Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US8024272
Timestamp: 2015-01-31 08:37:22
Document Index: 625695040

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 2', 'Application No. 03742774']

Patent US8024272 - Methods and systems for exchanging/transferring gift cards - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsMethods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus,...http://www.google.com/patents/US8024272?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US8024272 - Methods and systems for exchanging/transferring gift cardsAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS8024272 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 12/758,677Publication dateSep 20, 2011Filing dateApr 12, 2010Priority dateFeb 15, 2002Also published asCA2476467A1, CA2476500A1, CA2476502A1, EP1481351A2, EP1481351A4, EP1481352A2, EP1481352A4, EP1481374A1, EP1481374A4, EP2515281A1, EP2521106A1, EP2541509A1, US7653599, US8103586, US8229851, US20060064379, US20100100481, US20100198726, US20110307378, WO2003071386A2, WO2003071386A3, WO2003071386A9, WO2003071387A2, WO2003071387A3, WO2003071495A1Publication number12758677, 758677, US 8024272 B2, US 8024272B2, US-B2-8024272, US8024272 B2, US8024272B2InventorsMichael Doran, Douglas A. Martin, Scott A. Dean, Jessaca Jacobson, Kim P. Hanson, Kerry SmithOriginal AssigneeCoinstar, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (99), Non-Patent Citations (47), Referenced by (8), Classifications (46), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethods and systems for exchanging/transferring gift cardsUS 8024272 B2Abstract Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,594, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/504,436, which is a U.S. national phase application of PCT/US03/04603, filed Feb. 14, 2003, which claims priority to the following U.S. Provisional Patent Applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/357,331, filed Feb. 15, 2002; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/357,555, filed Feb. 15, 2002; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/419,735, filed Oct. 18, 2002; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/424,377, filed Nov. 6, 2002. This application incorporates all of the patent Applications listed above in their entireties by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates generally to methods and systems for exchanging one form of value for another form of value and, more particularly, to methods and systems for transferring value to an account, or for providing or reloading prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, event tickets, and the like.
BACKGROUND Various vending machines are configured to dispense selected products to users in exchange for exact amounts of money. Such machines include, for example, food dispensing machines, stamp dispensing machines, ticket dispensing machines, and the like. Other machines are configured to count arbitrary numbers and denominations of coins received from users. One such coin-counting machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,079 to Molbak (�the '079 Patent to Molbak�), which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In one embodiment, the Molbak coin-counting machine can dispense a redeemable voucher to a user for an amount related to the value of coins received from the user. This redeemable voucher can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at, for example, a point-of-sale (POS) location in the retail outlet where the machine is located.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partially schematic isometric view of a value exchange machine configured in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION This application incorporates the following U.S. patents in their entireties by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,746,299; 6,047,808; 5,988,348; 6,196,371; 6,116,402; 6,349,972; and 5,909,793.
The following disclosure describes methods and systems for converting one form of value into another form of value. �Value,� as used herein, means anything of monetary worth, such as money, credit, time (e.g., long-distance or cell phone minutes), event and travel tickets, merchandise, and the like. Further, as used throughout this disclosure, the term �card� shall be understood to include both prepaid and non-prepaid cards, unless the particular context requires otherwise. The term �prepaid card� can refer to any instrument useable in commerce in place of money, or any instrument that entitles the bearer to acquire, utilize, or exhaust any commercially available product or service. Examples of prepaid cards in this context include prepaid credit cards, prepaid cash cards, stored-value cards, in-store credit cards, gift cards, prepaid phone cards, payroll cards, and the like. Throughout this disclosure, for ease of reference the term �prepaid cash card� will be understood to include at least prepaid cash card, prepaid credit card, and stored-value card. Examples of �non-prepaid� cards can include conventional credit cards, and the like. Such prepaid and non-prepaid cards typically include at least one of a readable magnetic stripe, bar code, computer/memory chip, smart card chip, and the like.
In one embodiment, the system described herein can receive a random plurality of coins from a user, count the coins, and, if the user desires, dispense a prepaid card to the user having a value related to the total value of the coins received. This prepaid card may then be used by the user, or another person authorized by the user, to pay for goods and/or services at a variety of different retail locations. In another embodiment, the system disclosed herein can dispense a prepaid card to a user in return for loose coins, paper currency, and/or a valid credit card account number that is provided card to purchase another prepaid card. In yet another embodiment, the system disclosed herein can dispense a prepaid card to a user in return for funds debited from a financial institution account (e.g., a savings, checking account, or brokerage account) that is provided by the user. In yet another embodiment, a user may utilize any of the foregoing methods of payment to �top up� (i.e., to �reload,� �recharge,� or otherwise increase the value of) an existing prepaid card. Thus, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, a user can purchase or top up a prepaid card with 1) cash (loose coins and/or currency); 2) credit (e.g., credit cards, check cards, etc.); 3) debit (e.g., debit cards, ATM cards, etc.); 4) existing prepaid cards; 5) bank account funds; or 6) any combination of the above.
Further, the methods and systems described herein can also be used to transfer funds to an account of a user, to an account of another person, from an account of the user, and/or from an account of another person. Such transactions may include, for example, transferring value to or from a bank account, a brokerage account, a credit card account, long distance phone card account, an on-line payment account, a virtual account, and/or a virtual �e wallet.� As used herein, the term �account� shall be taken to mean at least the foregoing types of accounts, unless the particular context contradicts such an interpretation. In such transactions, the user may receive a receipt documenting the transaction instead of a card. In one such transaction, the user can utilize any of the methods of payment described above to transfer money from one account to another account (e.g., for a person-to-person payment or for bill payment). Similarly, the user may also elect to transfer the proceeds from any such payment to a bank account for direct deposit, to a cell phone account to obtain additional minutes, or to an on-line account (e.g., an �e-wallet�) for on-line purchases.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevation view of the drawer assembly 120 of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with an embodiment. In an aspect of this embodiment, the drawer assembly 120 includes a card reader 202, a bill acceptor 204, and a second keypad 206 (which may be encrypted). The bill acceptor 204 can be configured to receive paper currency (referred to herein simply as �currency�). The card reader 202 can be configured to read all forms of data storage media typically found on wallet-sized cards, such as conventional credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, and the like. In addition, in some embodiments, the card reader 202 can also be configured to write data to suitable data storage media typically found on such cards. Such data storage media can include one or more of magnetic stripes, bar codes, smart chips, and the like. The second keypad 206 can be used to enter information often associated with such cards, including a PIN.
In a further embodiment, a user can use the machine 100 to �reload� or add funds to a card (e.g., a cash, credit, or stored-value card). In this embodiment, the user utilizes the touch screen 117, the first keypad 114, and/or the user-selection buttons 115 to select the �reload� or �recharge� transaction, then swipes the card they would like to reload through the card reader 202. The user then deposits payment for the reload amount using coin, currency, and/or credit as described above. After confirming the receipt of funds, the machine 100 dispenses a receipt to the user via the receipt outlet 212. The funds received from the user are then credited to the desired card (or associated account), and are available for use immediately or within a relatively short time. In this embodiment and the previous embodiment, the user is not required to place a telephone call to a third-party service, such as a prepaid credit card account issuer, to activate the account.
As mentioned above, a prepaid cash card is only one form of �value� that can be output by the machine 100 in return for various forms of monetary exchange provided by a user. For example, in other embodiments the machine 100 can output tickets from the ticket outlet 210 or prepaid phone cards from the card outlet 208 after receiving sufficient funds via one or more of the card reader 202, the bill acceptor 204, or the coin input tray 106.
In yet another embodiment, a user may elect to use any of the fund input methods discussed above to electronically transfer money. In such transactions, the user may not receive a card having a value. Instead, the user may receive a receipt or other record documenting the transaction. For example, in one such transaction the user can utilize any of the methods of payment described above to transfer money to his or her account (e.g., a savings, checking, or credit card account) or to an account of another person (e.g., for a person-to-person payment or for a bill payment). Similarly, the user can also elect to transfer the proceeds from any such payment to a bank account for direct deposit, to a cell phone account (e.g., for long-distance telephone minutes), or to an on-line account (e.g., an �e-wallet�) for on-line purchases.
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 300 for exchanging various forms of value with the value exchange machine 100 of FIG. 1. In block 301, the user selects one or more forms of value desired as output. For example, a user can select any combination of redeemable cash voucher, prepaid cash card, gift card, phone card, ticket or other merchandise, etc. In addition or alternatively, the user may elect to transfer funds to or from an existing account, for example, to pay off a credit card balance; to increase funds in a checking, savings, or brokerage account; to add time to a long distance account; for a person-to-person payment; or for an �e-wallet.� Similarly, the user may elect to �top up� an existing prepaid cash card or cell phone account with additional value or minutes, respectively. Further, the user may elect to donate any portion of the deposited value to a nonprofit organization.
FIGS. 5-9 and the associated discussion provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which aspects of the invention can be implemented. Although not required, embodiments of the invention are described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as routines executed by a general purpose computer (e.g., a server or personal computer). Those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate that aspects of the invention can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including Internet appliances, hand-held devices, wearable computers, cellular or mobile phones, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the like. Further, aspects of the invention can be embodied in a special-purpose computer or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions described in detail below. Indeed, the term �computer,� as used generally herein, refers to any of the above-mentioned devices, as well as any data processor. In addition, throughout the discussion that follows, the term �web site� or similar will be understood to include, where required by the context, the associated server computer, databases, and other known structures and functions required to implement a web site.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating components of a value exchange system 500 configured in accordance with an embodiment. In one aspect of this embodiment, one or more value exchange machines 100 are connected to a server computer 502 via a first communications link 504. The value exchange machines 100 of this embodiment can be at least generally similar to the value exchange machine 100 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. The first communications link 504 may be a radio frequency (RF) communications link (e.g., wireless communications link), a modem, a computer network (such as a local area network (LAN)) an intranet, or the Internet. In another aspect of this embodiment, the first communications link 504 can also include or be associated with a �host� computer that receives communications from the value exchange machine(s) 100 and sends corresponding communications to appropriate recipient computers to carry out various aspects of the value exchange system 500.
In one embodiment, a user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card, visits one of the value exchange machines 100 at, for example, a retail outlet, and selects the desired transaction. If the user wishes to purchase the prepaid card using an existing credit card, the user �swipes� the existing credit card through the card reader 202 (FIG. 2) on the machine 100. After the user has entered any necessary codes or PINs, transaction information routes via the first communications link 504 to the server computer 502. The server computer 502 can then communicate with the financial institution computer 506 to authorize the transaction on the user's credit card account. If the financial institution computer 506 validates the transaction, it sends an authorization to the machine 100 to issue the user a prepaid cash card for the desired amount. In one aspect of this embodiment, in response to receiving the authorization, a card dispenser positioned within the machine 100 receives a card from an associated card hopper, reads an identification number off the card, and dispenses the card to the user. The machine 100 sends the card number to the server computer 502, and the server computer 502 updates a database with the card number and the associated value of the card, noting that that particular card is now active for usage. In this example, the server computer 502 can receive both card purchase transaction data and card �top up� transaction data originating from the machine 100.
In another embodiment of the value exchange system 500, the value of a card (e.g., a �smart card�) may be recorded (i.e., written) directly on the card itself (e.g., with a computer memory/processor on the card) and decremented each time the card is used. In this embodiment, the value exchange machine 100 can both read and write to cards and, accordingly, access to one or both of the server computer 502 and the financial institution computer 506 may not be required. For example, in one embodiment, the user selects the desired type of card (e.g., a prepaid cash card), and inputs funds (e.g., by depositing coins and/or cash). In this embodiment, after counting the funds received from the user to arrive at a value, the machine 100 can write that particular value to a new card and dispense the card to the user. In another embodiment, the user may desire to add value to an existing �smart card,� �stored-value card,� or the like. In this embodiment, after inputting his/her funds, the user can submit the existing smart card to the machine 100 to have the additional value written directly to the card (i.e., to �recharge� or �reload� the card). In either embodiment, when the card is subsequently used in commerce, a card writer at the POS can decrement the card for the amount of the particular purchase.
In block 620, the machine 100 outputs the results of the transaction to the user. As explained above, the output can include a cash redeemable voucher, a prepaid credit card or cash card, a prepaid phone card, and/or an event or travel ticket. In block 622, the machine 100 prints a receipt and issues it to the user for his/her records. In the event the user is �topping up� an existing credit card or phone card, or transferring money to or from an account, the user will receive a receipt documenting the money transfer. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that any combination of the foregoing transactional outputs is possible in accordance with this disclosure.
FIGS. 7-9 are flow diagrams that together illustrate a routine for conducting a transaction with the machine 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment. Referring first to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 700 for receiving a transaction selection from a user in one embodiment. In block 702, the user is prompted to select a transaction type or option. As illustrated in blocks 703, the user can select from numerous transaction options that include: obtaining a new prepaid card (block 704), reloading or �topping up� an existing prepaid card (block 706 a), obtaining a redeemable cash voucher (block 708), obtaining a prepaid phone card (block 710), obtaining a ticket or other item previously reserved and/or paid for over the Internet (block 712 a), adding minutes to an existing cell phone account (block 714 a), adding time to an existing long distance account (block 715 a), or transferring money to an account (block 716 a). After the user has selected the desired transaction, the machine may prompt the user for additional information. For example, if the user elects to reload a prepaid card (block 706 a), then in block 706 b the user is prompted to swipe the card through the card reader 202 (FIG. 2). In so doing, the machine 100 reads the card and verifies its validity by communicating with one or more internal or remote databases, as explained above. Similarly, if the user elects to receive a ticket previously ordered over the Internet (block 712 a), then in block 712 b the user is prompted for an associated reservation number. Once the reservation number has been entered, in block 712 c the user is prompted for a PIN. After receiving the PIN, in block 712 d the machine 100 verifies the PIN and the availability of the ticket. If instead the user elects to transfer money from, for example, a first account to a second account (block 716 a), then in block 716 b user is prompted to enter an account number for the first account from which the money will be withdrawn. In addition, in block 716 c the user may be prompted for a PIN associated with the first account. After this information has been entered, in block 716 d the machine 100 prompts the user for an account number for the second account into which the money will be deposited. In block 716 e, the user may be prompted for a PIN associated with second account. After this information has been entered, in block 716 f the machine 100 verifies the respective account numbers and, if applicable, the respective PINs. If the user will be depositing the funds for transfer to the second account instead of withdrawing them from the first account, then the user selects this option and does not enter a first account number.
In yet another embodiment, long distance minutes may be stored on a particular long distance calling card, much like a �stored value card.� In this embodiment, a user can access the telephone carrier web site 541 and pre-purchase additional minutes to put on the card. The user can pay for the additional minutes on line (with, e.g., a credit card account) and then receive a unique code or PIN once payment is confirmed. In one aspect of this embodiment, the user may then visit the machine 100 and enter his/her long distance account number (by, e.g., swiping his/her card) and/or the PIN. The carrier web site 541 can then communicate with the machine 100 and send the corresponding �top up� data to the machine 100. The machine 100 can then add the additional prepaid phone minutes to the user's phone card. In yet another embodiment, communication between the various web sites and the value exchange machines is facilitated by a �host� computer that first receives a communication from the web site and then sends the communication to the respective value exchange machine. These and other changes may be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the above description and the following claims, the words �comprise,� �comprising,� and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of �including, but not limited to.� Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words �herein,� �above,� �below� and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word �or� in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. All of the above U.S. patents and applications and other references described above are incorporated herein by reference.
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No. 09/661,956, filed Sep. 14, 2000, Molbak.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS8370955Jan 27, 2011Feb 5, 2013Proxicom Wireless, LlcEnforcing policies in wireless communication using exchanged identitiesUS8385896Aug 18, 2011Feb 26, 2013Proxicom Wireless, LlcExchanging identifiers between wireless communication to determine further information to be exchanged or further services to be providedUS8385913Feb 3, 2009Feb 26, 2013Proxicom Wireless, LlcUsing a first wireless link to exchange identification information used to communicate over a second wireless linkUS8668069Nov 30, 2012Mar 11, 2014Outerwall Inc.Differential detection coin discrimination systems and methods for use with consumer-operated kiosks and the likeUS8739955Mar 11, 2013Jun 3, 2014Outerwall Inc.Discriminant verification systems and methods for use in coin discriminationUS8760296Jun 11, 2013Jun 24, 2014Outerwall Inc.Access monitoring systems for use with consumer-operated kiosks and other enclosuresUS20110196787 *Feb 9, 2010Aug 11, 2011Idt CorporationSystem And Method Of Transferring Money To An Electronic WalletUS20130254074 *Mar 22, 2012Sep 26, 2013Bank Of America CorporationGift card exchange marketplace* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification705/41International ClassificationG07D11/00, G07F17/42, G06Q20/00, G07F9/08, G07D1/02, G07D5/00, G07F5/24, G07F19/00, G07D7/00Cooperative ClassificationG06Q20/18, G07F9/08, G06Q20/381, G07F19/204, G06Q20/105, G07F5/24, G07F17/42, G07F11/002, G07D5/00, G07D1/02, G07F19/203, G07F19/20, G07D7/00, G07F19/202, G06Q20/108, G07D11/0087, G06Q20/10, G06Q20/1085European ClassificationG07F17/42, G06Q20/18, G06Q20/10, G07F9/08, G07D11/00L, G07F5/24, G07D5/00, G07D1/02, G07F19/20, G07F19/203, G07F11/00B, G07F19/202, G07F19/204, G07D7/00, G06Q20/381, G06Q20/1085, G06Q20/105, G06Q20/108Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJul 23, 2013ASAssignmentOwner name: OUTERWALL INC., WASHINGTONFree format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:COINSTAR, INC.;REEL/FRAME:030862/0185Effective date: 20130627Aug 24, 2011ASAssignmentOwner name: COINSTAR, INC., WASHINGTONFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DORAN, MICHAEL;MARTIN, DOUGLAS A.;DEAN, SCOTT A.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030312 TO 20030325;REEL/FRAME:026802/0059Jul 26, 2011ASAssignmentEffective date: 20110715Free format text: AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:COINSTAR, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026648/0521Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., TEXASRotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services