Offline code based reloading system
An offline code-based reload device and method for adding value to a reconfigurable memory storage means in a portable storage medium. Reload is effected using a reload device not directly connected by telephone or any other communication network to a value supplier. The system uses a “one time use number” (“OTN”) generated by a computer program containing an algorithm containing information on the value to be added and a transaction sequence number (“TSN”). Upon presentation of the portable storage medium to the reload device and entry of the OTN into a numeric keypad, the reload device decodes or disassembles the OTN to verify its authenticity, validate that it was created for the specific portable storage medium presented to the reload device and to verify through the TSN that the OTN has not been previously used to add value from the receiving reload device or any other reload device. The reload device further extracts the value from the OTN, adds the value to a selected purse on the portable storage medium and loads a new TSN to the portable storage medium.
1. An offline-based reload device, for a portable value storage medium (“medium”) comprising: a medium reader reading a stored Transaction Sequence Number (“TSN”) and at least one purse address stored on said medium;
a Card Identifier Code (“CIC”) input means for receiving a presented CIC;
an One Time Number (“OTN”) input means for receiving an OTN containing encrypted TSN, CIC, purse address and value components;
a decoder decoding said OTN to determine said encrypted TSN, CIC, purse address and value components;
a comparator communicating with said medium reader, CIC input means, OTN input means and decoder comparing at least said encrypted TSN, CIC and purse address with said stored TSN, purse address and presented CIC;
a loader loading value onto a purse on said medium identified by said purse address in an amount corresponding to said value, said loader communicating with said comparator and being configured to only load said value if said encrypted TSN and CIC components accord with said stored TSN and said presented CIC; and,
a TSN updater updating said stored TSN to a next sequential TSN an OTN input means for receiving a One Time Number (“OTN”) containing encrypted TSN, CIC purse address and value components.
2. A reload device according to claim 1 wherein:
said reload device comprises security means associated with said reloader and said comparator, disabling said storage medium upon detecting a predetermined number of unsuccessful OTN inputs against a particular CIC, causing an error message to be presented to a holder of said medium seeking to add value thereto.
3. A reload device according to claim 2 wherein:
said security means after said unsuccessful OTN inputs places a restriction on said medium against further use for at least a predetermined time;
said medium reader is configured to read any said restriction and notifies said comparator to disable said medium without requiring any further unsuccessful attempts.
4. An One Time number (“OTN”) generator for generating an OTN for subsequent offline use with any of a medium issuing organization's reload devices for loading a predetermined value onto a storage medium having a Card Identifier Code (“CIC”), at least one electronic purse having a unique purse address and a reconfigurable stored Transaction Sequence Number (“TSN”), said OTN generator, comprising:
database means for storage and retrieval of information on account status, CIC's for issued cards and the current TSN associated with each said CIC;
a system processor communicating with said database;
access means associated with said processor for providing communication between a holder of said medium and said OTN generator;
input means associated with said access means for receiving said CIC, a desired amount and type of value to be processed, a purse address and a selected source of funds from said holder;
debit means associated with said system processor for debiting an account identified by said holder of said medium by an amount corresponding to said desired amount and type of value;
verification means associated with said system processor for determining whether said source of funds identified by said holder of said medium is in good standing;
an encrypter associated with said system processor generating said OTN according to an encryption algorithm based on at least said CIC, said TSN, said purse address and said desired amount and type of value;
said processor configured to signal said encrypter to generate a valid OTN and to communicate said valid OTN to said holder through said access means which said holder can input into any of said issuing organization's reload devices for decryption and loading of value onto said medium if said account is in good standing;
said processor being further configured to update said database to adjust said TSN associated with said CIC to a next sequential TSN after a determination is made to generate a valid OTN.
5. The OTN generator of claim 4 wherein:
said access means communicates over at least one of a computer and a telephone network; and
said input means is respectively a telephone handset or a computer keyboard.
6. The OTN generator of claim 5 wherein:
said processor is configured to inform said holder via said access means that value is being refused should said account not be in good standing.