Importance

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Abstract

A card-encoding system and method preserves the security of the encoding process against duplication and counterfeiting of cards by securing the interactions under the control of the individual and then of the issuing institution. Multilevels of offset codes are generated in successive interactions so that attempted alteration, duplication, or counterfeiting of a coded card will be readily detectable using 'off-line' card-checking apparatus. An 'active' card is initially issued or authorized with an established credit balance, and its authenticity, balance, and proper use are continuously checked, debited and updated in each authorized transactions completed by the proper individual. A card or other data-carrying medium may be verified as authentic and unaltered, and the identity of an authorized individual assigned to the card may be verified by initially recording an offset on the card and by subsequently comparing the recorded offset with an offset regenerated from the same data used initially.

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First Claim