Methods and apparatuses for purchasing telephone calling card minutes using an electronic commerce kiosk and for conducting other forms of electronic commerce

US7331521B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Coinstar E-Payment Services Inc. · US

Inventors

• Timothy N. Sorenson · Bradenton, US
• Michael Boyle · Cameron Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 2006
• Grant date: Feb 19, 2008
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07F9/08
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for purchasing telephone calling card minutes and for conducting other forms of electronic commerce. In one embodiment, a method for conducting electronic commerce includes providing a kiosk in a publicly accessible location, and displaying one or more transaction options to a user at the kiosk. The method may further include receiving a transaction selection from the user corresponding to one or more of the displayed transaction options, determining an amount due from the user in response to the transaction selection, and receiving funds from the user. In response to receiving the funds, the kiosk may dispense a redeemable voucher to the user, including a redeemable voucher for any amount paid in excess of the amount due.