Methods and systems for exchanging/transferring gift cards
US8229851B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F19/204
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.