Abstract:
A commercial transaction system (2) uses a multi-purposed credit/debit/identification card (8) having a randomly generated graphic card holder figurecode (10) uniquely corresponding to, but having no discernable relationship to, the card holder. The figurecode is visually discernable or it can be encoded by digital or analog means using magnetic, optical or magnetoptical media. A computer system (4) stores the graphic figurecode along with identification information of the card holder. A reader (14) is used to access the graphic figurecode for comparison with the stored electronic version in the computer system. An information terminal (18) is adapted to receive information from and, preferably, transmit information to, the computer system. Another aspect of the invention relates to using graphic product I.D. figurecodes (40) located in and/or around the product trademark instead of or in addition to barcodes to identify a chosen product (36), especially in conjunction with graphic trigger figurecodes (42) which prompt the collection and storage of point-of-sale information regarding the product.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation in part application of application Ser. No. 08/402,741 filed Mar. 13, 1995, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of commercial transaction cards, such as credit cards, debit cards and automatic teller cards, have nearly all of their information in alphanumeric form, often open to casual inspection by an observer. With conventional credit cards, all key information about the user is visible on the credit card: the user&#39;s name, credit card number, type of card, etc. The only thing which is not visible is a personal identification number (PIN) number, commonly used with cards such as calling cards and automatic teller cards. However, crooks often can obtain or determine PIN numbers so that even cards with PIN numbers are not all that secure. For example, PIN numbers can often be viewed by unscrupulous individuals watching users using an automatic teller machine, removing slips of paper with the PIN number on them, and punching in the PIN number, sometimes with the aid of a telescope. Sophisticated crooks can often obtain other specialized information, such as a user&#39;s mother&#39;s maiden name, to unlawfully use the credit card account. Thus, in many cases, using only visual access, most, if not all, information needed about a particular commercial transaction card can be obtained visually and then recorded for later use. Physical access to the card is not necessary. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a commercial transaction system in which all, or at least all important, information on a card is encoded in graphic form called a graphic card holder figurecode. The card holder figurecode uniquely corresponds to identification information relating to a card holder&#39;s credit card, debit card, or other commercial transaction device. The figurecode is preferably randomly or pseudo-randomly generated for the card holder and has no discernable relationship to the card holder. This helps substantially reduce the possibility of surreptitious copying of information regarding the card holder, such as the card holder&#39;s name, account number, type of card, expiration date, etc. While the information could be encrypted using alphanumeric characters, alphanumeric characters are much more easily copied than complex random or pseudo-random graphic figures; therefore graphic figurecodes using no alphanumeric characters are generally preferred. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the figurecode is a visually discernable, two-dimensional figurecode. The figurecode can also be encoded by digital or analog methods using, for example, magnetic media, such as magnetic strips, optical media, such as compact disks, magneteoptical media, such as re-writable optical disks, or other media as well. 25 The present invention will, however, be described in terms of visually discernable figurecodes for ease of understanding. 
     The commercial transaction system includes a commercial transaction device, such as a universal or multipurpose credit/debit/identification card, having a graphic card holder figurecode uniquely corresponding to the card holder. The system also includes a computer system configured to store the graphic card holder figurecode in an electronic form along with identification information for the card holder. A reader, typically at a point-of-sale, is used to access the graphic card holder figurecode and transform it into an electronic form for comparison with the stored electronic version of the card holder figurecode in the computer system. An information terminal, also typically at the point-of-sale, is adapted to receive information from and, preferably, transmit information to, the computer system. 
     One of the main features of the invention is the recognition that saving computer time in verifying the user is very important. Accordingly, the use of a graphic trigger figurecode, corresponding to a location in the computer system where the computer is instructed to start searching for the card holder figurecode, aids the searching process, thus saving search time. While the trigger figurecode is preferably a nonalphanumeric graphic trigger figurecode, it can be alphanumeric or a combination of alphanumeric and nonalphanumeric components. For example, assume that the computer system can store card holder figurecode information in one of ten million locations. By dividing the computer memory into one thousand different blocks of memory, the total number of possible locations for each figurecode within each block of memory is reduced from ten million to ten thousand. By directing the computer system to start searching at the particular block of memory containing the card holder&#39;s figurecode, a tremendous amount of search time by the computer is saved. 
     The invention can be carried out with the commercial transaction device being a simple credit card. In this case, the computer system would serve both be the identification verification function associated with the card holder figurecode and the transactional functions to store and manipulate transactional information associated with the credit card transaction. In other cases, the commercial transaction device could be a multifunction or universal card providing the user access to several accounts, such as two credit card accounts, a debit card account and a telephone calling card account. In this case, the computer system would typically include a verification computer system which would store the electronic version of the graphic card holder figurecode to verify the authenticity of the card holder figurecode typically scanned at the point-of-sale, and a number of different transactional computer systems, each transactional computer system associated with its corresponding credit card, debit card, etc. After validation of the card holder figurecode, together with any supplementary validation information such as mother&#39;s maiden name, PIN number, etc., the rest of the transaction would be handled by the transactional computer system for the associated transaction. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to using graphic product identification (I.D.) figurecodes instead of or in addition to barcodes to identify a chosen product. This use of product I.D. figurecodes is especially useful in conjunction with the use of trigger figurecodes which prompt the collection and storage of point-of-sale information regarding the particular product. 
     An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that by incorporating the product I.D. figurecode into the region of the trademark of the product, much time searching for an out-of-the-way barcode, as is conventionally done, is eliminated. The clerk need merely find the trademark and scan that to enable the figurecodes to be read. Using one or more trigger figurecodes relating to point-of-sale information allows this information to be easily and automatically collected for the particular product. The type of information to be collected can be changed by the manufacturer according to what information is needed. 
     Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description in which the preferred embodiments have been set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a simplified view showing a commercial transaction system made according to the invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows the front of a multi-use commercial transaction card for use with the system of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 shows a multi-use commercial transaction card similar to that of FIG. 2, but including a light blocking/transmitting layer to block unintended visual access to the card; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a product in which the trademark incorporates I.D. and trigger figurecodes; and 
     FIG. 5 is a simplified view showing a product information system in which information about the product of FIG. 4 can be obtained at the point of sale. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 shows a commercial transaction system 2 including a computer system 4 connected to a data link 6 adapted to read a commercial transaction card 8. One such card 8 is shown in FIG. 2 and takes the form of a multi-use commercial transaction card including a graphic card holder figurecode 10 which uniquely corresponds to the holder or owner of card 8. Figurecode 10 is preferably randomly or pseudo-randomly designed, generated or developed so that it has no discernable relationship to the holder of card 8. Typically, card holder figurecode 10 is generated randomly or pseudo-randomly using appropriate computer programs. Upon selection of a figurecode 10 for a particular card holder, screening is done to ensure that the card holder figurecode is not a duplicate or a near duplicate of the card holder figurecode for another card holder. Assuming figurecode 10 is sufficiently different from all other recorded figurecodes, an electronic version of figurecode 10 is stored in computer system 4 and is thereafter associated with the card holder&#39;s I.D. number and other identification information in the computer system. However, by using card 8, there would be no way for anyone to deduce the user&#39;s name, or any other information about the card or the card holder, just from looking at the card; this provides an additional level of security. Along an edge of card 8 are trigger figurecodes 12. Trigger figurecodes 12 help computer system 4 to narrow down the search to find the card holder figurecode 10 within its memory. 
     In the preferred embodiment, both card holder figurecode 10 and trigger figurecodes 12 are graphical and substantially non-alphanumeric. This is so they cannot be read and memorized merely by having an individual look at them. Actual access to card 8 would be required to copy graphic card holder figurecode 10. Trigger figurecodes 12 are not unique, but rather each set of graphic trigger figurecodes 12 for a particular card 8 identifies a particular starting location within the computer system 4 associated with the particular storage location of particular graphic card holder figurecode 10. However, graphic trigger figurecodes 12 are not unique and could be replaced by barcodes or even alphanumeric information since they do not transfer information about the card holder but rather only information about the general area within the computer at which the card holder figurecode 10 is stored. Other user verification information, in addition to the card holder&#39;s name, such as a PIN number or the mother&#39;s maiden name, can be also stored in conjunction with card holder figurecode 10. 
     Card 8 is typically used in a commercial transaction, such as to charge goods or services. To do so, data link 6 includes a card reader 14 configured to scan the face 16 of card 8 and transform the graphic information represented by card holder figurecode 10 and trigger figurecodes 12 into electronic versions of each. Data link 6 typically also uses an information terminal 18 to input information for use by computer system 4 and to receive information from computer system 4. For example, on presenting card 8 to card reader 14, data link 6 passes the electronic version of card holder figurecode 10 and trigger figurecode 12 to computer system 4 which sends back a signal indicating a match or no match. If a match signal is sent back, this is indicated on the screen 20 of information terminal 18. Computer system 4 could then ask the operator of terminal 18 to obtain additional information from the holder of card 8, such as a PIN number or what type of card is to be used, such as a particular bank credit card. This information could be entered by the clerk using a key pad 22 of terminal 18. Assuming the information matches, computer system 4 could then provide an appropriate authorization message to terminal 18. 
     Computer system 4 may be of the type dedicated to a single transaction system, such as a single type of bank credit card. In other cases, card 8 is a multi-use commercial transaction card used for different types of commercial transactions, such as two different types of bank credit cards, a debit card and a telephone calling card. In this case, computer system 4 may include, as shown in FIG. 1, an I.D. computer system 24, containing an electronic version of graphic figurecode 10 plus user I.D. numbers, user names, and auxiliary user I.D. verification information such as PIN numbers and mothers&#39; maiden names. I.D. computer system 24 would then be coupled to two or more transactional computer systems 26 which would process the transaction based upon authorization obtained through I.D. computer system 24. In FIG. 1, transactional computer systems 26 are shown to be linked to data link 6 through I.D. computer system 24; this is only for purposes of illustration since computer systems 26 could, for example, be each linked directly to information terminal 18 independent of any data links between terminal 18 and I.D. computer system 24. 
     One of the reasons for providing graphic figurecodes in nonalphanumeric form is to make it difficult for someone to copy it without obtaining the actual card. One way to enhance this to, for example, prevent crooks from taking photographs of someone&#39;s card 8 through a telephoto lens, is to use a covering which visually obscures card holder figurecode 10 and trigger figurecode 12, except when being used. One way to do this would be to apply the graphic information to card 8 in a manner so that it is visible only to a particular light spectrum, such as ultraviolet light. Another would be to laminate card 8 with a prismatic surface so that the graphic information can be visually accessed only by looking at face 16 of card 8 at a particular angle. Another way is shown in FIG. 3. A card 8a has a base 28 and a light blocking/transmitting layer 30. Layer 30 is made of a material which is opaque under normal circumstances and, when coupled to a suitable electric source through terminals 32, becomes clear or at least transparent. Thus, graphic card holder figurecode 10a and trigger figurecode 12 will not be visible since terminals 32 will not be connected to an appropriate electric power source. With this type of system, card reader 14 would include an appropriate power source and complementary electric terminals so that, once card 8a is properly positioned on card reader 14, terminals 32 are coupled to the power source which transforms layer 30 from a dark, light-blocking condition to a clear or transparent, light-transmitting condition to permit visual access by card reader 14 to a card holder figurecode 10a and a trigger figurecode 12a. 
     In use, a graphic card holder figurecode 10 is generated, typically pseudo-randomly by a computer, for a card holder. Computer system 4 checks to ensure the newly chosen figurecode is not a match or a near match with any other stored or reserved card holder figurecodes. Card 8 is then made using the approved figurecode 10 and an electronic version of card holder figurecode 10 is stored in memory in computer system 4. Card 8 also has a trigger figurecode 12 to identify the place for computer system 4 to start searching for figurecode 8. Appropriate identifying information for the card holder, such as name, I.D. number, PIN number, etc. is also stored with the card holder&#39;s figurecode. To, for example, purchase a product the card holder places card 8 on card reader 14 which sends data to computer system 4. Computer system 4 can ask for more information to verify the user is the authorized card holder. For simple transactions, computer system 4 can transmit the card holder&#39;s name to terminal 18 for viewing by the clerk only on screen 20. The clerk could then ask the user his or her name; assuming the correct answer is given, the clerk can enter an I.D. verified code to permit the transaction to continue. I.D. verification information can also be requested of the user from a key pad accessible by the user or the clerk; this information could include the card holder&#39;s name, PIN number, mother&#39;s maiden name, date of birth, etc. 
     Another aspect of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 illustrates a product 36 having a product identifier region 38, in this case the trademark AJAX for a brand of salt. In this case, the trademark itself includes graphic information which serves as an identification (I.D.) figurecode 40 and a trigger figurecode 42. Identification figurecode 40 serves the same purpose as a barcode; it identifies the particular product uniquely. An advantage of incorporating graphic figurecodes into the product identifier region 38 is that the clerk need not spend time trying to find out which of six sides of a package the barcode is on so that the barcode can be scanned. The trademark or other product identifier region 38 is almost always prominent to reduce the time it takes the clerk to find it. Instead of being incorporated into the letters of the trademark itself, an I.D. figurecode 40 and trigger figurecode 42 could be formed around the trademark, but still in the product identifier region 38 associated with the trademark. Figurecodes 40, 42 could be incorporated both into the trademark and around the trademark. 
     Trigger figurecode 42 is used to cause the automatic collection and storage of point-of-sale information regarding product 36. For example, a particular trigger figurecode 42 might include one or more of the following: date and time of sale, costs, form of payment, and zip code of store. Trigger figurecode 42 can be changed to accommodate what type of information the producer of product 36 wishes to collect at that time. Nothing special needs to be done since the price will be obtained by scanning I.D. figurecode 40; since trigger figurecode 42 is within the same region 38 as I.D. figurecode 40, it too will be scanned. FIG. 5 illustrates, in simplified form, passing product 36 over a scanner-type data input device, typically a scanner at a check-out counter, coupled to a computer system 46 which, together, constitute a product identification system 48. 
     Other modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject of the invention as defined in the following claims.