Vending approval systems, methods, and apparatus using card readers
First Claim
1. A method for obtaining application data using a card reader having a pass-through mode and an automatic polling mode, the method comprising:
- enabling the pass-through mode of the card reader;
instructing the card reader to poll for an exchange event;
identifying the exchange event;
identifying a subject of the exchange event;
obtaining application data from the subject of the exchange event when the subject of the exchange event is associated with one of at least one predefined application;
disabling the pass-through mode and enabling the automatic polling mode of the card reader after the application data is obtained;
obtaining an account number from the subject of the exchange event; and
authorizing a vending transaction with the obtained account number.
11 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods, systems, and apparatus for obtaining application data using a card reader having a pass-through mode and an automatic polling mode are disclosed. Application data may be obtained by enabling the pass-through mode of the card reader, instructing the card reader to poll for an exchange event, identifying the exchange event, identifying a subject of the exchange event, and obtaining application data from the subject when the subject of the exchange event is a predefined application. The pass-through mode may be disabled and the automatic polling mode may be enabled after the application data is obtained. An account number from the subject of the exchange event may also be obtained for use in authorizing a vending transaction.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method for obtaining application data using a card reader having a pass-through mode and an automatic polling mode, the method comprising:
-
enabling the pass-through mode of the card reader; instructing the card reader to poll for an exchange event; identifying the exchange event; identifying a subject of the exchange event; obtaining application data from the subject of the exchange event when the subject of the exchange event is associated with one of at least one predefined application; disabling the pass-through mode and enabling the automatic polling mode of the card reader after the application data is obtained; obtaining an account number from the subject of the exchange event; and authorizing a vending transaction with the obtained account number. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A system comprising:
-
a card reader having a pass-through mode and an automatic polling mode; and an approval unit coupled to the card reader, the approval unit configured to enable the pass-through mode of the card reader, instruct the card reader to poll for an exchange event, identify the exchange event, identify a subject of the exchange event, obtain application data from the subject of the exchange event when the subject of the exchange event is associated with one of at least one predefined application, disable the pass-through mode and enable the automatic polling mode of the card reader after the application data is obtained, obtain an account number from the subject of the exchange event, and authorize a vending transaction with the obtained account number. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
-
20. A vending approval unit for use with a vending device, the vending approval unit comprising:
-
a radio frequency transceiver configured for communication with a remote processor; a short range communication transceiver for communication with a payment device; and a processor coupled to the radio frequency transceiver, the short range communication transceiver, and the vending device, the processor configured to poll the payment device via the short range communication transceiver to obtain payment information and application data, transmit the obtained payment information and application data to the remote processor;
receive approval of the payment information from the remote processor, and post funds to the vending device in response to the received approval.
-
Specification