text:
Help prevent an Employment Tribunal plus Sustain Better Relationships
Every company ought to attempt to preserve excellent relationships with their personnel. By doing this organisations will see a improved approach when it comes to their profession and see a more productive labourforce. There are practices one is able to put in position to help keep employees satisfied. It is a continuous effort plus a person will need to remain up to date with new regulations and laws. On top of this there are further things one can implement to help preserve that relationship. The employer and employee relationship is exceptionally significant and is able to be the difference between a the increase of a company and often damaging a company. A few of the things you might want to implement are as follows:
omargate9 shares http://www.atwallawfirm.com (Avoid an Employment Hearing & Preserve Better Relationships) - #jcl1o4
from www.plurk.com
http://www.atwallawfirm.com (Avoid an Employment Hearing & Preserve Better Relationships). By: omargate9. On: October 30, 2013 - 13:


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text:
Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, who won the newly created 9th District seat, has one of most unique biographies of any 2012 candidate: As a child, Sinema's family lived in an abandoned gas station without running water or electricity; she went on to earn four college degrees and to serve in the state Legislature.
Sinema grew up in Tucson, Ariz. Her parents divorced, and her mother remarried a teacher. When her stepfather lost his job, the family took shelter in the gas station for two years. They eventually moved into a home, but remained poor. At 16, Sinema graduated as her high school's valedictorian and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in social work from Brigham Young University, followed by a master's in social work, a law degree and a doctorate in justice studies from Arizona State University—working full-time while taking classes.
After graduating from BYU at 18, she became a social worker in a central Phoenix school district. She currently works as a lawyer, an adjunct professor at Arizona State, and an instructor at the Center for Progressive Leadership, a Washington-based institute that trains activists in progressive policies.
Sinema, who says she overcame adversity by using Helen Keller as a role model, was motivated to enter politics to assist people with backgrounds similar to hers. "I'm a Democrat today … because they taught me the best of both ideas: help each other when you're struggling, but work very hard on your own," she said in an interview. In 2002, Sinema made an unsuccessful bid as a Independent candidate for the Arizona House. She ran again and won in 2004, and remained there until 2010, when she was elected to the state Senate.
Sinema was known in the Legislature for her liberal politics. She sponsored several bills aimed at reining in the efforts of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, known nationally for his antipathy to illegal immigration. But she also earned a reputation as someone willing to work with Republicans to pass legislation on human trafficking and other issues. Sinema, who is openly bisexual, also was active on gay-rights issues.
Saying she was frustrated with the partisan divide in Congress, Sinema quit the state Senate to run for the 9th District seat in January 2012. She edged out two other Democrats in the August primary—former Arizona Democratic Party Chairman Andrei Cherny, a former speechwriter for President Clinton, and state Sen. David Schapira. Her general-election opponent was Vernon Parker, a former Paradise Valley mayor who served in both Bush administrations.
The 9th District has a large number of registered independents—15,000 more than there are Republicans and 21,000 more than Democrats. Sinema and Parker fiercely competed for the independent vote, with each painting the other as extreme in attack ads. Even as they ran negative ads, both promised to be the more bipartisan lawmaker. The Arizona Republic endorsed Sinema, saying that her nonpartisan style was a better fit. "For Sinema, it's always about the issue, not the personalities," the newspaper said.
Alissa Skelton contributed to this article.


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Experience the making of some of Britain's finest Ale.
Valid until: 1/8/2016
Product code: KBRE
Locations: 1
Further assistance required?
Call 0844 800 2415
Take a guided tour around the brewery, learn a little of Shepherd Neame's fascinating history and how their award-winning ales and speciality lagers are brewed. Return to the Visitor Centre bar for a tutored tasting where audience participation is encouraged!You will also get to take home a gift pack which will include 6 x 500ml bottles of ale per couple.
On arrival you will be greeted by one of the tour guides. You will then be shown around the various areas of the brewery. The tour will include various opportunities to sample the beer and get to know the art of brewing. Ample parking is available but we strongly recommend that you do not drive after your day as you will be sampling many ales.
Available on selected days throughout the week, all year.
You will be at the venue approximately 2 hours.
The minimum age to participate in this activity is 18 years old.You will need to have a general level of fitness as there is some walking involved.There are no qualifications required to take part in the activity.
This is for a voucher entitling the holder to any of the activities supplied by Activity Superstore up to the value stated.
There will be other people taking part on the tour on the day.
Unfortunately you cannot bring spectators.
Don't worry, this activity is not dependent on weather conditions
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theWest Highland White TerrierHappy, Loyal, Entertaining
meet theWest Highland White Terrier
Did you know?
The all-white coat of the West Highland White Terrier should be hard to the touch, never soft and fluffy.
You vs.
the West Highland White Terrier
are you?
The West Highland White Terrier was officially recognized by the AKC.
Training &
The West Highland White Terrier loves people and makes an affectionate addition to any family.
Colors &
Learn More
at aGlance
Energy & Size
small size
AKC Dog Ranking
- Entertaining
- Happy
- Loyal
Find a Puppy
Search for West Highland White Terrier puppies here
theBreed Standard
Embed the breed standard on your site.
Download the complete breed standard or club flier PDFs.
West Highland White TerrierCare
& Feeding
Good nutrition for West Highland White Terriers is very important from puppyhood to their senior years.
theWest Highland White Terrier Community
Upload your favorite West Highland White Terrier photos to Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #AKCWestie.
get involved inClubs & Events
Local Club
Find the Local Clubs in your area.
Explore meetups.com and see all of the local West Highland White Terriers in your area.


text:
Recently FORBES brought together nine tech entrepreneurs notable for the inroads they're making in the stodgy $270 billion business software industry. It was a chance to gather the guys (and yes, in this case they are all guys) looking to remake an industry that has long been dominated by incumbents and resistant to change. Much of their efforts are focused on the infrastructure layers of enterprise technology. Their sense is that technology is being purchased, consumed, and maintained drastically differently than it was just a few years ago — and that these dynamics are finally becoming mainstream.
This group signals that things are finally shifting and even startups can compete alongside the giants for big deals. Box co-founder and CEO Aaron Levie was this group's leader. He selected the guest list and guided much of the conversation.
What was perhaps most remarkable: the biggest and oldest brands in the game–Oracle Oracle, SAP SAP, Cisco–don't worry this crowd. "They're selling the same stuff they've tried to sell for the last decade. Who cares?" said one guest. What scares them are the other, bigger firms that "get it"–namely, Google Google, Amazon and Salesforce.


text:
Final Mission
Follow the crew of the last shuttle flight
Posts filtered on Tag
The Final Four In Photos: Chapter 1 – Training
30 years. 135 missions. When the shuttle Atlantis touched down early on the morning of July 21, 2011, the space shuttle program drew to a close. Over those 30 years, 355 individual astronauts and cosmonauts flew aboard the space shuttle. When the wheels stopped on STS-135, four individuals stepped out of the orbiter and closed […] [Read More]
Atlantis lands safely, triumphantly ending the space shuttle program
Well, it's over. After more than 30 years the space shuttles will fly no more. At 4:56 a.m. CT the shuttle's commander, Chris Ferguson, took the stick of Atlantis and at an angle seven times steeper than an airline guided her home to Kennedy Space Center for a beautiful nighttime landing. And then its voyages […] [Read More]
Astronauts hang ceremonial flag, say good bye to ISS
The crews of Atlantis and the International Space Station closed the hatch between the two vehicles today in preparation for the space shuttle's departure from the orbiting laboratory early tomorrow. But before the departure the crews held an emotional farewell ceremony during which they hung a U.S. flag flown aboard both the first and last […] [Read More]
Atlantis crew reflects on shuttle program's end – from space
The crew of Atlantis took a break from moving supplies onto the International Space Station Friday to reflect on the final launch of the space shuttle. Commander Chris Ferguson recalled standing at the launch pad, before boarding the shuttle. "It's wheezing, it's hissing and it's moaning," he said. "My first commander told me, 'Do you […] [Read More]
Up before dawn
The wakeup call for the final shuttle astronauts was at 4:00 am east coast time on Wednesday as the crew becomes, as commander Chris Ferguson explained last week, "a little sleep shifted" to align with their mission schedule. Also aligned with their mission schedule was a second day of practice landings at the Shuttle Landing […] [Read More]
Crew arrives at Kennedy Space Center
The STS-135 crew arrived at the Kennedy Space Center this afternoon ahead of Friday's planned final space shuttle launch. Their T-38 jets were guided along the tarmac at the Shuttle Landing Facility by ground crew waving American flags in honor of the Fourth of July. Then the crew,commander Chris Ferguson, pilot Doug Hurley and mission […] [Read More]
As launch draws nearer, crew reports to quarantine
As the final shuttle launch draws nearer, the crew reports for routine quarantine. [Read More]
STS-135 crew completes final simulator run
Hugs and handshakes were the order of the day after the STS-135 crew made the last scheduled simulator run of the space shuttle program. "Oh boy, what a day," was how shuttle training team lead Juan Garriga summed it up after a morning of simulated launches in the motion base simulator followed by an emotional […] [Read More]
Show More


text:
OEM Module Motor Speed Controllers Datasheets
from Bodine Electric Company
The type ABL-3906C brushless DC Control operates from a DC power supply or from a battery (12 VDC or 24 VDC, depending on the control model). The control provides the necessary electronic commutation and phase current switching to operate Bodine low voltage brushless DC gearmotors and motors. [See More]
- Configuration: PCB Mount; OEM
- Motor / System: DC Brushless
- Axes: 1.0
- Power: 187
from Dart Controls, Inc.
Dart's top of the line DC speed control is reliable, versatile, and economical. Rated to 3 horsepower, it provides many standard features typically offered as options. The Dart 500 Series control combines advanced engineering design, quality component selection and rigorous quality control to... [See More]
- Configuration: OEM; Panel Mount; Other; Chassis
- Motor / System: DC Brushed
- Axes: 1.0
- Power: 1119
from Electromate
The 10A8 PWM servo amplifiers are designed to drive brush type DC motors. The 10A8 model is fully protected against over-voltage, over-current, over-heating and short-circuits across motor, ground and power leads. This amplifier interfaces with digital controllers or can be used as a stand-alone... [See More]
- Configuration: PC Board; OEM
- Motor / System: DC Brushed; DC Servo; Voice Coil
- Axes: 1.0
- Power: 480
from Yaskawa America, Inc. - Motion Division
100W to 750W. Junma uses the world 's premier servo technology to provide unmatched performance with a quick and efficient setup. The pulse input interface makes it very easy to upgrade machines using stepper techology. Junma's compact size and efficiency produces 7 times the power of a... [See More]
- Configuration: OEM
- Motor / System: Linear
- Axes: 1.0
- Power: 100
from ACS Motion Control Inc.
Designed for enhancing the performance of OEM machinery [See More]
- Configuration: OEM
- Motor / System: DC Brushed; DC Brushless; DC Servo; AC Servo
- Axes: 2.0
- Product: DSP; Multi-Axis; Variable Speed
from Excitron Corporation
NEW Extremely compact, yet powerful, motion control system. First of its kind, less than .16" thick, and with all the features you need for robust robotic motion. Excitron is the market leader for high tech innovative motion control products. Includes precision 0.90 degree per half-step stepper... [See More]
- Configuration: OEM; Stand Alone; Panel Mount (optional feature); Other; Encoder, Wireless
- Motor / System: Unipolar; Permanent Magnet; Hybrid; Full-Step; Half-Step
- Axes: 1.0 to 52.0
- Power: 0.1000 to ?
from Nymotion LLC
To start, view the NYT2X-AP as a simple two axis breakout board for Technosoft PIM2401 and PIM2403 and Trinamic TMCM-103 OEM modules. The connectors, sizing, orientation and layout are optimized for quick hookups, parameter setup, tuning, programming and testing using high level graphical... [See More]
- Configuration: OEM; Stand Alone; Panel Mount; DIN Rail
- Motor / System: DC Brushed; DC Brushless; DC Servo; Bipolar; Permanent Magnet; Variable Reluctance; Hybrid; Full-Step; Half-Step; Microstepping Motor; Linear; Voice Coil
- Axes: 2.0 to ?
- Power: 75 to ?
from PG Drives Technology Inc.
Powerful and Versatile. Although primarily intended for Class 3, pallet truck type applications, the C3 controller is equally suitable for small ride-on machines. Two versions are available – 200Arms and 250Arms – thereby allowing the most cost-effective solution for an application. [See More]
- Configuration: OEM; Panel Mount
- Motor / System: Induction; Hydraulic
- Axes: 1.0
- Product: Multi-Axis
from ZAPI, Inc.
The AC-0 controller fits every application from the overbelt of an airport beltloader to the traction of a zero-turn lawn mower. There are so many machines that fit into its 1.5kW power range that the AC-0 is one of the most widely-used products in the ZAPI line. With the ZAPI patented sensorless... [See More]
- Configuration: OEM
- Product: MCU; ZAPI Sensecoil Technology; Variable Speed
- Motor / System: Induction
- PC-Based Bus: CANbus; RS232


text:
I am not doing anything to cause this as far as I can tell, but sometimes it does this a few times in a row. This happens when it has been working for some time. I checked the other notice of this problem, but mine is XP and it is not happen on a re-start.
Take the 2-minute tour ×
Super User is a question and answer site for computer enthusiasts and power users. It's 100% free, no registration required.
You can try to right-click in the about:config page to open the right-click context menu and use "New > Boolean" to create a new Boolean.
Name: network.manage-offline-status
You can also look at these two add-ons:


text:
|ESPN.com: Commentary
|[Print without images]
With the recent departures in the Big East, should the Connecticut women's basketball team consider going independent?
By Michelle Smith
They should consider it strongly.
The realignment decisions that have taken place over the past few weeks are all about football, with nobody in anybody's conference offices giving a rip about the competitive wasteland left over for the country's biggest brand name in women's basketball.
So perhaps the Huskies ought to just go rogue and do what's best for them: schedule who they want, when they want, collect a nice paycheck from the TV deals and turn themselves into the Notre Dame football of women's basketball.
Winning conference championships have never been Connecticut's stated goal. Recruits don't come to Storrs to win a Big East title; they aim much higher.
If any program in the country could do this, it would be Connecticut. Not that it would be easy. Scheduling an entire season would be a trick, but it would be fun to watch the Huskies try. And it would bring some swagger to the women's game that is sorely needed. Something like, "Hey, we're Connecticut. We don't need no stinkin' league."
By Melissa Isaacson
Amid the rubble that is the Big East and the refugees that are Connecticut's athletic programs, the UConn women's basketball team looks to be sitting in the best position.
|Geno Auriemma's team might just have the chops to become an independent in women's basketball, but it's no easy road.
With the Huskies' other teams still hoping for an invitation to join another major conference, Geno Auriemma's seven-time NCAA national champions appear to be able to pick and choose and still dominate wherever they go. At first glance, it also appears they can be the Notre Dame football of women's basketball and go independent.
But appearances, as is often said, can be deceiving, and they are in this case. Presumably, the UConn women, with SportsNet New York behind them, could still attract top recruits. But recruits like conference rivalries. And conference championships. So do those who vote on the rankings.
Scheduling a full complement of top opponents as an independent is another challenge. What incentive does another powerhouse team from a power conference have to schedule UConn? Not many. Auriemma's group may be in the best position, but that doesn't mean it's an enviable one.
By Graham Hays
There are currently two independents in women's college basketball: Cal State Bakersfield and New Orleans. The Big East might not look great at the moment, but it looks better than that company. So no. Emphatically, no.
The Connecticut women's basketball program is in some ways one of a kind, not only the rare women's team with almost all of its games televised but one for which there is competition to secure those rights, leading to a change in broadcast partners after last season. But Connecticut is not Notre Dame football, with a network waiting to throw a national deal its way. Nor is it BYU, with its own channel and a national fan base. And without a monetary television incentive, what's the point of going it alone as an independent?
Outside of Tennessee, for reasons that have been discussed over and over again, Connecticut already plays most every heavyweight out of conference -- Baylor, Duke and Stanford among them. It can fit a series with ACC member Notre Dame on the schedule, especially if its own conference becomes less competitive (although it's worth noting that while programs such as DePaul, Louisville and Rutgers are losses, parting company with the likes of Providence and Seton Hall removes significant RPI lead weights). Whether it's what's left of the Big East, some version of Conference USA (if there is a difference between those two at this point) or something else, a conference still provides an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament and reliable scheduling to fill in around the games that really matter. Connecticut gains nothing by giving that up.
Connecticut women's basketball will suffer when Geno Auriemma leaves the program, not when much of the rest of the Big East leaves Connecticut.
By Kate Fagan
No. That just feels like too much of a logistical nightmare. It's one thing for Notre Dame football to play as an independent because the college football season is 12 or 13 games long. So while scheduling is difficult, it's not overly crazy. In addition, Notre Dame can turn its status as an independent into a lucrative TV deal. The same does not hold true for UConn women's basketball.
Regardless of what Big East women's basketball looks like in the next few years, even if the weekly top-10 battles no longer exist, there will still be a slate of quality opponents. If UConn became an independent, Big East schools are the types of opponents the Huskies would still be trying to get games with anyway. Because the best schedules are difficult but well-balanced -- grueling games against the Baylors and the Dukes mixed with a solid league schedule.
No matter what opponents exist for the Huskies within the Big East, they can still schedule their nonconference games however they like. I think the key thing to remember is that just because Notre Dame football makes the independent life look easy, it isn't. And in women's basketball, every team needs the foundation of a league and the TV deal that comes along with membership.
By Bonnie D. Ford
It's a move that might be logical if Connecticut is sure it can remain Connecticut -- i.e., if the program retains its historic supremacy and can use that to leverage the schedule it wants for the forseeable future. The Huskies have already parlayed their résumé into a more lucrative TV contract.
But there is a downside to going unaffiliated in a sport that, while stronger than ever, is still building momentum compared to college football or men's basketball. Regional rivalries are going out the window with realignment, which is a shame. The women's hoops teams in the Big East made each other better. The addition of Connecticut would lift the level of any conference, and if I could wave a wand, I'd create (or recreate) an East Coast grouping that made geographical and competitive sense.


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Letter: Sequester would be good thing by reducing federal spending
Recently I have been hearing a lot about something called sequester. Webster has several meanings for the word, but I will consider it to withdraw.
The president's spending plans are being partially withdrawn. A little less money will be spent by the federal government, under the sequester plan. Sequester sounds like a good idea to me, since the federal government is borrowing a great deal of the money it spends.
After the president's recent vacation he came home and made a speech about how terrible the sequester plan would be. I consider his speech to be a diatribe of demagoguery or a litany of lies. Some of the cuts seem to be miniscule. Defense spending is to be reduced from 19 percent of the total budget to 18 percent. Nondefense, domestic spending is to be cut from 16 percent to 15 percent of the total budget.
I understand that Head Start could be reduced. I have never understood why we have Head Start in the first place. It has been proven to do very little for the participants. Seems to me that Head Start is just an expensive babysitting (or child care) service.
The president and his supporters in the media are saying sequester would be so bad for the country that we might go into a recession. The free world as we know it might no longer exist. Essentially, sequester would undo some of excessive spending the Obama administration has brought upon us. I say, bring it on!
George L. Fowler


text:
some great posts from other blogs.
1. http://remarkablogger.com/2010/01/16/should-you-blog-about-the-same-topics-as-everyone-else-in-your-niche/ something about blogging about what others are blogging about.
2. http://www.sitesketch101.com/recycling-blog-posts
Something about how to revive an old post from the archives
3. http://www.chrisbrogan.com/how-social-media-can-power-your-business/
a post about using social media to fuel and grow your buisness
a post about seth Godin,someone i admire so much..you will learn a few things here
5. http://www.iwoodpecker.com/success-story-henri-junttila-from-wake-up-cloud/
something about growing your blog fast(Pr0 to PR4) great read with great lessons…
thats all folks…more next week
comment and tweet please…


text:
|Akka in Action
Raymond Roestenburg, Rob Bakker, and Rob Williams
MEAP Began: September 2012
Softbound print: September 2015 (est.) | 475 pages | B&W
|Pre-Order options*
|Order now and start reading Akka in Action today through MEAP
|MEAP + eBook only - $39.99
|MEAP + Print book (includes eBook) when available - $49.99
|* For more information, please see the MEAP FAQs page.
|About MEAP Release Date Estimates
Table of Contents, MEAP Chapters & Resources
|Table of Contents
|Related Titles
1 Introducing Akka - FREE
2 Up and Running - AVAILABLE
3 Test Driven Development with Actors - AVAILABLE
4 Fault tolerance - AVAILABLE
5 Futures - AVAILABLE
6 Your first distributed Akka App - AVAILABLE
7 Configuration, Logging and Deployment - AVAILABLE
8 System Structure - AVAILABLE
9 Routing messages - AVAILABLE
10 Message Channels - AVAILABLE
11 Finite State Machines and Agents - AVAILABLE
12 Integration - AVAILABLE
13 Clustering - AVAILABLE
14 Akka persistence
15 Tuning Local Systems - AVAILABLE
Akka is a Scala-based toolkit that simplifies developing concurrent distributed applications. Akka uses Actors-independently executing processes that communicate via message passing—as the foundation for fault-tolerant applications where individual actors can fail without crashing everything. Perfect for high-volume applications that need to scale rapidly, Akka is an efficient foundation for event-driven systems that want to scale elastically up and out on demand, both on multi-core processors and across server nodes.
Akka in Action is a comprehensive tutorial on building message-oriented systems using Akka. The book takes a hands-on approach, where each new concept is followed by an example that shows you how it works, how to implement the code, and how to (unit) test it. You'll learn to test and deploy an actor system and scale it up and out, showing off Akka's fault tolerance. As you move along, you'll explore a message-oriented event-driven application in Akka. You'll also tackle key issues like how to model immutable messages and domain models, and apply patterns like Event Sourcing, and CQRS. The book concludes with practical advice on how to tune and customize a system built with Akka.
- Getting concurrency right
- Using Akka in production
- Testing concurrent and distributed applications
- Fault tolerance, supervision, let it crash semantics
- Performance tuning Actor Systems
- Extending Akka
- Clustered actorsystems, running applications in the Cloud
- Patterns for building message oriented systems
This book assumes that you're comfortable with Java and Scala. No prior experience with Akka is needed.
Raymond Roestenburg is an experienced software craftsman, polyglot programmer, and software architect. He is an active member of the Scala community, an Akka committer, and contributed to the Akka-Camel module. Rob Bakker is an experienced developer focused on concurrent back-end systems and system integration. He has used Scala and Akka in production from version 0.7. Rob Williams is founder of ontometrics, a practice that has been focused on Java solutions that include machine learning. He first used Actor-based programming a decade ago, and found Akka while looking for someone who had given thought to the idea of supervision, and has used it for several projects since.
This Early Access version of Akka in Action enables you to receive new chapters as they are being written. You can also interact with the authors to ask questions, provide feedback and errata, and help shape the final manuscript on the Author Online forum.
Sign up to read more content when it is released and to receive news about this book.


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Item: TH191
If you are dissatisfied for any reason, we'll give you a full refund and pay return shipping. Lee Swanson, President of Swanson Health Products
Serving Size 1 Capsule
|Amount Per Serving
|% Daily Value
|DHEA (dehydroeplandosterone)
|50 mg
Other Ingredients: Cellulose, gelatin (capsule), silica and magnesium stearate.
Directions: Use only as directed. Take one capsule daily with food.
WARNING: Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing. Keep out of reach of children. Keep your licensed healthcare practitioner informed when using this product. Not for use by pregnant or lactating women. Individuals on hormone therapy should seek the advice of a physician prior to use. Not recommended for persons under age 40.
Store in a cool, dry place.
More information on shipping restrictions
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text:
A system and method for securing a Radio Frequency (RF) transaction using a proxy code, which is permanently assigned to the RF identification device (RFID) transaction account number. An account issuer permanently assigns the proxy code to a transaction account correlated to the RFID transaction device. The proxy code is uploaded onto the transaction device for later use in completing a transaction request. During transaction completion, the proxy code is provided to a merchant system in lieu of any sensitive transaction account information. Since the proxy code is permanently assigned, the number need not be changed or updated once uploaded into a payment device or merchant system. Since the proxy code contains no sensitive information, the sensitive information related to the transaction account is secured from theft where the merchant system internal security measures may fail.
1. A system for completing a transaction using a transaction device comprising:
a transaction device associated with a transaction account and a transaction account identifier identifying the transaction account, said transaction device including a transaction device database for storing said transaction account identifier;
a transaction device reader system in communication with said transaction device and configured to receive the transaction account identifier from said transaction device, wherein, after receiving said transaction account identifier, said transaction device reader system generates a transaction device proxy code, deletes the transaction account identifier, and does not communicate the transaction account identifier for use in further transaction processing; and
a transaction device account issuer system configured to:
maintain the transaction account associated with the transaction device,
receive the transaction device proxy code,
correlate the transaction device proxy code with the transaction account, and
process the transaction using the transaction account.
2. A system according to
3. A system according to
4. A system according to
5. A system according to
6. A system according to
7. A system according to
8. A system according to
9. A system according to
10. A method for completing a transaction in a contactless environment said method including:
providing a transaction account identifier to a radio frequency identification (RFID) transaction device;
transmitting said transaction account identifier from said RFID transaction device to a transaction device reader system;
receiving, at the transaction device reader system, the transaction account identifier, wherein after receiving the transaction account identifier, the transaction device reader system generates a transaction device proxy code, deletes the transaction account identifier, and does not communicate the transaction account identifier for use in further transaction processing;
receiving said transaction device proxy code at a transaction device issuer system, said transaction device issuer system maintaining a transaction account correlative to the transaction account identifier, wherein said transaction device issuer system correlates the transaction device proxy code with the transaction account; and
facilitating the completion of a transaction request correlative to the transaction account.
11. A method according to
12. A method according to
This invention is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/192,488, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PAYMENT USING RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION IN CONTACT AND CONTACTLESS TRANSACTIONS," filed on Jul. 9, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,239,226 (which itself claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/304,216, filed Jul. 10, 2001), and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/340,352, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INCENTING PAYMENT USING RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION IN CONTACT AND CONTACTLESS TRANSACTIONS," filed Jan. 10, 2003 (which itself claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/396,577, filed Jul. 16, 2002), all of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference. This invention also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/507,803, filed Sep. 30, 2003.
This invention generally relates to securing a transaction involving radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. More particularly, the invention pertains to a system and method for securing the RFID enabled transaction using a code or number which hides the underlying payment device information from the merchant system.
Like barcode and voice data entry, RFID is a contactless information acquisition technology. RFID systems are wireless, and are usually extremely effective in hostile environments where conventional acquisition methods often fail. RFID has established itself in a wide range of markets, such as, for example, the high-speed reading of railway containers, tracking moving objects such as livestock or automobiles, and retail inventory applications. As such, RFID technology has become a primary focus in automated data collection, identification and analysis systems worldwide.
Of late, companies are increasingly embodying RFID data acquisition technology in a fob or tag for use in completing financial transactions. A typical RFID fob is ordinarily a self-contained device, which may take the shape of any portable form factor. The RFID fob may include a transponder for transmitting information during a transaction. In some instances, a battery may be included in the fob to power the transponder, in which case the internal circuitry of the fob (including the transponder) may draw its operating power from the battery power source. Alternatively, the fob may gain its operating power directly from an RF interrogation signal. U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,774, issued to Schuermann, describes a typical transponder RF interrogation system which may be found in the prior art. The Schuermann patent generally describes the powering technology surrounding conventional transponder structures. U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,328 discusses a method by which a conventional transponder may respond to a RF interrogation signal. Other typical modulation techniques which may be used include, for example, ISO/IEC 14443 and the like.
In the conventional fob powering technologies used, the fob is typically activated upon presenting the fob into an interrogation signal. In this regard, the fob may be activated irrespective of whether the user desires such activation. Alternatively, the fob may have an internal power source such that interrogation by the reader for activation of the fob is not required.
One of the more visible uses of the RFID technology is the introduction of Exxon/Mobil's Speedpass� and Shell's EasyPay� products. These products use transponders, placed in a fob or tag, which enable automatic identification of the user when the fob is presented at a merchant's Point of Sale (POS) device, for example, when attempting to complete a transaction. During the transaction completion, information from the RFID fob is ordinarily passed to the POS, which delivers the information to a merchant system.
To complete the transaction, fob identification data typically may be passed to a third-party server database. The third-party server may reference the identification data to a customer (e.g., user) credit or debit account. In an exemplary processing method, the third-party server may seek authorization for the transaction by passing the transaction and account data to an authorizing entity, such as for example an "acquirer" or account issuer. Once the server receives authorization from the authorizing entity, the authorizing entity sends clearance to the POS device for completion of the transaction.
In addition to sending the information to an issuer system for verification, the merchant system may store the information in a merchant system database for later reference. For example, where the transaction device user is a repeat customer, the transaction device user may wish to complete the transaction using transaction account information previously submitted to the merchant system. Since the account information is stored on the merchant system, the user need not provide the information to a merchant to complete subsequent transactions. Instead, the user may indicate to the merchant to use the transaction account information stored on the merchant system for transaction completion.
In another typical example, the merchant system may store the transaction account information for later reference when the transaction device user establishes a "recurring billing" account. In this instance, the merchant may periodically charge a user for services rendered or goods purchased. The user may authorize the merchant system to seek satisfaction of the bill using the transaction account information. The merchant may thereby send a transaction request regarding the bill to an account provider, or a third-party server.
To lessen the financial impact of fraudulent transactions in the RFID environment, fob issuers have focused much effort on securing RFID transactions. Many of the efforts have focused on securing the transaction account or related data during transmission from the user to the merchant, or from the merchant to third-party server or account provider system. For example, one conventional method for securing RFID transactions involves requiring the device user to provide a secondary form of identification during transaction completion. The RFID transaction device user may be asked to enter a personal identification number (PIN) into a keypad. The PIN may then be verified against a number associated with the user or the RFID transaction device, wherein the associated number is stored in an account issuer database. If the PIN number provided by the device user matches the associated number, then the transaction may be cleared for completion.
One problem with the issuer's efforts in securing RFID transactions is that they typically do not focus on the ways to guard the transaction account information stored on the merchant system from theft. As noted, the merchant may typically store on a merchant database the information received from the transaction device during a transaction. Such information may be sensitive information concerning the fob user or the fob user's account. Should the fob user's sensitive information be retrieved from the merchant system without authorization, the fob user or issuer may be subjected to fraudulent activity. The ability to secure the sensitive information stored on the merchant system is limited by the security measures taken by the merchant in securing its merchant system database. Consequently, the account provider often has little influence over the security of the account information once the information is provided to the merchant system.
As such, a need exists for a method of securing sensitive transaction account information which permits the account provider to have a significant influence on the security of the fob user information stored on a merchant system. A suitable system may secure the sensitive information irrespective of the merchant system.
A system and method for securing transactions is described which addresses the problems found in conventional transaction securing methods. The securing method described herein includes providing a proxy code to a merchant system during a transaction instead of providing sensitive transaction account information. A transaction device in accordance with the invention provides the proxy code to the merchant system contemporaneously with a transaction request. The merchant system may receive the proxy code and correlate the proxy code to a user or transaction in the merchant system. The merchant system may store the proxy code in a merchant database for later reference.
The proxy code does not include any sensitive information about the transaction device user or user transaction account. Instead the merchant system receives a proxy code, which takes the place of that sensitive information ordinarily received during transaction completion. In other words, certain information such as the user's actual account number is never transmitted to the merchant. Thus, the user's account number is not available should the merchant system be compromised.
In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a radio frequency identification (RFID) transaction device is used to complete a transaction. The RFID transaction device may be interrogated by a RFID reader operable to provide a RF interrogation signal for powering a transponder system. The RFID reader may receive the proxy code instead of sensitive transaction device information, and the merchant may receive the transaction device proxy code from the RFID transaction device and provide the proxy code to an authorizing agent, such as an acquirer or an account issuer, for verification. For example, the authorizing agent may verify that the proxy code corresponds to a valid transaction account on the account provider system. The authorizing agent may use the proxy code to locate the appropriate verifying (e.g., "validating") information for confirming the transaction account validity. Once the authorizing agent verifies the validity of the transaction account using the proxy code, the authorizing entity (e.g., account issuer or acquirer) may provide authorization to the merchant that a transaction may be completed.
In one exemplary embodiment, the RFID reader may additionally be validated. In this instance, the RFID reader may be provided a RFID reader authentication tag which may be used to validate the reader. During a transaction completion, the RFID reader receives the RFID transaction device proxy code, the reader may provide the transaction device proxy code, and the reader authentication tag to an authorizing agent, such as an acquirer. In similar manner as with the transaction account, the acquirer may then validate that the RFID reader is an authorized reader for facilitating a RF transaction with the account issuer. If the RFID reader is validated, the acquirer may then provide the RFID transaction device identifier to an account provider for RFID device verification. The account issuer may then verify that the RFID transaction device is authorized to complete the requested transaction. Alternatively, the reader may be directly validated by the account issuer.
These features and other advantages of the system and method, as well as the structure and operation of various exemplary embodiments of the system and method, are described below.
The accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals depict like elements, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
The present invention may be described herein in terms of functional block components, screen shots, optional selections and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the present invention may employ various integrated circuit components (e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like), which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software elements of the present invention may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, COBOL, assembler, PERL, extensible markup language (XML), JavaCard and MULTOS with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, signaling, data processing, network control, encryption and the like. For a basic introduction on cryptography, review a text written by Bruce Schneier entitled "Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C," published by John Wiley & Sons (second edition, 1996), herein incorporated by reference.
The exemplary network disclosed herein may include any system for exchanging data or transacting business, such as the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, WAN, LAN, satellite communications, and/or the like. It is noted that the network may be implemented as other types of networks, such as an interactive television network (ITN). Further still, the terms "Internet" or "network" may refer to the Internet, any replacement, competitor or successor to the Internet, or any public or private inter-network, intranet or extranet that is based upon open or proprietary protocols. Specific information related to the protocols, standards, and application software utilized in connection with the Internet may not be discussed herein. For further information regarding such details, see, for example, Dilip Naik, "Internet Standards and Protocols" (1998); "Java 2 Complete", various authors, (Sybex 1999); Deborah Ray and Eric Ray, "Mastering HTML 4.0" (1997); Loshin, "TCP/IP Clearly Explained" (1997). All of these texts are hereby incorporated by reference.
By communicating, a signal may travel to/from one component to another. The components may be directly connected to each other or may be connected through one or more other devices or components. The various coupling components for the devices can include but are not limited to the Internet, a wireless network, a conventional wire cable, an optical cable or connection through air, water, or any other medium that conducts signals, and any other coupling device or medium.
Where required, the system user may interact with the system via any input device such as, a keypad, keyboard, mouse, biometric device, kiosk, personal digital assistant, handheld computer (e.g., Palm Pilot�, Blueberry�), cellular phone and/or the like. Similarly, the invention could be used in conjunction with any type of personal computer, network computer, work station, minicomputer, mainframe, or the like, running any operating system such as any version of Windows, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows 95, MacOS, OS/2, BeOS, Linux, UNIX, Solaris, or the like. Moreover, it should be understood that the invention could be implemented using TCP/IP communications protocol, SNA, IPX, Appletalk, IPte, NetBIOS, OSI or any number of communications protocols. Moreover, the transactions discussed herein may include or result in the use, sale, or distribution of any goods, services or information over any network having similar functionality described herein.
A variety of conventional communications media and protocols may be used for data links providing physical connections between the various system components. For example, the data links may be an Internet Service Provider (ISP) configured to facilitate communications over a local loop as is typically used in connection with standard modem communication, cable modem, dish networks, ISDN, Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), or any wireless communication media. In addition, the merchant system including a merchant point of sale (POS) device and host network may reside on a local area network, which interfaces to a remote network for remote authorization of an intended transaction. The POS may communicate with the remote network via a leased line, such as a T1, D3 line, or the like. Such communications lines are described in a variety of texts, such as, "Understanding Data Communications," by Gilbert Held, which is incorporated herein by reference.
A transaction device identifier, as used herein, may include any identifier for a transaction device, such as, for example, any hardware, software, code, number, letter, symbol, digital certificate, smart chip, digital signal, analog signal, biometric and/or other identifier/indicia. The device identifier may also be correlated to a user transaction account (e.g., credit, charge debit, checking, savings, reward, loyalty, or the like) maintained by a transaction account provider (e.g., payment authorization center). A typical transaction account identifier (e.g., account number) distinct to a transaction device, may be correlated to a credit or debit account, loyalty account, or rewards account maintained and serviced by such entities as American Express�, Visa�, MasterCard� or the like.
A transaction device identifier or account number may be, for example, a sixteen-digit credit card number, although each credit provider has its own numbering system, such as the fifteen-digit numbering system used by American Express. Each company's credit card numbers comply with that company's standardized format such that the company using a sixteen-digit format will generally use four spaced sets of numbers, as represented by the number "0000 0000 0000 0000." In a typical example, the first five to seven digits are reserved for processing purposes and identify the issuing bank, card type and, etc. In this example, the last sixteenth digit is used as a sum check for the sixteen-digit number. The intermediary eight-to-ten digits are used to uniquely identify the customer. The account number transaction device may be stored as Track 1 and Track 2 data as defined in ISO/IEC 7813, and further may be created unique to the RFID transaction device. The account number or transaction device may be communicated in Track 1 and Track 2 data, as well.
In one exemplary embodiment, the transaction device may be correlated with a unique RFID transaction device account number. In accordance with the invention, the account number is not provided to a merchant during transaction completion. Instead, the merchant system may be provided a "proxy code" (described below). The transaction device proxy code may be stored on a transaction device database located on the transaction device. The transaction device database may be configured to store multiple proxy codes issued to the RFID transaction device user by the same or different account providing institutions.
To facilitate understanding, the present invention may be described with respect to a credit account. However, it should be noted that the invention is not so limited. Other accounts which facilitate an exchange of goods or services are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.
The databases discussed herein may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Common database products that may be used to implement the databases include DB2 by IBM (White Plains, N.Y.), any of the database products available from Oracle Corporation (Redwood Shores, Calif.), Microsoft Access or MSSQL by Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, Wash.), or any other database product. Databases may be organized in any suitable manner, including as data tables or lookup tables. Association of certain data may be accomplished through any data association technique known and practiced in the art. For example, the association may be accomplished either manually or automatically. Automatic association techniques may include, for example, a database search, a database merge, GREP, AGREP, SQL, and/or the like. The association step may be accomplished by a database merge function, for example, using a "key field" in each of the manufacturer and retailer data tables. A "key field" partitions the database according to the high-level class of objects defined by the key field. For example, a certain class may be designated as a key field in both the first data table and the second data table, and the two data tables may then be merged on the basis of the class data in the key field. In this embodiment, the data corresponding to the key field in each of the merged data tables is preferably the same. However, data tables having similar, though not identical, data in the key fields may also be merged by using AGREP, for example.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, any suitable data storage technique may be utilized to store data without a standard format. Data sets may be stored using any suitable technique, including, for example, storing individual files using an ISO/IEC 7816-4 file structure; implementing a domain whereby a dedicated file is selected that exposes one or more elementary files containing one or more data sets; using data sets stored in individual files using a hierarchical filing system; data sets stored as records in a single file (including compression, SQL accessible, hashed via one or more keys, numeric, alphabetical by first tuple, etc.); block of binary (BLOB); stored as ungrouped data elements encoded using ISO/IEC 7816-6 data elements; stored as ungrouped data elements encoded using ISO/IEC Abstract Syntax Notation (ASN.1) as in ISO/IEC 8824 and 8825; and/or other proprietary techniques that may include fractal compression methods, image compression methods, etc.
In one exemplary embodiment, the ability to store a wide variety of information in different formats is facilitated by storing the information as a Block of Binary (BLOB). Thus, any binary information can be stored in a storage space associated with a data set. As discussed above, the binary information may be stored on the financial transaction instrument or external to but affiliated with the financial transaction instrument. The BLOB method may store data sets as ungrouped data elements formatted as a block of binary via a fixed memory offset using either fixed storage allocation, circular queue techniques, or best practices with respect to memory management (e.g., paged memory, least recently used, etc.). By using BLOB methods, the ability to store various data sets that have different formats facilitates the storage of data associated with the financial transaction instrument by multiple and unrelated owners of the data sets. For example, a first data set which may be stored may be provided by a first issuer, a second data set which may be stored may be provided by an unrelated second issuer, and yet a third data set which may be stored, may be provided by an third issuer unrelated to the first and second issuer. Each of these three exemplary data sets may contain different information that is stored using different data storage formats and/or techniques. Further, each data set may contain subsets of data which also may be distinct from other subsets.
In addition to the above, the transaction device identifier may be associated with any secondary form of identification configured to allow the consumer to interact or communicate with a payment system. For example, the transaction device identifier may be associated with, for example, an authorization/access code, personal identification number (PIN), Internet code, digital certificate, biometric data, and/or other secondary identification data used to verify a transaction device user identity.
It should be further noted that conventional components of RFID transaction devices may not be discussed herein for brevity. For example, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the RFID transaction device and the RFID reader disclosed herein include traditional transponders, antennas, protocol sequence controllers, modulators/demodulators and the like, necessary for proper RFID data transmission. A suitable RFID transaction device and RFID reader which may be used with this invention are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/192,488, filed Jul. 9, 2002. As such, those components are contemplated to be included in the scope of the invention.
Various components may be described herein in terms of their "validity." In this context, a "valid" component is one that is partially or fully authorized for use in completing a transaction request in accordance with the present invention. Contrarily, an "invalid" component is one that is not partially or fully authorized for transaction completion.
Although the present invention is described with respect to validating a transaction device or reader communicating in a RF transaction, the invention is not so limited. The present invention may be used for any device, machine, or article which provides user identifying data to a merchant. Thus, the present invention may be used in any contact or contactless environment where identifying data is transferred to a merchant.
During a typical RFID transaction, a RFID transaction device user may transmit information concerning the user's transaction account to a merchant POS. The information received by the POS may include, for example, the transaction device identifier or account number. The information may further include personal, demographic, biometric or statistical information related to the transaction device user. Upon receiving the information, the merchant POS ordinarily provides the information to a merchant system. The merchant may store the information in a merchant system database for later reference. For example, the merchant system may then reference the transaction device information in the event that a user wishes to complete a transaction by providing the merchant the same identifying information as the merchant has stored on the merchant system.
In most instances, the transaction device information is stored on the merchant system database for an extended period of time. The extended storage is often because the merchant typically may wish to have the information readily available for later reference (e.g., transaction request maintenance, account or transaction request tracking, or the like). The merchant may also desire to archive the transaction device information for later use in preparing promotional offers or solicitations or materials to be provided to the transaction device user.
One key disadvantage of the conventional transaction processing method described above is that the information stored by the merchant is typically "sensitive information." Sensitive information is that information which the transaction account provider or the transaction device user would want to guard from theft. Sensitive information may be any information or data. The sensitive information may be used to conduct a fraudulent transaction. For example, sensitive information may be the user account number, transaction device identifier, transaction device user personal data or the like. The information may be used for example to complete a transaction by reproducing the sensitive information without authorization. If sensitive information is somehow compromised or stolen, it is easily subjected to fraudulent usage. For example, should an unscrupulous person gain access to the merchant system and steal the transaction device identifier or account number, the person may be able to use the stolen information to place fraudulent charges on the associated transaction account. As such, the merchant may put into place special security measures designed to protect the sensitive information from theft. The merchant ordinarily makes decisions related to securing the sensitive information without consulting the account provider. The transaction account provider often must rely on the effectiveness of the merchant security measures to ensure that the information is not stolen while being stored on the merchant database. If the merchant security methods are ineffective or easily compromised, the sensitive information may be easily stolen.
The present system and method permits the account issuer to control the level of security with which the information stored on the merchant database is protected. An exemplary method in accordance with the present invention is described in
As used herein, the term "proxy code" may include any device, hardware, software, code, number, letter, symbol, digital certificate, smart chip, digital signal, analog signal, biometric and/or other identifier/indicia. The proxy code may also refer to any information provided to, for example, a merchant system during completion of a transaction request, which partially or fully masks the underlying sensitive information from the merchant system. As such, the information provided "masks" the underlying sensitive information related to the transaction account from the merchant system. Particularly, the information provided to the merchant (called "proxy code", herein) does not include sensitive information like, for example, the transaction account number. Consequently, the merchant system is never provided the sensitive information since the sensitive information is not included in the proxy code. Moreover, the proxy code may take the form of any conventional transaction account identifier. As such, when the merchant receives the proxy code, the merchant system may process the proxy code under business as usual standards. For example, the proxy code may take the form of any conventional transaction device identifier or account number. The merchant system thereby stores the proxy code in the place of the information ordinarily stored under conventional processing methods. Since the proxy code does not include sensitive information, no sensitive information may be stolen should the merchant system be compromised. In this way, the account issuer may substantially eliminate, minimize or control the risks associated with the security of the merchant system being compromised (e.g., fraud transactions, identity theft, etc.).
Another advantage of the present invention is that since the proxy code is permanently associated to a transaction account, the proxy code need never be modified in the merchant system. As such, the present invention eliminates the need to update information on the merchant system every time the related transaction device is lost, stolen, or replaced. More particularly, the replacement device is provided the identical proxy code as was provided to the original transaction device. Consequently, the merchant is provided the identical proxy code in any instance where the user wishes to complete a transaction using the transaction account which the account provider has permanently associated with the proxy code.
For example, the merchant may receive the proxy code and store the proxy code related to a recurring billing account such as a telephone account. Periodically the merchant may bill a transaction device user in accordance with the telephone services provided. The device user may wish to provide the merchant with transaction device information the merchant may use to satisfy the bill. The user may authorize the merchant to store the device information for repeated use in satisfying the bill. In a conventional recurring billing environment, the device information must ordinarily be updated when the user loses the device or the device information expires. That is, the replacement device often is given device information which is often different from the information contained on the original transaction device. However, in accordance with the present invention, the merchant need not update transaction device information because the proxy code is permanently associated with the transaction account.
Although the POS 106 is described herein with respect to a merchant point of sale (POS) device, the invention is not to be so limited. Indeed, a merchant POS device is used herein by way of example, and the point of sale device may be any device capable of receiving transaction device account information from the transaction device 102. In this regard, the POS 106 may be any point of interaction device, such as, for example, a merchant terminal, kiosk, user terminal, computer terminal, input/output receiver or reader, etc., enabling the user to complete a transaction using a transaction device 102. The POS device 106 may receive RFID transaction device 102 information and provide the information to a merchant system 101 for processing.
As used herein, an "acquirer" may be any databases and processors (e.g., operated by a third party) for facilitating the routing of a payment request to an appropriate account issuer 112. The acquirer 110 may route the payment request to the account issuer 112 in accordance with a routing number, wherein the routing number corresponds to the account issuer 112. The routing number may be provided by the RFID transaction device 102. The "routing number" in this context may be a unique network address or any similar device for locating an account issuer 112 on a network 108. In one exemplary embodiment, the routing number may typically be stored on one of the "tracks" comprising a magnetic stripe network. For example, the proxy code may be provided in traditional ISO magnetic stripe format. The routing number may be typically stored in Track 1/Track 2 format so that the information may be interpreted by the POS device 106 and merchant system 101. Traditional means of routing the payment request in accordance with the routing number are well understood. As such, the process for using a routing number to provide a payment request will not be discussed herein.
In addition, the account issuer 112 (or account provider) may be any entity which provides a transaction account useful for facilitating completion of a transaction request. The transaction account may be any account which maintains credit, debit, loyalty, direct debit, checking, savings, or the like. The term "issuer" or "account provider" may refer to any entity facilitating payment of a transaction using a transaction device, and which may include systems permitting payment using at least one of a preloaded and non-preloaded transaction device 102. Typical issuers may be American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and the like.
In general, during operation of system 100, the RFID reader 104 may provide an interrogation signal to transaction device 102 for powering the device 102 and receiving transaction device related information. The interrogation signal may be received at the transaction device antenna 120 and may be further provided to a transponder (not shown). In response, the transaction device processor 114 may retrieve transaction device information from transaction device database 116 for providing to the RFID reader 104 to complete a transaction request. Typically, where the transaction device information includes a transaction device identifier or authentication tag, the identifier and tag may be encrypted prior to providing the information to reader 104.
It should be noted that the RFID reader 104 and the RFID transaction device 102 may engage in mutual authentication prior to transferring any transaction device 102 data to the reader 104. For a detailed explanation of a suitable mutual authentication process for use with the invention, see commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/340,352, entitled "System and Method for Incenting Payment Using Radio Frequency Identification in Contact and Contactless Transactions," filed Jan. 10, 2003, incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Once the RFID reader 104 receives the transaction device information, the reader 104 provides the information to the merchant POS 106 which provides the information to the merchant system 101. The merchant system 101 may then append the transaction device information with transaction request data and provide the entire transaction request (i.e., transaction request data and transaction device information) to an acquirer 110 or issuer 112 for transaction completion. The transmitting of the information from the transaction device 102 to the acquirer 110 (or issuer 112) may be accomplished in accordance with any conventional method for completing a transaction using contact and wireless data transmission. The acquirer 110 or the issuer 112 may then determine whether to authorize completion of the transaction request in accordance with any business as usual protocol.
In addition to appending the transaction device information to the transaction request data for transaction authorization, conventional merchant systems may also store the transaction device information in a merchant system database (not shown) for later reference. For example, a particular merchant may want to provide special advertisements to the user of the transaction device 102 based on the user's prior purchases at the merchant location. The merchant system 101 may then recall the transaction device information and use the information to prepare, for example, a repeat customer mailing list. In some cases, however, the merchant system 101 often also stores sensitive information related to the user such as, for example, the user's account number (e.g., credit card number) associated with the transaction device 102. This sort of information is typically very easy to use in fraudulent transactions and therefore must be secured from theft. As such, conventional merchant systems use special security methods to safeguard the sensitive information from theft.
The account issuer 112 may provide additional security by assigning a permanent fixed proxy code to the transaction device transaction account (step 204 of
In assigning the proxy code, the issuer system 112 may first permit a transaction device 102 user to open a transaction account for use in completing a transaction request (step 202). The user may open a transaction account by providing personal or demographic information and the like to an issuer system 112 which may use the information to assign a transaction account and account number to the user. The transaction account may be identified by the account number in the issuer system 112 database (not shown), and the issuer system 112 may be able to reference the transaction account using the account number when authorizing a transaction (step 214).
In this context, the account number is considered sensitive information. The issuer system 112 may then assign a proxy code to the transaction account (step 220). In assigning the proxy code, the issuer system 112 may correlate or match the proxy code to the account number in, for example, a relational database. The algorithm may be such that it will receive the proxy code and operate on the proxy code to convert the proxy code to a number correlated with the transaction account number. Alternatively, the account issuer 112 may store the proxy code in a one to one relationship with the account number. Further still, the account issuer 112 may use any suitable correlation technique that is known which permits the account issuer system to receive one data and associate it with a second data. In other embodiments, the proxy code may be derived from the account number or any other data field, where the proxy code is store, for example, in data fields on the transaction device 102. Where the proxy code is accompanied by a secondary identifier, such as, for example, a personal identification number (PIN), the issuer system 112 database may correlate or match the proxy code, account number and secondary identifier, so that the issuer system 112 may reference any one of the numbers using any one of the other numbers. The issuer system 112 may use any conventional matching or storage protocol as is found in the art.
In one exemplary embodiment, the issuer system 112 may assign distinct proxy codes for each transaction account the issuer system 112 maintains. In which case, no two transaction accounts would be assigned identical proxy codes. In another exemplary embodiment, the issuer system 112 may assign the same proxy code to a plurality of transaction accounts, to multiple accounts related to the same cardholder, to multiple accounts controlled by the same entity (e.g., corporate card accounts), to all the transaction accounts the issuer system 112 maintains or any other subset of accounts. Moreover, a proxy code may not be a separate code; rather, the proxy code may be derived from the transaction device identifier or any other data. In another embodiment, the proxy code may be contained within another code or account number. In another embodiment, the proxy code is an encrypted or manipulated account number (or any other sensitive information). The same proxy code, an amended proxy code or an additional proxy code may also represent other sensitive data (aside from the account number), such as, for example, account holder name, address, biometric information, demographic information and/or the like. In this regard, the merchant system will not have access to this information, but the proxy code related to this information will be sent to the acquirer when the acquirer requires any portion of this information as part of its approval process.
The proxy code is then loaded onto the transaction device. In other embodiments, the device may generate its own proxy code. In this embodiment, the user may download the generated proxy code to the issuer (e.g., via the Internet) prior to using the code in a transaction. In another embodiment, the reader, POS or merchant system may generate a proxy code prior to, during or after receiving sensitive information. In this embodiment, the reader may delete the sensitive information, and only transmit the proxy code to complete the transaction.
While the transaction device may only contain the proxy code, in certain embodiments, the transaction device may also contain the account number and other sensitive data; however, the transaction device will only communicate the proxy code to the reader. In one exemplary embodiment, the proxy code is configured in magnetic stripe format. That is, the proxy code may be stored in the Track 1/Track 2 portions of the magnetic stripe track network. The proxy code may be uploaded onto a transaction device 102 which the account issuer 112 has assigned to a user (step 230). The proxy code may be uploaded into the transaction device database in magnetic stripe format, and may also be transmitted to the merchant system 101 in similar magnetic stripe format. A suitable method for providing the proxy code to the transaction device 102 may be determined by the transaction device 102 configuration. For example, conventional methods and magnetic stripe read/write devices may be used to encode the proxy code in one location on one of the magnetic stripe tracks. Alternatively, the proxy code may be uploaded into a database or other storage area contained on the transaction device 102, by populating the proxy code on the database using any convention method. A suitable method is described in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/192,488, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RFID PAYMENT USING RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION IN CONTACT AND CONTACTLESS TRANSACTIONS," incorporated herein by reference. Once the proxy code is uploaded into the transaction account database, the transaction device 102 may be used for transaction completion (step 208).
In this embodiment, the transaction account may also be assigned a secondary form of identification which may be encrypted, and which may not be available to the merchant system 101. The secondary form of identification may be correlated to the transaction account on the issuer system 112 so that the issuer system 112 may later reference the transaction account for transaction completion.
Once the proxy code is assigned and loaded on the transaction device, the proxy code may be provided during the execution of a transaction in lieu of the actual transaction account number. In this way, the proxy code masks the actual account number from the merchant system 101 and from potential theft. Thus, instead of the merchant system 101 storing the account number for later reference, the merchant system 101 stores the proxy code.
As noted, in one exemplary embodiment, the proxy code is formatted to mimic conventional transaction device sensitive information, such as an account number. Because the proxy code mimics an account number or any other sensitive data and is configured in a format recognizable to the merchant system 101, the merchant system 101 is unable to distinguish between the proxy code and the actual account number. For example, where the actual account number is a credit card number, the proxy code would be configured to take the form of a valid credit card number. Similarly, where the actual account number is a loyalty number, the proxy code is configured in a format similar to a valid loyalty number. In either case, however, the proxy code may contain no or minimal sensitive information related to the user account.
As shown, a secure RFID transaction in accordance with this embodiment may begin when the RFID device 102 enters the interrogation zone of the RFID reader 104 and is interrogated, such as when the transaction device 102 is used to complete a transaction request (step 208). The transaction device 102 information, including the proxy code, device 102 encrypted identifier (where included), and the account issuer 112 routing number, may then be provided to the device processor 114 for transmitting to the RFID reader 104 via RF transmission.
The RFID reader 104 may receive the transaction device 102 information, including the proxy code, and if necessary, convert the information into a POS recognizable format. The converted information may then be provided to the merchant system 101 via POS 106. The merchant system 101 may receive the transaction device information and combine the information with information concerning the requested transaction to produce a transaction request. The transaction information may include a product or merchant location identifier, as well as the terms for satisfying the transaction (e.g., price to be paid, barter points to be traded, loyalty points to be redeemed). Because the proxy code is in the same format as the account number or other sensitive data, the merchant system recognizes the information as valid data for the respective field. The merchant system may then provide the transaction request to an acquirer 110 via a network 108 for transaction request completion.
The acquirer 110 may, in turn, provide the transaction request to the appropriate account issuer 112 for processing (step 212). The acquirer 110 may identify the appropriate account issuer 112 using the routing number provided by the transaction device 102 to locate the network address corresponding to the account issuer 112, thereby permitting the acquirer 110 to provide the transaction request to the account issuer 112 maintaining the corresponding transaction device account.
The account issuer 112 may receive the transaction request and process the transaction request in accordance with the issuer system defined protocol.
The preceding detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the steps recited in any of the method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented or method steps may be added or eliminated as desired. Further, the present invention may be practiced using one or more servers, as necessary. Thus, the preceding detailed description is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation, and the scope of the invention is defined by the preceding description, and with respect to the attached claims.
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Paris St Germain breezed past Nice to stay in touch with the Ligue 1 title battle. Ludovic Giuly, Guillaume Hoarau and Sylvain Armand scored to keep PSG four points behind leaders Lille. Nice, who now sit only two points above the drop zone, had their misery compounded by a late red card for Drissa Diakite.
PSG deserved their victory, having dominated play throughout the game. Mevlut Erding had the first chance five minutes in, forcing a good save out of David Ospina with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area. Siaka Tiene then crossed for Erding, but the goalkeeper was again equal to the effort.
The breakthrough came with 24 minutes gone when Hoarau flicked on Nene's corner and Giuly finished from close range. Nice might have levelled moments later, but Apoula Edel made a fine save to keep out a powerful header from David Bellion.
Instead, it was PSG who added to their lead two minutes before the break, with Nene beating Anthony Mounier down the left before crossing for Hoarau to fire home. Mounier might have made up for it five minutes into the second half when Armand could only deflect Diakite's cross into his path, but he saw his shot go wide when he should have done better.
Diakite then whipped in another cross which Danijel Ljuboja flicked on for Bellion, but his spectacular overhead effort went over the crossbar and left him with an injury.
Having been under pressure, PSG came out firing again. Claude Makelele released Giuly down the right but his ambitious shot went wide. Hoarau then gave the former Barcelona man another chance but this time a heavy touch allowed Ospina to gather.
However, the capital club got the killer third goal in the 73rd minute when Armand was on hand for the follow-up after Ospina could only parry Nene's shot. Diakite picked up a second booking five minutes later for a poor challenge on Nene.


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It's Alive! It's a tiny, little bit Alive!
Things are starting to look like a game. A little bit like a game.
We've got rooms that you can link together and the doors between them work. We've got four pieces of funriture (including a suit of armor of course) that you can place anywhere you want in those rooms. We've got a picture you can hang anywhere on any wall and even place them cock-eyed. This also works for blood splotches.
And now we can move our ghosts at will through those rooms. Click somewhere and the Angry Shade will make his wa there, even from the other side of the house. We've got a ghost hunter too, and a master of the house, and an angry orb.
It's exciting! It might not look it, but it is. Jonathan had to do a lot of work to revamp the movement system from our previous demo. Austin has been cranking hard on the sprites - there's a lot of little work to be done to animate each one from each of 6 different angles. The house is pretty bare right now, but it is now recognizably a house and monsters and humans can run around in it.


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The Pudge Report: Obsessive Entertainment Disorder
Bringing you musings and information about some of the shows and movies that we just can't live with out, including Game of Thrones, Grimm, True Blood, Once Upon A Time, Revolution, New Girl, Marvel, DC, Star Trek, Star Wars.
Posts filtered on Tag
Jack Bauer is Back! Officially. 24 Live Another Day
So Fox this morning announced that Jack Bauer will be back in an 12 episode limited series starting in May 2014 and lasting through the summer. Keifer sounds pretty excited Sutherland said he was excited to see his character return to TV. "The response to '24' is unlike anything I have ever experienced as an […] [Read More]
Jack Bauer to return to '24'?
"Dammit, Chloe! We're Running out of Time!" Exciting news over the last couple of days as last night EW reported that: Fox is in talks to bring back Kiefer Sutherland the long-running action drama 24 for a limited run. Since the network is revving up a division that will eventually churn out event miniseries like […] [Read More]


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« Exit photo gallery
Joe Paterno statue comes down
The statue had been a rallying point for students and alumni following Paterno's firing.
The statue of former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno stands outside Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa. The Paterno statue was erected to honor the coach, who led the Nittany Lions from 1966 to 2011 and won 409 games. (Photo: AP Photo)
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Gatling Earns Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention
April 2, 2014
RALEIGH, N.C. – Following an incredible senior season during which she led the nation in field goal percentage since Dec. 22, 2013, Markeisha Gatling of the No. 16 NC State women's basketball team (25-8) earned Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention recognition.
In earning this honor, Gatling becomes the first Wolfpacker to receive such an accolade from the AP since Carisse Moody was also an All-America Honorable Mention in 2001.
Markeisha Gatling | Senior Center | Raleigh, N.C.


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Senate President Peter Shumlin – one of the five Democrats running for governor – has scheduled his official campaign kick-off.
Like all gubernatorial candidates, Shumlin had a "soft announcement" months ago. But campaigns these days seem to require the big push with balloons and crowds of supporters.
Here's the details:
Monday, May 24:
12:15 p.m. at the top of Church Street in Burlington
5:30 p.m. at the Putney Tavern green in Putney
-Dan Barlow


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Get on-location tips and post-production techniques to speed up time and create compelling visual effects with time-lapse photography.
"lynda.com has made it possible and affordable to retool and get back to work after raising my kids. I can't imagine working without this resource now." —Maureen C.
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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274336739835087347.post7704123274806435437..comments2015-07-11T10:07:26.301-05:00Comments on Nolichucky Roots: Sunday's Obituary: Thomas James Meredith (c.1815-29 August 1855)Susan Clarkhttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274336739835087347.post-85667399241564268832011-11-19T20:58:35.466-06:002011-11-19T20:58:35.466-06:00According to his family, he was married to Elizabe...According to his family, he was married to Elizabeth Janvier. There are other records on the blog related to the family (click on Meredith at top right of this page). You may also email me using the envelope photo in the right column. Family letters I found this summer make it clear this Thomas was the father of the TJ Meredith of Gloucester, VA.Susan Clarkhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274336739835087347.post-35235492191834896782011-11-19T20:34:21.037-06:002011-11-19T20:34:21.037-06:00Do you have any idea what the maiden name of Thoma...Do you have any idea what the maiden name of Thomas's wife was?

I am trying to connect this TJ Meredith with the Clouchester Co, Va firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7274336739835087347.post-42460660242459944832010-12-19T22:55:30.038-06:002010-12-19T22:55:30.038-06:00Great post! I don't know if I congratulated y...Great post!
I don't know if I congratulated you yet on the nomination for the FT40, so CONGRATULATIONS! You deserve it!
CeCeYour Genetic Genealogisthttp://email@example.com


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Scott Walker has been threatening public workers with layoff notices for a solid week, so another threat isn't surprising. This time the deadline is tomorrow. Before it was last Friday. And then Tuesday.
So what is surprising? That there's talk of compromise in the air.
Walker says he's also negotiating with Senate Democrats to get them to return and vote on the bill. The 14 senators left town two weeks ago to avoid voting on the measure.
Walker says he won't concede on the collective bargaining issue, but he may on others.
A tweet from the chief of the editorial board for the Wisconsin State Journal adds that union re-certification and dues in paychecks are "on the table."
This is a significant pullback, actually, though I don't think it'll be enough for the unions. Let's explain. The budget repair bill didn't only strip collective bargaining rights from public employees. It set up a process where the unions would almost certainly be destroyed. Under the bill, the union would have to be re-certified by its members every year. It's hard to understand why members would re-certify their union if they couldn't bargain over anything but a narrow band on wages up to the Consumer Price Index. In addition, the bill would allow workers to drop their union dues if they chose. Again, if the union cannot fully bargain on your behalf, I don't see why anyone would pay for the privilege of membership. This would have drained the unions of funds, and eventually, of members. It was the real reason behind the bill.
And now, Walker says he's wavering on those pieces. This issue has escalated, and he's trying to figure out a way to get a deal without giving up on stripping collective bargaining. It's good to see re-certification and dues in paychecks possibly go away, but I'm guessing the unions will say no deal unless they retain the right to collectively bargain.
Still, who's showing weakness now? Indeed, in a separate tweet from the head of the Wisconsin State Journal, Walker acknowledged he would probably go to bid on the sale of state-owned power plants. Again, a little slippage there, as the bill allows for no-bid contracts.
Senate Republicans continue to try and strong-arm the Democrats, finding them in contempt of the legislature and putting the state patrol out to detain them. Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Police Professionals Association, had another memorable quote about that: "Politics aside, encouraging the forcible detention of duly elected lawmakers because they won't allow you to dictate with a free hand is an unreasonable
abuse of police power. Due to the fact that Wisconsin officers lack any jurisdiction across state lines, does Senator Fitzgerald intend to establish a lawmaker border patrol?"
But behind the scenes, Walker feels like he needs to make a deal. His political capital is slipping away. Democrats ought to be adamant here. When your opponent's in trouble, throw him an anvil.