Temporary value card method and system

• US 20070108268A1
• Filed: 11/15/2005
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: e2Interactive Incorporated
• Original Assignee: e2Interactive Incorporated
• Inventors: Denzer, Karl, Young, Dustin, Graves, Phillip, Chakiris, Phil
• Granted Patent: US 7,575,152 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/380
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/105 involving programming of a portable memory device, e.g. IC cards, "electronic purses"
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/343 Cards including a counter
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3433 the counter having monetary units
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/02 by keys or other credit registering devices

Abstract

A method for using a temporary value card is provided. A first value is determined base upon a selection of goods or services from a provider. The temporary value card is sold at a POS. The first value is associated with the temporary value card.

Claims

1. A method for using a temporary value card comprising:

determining a first value based upon a selection of goods or services from a provider,

selling the temporary value card at a POS, and

associating the first value with the temporary value card.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

using the temporary value card to purchase the selected goods or services from the provider for the first value.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising:

associating a zero value with the temporary value card promptly before, or during, or promptly after purchasing goods or services from the provider.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising:

associating an expiration date with the temporary value card at the same time as associating the first value.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

associating an identification or account number from an expired temporary value card with a new temporary value card and with a new first value.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

providing a refund for the first value associated with the temporary value card.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

selling an additional value at a POS,

adding the additional value to the first value to calculate a total value, and

associating a total value with the temporary value card.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

selling a product for less than the first value associated with the temporary value card

providing a refund equivalent to any remaining value associated with the temporary value card, and

associating a zero value with the temporary value card.

9. A method for using a temporary value card comprising:

determining a first value based upon a selection of goods or services from a provider,

selling the temporary value card,

activating the temporary value card, and

transmitting a PAN to the provider.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

wherein activating a card comprises transmitting activation information to an intermediary.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

wherein the activation information excludes the PAN.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

wherein the activation information comprises the specific fee.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

the activation information is pre-associated with the PAN before selecting the product.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

the activation information is associated with the PAN during the activation of the card.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:

confirming that the provider has accepted the PAN and completed the order.

16. A method for using a temporary value card comprising:

determining a first value based upon a selection of goods or services from a provider,

activating a temporary value card,

sending a PAN to the provider, and

either receiving a tendered payment, or else voiding the transaction if payment is not tendered promptly.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising:

wherein determining a first value based upon a selection of goods or services from a provider comprises;

providing a selection of product details, sending the selected product details and any other related data to the provider, determining a specific fee which is required from the customer before completing the order, and alerting the customer of the specific fee.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

wherein activating a product comprises;

reading activation information from a card, transmitting activation information and a specific fee to an intermediary, the intermediary associating at least some of the activation information with a PAN, the intermediary associating the specific fee with the PAN, the intermediary sending the PAN and confirmation to a kiosk or to the customer, and the intermediary maintaining records of all transactions.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

wherein sending a PAN to the provider comprises transmitting the PAN to the provider, the provider identifying the PAN, the provider completing the order, and the provider maintaining a records of all transactions.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

wherein determining a first value based upon a selection of goods or services from a provider comprises;

providing a selection of product details, sending the selected product details and any other related data to the provider, determining a specific fee which is required from the customer before completing the order, and alerting the customer of the specific fee;

wherein activating a temporary value card comprises;

reading activation information from a card, transmitting activation information and a specific fee to an intermediary, the intermediary associating at least some of the activation information with a PAN, the intermediary associating the specific fee with the PAN, the intermediary sending the PAN and confirmation to a kiosk or to the customer, and the intermediary maintaining records of all transactions; and

wherein sending a PAN to the provider comprises transmitting the PAN to the provider, the provider identifying the PAN, the provider completing the order, and the provider maintaining a records of all transactions.