Patent Publication Number: US-6663006-B2

Title: Prepayment wristband and computer debit system

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/993,280, filed on Nov. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,557, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/694,616, filed on Oct. 23, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,205 B1, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/206,127, filed on Mar. 3, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,368. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to computerized accounting systems, and more particularly to a pseudo monetary system in which a prepayment or authorization is initially exchanged for a bar-coded wristband, and subsequent financial transactions are carried out in association with the use of the wristband and debiting the corresponding account by the value of the financial transaction. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The time honored system of exchanging cash or legal tender for goods and services is an established custom, and is widely accepted for final payment. Over time, personal business checks have become a customary manner for payment of goods and services without the use of cash. Even more recently, credit cards have become the recognized technique for purchasing goods and services on credit, and for later payment thereof to the credit card issuing company. 
     While the foregoing methods of payment represent an established and accepted method for purchasing goods or services, certain shortcomings exist. For example, there exists certain abuses in the use of checks or credit cards which operate to the detriment of businesses. For example, checks and credit cards may be stolen or be worthless and thus uncollectible. Checks can be written with insufficient account funds, thereby providing a business risk to entities accepting the same. Among other disadvantages, certain situations exist in which cash, credit cards or checks cannot be easily carried or used due to the nature of the environment. For instance, in water parks, beaches, bars and in similar environments, it is difficult to conveniently carry cash, checks or credit cards on the person. Nevertheless, in such environments, there is often the opportunity to purchase goods and services which require the exchange of money, a promise to pay, or an authorization to use a credit card for subsequent payment to the vendor. Not only does the use of cash or checks present the opportunity for destruction due to water, there is always the risk of loss due to the inability to safely carry the same in bathing suits and the like. The problem is exacerbated with the use of money by children where currency and change can often be lost, and at the very least, the accountability of financial transactions to assure that the proper change has been received. 
     Certain of the foregoing problems have been addressed by employing credit cards that are specially issued for particular limited uses, and are limited for a specific period of time. For example, ocean cruise ships utilize a special issue credit card to passengers for purchasing goods and services provided on the ship and only for the duration of the cruise. The special issue credit card is issued after taking an imprint of the passenger&#39;s major credit card, to provide authorization for securing final payment through the issuing major credit card company. Thereafter, the passenger can use the special issue credit card without having to carry cash, personal checks or traveler&#39;s checks. The disadvantage to such system is that the special issue credit card can yet be misplaced or stolen, and thus used by an unauthorized person. A computer system is believed to be used with the special issue credit card to totalize the sales transactions so that final payment can be obtained from the major credit card issuer. 
     In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that a need exists for a pseudo monetary system where cash, checks or credit cards are not required to be carried at all times, but yet where financial transactions can be readily carried out. A further need exists for a pseudo monetary system where an initial payment or authorization is exchanged in return for a device which, itself has no monetary value, but which is only a medium of associating an account in a data base with transactions where the prepayment or authorized amount is reduced or debited. A further need exists for a pseudo monetary system in which it is difficult to lose or subject to destruction the device, but when lost or destroyed, the device cannot be used by others to debit the prepaid or authorized amount. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the invention, a pseudo monetary system is described, wherein a wristband or similar device is initially exchanged for a prepayment or an authorization or promise to pay, and subsequent transactions by the person wearing the wristband are debited against the initial prepayment. If a transaction involves an amount that exceeds a current balance associated with the prepayment, such transaction can either be prevented from occurring, or can be carried out based on an authorized override by operators of the system. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a waterproof wristband is exchanged for a specified prepayment of money made by cash, or by authorization to pay made by credit card or other acceptable means. The wristband includes at least one bar code that represents a unique number. Further, the wristband has an adhesive section for securing around the wrist of a person. Security slits in the adhesive area prevent the removal of the wristband without destruction thereof. In the preferred form of the invention, the wristband also includes a human-readable number that is identical to the number encoded in the bar code. The identification of the wristband can be quickly acquired either by scanning the bar code of the wristband, or visually by reading the human readable number. 
     Associated with the wristband of the invention is a computerized accounting system having a central data base connected by a local area network to plural stations having purchase transaction equipment. The computerized accounting system is programmed to initially read the wristband bar code on the issuance thereof, and associate the number with a calendar date of issuance, an account number, the amount of prepayment, and other information. On each subsequent financial transaction involving the wristband, the wristband is again scanned, whereupon the bar code identification number is cross-referenced to the account number and the calendar date. If the issue date of the wristband differs from the date of the present transaction, the transaction cannot be carried out. Further, if the amount of purchase of the goods and services exceeds the current balance of the account, the transaction cannot be completed, except for certain circumstances. If, on the other hand, the date of wristband issuance matches the date of the transaction, and if the purchase amount does not exceed the current balance of the account, the transaction is allowed to continue, whereupon the current balance is debited by the purchase amount. The transactions can routinely continue throughout the day without the use of cash, credit cards or checks, until the purchase amount exceeds the current balance. 
     Wristbands that have been lost or indicate destruction by removal thereof are voided by the operator of the transaction station, thus providing a degree of additional security to persons who may have inadvertently lost the wristband. 
     The computerized accounting system is further programmed to provide reconciliation of accounts at the end of the day by refunding unused amounts of cash prepayments, and reconciling credit card accounts to the actual amount spent and thereby bill the credit card companies appropriately. Credit card accounts are automatically reconciled at the end of the day, while cash accounts can be reconciled only on request by the participant and the surrender of the wristband. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more particular description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters generally refer to the same parts or elements throughout the view, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 depicts in simplified form the wristband of the invention utilized in conjunction with a computerized accounting system; 
     FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the wristband, illustrating the use of a peel strip to expose an adhesive section for fastening the wristband to a user; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the manner in which the wristband is attached to a user; 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of the wristband of the preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the duplicated bar codes and the human readable identification; 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the computerized accounting system, illustrating the connection of a file server data base via a LAN system to plural transaction stations; 
     FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  are flow charts illustrating the programmed operations of a computerized accounting system in processing an exemplary transaction; and 
     FIG. 7 illustrates the correlation of a wristband bar code with associated data base information. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated the wristband  10  and the computerized accounting system  12  according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. The wristband  10  is fabricated so as to be secured around the wrist of a user, and includes a bar code  14  or other identification, which can be input into the computerized accounting system  12  and associated with a specified prepayment. The computerized accounting system  12  includes a bar code reader  20  and a laser wand  16  and associated electronic transaction equipment  18  for decoding the scanned signals and transforming the same into digital signals. The financial transaction equipment  18  can be associated with other computerized equipment for operation with a local area network  22 , in the event a number of transaction stations  18  are employed. The local area network  22  connects each of the transaction stations  18  with a central data base, comprising a file server  24 . 
     In brief summary of the operation of the system, a user initially exchanges a specified amount of money by way of cash or provide authorization to pay via a credit card, in return for a wristband  10 . The laser wand  16  is utilized to initially scan the bar code  14  of the wristband  10 , and input other data via the transaction station  18  for transferring the information to the file server data base  24 . The computer of the file server data base  24  associates the bar code number  14  with a issue date, an account number, the amount of prepayment or authorization, as well as other useful information. During subsequent financial transactions in which the user desires to purchase goods or services, the bar code  14  of the wristband  10  is again scanned, and the purchase amount data is input into the transaction station  18  and transferred to the file server  24 . If the transaction amount does not exceed the current balance for that account number, the transaction is allowed to be carried out, and the account is debited by the transaction amount. On the other hand, if the transaction amount exceeds the current balance of that account, the computerized accounting system  12  can prevent the transaction from being completed. As will be described in more detail below, the computerized accounting system  12  can be programmed to accept authorization to complete the transaction when the transaction amount exceeds the current account balance. The foregoing system is highly advantageous as cash, checks or credit cards do not need to be carried by the user throughout the day, rather only the wristband  10  is required for each financial transaction. 
     With reference now to FIGS. 2-4, there is illustrated the wrist band preferred embodiment of the invention. The wristband  10  is about nine and one-half inches in length and three-fourths inch in width, thereby affording a size that can be used in a wide variety of wrist sizes. The wristband  10  is constructed of a base material comprising a white paper. 
     As shown in FIG. 2 the wristband  10  has on the back side thereof an area having an adhesive backing  26  protected by a peel strip  28 . Hence, when it is desired to secure the wristband  10  around the user&#39;s wrist, the peel strip  28  is removed, thereby exposing the adhesive area  26 . The wristband can then be wrapped around the wrist in the form shown in FIG. 3 to thereby adhere the wristband onto itself in a semi-permanent manner. 
     In FIG. 4, there are shown the various printed indicia formed on the wristband and protected by the waterproof coating, comprising a smudge proof Kimdura protective cover. The wristband is then covered with a waterproof varnish comprising a clear matte polyester laminate. With such construction, the wristband  10  is flexible but yet is durable and resistant to easy tearing, destruction, smearing or obliteration of the bar code. 
     In accordance with an important feature of the invention, security slits  30  are formed through the wristband in the adhesive section  26 . The security slits  30  can be formed either vertically or diagonally to define areas of weakness so that the wristband tears in such area should attempts be made to forcefully separate the wristband when adhered to itself, such as when secured to a wrist. The purposeful removal of the wristband  10  is accomplished by forcefully pulling on the wristband until it tears along the security slits  30 . Thus, a wristband  10  that either has the peel strip  28  removed, or is torn along the security slits  30  is automatically invalidated and cannot thereafter be used. Attempted reuse of a wristband  10  torn along the security slits  30  is visually perceptible and easily detected. This prevents persons from forcefully removing wristbands from other persons and using the same in an unauthorized manner. Should a wristband  10  become inadvertently torn along the security slits  30 , it can be replaced on the showing of proper identification of the person. Other areas of weakness in the wristband  10  can be notches  31  formed in the edges of the wristband material. The notches  31  allow tearing of the wristband material, preferably through the bar code area, thereby preventing reading of the bar code. Otherwise, the notches  31  serve the same purpose as the security slits  30  described above. 
     It should be realized that the wristband is not constructed of a highly durable or tear resistant material, thereby enabling the wristband  10  to be forcefully removed should it catch or snag on stationary protruding objects when the person is moving. For example, the wristband is separable from the user if snagged when the person slides down a waterslide. Injury to the person in such situations is thus avoided. 
     According to the preferred form of the invention, the wristband  10  includes a first bar code  14   a  and a second, identical bar code  14   b , to provide versatility for convenient reading of the code. Further, a human readable number  32  is provided in the area of the security slits  30 . Two identical bar codes  14   a  and  14   b  are utilized so that access to at least one bar code is readily available when scanning the same while attached to a user&#39;s wrist. It may be found that only a single bar code is acceptable. 
     Those skilled in the art may find that identifications other than bar codes can be utilized to associate the user with an account number in the data base. For example, the user&#39;s name itself may be sufficiently unique, and can be made or printed on the wristband at the time of issuance. Also, the human readable number need not be the same as the bar code number, but can be a related number or designation. 
     Graphic areas  36  and  38  may be employed for promotional purposes. Further, various instructional messages or text, such as shown in areas  40  and  42  may provide the user with appropriate instructions concerning the use of the wristband, disclaimers, etc. 
     While the bar codes  14   a  and  14   b  can be of any conventional type compatible with scanning equipment, the preferred form of the invention utilizes bar coding in the base  36 , and a code  39  type of bar code. The bar codes  14  are imprinted on the wristband with a density of 7 characters per inch. Also, the bar code  14  is of the Midax image. It should be understood that many other types of bar codes or encoding schemes can be utilized to uniquely identify each wristband  10 , and associate it with data in the file server data base  24 . The wristbands of the invention can be made substantially identical, except for the bar codes  14 . However, different styles of wristbands can be made with different overall colors in association with different prepayment amounts. For example, red colors in the graphic areas  36  and  38  may indicate that the wristband  10  can be utilized in exchange for $10.00. Further, a magenta color of the graphic areas  36  and  38  may indicate that the wristband can be exchanged for $25.00. Many other types of predefined exchange values can be realized. Further, yet another color of the graphic areas  36  and  38  can indicate a variable exchange amount that is agreed upon by the user and the operator of the transaction stations  18 . With a variable exchange amount, a child or other person can obtain a wristband  10  with pocket change that the person has, such as $2.38. 
     With reference to FIG. 5, there is illustrated the computerized accounting system  12  of the invention. Although the invention may find a wide variety of applications in a number of different fields, the accounting system  12  of FIG. 5 is particularly adapted for use in an entertainment park of the type where many water activities are available, thus avoiding the use of cash, checks or credit cards, which would be burdensome or easily lost. The computerized accounting system  12  includes a file server  50  connected by a high speed local area network  52  having plural hubs  54  connected to other equipment. The high speed network hubs  54  are connected in the preferred embodiment to bar code readers  56  and registers  58  located at a front gate of the water park. The front gate bar code readers  56  and registers  58  are utilized for exchanging credit or cash in return for wristbands  10  described above. Numerous front gate transaction stations can be employed to accommodate customers, and are connected to the file server  50  by way of the high speed hubs  54 . Also connected to the file server  50  is equipment located at a service window, such as shown by reference character  60 . The service window  60 , or service counter, includes a bar code reader  62 , a register  64  and a personal computer  66 , connected to the high speed network  52 . Lost and broken wristbands  10  and other associated problems can be addressed by the users at the service windows  60 . Further, the depleted individual accounts can be reestablished at the service window  60  for the payment of additional cash or extended credit by way of credit cards. One high speed network hub  54  is shown connected to an additional administrative finance server for producing administrative reports and other data or statistics with respect to the system  12 . 
     A personal computer scanner-controller  70  is effective to connect a lower speed network  72  to the file server  50 , via one of the high speed hubs  54 . The scanner controller  70  is connected by an RS232, or other similar communication link, to a multi-port controller  74 . Each port of the controller  74  is connected to a hub, such as shown by reference numeral  76 . Each port of a hub  76  is connected to the equipment of various transaction stations  18 , each having a bar code reader  78 , a keypad  80  and a register  82 . One or more of the transaction stations  18  can be located at activity centers of the water park, such as beaches, lockers, restaurants, water slides, etc. As noted in FIG. 5, each network hub  76  accommodates only a specified number of transaction stations  18 , thus necessitating a number of hubs  76  to accommodate a suitable number of transaction stations  18 . In the preferred form of the invention, the low-speed network  72  comprises a Tnet network while the high speed network  52  comprises an Arcnet network. 
     The transaction stations  18  are located where the purchase of goods or services is desired by the users of the wristbands  10 . In order to purchase goods or services, the user requests the same at a transaction station  18 . The operator or attendant of the transaction station  18  then rings the sale and tax on the register  82 , and keys the transaction amount on the keypad  80 . Further, the operator keys a daily identification number (DIN) into the keypad  80 . Lastly, the attendant scans the user&#39;s wristband  10  with the bar code reader  78 . The register  82  provides the user with a printed receipt of the transaction. The amount of the transaction is input into the accounting system  12  by way of the keypad  80 , and then a “band charge” key is depressed. 
     According to the accounting system  12  of the invention, the daily identification number (DIN) is assigned to each transaction station operator to achieve a high degree of security by maintaining the operator&#39;s and the input of data of each transaction station  18  independent of each other. The daily identification number of each attendant changes from day to day, and is different with respect to each attendant. This procedure thereby isolates the transactions of each attendant from the others, and makes the attendant responsible for the data and transactions input into the accounting system  12 . 
     In carrying out an exemplary transaction, the scanning of the wristband bar code  14  inputs the unique wristband number into the system. The accounting system  12  uses the wristband number as an index for searching the data base  50  to find the related account number and the balance remaining therein. Various transactions involving the purchase of goods, such as souvenirs, etc., and services such as rides, water sports, etc., can all be purchased using the wristband  10 . 
     The operations of an exemplary transaction, as carried out by the transaction stations  18  in conjunction with the computerized accounting system  12  are shown in FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b . With specific reference to FIG. 6 a , reference numeral  100  illustrates the operation wherein a customer requests a purchase of either goods or services at a transaction station  18 . The attendant at the transaction station  18  rings up a sale on the cash register  82  corresponding to the value of the goods and services. Next, and as illustrated in decision block  102 , the attendant determines whether the payment will be by way of the wristband charge. If the payment is not by use of the wristband  10 , then the cash or credit card exchange takes place as shown in program flow block  104 . On the other hand, if the customer wishes to utilize the wristband  10  as the medium for pseudo money, then the attendant keys in the amount on the keypad  80 . This is shown in program flow block  106 . As noted in block  108 , the attendant at the transaction station  18  depresses the “band charge” key on the keypad  80  as well as the daily identification number (DIN) as shown in block  110 . Then, the attendant scans the bar code  14  on the wristband  10  as shown in block  112 . The foregoing information is all transferred from the transaction station  18 , via the low speed network  72  and the high speed network  52  to the data base, or file server  50 . 
     When the data base file server  50  receives such information, a determination is made as to whether the DIN is valid or invalid, as noted in decision block  114 . If the DIN is invalid, then no further action is carried out by the data base, except by notifying the attendant of an optional input for the correct DIN. On the other hand, if the DIN is correct, the wristband number  14  is utilized as an index for searching the data base  50  for the appropriate account number. This is shown in program flow block  116 . 
     With brief reference to FIG. 7, there is shown in example form the manner in which the file server data base  50  utilizes the wristband number  14  as an index for searching the data base. As can be appreciated, one or more wristbands can all be associated with a single account number. For instance, a family of five members may each have a wristband, each with a different bar code number  14 . However, the family may have a single account with a single prepaid balance. Hence, when any one of the wristband numbers is compared with the wristband numbers of the data base, at least one match will be found. The match directs the data base file server  50  to the appropriate account number, which has associated therewith the issue date of the wristbands  10  and the account balance. It should be understood that other types of information can also be associated with the account number, such as names of the users, credit card issuing company, expiration date, credit card number, etc. While the example shows a number of wristband numbers associated with a single account number, each wristband  10  may be opened with its own account number and against which subsequent purchases are debited only by the user of the wristband  10 . 
     In FIG. 6 b , decision block  118  indicates the programmed operations in which the wristband issue date is compared with the present transaction date. As noted above, the preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates that a wristband  10  is valid only for a single day, and thus transactions on the date of issue of the wristband are the only valid transactions that can take place. If the issue date of the wristband  10  differs from the transaction date, program flow branches to block  120  where the transaction is canceled, and in any event, it cannot be carried out. An affirmative result of decision block  118  transfers processing to decision block  122  where it is determined if the transaction amount is less than the account balance. If an affirmative result ensues, the transaction station  18  is caused to print a receipt, as shown in block  124 , and a new account balance is calculated as shown in program flow block  126 . While not shown in the flow chart, many record and statistical types of data are maintained, but are not necessary for the practice of the invention. 
     In the event the transaction amount is greater than the account balance, program flow branches from block  122  to decision block  128 . According to an important feature of the invention, certain transactions exceeding the account balance can be approved and carried out, based on various levels of personnel approval. In other words, if the transaction exceeds the account balance by a small amount less than a threshold amount, then approval by the transaction station attendant is sufficient to allow the transaction to proceed. On the other hand, if the transaction amount exceeds the account balance substantially above a threshold amount, then supervisor approval may be required. The threshold can be preprogrammed into the data base file server  50  as a percent of the initial prepaid amount, or the threshold can be programmed as a fixed dollar amount. Further, the threshold can be variable depending on various other parameters. 
     The remainder of the flow chart of FIG. 6 b  can be best understood based on an example. If there is $15.00 remaining as the account balance, and a customer has offered payment by way of the wristband  10  for a meal that is $16.00, and assuming a threshold of $17.00, then program flow branches from decision block  128  to block  130 . Here, the data base file server  50  provides a display to the transaction station attendant of the exact dollar amount by which the transaction exceeds the present balance. In decision block  132 , the attendant has the discretion of allowing or disallowing the transaction to continue by the input in the keypad  80 . If the attendant decides not to authorize the transaction, a negative input on keypad  80  is received by the data base file server  50 , whereupon the transaction is canceled. This is shown in program flow block  134 . If the attendant provides an affirmative input on the keypad  80 , program flow proceeds to block  136  for carrying out the transaction. In this block, a printout receipt is obtained from the register  82  and is presented to the customer for signing. Program flow block  138  is then carried out, where the account balance is zeroed, and no further transactions involving the wristband  10  can be carried out until a further prepaid amount is submitted. 
     In the example noted above with respect to decision block  128 , the account balance was $15.00 and the threshold was $17.00. If, for example, the customer has purchased a meal for $20.00, then such amount exceeds the threshold, and program flow branches to block  140 . The transaction amount that exceeds the present balance is displayed to the transaction station attendant on the keypad  80 . Additionally, the attendant is provided with a visual indication that supervisor level approval is required in order to continue the transaction. In situations such as noted in the example, it may be better to risk receiving payment for the excess balance, rather than refuse service to the customer and waste the food unnecessarily. If such a situation exists, then the supervisor of the attendant can provide approval by inputting a special code or key into the keypad  80 . This is shown in program flow block  142 . If no supervisor approval is input, but rather a negative response is provided, program flow branches from decision block  142  to block  134  where the transaction is canceled. On the other hand, if an affirmative response is input by the supervisor, program flow branches to block  144  where a printout receipt is provided to the customer for signing. The receipt signed in program flow blocks  136  and  134  is preferably of the type suitable for use with credit cards to secure payment thereof. Advantageously, if prepayment for the wristband  10  was by way of credit card, such information can be stored in the data base, in association with the account number. Again, the account balance is reduced to zero, as noted in program flow block  146 . While the preferred programming of the computerized accounting system  12  accommodates the authorization of transactions exceeding the account balance, other situations may dictate that such an option is unnecessary or undesirable. 
     While not shown in program flow block form, the computerized accounting system  12  is also programmed to reconcile accounts at the end of each business day. If cash was utilized as a prepayment for one or more wristbands, then such wristbands can be surrendered at the end of the day, the account reconciled, and any excess returned to the customers. On the other hand, if prepayment was by way of credit card, the customers do not need to surrender the wristbands, and at the end of the business day the computerized accounting system  12  automatically reconciles the account and issues a credit to the appropriate credit card company for the difference between the prepaid amount and the balance existing at the end of the day. Those skilled in the art may find that many other techniques may be utilized for reconciling the various accounts. 
     While the foregoing preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in conjunction with an entertainment park, the invention may find a variety of applications in other areas, such as retail merchandising and other gaming or entertainment businesses. Also, while a wristband is utilized in connection with the preferred embodiment, other articles attached to a user can be employed with equal effectiveness. For example, finger rings, belts, armbands, pendants, T-shirts, sunglasses and other articles can be used with identifications thereon to associate the user with an account in a computerized data base. According, it is to be understood that many changes in detail may be made as a matter of engineering or programming choices, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.