Voucher system and method of use

US7735726B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TARGET BRANDS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Erik BenDon Bjoraker · St. Louis Park, US
• Mark Alan Schultz · Carmel, US
• Token Lee Oakman · Minnetonka, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 17, 2005
• Grant date: Jun 15, 2010
• Expiry date: Jan 15, 2028

Classification

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

Abstract

A system for managing voucher use includes a database, a voucher, and a processor. The database stores an account defining at least one approved item available for purchase and a financial balance. The voucher includes an identifier linking the voucher to the account. The processor is in communication with the database and is adapted to use the identifier to access the account. The processor is adapted to determine if an item selected for purchase is an approved item and to apply at least a portion of the financial balance toward the purchase of the selected item only if the selected item is an approved item. Other voucher systems and associated methods are also disclosed.