Bar coded bill payment system and method

US6993507B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Pacific Payment Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• John F. Meyer · San Diego, US
• Lou Krouse · Rancho Palos Verdes, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 14, 2000
• Grant date: Jan 31, 2006
• Expiry date: Dec 16, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q40/00
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A bill payment system consistent with the invention comprises a biller generating at least one invoice for at least one customer, the invoice comprising a unique bar code comprising data identifying at least the customer and the biller, and a scanning apparatus configured to scan the bar code and, based on the identifying data of the bar code, to effect payment to the biller in a predetermined amount. In method form, a bill payment method consistent with the invention comprises: generating an invoice for at least one customer, said invoice comprising a unique bar code, said bar code comprising data identifying at least said customer and said biller; and permitting a third party to scan said bar code and, based on the identifying data of said bar code, to effect payment to said biller in a predetermined amount. In another embodiment, a bill payment network consistent with the invention comprises a plurality of billers, each biller generating an invoice for at least one customer, the invoice comprising a unique bar code comprising data identifying at least the customer and the biller, and a plurality of third parties in communication with the billers, each third party capable of scan…