Abstract: A multifunction card system which provides a multifunction card (101) capable of serving as a prepaid phone card, a debit card, a loyalty card, and a medical information card. Each card has an identification number (106) comprising a bank identification number which assists in establishing communications links. The card system can be accessed from any existing point-of-sale (POS) device (105). The POS device (105) treats the card (101) as a credit or debit card and routes transaction data to a processing hub (103) using the banking system (102). The processing hub (103) coordinates the various databases (205, 206, 207) corresponding to the various functions of the card (101).

Abstract: A ticketing system and methods that encompass a plurality of entities, such as an event organizer, admission center, service providers and a visitor population, so as to automatically compile, issue, utilize and process ticketing cards for the admission to sporting events and other leisure & entertainment events. The portable, ticketing cards are realized by handheld devices, such as smart credit and/or debit card technology or pocket-size computers, and have the ability to store in the card a computerized ticket template. The cards can also store electronic credit points, or deduct from the card a monetary value or award points previously loaded into the card. Biometrics identification of cardholders, as well as cryptographic certification of card data and database information, can optionally be encoded into the cards, and can be verified and validated at various point-of-service locations upon presentation of the card for admission and for other services.

Abstract: A travel system and methods that encompass a plurality of service providers and multi-application passenger cards so as to automatically compile, issue, utilize, and process the portable passenger cards for traveling purposes, purchase of travel-related goods and services, and for the implementation of other card-based applications. The multi-application cards are realized by smart debit and/or credit card technology and have the ability to store and activate a traveler's permit for transportation and other travel services; as well as to host and employ a monetary value for electronic payment means. Biometrics identification of cardholders, as well as cryptographic certification of card data and travel-related information, can optionally be encoded onto the cards and can be verified, including validated, at various point-of-service locations upon presentation of the card for utilization.

Abstract: A system integrates credit card transactions into a financial management system used by a company to track and control budgets, etc The system provides the controls and accounting for credit card transactions found for other types of transactions within the financial management system The invention limits the card transactions using various limits not available to a credit card issuer and ensures that the transactions comply the financial system controls The transactions can be obligated prior to or during the actual transaction with the bank and thereby subjected to the controls of the financial management system Obligated transactions can be authorized for immediate payment The invention provides for the complete reconciliation of the credit card transactions with bank records after the transactions occur using the obligation function to capture the transaction before it occurs, even the transactions that are immediately paid The system reconciles the transactions recorded by the bank with those recorded in the financial system and updates budget, plan, project, and ledger entries accordingly The system also allows cardholders to identify disputes and track the correspondence with the card issuer over the dispute

Abstract: A system that realizes an electronic commerce with an excellent level of safety and convenience. An electronic wallet (100) receives, through radio communications, installing of electronic tickets, electronic prepaid cards and electronic phonecards from a service providing means (110) of electronic commerce. By using these cards and tickets, the user receives goods, services and necessary permissions therefor from a supplier of goods and services. At this time, the user settles accounts by communicating with the terminals of the suppliers (101, 102, 103, 104, 105). The data for the account settling is sent from a supplier to the service providing means, where it is managed. Individual cards have, in addition to the portion to be shown to the supplier, a program portion for supporting transactions specific to the type of the card and a certificate portion indicating that the card has been registered for use. This system facilitates the acquisition of cards regardless of their locations and assures quick and accurate account settling.

Abstract: An architecture and system loads and uses a smart card for payment of goods and/or services purchased on-line over the Internet. A client module on a client terminal controls the interaction with a consumer and interfaces to a card reader which accepts the consumer's smart card and allows loading and debiting of the card. Debiting works in conjunction with a merchant server and a payment server. Loading works in conjunction with a bank server and a load server. The Internet provides the routing functionality between the client terminal and the various servers. A payment server on the Internet includes a computer and a security module (or a security card in a terminal) to handle the transaction, data store and collection. A merchant server advertises the goods and/or services offered by a merchant for sale on a web site. The merchant contracts with an acquirer to accept smart card payments for goods and/or services purchased over the Internet. A consumer uses his smart card at the client terminal in order to purchase goods and/or services from the remote merchant server. The client terminal sends a draw request to the payment server. The payment server processes, confirms and replies to the merchant server (optionally by way of the client terminal). To load value, the client terminal requests a load from a user account at the bank server. A load request is sent from the card to the load server which processes, confirms and replies to the bank server (optionally by way of the client terminal). The bank transfers loaded funds to the card issuer for later settlement for a merchant from whom the user purchases goods with value on the card.

Abstract: A heterogeneous stored-value system which offers interoperability among a number of proprietary payment card brands with differing fee structures. Electronic cash originally obtained through a specific payment card brand is reconsolidated at settlement, assuring proper accounting for these fees. The system can handle isolated flow, where electronic cash flows from a loading device (2) to a payment card (8) and thence from a payment card (8) to a point of sale (6) to settlement (7), where electronic cash can flow into a payment card only from the loading device. The system can also handle circulation of the electronic cash, whereby reloading is accomplished by returning electronic cash to a payment card (8) as change from a charge transaction at a point of sale (6). In addition, payment cards with more than one charge function can be handled, whereby the customer can specify which of several charge functions will be used to acquire the electronic cash.

Abstract: A slot card issued by a slot club, or a membership card in another incentive award program, that is also capable of being used as phone calling card is provided. Free calling time is credited to the member's card account in response to the playing of the slot machine or utilizing the respective service. After incentive points are awarded, the member may use the membership card as a prepaid phone calling card, whereby the member's account is debited for the cost of the call.

Abstract: Instead of a PIN which is associated with an account and provides access to an account, a card identification code, which is located on the card but does not provide automatic access to an account, is used to verify that the consumer currently possesses the transaction card at the time of purchase and/or is the true card owner. At the time of card printing, an embossing file of account codes including associated identification codes is created and loaded into the account database. At the time of authorization, the identification code and the account code are entered into a POS device and sent to an authorization system. If the identification codes match, and other authorization parameters are satisfied, the transaction card is authorized.

Abstract: Secure activation of stored value cards (30) at a point of distribution uses a portable activation secure application module (ASAM) (208) within the card dispensing machine (24) to activate each card. Each card has a standard user mode and a security user mode. In the standard user mode the card is activated and ready for use. In the security user mode the card is not active and cannot be used to make a purchase. An issuer (20) supplies an issuer activation key (40) to a card supplier (22) who produces a security code (72) which is stored on a stored value card (30). Cards are supplied to the issuer (20) in security user mode, and stored in a dispensing machine (24). The issuer activation key (40) is also relayed to the dispensing machine and stored on the ASAM (208). Upon purchase by a customer (26), the issuer activation key (40) is used within the machine (24) by the ASAM (208) to reproduce the security code (72) and to activate a card. An activation control counter (ACC) is stored within the ASAM and is decremented for every attempt at activation of a card. ASAMs are maintained in the field using a dial-up connection to a central computer (202) with a control secure application module (CSAM) (206), or using a field secure application module (FSAM) (502) that is created at a central location using the CSAM (206). Each FSAM is able to update a limited number of ASAMs. A hierarchy of keys (600) is used by the CSAM, the FSAMs and ASAMs to ensure security.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for pre-authorizing transactions includes providing a communications device to a vendor and a credit card owner. The credit card owner initiates a credit card transaction by communicating to a credit card company data base, and storing therein, a distinguishing piece of information that characterizes a specific transaction to be made by an authorized user of the credit card at a later time. The information is accepted as "network data" in the data base only if a correct personal identification code (PIC) is used with the communication. The "network data" will serve to later authorize that specific transaction. The credit card owner or other authorized user can then only make that specific transaction with the credit card. Because the transaction is pre-authorized, the vendor does not need to see or transmit a PIC. In addition, if the credit card is lost or stolen, it cannot be used because all sales using the credit card must be pre-authorized using the confidential PIC.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a card requester with multiple card service providers (40A-40H), whereas the card requester can select multiple services from a menu on a computer screen. The services offered by the multiple service providers (40A-40H) can be combined and issued on one card after a successful calculation and simulation of the data was performed by the apparatus. The apparatus consists of a host computer with a specific software, known as a gateway apparatus (30). The gateway apparatus (30) connects a card requester with multiple service providers (40A-40H), transmits all requests from a card requester to selected card service providers, receives service and card required data for the services, merges all data by simulating and calculating the best combination of all service specific requirements to coexist on one card, considering different types of card technologies that can be applied to a multiple application card, generates one output file for all card related requirements of different services and transmits the output file to a card manufacturing apparatus (23) that manufactures, personalizes, and issues the card.

Abstract: An authorization card, such as a credit card, has a security feature. The authorization card generally has two operational states, a disabled state and an enable state. In the disabled state, which is the default mode of operation, access to confidential information stored on the card is denied. The card remains in the disabled state until a PIN code is entered on a keypad provided on the card. Once the card is enabled, access to the confidential information is permitted for a predetermined period of time, after which the card reverts back to the default disabled state. The security feature is implemented on a magnetic card, an electronic smart card, and passive electronic card.

Abstract: Identifying and notifying credit card issuing banks of an increased risk of credit card fraud. An early warning system assists credit card transaction processors and credit card issuing banks reduce occurrences of credit card fraud. By analyzing transaction data and credit card account information, an authorization decision is made and transmitted to the merchant. The authorization decision either approves or denies the credit card transaction. Conventional authorization systems employ a security code that can be transmitted with an authorization request to limit authorization to transactions including the proper security code. Because some issuing banks do not utilize the security code system, they are exposed to an increased risk of credit card fraud. The early warning system can be used to monitor the authorization decisions that are transmitted by the processor to the merchant. By compiling data on the occurrences of mismatches between an expected security code and the security code provided by the authorization request, the early warning system can notify processors and/or issuing banks that they are exposed to an increased risk of credit card fraud. Additionally, the early warning system can detect attempts by credit card thieves to identify exposed banks. Detected attempts at credit card fraud can also be used to initiate investigations to apprehend credit card thieves.

Abstract: A security card system that includes a security card (10) having an appearance like a real credit card or other bank card (24), and a security network that contains a security firm that enrolls persons in the system who have been provided with a security card by a card-issuing institution (12), and uses the security network for responding to emergency calls initiated by use of the security card, reports fraud, and in general, implements an emergency system and acts as a theft deterrent.

Abstract: A method for transmitting credit card numbers in a secure manner through an electronic medium such as the Internet. Credit card numbers typically consist of a string of 10-20 digits, with the exact number of digits depending upon the provider of the credit card. The security is provided by transmitting the credit card number in a plurality of different transmissions, each transmission containing at least one digit of the credit card number, but fewer than all of the digits of the credit card number. Preferably, the user selects the number of digits from the credit card number to send with each transmission. Thus, the entire credit card number can only be determined by receiving all of the transmissions from the user, thereby significantly increasing the difficulty of intercepting the credit card number.

Abstract: An individual transfers money from a cash card (or the account that the cash card is tied to) by making a wireless phone call to another individual. A combination of a MONDEX style card with the individual phone cards are used for this purpose. This electronic cash (“ecash”) ecash/phone card is inserted into the phone to activate it for billing use and serves as the basis for a cash transaction. For example, person A makes a telephone call to person B and dials a suffix after the number to indicate the transaction and the amount. For example, one could transfer money to another card or account holder from one's card by dialing their number followed by CASH#200# to transfer 200 dollars to the other account. The card is then capable of being used as a cash card to make purchases or as a phone card to make calls. A database links the identity of the caller to the cash account and the transaction appears as part of a bank statement or as part of a wireless phone bill. A user could use his wireless phone to dial an account number and transfer money by entering the amount via DTMF or by speaking the amount to an ASR application connected to the database. A user could also use the phone to make purchases via the card by just dialing a number and having an anonymous purchase made of the item. Since the user would be identified by the wireless network, the user would not have to enter any additional information about identification or credit card. The number that the user dialed could then debit the user's card directly and the item could be delivered without any need for the user to enter more information.

Abstract: A card system and methods that encompass a card issuer entity and a plurality of service providers so as to automatically compile, issue, utilize, and process collector cards for the purpose of enjoyment, purchase of goods and services, and for the activation of other card-based privileges. The portable collector cards are realized by smart card technology and have the ability to compile and process collectible information, and store and use a monetary amount to simulate debit/credit card payment means. Biometrics identification of cardholders, as well as cryptographic certification of collectible card data and related information, can optionally be encoded onto the cards and can be verified and validated at various point-of-service locations upon presentation of the card for utilization, including for manipulation of collectible information, rendering of card-based services, and for communications of card data and database information.

Abstract: A procedure for tracking transactions carried out between multiple cost centers and an in-house supply facility of a business entity is carried out by setting up the supply facility to function essentially in the same manner as an independent retail merchant through the existing bank card association. Transaction information is then transferred as a batch to a merchant accounting system which transfers the information to the bank card association to the card issuer. The card issuer then provides a funds payment that is transferred through the bank card network to the merchant accounting system and finally to the merchant acquirer. The merchant acquirer, however, then transfers the funds back to the credit card issuer to cancel out the original funds transfer and thereby provide a closed loop funds transfer. Periodically, the merchant accounting system provides a comprehensive collection of the transaction information performed by the stock room to the credit card issuer who in turn generates a transaction report that is provided to the business entity for updating its general ledger. At the close of a month, the totality of transactions for the stock room of the business entity is communicated to the credit card issuer which in turn determines the amount of interchange fees it has received from the merchant acquirer and pays a corresponding amount for the interchange fees back to the merchant acquirer, thus essentially zeroing out the interchange fees in a closed loop manner.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a stand alone integrated smart card circuit chip card vending machine. It accepts bills in $1, $5, $10, $20 and $50 denominations and/or credit cards and issues stored value smart cards for the value requested. It can also telephone a center to validate credit card transactions or send diagnostic and statistical reports. This invention has the capability to read and write to a card while it is in the dispenser stack, therefore the card has no value while in the dispenser and is not released until payment is received, that is, the cards are encoded in real time before they are issued.

Abstract: A secure multiple application card system and process are provided having secure loading and deleting capability by use of a Certification Authority and Personalization Bureau. The certification authority maintains the security of the system by requiring IC cards to be injected with its public key and a card identifier for uniquely identifying each card, by providing a personalization data block for each card, and by signing with its private key all applications to be loaded or deleted from the IC card.

Abstract: An architecture and system loads and uses a smart card (5) for payment of goods and/or services purchased on-line over the Internet (202). A client module on a client terminal (204) controls the interaction with a consumer and interfaces to a card reader (210) which accepts the consumer's smart card (5) and allows loading and debiting of the card. Debiting works in conjunction with a merchant server (208) and a payment server (206). Loading works in conjunction with a bank server (860) and a load server (862). The Internet provides the routing functionality between the client terminal and the various servers. A payment server (206) on the Internet includes a computer and a security module (or a security card (218) in a terminal (214)) to handle the transaction, data store and collection. A merchant server (208) advertises the goods and/or services offered by a merchant for sale on a web site. The merchant contracts with an acquirer to accept smart card payments for goods and/or services purchased over the Internet. A consumer uses his smart card (5) at the client terminal (204) in oder to purchase goods and/or services from the remote merchant server (208). The client terminal sends a draw request to the payment server. The payment server processes, confirms and replies to the merchant server (optionally by way of the client terminal). To load value, the client terminal (204) requests a load from a user account at the bank server (860). A load request is sent from the card (5) to the load server (862) which processes, confirms and replies to the bank server (optionally by way of the client terminal). The bank transfers loaded funds to the card issuer (108) for later settlement for a merchant from whom the user purchases goods with value on the card.

Abstract: This invention concerns a cashcard system for purchasing laundry services wherein the user is issued with a cashcard and a personal identification number. Each of the laundry facilities is provided with a terminal having means for verifying the user, means for verifying the card, means for updating the card with an amount requested by the user, means for saving the card identification and the amount revalued to the card and means for storing and forwarding at a later time the amounts revalued to the cards for credit verification by a central computer remote to the terminal. In addition, the terminal in verifying the card compares the card to a previously rejected cards before updating the card with a new amount requested.

Abstract: A method for using a smart card to gain access through an access device upon payment of a value (V) is performed by first operatively coupling the card to the access device. The access device reads a first and a second set of data from the card, and performs a first authentication process on the first set of data. Access is permitted if the first authentication process meets a required condition. Access is denied otherwise. If access is permitted, the second set of data is stored in the access device for further processing, including a second authentication process which operates on the first and second sets of data.

Abstract: A user purchases a card and uses it to make pre-paid telephone calls via a telephone service provider system associated with the issuer of the card. After the account balance on the card is depleted, the user can present the card to a merchant or other party for redemption in the manner of a discount coupon for products or services.

Abstract: A product ordering apparatus (i.e. electronic retailing or vending machine) having controller, and input means for product selection, a security identification means (i.e. access card, credit card, driver's licence), and means for enabling or disabling delivery of products (goods) based on the security information (i.e. sufficient credit, age). Wherein further, the product ordering can be executed over a communications network such as the Internet. Payment processing being completed via separate secure payment network. The apparatus also provididng for any duty or tax, dependant on the geographic region, to be automatically added to the sale price of the order.

Abstract: A card access system providing support for multiple card readers and cards. The system providing a common programming interface for applications to perform a generic card access instruction set. The system automatically interpreting and translating the generic card access instruction set into native commands for a particular card reader and a particular card. The cards including integrated circuit or “smart” cards.

Abstract: An electronic money card includes a memory built in an IC chip of an IC card and reads and writes electronic money to and from the memory. The electronic money card allows conditions restricting an electronic money reading process to be written in a storage area excluding an electronic money storage area set for each user or usage of the electronic money.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining credit card transaction data related to conduct by customers, regardless of the issuer of the actual cards used in the transactions. Transaction data is obtained by an issuer of credit cards from a Merchant Acquirer. The issuer eliminates transactions on cards issued by the issuer and to eliminates duplicate any non-issuer card numbers. A file of “scrubbed” non-issuer credit card numbers is then sent to a Credit Bureau that identifies which of the non-issuer card numbers in the scrubbed file actually belong to consumers who own a card from the issuer. The Credit Union appends the issuer's card number of the consumer to the non-issuer card number and returns this data to the issuer. The issuer is then able to update an internal database which identifies transactions performed by customers of the issuer using cards from a different issuer.