Abstract:
A method, system and computer program product includes transmitting over a network a user&#39;s request for a history of a currency bill. A serial number, a location, a date and an indication of possession is transmitted, where the serial number is used in a partial matching search, and mistaken alpha characters of the serial number are included in the partial matching search. First results of the partial matching search are received. Further identifying information is transmitted, where the identifying information is used in a matching search of the first results. Second results of the matching search are received. Additional information regarding the currency bill is transmitted for inclusion in the database where the indication of possession at least, in part, determines entries. A notification request of a next finding of the currency bill is transmitted, where registration of the user is verified. The history of the currency bill is received.

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0003]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to the field of computer supported networked social interaction websites. More particularly, the invention relates to sovereign currency searching and tracking. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) may be provided with many different styles and operational behaviors. When faced with a frustrating and difficult to use GUI, many users elect not to return, resulting in low customer conversion and retention rates. Decreasing a user&#39;s frustration and confusion when interfacing with a GUI may improve rates for customer conversion, retention and satisfaction. Improving customer satisfaction with regard to GUI interactions may significantly improve brand awareness and profitability. 
         [0006]    An example of a frustration which a user may experience with regard to an interaction with a GUI is being required to register or login as a user at an inconvenient moment in time. An untimely GUI interaction may cause a user to lose his train of thought and as a result become distracted and/or become annoyed. GUIs may also complicate the interaction of a user by funneling a user with different goals from other users through the same execution path, and as a result may require a user to perform unnecessary efforts and tasks which may not be related to the user&#39;s specific goals but to the goals of other users. GUIs may also complicate and increases times for interaction by requiring a user to enter information with several different displays of information, instead of presenting the user with a streamlined, uncomplicated, efficient and easy to use interface. Another example of a difficulty a user may experience in interfacing with a GUI is requiring the user to enter information which may be unnecessary or secondary for completing the task at hand. Additionally, a user may be unnecessarily required to enter information by a GUI for which it may be possible to derive the information from other entered information or from a combination of entered information and archived information. Also, when interfacing with a GUI, a user may enter incomplete, erroneous and/or unsupported information and as a result the entire record of information entered by user may be rejected, discounted or ignored, even though some of the information which was entered may have been valid, accurate and even useful. 
         [0007]    Currency tracking Internet websites operate to allow its users to initiate tracking of currencies in their possession. For example, after marking a currency and entering a record of information for the currency to the currency tracking website, a user may be able to track future locations and statistics related to the travels of the currency as other users find the currency and add records of information related to the currency&#39;s geographic location, date and time. Additionally, persons finding marked currencies may use currency tracking websites to analyze the geographic travels and statistics for currency notes which they find in their possession. 
         [0008]    The physical description and design of sovereign currencies can be complicated. The complications are often added by sovereign nations in order to thwart counterfeiters or currency. Attempting to find a certain feature of a currency note can be difficult due to the complicated nature of a bill&#39;s design, features and structure. For example, a currency note may have a security thread, micro-printed text, intricate color scheme, portrait, denomination, serial number, signatures, series identifier, watermarks, seals emblems and symbols. The complex design of sovereign currencies can result in frustrations for users of currency tracking websites attempting to find information located on the currencies which may be required by the websites in order to support searching and tracking currency notes. 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for a currency tracking Internet website. 
         [0010]    An information display  100  includes a display area  102 , a denomination selection input  104 , a bill series selection input  106 , a serial number input  108 , a zip code input  110 , a possession radio selection  112 , a text input  114  and a submit selection  116 . 
         [0011]    Display area  102  may operate to display information to user (not shown). Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed include text, graphics, input selections, text inputs, selection boxes, radio selections and submit selections. 
         [0012]    Denomination selection input  104  may operate to receive a selection for the denomination of the currency to be analyzed. Non-limiting examples of denominations which may be selected include $1, $2, $5 $10, $20, $50, and $100. Bill series selection input  106  may operate to receive a selection for the series of the currency to be analyzed. Non-limiting examples of bill series which may be selected include 2006, 2003A, 2003, 2009, 2001, 1999, 1995, 1993, 1988, 1988A, 1985, 1981, 1981A, 1977, 1977A, 1974, 1969, 1969A-D, 1963A-B and 1963. Zip code input  110  may operate to receive a zip code indicating the geographic location of the currency. Possession radio selection  112  may operate to allow a user to select whether the currency being analyzed may currently be in the user&#39;s possession or not. Text input  114  may operate to allow a user to input textual information related to a currency note in order for the bill to be analyzed and processed. Non-limiting example of information which may be entered into text input  114  includes location and condition of currency. Submit selection  116  may operate to allow user to signal when information entered or selected in information display  100  has been completed. 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates how a conventional GUI may initially request a multiplicity of information from a seeker, and which some of the information may have been unnecessarily requested in relation to finding, analyzing and processing information for a currency note. 
         [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram depicting a conventional regionalized client/server communication system which may be used by an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment or embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0015]    A communication system  200  includes a multiplicity of networked regions with a sampling of regions denoted as a network region  202  and a network region  204 , a global network  206  and a multiplicity of servers with a sampling of servers denoted as a server device  208  and a server device  210 . 
         [0016]    Network region  202  and network region  204  may operate to represent a network contained within a geographical area or region. Non-limiting examples of representations for the geographical areas for the networked regions may include postal zip codes, telephone area codes, states, counties, cities and countries. Elements within network region  202  and  204  may operate to communicate with external elements within other networked regions or within elements contained within the same network region. 
         [0017]    In some implementations, global network  206  may operate as the Internet. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that communication system  200  may take many different forms. Non-limiting examples of forms for communication system  200  include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wired telephone networks, cellular telephone networks or any other network supporting data communication between respective entities via hardwired or wireless communication networks. Global network  206  may operate to transfer information between the various networked elements. 
         [0018]    Server device  208  and server device  210  may operate to execute software instructions, store information and communicate with other networked elements. Non-limiting examples of software and scripting languages which may be executed on server device  208  and server device  210  include PHP, Perl, C, C++, C# and Java. 
         [0019]    Network region  202  may operate to communicate bi-directionally with global network  206  via a communication channel  212 . Network region  204  may operate to communicate bi-directionally with global network  206  via a communication channel  214 . Server device  208  may operate to communicate bi-directionally with global network  206  via a communication channel  216 . Server device  210  may operate to communicate bi-directionally with global network  206  via a communication channel  218 . Network region  202  and  204 , global network  206  and server devices  208  and  210  may operate to communicate with each other and with every other networked device located within communication system  200 . 
         [0020]    Server device  208  includes a networking device  220  and a server  222 . Networking device  220  may operate to communicate bi-directionally with global network  206  via communication channel  216  and with server  222  via a communication channel  224 . Server  222  may operate to execute software instructions and store information. 
         [0021]    Network region  202  includes a multiplicity of clients with a sampling denoted as a client  226  and a client  228 . Client  226  includes a networking device  234 , a processor  236 , a GUI  238  and an interface device  240 . Non-limiting examples of devices for GUI  238  include monitors, televisions, cellular telephones, smartphones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). Non-limiting examples of interface device  240  include pointing device, mouse, trackball, scanner and printer. Networking device  234  may communicate bi-directionally with global network  206  via communication channel  212  and with processor  236  via a communication channel  242 . GUI  238  may receive information from processor  236  via a communication channel  244  for display to a user for viewing. Interface device  240  may operate to send control information to processor  236  and to receive information from processor  236  via a communication channel  246 . Network region  204  includes a multiplicity of clients with a sampling denoted as a client  230  and a client  232 . Client  230  includes a networking device  248 , a processor  250 , a GUI  252  and an interface device  254 . Non-limiting examples of devices for GUI  238  include monitors, televisions, cellular telephones, smartphones and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). Non-limiting examples of interface device  240  include pointing devices, mousse, trackballs, scanners and printers. Networking device  248  may communicate bi-directionally with global network  206  via communication channel  214  and with processor  250  via a communication channel  256 . GUI  252  may receive information from processor  250  via a communication channel  258  for display to a user for viewing. Interface device  254  may operate to send control information to processor  250  and to receive information from processor  250  via a communication channel  260 . 
         [0022]    For example, consider the case where a user interfacing with client  226  may want to operate to track a currency note using information display  100  ( FIG. 1 ). A user may enter the IP (Internet Protocol) address for information display  100  using interface device  240 . The IP address information may be communicated to processor  236  via communication channel  246 . Processor  236  may then communicate the IP address information to networking device  234  via communication channel  242 . Networking device  234  may then communicate the IP address information to global network  206  via communication channel  212 . Global network  206  may then communicate the IP address information to networking device  220  of server device  208  via communication channel  216 . Networking device  220  may then communicate the IP address information to server  222  via communication channel  224 . Server  222  may receive the IP address information and after processing the IP address information may communicate display information to networking device  220  via communication channel  224 . Networking device  220  may communicate the display information to global network  206  via communication channel  216 . Global network  206  may communicate the display information to networking device  234  via communication channel  212 . Networking device  234  may communicate the display information to processor  236  via communication channel  242 . Processor  236  may communicate the display information to GUI  238  via communication channel  244 . User may then view information display  100  ( FIG. 1 ) on GUI  238 . Using interface device  240 , user may enter information for display area  102  ( FIG. 1 ) by selecting an appropriate denomination for denomination selection input  104  ( FIG. 1 ), an appropriate bill series for bill series selection input  106  ( FIG. 1 ), an appropriate serial number for serial number input  108  ( FIG. 1 ), an appropriate zip code for zip code input  110  ( FIG. 1 ), an appropriate selection for possession radio selection  112  ( FIG. 1 ) and appropriate text information for text input  114  ( FIG. 1 ). User may enter the zip code of the geographic region describing network region  202 , as geographic location for client  226  may be within network region  202 . Using interface device  240 , user may then select submit selection  116  ( FIG. 1 ) to communicate the information to server  222  in the same manner as previously discussed. Server  222  may receive the information and process it accordingly. After processing, server  222  may transmit new display information to GUI  238  for user to view using a similar process as previously described. Non-limiting examples of information transmitted to GUI  238  include affirmation of finding information for the currency, requests for more information regarding the currency, requests for user account information and requests for user to create an account. The process for the software, executing on server  222 , requesting additional information and user supplying additional information in response, may be repeated several times in order for a final resolution to be determined for the currency note. In many cases, the repeated process of the software executing on server  222  requesting additional information from a user may cause user to give up on receiving final resolution for tracking the currency. Additionally the software executing on server  222  may operate to request unnecessary information for tracking currencies and as a result needlessly frustrate users. Furthermore, the software executing on server  222  may operate to interfere with a user&#39;s train of thought by requesting the user enter information for logging in at inopportune moments of time. Furthermore, user may enter partially erroneous information resulting in the software executing on server  222  rejecting the user entry, although some of the information entered by the user was valid, correct and potentially useful. 
         [0023]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved techniques for providing GUIs for currency tracking websites. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for a currency tracking Internet website; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram depicting a conventional regionalized client/server communication system; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5A-B  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12A-C  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 14A-G  illustrates operation of an exemplary web-enabled embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  illustrates a typical computer system that, when appropriately configured or designed, may serve as a computer system  1500  for which the present invention may be embodied. 
       
    
    
       [0040]    Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    To achieve the forgoing and other aspects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, a method, system and computer program product for currency searching is presented. 
         [0042]    In one embodiment a method, executed by one or more computing processors, includes steps for requesting a history of a found currency bill, steps for transmitting a serial number, a location, a date and an indication of possession of the found currency bill, steps for receiving first results of a partial matching search, steps for transmitting further identifying information for the found currency bill, steps for receiving second results of the matching search, steps for transmitting additional information regarding the found currency bill for inclusion in a database, steps for transmitting a request for notification of a next finding of the found currency bill, where user registration is verified, and steps for receiving the history of the found currency bill. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment a method, executed by one or more computing processors, includes the steps of transmitting over a network, from a client application, a user&#39;s request for finding a history of a found currency bill, wherein the user has chosen finding a history between choices comprising finding a history and starting a history. Transmitted over the network, from the client application, is a serial number for the found currency bill, a location for the found currency bill, a date and an indication of possession of the found currency bill, where the serial number is used in a partial matching search of a database, and mistaken alpha characters of the serial number are included in the partial matching search. Received over the network are first results of the partial matching search. Transmitted over the network, from the client application, is further identifying information for the found currency bill, where the identifying information is used in a matching search of the first results. Received over the network are second results of the matching search. Transmitted over the network, from the client application, is additional information regarding the found currency bill for inclusion in the database where the indication of possession at least, in part, determines entries in the database. Transmitted over the network, from the client application, is a request for notification of a next finding of the found currency bill, where registration of the user is verified. Receiving over the network is the history of the found currency bill. In another embodiment the mistaken alpha characters comprise C and G. In yet another embodiment the first results further comprise signatures for comparison to the found currency bill. In still another embodiment the identifying information further comprises denomination and series. In another embodiment the location comprises a postal code. In yet another embodiment the date is chosen from a displayed calendar. In still another embodiment a negative indication of possession results in entries being flagged for exclusion in tracking processes. In yet other embodiments the request for notification further comprises an address for sending the notification, and the address is used for registering the user. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment a system includes means for users to communicate over communications channels, means for coupling the communications channels to a server, means for requesting a history of a found currency bill, means for transmitting, a serial number for the found currency bill, a location for the found currency bill, a date and an indication of possession of the found currency bill, means for receiving first results of a partial matching search, means for transmitting further identifying information for the found currency bill, means for receiving second results of a matching search, means for transmitting additional information regarding the found currency bill for inclusion in a database, means for transmitting a request for notification of a next finding of the found currency bill, and means for receiving the history of the found currency bill. 
         [0045]    In another embodiment a system includes a plurality of clients configurable for users to communicate over communications channels. At least one communications means couples the communications channels to a server. One or more applications are executed by the clients enabling a user to use the communications means to request a history of a found currency bill, wherein the user has chosen finding a history between choices comprising finding a history and starting a history. The user is enabled to transmit a serial number for the found currency bill, a location for the found currency bill, a date and an indication of possession of the found currency bill, where the serial number is used in a partial matching search of a database, and mistaken alpha characters of the serial number are included in the partial matching search. The user is enabled to receive first results of the partial matching search. The user is enabled to transmit further identifying information for the found currency bill, where the identifying information is used in a matching search of the first results; receiving second results of the matching search. The user is enabled to transmit additional information regarding the found currency bill for inclusion in the database, where the indication of possession at least, in part, determines entries in the database. The user is enabled to transmit a request for notification of a next finding of the found currency bill, where registration of the user is verified. The user is enabled to receive the history of the found currency bill. In another embodiment the mistaken alpha characters comprise C and G. In yet another embodiment a negative indication of possession results in entries being flagged for exclusion in tracking processes. In still other embodiments the request for notification further comprises an address for sending the notification, and the address is used for registering the user. 
         [0046]    In another embodiment a computer program product residing on or being distributed across one or more computer readable mediums having a plurality of instructions stored thereon which, when executed by one or more associated processors, cause the one or more processors to transmit over a network a user&#39;s request for finding a history of a found currency bill, wherein the user has chosen finding a history between choices comprising finding a history and starting a history. One or more processors transmit over the network a serial number for the found currency bill, a location for the found currency bill, a date and an indication of possession of the found currency bill, where the serial number is used in a partial matching search of a database, and mistaken alpha characters of the serial number are included in the partial matching search. One or more processors receive over the network first results of the partial matching search. One or more processors transmit over the network further identifying information for the found currency bill, where the identifying information is used in a matching search of the first results. One or more processors receive over the network second results of the matching search. One or more processors transmit over the network additional information regarding the found currency bill for inclusion in the database where the indication of possession at least, in part, determines entries in the database. One or more processors transmit over the network a request for notification of a next finding of the found currency bill, where registration of the user is verified. One or more processors receive over the network the history of the found currency bill. In another embodiment the mistaken alpha characters comprise C and G. In yet another embodiment a negative indication of possession results in entries being flagged for exclusion in tracking processes. In still other embodiments the request for notification further comprises an address for sending the notification, and the address is used for registering the user. 
         [0047]    Other features, advantages, and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0048]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
         [0049]    Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0050]    It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0051]    A first embodiment of the present invention will be described which provides means and methods for segregating users into searchers and trackers. Searchers and trackers have different goals for their interaction with currency searching/tracking websites. Trackers typically have in their possession an unmarked currency note and may be seeking to initiate tracking of the bill, while in contrast searchers may have in their possession a marked currency note and may be seeking information related to the marked currency note. Searchers may have received a marked currency note with the marking information presenting information related to a currency searching/tracking website. Furthermore, searchers may be seeking to determine information related to the marked currency note and may be seeking to determine the future and past travels and other related information related to a currency note. Trackers may be seeking to determine the future travels and other related information for a currency note. Trackers and searchers may select to be notified when a new entry may have been entered for a currency note for which they may be seeking to track. Non-limiting examples of methods for which trackers and searchers may select to be notified in the event of any new information entered for a currency note include email and text messages, notifications on social networking sites ‘status updates’ or ‘tweets’, etc. Non-limiting examples of information trackers and searchers may be seeking to determine for a currency note include distance traveled since tracking initiated, time elapsed since tracking initiated, average distance per unit of time, dates of entry by other users, locations of other users, elapsed time between other user&#39;s entries, distance traveled between other user&#39;s entries, profile of other users and maps illustrating travel of a currency note. Non-limiting examples of profile information for users may include name, location/city, age, gender, user statistics (number of bills entered, number of bills hit, hit rate, personal website link, site score, etc) and social network websites. By presenting a distinct and tailored series of GUIs to searchers and a distinct and tailored series of GUIs to trackers, the interaction required by searchers and trackers for interfacing with currency searching/tracking websites may be reduced and streamlined. Searcher interaction may be simplified by requesting users initially enter a serial number for a currency note instead of requesting a multiplicity of information related to the currency note. Non-limiting examples of other information which may not be requested include denomination and series. In order to reduce interaction efforts which may be required by searchers, a serial number for the currency note may be requested without requesting searchers provide other additional information. A partial matching search of the database can then be done. For cases where more than one currency note may be found for a serial number, user may be presented with a list of potentially matching currency notes and other related information for aiding users in selecting a match. In order to reduce user frustration and confusion, aid may be provided in resolving issues related to mistaken identities for alpha characters. The alpha character “C” located in the serial number of a currency note may be easily mistaken for the alpha character “G” and vice-versa. In cases where a match may not be found for a serial number, an operation may be performed to search for entries which may have a mistaken identity with respect the alpha characters “C” and “G” and prompt users with a list of potential entries for aiding them in resolving misunderstandings related to alpha characters “C” and “G” and for aiding them in finding a match. In other alternative embodiment, the alpha characters of the serial number may be omitted and the partial search conducted using only the numeric of the serial number. 
         [0052]    In other embodiments of the present invention, a method and means will be described for providing support for tracking currency notes for which a user may have past, previous or historical possession of a currency note. For example, a user may opt to enter information for tracking a currency note for which user may no longer be in possession and may enter information related to the prior possession of the currency note. Non-limiting examples of information user may enter related to prior possession of a currency note may include date of prior possession, location of prior possession and serial number of currency note in prior possession. 
         [0053]    In other embodiments of the present invention, a method and means for providing support for alternate entries will be described. An alternate entry for a currency note may not qualify as “natural circulation” and instead of rejecting the currency note, the currency note may be tracked, but in a different manner than currency notes which may not be considered alternate. Non-limiting examples of alternate entries include a violation of the rules for interaction and currency notes no longer in a user&#39;s possession, currency notes exchanged between two users, or a single user finding and re-entering their own currency note. Alternate entry currency notes may be denoted in displayed reports as alternate. 
         [0054]    In other embodiments of the present invention, a method and means for providing support for in-line user registration will be described. In order to reduce, simplify and streamline interaction efforts required by users, information requested for accessing an account may be requested as needed and in conjunction with requests for other information. 
         [0055]    In various other embodiments, teachings of the present invention may be applied to various other types of search. Non-limiting examples include credit card numbers, bar codes, vehicle identification numbers (VIN codes), social security numbers (SSNs), automobile license plates, etc. In view of the following descriptions, it will be readily apparent, to one skilled in the art, that teaching of the present invention may be applied to tracking virtually any currency, from any country, having at least a unique serialization. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0057]    An information display  300  includes a display area  302 , a searching select  304 , a tracking select  306 , a text area  308  and text areas  310  and  312 . 
         [0058]    Display area  302  may operate to display information to a user (not shown). Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed include text, graphics, input selections, text inputs, selection boxes, radio selections, continue selections and submit selections. Searching select  304  may operate to allow a user to signal they have found currency which user seeks to determine the currency&#39;s previous location, date/time and other information. Non-limiting examples of other information user may be seeking include distance traveled, times of travel, average speed of travel, profile for users making entries and geographical location where entries may have been performed. Tracking select  306  may operate to allow a user to signal they seek to enter information for a currency note user may desire to track. Text area  308  may operate to encourage user to select either searching select  304  or tracking select  306 . Text area  310  may operate to inform user of the results following selecting searching select  304 . Text area  312  may operate to inform user of the results following selecting searching select  306 . Text area  310  may inform user that if the currency note selected for tracking in the following steps had been entered before, then user may be provided with a list of information related to the currency. Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed for the currency include geographic region, date, time, travel time, distance traveled and speed of travel. Text area  312  may also inform user that they can track (start) their own currency, although following this step requires user registration. Display area  302  may also operate to display other additional information. Non-limiting examples of other information which display area  302  may present include selection links, selection link for displaying an example of a bill tracking report and selection link for being logged in as an incorrect user. A user opting to select a selection link may be displayed information related to the selection link, i.e., the display information viewed by user on user&#39;s GUI may transition to a new display of information or may display a smaller window with information related to the selection link. 
         [0059]      FIG. 3  illustrates how searchers and trackers may be segregated in order to present users with a streamlined and efficient interaction. 
         [0060]      FIG. 4  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0061]    An information display  400  includes a display area  402 , a serial number input  404 , a possession radio selection  406 , a zip code input  408  and a continue select  410 . In some embodiments of the present invention, display area  402  operates to provide an example of a currency note with circles indicating locations for the serial number. In further embodiments, when a user clicks on the depicted currency note, the image changes to a different denomination with the locations of the serial number indicated. 
         [0062]    Display area  402  may operate to display information to a user (not shown). Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed include text, graphics, input selections, text inputs, selection boxes, radio selections, continue selections and submit selections. Serial number input  404  may operate to allow a user to input the serial number for a currency note. Possession radio selection  406  may operate to allow a user to indicate whether user may be currently in possession of the currency note for the serial number entered in serial number input  404  or not. Zip code input  408  may allow a user to indicate user&#39;s current geographic location. Continue select  410  may operate to allow a user to indicate when user has completed entering information for serial number input  404 , possession radio selection  406  and zip code input  408 . Display area  402  may also display other additional information. Non-limiting examples of other information which display area  402  may present include selection links, directions for entering serial number, directions for entering  10  or  11  alphanumeric letters and digits, directions for serial numbers containing stars, information clarifying the countries for which zip codes may be entered, selection link for a user not knowing user&#39;s current zip code and selection link for international users. 
         [0063]      FIG. 4  illustrates the reduced amount of initial information related to a currency note requested by a searcher over the amount of initial information requested by conventional methods and means as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0065]    An information display  500  includes a display area  502 , a serial number input  504 , a possession radio selection  506 , a possession date input  508 , a calendar selection link  510 , a no possession checkbox input  512 , a zip code input  514  and a continue select  516 . 
         [0066]    Display area  502  may operate to display information to a user (not shown). Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed include text, graphics, input selections, text inputs, selection boxes, radio selections, continue selections and submit selections. Serial number input  504  may operate to allow a user to input the serial number for a currency note. Possession radio selection  506  may operate to allow a user to indicate whether user may be currently in possession of the currency note as entered for serial number input  504  or not. Possession date input  508  may operate to allow user to enter a date of possession. Calendar selection link  510  may operate to allow user to be presented with a calendar for selecting date of possession and the capability to select a date of possession for insertion into possession date input  508 . No possession checkbox input  512  may operate to allow a user to indicate whether the currency note for analysis has ever been in user&#39;s possession or not. Zip code input  514  may allow a user to indicate their current geographic location when in possession of currency note as indicated by serial number entered in serial number input  504 . Continue select  516  may operate to allow a user to indicate when user has completed entering information for serial number input  504 , possession radio selection  506 , possession date input  508 , calendar selection link  510 , no possession checkbox input  512  and zip code input  514 . Display area  502  may also display other additional information. Non-limiting examples of other information which display area  502  may present include selection links, directions for entering serial number, directions for entering  10  or  11  alphanumeric letters and digits, directions for serial numbers containing stars, information clarifying the countries for which zip codes may be entered, selection link for a user not knowing user&#39;s current zip code and selection link for international users. 
         [0067]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0068]      FIG. 5B  includes elements of  FIG. 5A  with the addition of a calendar display  518  and a serial number entered in serial number input  504 , a selection of “No” for possession radio selection  506 , a date entered in possession date input  508  and a zip code entered in zip code input  514 . 
         [0069]    For  FIG. 5B , when presented information illustrated in  FIG. 5A , user may have opted to select calendar selection link  510  or may have entered a date in possession date input  508 . Following selection of calendar selection link  510  or entering date in possession date input  508 , user may be presented with calendar display  518  in  FIG. 5B . 
         [0070]    Calendar display  518  includes a month increment/decrement select  520 , a month select  522 , a year select  524 , a calendar close select  526 , a calendar display area  528  and a current date indication  530 . 
         [0071]    Month increment/decrement select  520  may allow a user to increment or decrement to different months for display by calendar display  518 . Month select  522  may allow a user to select a specific month to be displayed by calendar display  518 . Year select  524  may allow a user to select a specific year to be displayed by calendar display  518 . Calendar close select  526  may allow a user to close calendar display  518 . Calendar display area  528  may present user with the month of the year as selected by possession date input  508 , month select  522  and year select  524 . Current date indication  530  may allow user to be presented with the current date. 
         [0072]      FIG. 5A  and FIB.  5 B illustrate how a searcher may enter information for past, previous or historical possession of a currency note. 
         [0073]      FIG. 6  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0074]    An information display  600  includes a display area  602 , a location display area  604 , an entered serial number area  606 , a direction area  608 , a denomination selection input  610 , a bill series selection input  612 , a back selection  614  and a continue selection  616 . 
         [0075]    Display area  602  may operate to display information to user (not shown). Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed include text, graphics, input selections, text inputs, selection boxes, radio selections and submit selections. Location display area  604  may operate to present a user&#39;s geographic location as indicated by user&#39;s previous input. Entered serial number area  606  may operate to present the serial number for a currency note as indicated by user&#39;s previous input. Direction area  608  may operate to inform user that more information may be required in order to search for user&#39;s currency note. Denomination selection input  610  may operate to receive a selection for the denomination of the currency to be analyzed. Non-limiting examples of denominations which may be selected include $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Bill series selection input  612  may operate to receive a selection for the series of the currency to be analyzed. Non-limiting examples of bill series which may be selected include 2006, 2003A, 2003, 2009, 2001, 1999, 1995, 1993, 1988, 1988A, 1985, 1981, 1981A, 1977, 1977A, 1974, 1969, 1969A-D, 1963A-B and 1963. Back selection  614  may operate to allow user to transition to a previous GUI display of information. For example, back selection  614  may allow a user to return to previous steps in order to correct a faulty entry of information. Non-limiting examples of information which may have been entered incorrectly include serial number and current possession indication. Continue selection  616  may operate to allow a user to continue with further processing if the presentation of currency notes found does not match user&#39;s currency note. Non-limiting examples of other information which display area  602  may present include selection links and directions. 
         [0076]      FIG. 6  illustrates the situation where more information may be required in order to search for a currency note, as the serial number information and other information initially entered by user may not be sufficient for finding a currency note. 
         [0077]      FIG. 7  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0078]    An information display  700  includes a display area  702 , a location display area  704 , an entered serial number area  706 , a found serial number area  708 , a denomination area  710 , a series area  712 , a select selection  714 , a signature display link  716 , a back selection  718  and a continue selection  720 . 
         [0079]    Display area  702  may operate to display information to user (not shown). Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed include text, graphics, input selections, text inputs, selection boxes, radio selections and submit selections. Location display area  704  may operate to present a user&#39;s geographic location as indicated by user&#39;s previous input. Entered serial number area  706  may operate to present the serial number for a currency note as indicated by user&#39;s previous input. Found serial number area  708  may operate to indicate a serial number of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Denomination area  710  may operate to indicate the denomination of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Series area  712  may operate to indicate the series of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Select selection  714  may operate to allow a user to select the details for a displayed currency note as matching user&#39;s currency note. Signature display link  716  may operate to allow user to display the signatures for potential currency note matches. Back selection  718  may operate to allow user to transition to a previous GUI display of information. For example, back selection  718  may allow a user to return to previous steps in order to correct a faulty entry of information. Non-limiting examples of information which may have been entered incorrectly include serial number and current possession indication. Continue selection  720  may operate to allow a user to continue with further processing if the presentation of currency notes found does not match user&#39;s currency note. Non-limiting examples of other information which display area  702  may present include selection links, directions if a found currency note matches user&#39;s currency note and directions if found currency notes do not match user&#39;s currency note. 
         [0080]    Information display  700  presents the situation where a single currency note has been found which may potentially match user&#39;s currency note. 
         [0081]      FIG. 8  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0082]    An information display  800  includes a display area  802 , a location display area  804 , an entered serial number area  806 , a direction area  808 , a found serial number area  810 , a denomination area  812 , a series area  814 , a select selection  816 , a found serial number area  818 , a denomination area  820 , a series area  822 , a select selection  824 , a found serial number area  826 , a denomination area  828 , a series area  830 , a select selection  832 , a direction area  834 , a back selection  836  and a continue selection  838 . 
         [0083]    Display area  802  may operate to display information to user (not shown). Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed include text, graphics, input selections, text inputs, selection boxes, radio selections and submit selections. Location display area  804  may operate to present a user&#39;s geographic location as indicated by user&#39;s previous input. Entered serial number area  806  may operate to present the serial number for a currency note as indicated by user&#39;s previous input. Direction area  808  may operate to inform user of issues related to mistakes with respect to the alpha characters “C” and “G” for currency notes. Found serial number area  810  may operate to indicate a serial number of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Denomination area  812  may operate to indicate the denomination of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Series area  814  may operate to indicate the series of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Select selection  816  may operate to allow a user to select the details for a displayed currency note as matching user&#39;s currency note. Found serial number area  818  may operate to indicate a serial number of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Denomination area  820  may operate to indicate the denomination of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Series area  822  may operate to indicate the series of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Select selection  824  may operate to allow a user to select the details for a displayed currency note as matching user&#39;s currency note. Found serial number area  826  may operate to indicate a serial number of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Denomination area  828  may operate to indicate the denomination of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Series area  830  may operate to indicate the series of a currency note which may be currently tracked. Select selection  832  may operate to allow a user to select the details for a displayed currency note as matching user&#39;s currency note. Direction area  834  may operate to inform user to verify the serial number of user&#39;s currency note matches the information provided by user. Back selection  836  may operate to allow user to transition to a previous GUI display of information. For example, back selection  836  may allow a user to return to previous steps in order to correct a faulty entry of information. Non-limiting examples of information which may have been entered incorrectly include serial number and current possession indication. Continue selection  838  may operate to allow a user to continue with further processing if the presentation of currency notes found does not match user&#39;s currency note. Non-limiting examples of other information which display area  802  may present include selection links and directions. 
         [0084]    Information display  800  presents the situation where no exact matches have been found for a currency note, but the serial number of the currency note and the serial numbers of found currency notes may be similar and contain an alpha character of “C” and/or of “G”. The alpha character of “C” may be easily mistaken for an alpha character of “G” and vice-versa on currency notes. If user has mistakenly entered an alpha character of “C” for a “G” or vice versa, user may be able to recognize incorrect entry and select found currency note matching user&#39;s currency note. 
         [0085]      FIG. 9  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0086]      FIG. 9  includes elements as described with reference to information display  700  ( FIG. 7 ) with the addition of a second found currency note. Elements common to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 9  will not be described with reference to  FIG. 9 . 
         [0087]    An information display  900  includes a display area  902 , location display area  704 , entered serial number area  706 , found serial number area  708 , denomination area  710 , series area  712 , select selection  714 , signature display link  716 , back selection  718 , continue selection  720 , a found serial number area  904 , a denomination area  906 , a series area  908  and a select selection  910 . 
         [0088]    Found serial number area  904  may operate to indicate a serial number of a currency note which may be tracked. Denomination area  906  may operate to indicate the denomination of a currency note which may be tracked. Series area  908  may operate to indicate the series of a currency note which may be tracked. Select selection  910  may operate to allow a user to select the details for a displayed currency note as matching user&#39;s currency note. 
         [0089]      FIG. 9  illustrates the situation where multiple currency notes have been found which may potentially match user&#39;s currency note and user may select a found currency note which matches user&#39;s currency note. 
         [0090]      FIG. 10  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0091]      FIG. 10  illustrates elements as described with reference to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 9  with the addition of areas for displaying signatures of found currency notes on a GUI. Common elements of  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  will not be described with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
         [0092]    An information display  1000  includes a display area  1002 , location display area  704 , entered serial number area  706 , found serial number area  708 , denomination area  710 , series area  712 , select selection  714 , back selection  718 , continue selection  720 , found serial number area  904 , denomination area  906 , series area  908 , select selection  910  a signature area  1004 , a signature area  1006  and a signature removal link  1008 . 
         [0093]    Signature area  1004  may operate to display the signatures of Treasurer and Secretary located on a first found currency note. Signature area  1006  may operate to display the signatures of Treasurer and Secretary located on a second found currency note. Signature removal link  1008  may operate to remove the presentation of signature area  1004  and signature area  1006 . Selection of signature removal link  1008  by user may result in the presentation of information display  900  ( FIG. 9 ) to user. 
         [0094]    Information display  1000  presents the situation when multiple currency notes have been found which may potentially match user&#39;s currency note and user has selected to view signatures located on found currency notes. Display signatures of found currency notes may aid users in determining a match for a searched currency note. 
         [0095]      FIG. 11  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0096]    An information display  1100  includes a display area  1102 , an entered serial number area  1104 , a bill information area  1106 , an information area  1108 , a bill report link  1110 , a direction area  1112 , a text input  1114 , an information area  1116 , a back selection  1118  and a continue selection  1120 . 
         [0097]    Display area  1102  may operate to display information to user (not shown). Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed include text, graphics, input selections, text inputs, selection boxes, radio selections and submit selections. Entered serial number area  1104  may operate to present the serial number for a currency note as indicated by user&#39;s previous input. Bill information area  1106  may operate to inform user of the details related to the found and selected currency note. Non-limiting examples of information which may be presented in bill information area  1106  include denomination, series, marked status, user possession/non-possession and geographic location of currency note. Information area  1108  may operate to inform user of the status of the currency note search. Bill report link  1110  may operate to allow user to select to view a report for the currency note as denoted by entered serial number area  1104  and bill information area  1106 . Direction area  1112  may operate to inform user to enter text information into text input  1114  related to the currency note found and selected. Non-limiting examples of information which direction area  1112  may inform user include geographic location and condition for currency note. Text input  1114  may operate to allow user to enter information related to the currency note which may have been found and selected. Information area  1116  may operate to inform user of status and future notifications. Non-limiting examples of information which may be presented to user in information area  1116  include registration status of user (e.g. registered or not registered) and user may be notified when future entries may be performed for the currency note. Back selection  1118  may operate to allow user to transition to a previous GUI display of information. For example, back selection  1118  may allow a user to return to previous steps in order to correct a faulty entry of information. Non-limiting examples of information which may have been entered incorrectly include serial number and current possession indication. Continue selection  1120  may operate to allow a user to continue with further. Non-limiting examples of other information which display area  1102  may present include selection links and other textual information. 
         [0098]    Information display  1100  presents information to a user related to a found and matched currency note and allows user to enter additional information related to the currency note. 
         [0099]      FIG. 12A  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0100]    An information display  1200  includes a display area  1202 , an entered serial number area  1204 , a bill information area  1206 , an information area  1208 , a reasons link  1210 , a direction area  1212 , a text input  1214 , a notification radio selection  1216 , a username input  1218 , an email address input  1220 , a back selection  1222  and a continue selection  1224 . 
         [0101]    Display area  1202  may operate to display information to user (not shown). Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed include text, graphics, input selections, text inputs, selection boxes, radio selections and submit selections. Entered serial number area  1204  may operate to present the serial number for a currency note as indicated by user&#39;s previous input. Bill information area  1206  may operate to inform user of the details related to the found and selected currency note. Non-limiting examples of information which may be presented include denomination, series, marked status, user possession/non-possession and geographic location of currency note. Information area  1208  may operate to inform user of the status of a search for a currency note. A non-limiting example of status information for information area  1208  may include not finding a match for a currency note. Reasons link  1210  may operate to allow user to select to view a report for the reasons for not finding a currency note. Direction area  1212  may operate to inform user to enter text information related to the currency note searched into text input  1214 . Non-limiting examples of information which direction area  1212  may inform user include geographic location of currency note and condition. Text input  1214  area may operate to allow user to enter information related to the currency note which may have been searched for. Notification radio selection  1216  may operate to allow user to indicate if user seeks to be notified for a future entry performed for the currency note. Username input  1218  may allow a user to enter a username for creating an account or for an existing account. Email address input  1220  may allow a user to enter an email address for notification of future entries performed for the currency note. Back selection  1222  may operate to allow user to transition to a previous GUI display of information. For example, back selection  1222  may allow a user to return to previous steps in order to correct a faulty entry of information. Non-limiting examples of information which may have been entered incorrectly include serial number and current possession indication. Continue selection  1224  may operate to allow a user to continue with further. Non-limiting examples of other information which display area  1202  may present include selection links, selections links for privacy policy, directions, information and information related to not sending unsolicited email (e.g. SPAM). 
         [0102]      FIG. 12B  includes elements of  FIG. 12A  with the addition of an information area  1226 . 
         [0103]    Information area  1226  may operate to inform user a valid and functional email address may be required to be entered in order to generate an initial entry for a currency note. 
         [0104]      FIG. 12C  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0105]      FIG. 12C  includes the elements of  FIG. 12A  with the addition of an information area  1228  and a password input  1230 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 12C  displays the username entered by user in username input  1218  and also the email address in email address input  1220  as entered following display of  FIG. 12A .  FIG. 12C  may be presented to user after presentation of  FIG. 12A  if user enters and submits an existing email address into email address input  1220 . 
         [0107]    Information area  1228  may operate to inform user that the email address entered in email address input  1220  already exists. Password input  1230  may allow user to enter a password for the username previously entered in username input  1218  and the email address previously entered in email address input  1220 . 
         [0108]    As illustrated in  FIG. 12A-C , information display  1200  may operate to present user with information denoting a failure in finding a match for a currency note and inform user a working email address may be required in order to generate an initial entry for a currency note. Furthermore, information display  1200  may operate to present user with a streamlined and efficient method for logging into an existing account or creating a new account. 
         [0109]      FIG. 13  illustrates a display of information as viewed by a user on a GUI for an exemplary web-enabled/networked embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0110]    An information display  1300  includes a display area  1302 , a currency information display area  1304 , a statistical information display area  1306 , an information display area  1308 , a location information display area  1310 , a location information display area  1312 , a location information display area  1314 , a map display area  1316 , a first location  1318 , a second location  1320 , a third location  1322 . 
         [0111]    A travel indicator  1324  may be provided in order to indicate a general direction of travel from first location  1318  to second location  1320 . A travel indicator  1326  may be provided in order to indicate a general direction of travel from second location  1320  to third location  1322 . 
         [0112]    Display area  1302  may operate to display information to user (not shown). Non-limiting examples of information which may be displayed include text, graphics, input selections, text inputs, selection boxes, radio selections and submit selections. 
         [0113]    Currency information display area  1304  may operate to present to user with information related to searching and tracking for a currency note. Non-limiting information which may be provided by currency information display area  1304  includes denomination, serial number and series. Statistical information display area  1306  may operate to present to user information related to the statistics for searching for and finding tracking information for a currency note. Non-limiting information which may be presented by statistical information display area  1306  includes total miles traveled in a particular time period (e.g. year), average miles per day and total miles from initial location. Information display area  1308  may operate to inform user of information related to information display  1300 . A non-limiting example of information which may be provided by information display area  1308  includes noting the information displayed may be provided in reverse-chronological order. Location information display area  1310  may operate to display information related to the currency note with respect to third location  1322 . Non-limiting information which may be provided in location information display area  1310  includes date/time of entry by a user, location as entered by a user, travel time from previous entry at second location  1320 , distance traveled “as-a-bird-flies” from previous entry at second location  1320 , average speed when traveling from previous entry at second location  1320 , selection link for sending anonymous email to user making entry for first location  1318 , selection links for user profile information and user notes. Non-limiting examples of selection links for user profile information which may be provided include user name, comments, user statistics, and associated social networking websites. Location information display area  1312  may operate to provide similar information as described with respect to location information display area  1310  except regarding second location  1320 . Location information display area  1314  may operate to provide similar information as described with respect to location information display area  1310  except regarding first location  1318  and with some information denoted as not applicable. Non-limiting examples of information provided by location information display area  1314  which may be presented as not applicable include time of travel, distance traveled and average speed. Display area  1314 , in this example, demonstrates how an ‘alternate’ entry may appear differently from ‘valid’ entries on the bill report—in this example, a different color background, or possibly (not shown) a text area with a short explanation or code indicating the reason for ‘alternate’ treatment of that entry. Except for Display area  1314  display feature, the design of the generic bill report is prior art. Map display area  1316  may operate to present to user a graphical geographic representation for the travel of the found currency note. For example, as illustrated in map display area  1316 , found currency note may initially have been entered for first location  1318 , followed by an entry created for second location  1320  and followed by an entry created for third location  1322 . 
         [0114]    Information display  1300  may provide user with textual and graphical information related to a found and matched currency note. 
         [0115]      FIG. 14A-G  illustrates operation of an exemplary web-enabled embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0116]      FIG. 14A-G  illustrates a flow chart  1400  illustrating an exemplary process for the execution of software in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present exemplary embodiment, the process initiates in a step  1402  ( FIG. 14A ). The software may be operable for instruction execution and storage of information on server  222  ( FIG. 2 ). In step  1402 , user may enter the IP address for execution of the software using interface device  240  ( FIG. 2 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the entered IP address may be communicated to server  222  via transfer of the IP address from interface device  240  to processor  236  via communication channel  246 , from processor  236  to networking device  234  via communication channel  242 , from networking device  234  to global network  206  via communication channel  212 , from global network  206  to networking device  220  via communication channel  216  and from networking device  220  to server  222  via communication channel  224 . Server  222  receives IP address and proceeds to transmit information to GUI  238  via communication channel  224 , networking device  220 , communication channel  216 , global network  206 , communication channel  212 , networking device  234 , communication channel  242 , processor  236  and communication channel  244 . In a step  1404 , user may be prompted with information display  300  ( FIG. 3 ) on GUI  238  ( FIG. 2 ) of client  226  ( FIG. 2 ) to select whether user may be a searcher and seeks to search for a currency note as illustrated by searching select  304  ( FIG. 3 ) or may be user a tracker and seeks to track a currency note as illustrated by tracking select  306  ( FIG. 3 ). For a user seeking to search for a currency note, user may select searching select  304  ( FIG. 3 ) on GUI  238  ( FIG. 2 ) using interface device  240  ( FIG. 2 ). For a user seeking to track a currency note, user may select tracking select  306  ( FIG. 3 ) on GUI ( FIG. 2 ) using interface device  240  ( FIG. 2 ). Communication of user selection may be communicated to server  222  ( FIG. 2 ) as previously discussed. For a determination of user seeking to search for a currency note, user may in a step  1406  be presented with information display  400  ( FIG. 4 ) on GUI  238  ( FIG. 2 ) and be requested to enter the serial number of currency note in serial number input  404  ( FIG. 4 ), zip code for user and currency note location in zip code input  408  ( FIG. 4 ) and possession selection choice for possession radio selection  406  ( FIG. 4 ). A user in possession of the currency note may select the “Yes” radio button of possession radio selection  406  ( FIG. 4 ) and a user not in possession of the currency note may select the “No” radio button of possession radio selection  406  ( FIG. 4 ). After user selects continue select  410  ( FIG. 4 ) the information entered in step  1406  may be validated in a step  1408 . For an invalid determination in step  1408 , software execution may return to step  1406 . Validity may be determined with following non-limiting steps: 
         [0000]    1. The Serial number has a proper format. Two formats of serial numbers exist: (a) 10 characters=One letter (Federal Reserve Bank&#39; code)+eight numbers+one letter (Block letter&#39; code) or (b) 11 characters=one letter (Series&#39; code)+one letter (Federal Reserve Bank&#39; code)+8 numbers+1 letter (Block Letter&#39; code)
 
2. ‘Federal Reserve Bank’ code is a valid letter A through L
 
3. ‘Block Letter’ is a valid letter A through N or P through Z or * (asterisk)
 
4. The bill has not been previously blocked from entry—non-limiting examples being bills displayed on the internet, TV, radio contests, or advertisements, etc. These types of ‘public’ bills can not be tracked.
 
5. The serial number is not ‘faked’, i.e. 00000000 or 12345678 or other very common sequences of numbers that are extremely rare in actual use.
 
         [0117]    For a valid determination in step  1408 , it may be determined in a step  1410  if user has current possession of the currency note. Current possession may be determined by the selection chosen for possession radio selection  406  ( FIG. 4 ) entered in step  1406 . A selection of “Yes” for possession radio selection  406  indicates user having possession and a selection of “No” for possession radio selection  406  indicates user not having possession. For a determination of no possession, user in a step  1412  may be presented with information display  500  ( FIG. 5A ) and be requested to enter a date or an approximate date of possession in possession date input  508  or optionally be presented with information display  500  ( FIG. 5B ) and be requested to select a date or an approximate date of possession using calendar display  518  ( FIG. 5B ). Following step  1410  and step  1412 , software may in a step  1414  ( FIG. 14B ) operate to search database of server  222  ( FIG. 2 ) for a partial match of the serial number previously input by user. A determination for a partial match of a serial number may be executed in a step  1416 . A partial search means searching the database for any bills matching only on serial number and ignoring the series and denomination attributes of bills in the database. In some embodiments, only the numeric elements of the serial may be used for the partial match. For a determination of an affirmation of a partial serial number match in step  1416 , it may be determined in a step  1418  if alpha character “C”/“G” conflicts exist. A currency note with the alpha character “C” may often be mistakenly entered with the alpha character “G” or observed as the alpha character “G” and vice-versa. For a determination of no “C”/“G” conflicts found in step  1418 , user may in a step  1420  be presented with information display  600  ( FIG. 6 ) and be requested to select the denomination for the currency note in denomination selection input  610  ( FIG. 6 ) and to select the series of the currency note in bill series selection input  612  ( FIG. 6 ). In a step  1422 , user may enter the denomination and series for the currency note as requested. In a step  1424 , user may be presented with a matching currency note as illustrated by information display  700  ( FIG. 7 ). For a determination of “C”/“G” conflicts found in step  1418 , user may in a step  1426  be presented with information display  800  ( FIG. 8 ) and be requested to select a matching currency note. Following steps  1424  and  1426  user may select a matching currency note in a step  1428  by choosing one of select selection  816 , select selection  824  or select selection  832 . For a determination of no partial serial number matches in step  1416  ( FIG. 14B ), it may determined in a step  1430  ( FIG. 14C ) if multiple partial serial number matches may have been found. For a determination of multiple partial serial number matches in step  1430 , user may in a step  1432  be presented with information display  900  ( FIG. 9 ) and be requested to select a matching currency note. User may optionally select to view signatures of found currency notes by selecting signature display link  716  ( FIG. 9 ). By selecting signature display link  716 , user may be presented with information display  1000  ( FIG. 10 ) which may display signatures in signature areas  1004  ( FIGS. 10) and 1006  ( FIG. 10 ) for found partially matching currency notes. Viewing signatures of bills may aid user in selecting a matching currency note. After step  1432 , user may select a matching currency note in a step  1434  by choosing select selection  714  ( FIG. 9  or  FIG. 10 ) or select selection  910  ( FIG. 9  or  FIG. 10 ). For a determination of no partial serial number matches in step  1430 , it may be determined in a step  1436  if software may be configured to present the found currency note to user for confirmation. For a determination of user being presented with a matching currency note for confirmation in step  1436 , user may in a step  1438  be presented with the found currency note as illustrated by information display  700  ( FIG. 7 ) and requested to confirm currency note. User may confirm currency note in a step  1440  by opting for select selection  714  ( FIG. 7 ). Following confirmation for currency note in step  1440 , a determination of user not confirming in step  1436  and selection of currency note in step  1434  and step  1428  ( FIG. 14B ), user may in a step  1442  be presented with information display  1100  ( FIG. 11 ) and be requested to enter alphanumeric textual information in text input  1114  ( FIG. 11 ). A determination for user being logged into an account may be determined in a step  1444  ( FIG. 14D ). For a determination of user not logged into an account in step  1444 , user may in a step  1446  be presented with information display  1200  ( FIG. 12A ) and may be requested to make a selection for notification radio selection  1216  ( FIG. 12A ) of whether user desires to be notified for entry of a new record for the currency note or not, may be requested to enter a username in username input  1218  ( FIG. 12A ) and may be requested to enter an email address in email address input  1220  ( FIG. 12A ). A determination of user seeking to be notified of creation of a new entry for a currency note may be performed in a step  1448 . For a determination of user selecting to be notified for entry of a new record in step  1448 , user may in a step  1450  enter a username in username input  1218  ( FIG. 12A ) and an email address in email address input  1220  ( FIG. 12A ). Furthermore, user may select continue selection  1224  following input of information for information display  1200  ( FIG. 12A ) to continue to the next step. For a determination of user not selecting to be notified of a new record entry for the currency note in step  1448 , a determination for a new currency note may then be performed in a step  1452 . For a determination of a new currency note in step  1452 , user may in step  1450  be presented information display  1200  ( FIG. 12B ) and may be required to enter a username in username input  1218  and an email address in email address input  1220 . Furthermore, user may select continue selection  1224  to continue to the next step. Following user entering a username and email address in step  1450 , a determination for user being previously registered may be performed in a step  1454  ( FIG. 14E ). For a determination of user not being previously registered, user may in a step  1456  register for an account. For a determination of user not being previously registered in step  1454 , user may in a step  1458  be presented with information display  1200  ( FIG. 12C ) and be requested to enter a password in password input  1230  ( FIG. 12C ) followed by selecting continue selection  1224  ( FIG. 12C ). A determination for validity of information entered in step  1458  may be performed in a step  1460 . For a determination of invalid information in step  1460 , user may be requested to repeat entry of a password in step  1458 . For a determination of valid information provided by user in step  1460 , user may in a step  1462  be provided with access to the site. For a determination of user not seeking to track a currency note in step  1404  ( FIG. 14A ), user may in a step  1464  ( FIG. 14F ) be presented with conventional information display  100  ( FIG. 1 ) and be requested to select a denomination with denomination selection input  104 , select a bill series with bill series selection input  106 , enter a serial number for currency note in serial number input  108 , enter a zip code in zip code input  110 , select whether user has possession of currency note with possession radio selection  112  and enter alphanumeric text information into text input  114 . Furthermore, after making selections and entering information, user may select submit selection  116  to continue to the next step. A determination for user seeking to search for a currency note (instead of seeking to track a currency note as user originally intended in step  1404  ( FIG. 14A )) may be performed in a step  1466  ( FIG. 14F ). This determination is made when a ‘tracking’ user attempts to enter a bill and the system finds a partial or exact match, the user becomes a ‘searching’ user and then is taken to step  1432  and given a list of potentially matching bills. In other words, a ‘tracking’ user is only allowed to enter new bills if no partial or exact matches are found. If a partial match is found, the ‘tracking’ user still has the option to proceed and enter the bill as originally entered, and it will be stored an initial entry, and the tests in steps  1452 / 1450  still apply (must be a registered user to make initial entries). For a determination of user seeking to search for a currency note in step  1466 , operation of software transitions to step  1414  ( FIG. 14B ). For a determination of user seeking to track a currency note in step  1466  ( FIG. 14F ) (as opposed to seeking to search for a bill), a determination for validity of input information provided by user related to the currency note may be performed in a step  1468 . For a valid determination in step  1468 , user allowed access in step  1462  ( FIG. 14E ), a determination of user logged into an account in step  1444  ( FIG. 14D ) or for a determination of not a new currency note in step  1452  ( FIG. 14D ), a determination for data correctness for information entered with respect to the currency note may be performed in a step  1470  ( FIG. 14G ). For a determination of incorrect information provided in step  1470 , user may in a step  1472  be displayed an error message followed by a transition of software execution to step  1402  ( FIG. 14A ). For a determination of correct information provided in step  1470  ( FIG. 14G ), a determination for alternate transaction may be performed in a step  1474 . Non-limiting examples of alternate transactions include not qualifying as “natural circulation”, not currently in possession and entry violated rules. For a determination of not an alternate transaction in step  1474 , the entry may be denoted as a valid transaction in a step  1476 . For a determination of an alternate transaction in step  1474 , the entry may be flagged as an alternate transaction in a step  1478 . In a step  1480 , a bill tracking report information display  1300  may be presented to user as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In a step  1482  ( FIG. 14G ), execution of software may be terminated. 
         [0118]      FIG. 15  illustrates a typical computer system that, when appropriately configured or designed, may serve as a computer system  1500  for which the present invention may be embodied. 
         [0119]    Computer system  1500  includes a quantity of processors  1502  (also referred to as central processing units, or CPUs) that may be coupled to storage devices including a primary storage  1506  (typically a random access memory, or RAM), a primary storage  1504  (typically a read only memory, or ROM). CPU  1502  may be of various types including micro-controllers (e.g., with embedded RAM/ROM) and microprocessors such as programmable devices (e.g., RISC or SISC based, or CPLDs and FPGAs) and devices not capable of being programmed such as gate array ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or general purpose microprocessors. As is well known in the art, primary storage  1504  acts to transfer data and instructions uni-directionally to the CPU and primary storage  1506  typically may be used to transfer data and instructions in a bi-directional manner. The primary storage devices discussed previously may include any suitable computer-readable media such as those described above. A mass storage device  1508  may also be coupled bi-directionally to CPU  1502  and provides additional data storage capacity and may include any of the computer-readable media described above. Mass storage device  1508  may be used to store programs, data and the like and typically may be used as a secondary storage medium such as a hard disk. It will be appreciated that the information retained within mass storage device  1508 , may, in appropriate cases, be incorporated in standard fashion as part of primary storage  1506  as virtual memory. A specific mass storage device such as a CD-ROM  1514  may also pass data uni-directionally to the CPU. 
         [0120]    CPU  1502  may also be coupled to an interface  1510  that connects to one or more input/output devices such as such as video monitors, track balls, mice, keyboards, microphones, touch-sensitive displays, transducer card readers, magnetic or paper tape readers, tablets, styluses, voice or handwriting recognizers, or other well-known input devices such as, of course, other computers. Finally, CPU  1502  optionally may be coupled to an external device such as a database or a computer or telecommunications or internet network using an external connection shown generally as a network  1512 , which may be implemented as a hardwired or wireless communications link using suitable conventional technologies. With such a connection, the CPU might receive information from the network, or might output information to the network in the course of performing the method steps described in the teachings of the present invention. 
         [0121]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0122]    From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
         [0123]    Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
         [0124]    Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom. 
         [0125]    As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
         [0126]    Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
         [0127]    Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that any of the foregoing steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, removed and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted depending upon the needs of the particular application, and that the systems of the foregoing embodiments may be implemented using any of a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and is not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode and the like. For any method steps described in the present application that can be carried out on a computing machine, a typical computer system can, when appropriately configured or designed, serve as a computer system in which those aspects of the invention may be embodied. 
         [0128]    It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that at least a portion of the novel method steps and/or system components of the present invention may be practiced and/or located in location(s) possibly outside the jurisdiction of the United States of America (USA), whereby it will be accordingly readily recognized that at least a subset of the novel method steps and/or system components in the foregoing embodiments must be practiced within the jurisdiction of the USA for the benefit of an entity therein or to achieve an object of the present invention. Thus, some alternate embodiments of the present invention may be configured to comprise a smaller subset of the foregoing novel means for and/or steps described that the applications designer will selectively decide, depending upon the practical considerations of the particular implementation, to carry out and/or locate within the jurisdiction of the USA. For any claims construction of the following claims that are construed under 35 USC §112 (6) it is intended that the corresponding means for and/or steps for carrying out the claimed function also include those embodiments, and equivalents, as contemplated above that implement at least some novel aspects and objects of the present invention in the jurisdiction of the USA. For example, the functions provided by server devices  208  and  210  and global network  206  as illustrated in  FIG. 2  and the operation of the example software embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 14A-G  may be performed and/or located outside of the jurisdiction of the USA while the remaining method steps and/or system components of the forgoing embodiments are typically required to be located/performed in the US for practical considerations. 
         [0129]    Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing sovereign currency searching and tracking according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the GUI may vary depending upon the particular type computer system used. The software execution and GUIs described in the foregoing were directed to networked client/server implementations; however, similar techniques may be provided by other types of devices such as, but not limited to, televisions, gaming systems, teller machines and navigation systems, mobile computing or communication devices, smartphones, tablet computers, etc. Implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. 
         [0130]    Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.