PROGRAMMABLE TICKETING SYSTEM

• US 20100320268A1
• Filed: 06/28/2010
• Published: 12/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Leisure Pass Group Limited
• Original Assignee: Smart Destinations Incorporated (Big Bus Tours Group Holdings Ltd.)
• Inventors: Kim, Edward, McLaughlin, Kevin, Dahl, Helga Cecilia, Brooks, Tyler
• Granted Patent: US 8,346,618 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/382
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/00 Commerce
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 11/00 Arrangements, systems or apparatus for checking, e.g. the occurrence of a condition, not provided for elsewhere
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2011/02 related to amusement parks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2011/04 related to queuing systems
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/20 involving the use of a pass

Abstract

A smart-card based system and methods to control access to a plurality of attractions within a geographical area. The system may include one or more reward terminals that are located at attractions and are configured to read smart cards presented to them and, assuming the card is valid for that location, allow the card holder to access the attraction. Each smart card may be programmed with a product code that defines the attractions at which the card may be used. Product codes may be stored in a central database along with a list of the attractions associated with the each product code. The list of attractions may be updated as desired, thereby updating and changing the attractions at which any given card may be used.

Claims

1. A terminal for use in accessing a facility, the terminal comprising:

a smart card data mechanism to read and write information on a dunked smart card;

a verification mechanism to receive an identifier on the dunked smart card and to determine whether the dunked smart card is authorized to access the facility; and

a network access mechanism to connect to a remote system management computer to upload to the remote system management computer data corresponding to use of the facility by authorized smart card holders during a time period.