Patent ID: 6609655
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: G07B,G07F

Abstract:
A multi-purpose smart card system for interactively performing at least one of financial, travel-and entertainment-related functions, the system comprising:a smart card automated payment means disposed on a smart card for providing automated payment of at least one of a purchase price, fees, fares and tolls; automated payment means within a payment facility for communicating with the smart card automated payment means to facilitate payment, said payment facility associated with at least one of a toll booth, and a network or Internet site; storage means on the smart card and/or at least one smart card host system for storing such data as user identification, available funds, and card transaction information; processing means for updating funds information on the smart card and the at least one smart card host system; and information reading and writing means in the smart card system for interfacing and communicating, based on information stored in the smart card and/or the at least one smart card host system, with: an authorized network or Internet site wherein at least one of financial, travel, and entertainment account records and related information may be accessed and/or downloaded, the authorized network or Internet site being determined based on valid smart card identification data; a transportation network or Internet site providing at least one of commercial fleet management, traffic monitoring, and highway advisory information; a traveler assistance network or Internet site providing at least one of tourist traveler assistance and general traveler information regarding attractions, services, directions, route guidance, and traffic conditions and restrictions; an authorized funds management network or Internet site wherein cash, credit, or debit value may be added to the smart card, the authorized funds management network or Internet site being determined based on valid smart card identification data; an information network or Internet site for receiving and sending electronic mail and messages by a user and/or host of the smart card; a purchasing network or Internet site for purchasing goods and services of companies and organizations; and a telephony network or Internet site for accessing information services.