Abstract:
A user is able to access multiple accounts located at and/or managed by different organizations, by providing secure exchanges of necessary information so that multiple login details are not necessary. The system coordinates activities between several entities using a communication manager which is configured to manage communication protocols, security and necessary interface requirements so the user can securely access the desired accounts. In addition, the communication manager will include various levels of security measures, including encryption, transaction verification, etc. By managing these details within the communication manager, the user will not need to provide multiple PIN numbers or access codes each time a transaction is desired.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    In today&#39;s society, cards are used to access many types of accounts and programs. Some examples include cards used to access bank accounts, credit accounts, rewards programs, loyalty programs etc. In many cases, information stored on the card (i.e. in the magnetic strip or chip) is used to provide a link to a particular account. Using the typical credit card as an example, information stored on the card allows card processing systems to access the appropriate financial institution, and specific account, maintained or held by the card holder. In this manor, financial transactions are greatly simplified and accommodated. That said, multiple levels of security and data protection are also provided on the credit card and in the related processing systems, using encryption and other data protection mechanism. Similar protection mechanisms are provided for banking cards, prepaid cards, and other financial cards. 
         [0002]    Another area where such cards are used for many programs is in the customer loyalty environment. Here, the information on the card links a user to a loyalty account where a user may accumulate miles, points, rewards, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these loyalty awards can take on many forms, including programs where a customer will achieve cash back, airline miles, points, free meals, merchandise, etc. In a similar situation, player cards are very popular in the casino and gaming environment, used to track player activity and results. 
         [0003]    As well known to many individuals, it is easy to accumulate a wide array of cards for many different purposed. Unfortunately, this creates clutter and confusion for many, since there is a need to carry all of these cards, remember passwords and/or PIN numbers, and remember certain details for all of these different programs. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    To increase convenience for individuals, a system that coordinates access to multiple accounts is provided which securely exchanges necessary information so that multiple login details are not necessary. In some embodiments, the system coordinates between several entities using a communication manager which is configured to manage communication protocols and necessary interface requirements. In addition, the communication manager will include various security measures, including encryption, transaction verification, etc. By managing these details within a communication manager, the user will not need to provide multiple PIN numbers or access codes each time a transaction involving a different account is desired. 
         [0005]    In one particular embodiment, the multi-account access system is implemented in a casino environment so users have easy access to resources when desired. This is also an environment where loyalty cards are frequently used, thus providing the desired coordination between loyalty accounts and financial accounts is particularly beneficial. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Further objects and advantages of the invention set forth in the claims can be seen by reviewing the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a multi account access card system; and 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is schematic illustration of the system architecture implementing the multi account access card system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0009]    In order to provide more convenience and additional options for card holders, the systems further outlined below provide mechanisms which allow a card holder to access multiple accounts using a single card. More particularly, the systems and mechanisms allow access to accounts of many different types, and accounts maintained or supported by many different organizations, using a single card. Mechanisms are also provided to embed the necessary information into a single card (i.e. within the magnet strip or chip contained on the card) to accommodate access to multiple accounts. This will typically include multiple account numbers and related information regarding the type of accounts involved, thus allowing considerable amounts of flexibility and freedom for the user. Furthermore, mechanisms are provided in the related systems, such as point of sale devices, card readers, card processing systems, etc. so the multiple accounts will be recognized. Upon recognition that the card supports multiple accounts, the related systems will then prompt a user to carry out appropriate actions, such as selecting the desired account and desired action. As one example, after information on the card has been read, the user may be prompted to select from a credit account, a prepaid account, or a loyalty program to process the contemplated transactions. In each of these situations, the user is provided with considerable amounts of flexibility and many options, using one particular card. 
         [0010]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a schematic illustration of one potential use for the multi account access card system is illustrated. In this particular example, a bank card  20  is illustrated as one example of the possible card type. As is well recognized, bank card  20  will typically include an account number  22  and other identifying information. In this particular example, bank card  20  also includes a chip  24  which is specifically designed to carry information, including security mechanisms and account information. As will be also recognized by those skilled in the art, bank card  20  also typically includes a magnetic strip (not shown) on the back side which also carries information. Although the bank account number  22  is readily visible on the front side, information carried by chip  24  and the magnetic strip also provide the ability to enable additional features and options for a user, thus providing the additional features contemplated by the present systems. 
         [0011]    As discussed above, bank card  20  illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes both chip  24  and a magnetic strip (not shown, but understood to exist on the back of card  20 ). Both of these elements are used for data storage purposes, and can be read by the related card processing systems. Although having both of these elements on the card provides certain benefits, it should be understood that the present systems and mechanisms are operable using either one of the data storage mechanisms alone. It is contemplated that card  20  may include only the magnetic strip, or may include only chip  24 , or may include both of these data storage elements. 
         [0012]    In the present example system, bank card  20  is the tool utilized to initiate various transactions. In this process, the bank card  20  will be presented to a merchant or organization combination which has the ability to read the card, and process all additional information. In the process illustrated, card  20  is first read at step  32  to identify all relevant information carried thereon. Next, the system will process the retrieved information, determine or identify all relevant account information, and prompt the user to select a desired account. As one example, the card may contain information related to a banking account and a payment processing account (e.g. PayPal™ or E-Pay™). At step  36  the user will select the desired account to be used, thus further instructing the system to process information accordingly. Next, at step  38 , the system will retrieve data from the appropriate institution as necessary. As illustrated, the data sources  40  may include financial institution data  42 , payment processing organization information  44 , loyalty program data  46 , or membership information  48 . Naturally, other examples are possible. Once the information is retrieved, the transaction can thus be appropriately processed at step  50 . 
         [0013]    Although not specifically illustrated in  FIG. 1 , it will be understood that the systems and mechanisms both on card  20 , and within processing systems (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) will include various levels of security and data protection. This will necessarily include appropriate data transfer protocols, encryption mechanisms, password protections, and other security measures. 
         [0014]    As an additional example, the card systems and mechanisms described here are particularly beneficial in the gaming environment. As is well known, and expected by gaming customers, player tracking cards provide many benefits and additional “perks” that enhance the gaming experience. In most instances, a player tracking card is issued to a customer which can then be inserted into special card readers throughout a casino. When player tracking cards are used, the player will accumulate points, prizes, credits, and other benefits based upon many different criteria (i.e. the amount of time spent playing certain games, the wagering patterns of the user, random drawings of players, etc.). The benefits and possible additional payouts provided to the user create additional levels of satisfaction and excitement. That said, the current systems do require the player to maintain a separate player tracking card, which is not necessarily “attached” or coordinated with other cards. 
         [0015]    In an casino environment, a single card can be used with additional information stored thereon. For example, a player tracking card may have information related to a player tracking account, and information related to a payment account (i.e. E-pay account, in-house account, etc.). thus allowing for both the payment of wagers, and carrying out typical player tracking activities. Yet further, the player tracking card may provide appropriate information to access a debit account at one of the player&#39;s financial institutions. Alternatively, the player tracking information could be added to a credit card, thus allowing for the use of the single card to perform player tracking activities and payment activities. By providing this wide access to various accounts using a single card, player convenience is greatly enhanced. 
         [0016]    It should be noted that any number of accounts could be linked to or correlated with a single card using the appropriate systems and mechanisms generally outlined above. In an additional example, this could include a single credit card linked to the financial institution which backs the credit provided, linked to an electronic payment account, and also linked to multiple loyalty programs. When such a card is used in a payment transaction, the user will be prompted to select which of these several accounts they wish to use, thus allowing multiple levels of payment options to the user (e.g. pay with credit, pay with loyalty points, pay with electronic payment account, etc.). 
         [0017]    As suggested above, the systems and mechanisms used will include several levels of security. In addition, due to the diverse nature of the accounts involved, it will be necessary to have an overall account management tool, which will accommodate all necessary data transfer protocols, in addition to the levels of security involved. Using such a system however, each account is separately protected, since the management system will simply be cooperating with the systems managed by the account holders (e.g. bank systems, e-payment systems, credit systems, loyalty program systems, player tracking systems, etc.). 
         [0018]    While the illustration of  FIG. 1  generally contemplates the processing of a “transaction” it will be understood that this could include many types of exchanges, transfers, payments, adjustments, etc. Naturally, payment transaction and or financial transactions are clearly contemplated amongst various types of accounts. Further, loyalty based transactions (i.e. redemption of points, miles, or other credits) could also easily be carried out. In addition, a transaction may involve the acquisition or purchasing of “points” thus adding further value to the loyalty programs in which a user is involved. This is all made possible by the appropriate storing of information on the card itself, and the related systems which provide the desired levels of coordination. 
         [0019]    As suggested above, the present system and method provides mechanisms for users to uniformly access several types of accounts. Turning now to  FIG. 2 , one example is illustrated where a credit account is accessible by a player in a casino environment. As will be recognized, this system is applicable and useable but many different locations by multiple users and coordinating with multiple card issuers. For example, a similar system could be implemented at many facilities in the travel industry, coordinating access based on loyalty cards and/or credit cards. Examples include hotels, rental car facilities, and airlines. Further, additional safeguards or protections can be included to ensure security, proper data handling, and adherence to various regulations related to credit access. 
         [0020]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2  which specifically outlines the use of the system in a casino environment, a player  200  typically has access to credit cards  202 , loyalty cards  204  and e-card account details  206 . Where appropriate, other types of cards may be utilized to provide identification and appropriate designations, such as a membership card, etc. In the present system, these cards are primarily utilized to provide identification and appropriate information to a casino  220 . In this example, casino  220  will include a central casino computer system  228  which is configured and programmed to coordinate several operations. In addition, casino  220  will include gaming machines  222 , a casino cashier  224 , and a loyalty program database  226 . As will be appreciated, these systems and devices allow for the storage and communication of vast amounts of information. Additionally, these systems and devices provide for the coordination of necessary communications, and allow for the correlation between various types of accounts. As mentioned above, the casino  220  will provide the ability for correlation between loyalty cards and appropriate credit accounts for a particular user. In this manor, additional flexibility is provided for all. 
         [0021]    In one particular example, a player may desire to access additional credit while at gaming machine  222 . As will likely be anticipated, player  200  typically will provide loyalty information to the gaming machine via a loyalty card, or other identifying information, thus allowing casino computer systems  228  to access additional information related to the player. Upon receipt of a credit request from player  200 , casino computer systems  228  will utilize a communication interface or account management system  230 , to access a financial institution or card issuer  250  so that the desired transaction can be accommodated. As will be appreciated, Account management system  230  will operated as a desired interface between multiple systems, and will include necessarily security and encryption provisions  232  to maintain security of all information. In the present example, a credit request is presented to card issuer  250  which includes identifying information and an amount designation. Upon a receipt of this information, the card issuer (i.e. financial institution) can then perform necessary verifications and processes to accommodate the desired credit request. Although this may take many forms, a user verification  252  will typically be required, along with an appropriate credit authorization process  254 . To provide additional security, an additional verification process with the player may be necessary. For example, this may involve receiving authorization via a wireless communication device  260 , confirming that the desired credit request is actually coming from the player. 
         [0022]    Further, assuming the credit authorization has been approved, the system illustrated in  FIG. 2  further accommodates communication back to casino  220 , thus allowing the approved amounts to be transferred to the appropriate accounts. In this particular example, the approved amount will be transferred to player account  225 , which could then be accessed by various systems within casino  220 . 
         [0023]    In addition to the details outlined above, account management system  230  could also include player controls or limits to prevent abuse and overspending. Clearly, this is a personal choice of the user, but overall controls could be incorporated at this point since the communication interface  230  is uniquely position to oversee multiple transactions. 
         [0024]    The above outlined system and process can be uniquely applied to credit transactions, which have not traditionally been used in the casino environment. The additional requirements for credit authorization and related security make this somewhat more complicated. However, various authorization and verification processes can certainly accommodate these processes. In addition, from the financial institution perspective, it is more straightforward, and less cash intensive to utilize credit accounts or credit cards. The credit cards contemplated may include classic credit card, as are well recognized in the industry, general purpose reloadable credit cards, or other types of credit accounts. Financial institutions appreciate and recognize the benefit of utilizing these accounts since lower capitalization requirements exist, and transaction processing is generally well accepted. 
         [0025]    Various embodiments of the invention have been described above for purposes of illustrating the details thereof and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The details and features of the disclosed embodiment[s] are not intended to be limiting, as many variations and modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include all variations and modifications coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.