Data processing: financial – business practice – management – or co – Business processing using cryptography – Secure transaction
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-23
2004-12-07
Trammell, James P. (Department: 3621)
Data processing: financial, business practice, management, or co
Business processing using cryptography
Secure transaction
C705S001100, C705S065000, C235S380000, C379S114030, C379S121020, C379S124000, C379S125000, C379S126000, C379S127030, C379S130000, C379S131000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06829596
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a device and method for providing and activating an account or asset, and more particularly, to a device and method for activating an account or asset by secure means, the account or asset only being of value after activation and distribution to the end user.
BACKGROUND ART
Various methods and systems exist for the sale and use of prepaid telephone calls. One example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,275, which allows for prepayment of telephone calls, wherein credit information and a special code for a specific account are stored in memory in special exchanges and then the amount of prepaid minutes in a specific account are debited as a call is made, using the special code. Such systems are well known in the telecommunications industry, and the special codes are typically referred to as personal identification numbers or PINS. PINS may be distributed to an end user in various forms such as a label on a phone card, or printing on a phone card. Typically, a phone card company sells a plurality of phone cards with distinct PINS on each of the phone cards to a retailer, a machine operator, or promotional advertiser. These phone cards are typically resold for long distance services at retail value, or may be given away as promotional items. Each PIN appearing on an individual phone card corresponds to a specific account that is credited with a predetermined number of telephone call units, such as minutes. In some systems, the PIN is actually the account number, which corresponds to a control code that is issued with and identifies a particular phone card. Thus, each PIN may be linked to a predetermined number of minutes of long distance telephone time and to a control code. There are significant disadvantages with providing live or active telephone cards. One major drawback is the fact that the cards have value prior to distribution, and can be stolen. Another drawback is that retailers must hold such assets as inventory, creating problems for inventory control as well as concerns for security over storing unsold cards.
One alternative to having the retailer prepay for the cards is to implement point of sale activation, known in the industry as “POSA.” Point of sale activation involves distributing inactive phone cards to a retailer, then having the retailer activate each individual card as it is paid for by the customer. One example of this POSA system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,633. As disclosed therein, a phone card is provided which has a magnetic strip for encoding prepaid phone card information adapted for reading by a point of sale terminal. At the time the phone card is to be sold or otherwise transferred to an owner, the card may be read through the terminal which communicates with a central computer. The central computer compares information encoded on the card with information stored in a central database and with information from the point of sale terminal to verify that the card is being rightfully sold. The central computer may then authorize or deny activation of the card. Upon activation, the central computer or an invoicing computer communicating with the central computer may then prepare an invoice or automatically debit the retailer's bank account.
Another example of activating an account involving prepaid phone cards and the like include U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,909. This reference discloses a method of activating a metered account that is associated with a PIN, where the PIN is fixed to a card and the metered account is activated at the time of sale of the card. The card utilizes a magnetic data encoded strip, and a PIN printed thereon. The magnetic data encoded strip is encoded with a control number that is associated with the metered account. When the card is purchased, the control number is read from the data encoded strip, and the metered account is activated.
An example of a long distance telephone service system involving prepaid accounts includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,398. This reference discloses a system which provides for accounting and flexible, customizable control of long distance telephone usage by customers, especially prepaid long distance service customers. The system maintains a set of operating parameters corresponding to each access number, and a database of user accounts or card numbers along with a set of card processing parameters associated with each card number. Both the operating parameters and the processing parameters are applied in completing a long distance call. New accounts and recharging of existing prepaid accounts is accomplished automatically from remote locations.
Another example of a prepaid card system involving activation of an asset includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,721,768. This reference discloses a prepaid card system enabling customers to make purchases using an authorized card. The system includes four main functional components: a plurality of cards, a host computer, a plurality of on-site activation terminals, and a main processor. Each of the cards has a security number associated therewith. Each card is formed of a suitable material and may include the security number in clear text under a suitable black out. The main management and processing of the system is effected by the host computer. The host includes a database for storing security numbers corresponding to each of the authorized cards. The data terminals are remote from the host computer and communicate therewith for transmitting data between the terminals and the host computer. The main processor is controlled by the host computer for enabling customer purchases using authorized cards.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,696,908 is an example of a method and apparatus used for handling a telephone debit card. This reference discloses a method whereby telephone debit cards are automatically vended through a microprocessor controlled vending machine which permits card payment in cash and credit. The customer may select a desired telephone card value and a desired telecommunications carrier. Prepaid and printed cards are dispensed. Optionally, printed receipts are dispensed including an access code and prepaid value. The vending machine generates real time communications with an electronics funds clearing house for customer validity and funds approval. After electronic transfer of funds to the machine, the telephone debit card is dispensed and funds are electronically transferred to the selected telecommunications carrier via real time communications with the carrier chosen for electronic transfer of the card value, thus permitting immediate use of the telephone card by the customer.
Yet another example of a method or device involving activation of an asset includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,236. This reference discloses a phone card vending machine which has a secure locking cabinet, a card dispenser, a bill accepter or similar cash accepter, a printer for printing slip receipts containing an activated PIN, and a controller board within the cabinet which controls the printing of activated PINs. The card dispenser contains a supply of inactivate or zero value telephone cards. The controller board has a PIN memory that stores PIN numbers for each of several amounts of long distance calling time. The customer purchases a card by inserting currency, and making a selection on a keypad on the cabinet. At the time the card is dispensed, the printer prints and dispenses a receipt showing the value of the purchase price, including any taxes, the amount of long distance service time purchased, and the PIN number. The vending machine can replenish its stock of activated PIN numbers by modem from a remote location.
While each of the foregoing inventions may be adequate for their intended purpose, there are certain disadvantages associated with each, and none of which alone or in combination provide the advantages hereinafter described with reference to the claimed invention herein.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention, a method and apparatus are provided for activation of a desired asset or account. According to the invention, secure mea
Sheridan & Ross P.C.
Trammell James P.
Winter John
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