Abstract:
An auction giftcard redemption system sends an electronic giftcard to a winning bidder according to preferences pre-determined by the bidder. The auction system may communicate current balances and give access to the giftcard on demand by a mobile device app or cell phone messaging services.

Description:
THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to electronic giftcards. More specifically, the present invention relates to an auction giftcard redemption system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Gift cards are a booming industry. People are purchasing gift cards to allow friends and colleagues to choose their own gift and enjoy the shopping experience. Retailers like gift cards because they lock in customer money into the store and encourage customers to enter the store, which may include further purchases. 
         [0003]    One of the popular distribution channels for giftcards are auctions. Bidders at auctions appear to like to get giftcards at less than face value, feeling like they get a good deal. However, with traditional giftcards, the fulfillment process may take some time. The auction house may have to activate the card and manually ship the giftcard to the winning bidder. Delays, lost shipments, stolen mail and other problems may further increase the costs of selling giftcards while reducing customer satisfaction. 
         [0004]    The customer would like to have access to the won giftcard as soon as possible. A delay in getting the giftcard to the customer could lead to customer frustration and eventually leaving the auction site. On the other hand, a speedy delivery could mean that the customer would use the auction for last minute gifts, especially if the auction site is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. 
         [0005]    Therefore, there is a need to provide auction winners with a giftcard as soon as possible after the win. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved auction giftcard redemption system. 
         [0007]    According to one aspect of the invention, after winning an auction for an electronic gift card, a customer may automatically receive an electronic giftcard through a pre-selected medium. In one preferred embodiment, the electronic giftcard is sent immediately upon the customer winning the auction. 
         [0008]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the customer can change the pre-selected medium prior to delivery of the electronic gift card. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of the invention, the customer may reload the same giftcard by winning another auction. This may help the customer better use the value on the current giftcard and potentially encourage more purchasing for missing desired value. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of the invention, an electronic auction is provided which provides auctions of one or more electronic gift cards over computers or other processors on a local area network, a wide area computer network or a global computer network. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the electronic auction comprises a website on which a plurality of persons can participate in an auction and includes a means for entering a pre-selected medium for delivery of an electronic gift card upon a person winning the auction. 
         [0012]    These and other aspects of the present invention are realized in an auction giftcard redemption system as shown and described in the following figures and related description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  shows a system connection chart of an auction giftcard redemption system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  shows a giftcard redemption chart; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  shows a flowchart of a giftcard purchase and delivery system; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  shows a flowchart of an auction giftcard redemption system; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  shows a flowchart of an auction giftcard redemption system with reloading; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  shows an auction delivery configuration screen; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  shows a giftcard selection screen; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows a giftcard redemption screen; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  shows a multimedia receipt screen; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  shows a text message receipt screen; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  shows an interactive text message query redemption screen; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  shows an interactive multi-media message query redemption screen; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  shows an interactive text message amount query result screen; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  shows asystem diagram of an auction system; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  shows a system diagram of an auction giftcard redemption system; 
       
    
    
       [0029]    It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need accomplish all advantages of the present invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The invention and accompanying drawings will now be discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims. 
         [0031]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a system connection chart of an auction giftcard redemption system  10  is shown. A user  20  may access an electronic auction system  30 , which may include one or more servers or other processors, from a computer  40  or mobile device  50 . The user  20  may set up preferences with the auction system  30  which dictate preferred ways of receiving giftcards. The preferences may be stored in any of a variety of ways, such as being in a database or other storage medium associated with the individual user&#39;s account, or may be associated directly with a selected auction—such as a person designating how he or she would like to receive the subject matter of a winning bid upon completion of that auction. 
         [0032]    The user  20  may then bid on electronic giftcards available from the auction system  30  by using an input device, such as the computer  40  or mobile device  30 . Upon winning, a computer, software or other portion of the auction system  30  may access a giftcard server  35  to place the giftcard amount on a electronic giftcard, or the amount could have been preloaded on to an electronic gift card associated with the auction. Either way, the giftcard may then be automatically sent to the user or to a third person or entity according to the user&#39;s preference. 
         [0033]    The giftcard may be electronically sent to a mobile device  50  or computer  40  for transfer to a mobile device  50 . This can be accomplished in a variety of mechanisms, such as by email, text message, text file, binary file, database, XML code, HTML code or by alternate methods of transferring a file or other electronic data which will form the electronic giftcard. The information may also be encrypted. 
         [0034]    The mobile device  50  or some other apparatus may then be used to access the giftcard to present to a store  60 . The store or a computer or processor at the store may contact the giftcard server  35  and debit the amount spent from an account associated with the electronic giftcard. A computer or other processor at the store may also confirm that the electronic giftcard is valid prior to attempting to debit the amount associated from the electronic giftcard. The electronic giftcard server  35  may communicate with the auction system  30  such that the user&#39;s mobile device  50  and/or computer  40  access may be updated with the current amount left on the giftcard. This may include visually displaying the amount left on the giftcard so that the user is aware of the remaining balance. 
         [0035]    The mobile device  50  may be a useful platform, as it may be unique to the user. In the case of a phone, the system may trust the phone number, as the phone number is unique to the user. In other embodiments, other data may be used to double check the validity of the data, including data signing, MAC address, ESN, MEID, and IMEI. The recipient of the electronic giftcard may also be required to provide a code or other information to verify safe receipt of the electronic giftcard and/or to make the electronic giftcard useable. 
         [0036]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a giftcard redemption chart is shown. Once the auction has been won (and the giftcard server has authorized a giftcard if required) the gift card may be sent in accordance with a customer&#39;s preference. For example a person may desire that all of their electronic giftcards be sent to their smartphone. The electronic giftcard may be sent via giftcard information  70 , using any of a variety of protocols, to a mobile device  50 , a print at home service  80  for a paper printout  85  or via mail  90  with a tangible card  100 . The information may be sent via the internet  75 , wireless data network  120  or other communication. 
         [0037]    In the case of a mobile device  50 , the giftcard information  70  may be suited to the mobile device  50  capabilities. In the case of a smartphone, the auction system  30  may send a data package  110  (such as signed data, that may be encrypted) through a wireless data network  120  to an app on the mobile device  50 . In the case of an email capable mobile device  50 , an email  130  may be sent. Some users may prefer to receive a barcode picture  150  via a multimedia service such as MMS, that may be scanned at the retailer. For basic phones, a text message  160  with the giftcard number may be sent. 
         [0038]    In the case of the package, MMS or email, a picture of a barcode may be shown on the mobile device  50 . The barcode may be scanned at the retailer, as a normal giftcard is scanned. The transaction, thus may be made fairly instantaneous. Furthermore, the cost of delivery is significantly reduced over physical cards, as there is no postage, envelope or shipping processing. In fact, the system may be largely automated. The potential for lost, stolen or forgotten cards may also be reduced. 
         [0039]    In the case of online stores or a basic phone, the system may provide a number which may be used to represent the giftcard. This number may be received by text message  160 , inside the picture sent by MMS, within the email or available in the smartphone application. 
         [0040]    By pre-selecting the delivery method of the giftcard, the user may quickly receive the giftcard while still enjoying the win at auction. This may further fuel the user&#39;s desire to bid in future auctions, as they have quickly received their winnings and are able to increase the pleasure associated with winning the auction by adding the pleasure of instantly using the gift card to purchase a desired item. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the bidding software is integrated with the delivery application. Thus, the user can quickly receive the winning giftcard in electronic format in the same application from which the bid was won. Furthermore, the bidding application may show current auction items when started. This may encourage future bids, as the customer will see the auction items as they go to use their giftcards. 
         [0042]    As the needs of the user change, the user may update their preferences. Thus, a user may select different delivery methods for future giftcard wins. In some cases, the user may need to have cards re-issued and/or reported as stolen. In one embodiment, the user may choose to have the giftcards re-issued because their phone was lost or stolen. If such is done, a previously sent electronic giftcard can be immediately deactivated to prevent it from being used by others. 
         [0043]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , a flowchart of a giftcard purchase and delivery system  165  is shown. An account is created for a customer  170 . The customer chooses delivery preferences of future giftcards  180 . The customer may purchase a giftcard  190 . After purchase, the system may determine the customer&#39;s preferences for delivery  200 . The giftcard server may be contacted to obtain a correct balance on a giftcard  210 . The electronic giftcard information may then be sent to the customer according to the customer preferences  220 . 
         [0044]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , a flowchart of an auction giftcard redemption system  225  is shown. The customer may create an account  230 . The customer then selects desired preferences, including giftcard delivery  240 . The customer wins a giftcard in an auction  250 . The system checks the customer preferences  260 . The system contacts the giftcard server and receives information from the giftcard server  270  to create an electronic giftcard. The electronic giftcard data is sent to the customer according to the customer preferences  280 . 
         [0045]    It should be recognized that many of the processes steps may be rearranged or processed in parallel. The steps are shown in the order shown for clarity reasons. For example the check customer preferences step  260  may be done in parallel with the get card information from giftcard server  270  step or in reverse order. 
         [0046]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a flowchart of an auction giftcard redemption system  285  with reloading is shown. Steps from  230  to  260  are repeated from  FIG. 4 . However, if the customer has already received a giftcard to a store  290 , the giftcard server may be contacted  300  and the prior giftcard reloaded  310 . If not, then the giftcard server may be contacted  320 , a new giftcard created  330  and the giftcard sent according to the customer preferences  340 . 
         [0047]    By reloading a giftcard form an auction, the customer may be able to use up more value in the giftcard, such as a giftcard that had a $5.00 balance may not buy much at a department store and may be awkward to present and have to pay for the difference in the purchase price. By reloading the card, instead of providing a new card, the customer may be encouraged to bid more to fill up the card to a useful level. Furthermore, it reduces clutter, as the user will not have to remember how many outstanding giftcards are present for each store. It also reduces the number of individual giftcard accounts that are required from the giftcard server. 
         [0048]    Turning now to  FIGS. 6 to 13 , exemplary interface screens are shown to help understand the invention. It should be recognized that individual mobile devices, computers and other processors may have their own native screens or displays and methods that effect the look and organization of the interface. However, many of the principles remain the same. 
         [0049]    Turning now to  FIG. 6 , an auction delivery configuration screen  350  is shown. The Auction delivery site may be housed on any of a variety of different types of networks (involving various computers, processors, screens, etc), including the Internet. 
         [0050]    The user may select a delivery preference  360  and/or a new card per win option. The delivery preference  360  may include delivery to an app, a barcode, a text message, an email, a physical card, or requiring the system to ask upon a winning bid. The user may also select from various options that may include an option to always create a new giftcard  370  rather than reloading previous ones. The settings may be automatically saved upon change or when a button  380  to save the settings is clicked. 
         [0051]    Should the user decide for an application delivery,  FIG. 7  shows a giftcard selection screen  390  of an application. The application may list each giftcard  400  with the store name  410  and the amount remaining  420  on the giftcard. The application may also contain buttons to sort and/or search the giftcards  400 , including organization by name  430  and organization by amount remaining  440 . 
         [0052]    Once the user selects a giftcard, a giftcard redemption screen  405  may be shown as in  FIG. 8 . The name of the store  410  along with the amount remaining  420  and a scannable bar code  450 . In one embodiment, the user may click on a button  460  to add money to the giftcard. 
         [0053]    Using this screen, a user may present the mobile device  50  to a cashier for scanning as a giftcard payment method at a register. The scanner may read the barcode and apply the giftcard to the purchase. 
         [0054]    In another embodiment, the mobile device may use a wireless protocol to provide payment at a terminal. For example, the mobile device may be configured to communicate with a gas pump wirelessly, such that the mobile device  50  need only be placed near the pump. In one embodiment, the mobile device may ask for confirmation of the purchase, such that another gas pump bill is not accidentally paid. 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, further precautions are taken. In one embodiment, a password is required to be entered before the app will show payment information. In another embodiment, a one-use barcode or card number is used for each payment, such that a person may not steal the number to be used again. Any remaining dollar value would remain in the giftcard account. 
         [0056]    Turning now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , messaging service deliveries are shown for multi-media (MMS) delivery  465  in  FIG. 9  and text messaging (SMS) delivery  485  in  FIG. 10 . The auction system may also deliver through celluar messaging systems. Should the customer choose mult-media delivery of a barcode, the system may send the image of a barcode  470 , along with a message about which store and how much is on the giftcard  480 . If the user desires, they may request a status update of the amount on the giftcard sent to their mobile device with or without the barcode by logging into their account. 
         [0057]    Similarly, if the customer chose to have a text-message delivery, the auction system may send a text message  490  that includes the card number  500 . The card number may be input at a register or input into a giftcard payment field in an online retailer. 
         [0058]    The auction system may also include a messaging system that responds to requests from an authorized phone as seen in  FIGS. 11 to 13 . As a user may choose to associate a mobile device with their account, the mobile device may be used to request status information or card information from the auction system. In the case of cell phones, the system can identify the incoming cell phone number and match that number with the associated account. Thus, the system may use a short code, email address or phone number to receive messages. The messages may then be decoded and an answer returned to the customer. 
         [0059]    Turning now to  FIG. 11 , an interactive text message query redemption screen  505  is shown. A customer may send the auction system a message  510  with the name of a store. If the customer has a gift card related to that store, the system may respond with a message  520  displaying information about the giftcard, including a confirmation of the name of the store, the amount remaining on the giftcard and the giftcard redemption number. 
         [0060]    Turning now to  FIG. 12  an interactive multi-media message query redemption screen  525  is shown. Should a customer preference be set or the message  550  contain a request for a MMS message, the auction system may return a message  540  that may include a barcode along with the other giftcard information discussed in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0061]    Turning now to  FIG. 13 , an interactive text message amount query result screen  545  is shown. In some cases, only specific information is desired. The customer may send a message  550  requesting only specific information. The auction system may read and respond to the request with only a confirmation and the information requested in a message  560 . In this case, the customer only wanted to know the amount left on the BIG BOX STORE giftcard. The system confirmed the request was for the BIG BOX STORE and returned a balance of $20.00. 
         [0062]    Turning now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a system diagram is shown of auction systems with an auction giftcard redemption ability. The systems may include interfaces to outside systems, modules for processing information and data storage, such as databases or file systems, for retaining information. These elements, modules, interfaces and systems, may exist across multiple computers, machines, processes, networks or other separation. In fact, the elements may be contained together in a single or multiple instructions or over separate code segments, among different programs, in separate code blocks or across several memory or storage devices. 
         [0063]    Turning now to  FIG. 14 , asystem diagram of an auction system  570  is shown. The auction system  570  may contain an auction server system  580 , external support systems  590  and client systems  600 . External systems, such as credit card processing systems, may communicate with the auction server system  580  through interfaces. In the embodiment shown, external support systems  590  communicate with an external support interface  610 . Client systems  600  may access a customer interface  620 , such as a webpage, web service or other service or protocol. 
         [0064]    The auction server system  580  may contain the storage and logic to facilitate an auction and giftcard delivery. An input module  630  may receive customer preferences to store in association with a customer account in a database  640 . An auction module  650  may control the auction process and notify a giftcard module  660  on the even of a giftcard win. A communication module  670  may translate internal information into information that is usable across the interfaces. This may include receiving requests for information from the database and converting the information to follow a required protocol or data structure, such as XML. 
         [0065]    Turning now to  FIG. 15 , a system diagram of an auction giftcard redemption system is shown. An auction giftcard redemption server system  680  may include several interfaces to support systems, internal programming and processing, storage and interfaces to client systems. 
         [0066]    The support systems may include an auction system  690 , giftcard system  700  and financial processing system  710 . The auction system  690  may communicate new auction giftcard wins by customers along with a conduit to the customer accounts through an auction interface  720 . The giftcard system  700  may communicate through a giftcard interface  730  to provide the ability to issue and reload giftcards. The financial processing system  710  may allow financial transactions through a financial interface  740 , including accounting access and credit card processing. There may also be an administrative interface that allows administrative access to systems. 
         [0067]    Client interfaces may include a text messaging interface  770 , Application interface  780 , multimedia interface  790  and web interface  800 . Similar to what has been described above for the client services, each interface may manage a protocol and/or communication with a client system  600 . The client system may receive the giftcard service through the customer&#39;s preference which may be stored in a customer database  810 . The customers may further be associated with giftcards in the giftcard database  820 . Other pertinent information may be stored in the system database  825 , such as module configuration, authentication information for external systems, authentication information for client computers and other protocols, attributes or information. 
         [0068]    Information may be processed through various modules including a giftcard distribution module  830 , a giftcard redemption module  840  and an auction module  850 . The giftcard distribution module  830  functionality may include managing the client giftcard requests including sending, responding to and distributing electronic giftcards to auction winners. The giftcard redemption module  840  functionality may include managing the financial aspects of the giftcard system including communication with the giftcard system and management of internal databases. The auction module  850  functionality may include responding to information from the auction interface and distributing new information to other modules. 
         [0069]    There is thus disclosed an improved auction giftcard redemption system. It will be appreciated that numerous changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims.