Showing papers on "Credit card published in 1992"

Mediation of transactions by a communications system

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for employing a communications system with actively connects communicating entities to mediate transactions. Disclosed are general methods and apparatus for mediating transactions, methods and apparatus permitting information from one transaction to be used in other transactions, and methods and apparatus for performing credit card transactions in which the vendee need not disclose his credit card to the vendor. An implementation of a system for performing credit card transactions in a stored program-controlled telephone switching network is also disclosed.

Method and apparatus for generating gift certificates

Abstract: An electronic gift certificate dispenser device for printing and dispensing a gift certificate purchased by a credit card. A consumer approaches the device and inserts a credit card into a magnetic card reader. The consumer chooses a retailer from a menu of participating retailers and enters the gift certificate value. The machine automatically verifies the credit card, causes the account to be debited and prints the gift certificate. A plurality of gift certificate dispensing devices can be connected in a network under the control of a central processing unit. Information regarding gift certificate purchases is transferred from the devices to the central processing unit to be collated and billed to credit card accounts. The central processing unit also informs merchants of the purchase of gift certificates that will be redeemed at their stores.

Integrated portable device for point of sale transactions

Abstract: A handheld, portable device (10) for processing point of sale transactions includes a housing (20), a magnetic card reader (40) for reading credit card information, the reader (40) carried within the housing (20) substantially adjacent to the first end (23) of the housing (20), a numeric keyboard (50) and an alphabetic keyboard (60) for entering customer information, and a barcode scanner (70) for scanning product identification information, the barcode scanner (70) carried within the housing (20) substantially adjacent to a second end (24) of the housing (20). Also included is a display (80) for displaying selected information, a printer (90) for printing a customer receipt, a communications assembly (110) for furnishing the information needed to obtain transaction approval, and a processor (130) for receiving the information, and controlling the display (80), the printer (90) and the communications assembly (110). Device (10) furnishes all functions necessary to facilitate and complete a point of sale credit card transaction. The housing (20) configuration allows handsfree operation for most functions. The arrangement of components within device (10) provides a uniform distribution of weight and makes supporting device (10) with one hand comfortable and relatively effortless.

Clear and Convincing Evidence: Measurement of Discrimination in America

Abstract: Auditing is a technique used to test for discrimination. The concept is straightforward: Two individuals are matched on all relevant characteristics except the one presumed to lead to discrimination. Each person then applies for the same job, housing, mortgage loan, or credit card. The differential treatment they receive provides a measure of discrimination. The authors argue that the value of auditing has grown in the current legal and political environment because it can detect subtle forms of discrimination.

System for remote purchase payment transactions and remote bill payments

Abstract: It is the object of this invention to provide a terminal and system to allow debit and credit card holders the ability to conveniently perform various transactions from their home or office. The terminal is a single device, which has an alphabetic QWERTY keyboard, a numeric touch tone type keypad, miscellaneous other keys, a magnetic card reader, a display, a printer, a modem, and a serial port. The terminal firmware supports various financial transactions including: purchase payment, bill payment, and settlement review. The terminal supports initialization, encryption, transaction generation, transaction transmission and data reception from a host system and receipt printing. A local data base including a transaction log and a profile list are maintained in the terminal memory. The transaction log stores purchase payment information and is stored as a stack and the profile list has entries for each specific bill pay account.

Identification card verification system

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for verifying the identity of a person by comparing that person's face (or selected facial features) with an image generated using data stored on an identification card, badge, tag or other escort memory carried by the person. Both automatic and manual verification apparatus are disclosed, and both employ principal component methods that reduce the amount of data required to be carried by the bearer to under 100 bytes. The process of verifying identity involves combining data from the small escort memory with other image-related data that are general in nature and that are stored at the verification location. The system of the present invention is expected to find use in a wide variety of cases where a person's identity is to be established (e.g. by a retail customer using a credit card, by a traffic officer who needs to verify the identity noted on a driver's license, by an industrial security system that regulates the access by selected personnel into a secure area of a plant or business, or by a customer of an automatic teller machine.)

Televised bingo game system

Abstract: A system and method to provide a mass audience television game show based on bingo that is played on impulse many times per day. Players use erasable daubers to mark system generated plastic laminated sheets of reusable bingo cards. Entry to the game is by telephone with the automatic acquisition of players names and other information required to play the game. Billing is provided by a `900` number billing service or by charging a players credit card. A computer system plays the selected bingo balls against all the entered bingo cards, determines the winners and announces the winners names over the television channel. This system is totally automated without any staff required to accept players entries or to operate the television game show. A semiautomated version includes an announcer and the selection and display of the bingo balls manually over the television channel as well as the personal announcement of the winners.

Method of making a card having decorations on both faces

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a plastic credit card includes steps of providing a mold with two shells. When the mold is closed the shells have opposed faces defining a cavity for producing the card. The general outline of the card is defined by the peripheral edges of the mold faces. An image support is placed in each shell; the molds are brought together. Then the plastic is injected to fill the mold and form the card. Plastic is delivered through a mold face and the inflowing plastic forces the respective image supports against opposite mold faces. After cooling, the mold card, now decorated on two faces, is removed from the mold.

Method and apparatus for securing credit card transactions

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for improving the security of credit card transactions. It involves a so-called "smart" credit card, which includes a processor, a memory, and a display window. When used, the card produces a verification number, which is based on a transaction sequence number and an encryption algorithm stored in the memory of the card. The verification number produced by the card is read in the display window and transmitted to a verification computer. The computer uses the verification number, together with a de-encryption algorithm, to produce a computed transaction sequence number. If the computed transaction sequence number corresponds to a transaction sequence number stored in the memory of the computer, then the computer will authorize the transaction, otherwise it will not. Both the card and computer change their respective transaction sequence numbers, such as by incrementation, so that different transaction sequence numbers are stored in the respective memories, for the production of a different verification number for the next transaction.

Memory card having a recessed portion with contacts connected to an access card

Abstract: The invention relates to exchangeable memory cards having several integrated circuits for personal computers. These memory cards serve as a large capacity mass memory for replacing floppy disks and other exchangeable magnetic supports. In particular, they have a plug-in connector (12) at the end of the card and can be inserted in the reader in accordance with PCMCIA standards of a micro-computer. According to an aspect of the invention, a flush contact chip card memory is formed by such a plug-in card (10) and for this purpose the latter has a supplementary connector with flush contacts on its principal face (14). The thus formed reader is transportable, with its application software stored in the card (10) and can be installed in any random microcomputer equipped with a PCMCIA reader. A credit card or security card (18) can then be inserted in the transportable reader. The memory card is typical a PCMCIA size card with a recess on one major plane surface and the security card fits into this recess.

Monitoring of charges debited to an account having an assigned limit

Abstract: Charges and balances assignable to a credit card account are controlled and monitored by assigning a purchase limit to the card. More specifically, when a card is used to pay for a telephone call on a telecommunication network, the validity of the card is verified in, for example, a network database and the card record is examined for the presence of a purchase limit. If the card has a purchase limit, the network database determines the type of purchase limit which applies and if the balance is positive. If the balance is not positive and the purchase limit applicable does not authorize the extension of credit, a denial response is sent from the network database to an appropriate local operator system which provides a denial indication to the caller. If the available balance is positive, the network database forwards the balance to the operator system. Based upon the balance returned in the reply from the database, the operator system sends a request to a rating processor to determine the length of time the caller may talk. If the rating database cannot ascertain the amount of time a caller can speak, for whatever reason, the call is denied. Thus, the balance is used to determine how long the caller can speak. At various predetermined intervals during the call and immediately after the call has been completed, the actual charges are calculated and forwarded to the network database. If during a call, the maximum duration is exhausted, the operator system will terminate the call, calculate the actual charges, and forward the charges to the network database. The network database decrements the balance with each intermediate update from the operator system. At the termination of a call, the network database adjusts the card holders balance a final time to maintain the purchase balance accuracy.

Systems and methods for operating data card terminals for transaction chargeback protection

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, for providing chargeback protection services for the benefit of merchants are disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances. Also disclosed are methods for providing electronic and off-line transaction authorizations.

Cellular telephone system with remote programming, voice responsive registration, and real time billing

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in a mobile telephone rental system in which credit card information is communicated between the mobile telephone unit 100 and a Voice Response System 302 for customer registration and remote programming of mobile telephone unit 100 features and NAM settings; communicating data between the Voice Response System 302 and a Registration System 304 for customer credit card validation; communicating data between the Registration System 304 and a credit card clearinghouse 306 for credit card approval or decline; communicating data between the Registration System 304 and a plurality of Collector Systems 307 for call rating and billing; communicating data between the Registration System 304 and an Administration System 309 for providing rated call information to the reseller; and communicating data between the mobile telephone unit 100 and an Indirect System 303 for establishing service in cellular areas without Collector System 307 service. Data read from the mobile telephone units 100 are transmitted in variable length, encrypted and error protected Packet Data Units (PDUs).

Peel off coupon redemption card and tracking system

Abstract: A coupon redemption card and tracking system includes a credit card size redemption coupon card used by the customer, and a tracking sheet used by the redemption center such as a restaurant. The redemption card has a plurality of mini coupons, which can be peeled off individually. Each redeemed coupon is affixed to the tracking sheet, which has dimensions of a dollar bill so that it can be placed in the till of a cash register. The tracking system facilitates the accounting and inventory of redeemed coupons. The coupon card is formed as two laminated layers of special paper joined together by a layer of adhesive material, and a layer of clear plastic film on the top face of the card. The base layer is fabricated from a special paper. An adhesive coating is applied to one side of the base layer. The peel off coupon layer is affixed to the adhesive coating. The finished layered sheet is printed on both sides, die-cut on the coupon side, and then laminated with the film on the other side. Each coupon that is removed from the card has adhesive to adhere the coupon to the tracking sheet. The small size of the mini coupons is convenient for the card holder and the redemption center. It eliminates the need to process diverse sizes and shapes of customer coupons. The system can be used wherever one has to keep track of various redeemable coupons and the like.

A Statistical Model for Credit Scoring

Abstract: We derive a model for consumer loan default and credit card expenditure.The default model is based on statistical models for discrete choice, incontrast to the usual procedure of linear discriminant analysis. Themodel is then extended to incorporate the default probability in a modelof expected profit. The technique is applied to a large sample ofapplications and expenditure from a major credit card company. Thenature of the data mandates the use of models of sample selection forestimation. The empirical model for expected profit produces an optimalacceptance rate for card applications which is far higher than theobserved rate used by the credit card vendor based on the discriminantanalysis. I am grateful to Terry Seaks for valuable comments on anearlier draft of this paper and to Jingbin Cao for his able researchassistance. The provider of the data and support for this project hasrequested anonymity, so I must thank them as such. Their help andsupport are gratefully acknowledged. Participants in the appliedeconometrics workshop at New York University also provided useful commentary.

Apparatus and sensor unit for monitoring changes in a physical quantity with time

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring changes in a physical quantity with time comprises a reader unit and at least one sensor unit containing electronic components arranged to measure said quantity at predetermined time intervals and to store measurement data with corresponding time data. Each sensor unit also contains communication means for transferring said measurement data and said time data from the sensor unit to the reader unit, and the sensor unit also contains an inductive coupling means to receive energy from the reader unit to power the communication means. Each sensor unit is encapsulated with a food grade plastic and is typically the size of a credit card, thereby providing a small and relatively inexpensive temperature monitoring device for use in the transport and storage of foodstuffs.

Cellular rental phone system and method having realtime data collection and billing

Abstract: Cellular telephone rental system and method wherein a point-of-purchase rental terminal capturing transaction data, obtains validation thereof, and communicates same to a collector which in turn instructs a switching system to enable the cellular phone to make and receive calls. The collector examines in real time automatic message accounting data in the switching system and calculates call charges in real time. The collector then transmits call data to the rental terminal which provides both the rental agency and the cellular phone user call data in real time, with the call data also being transmitted to an account administration system nightly. Also disclosed is an embodiment for entering credit card data at the rental phone to enable use on credit billing and remote programming of such rental phone all over the voice responsive communication of the cellular system.

Personal identification system

Abstract: A group of seven (7) PINs are assigned to each card holder. The group of PINs are to be used in a specific sequence changing each calendar day. If a PIN is used out of sequence, then access to the charge or credit card is denied by the card company. A grid of numbers and letters are used to vary the PIN each day. The grid includes seven (7) rows and seven (7) columns with the numbers 1 through 7 randomly selected and placed in the seven (7) rows and columns. The rows and columns, when utilized correctly, allow the card holder to access seven three-digit codes. The codes or personal identification numbers must be used in the correct sequence which is determined by the number of uses per calendar day.

Method and apparatus for data encryption and transmission

Abstract: An encryption system for transmitting confidential data from a transmitting device comprising: a processor fore effecting a dynamic algorithm which is a function of time, e.g., Greenwich Mean Time; means for entering confidential data into the transmitting device; means for encrypting at least a portion of said confidential data in accordance with said algorithm; means for transmitting the resulting encrypted data; means for decrypting the received data, including circuitry which embodies the inverse of said dynamic function; means for extracting said confidential data from the encrypted data in accordance with said inverse dynamic algorithm. The system is intended to be used for electronic funds transfers: e.g., for credit card transactions.

Authorization matching system

Abstract: An authorization matching system for a credit card transaction system assigns the same identification code to authorization and transaction records associated with a particular transaction. The records may be matched by matching the identification number in the records, even if other data in the records does not match.

Method and apparatus for processing telephone calls charged to credit cards

Abstract: When a telephone caller charges a call to a commercial credit card, an announcement which includes the name of the credit card issuer is supplied to the caller after the validation of the credit card. In a preferred embodiment, the issuer of the commercial credit card is identified, for purposes of announcing its name, by examining the prefix code of a credit card number supplied by the calling party. Also, in the preferred embodiment, not only the issuer of the commercial credit card but also the name of the telephone carrier is supplied as part of the announcement given prior to connecting the calling station to the called station after validation of the credit card. An illustrative such announcement is "Thank you for using AT&T and for charging this call to your American Express card".

Authentication system for an item having a holographic display using a holographic record

Abstract: In order to improve security for holographic labels which are positioned on a substrate base, a bar code symbol is holographically recorded on the base such as a credit card, a label, or a container for a product A reading apparatus (eg, a bar code reader) directs light at the holographic bar code symbol and detects the reflected optical information with a detector such as a CCD array The reading apparatus can be a stand-alone device or, in the case of a credit card, can be incorporated into a conventional swiper for reading magnetic information on a strip on the card A non-holographic bar code symbol can also be provided on or near a holographic display element, eg, a rainbow hologram The bar code can be positioned adjacent the display, or placed in a window within the display, or etched or embossed on the display A system is also provided for authenticating a holographic display on an information card such as a credit card A display is illuminated and a reflected beam directed at a holographic record which was previously produced from a signal, known to be authentic, and a reference The reflected beam is used to reconstruct a reference beam A sensor receives the reconstructed reference and it is then determined if the display is authentic

Wall/ceiling mounted inductive charger

Abstract: A weatherized curb-side battery charging system that provides a mechanism for transferring electrical power to an electric vehicle to recharge its battery. The battery charging system includes a housing that is disposed on a wall or is slidably attached to a track mounted to a ceiling, for example A retractable charging device is coupled to a power supply and mates with a receptacle device disposed in the vehicle. A variety of charging devices that may be employed in the battery charging system are disclosed. Electronic circuitry controls power supplied to the vehicle from the power supply of the charging system. In addition, an interface circuit is provided that allows a user to enter a code to use the system and that provides an identification for billing purposes, or a credit card type key that activates the system and performs the same functions. A fan is provided for cooling purposes that causes an air flow through the system. The curb-side charging system thus permits an operator of an electric vehicle to charge its battery in a convenient manner. The battery charging system allows an electric vehicle to be charged safely without any type of conventional electrical plug. The battery charging system provides a safe, convenient and weatherproof mechanism for coupling power from a power source to an electric vehicle to recharge its battery.

Integral connector system for credit card size I/O card external connector

Abstract: A connector that can be attached to a printed circuit board. The connector has a plastic connector housing which includes a contact body and a frame. The contact body contains a plurality of electrically conductive pins that can be mated with the sockets of an external connector. The frame is integral with the contact body and extends around the edges of the printed circuit board. The frame has a ridge that allows the printed circuit board to be mounted directly to the connector.

Credit card and money carrying device

Abstract: A credit card and money carrying device comprising an endless band of elastic material, a plate member folded around the elastic band and crimped providing engagement of the crimped portion of the plate member into the elastic band.

Automatic dialing system

Abstract: The invention relates to a credit card dialing apparatus for use in automatically dialing account numbers, security codes and phone numbers into telephones. The apparatus includes a credit card size device having a memory, encoder, speaker, microphone and switch embedded into a circuit board for inputting and outputting specific information depending on the use of the card. The circuit described accesses the account by tones or signals fed through the receiver or direct data input from a small databus. In another embodiment, a microprocessor unit having a keyboard, microprocessor memory, encoder, a speaker unit and microphone as well as an alphanumeric display is utilized. This system permits the user to input the desired numbers and provide serial dialing and identification for particular sources.

Bar code incorporated into holographic display

Abstract: In order to improve security for holographic labels which are positioned on a substrate base, a bar code symbol with regions of different light reflective properties is holographically recorded on the base. The base may be, for example an information card, such as a credit card, a label, or a container for a product. The bar code symbol can be recorded so that it is visible to the eye in white light (e.g., as a rainbow hologram) or so that it requires an appropriate reference beam for reconstruction. A reading apparatus (e.g., a bar code reader) directs light at the holographic bar code symbol and detects the reflected optical information with a detector such as a CCD array. The reading apparatus can be a stand-alone device or, in the case of a credit card, can be incorporated into a conventional swiper for reading magnetic information on a strip on the card. A non-holographic bar code symbol can also be provided on or near a holographic display element, e.g., a rainbow hologram. The bar code can be positioned adjacent the display, or placed in a window within the display, or etched or embossed on the display. A system is also provided for authenticating a holographic display on an information card such as a credit card. A display is illuminated and a reflected beam directed at a holographic record which was previously produced from a signal, known to be authentic, and a reference. The reflected beam is used to reconstruct a reference beam. A sensor receives the reconstructed reference and it is then determined if the display is authentic.