background Processing Application as an active process, the message posted is processed by executing the appropriate card services function in the Card Services DLL and providing any necessary callbacks.

Abstract: A telephone card system comprises a telephone debit card having a continuous portion of a calendar printed on one or both sides. Additional information pertaining to a specific date or to a specific period can be provided on the card in addition to the calendar information. An automatic vending machine for the telephone card requires the customer to enter selections from two groups of choices, for example a selection from a group of telephone card values, and from a group of calendar periods. The public telephone with which the card is used is provided with a window through which the calendar information and other information can be viewed while the card is in place in the card reader associated with the telephone.

Abstract: PCMCIA defines a standard interface for small portable computer peripherals. Part of the PCMCIA specification defines a Card Services software layer. The current PCMCIA specification defines a Card Services layer that provides Card Services to clients that wish to use PCMCIA cards. A Card Services Compatibility Driver is defined that ensures compatibility with real mode clients. The Card Services Compatibility Driver is a device driver or TSR that loads near the beginning of the computer system boot procedure. The Card Services Compatibility Driver simulates a full implementation of Card Services by supporting only the functions that are legal when no cards are installed in the system even though cards may be installed in the system. Later, a full protected mode implementation of Card Services is loaded into the system. The Card Services Compatibility Driver transfers all the state information it collects during the computer system boot procedure to the full protected mode implementation of Card Services. After receiving this information, the full protected mode implementation of Card Services takes control and services all later Card Services requests. The full protected mode implementation of Card Services also informs the registered Card Services clients of any cards inserted in the system by making card insertion callbacks.

Abstract: PURPOSE:To spread card usage, and to improve convenience by issuing a credit card which can be used one time within the specified sum of money under the approval of a subscriber who owns the credit card just like the subscriber. CONSTITUTION:A subscriber 2 applies to a credit card issuing company 3, and receives a one-time credit card 1 in which the same member's number and usage valid term as a subscribed credit card 6, and the usage valid term and usable upper limit sum of money of the card 1 or the like are recorded. When a non-subscriber who is given the card 1 uses it at a member shop 4, the information of the card 1 is read by a card terminal equipment 7, the advisability is checked, and the data are transmitted to the credit card issuing company 3. The card issuing company 3 requests a using tariff to the user 2 from a data base at the time of application contract, withdraws the tariff from the bank account of the user 2, and settles payment to the member shop 4.

Abstract: An information providing device (2) connected to telephone lines, on receiving a call from a user's terminal (1), sends out a guidance to the terminal, prompts the user to input the card number and password number. After the input of the numbers by the user, the device transfers the numbers to the host computer (3) which manages the information utilization fees. The host computer checks the user conditions including the identification of the user for each number. If the conditions are satisfied, the host computer transfers the card number and others to a card credit company (5) to make the credit reference and other confirmations of the user. When receiving the result of the credit reference and the other confirmations from the card credit company, the host computer transmits it to the information providing device. If the result of the credit reference is normal, the information providing device begins providing the information service as selected by the user through the user's terminal. After the service the terminal transmits the utilization data to the host computer and the card credit company.

Abstract: When credit cards are used which are paid in advance and are used for claiming services, for example using a public telephone, the credit card contains a memory for value units, from which value units are deducted, that is to say marked as used, after the service has been utilised. The credit card contains, in this case, a test code circuit which generates response data in accordance with a secret algorithm from a test word supplied. When the credit card is used, a check is therefore made whether this is a genuine credit card. It is then possible to utilise services by deceit, using a genuine credit card and the test code circuit contained therein and by means of a separate manipulatable memory. To prevent this, the algorithm of the test code circuit is changed in dependence on the content of the memory of the correct credit card and the credit card is in each case checked by means of the test code circuit at least after the deduction of value units. As a result, the deceitful use of an external memory is no longer possible.

Abstract: A multi-function plastic 'smart' card (1) has a built in LCD display (2) that receives information from the embedded microprocessor chip that is powered by a solar cell (3). Printed information is provided on both sides (4,5). The card memory allows an account balance to be stored and details of all transactions. The 6 columns of the account statement identify the number of transactions, the date, the cost centre code, the type of transaction, the value and the balance. Details are displayed on the card. ADVANTAGE - Storage and display of account data.

Abstract: The IC chip card has a built in CPU (1) that connects with an internal bus having a RAM (3) memory, a ROM programme memory (4) and a data memory (5). In addition there is a timer circuit (12) and input/output circuit (7). The data memory (5) is divided into a number of regions. In one region (5-a) a pseudo random number generator algorithm is stored, in another (5-b) a security code. Other regions store generated random numbers (5-c), coding algorithms (5-d), computation codes (5-e) and user programme data (5-f). The card is used with a terminal (27) having a memory (24) storing data that relates to that in the card memory. ADVANTAGE - Protects against misuse.

Abstract: To counter illicit prevention of the invalidation of a smart card in a pay television network, for example when the period of validity for the card has expired, a verification of the card reader's ability to write to the card's memory is made. This verification consists in periodically sending a data item to be stored in the card. A counter on the card is reset by the writing voltage of the card's storage. In the event the writing voltage does not reach the counter, the counter's overflow output is connected to a read inhibition circuit which blocks functions of the card.

Abstract: PURPOSE:To recognize the exchange tine and date of a business card at any time by storing the data of the exchanged business card and the timed exchange time and date of the business card in a storage means. CONSTITUTION:In this electronic business card device on the transmission side, when a transmission switch 16 is pushed by an operator, the business card data of the operator stored inside a RAM 12 are transferred to a data communication part 14 by a CPU 11 and transmitted to the electronic business card device 10 on the reception side and a main processing operation is completed thereafter. On the other hand, in the electronic business card device 10 on the reception side, when the business card data transmitted from the electronic business card device 10 on the transmission side are received by the data communication part 14, the CPU 11 lets a display 13 display the received business card data and simultaneously takes out the time and date (the exchange time and date) when the business card data are received from an RTC 17. The time and date fetched by the CPU 11 is transferred to the RAM 12 along with the business card data and stored.

Abstract: A coin/credit operated public telephone is capable of making local, toll, and international calls using coins, credit card, or IC card and also of making a voice announcement regarding its operation method to the caller through a handset (1). Moreover, it provides graphic/character information through the LCD (10) and can transmit fault status that has been detected as a result of a highly reliable self-diagnosis carried out by receiving control signals from a remotely located central management system.

Abstract: PURPOSE:To keep security, by providing a means storing the number of issues of an ID card and verifying it, in a card reader for opening a door and when a new card is used at the renewal time, making it impossible to use the old card thereafter. CONSTITUTION:In a relatively large scale entrance and exit management device making use of an on-line system, it is necessary to distribute a large number of new ID cards within the term of validity at the time of renewal and hence two cards exists within the term of validity. In this case, when the new ID card is input in a reading out device 21 of a card reader 1, the information showing the number of issues of the new card is stored in a host computer 7 and also stored in the memory of card reader 1. When the new card is used for the first time, since the number of issues is larger than the number in the memory, the door is opened. Thereafter, the number of issues of the new card is stored and even if the old card is used, the door is not opened. In this way, this system dispenses with the replacing work of card and the security can be kept.

Abstract: The telephone charge card has a built in memory that stores the amount of credit allowed by the card. The amount allowed is printed on the one side of the card that also has printed data indicating the use of the card. The other side contains the name and address of the person to which the card is issued and the telephone number that may be accessed. The card is produced of plastic. USE/ADVANTAGE - As telephone card that may be issued for limited use when given as business card i.e. serves as calling or visiting card that can access number of named person.