Abstract:
A card printing verification system is disclosed. The system includes a security input device for receiving an identity credential that embodies user identification data and corresponds to a card user. There is also an identity verification module that verifies the identity of the user against a fraud detection scheme. There is also a compliance module for checking whether the card user is found in a prohibited persons list. When both evaluations indicate that there is little to no risk in authorizing a financial transaction card, various customizations are applied thereto and issued for immediate use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application relates to the concurrently filed co-pending application entitled “METHOD FOR VERIFYING INSTANT CARD ISSUANCE,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Technical Field 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to automated financial transaction systems, and specifically to systems for dispensing cards with a stored monetary value. In further detail, the present invention relates to verification systems for stored value card dispensers that authenticate and verify the identity of users. 
         [0005]    2. Related Art 
         [0006]    Fundamental to the functioning of commerce is the exchange of payment for goods and services, which is conducted with standardized currency. Currency serves as a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a delivery of value, and is minted and controlled by a central bank of a country. In earlier times, heavy metallic coins served as currency, but due to its weight and general inconvenience, however, especially for the payment of large sums of money, paper currency or banknotes gradually supplanted coins. 
         [0007]    For much of the same reasons, traditional paper currency is becoming less utilized. While being fundamentally based on the value of paper currency, modem financial transactions involve the electronic transfer of funds, otherwise referred to as “cashless” transactions that do not involve the physical exchange of paper currency. Cashless transactions are fast and convenient, especially for online shopping where the buyer and the seller may be on opposite ends of the country, or even of the world. The payment can be verified instantaneously, and the goods or services can be delivered shortly thereafter. 
         [0008]    Credit cards and its associated infrastructure is one form of a cashless transaction system. Retail stores initially issued credit cards for use solely within that store or chain of stores, and the store extended credit to a customer to purchase items over time. Instead of being limited to just one company, contemporary credit cards may be used with many different merchants who are part of the credit card processing network such as VISA and MASTERCARD. A bank typically creates a new credit account and issues the card that is linked thereto. When the customer makes a purchase from an approved member merchant, the credit account number and the amount of the purchase, along with other relevant information, are transmitted via the processing network to authorize the transaction. The customer repays the debt, typically on a monthly basis after the end of a billing cycle. For the merchant, however, once the transaction is authorized, the linked bank account of the merchant is credited with the amount of the transaction. 
         [0009]    Presently, because credit cards by definition extend credit to customers and so it involves some degree of risk to the bank, creditworthiness and fraud prevention checks are performed prior to issuance. A prospective customer typically fills out an application form, which can be completed electronically through a website, if desired, and the supplied information is verified by the issuing bank. Once authorized, a card is printed with the corresponding card account number and mailed to the customer. Some banks allow the customer to select a background design reflective of the customer&#39;s personality or interest. Even if the customer is an existing one such that the established creditworthiness and trust can be inherited to the new account, there remains a substantial delay before the credit card is in the possession of the customer. This delay is exacerbated where credit checks and other authorization functions must be performed before issuing the card. Once the credit card arrives, there is yet another step involved; the customer must activate the card by calling the credit card company and answering a few security questions. 
         [0010]    Debit cards are also commonly utilized for cashless transactions. The debit cards are linked to what is typically the customer&#39;s existing deposit account at a bank, such as a checking account or a savings account. Thus, a transaction cannot be completed unless there are sufficient funds in the customer&#39;s account. Similar to credit card processing, debit cards require transaction authorization over a processing network. In addition to transmitting the debit card number to the processing center, however, completing the transaction may require the user to enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) into a terminal at the point of sale. Alternatively, the debit card transaction may be processed in the same manner as the credit card, but the linked deposit card will be deducted immediately. 
         [0011]    Issuing debit cards to the customer is likewise a time-consuming process, because a new deposit account must be set up with the bank in a substantially similar way as setting up a new credit card account. Although the creditworthiness requirement may not be as stringent as with a credit card, a new customer must have sufficient funds to be deposited into the deposit account. Furthermore, the issuance of debit cards is typically no different from a credit card. A new debit card is requested only after establishing the deposit account so that the account number may be imprinted thereon, and there remains a substantial delay before the debit card is in the possession of the customer. 
         [0012]    In addition to credit and debit cards, cashless transaction modalities also known in the art are prepaid cards. The customer purchases the card for a particular amount of money, and the cash-equivalent value associated therewith may be used to make other purchases. The cash-equivalent value may be stored directly on a memory of the card, or it may be stored on a remote database accessed with account information stored on a memory of the card. When the consumer uses the prepaid card to make a purchase, the data indicating the currently stored value is decreased by the amount of the purchase. 
         [0013]    The most common use of this cashless transaction system is in relation to gift cards, such that a recipient may purchase anything desired within the limits of the gifted value. Prepaid cards are often issued by particular merchants, such that the cards can be used only when purchasing goods or services from that particular merchant. However, general use prepaid cards are common; such cards are useful when a gift giver is uncertain as to what the recipient desires, or even the store at which the recipient prefers to shop. The cards are typically available in preset denominations, and may or may not be activated before they are sold. Aside from the initial activation and payment/replenishment, there is very little customer involvement unlike credit and debit cards. Additionally, the cards are immediately available for use. Notwithstanding these advantages over credit and debit cards, prepaid cards have limited customization options, i.e., being limited to a select number of relatively low denominations, being limited to pre-printed cards as produced by the vendor of the same, and so forth. 
         [0014]    Prepaid cards are also difficult to assert control over the transfer of funds stored thereon. This is particularly problematic since government regulations and enacted laws such as the Bank Secrecy Act, the Money Laundering Control Act, the USA-PATRIOT Act, require banks to monitor customer transactions and behaviors in order to report any suspicious activity that may be indicative of money laundering or other fraud such as identity theft. Moreover, in light of the heightened security requirements for protecting against terrorist attacks, banks must not permit monetary transfers to take place with any suspected terrorists. Reducing the availability with the goal of altogether eliminating the financial means for carrying out terrorist attacks serves a vital part in maintaining the security of the nation, as even very limited funding may be enough to launch a devastating attack with significant casualties. In this regard, prepaid cards may aid in the anonymous transfer of funds to such terrorist groups. Although not as susceptible to such uses, credit cards and debit cards may likewise be used for terrorist financing, particularly where the cards are issued without the proper background checks. Prohibitions on transactions further extend to other objectionable individuals such as drug traffickers, members of organized crime, corrupt officials and businesspeople, and the like. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a card printing verification system, and it is to such needs, among others, that the present invention is directed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0016]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a card printing verification system. The system may include a security input device for receiving an identity credential that embodies user identification data. The identity credential may also correspond to a card user. Additionally, the system may include an identity verification module that is in communication with the security input device. An authenticated card user identity is established in response to a verification of the receiver user identification data with a user identity database. Furthermore, the system may include a compliance module for evaluating the authenticated card user identity against a prohibited user database. A card issuance permission may be generated in response to the evaluation. Further, the card printing verification system may include a fund management module that is linked to a financial account associated with the card user. The financial account may include monetary value information, and the fund management module being operative to modify that information upon authorization, which is based on an evaluation of one or more factors. The system may also include a card printer in communication with the compliance module and the management module. A financial card linked to the card user may be producible therefrom in response to the card issuance permission and the authorization. 
         [0017]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for issuing a financial transaction card to a user. The apparatus may include a plurality of security devices receptive of user identity data. Further, the apparatus may include a client-side data processor linkable to a server-side data processor, in which the user identity data is transmitted to the server-side data processor for user identity authentication and validation thereon. A card issuance device may be in communication the server-side data processor. The server side data processor may be receptive to an issuance authorization signal and account data therefrom. The authorization signal may be based on the user identity authentication and validation. The device may include a printer for customizing the appearance of the financial transaction card and for writing the account data to the financial transaction card. The account data can be associated with the authenticated and validated user identity. The financial transaction card may be printed and recorded in response to a receipt of the issuance authorization signal. 
         [0018]    The present invention will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a card printing verification system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of the hardware associated with a client side component and a server side component of the card printing verification system; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing the overview of steps in a method for verifying instant card issuance in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating the components of a Permanent Account Number; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of an exemplary customer card including a magnetic strip and various identifying numbers imprinted thereon; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6   a  is a flowchart illustrating a first group of steps for issuing a new card that utilizes the method for verifying instant card issuance; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6   b  is a flowchart detailing a second group of steps for issuing a new card continued from the first group of steps shown in  FIG. 6   a  as well as a second group of steps for reissuing a new card continued from the first group of steps shown in  FIG. 6   c;    
           [0027]      FIG. 6   c  is a flowchart detailing a first group of steps for reissuing a new card to an existing user that utilizes the method for verifying instant card issuance according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6   d  is a flowchart describing the steps for loading additional currency into the card; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6   e  is a flowchart describing the steps for checking the balance of the card; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 6   f  is a flowchart detailing the steps for transferring currency in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0031]    Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another entity without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities. The present application relates to the concurrently filed co-pending application entitled “METHOD FOR VERIFYING INSTANT CARD ISSUANCE” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
         [0033]    With reference to the block diagram of  FIG. 1 , various components of a card printing verification system  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. It is generally envisioned that the card printing verification system  10  is configured to issue a personalized customer card  12  that can be utilized as a payment method with various merchants immediately upon issuance, i.e., the card  12  is activated when dispensed to a customer. As will be described in further detail below, the card printing verification system  10  includes a security input device  13 , an identity verification module  14 , a compliance module  16 , a card issuance module  18 , a loyalty module  19 , a fund management module  20 , a commissions module  23 , and a card printer  22 . The security input device  13  and the card printer  22  are understood to be client side components  3 , while the identity verification module  14 , the compliance module  16 , the card issuance module  18 , and the fund management module are server components  6 . In this regard, the client side components  3  are remotely located with respect to the server side components. It is further contemplated that the personalization of the card is on demand and is directed by the customer, and the extent of personalization possible, among other operating parameters, is established by a system administrator who also manages the overall functioning of the card printing verification system  10 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  best illustrates the components of the client side component  3  of the card printing verification system  10  as embodied in hardware. The security input device  13  is understood to refer variously to a security camera  24 , a thumbprint scanner  26 , and an identification (ID) card reader  28 . The various uses for the security input devices  13  in the context of the card printing verification system  10  will become more apparent in view of the various functionalities for which they are used; those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the hardware implementations of the security input devices  13  may be any conventional or future variation thereof, and any such variation may be readily substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the security camera  24  may have a conventional charge coupled device (CCD) sensor or a CMOS sensor and captures digital images for electronic storage. Alternatively, the security camera  24  may record a continuous video signal, with selected frames therefrom being represented as image captures. Further, thumbprint scanner  26  is presented by way of example only and not of limitation, and other biometric readers such as retina scanners and the like may also be utilized. With respect to the ID card reader  28 , it will be appreciated that most common government-issued identification cards have magnetic strips and/or secure barcodes. A variety of information is encoded on such magnetic strips or barcodes that correspond to the printed information on the face of the card. Additional details relating to the magnetic strip will be discussed further below because one embodiment of the present invention contemplates such strips to be on the customer card  12  as well. For purposes of discussing the ID card reader  28 , sufficient description thereof is given as a magnetic reader capable of decoding the information on the magnetic strip, and in embodiments that utilize barcodes, a laser barcode reader. It will be appreciated that instead of magnetic strips, some advanced identification cards known in the art as “smart cards” utilize an integrated circuit data storage and/or processing device embedded therein. In this regard, it is to be understood that the ID card reader  28  is operative to read stored data from such integrated circuit data storage devices and otherwise communicate with the processing subcomponents thereof to the extent there are any. 
         [0035]    Each of the above-described security input devices  13  are controlled by and send data to a central processor  30 . In further detail, it is understood that the central processor  30  utilizes an internal memory device  32  for various data storage functions. The memory device  32  may be a conventional Random Access Memory (RAM), a Flash memory device, or magnetic recording devices such as hard drives and tapes. Stored on the memory device  32  are instructions in the form of software that, when executed, performs some of the steps or features of the present invention. With further particularity regarding the processor  30 , it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any suitable data processing device conforming to any one of well-known architectures may be utilized. Because the processing of images, video, analyzing thumbprints, and other related functions described below are processor-intensive, a suitably powerful device is used. In order to provide an interactive environment allowing the customer to supply various data and specify the customization of the customer card  12 , the card printing verification system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a touch screen device  34 . 
         [0036]    As indicated above, the central processor  30  generates an output based upon certain data processing operations that is directed to the touch screen device  34 . Relatedly, any inputs detected by the sensor of the touch screen device  34  are directed to the central processor  30  for processing. There are a number of different technologies relating to touch screen devices, and any given one may be substituted for another. While conventional touch screen devices can be constructed durably, there may be some instances where it is undesirable; for such instances, other embodiments of the interface involving the placement of various navigation keys in the vicinity of the screen are also contemplated. 
         [0037]    In addition to the touch screen device  34 , the hardware embodying the client side component  3  of the card printing verification system  10  includes a secure keypad  36 . Although any variety of keypad may be utilized, the illustrated embodiment is a standard 12-key numeric keypad having keys 0-9, a pound sign (#) and a star sign (*). Therefore, short sequences of numbers and alphabetic characters may be inputted. In further detail, the secure keypad  36  is understood to include encryption facilities to prevent eavesdropping between the keypad itself and the processor  30 . One common encryption methodology is the Triple Data Encryption Standard (DES), and there are numerous others known in the art. Compliance with security standards require such encryption for input data. 
         [0038]    The hardware of the client side component  3  also includes a signature pad  37  for capturing signatures from customers for incorporation into the customer card  12 . It is understood that the signature pad  37  is a conventional pen-and-tablet device that digitizes the strokes as inputted via the pen. A number of various technologies are known in the art, including passive tablets, active tablets, optical tablets, and capacitive tablets, among others, and it will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that any such technology may be readily substituted. According to one embodiment, the signature pad  37  is a KioskGem Model T-S261-K from Topaz Systems, Inc. of Simi Valley, Calif. Further details of use in relation to the card printing verification system  10  will be described below. 
         [0039]    Briefly, one embodiment of the present invention contemplates the card printing verification system  10  issuing the customer card  12  with a monetary value pre-assigned thereto, which is based on cash received at the time of issuance. For such embodiments, the client-side component  3  is provided with a bill validator  38  that physically retrieves a partially inserted bill, scans the bill to confirm that it is not counterfeit, and ascertains its value. Thereafter, the bill is conveyed to a storage area, and the value is signaled to the central processor  30 . In addition to cash, however, it is also contemplated that the pre-assigned monetary value be based upon an amount indicated on a check. Thus, payroll checks and the like can be deposited into the account of the customer card  12 . The client-side component  3  further includes a check reader  39  that scans the image of the front and the back side of a check for transmission thereof to a check verification/guaranty processor. Any one of well-known check readers  39  presently available may be utilized: one of which is model number SB50E by CTS North America of Burlington, Mass.; and another being model RS890/891 by Ernst Reiner GmbH &amp; Co KG of Furtwangen, Germany. 
         [0040]    Another miscellaneous hardware device that may be included in the card printing verification system  10  is a GPS receiver  40 . As is well known, the GPS receiver  40  receives signals from multiple GPS satellites orbiting the Earth. Based upon a calculation involving relative signal receipt speeds, exact position coordinates can be ascertained. Because the client side component  3  of the card printing verification system  10  may be numerously deployed across wide geographic areas, maintenance may be cumbersome without a modality such as the GPS receiver  40 . The present invention contemplates the use of a position indicator for such tracking needs, and the GPS receiver  40  is understood to be one such indicator. While a GPS receiver, when left on, continuously updates its calculated position coordinates, for power consumption or processor load reasons, the GPS receiver  40  may be turned on only when the data therefrom is required, notwithstanding the potential delay in acquiring satellite lock. 
         [0041]    Along these lines, it is also contemplated that the client-side component  3  transmits to and receives data from the server-side component  6 . In order to enable such communications, there is provided a network interface  42 , which may implement a connection to the Internet (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, or TCP/IP), a dial-up connection, a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a Frame relay network, a wireless mobile network such as GSM, EDGE, and the like, or any other suitable data communications network  43 . As utilized herein, reference to a network is understood to encompass all such network types. With further particularity, in order to ensure security, all traffic on the data communications network  43  is encrypted. In this regard, it is understood that the network interface  42  on both the client-side component  3  and the server-side component  6  implement the encryption methodologies. 
         [0042]    Upon the completion of each transaction, as is common to many financial transaction systems, a paper record thereof is produced by a receipt printer  44 . Conventional receipt printers typically utilize thermal transfer roll paper, though the present invention does not depend on any particular type of imprinting modalities. 
         [0043]    All of the aforementioned hardware devices are housed within a tamper-proof enclosure, access to which may be limited by lock devices. It is understood, however, that the devices that interface with customer, such as the touch screen  34  or the secure keypad  36 , at least the operative portions are exposed and outside the enclosure. The enclosure may be variously designed for increased weather and tamper resistance, as well as aesthetics. Along these lines, the client-side component  3  of the card printing verification system  10  may be provided with signage and labels that clearly identifies its functionality. 
         [0044]    As also shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 3 , the hardware embodiment of the server-side component  6  likewise includes the processor  30 , a memory  32 , and a network interface  42 . The server-side component  6  of the card printing verification system  10  communicates over the network interface with the client side component  3 . Additionally, the server side component  6  includes an external hardware security module (HSM)  31  that is used to verify, create, and encrypt Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) of the customer cards  12 . The HSM  31  is understood to provide logical and physical protection of such sensitive data from unauthorized use by isolating security functions from the rest of the server  6 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to the flowchart of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the card printing verification system  10  may embody a method for verifying instant card issuance. Broadly, the method begins with a step  200  of receiving an identification credential from the customer. As utilized herein, the term identification credential is understood to refer to any of the aforementioned user-specific records such as ID Cards, thumbprints, and so forth. Such user-specific records by definition include personally identifying data such as name, residence address, age, etc. With respect to thumbprints and other biometric data, it is understood that almost every person on the planet can be uniquely identified thereby, if not with near certainty, then with a great degree of accuracy. It is contemplated that more than one identification “factor” may be received to improve correlation accuracy. For example, the information read from the ID card may be compared against the identity corresponding to the thumbprint, thus reducing the incidence of identity theft and fraud resulting from a loss of an easily misplaced credential such as an ID card. As explained above, the client-side component  3  of the card printing verification system  10  includes the security input device  13  for receiving the identification credential. 
         [0046]    Also referring to  FIG. 1 , the method then continues with a step  210  of authenticating the customer based upon an evaluation of the personally identifying data against a remote fraud detection database  46 . Under this step, the identity of the customer is correlated to the identity specified in the identification credentials. The server-side component  6  of the card printing verification system  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the identity verification module  14  that is in communication with the security input device  13 , and receives the personally identifying data therefrom. It is contemplated that the identity verification module  14  can communicate with a third party verification solution such as Bridger Insight XG from ChoicePoint. Generally, it is understood that such third party verification solutions have access to a vast database of user identities, and the supplied personally identifying data is compared thereto. There are other functions performed, such as the confirmation of the true owner of a Social Security Number (SSN), detection of potential identity theft and synthetic identities, and detection of repeat fraudsters. 
         [0047]    After authenticating the customer, i.e., ascertaining that the customer is, indeed, who he purports to be, the method continues with a step  220  of validating such authenticated customer upon a positive evaluation of the personally identifying data against a compliance database  48 . In this context, a positive evaluation is understood to refer to a condition where there are no matches between the authenticated customer and any identities in the compliance database  48 . As indicated above, the server-side component  6  of the card printing verification system  10  includes the compliance module  16  that is communicatively linked to the compliance database  48 . The compliance database  48  is understood to contain a list of prohibited individuals with whom the customer is prohibited from transacting, and ensures that each customer, account, and transaction comply with, for example among many others, the Money Service Business rules as promulgated by the United States Department of the Treasury. Additional compliance with regulations such as the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury, and statutes such as the USA Patriot Act and the Bank Secrecy Act are likewise contemplated. Policies suggested by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) are also intended to be adhered to. By way of example only and not of limitation, in the United States, the compliance database  48  may be the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals List, the FBI Most Wanted list; in Canada, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions List of Names Subject to Terrorist Suppression Regulations; in the United Kingdom, the Bank of England Consolidated List; in the European Union, the European Union Consolidated List; and in France, the Financial Action Task Force List of Non-Cooperative Countries. Additionally, the compliance database  48  may be the United Nations Consolidated List. Any one or a combination of any of the foregoing databases may be queried by the compliance module  16 , and it is to be understood that such databases are presented by way of example only and not of limitation. Any other like prohibited persons, entities, or nationalities list may be readily substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0048]    Because compliance with the foregoing prohibited persons regulations is so closely related to compliance with regulations for detecting and reporting money laundering activities, it is contemplated that the compliance module  16  detects and logs it. All manner of transactions are tracked by country, by velocity (how often each transaction is conducted by a given customer), by distribution, by recipient, and by usage. According to one embodiment of the present invention, reports regarding suspicious transactions are generated in accordance with the United States Department of Treasury mandates. 
         [0049]    Tracking and logging of all transactions passing through the server component  6  of the card printing verification system also serves an accounting function for revenue sharing. In one aspect of the present invention, a commissions module  23  manages the distribution of the fees between the different entities that are involved in each transaction. A distribution table for each virtual account, card, product, or service is defined, and the values thereof are incremented. 
         [0050]    Along these lines, a loyalty module  19  also tracks customer usage by assigning points or other such units after each transaction. Furthermore, certain types of transactions (such as those more profitable) may be assigned higher point values to encourage the same. Upon accumulation of a threshold number of points, the customer  12  may exchange the points for merchandize or special promotions. 
         [0051]    It is contemplated that the identity compliance module  16  can communicate with a third party compliance solution such as Bridger Insight XG from ChoicePoint or ISWATCH from Intelligent Search Technology, Ltd. 
         [0052]    With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the server-side component  6  of the card printing verification system  10  includes the fund management module  20 , with the various functions thereof being accessible by the customer upon authentication and validation in accordance with the foregoing steps. More particularly, the fund management module  20  is linked to a financial account system  50 . The financial account system  50  has separate accounts that are each associated with a particular customer, and in its most basic embodiment, denotes the amount of funds therein and a unique account identifier. According to one embodiment, this separate account is referred to as a virtual account. As will be explained with greater particularity below, the virtual account is accessible by any one of numerous means. The fund management module  20  is operative to modify the value corresponding to the amount of available funds based on withdrawals from and deposits into the virtual account. In addition to modifying existing virtual accounts, the fund management module  20  is operative to create new virtual accounts as requested by the customer. Importantly, the fund management module  20  performs additional validations, such as ensuring the account identifier is correct, ensuring that the PIN is valid and correct, ensuring that there are sufficient funds in the virtual account to make a purchase, withdrawal, or transfer. Further, the fund management module  20  ensures that the funds being transferred into the virtual account are valid. 
         [0053]    Preferably, though optionally, the financial account system  50  is of the escrow type. Various sub-escrow accounts are contemplated, including direct deposit accounts where customer funds are deposited until a request to use it is received and validated. Another contemplated sub-escrow account is of a stored value type. In this account, a customer can move funds from the direct deposit account into the stored value escrow account and vice versa. The stored value card can be used with conventional points of sale of credit card processing networks. The amount of money in the stored value card is guaranteed by an authoritative organization that controls the operation of the account system  50 . Yet another type of a sub-escrow account envisioned for use in conjunction with the financial account system  50  is a mobile account, which associates a mobile phone number with a deposit account that can be used to make purchases through the mobile phone. Further, another sub-escrow account that may be utilized is a set-aside account, where customer funds are placed therein until confirmation of completion of the other part of the transaction. 
         [0054]    As indicated above, each virtual account is identified by a unique number. With reference to the diagram of  FIG. 4 , the unique number is also referred to as a permanent account number (PAN)  52 . The first six digits are referred to as the Issuer Identification Number (IIN)  54 , which is used to identify an issuer and improve management of card transactions, authorizations, and settlements. The next two digits are referred to as the Sub-UN  56 , which identifies products, services, and geographic locations. Digits ten through fifteen comprise a customer account number  58 , which identifies individual cardholders. Digit sixteen is a check digit  60 , which is a checksum of the other numbers in the PAN  52  that determines validity. The structure of the PAN permits account management at multiple hierarchies. 
         [0055]    After authenticating and validating the customer, the method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention involves a step  300  of issuing the card. More particularly, the above-described card issuance module  18  generates the PAN  52  and ties it with the new account. It is understood that the card issuance module  18  can be a separate application, such as CardWizard from Dynamic Card solutions. A personal identification number (PIN) is assigned to the new account, the entry of which is necessary to permit future access. All major PIN calculations include Left/Right, Key Party, and ZCMK may be utilized. Furthermore, a security verification code  64  may be generated from the expiration date and the PAN  52 , and similarly assigned to the new account. It is understood that any conventional verification code algorithm may be used, including CVV, CVC, CVV2, and CVC2. 
         [0056]    It will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art that while the encoding of various data on to the card  12  has been described in the context of the exemplary financial account system  50  that utilizes escrow accounts, the card printing verification system  10  in accordance with the present invention may be utilized for other types of cards. For example, credit cards, debit cards, prepaid debit cards, member cards, gift cards, retailer loyalty cards, and the like may all be immediately issued while maintaining security and compliance. In this regard, the client-side component  3  may be attachable to existing automated teller machines (ATMs), deployed as custom card dispensing stations. 
         [0057]    Referring to a more detailed view of the customer card  12  shown in  FIG. 5 , as briefly mentioned above, one embodiment of the customer card  12  utilizes a magnetic strip  62  for storing encoded data such as that described above, including the PAN  52 , the security verification code  64 , and so forth. In further detail, the magnetic strip may be on one track, but the use of additional tracks is also possible. As indicated above, in addition to the magnetic strip  62 , the customer card  12  may include barcodes such as a two-dimensional matrix symbol. It is also possible to utilize “smart cards,” i.e., cards with integrated circuit memory and processing devices embedded within the body of the card  12 . 
         [0058]    Prior to dispensing the card  12  to the customer, the customer may personalize it in a variety of ways. According to another aspect of the present invention, various background images may be viewed and selected for application to both the front face and the back face of the card  12 . After making an initial selection, a preview of the background as printed may also displayed before final printing. Customization options that are available may include college themed backgrounds, sports-themed background, nature-themed backgrounds, and so forth. 
         [0059]    Serving also as a security measure in addition to customization, the camera  24  may take one or more pictures of the customer to print on to the card  12 . More particularly, the camera  24  may take up to six pictures, and display each of the six on the touch screen user interface  34 . The customer may then select a desired one that appears the best. 
         [0060]    The card printer  22  is understood to have the capabilities of placing the aforementioned graphics and pictures onto the card  12 , as well as encoding the relevant data onto the magnetic strip  62 . As the card printer  22  can print various graphics on to the card  12 , it will be appreciated that the aforementioned secure barcodes may likewise be imprinted. Further, it is understood that the card printer  22  has the capacity to emboss the surface of the card  12 , as well as apply laminate topping. So that an aesthetically pleasing card  12  results, the card printer  22  has true over the edge printing. 
         [0061]    Having broadly considered the customization and instant authentication/verification/issuance aspects of the present invention, typically encountered specific usage examples of the card printing verification system  10  will now be described with reference to the flowcharts of  FIGS. 6   a - 6   f . The interaction with the client component  3  of the card printing verification system  10  begins with an initial step  100  of selecting a language preference for the subsequent prompts. It is understood that the available languages for selection are tailored to a specific region. Thereafter, in step  101 , the customer is asked to agree to the terms and conditions of use. Before continuing, the customer is directed to enter a response. In comparison step  102 , the customer&#39;s input is evaluated. If the customer enters a negative response, the transaction is terminated according to step  103 . Otherwise, per step  105 , the main menu is presented, and the prefatory steps are complete. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main menu presents one of five options: issue a new card, re-issue a card, load an existing card, transfer money, and make a balance inquiry. Each of the sequences involved in these options will be described in turn below. 
         [0062]    If the customer selects to issue a new card in decision branch  106 , according to step  200 , identification credentials are received from the customer. More specifically, this step further involves inserting an identification document into the ID card reader  28  per step  201 . As explained above, the identification credential can be a drivers&#39; license or any other document issued or approved by federal, state, county, local, or foreign governments, including passports The information stored on the identification document is retrieved, and then displayed on the touch screen device  34  according to step  203 . At this time, the customer is also directed to verify the retrieved and displayed information. Provided that the customer desires to continue with the data read from the identification document, the customer is then directed to scan in a thumbprint according to step  204 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the customer then provides a signature in step  205  via the signature pad  37 , concluding step  200 . 
         [0063]    The customer is then asked to enter a PIN to be assigned to the newly issued card in step  206 , and again in step  207  for verification purposes. In step  208 , the PIN, the thumbprint, the captured signature, and the information retrieved from the identification document are transmitted to the server component  6  of the card printing verification system  10 . 
         [0064]    Thereafter, according to step  210  as previously described, the transmitted data is verified for authenticity and validated against a fraud detection database  46 . If the customer is deemed authenticated or valid in decision branch  212  after a response from the identity verification module  14  is returned to the client component  3 , the customer is directed to insert cash into the bill validator  38  in step  216 . As indicated above, it is expressly contemplated that instead of cash, a check may be scanned for assigning value. Thus, the reference to “Insert Cash” in step  216  is understood to be equally applicable to providing a check for scanning and eventual verification and transfer of funds. Then, the sequence continues with step  220 , shown in  FIG. 6   b . Otherwise, per step  214 , the information retrieved from the identification document is saved for reporting purposes, and the customer is notified that the request for a new card has been declined. Additionally, an 800 number may be displayed for the customer to call to resolve any issues. 
         [0065]    As also described above, once the customer is authenticated, the customer is validated with the compliance module  16  under step  220 . Again, the compliance module  16  accesses the compliance database  48  to determine if the customer&#39;s identity matches any identity of prohibited persons. This evaluation is made in decision branch  222 , and like step  214  above, if the identity matches that of a prohibited person, the customer is notified that the request has been denied according to step  224 . If the customer is validated in decision branch  222 , the card printing verification system  10 , specifically the card issuance module  18  or a related external application associated with the server component  6 , issues a new card number  52  and a corresponding verification code  62  according to step  226 . The card issuance module  18  then transmits the newly issued data to the client component  3  of the card printing verification system  10  in step  228  for final customization and printing. 
         [0066]    Thereafter, the sequence continues with step  230 , in which pictures of the customer are taken and the best one is selected. In step  232 , the customer selects various background options for the new card, and a preview of the selected one is displayed in step  234 . If after the preview step  234  the customer is satisfied with the results and confirms the same in decision branch  236 , the card printer  22  imprints the background, the customer picture, the card number  52 , and the security number  64  onto a blank card according to step  238 . The captured signature may also be printed on to the blank card. Additionally, the pertinent data is encoded on to the magnetic strip  62  or other electronic data storage device embedded within the card  12 . A receipt may be produced by the receipt printer  44 . 
         [0067]    Returning to  FIG. 6   a , in decision branch  106 , if the menu option for issuing a new card was not selected, the sequence continues with a decision branch  240  to evaluate whether to re-issue a new card. Typically, this would be necessary if the customer lost the card  12  and requires an immediate replacement. Thereupon, customer service may be contacted, which will provide the customer with an authorization code in step  242 . If the authorization code is determined to be valid in decision branch  244 , in step  246  the customer will be directed to make a payment to cover the costs of replacement. The payment of step  246  may be made from the existing account if there are sufficient funds; otherwise the customer inserts cash into the bill validator  38 . If the authorization is determined not to be valid, then the customer is directed to enter it again. For the purposes of security, the number of tries allowed may be limited. 
         [0068]    After payment is rendered, the sequence continues with step  200 , including sub-steps  201 ,  203 , and  204 , which involve inserting an identification document into the ID card reader  28 , retrieving and displaying the information stored in the identification document for confirmation, and scanning in a thumbprint, respectively. 
         [0069]    The customer is then directed to enter a new PIN to assign to the new card  12  in step  248 , and re-entered in step  250  for verification purposes. The information stored in the identification document is transmitted to the server component  6  of the card printing verification system  10 , in accordance with step  252 . 
         [0070]    Thereafter, according to step  210  as previously described, the transmitted data is verified for authenticity and validated against a fraud detection database  46 . If the customer is deemed authenticated or valid in decision branch  254  after a response from the identity verification module  14  is returned to the client component  3 , the sequence continues with step  220 , shown in  FIG. 6   b . Otherwise, per step  256 , the information retrieved from the identification document is saved for reporting purposes, and the customer is notified that the request for a new card has been declined. Additionally, an 800 number may be displayed for the customer to call to resolve any issues. 
         [0071]    If in the decision branch  240  the customer decided not to re-issue the card  12 , the sequence continues into decision branch  260  shown in  FIG. 6   d , in which the sequence for loading money into the card  12  and its corresponding account is shown. If the customer selects the menu option to load a value, the sequence continues with the customer swiping the card  12  using the ID card reader  28  according to step  262 . Next, in step  264 , the customer is directed to enter the corresponding PIN via the secure keypad  36  in order to unlock access to the account. The validity of the PIN is determined in decision branch  266 , and like other challenge-response security modalities, the number of access attempts is limited. Once the PIN has been determined to be valid, the customer inserts cash into the bill validator  38  according to step  268 . As previously mentioned, it is understood that instead of cash provided to the bill validator  38 , a check may be provided to the check reader  39  in step  268 . Then, in step  270 , the loading request is sent to the server component  6  of the card printing verification system  10 . This sequence terminates at step  272 , where the client component  3  displays a message indicating success, and the new balance on the card  12 . Additionally, a receipt may be provided in accordance with such step. 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIG. 6   e , the sequence continues with decision branch  280  if the customer did not select to load a value into the card  12 . In this step, if the customer selected the option to check the remaining balance in the card  12 , the customer is directed to swipe the card  12  with the ID card reader  28  in accordance with step  282 . Then, the PIN is entered with the secure keypad  36  in step  284 , and the validity of that entry is determined in decision branch  286 . In step  288 , the check balance request is sent to the server component  6  of the card printing verification system  10 . This sequence terminates at step  290 , where the client component  3  displays a message indicating success, and the current balance on the card  12 . Additionally, a receipt may be provided. 
         [0073]    The last of the five options available from the main menu is the transferring of money, with the sequence of steps therefor being shown in  FIG. 6   f . As with the checking of the balances and loading the value, the sequence begins with swiping the card  12  with the ID card reader  28  according to step  392 , The PIN is entered with the secure keypad  36  according to step  304 , and determined to be valid or not in decision branch  306 . 
         [0074]    According to one embodiment, the customer may insert cash into the bill validator  38 , and transfer only the sum inserted. Alternatively, some or the entirety of the transfer may be withdrawn from the balance on the card  12 . In either case, the customer selects how much to transfer from which source according to step  308 . 
         [0075]    Then, in step  310 , the customer chooses the type of recipient of the transfer—either a person, a card, a bank account, or a mobile phone. The selection is evaluated in decision branch  312 . If a person is selected, according to step  314 , the customer enters the name, address, and country of the recipient. If card or preexisting account is selected, according to step  316  the customer enters the receiving card number so that additional details about the recipient can be retrieved in step  318 . Similarly, if a mobile phone is selected, the customer enters the mobile phone number of the recipient in step  317 . Thereafter, in step  318 , the mobile phone number is used to retrieve additional details about the recipient. 
         [0076]    Having retrieved additional details about the recipient, the sequence continues with step  320 , which is the same as  220  in the other functions listed above, where the recipient is validated. Specifically, the compliance module accesses the compliance database to determine if the recipient&#39;s identity matches any identity of prohibited persons. This evaluation is made in decision branch  322 , and if the identity matches that of a prohibited person, the customer is notified that the request to transfer has been denied according to step  324 . If the recipient is validated in decision branch  322 , the server component  6  of the card printing verification system  10 , specifically the fund management module  20 , transfers the funds to the specified recipient according to step  326  by generating a transfer authorization number. This is transmitted back to the client component  3 , which displays a message indicating success, and print a receipt according to step  328 . Based on the foregoing, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that the type of recipient may be readily changed. For example, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate transfers to online accounts such as PayPal. 
         [0077]    Still other embodiments contemplate transfers to participating utility companies and the like. With further particularity, the customer selects a biller to pay, such as a power company, a cable company, a gas company, and the like, and the amount to pay is specified. By default, the full amount due may be specified. Such a payment request may be transmitted to a specialized billing company that handles the transaction, with the proper amount of funds being deducted from the customer&#39;s account. 
         [0078]    The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.