Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/AU2003211087B2/en
Timestamp: 2019-12-07 19:11:36
Document Index: 557503866

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 60', 'Application No. 09', 'Application No. 09', 'Application No. 09', 'Application No. 09', 'Application No. 10']

AU2003211087B2 - Methods and systems for exchanging and/or transferring various forms of value - Google Patents
AU2003211087B2
AU2003211087B2 AU2003211087A AU2003211087A AU2003211087B2 AU 2003211087 B2 AU2003211087 B2 AU 2003211087B2 AU 2003211087 A AU2003211087 A AU 2003211087A AU 2003211087 A AU2003211087 A AU 2003211087A AU 2003211087 B2 AU2003211087 B2 AU 2003211087B2
AU2003211087A
AU2003211087A1 (en
2002-02-15 Priority to US35755502P priority Critical
2002-02-15 Priority to US35733102P priority
2003-09-09 Publication of AU2003211087A1 publication Critical patent/AU2003211087A1/en
2007-09-13 Publication of AU2003211087B2 publication Critical patent/AU2003211087B2/en
2013-08-22 Assigned to OUTERWALL INC. reassignment OUTERWALL INC. Request to Amend Deed and Register Assignors: COINSTAR, INC.
2017-02-23 Assigned to COINSTAR, LLC reassignment COINSTAR, LLC Request to Amend Deed and Register Assignors: OUTERWALL INC.
WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXCHANGING AND/OR TRANSFERRING VARIOUS FORMS OF VALUE RELATED APPLICATION(S) This application claims priority to the following co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/357,331, filed February 15, 2002; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/357,555, filed 2002; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/419,735, filed October 18, 2002; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/424,377, filed November 6, 2002. This application incorporates all of the co-pending U.S.
Provisional Patent Applications listed above in their entireties by reference.
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. Patent 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.
WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 Machines also exist for dispensing prepaid telephone cards to users. Such machines typically dispense a selected phone card to a user after the user has deposited a requisite amount of money in the machine. In addition, prepaid longdistance accounts and wireless cell phone accounts also exist whereby a service carrier maintains an account of available minutes for each individual user. Such accounts are often rechargeable and are associated with individual personal identification numbers (PINs). To start an account, a user may initially purchase a phone card containing, for example, sixty minutes of long-distance telephone usage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a partially schematic isometric view of a value exchange machine configured in accordance with an embodiment.
WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for exchanging various forms of value using the value exchange machine of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION This application incorporates the following U.S. Patents in their entireties by reference: U.S. Patent No. 5,746,299; U.S. Patent No. 6,047,808; U.S. Patent No.
5,988,348; U.S. Patent No. 6,196,371; U.S. Patent No. 6,116,402; U.S. Patent No. 6,349,972; and U.S. Patent No. 5,909,793.
This application further incorporates the following co-pending U.S. Patent Applications in their entireties by reference: U.S. Patent Application No. 09/661,956, filed September 14, 2000; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/662,414, filed September 14, 2000; U.S. Patent Application No. 09/661,955, filed September 14, 2000; U.S.
Patent Application No. 09/661,048, filed September 14, 2000; and U.S. Patent Application No. 10/020,587, filed October 30, 2001.
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 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.
WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 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.
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 by the user. In a further embodiment, a user may apply value from an existing prepaid 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 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" 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 credit cards, check cards, etc.); 3) debit debit cards, ATM cards, etc.); 4)existing prepaid cards; 5)bank account funds; or 6)any combination of the above.
The present disclosure, however, is not limited to methods and systems for dispensing prepaid cash cards and phone cards to users. To the contrary, embodiments of the methods and systems disclosed herein can also include WO 03/071387 PCT/USO3/04603 dispensing tickets (such as event and travel tickets), novelty items, and redeemable vouchers to users in return for the various forms of payment discussed above. In addition, embodiments of the methods and systems disclosed can also include providing account information to users, such as balance information regarding a particular credit card account, phone card account, on-line account, and the like.
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 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 an "e-wallet") for on-line purchases.
WO 03/071387 PCT/USO3/04603 Certain specific details are set forth in the following description and in Figures 1-9 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand, however, that the invention may have additional embodiments which may be practiced without several of the details described below. In other instances, those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate that the methods and systems described can include additional details without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed embodiments. In addition, some well-known structures and systems often associated with card dispensing apparatuses and methods and associated computer networks have not been shown or described in detail below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the invention.
Figure 1 is a partially schematic isometric view of a value exchange machine 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment. In one aspect of this embodiment, the machine 100 includes a coin input region or tray 106, a voucher outlet 108, a coin return 110, a coin sorting/counting apparatus 112 (shown schematically), and a communications facility 113 (also shown schematically). The machine 100 can further include various user-interface devices, such as a first keypad 114, user-selection buttons 115, a speaker 116, a display screen 118, and a touch screen 117. In another aspect of this embodiment, the foregoing features of the value exchange machine 100 can be at least generally similar in structure and function to one or more of their counterparts as described in the '079 Patent to Molbak. Accordingly, these features can be utilized in various embodiments as described in the '079 Patent to Molbak to provide a redeemable cash voucher to a WO 03/071387 PCTUS03/04603 user in return for coins deposited by the user in the coin tray 106. In other embodiments, the machine 100 can have other features in other arrangements without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. As described in greater detail below, the machine 100 can also include a drawer assembly 120 that has additional value exchange functionalities.
While the aspects and features of the drawer assembly 120 discussed above are representative of those that may be included as components of the value exchange machine 100 of Figure 1, those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that additional features may be included without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. For example, although the drawer assembly 120 WO 03/071387 PCTUS03/04603 of the illustrated embodiment is shown with only one card outlet 208 and one ticket outlet 210, in other embodiments more card and ticket outlets may be included, depending on the particular application of the machine 100. Furthermore, in yet other embodiments one or more of the foregoing features may be omitted from the value exchange machine 100 in various applications without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 1, in one embodiment transaction options are displayed for a user on the display screen 118, and can include one or more of purchasing a prepaid cash card; purchasing a prepaid phone card; transferring money to an account; topping up an existing credit card account, cash card account, long distance phone card account, or wireless account; receiving a redeemable cash voucher, and/or performing other transfers or purchasing other items. The user can select the desired transaction or transactions by using the first keypad 114, the touch screen 117, andlor one or more of the selection buttons 115 in response to prompts shown on the display screen 118. If the user selects, for example, to purchase a prepaid cash card, then the machine 100 prompts the user to input his/her preferred payment option. In one embodiment, the user can elect to pay with coins and can deposit a plurality of randomly oriented coins into the tray 106 and hingeably rotate the tray 106 upwardly to deliver the coins to the coin sorting/counting apparatus 112. The coin sorting/counting apparatus 112 then counts the coins and displays the total to the user on the display screen 118. If the user accepts this total and, if applicable, any related service fees, then the machine 100 prompts the user to indicate how much of the total the user wishes to put on the prepaid cash card. Once the user has input this value, the machine 100 dispenses the prepaid cash card to the user via the card outlet 208, assuming the user deposited enough money to cover the requested value. If any funds are left over from the transaction, the machine can issue a redeemable cash voucher to the user for the difference. Alternatively, the user can apply the remaining funds toward another card or service, or transfer the remaining funds to an account, such as a checking or savings account.
WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 In another embodiment, a user may desire to purchase a prepaid cash card with an existing credit card. In this embodiment, the user swipes the existing credit card through the card reader 202 (Figure After reading the card, the machine 100 prompts the user to input a PIN or other security code via the second keypad 206. Next, the machine 100 prompts the user to enter the desired dollar amount of the new prepaid cash card via the first keypad 114. After authorizing the transaction (by communicating, for example, with a remote bank via the communications facility 113), the machine 100 dispenses the new prepaid cash card to the user via the card outlet 208. In a further embodiment, the user can pay for a prepaid cash card at least in part by depositing a sufficient number of bills into the bill acceptor 204.
In yet another embodiment, a user can purchase a prepaid credit card with the machine 100 as follows. First, the user uses the touch screen 117, the first keypad 114, and/or the user-selection buttons 115 to select the prepaid credit card purchase option. In one aspect of this embodiment, the customer then deposits payment by inserting paper currency into the bill acceptor 204, depositing coins into the coin tray 106 and rotating the tray upwardly to deliver the coins, andlor by swiping a debit or credit card through the card reader 202. In other embodiments, the customer can deposit payment in other ways. For example, in other embodiments, the machine 100 may have a coin input feature that differs from the rotatable coin tray 106 without departing from the present disclosure. After confirming receipt of the funds, the machine 100 dispenses a receipt or other media (card facsimile, etc.) to the customer from the receipt outlet 212.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the receipt includes instructions directing the user to call a particular telephone number and activate their new prepaid credit card account. Per the instructions, the user calls the telephone number and activates his/her account by providing certain personal information, such as name and mailing address. The user then receives a unique number (such as a 16-digit number for their new prepaid credit card account) from the credit card account issuer over the telephone. The user can use this number immediately for creditbased purchases either by telephone, mail, or the Internet. Further, within a few days, the user receives a personalized, embossed prepaid credit card via the mail that can be used anywhere the particular prepaid credit card is accepted. In WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 addition, the user can also have the option of attaching a PIN to their new prepaid credit card account that will allow them to make cash withdrawals at ATMs.
In a further embodiment, a user can use the machine 100 to "reload" or add funds to a card 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.
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 WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 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 a savings, checking, or credit card account) or to an account of another person 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 for longdistance telephone minutes), or to an on-line account an "e-wallet") for on-line purchases.
In a further embodiment, a user can top up a phone account a long distance calling card account or a wireless account) with the machine 100. In one aspect of this embodiment, the display screen 118 can present or display a prompt or menu to the user asking if he or she would like to top up their phone card account. If so, the user selects his or her carrier and/or enters the corresponding account number or phone number. (In another embodiment, the user can swipe hisfher card through the card reader 202 to have the account number read from the card.) For a PIN-based transaction, the user selects a predefined dollar amount to add to his/her account and then deposits money or other funds into the machine 100 in one of the ways described above. For example, in one embodiment, the user can deposit currency via the bill acceptor 204. In another embodiment, the user can deposit coins via the coin tray 106. After depositing the funds, the user receives a printout or receipt with a PIN via the receipt outlet 212. The user then calls the carrier and enters the PIN to activate the additional minutes added to his/her account. In another embodiment, the user has the option of selecting either a predefined dollar amount of minutes or entering a specific dollar amount he/she wishes to add to his/her account. In this embodiment, once the user has inserted his or her payment, the user receives a receipt confirming the transaction and the funds are immediately credited to the user's phone card account. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art, in other embodiments the machine 100 can be used in other ways to purchase or top up cards or associated accounts without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 300 for exchanging various forms of value with the value exchange machine 100 of Figure 1. In block 301, the WO 03/071387 PCT/USO3/04603 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 "ewallet." 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.
In block 302, the machine 100 accepts one or more types of funds from the user. As explained above, funds can include any combination of coins, currency, credit card, debit card, gift card, existing prepaid cash card or phone card, etc. If a credit card is used for payment, the machine 100 validates the credit card and obtains authorization to debit the funds from the credit card account or accounts. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by communication between the machine 100 and one or more remote computers via the communications facility 113. The remote computers can access one or more financial institutions that control the authorization and debiting/crediting of credit card accounts. In block 303, the machine 100 receives authorization for the desired transaction(s) from the remote computers and dispenses the new form of value a prepaid cash card, phone card, redeemable cash voucher, cash, event tickets, and/or associated transaction confirmation numbers) to the user. If the transaction involved topping up an existing card, then the user receives confirmation that the value associated with the card has been increased. Similarly, if the transaction involved a transfer of money to an account, then the user receives confirmation that the transfer has occurred.
Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the various forms of value that are exchangeable with the value exchange machine 100 in accordance with an embodiment. User-provided inputs are shown on the left side of Figure 4 and can include coins, currency, or credit from cash cards, credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, bank account transfers, brokerage account transfers, on-line transactions, and the like. Outputs from the machine 100 are shown on the right side of Figure 4 and can include prepaid cards cash and credit cards), redeemable vouchers, WO 03/071387 PCT/USO3/04603 phone cards, tickets event tickets or travel tickets), currency leftover change from a transaction), gift cards gift certificates), novelty cards baseball cards or similar items), smart cards stored-value cards that contain a record of monetary value on the card itself), and/or account transfers. Input to the machine 100 may include any combination of the inputs shown in Figure 4, and output may include any combination of the outputs shown in Figure 4. In other embodiments shown by the dotted line 402 in Figure 4, one or more of the listed outputs may also be used as inputs. For example, in one other embodiment a user can convert a prepaid card to cash by surrendering the card to the machine or by swiping the card and instructing the machine to dispense either cash or a redeemable voucher equivalent to the value remaining on the card. In a further embodiment, a user can transfer money from a bank account to a card.
Figures 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 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 WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 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.
Figure 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 Figures 1-4. The first communications link 504 may be a radio frequency (RF) communications link 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 a further aspect of this embodiment, the server computer 502 is connected to a financial institution computer 506. The financial institution computer 506 can be configured to facilitate the electronic transfer of funds between various financial accounts and/or institutions. For example, the financial institution computer 506, in one embodiment, can communicate with a credit card institution to facilitate the debiting and crediting of a credit card account. In other embodiments, the financial institution computer 506 can communicate with a bank, credit union, or brokerage firm to facilitate the debiting and crediting of various types of accounts typically found in such institutions. Similarly, in another embodiment, the financial institution computer 506 can communicate with a prepaid card-issuing institution to facilitate management of prepaid card accounts. In another aspect of this embodiment, the server computer 502 can be connected to one or more POS computers 510. The POS computers 510 can be located at retail outlets where users of the value WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 exchange machine(s) 100 use their prepaid cash or credit cards to pay for goods and/or services.
In another aspect of this embodiment, a card value dollar value or minutes) associated with a card number is stored in a database, and the database is updated to reflect the reduction in value that occurs each time the card is used to purchase goods and/or services. For example, when a user, or someone the user has authorized, presents the card at a POS to purchase goods and/or services, the POS computer 510 communicates with the server computer 502 to receive authorization for the transaction. The server computer 502 determines if the card number is active and if the card contains enough value to cover the desired purchase. If the transaction is authorized and concluded, then the server computer 502 updates the database with the present value of the card. Although the server computer 502 is illustrated as a single computer in Figure 5, in other embodiments WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 the function of the server computer 502 can be provided by two or more computers without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, in one such embodiment a first computer will provide the authorization function by communicating with various financial institutions, and a second computer will maintain and update the databases containing card usage information and status.
In another embodiment of the value exchange system 500, the value of a card a "smart card") may be recorded written) directly on the card itself 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 a prepaid cash card), and inputs funds 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 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.
The value exchange system 500 can include other functionalities in addition to those discussed above. For example, in one embodiment the value exchange system 500 allows a user to access an account web site 530 from a remote generalpurpose user computer 520, such as a personal computer. In one aspect of this embodiment, the account web site 530 is hosted by the card server 502 and can be accessed over a second communications link 526. The second communications link 526 can be the Internet or another computer network. In another embodiment, the second communications link 526 and the first communications link 504 can be the same communications link. For example, in this embodiment, both the first and second communications links 504 and 526 can be the Internet. The account web WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 site 530 can allow users to remotely conduct the following transactions: register new cash cards, obtain balance inquiries, add value to existing cards, review recent transaction history, and/or purchase new cards- In addition to the foregoing, a user can also utilize the value exchange system 500 to pick up tickets and other items reserved or purchased on-line. In this embodiment, the user first accesses a ticket seller web site 540 to reserve or purchase tickets and receive a ticket reservation number. The user can then visit a conveniently located machine 100 and enter the reservation number and/or a PIN.
Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 600 implemented by the value exchange system 500 of Figure 5 in one embodiment. In block 602, a user selects one or more desired transactions at the machine 100 (Figure In one aspect of this embodiment, the user may elect to perform multiple transactions with multiple types of input and receive multiple types of output. In block 604, the machine 100 prompts the user for the method or methods of payment. As discussed in detail above, the user may elect to pay for the transaction with coins, currency, credit card, debit card, checking or savings account transfers, or value prepaid over the Internet.
In block 606, in one embodiment, the machine displays a fee associated with the WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 selected transaction. In block 608, the user accepts or rejects the fee. If the user accepts the fee, in block 610, the user is prompted to enter his/her form of payment into the machine 100. In block 612, the machine 100 accepts the payment from the user, and in block 614, the machine 100 verifies the payment method.
In block 616, the machine 100 communicates with a host computer, the server computer 502 of Figure 5, to initiate the transaction. The server computer 502 authorizes the transaction via the financial institution computer 506 and one or more of a bank, a credit card institution, a debit card institution, or a prepaid phone card-issuing institution, as required. In block 618, the server computer 502 returns a unique code to the machine 100 that can be utilized to verify or reconcile the transaction.
Referring first to Figure 7, Figure 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 706a), 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 712a), adding minutes to an existing cell phone account (block 714a), adding time to an existing long distance account (block 715a), or transferring money to an account (block 716a). After the user has selected the WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 desired transaction, the machine may prompt the user for additional information.
WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 Figure 8 is a flow diagram illustrating the routine 800 for inputting various forms of payment in one embodiment. In block 802, a user is prompted for a payment method. As illustrated in blocks 803, the user can select from numerous forms of payment. For example, the user may elect to pay for the transaction with cash dollar bills) (block 804a), coins a plurality of randomly oriented coins) (block 806a), credit (block 808a), debit (block 810a), and/or funds from various types of payment accounts (block 812a). If the user elects to pay with cash as in block 804a, then in block 804b the user is prompted to begin inserting bills into the bill acceptor 204 (Figure As the user is inserting bills, in block 804c a running total of the bills inserted and accepted is displayed, for example, on the screen 118 of the machine 100 shown in Figure 1. In block 804d, the user is prompted to indicate when he/she is done inserting bills.
If the user elects to pay for the transaction with coins as in block 806a, then in block 806b the user is instructed to deposit the coins, for example, by placing them in the coin tray 106 of the machine 100 shown in Figure 1 and rotating the tray 106 upwardly to deliver the coins to the coin sorting/counting apparatus 112. In block 806c, a running total of the coins that have been deposited and counted is displayed, for example, on the screen 118. The user is then prompted in block 806d to indicate when all of the coins have been deposited. If the user elects to pay for the transaction with credit as in block 808a, then in block 808b the user is instructed to swipe their credit card through the card reader 202. In block 808c, the user may be instructed to enter a number, such as his/her zip code, to verify the account.
If the user elects to pay for the selected transaction with a debit card as in block 810 Oa, then in block 810 Ob the user is instructed to swipe the debit card through the card reader 202. The user is then instructed in block 81Oc to enter a debit card PIN to verify user authorization. After entering the PIN, in block 810d the user is prompted to enter the amount to debit the associated account for the selected WO 03/071387 PCT/US03/04603 transaction. After this information has been entered, in block 810e the machine 100 communicates with the server computer 502 to authorize use of the account for the amount of the debit. If instead the user elects to pay for the selected transaction by transferring money from an account as shown in block 812a, then in block 812b the user is prompted to enter the number of the account. In block 812c, the user may also be prompted to enter a PIN associated with the account.
Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a routine 900 for completing a selected transaction in one embodiment. In block 902, the machine 100 displays the fees associated with the selected transaction for viewing by the user. In decision block 904, the user accepts or rejects the fees. If the user rejects the fees, then in block 905 the routine returns any funds received from the user back to the user and the routine is complete. If the user accepts the fees, then in decision block 906 the routine determines if the user elected to receive a redeemable cash voucher. If so, then in block 907 the machine prints the cash voucher and dispenses it to the user.
If, instead, the user elected to receive a prepaid card for cash, credit, or phone minutes), receive a preordered ticket, transfer money, etc., then in block 908 the machine contacts a host computer the server computer 502 of Figure 5) to provide account information to authorize the transaction, create an account, or transfer account data. In block 910, the host computer performs the necessary transactions with, for example, a financial institution or a phone card-issuing institution, and returns the necessary authorization data to the machine 100.
Similarly, if the user selected a ticket, the machine 100 dispenses it to the user via WO 03/071387 PCT/USO3/04603 the ticket outlet 210 shown in Figure 2. In decision block 912, the machine 100 verifies that it has performed all of the transactions requested by the user. If the machine 100 has not completed the requested transactions, then the routine 900 returns to block 902 and repeats. If all the requested transactions have been performed, then in block 914 the machine 100 prints a receipt with a unique transaction number and issues it to the user. In block 916, if any currency is left over from the selected transaction, the machine 100 dispenses it to the user from the coin return slot 110 shown in Figure 1.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that although specific embodiments of the value exchange system 500 (Figure 5) and the value exchange machine 100 (Figure 1) are described for purposes of illustration, other embodiments can be implemented without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. For example, in one other embodiment, in addition to providing various services to users via the value exchange machine 100, the system can also provide various functionalities to a remote user operating a general-purpose computer, such as the user computer 520 (Figure In this alternate embodiment, the user can access various on-line web sites to purchase or reserve various products. For example, a user may visit the ticket seller web site 540 to purchase tickets for an event and pay for the tickets with a credit card. In this embodiment, the ticket seller web site 540 then makes the purchase information available to the machine 100 so the user may then visit the machine 100 to receive the actual tickets. In another embodiment, the user can order the tickets on-line at the ticket seller web site 540 and pay for the tickets by depositing funds into the machine 100 at the time of receipt.
In a further embodiment, a user can access a telephone carrier web site 541 from the user computer 520 (Figure and pre-purchase a long distance calling card or a wireless phone card on-line. The user can pay for the card on-line (with, a credit card account) and then receive a unique code or PIN once payment is authorized. In one aspect of this embodiment, the user may then visit the machine 100 and enter his/her code to receive the card. In a similar embodiment, the user can reserve the card on-line, but not pay for the card until visiting the machine 100.
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 WO 03/071387 PCT/USO3/04603 embodiment, a user can access the telephone carrier web site 541 and prepurchase additional minutes to put on the card. The user can pay for the additional minutes on line (with, 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.
In still further embodiments, the methods and systems described herein can be used to obtain various types of information. Such information can include, for example, account balance information for credit card accounts, checking and savings accounts, cell phone minutes, brokerage accounts, on-line accounts, and the like). Such information can also include salary or other employment information.
For example, if a particular employer distributes employee pay in the form of prepaid cash cards, then the employees can utilize the machines 100 to obtain account balance information. Additionally, the employees could utilize the machine 100 in one or more ways as described above to transfer portions of their wages to other accounts for, bill payment or a person-to-person money transfer. In yet another embodiment, the employees could use the machine 100 to convert a portion of their cash card to a redeemable cash voucher that can be redeemed for cash or used to purchase goods and/or services at a POS.
The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the invention are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative WO 03/071387 PCT/USO3/04603 embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the value exchange system described herein. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description.
1. A method for providing a prepaid card to a user, the method comprising: providing a value exchange machine having a card reader, a communications facility, and a card dispenser; displaying at least first and second transaction options to the user with the value 00 exchange machine, wherein the first transaction option corresponds to purchasing the prepaid card with a card, and wherein the second transaction option corresponds to C purchasing the prepaid card with at least one of cash, coins, and bank account funds; i receiving at least a transaction selection from the user corresponding to the first C and second transaction options; reading information from a card submitted to the card reader by the user, the card being submitted for at least a first portion of payment for the prepaid card; communicating with at least one remote computer via the communications is facility to receive authorization to charge an account associated with the card submitted by the user to at least partially pay for the prepaid card; receiving a second portion of payment from the user for the prepaid card, the second portion of payment including a plurality of nonsequentially received randomly oriented coins of at least two different denominations; and 2o issuing the prepaid card to the user from the card dispenser upon receiving the authorization from the remote computer.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the second portion of payment includes one or more pieces of paper currency.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an input from the user defining a value for the prepaid card.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a first input from the user defining a value debited or charged to the account of the user for at least partial payment for the prepaid card, wherein the prepaid card issued to the user has a card value related to the value debited or charged to the account of the user; and receiving a second input from the user, the second input being related to at least one of identification of the account and access to the account of the user. 8S3) 11-1 -26- 1
5. The method of claim 1 wherein reading information from the card submitted by the user includes reading information from at least one of a wallet sized credit card, debit card, phone card, and smart card.
6. A method for adding value to a first card, the method comprising: 00 providing a value exchange machine having a card reader, a communications facility, and a card writer, wherein the card reader is configured to read informnnation from Scards submitted by the user, wherein the communications facility is configured to e¢3 communicate with one or more remote computers to receive authorization to debit C accounts to pay for values added to cards, and wherein the card writer is configured to write information to cards submitted by the user; displaying at least first and second transactions options to the user with the value exchange machine, wherein the first transaction option corresponds to adding value to the first card with a second card, and wherein the second transaction option corresponds to adding value to the first card with at least one of cash, coins, and bank account funds; receiving at least a transaction selection from the user corresponding to the first and second transaction options; reading information from the second card when the second card is submitted to the card reader by the user to add value to the first card; communicating with at least one remote computer via the communications facility to receive authorization to debit an account associated the second card to pay a first portion of the value added to the first card; receiving a second portion of the value added to the first card, the second portion of payment including a plurality of nonsequentially received randomly oriented coins of at least two different denominations; and writing value information to the first card with the card writer when the first card is submitted to the card writer by the user.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the first card includes an integrated circuit chip having a memory, and wherein writing value information to the first card with the card writer includes storing information in the memory of the integrated circuit chip.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein the first card is a prepaid credit card having an initial value prior to being submitted to the card writer by the user, and wherein writing 830911 -I -27- value information to the first card with the card writer includes increasing the value of the prepaid credit card.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein the first card is a prepaid phone card having an C, 5 initial value prior to being submitted to the card writer by the user, and wherein writing value information to the first card with the card writer includes increasing the value of the 00 prepaid phone card. C1
10. The method of claim 6, further comprising displaying at least a portion of the information read from the second card to the user with the value exchange machine.
11. The method of claim 6, further comprising receiving an input from the user defining a value to be transferred to the first card, wherein writing value information to the first card includes transferring the defined value to the first card.
12. The method of claim 6 wherein reading information from the second card and writing value information to the first card at least partially defines a transaction, and wherein the method further comprises issuing a record of the transaction to the user with the value exchange machine.
13. A method substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this twenty-fourth Day of August, 2007 Coinstar, Inc. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON 836QI -1
AU2003211087A 2002-02-15 2003-02-14 Methods and systems for exchanging and/or transferring various forms of value Ceased AU2003211087B2 (en)
AU2003211087A1 AU2003211087A1 (en) 2003-09-09
AU2003211087B2 true AU2003211087B2 (en) 2007-09-13
AU2003211084A Active AU2003211084B2 (en) 2002-02-15 2003-02-14 Methods and systems for exchanging and/or transferring various forms of value
AU2003211087A Ceased AU2003211087B2 (en) 2002-02-15 2003-02-14 Methods and systems for exchanging and/or transferring various forms of value
AU2003211085A Active AU2003211085B2 (en) 2002-02-15 2003-02-14 Methods and systems for exchanging and/or transferring various forms of value
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