Methods and apparatus for electronically storing and retrieving value information on a portable card
专利汇可以提供Methods and apparatus for electronically storing and retrieving value information on a portable card专利检索，专利查询，专利分析的服务。并且A value storage system in which information representing value is directly written to an easily portable storage medium as a reference fingerprint. The value storage system includes a plurality of read/write units for storing and retrieving the value information. Each of the read/write units may include a data authenticator for authenticating information previously stored on the storage medium, the authentication information consisting of a numerical representation of a level of trapped charges representing the reference fingerprint. The read/write units may be connected to a central server which retrieves information from each of the read write units, stores information, and provides various accounting and statistical analyses, as well as reconciling transactions between two or more read/write units. The value stored may represent units of value employed in a customer loyalty program which are stored on the portable media during a sales transaction and then later redeemed for purchase of or discounts on merchandise, a gaming player's points or winnings, or any of a host of types of value related information which may be carried on a portable card.，下面是Methods and apparatus for electronically storing and retrieving value information on a portable card专利的具体信息内容。
I claim:1. A read/write unit for reading and writing information onto a solid-state medium, comprising:a data authentication unit for reading and writing authentication information onto the medium, the data authentication unit programming data into each memory cell by applying a voltage which causes charges to be trapped in the memory cell, making a measurement of the level of trapped charges in the memory cell after the memory cell is programmed, generating a numerical representation of the level of trapped charges as a reference fingerprint of the memory cell, and storing the numerical representation, the data authentication unit being further operative to authenticate stored authentication information by comparing the reference fingerprint to numerical representations of a subsequent measurement of the levels of trapped charges in the memory cells defining an authentication fingerprint, in order to determine whether the data stored in the memory cells is authentic;a reading unit for reading information from the medium; anda writing unit for erasing previously written information from the medium and programming the medium with new information.2. The read/write unit of claim 1, further comprising one or ore interfaces for transmitting information to and receiving information from other devices, the information including transaction information.3. The read/write unit of claim 2, further comprising a transaction log wherein details of each transaction involving updating one or more media is stored.4. The read/write unit of claim 3, wherein the transaction log is stored in nonvolatile memory within the read/write unit.5. The read/write unit of claim 4, further comprising an interface whereby the read/write unit is able to transfer the contents of the transaction log to another device.6. The read/write unit of claim 5, further comprising a printer for printing details of each transaction.7. A central server for use in a customer loyalty system, the server adapted to receive information from each of a plurality of read/write units and to transmit updated parameters to each of the read/write units, the server comprising:a communications interface for receiving information from and transmitting information to each of the plurality of read/write units, the received information including reference fingerprint information representing measured levels of trapped charges in a plurality of memory cells;storage for storing the information received and the information to be transmitted;a processor for analyzing and compiling the information received from each of the plurality of read/write units;an output interface for generating reports of compiled information in desired formats; anda user interface for programming information to be transmitted to each of the plurality of read/write units, the user interface being further operative to receive instructions for report generation.8. A method of monitoring and rewarding customer loyalty, comprising:providing each customer with an easily portable solid-state storage medium, the storage medium being receptive to the recording of information by a recording device;when a customer makes a purchase, recording a number of points on the storage medium, the number of points recorded being related to the purchase by criteria stored in the recording device, the point total being stored directly on the storage medium, the storage medium comprising a plurality of semiconductor memory cells;accepting points for redemption for purchase of or discounts on merchandise or services, the existing point totals being read from the storage medium, the points used being deducted from the total, and the new point total being stored on the storage medium; andauthenticating the storage medium before accepting it for a transaction, the method of authentication comprising:programming data to the plurality of memory cells by applying a plurality of voltages such that charges are trapped in each of the memory cells;measuring the levels of the trapped charges in the plurality of memory cells after the memory cells are programmed;generating numerical representations of the measured levels of trapped charges as a reference fingerprint;storing the reference fingerprint; andcomparing the reference fingerprint to numerical representations of a subsequent measurement of the levels of trapped charges in the memory cells defining an authentication fingerprint, in order to determine whether the data stored in the memory cells is authentic.9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of programming each of the recording devices with the criteria for awarding of points.10. The method of claim 9, wherein the recording device is programmed with the criteria through communication with a central sever.11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:recording every transaction resulting in award or redemption of points within a non-volatile memory within each recording device;periodically transmitting information from the non-volatile memory of each recording device to the central server;storing the information from the non-volatile memory of each recording device within a server memory of the central server;periodically generating information related to the transactions, using information stored in the server memory of the central server.12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step reconciling redemption transactions involving a plurality of point issuers and redeemers, the reconciling including the steps of:analyzing all point redemptions by each redeemer during a specified period, said analysis including the identification of the issuer of each point redeemed;offsetting all points of foreign issuers redeemed by a native issuer against points of the native issuer redeemed by the foreign issuers;identifying remaining balances of points issued by foreign issuers redeemed by native issuers; andpresenting an invoice to each foreign issuer for all net point balances redeemed by each native issuer.13. An electronic value storage system, comprising:a plurality of transportable solid-state media, each solid-state medium securely storing stored value information in a reference fingerprint representing measured levels of trapped charges in a plurality of memory cells; anda plurality of electronic read/write units, each read/write unit being adapted to store and retrieve data from ones of the solid-state media, the read/write units being further adapted to read and write authentication information from and to the solid-state media, the authentication information being resistant to duplication and serving to locally identify a solid-state device containing authentic stored value information without accessing a remote authentication unit, wherein each of the read/write units is programmable with criteria by which value is to be added to the media, wherein each of the storage media includes a plurality of memory cells, and wherein each of the read/write units further includes a data authenticator for securing data written to the media, the data authenticator programming data into each memory cell by applying a voltage which causes charges to be trapped in the memory cell, making a measurement of the level of trapped charges in the memory cell after the memory cell is programmed, generating a numerical representation of the level of trapped charges as a reference fingerprint of the memory cell, and storing the numerical representation as the reference fingerprint.14. The value storage system of claim 13, wherein each of the data authenticators is operative to authenticate data stored in the memory cells, the data authenticator comparing the reference fingerprint to numerical representations of a subsequent measurement of the levels of trapped charges in the memory cells defining an authentication fingerprint, in order to determine whether the data stored in the memory cells is authentic.15. The value storage system of claim 14, wherein the system is a customer loyalty system, the value being stored on the media representing customer loyalty points earned through purchases.16. The value storage system of claim 14, wherein the system is a gaming system, the value being stored on the media representing a game player's points or winnings.17. The value storage system of claim 16, wherein the game is Pachinko and read/write units are incorporated in Pachinko machines so that a player's points are recorded onto the player's card.18. The value storage system of claim 13, wherein the media are erasable programmable read-only memory chips.19. The value storage system of claim 18, wherein each of the read/write units is adapted to interface with a point-of-sale terminal, the read/write unit receiving sales information from the point-of-sale terminal and updating the value on one or more media according to the information received from the point-of-sale terminal and the criteria stored in the read/write unit.20. The value storage system of claim 13, wherein the media are electrically erasable programmable read-only memory chips.21. The value storage system of claim 20, and also including a central server, each of the read/write unit being connectable to the central server, the central server being adapted to receive information from each read/write unit and transfer information to each read/write unit, the information received including sales and redemption transaction information, and point totals, the information transferred including point award and redemption criteria.22. The value storage system of claim 20, wherein the central server is adapted to maintain customer accounts and profiles from the information received from the read/write unit, and is further adapted to maintain merchant and customer accounts, to furnish periodic activity and balance reports, and to perform clearing functions.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to electronic information storage, and more particularly, to a system for electronically storing and retrieving value related information on a portable card.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electronic value storage systems have gained widespread acceptance over the past thirty years or so, but the scope of applications in which they can be used continues to be limited. This is because the value storage system typically consists of a central database, with debits and credits being made at the database. A customer is typically issued a plastic card with a magnetic stripe identifying the customer's account. The card typically contains no balance information or other information besides the customer's account number or other identifying number.
The card typically contains no security provisions. Instead, security is provided by a separate access code or personal identification number (PIN) preferably memorized by the customer, which must be provided along with the card in order for the card to operate. The access code is preferably stored at the central database along with the identifying number found on the card.
The cards utilized in conjunction with the central database system are quite inexpensive, but the cost of the cards represents only a trivial portion of the cost of the overall system. The system is dependent on one or more central databases, each of which can be quite expensive. Moreover, the databases must be accessible to every terminal at which the card might be used. A typical system thus requires a card; a card reader at the point of sale; a central database at the customer's home bank; and a telecommunications network which must be able within seconds to establish a connection between a point-of-sale terminal in, for example, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and a central database in, for example, New York City.
The need for a large central database, which may need to be accessible over a wide area, increases the cost of the system and makes it impractical for a small merchant who may, for example, wish to institute an automated customer loyalty tracking and rewards program. For such an application, it would be preferable to have value stored on the card itself. In this way, a decentralized system of cards and readers could be created which was no larger than necessary to serve the required number of point-of-sale terminals. Unlike the case in which a central database was used, the decentralized network would not require a central data storage location in order to operate. Moreover, under normal operation, one reader would not necessarily need to be in contact with another reader, but instead could execute its transactions independently.
Card systems, such as the SMARTCARD® have been introduced in which information is stored directly on the card, but these systems suffer from several drawbacks. First, the cards and the readers are expensive. The cards range in price from $3.50 to $13.00, while the readers range in price from $59.00 to $420.00 and the transaction costs range from $0.02 to $0.16. The cost of the card, in particular, is a significant factor, and limits the flexibility of practical uses of the card. It would be impractical, for example, to use the card for a one-time, limited duration promotion, as the benefits to be derived over a limited time would not cover the cost of the cards. Moreover, the cost of the card readers and of the transactions limit the base of customers who may be able to use the cards.
Cards such as the SMARTCARD® also have limited security. The danger therefore exists that fraudulently manufactured cards will be used, thus disrupting the business of legitimate customers.
A need therefore exists in the art for a low-cost, high-security system for electronic storage of value on an easily transportable medium such as a card.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment of the invention, a value storage system is provided in which value is stored on a transportable medium. Information representing the value is preferably stored on the medium in semiconductor memory cells of a semiconductor device. A numerical data string is generated, called a reference fingerprint, representative of the data stored in the memory cells. The reference fingerprint is related to numerical representations of the precise levels of trapped charges present in the memory cells at the time data is programmed. An EEPROM is suitably used as the semiconductor memory device. A reader/writer retrieves information from the device and writes information to the device by conventional means. The EEPROM is authenticated via the reference fingerprint. If the actual reference fingerprint matches the expected reference fingerprint, then a match occurs and data is read from or written to the EEPROM, as desired.
The authenticated data may be suitably used in an application such as a customer loyalty program. Each of a number of customers is issued a low cost card containing an EEPROM, on which information can be securely recorded. A plurality of read/write units are suitably furnished, each read/write unit being capable of securely storing data on, and reading data from, a customer's card. Each card may contain various data which can be read and employed in various recordkeeping, accounting and statistical functions. While a networked system could be employed, each read/write unit is capable of operating independently from the others, reading and writing data to each card, and maintaining a log of information relating to transactions from each card.
Each card is preferably encoded with identifying information, and used in sales transactions for the storage of bonus points related to each transaction. Bonus points may be awarded for sales transactions, and subsequently used for the purchase of, or discounts on, merchandise. Read/write units and cards may be connected to a central server to facilitate the transfer and maintenance of information on a storewide basis.
As an exemplary alternative, the presently disclosed cards and card systems may be suitably employed in a gambling or gaming context, such as in conjunction with Pachinko games, slot machines, off track betting (“OTB”) or the like. In such a system, a winner's winnings or points may be stored on a card and then redeemed at a later date without the need of tickets, chips or prizes. One or more merchants, stores or other authorized providers can then redeem the points or winnings. For example, a bank could pay out a winner's winnings, or a store could provide merchandize. Gaming points or winnings might be stored in a separate register or the same register containing points from another loyalty program. Similarly, multiple loyalty programs might have separate point total registers or the same register depending upon the relationship of the participants in the programs. It will be recognized that other sources of value related information could also be used in conjunction with the present system.
A more complete understanding of the present invention, as well as further features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
illustrates a value storage system employing the methods and apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 2
illustrates an alternative embodiment of a value storage system according to the present invention, employing a central server to facilitate the transmission and processing of information;
FIG. 3
illustrates a multi-merchant cooperative loyalty system according to the present invention;
FIG. 4
illustrates a card read/write unit according to the present invention, shown connected to a point-of-sale terminal;
FIG. 5
is a functional block diagram of a read/write unit according to the present invention;
FIG. 6
is a flowchart illustrating a method of monitoring and rewarding customer loyalty according to the present invention; and
FIG. 7
is a flowchart illustrating a method of receiving and processing information in a multi-merchant customer loyalty system according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1
shows a value storage system
100
according to the principles of the present invention. System
100
is suitably adapted to the administration of a consumer or customer loyalty program operated by a merchant with a plurality of branches in a particular geographic area. System
100
includes a plurality of cards, of which an illustrative example is card
102
, which are used as an easily transportable medium for the storage of data or information, such as value indicia, customer identification, customer profile information, bonus points based upon the dollars spent by the customer, points, gaming winnings, or the like. Card
102
preferably contains an EEPROM
102
A for the storage of data, suitable for use with a data security system according to the teachings of Fernandez U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,636 (“Fernandez”), which is incorporated herein by reference. The use of the data security system of Fernandez in conjunction with the teachings of the present invention protects against counterfeiting and provides for a high level of confidence in the integrity of the data without the need for complicated and expensive communications systems to verify each individual transaction.
System
100
further includes card read/write units
104
A-D, each of which is adapted to operate with any of the cards such as card
102
. The units
104
A-D way be located in a single store or distributed through a number of stores. Although four units are shown, it will be recognized that a smaller or larger number of units may be readily employed as desired.
When a merchant desires to institute a loyalty program, he can purchase a supply of cards and purchase or lease sufficient read/write units to serve his point of sale locations. The supplier can program the read/write units to operate the loyalty program, as desired by the merchant. The merchant then distributes cards
102
A-N to his customers, who then present the cards to the merchant whenever they make purchases. For example, suppose that a customer has been given card
102
, and makes a purchase at the point of sale terminal
103
A which is served by read/write unit
104
A. The customer presents the card
102
to the merchant, who inserts card
102
into read/write unit
104
A. Read/write unit
104
A receives information about the sale from point-of-sale terminal
103
A, calculates an appropriate amount of value to add to card
102
,reads the value on card
102
,updates the value on card
102
by adding the additional value to the presently existing value, and writes the updated value on the card
102
.
When a customer desires to redeem credit, he presents card
102
to the merchant, who inserts the card into read/write unit
104
A. The merchant enters the amount of credit to be redeemed. Read/write unit
104
A debits the value of card
102
A accordingly, in a process similar to that described above, and transmits the redeemed value to point-of-sale terminal
103
A, which calculates appropriate credit for the redemption, and adjusts the balance due for the sale accordingly. While an exemplary loyalty program is described above, it will be recognized that the present invention may be adapted to a wide variety of such programs.
For example, the present invention may be applied to Pachinko, gaming, gambling, or the like. Further specific examples might be off track betting, lotteries, and casinos. to this end, system
100
is shown as including a further source of value related information
103
D′ connected to a read/write unit
104
D′. Exemplary sources within further source
103
D′ are a Pachinko machine, a slot machine, OTB, other gaming sources and other sources generally. The advantages provided by the present invention will be readily adaptable to a host of applications.
FIG. 2
shows a loyalty system
200
in an alternative embodiment according to the present invention. System
200
includes cards
202
1
-
202
n
similar to the card
102
illustrated in
FIG. 1
, point of sale terminals
103
E-H and read/write units
104
E-H. System
200
also includes a central server
106
. Central server
106
is adapted to furnish updated information to each of the read/write units
104
E-H upon request. This information may include criteria by which value is to be added to a card, criteria governing the amount of value to be added, rules governing the use of value for purchases or discounts, and the like. Through the use of central server
106
,the operation of read/write units
104
E-H can be conveniently updated.
Central server
106
also makes possible online operation of the loyalty system
200
. While online operation does not require read/write units
104
E-H to be in continuous communication with central server
106
, or to have continuous access to central server
106
, read/write units
104
E-H can connect periodically with central server
106
to perform various online functions. It will be noted, however, that online operation is not needed for secure operation although it may be utilized in addition to the security presently provided. It will be recognized, however, that such redundant operation will eliminate much of the cost savings the present invention provides.
As was the case for the embodiment of
FIG. 1
, the online system
200
may be readily adapted to a variety of contexts, such as Pachinko, slot machines, OTB, other gaming applications and other applications generally. To this end,
FIG. 2
additionally shows a further source
103
H′ and read write unit
104
H′ connected to the central server
106
.
FIG. 3
illustrates a multi-merchant cooperative loyalty system
300
in accordance with the present invention. For purposes of simplification, system
300
will be described in terms of two merchants including a supply of interchangeable cards (not shown) which will preferably be similar to card
102
; first set of read/write units
104
J-M, belonging to a first merchant, read/write units
104
J-M connected to a first set of POS terminals
103
J-M, respectively; a second set of read/write units
104
N-Q belonging to a second merchant, a second set of read/write units
104
N-Q which are connected to a second set of POS terminals
103
N-Q, respectively, and a central server
302
.
The inclusion of the central server
302
in the loyalty system
300
allows the communication needed to operate a cooperative loyalty program, but without the necessity of maintaining continuous contact or access between read/write units
104
J-M,
104
N-Q, and central server
302
. Instead, each of the read/write units
104
J-M and
104
P-Q will preferably establish contact with central server
302
either on demand or at prearranged times, transmitting information for central server
302
to store and administer. In other words, contact will not be necessary on a transaction by transaction basis. For example, each of the read/write units may desirably transmit its daily transaction log to the central server
302
. Central server
302
can then use the transmitted logs to maintain and update stored information, which it can then process so as to administer the loyalty program. For example, central server
302
can make current information available on request, and can print a batch report at any time. Central server
302
can maintain a file for each merchant, which is updated periodically. Central server
302
can use the transaction log files received from the read/write units to produce marketing analysis reports.
Moreover, central server
302
can perform a reconciliation function similar to that of a clearinghouse. After the transaction logs of all of the read/write units have been transmitted to the central server, the central server identifies points earned and redeemed, and allocates them properly between merchants. Imbalances in point redemptions can be settled between merchants according to prior arrangements.
FIG. 4
is a more detailed illustration of a read/write unit
104
A and its operation according to the present invention. The read/write unit
104
A is shown connected to a point-of-sale terminal
103
A, with which the read/write unit
104
A preferably communicates. The read/write unit
104
A includes a slot
402
for insertion of a card, such as the card
102
illustrated in FIG.
1
. The read/write unit
104
A also includes a keypad
404
for direct entry of data. The read/write unit
104
A further includes a POS connection
406
to the point of sale terminal
103
A, as well as a server connection
408
which may be used to connect the read/write unit
104
A to a central server, such as the central server
302
illustrated in FIG.
3
.
The server connection
408
can be an ordinary telephone data interface such as a modem, allowing the read/write unit
104
A to be connected to the server over a conventional telephone line
410
.Read/write unit
104
A is suitably used in connection with a customer loyalty program, in which a customer is awarded points for participating purchases, and is able to redeem those points for merchandise or services.
Read/write unit
104
A may suitably perform all point award and redemption functions, and maintain a log of all points awarded and redeemed. Read/write unit
104
A is suitably programmed with loyalty program parameters, which may include frequency and monetary data, and information based on the merchant's own marketing strategy. Moreover, points are preferably identified with the issuing merchant, and their usability is defined. For example, points may be redeemable at only the issuing merchant, at any of the participants of a multiparticipant loyalty program, or at a subset of the participants of a multiparticipant loyalty program. Typically, the parameters of operation of read/write unit
104
A are programmed in when read/write unit
104
A is installed. Alternatively, new or updated parameters of operation can be downloaded from the central server.
During typical operation of the read/write unit
104
A, a customer gives his card to a sale clerk who inserts it into the read/write unit
104
A. If the sale is a normal sale in which points are to be awarded, the sales clerk then performs the sales transaction normally. The point of sale terminal
103
A transmits the sales information to the read/write unit
104
A. The read/write unit
104
A then computes the number of points to be awarded and updates the value stored on the card. Alternatively, the point transaction can be entered directly onto the keypad
404
.
If the transaction is to be a redemption of points, the customer gives the card to the sales clerk, who inserts the card into the read/write unit
104
A and processes the transaction on the point of sale terminal
103
A. The read/write unit
104
A then deducts the desired number of points from the card and updates the value of the card. The read/write unit
104
A simultaneously transmits a credit entry to the point of sale terminal
103
A reflecting the value of the points deducted. The read/write unit
104
A prints a receipt for each transaction, showing the transaction and the current point total. Points can also be redeemed by entering the transaction directly onto the keypad
404
. The redemption transaction can then be manually entered into the point of sale terminal
103
A.
FIG. 5
is a functional block diagram of a read/write unit
104
A according to the teachings of the present invention. Read/write unit
104
A preferably includes a microcontroller
502
, program storage
506
, control processor
508
, data storage
509
, a portion of which is dedicated to transaction log
510
, POS interface
512
, central server interface
514
and printer
516
. Microcontroller
502
is preferably adapted to read and write data to an EEPROM, and is preferably further adapted to provide data security according to the teachings of Fernandez U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,636 (“Fernandez”), incorporated herein by reference. In writing data, therefore, microcontroller
502
stores a reference fingerprint corresponding to numerical representations of a measurement of the levels of charges trapped in the memory cells. In reading data, microcontroller
502
makes comparisons of the reference fingerprints for authentication. Upon insertion of a card, microcontroller performs authentication by checking the reference fingerprint. If authentication passes, read/write unit
104
A functions normally. If authentication fails, read/write unit
104
A will not perform any operations on the card. The secure card provides a level of security which can be recognized at the read/write unit making it unnecessary to perform online verification of the validity of the card. The card may include a user personal identification number (PIN) in fingerprint form which the user will then key in so that protection is provided against lost or stolen cards.
Control processor
508
controls the operation of read/write unit
104
A, under the control of programming stored in program storage
506
. Standard programming is placed in program storage
506
at the time of manufacture of read/write unit
104
A, with supplemental programming being stored when read/write unit
104
A is to be installed in a customer location. Alternatively, supplemental programming can be updated by instructions received through server interface
512
, from a central server such as central server
302
described in connection with the discussion of FIG.
3
.
During typical operation, read/write unit
104
A communicates with a connected point of sale terminal through POS interface
512
. Read/write unit
104
A receives instructions and data from the point of sale terminal, and these instructions and data are processed by control processor
506
, which then directs appropriate actions by microcontroller
502
.
For example, if loyalty points are to be awarded, the point of sale terminal transmits the sale data to the control processor
506
over the POS interface
514
. The control processor logs the sale data in the transaction log
510
and microcontroller
502
to write updated information on the card. For security, this data may be written as a reference fingerprint. The control processor also directs printer
516
to print a transaction receipt reflecting the transaction as entered in the log.
If loyalty points are to be redeemed, this information is entered into the point of sale terminal as the method of payment for the transaction. The point of sale terminal directs the read/write unit to redeem an appropriate number of points. This directive is transmitted via POS interface
512
to the control processor
506
. The control processor
506
directs microcontroller
502
to check the card for a sufficient number of points. If the number of points on the card is insufficient, the control processor reports a failure to the point of sale terminal, which then rejects the transaction. If the card contains a sufficient number of points, write unit
504
updates the value on the card, again writing the new data as a reference fingerprint, and control processor
506
reports to the point of sale terminal that the transaction was successful. The point of sale terminal then applies the value of the points as a credit toward the purchase price of the product for which redemption is being made.
FIG. 6
is a flowchart showing the steps for processing a transaction according to the teachings of the present invention. At step
602
, the point of sale terminal and read/write unit are initialized. Next, at step
604
, a card is inserted into the read/write unit. Next, at step
606
, the card is checked for authenticity. Next, at step
608
, the authenticity of the card is evaluated, for example, by checking that an identification number stored as a reference fingerprint is valid. If the authenticity check fails, control is transferred to step
610
and the number of validation attempts is checked to determine whether the number of attempts has reached a predetermined maximum. If the predetermined maximum has not been reached, control is transferred to step
612
, the number of attempts is incremented and control is returned to step
608
. If the predetermined maximum has been reached, control is transferred to step
614
and the number of attempts is reset, the card is rejected, and the transaction is terminated.
If the evaluation of the authentication at step
608
is successful, control is transferred to step
616
and the transaction type is selected. The transaction can be a sales transaction for which points will be awarded, or a transaction for the redemption of points. If the transaction is to be one for which points will be awarded, control is transferred to step
620
and the sale is transacted in the normal manner. After completion of the sale, control is transferred to step
622
and the point of sale terminal sends the sale information to the read/write unit. Next, at step
624
, the read/write unit updates the card with the new point total. To prevent possible forgery, the new point total may be advantageously recorded as a reference fingerprint. Next, at step
628
the read/write unit logs the transaction. Finally, at step
630
the read/write unit prints a receipt showing the transaction details and the updated point total.
If the transaction type entered at step
616
is a redemption of points, control is transferred to step
632
and the point total on the card is checked. Next, at step
634
, the point total is displayed and the customer informed of the point total. Next, at step
636
, the transaction is performed as an ordinary sales transaction, to the point at which the amount due is arrived at. Next, at step
638
, the number of points to be redeemed is entered. Next, at step
640
, the point total on the card is checked to determine if the card contains the number of points entered. If the point total on the card is insufficient, control is transferred to step
638
and a new amount entered. Control is then transferred back to step
640
, and the total again checked. When the amount entered is less than or equal to the amount contained on the card, control is transferred to step
642
and the value of the number of points redeemed is transferred to the point of sale terminal as a cash amount to be applied to the sale. The sale transaction is then completed, with the customer supplying additional payment if the number of points redeemed is insufficient to cover the cost of the merchandise purchased. Control is then transferred to step
624
, and the card updated, preferably as a reference fingerprint, the transaction is logged, and a receipt is printed, as described above.
FIG. 7
is a flowchart showing the steps of receiving and processing information from a plurality of read/write units forming part of a multi-merchant loyalty system according to the teachings of the present invention. Control begins at step
701
, where the desired function is chosen. Control is then transferred to the chosen step, and, after the execution of the chosen step is completed, back to step
701
, where the next desired step is chosen.
At step
702
, each of the transaction logs of each of the read/write units is received. At step
704
, the information in each of the transaction logs is appropriately allocated to an account for each merchant, showing the number and value of points awarded and redeemed, as well as other information which is desired to be tracked. At step
706
, information from the transaction logs is allocated to an activity account for each customer, showing points earned and redeemed during a period, purchased preferences, and other desired information. Customer activity information can be filtered for the purpose of determining target audiences for marketing information and special offers.
At step
708
, merchant accounts for participants in shared point programs are reconciled, with point issuances and redemptions offset between different merchants, and payments between merchants being allocated for any imbalances.
At step
710
, a periodic statement is generated and distributed to each merchant, showing point activity and other desired information.
The steps illustrated by the flowchart in
FIG. 7
need not occur sequentially; rather, each step can be executed as desired. Receipt of the transaction logs preferably occurs at least daily, and generation and distribution of the merchant statements typically occurs monthly, but each step can be executed at whatever frequency, and in whichever order, is desired.
While the present invention is disclosed in the context of a presently preferred embodiment, it will be recognized that a wide variety of implementations may be employed by persons of ordinary skill in the art consistent with the above discussion and the claims which follow below. By way of example, cards, such as card
102
may be used for customer identification in conjunction with check cashing. Customer profile information may be stored on the cards. The cards may be suitably utilized as an electronic purse to store value, preferably stored as a reference fingerprint, which is then utilized to make purchases. Also, as previously noted, the present invention is widely applicable in contexts such as Pachinko, gaming, gambling, off track betting, lotteries and the like, as well as a host of other contexts in which cards and online card readers, or SMARTCARD® systems are presently used.
| 标题 | 发布/更新时间 | 阅读量 |
|---|---|---|
| 基于区别化上下文的广告高速缓存空间拍卖 | 2020-05-11 | 186 |
| 一种营销管理平台 | 2020-05-12 | 674 |
| 用于捕获和管理销售点交易相关数据的系统、设备和方法 | 2020-05-11 | 362 |
| Methods for Developing Customer Loyalty Programs and Related Systems and Devices | 2020-05-24 | 179 |
| Integrated loyalty program and game mechanic | 2020-05-14 | 749 |
| System and method for prepaid rewards | 2020-05-19 | 536 |
| LOCATION-BASED LOYALTY PROGRAM | 2020-05-26 | 686 |
| SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUSES FOR TENDER STEERING | 2020-05-16 | 441 |
| METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MULTIPLE SERVICES VIA A POINT-OF-SALE PORTAL ARCHITECTURE | 2020-05-20 | 629 |
| CUSTOMER GROUPS AND SALES PROMOTIONS | 2020-05-13 | 167 |
高效检索全球专利专利汇是专利免费检索,专利查询,专利分析-国家发明专利查询检索分析平台，是提供专利分析，专利查询，专利检索等数据服务功能的知识产权数据服务商。
我们的产品包含105个国家的1.26亿组数据，免费查、免费专利分析。
专利汇分析报告产品可以对行业情报数据进行梳理分析，涉及维度包括行业专利基本状况分析、地域分析、技术分析、发明人分析、申请人分析、专利权人分析、失效分析、核心专利分析、法律分析、研发重点分析、企业专利处境分析、技术处境分析、专利寿命分析、企业定位分析、引证分析等超过60个分析角度，系统通过AI智能系统对图表进行解读，只需1分钟，一键生成行业专利分析报告。
