U.S. patent application number 10/304718 was filed with the patent office on 2003-07-03 for methods and systems for electronic receipt transmission and management.
Invention is credited to Rosner, Warren M., Smith, Steven B., Thomas, Nicolas A..
Application Number | 20030126020 10/304718 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24504761 |
Filed Date | 2003-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030126020 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith, Steven B. ; et
al. |
July 3, 2003 |
Methods and systems for electronic receipt transmission and
management
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods
and apparatus for the generation, transmission, storage and
manipulation of electronic receipts which communicate itemized
purchase transaction information. Preferred embodiments comprise
wireless vendor devices and wireless purchaser devices which
transmit electronic receipts at a point-of-sale for documentation
of a purchase transaction. Further processing of the electronic
receipt information may be performed with a purchaser device or
with a secondary computing device after subsequent receipt
transmission to that secondary device.
Inventors: |
Smith, Steven B.; (Holladay,
UT) ; Thomas, Nicolas A.; (Orem, UT) ; Rosner,
Warren M.; (South Jordan, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kirton & McConkie
1800 Eagle Gate Tower
60 East South Temple
Salt Lake City
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
24504761 |
Appl. No.: |
10/304718 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10304718 |
Nov 26, 2002 |
|
|
|
09625141 |
Jul 25, 2000 |
|
|
|
6487540 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/21 ;
705/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/047 20200501;
G06Q 20/209 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q 20/202 20130101;
G06Q 20/4014 20130101; G06Q 20/04 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101;
G06Q 20/327 20130101; G06Q 20/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/21 ;
705/16 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60; G06G
001/12 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A system for receiving and maintaining electronic receipt
information, said system comprising: a vendor device for
determining itemized purchase information such as items purchased,
tax, the payment form, or approval information and compiling said
purchase information into an electronic receipt; a short range
communications device coupled to said vendor device for
transmitting said receipt; a purchaser device for receiving and
storing said receipt; a short range communications device coupled
to said purchaser device; said short range communications device
coupled to said purchaser device being capable of receiving an
electronic receipt from said short range communications device
coupled to said vendor device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said secondary computing device
is a desktop computer.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said secondary computing device
provides electronic receipt compilation and management.
4. A method for receiving and maintaining electronic receipt
information, said method comprising the acts of: determining
itemized purchase information with a vendor device; compiling said
purchase information into an electronic receipt; transmitting said
electronic receipt to a purchaser device.
5. The method of claim 3, further comprising the act of identifying
a purchaser device user using a bio-metric input device coupled to
said purchaser device.
6. The method of claim 3, further comprising the act of
transmitting said electronic receipt from said purchaser device to
a secondary computing device.
7. The method of claim further comprising the acts of: compiling
said electronic receipt information with other electronic receipt
information from other purchases; storing said compiled
information; and transmitting said compiled information to said
purchaser device.
8. An electronic receipt for recording purchase transaction
details, said receipt comprising: an itemized list of items
purchased in a transaction; a purchase price for each of said
items; a category assignment for each of said items for
organization of said items.
9. A system for collating and storing electronic receipts, the
system comprising: a purchaser device for transmitting electronic
receipts of various differing formats; a server for receiving said
electronic receipts; and software loaded or said server for
stripping data from said receipts and compiling said data in a
common format.
10. A system as recited in claim 9, wherein the compiled data is
used for participation in loyalty programs, discounts, or coupons.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/645,141, filed Jul. 25, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods,
systems and apparatus for communication and management of
electronic receipt information. More particularly, these
embodiments provide for the transmission of an electronic receipt
from a vendor device to a purchaser device and for subsequent
transmission, in some embodiments, of the electronic receipt to
management and accounting software. An electronic receipt may be
transmitted in conjunction with cash payment, charge, debit and
authorization information or may be transmitted as a unique entity.
Some embodiments of the present invention may utilize wireless
purchasing devices (WPDs) to communicate with point-of-sale
wireless vendor devices (WVDs) and arrange the electronic transfer
of receipt information.
[0004] 2.Background
[0005] Electronic transactions involving the transfer of money and
pecuniary assets are common in our society today. Stocks and bonds
may be purchased and traded using only electronic transactions.
Goods and services are also commonly purchased over the telephone
or via the Internet using credit or debit accounts with electronic
authorization.
[0006] Retail vendors typically accept credit and debit cards which
are verified and authorized using electronic communications
methods. Nearly every significant retail vendor accepts some form
of credit or debit card as remuneration for goods or services. The
accounts accessed through these cards are typically identified by a
number embossed on the card and a magnetic strip on the card's
surface that is encoded with account information. Transactions
involving a credit or debit card account require authorization from
the organization who issues the card. This authorization is
generally obtained at the point-of-sale by a vendor through
electronic communications channels. A transaction amount is
determined and the amount of the transaction along with the account
identification information are transmitted to the organization
which issued the card or an authorization provider(AP). If the
account has sufficient credit or funds to cover the transaction
amount and the account has not been deactivated for some other
reason, the card issuer will send an authorization code to the
vendor or AP which indicates that the issuer will transfer the
authorized amount to the vendor at an appropriate time.
[0007] Account information may be obtained by swiping the
electronic strip of the card across a magnetic reader thereby
eliminating the need for manual input. The transaction amount may
also be transferred from an electronic cash register and combined
with the account information automatically to make an authorization
request.
[0008] These point-of-sale authorization request devices are
typically connected to the card issuers or their representatives,
sometimes known as authorization processors (APs), through a
conventional telephone line. Often a dedicated phone line is
connected to the point-of-sale authorization device for quick
access to authorization data.
[0009] Wireless communication technology has progressed rapidly in
recent years. Cell phones and other long-range communication
devices have proliferated and are now commonplace among consumers.
As technology advances, the cost of these devices is plummeting and
even more widespread use is eminent. Mobile phones, pagers, two-way
radios, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other
communicators are all available on the market.
[0010] Internet use is also skyrocketing with millions of new users
logging on each year. Internet commerce now represents a
significant portion of retail commerce and is used by millions of
consumers each day.
[0011] Communications protocols exist which allow present
generation electronic communications devices to interface with the
Internet and access Internet resources. The Wireless Application
Protocol (WAP) is an open, global specification that enables mobile
wireless communications devices to access and interact with
Internet information and services. WAP is a communications protocol
and environment which can be built on nearly any operating system
including PalmOS, EPOC, Windows CE, FLEXOS, OS/9, JavaOS and others
and provides service interoperability between different device
families. WAP works with most existing wireless communications
networks such as CDPD, CDMA, GSM, PDC, PHS, TDMA, FLEX, ReFLEX,
iDEN, TETRA, DECT, DataTAC, Mobitex and others. WAP developers
operate Internet gateways specifically tailored for wireless
communications device users. These devices typically have small
displays, limited memory and less bandwidth that stationary, wire
connected computers, therefore, WAP provides for use of eXtended
Markup Languages (XMLs) such as the Wireless Markup Language (WML)
which offers Internet content tailored for cell phones, PDAs and
other wireless, portable communications devices.
[0012] Using WAP and similar technologies, vendors, news agencies,
financial institutions and other providers allow cell phone and
other portable communications device users to buy and sell
securities, execute credit card transactions, make account
transfers, make bill payments, receive and send e-mail, view news
reports. These providers offer seamless integration between the
Internet and wireless portable communication devices.
[0013] Wireless communication devices are also becoming commonplace
in the electronics industry. Wireless networking of portable
computers and associated devices is now replacing a large segment
of the networking market. Wireless communication devices including
wireless networking adapters, hubs and other equipment utilize
radio transmitters and receivers to transmit data signals from one
device or node to another. These radio transmitters and receivers
must utilize a specific frequency band and protocol to accomplish
this task. Since these wireless networks and communications areas
may often overlap, standards, protocols and privacy protection are
necessary. One current standard in the industry has been
established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) and is known as IEEE 802.11. This standard
comprises communications standards, protocol and equipment
specifications for wireless communication equipment including
privacy and encryption provisions.
[0014] Another innovation in the wireless communications arena is
the advent of short-range wireless networking between portable
communications devices. One standard for this technology is known
as Bluetooth.RTM., and is being established by a collaborative
group of communications and computing companies. Devices
incorporating Bluetooth.RTM. technology will utilize a micro-chip
transceiver for communications between devices. Bluetooth.RTM.
devices will transmit in the previously unused 2.4 GHz range and
will have a range of about 10 meters which may be extended to about
100 meters by increasing transmitter power. Bluetooth.RTM.
technology promises to be a viable and economical networking
solution for interconnection of cell phones, computers, printers,
modems, computer peripherals, fax machines and other communications
and computing devices. The size of the Bluetooth.RTM. transceiver
makes it usable in devices as small as palm computers and cell
phones.
[0015] Another established wireless connectivity standard is known
as IrDA and employs infrared radiation to communicate between
devices. IrDA is a point-to-point narrow angle, ad-hoc data
transmission standard designed to operate over a distance of 0 to 1
meter at speeds of 9600 bps to 16 Mbps. It is typically used in a
point-and-shoot fashion by pointing one device at another for
direct data transmission.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide
systems, methods and apparatus which provide for the generation,
transmission and management of electronic receipts. Electronic
receipts of embodiments of the present invention may comprise
purchase transaction information including, but not limited to,
total purchase price, vendor ID, purchaser ID, item descriptions,
itemized pricing, purchase date, purchase time, discount
information, creditor information, authorization information,
receipt management information and other transaction information.
The electronic receipts of embodiments of the present invention
comprise itemized information so that detailed tracking and
accounting of purchased items may be performed automatically.
[0017] Typically, an electronic receipt will be generated by a
vendor device at a point-of-sale. When a transaction takes place,
an electronic receipt may be transmitted from the vendor device to
a purchaser device where the receipt may be stored for further
processing within the device or for further transmission to other
devices and systems. Preferred embodiments of the present invention
employ a wireless vendor device (WVD) which may be a single device
or a combination of devices capable of generating receipt
information and transmitting receipt information to other devices.
A WVD typically employs wireless communications technology to
transmit the receipt information. Embodiments of the present
invention may employ a radio frequency transmitter, an Infrared
transmitter or other wireless communications methods.
[0018] The electronic receipt will generally be transmitted to a
purchaser device and, in preferred embodiments, to a wireless
purchasing device (WPD) which can store and manipulate the
electronic receipt. A purchaser device, such as a WPD, may process
and display the electronic receipt information directly as well as
retransmit the receipt information to other devices or systems for
further processing. A WPD may take the form of a personal digital
assistant (PDA), a wireless phone or some other wireless
communication device.
[0019] Alternate scenarios include purchasing an item using a
wireless point of sale system. With this transaction, receipt is
transferred from the vendor to the wireless point of sale device
over a wireless system such as Bluetooth_or IrDA connection. Under
this scenario no direct Internet connection is required as the
information is transferred directly over a wireless connection over
the WPD and the vendor.
[0020] Another purchasing scenario involves the purchasing of an
item over a direct Internet connection via an Internet Protocol.
For example, WAP. In this purchasing scenario, receipt is
transferred from the vendor to the WPD via a wired or a wireless
Internet connection.
[0021] Once the electronic receipt information has been transmitted
to the purchaser device, the information derived from the
electronic receipt may be processed and manipulated to provide
additional functionality. Preferred embodiments of the present
invention employ processing methods which compile multiple
electronic receipts and provide a user with an accounting of each
item purchased along with purchase information. Items listed in
electronic receipts may be categorized into categories of items for
accounting purposes. Each item on an electronic receipt may be
placed in one or more categories and each item may be related to
specific budget accounts. The methods of embodiments of the present
invention may provide for real-time budgeting and accounting
processes which allow a user to be constantly aware of current
account and budget situations.
[0022] Accordingly it is an object of some embodiments of the
present invention to provide systems, method and apparatus for
creating electronic receipts.
[0023] It is another object of some embodiments of the present
invention to provide systems methods and apparatus for transmitting
electronic receipts.
[0024] It is yet another object of some embodiments of the present
invention to provide systems methods and apparatus for providing
accounting and budgeting methods using electronic receipts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and objects of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the
invention will be described and explained with additional
specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings
in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing components of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the typical use of an
embodiment of the present invention with a single WVD and WPD.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The figures listed above are expressly incorporated as part
of this detailed description.
[0029] It will be readily understood that the components of the
present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the
figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of the system and apparatus of the
present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1 through 2, is not
intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but it is
merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the
invention.
[0030] The currently preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like
parts are designated by like numerals throughout.
[0031] In reference to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a
consumer's wireless purchasing device (WPD) 2 is shown comprising a
microprocessor 4 for processing consumer input, communications
functions and display functions as well as other functions. WPD 2
may also comprise a display 6 in preferred embodiments, however
display 6 is not required for rudimentary embodiments. An input
device 8 may also be part of WPD 2 to allow for consumer input and
selection. WPD 2 may communicate with other electronic devices
using a short-range communications device 14. Short range
communications device 14 may be used to communicate with a vendor's
point-of-sale device, such as wireless vending device (WVD) 20,
with other WPDs, with external communication devices or with other
electronic devices. However, the key function of short range
communications device 14 is to communicate with WVDs and to receive
electronic receipt information therefrom. Short range
communications device 14 may be a Bluetooth.RTM. transceiver or
similar short range networking device or may be an Infrared
transceiver such as an IrDA standard port as well as other devices.
WPD 2 also comprises memory 16 for storing electronic receipt and
other information. WPD 2 may also comprise input/output (I/O) 12
such as a serial port, parallel port, USB port or some other wired
communication connection. I/O 12 may also be used to communicate
with a vendor device at a point-of-sale transaction when wireless
communication is not available or desired.
[0032] Some embodiments of WPD 2 may also comprise a biometric
input device 10 to verify user identity. Biometric input device 10
may use thumb print analysis, retinal scan analysis or another
identification method to identify the WPD user. Once the user is
identified, user identity can be matched to account data to ensure
that unauthorized users do not gain access to sensitive information
or other user's accounts.
[0033] Embodiments of the present invention also comprise a
wireless vendor device (WVD) 20 which is typically positioned at a
point-of-sale for communication with WPDs. WVD 20 will generally
comprise a short range communications device 24 configured to
communicate with short range communications device 14 used in WPDs.
As with communications device 14, device 24 may be a Bluetooth.RTM.
transceiver, an IrDA port or another communications device. In
situations where multiple vendors are accessible to a single WPD at
the same time, a Bluetooth.RTM. transceiver or similar networking
device is preferred to allow multiple party communications. Short
range communications device 24 is connected to a vendor device 22
which is typically an electronic computing device such as an
electronic cash register, an electronic vending machine, a bar-code
reader or other device which may transmit and receive product and
transaction information and transmit electronic receipt
information. WVD 20 may communicate electronic receipt information
or other information via short range transceiver 24 or via direct
cable connection to WPD input/output 12 for direct wireline
communications.
[0034] WPD 2 may also communicate with secondary computing device
30 which may comprise a variety of devices including, but not
limited to, a desktop computer, a mainframe computer, a storage
device, a network server, an Internet site and many other computing
devices. Secondary computing device 30 may be used for storage and
processing of electronic receipt information. When WPD 2 has
limited processing ability, limited display capability, limited
memory or other limited features, secondary computing device 30 may
receive information from WPD 2 for processing, display, storage,
conversion or other manipulation or use. Even when WPD 2 does not
have limited features, information may be transmitted to secondary
computing device 30 for archival storage, redundant file
maintenance or any other reason.
[0035] WPD 2 may communicate with secondary computing device 30 via
a short range communication devices 34 & 14 or by direct
wireline link through input/output devices 12 & 36.
Input/output devices 12 & 36 may comprise modems, network
adapters, serial ports, parallel ports, USB ports and any other
communications adapters or connections.
[0036] During use of the systems and methods of embodiments of the
present invention an exchange of information 44 takes place between
a vendor device such as a WVD 20 and a purchaser device such as a
WPD 2 as shown in FIG. 2. This information exchange 44 may comprise
multiple transactions and multiple bi-lateral or unilateral data
transmissions. In some embodiments, information exchange 44 may
comprise credit or debit account identification and authorization
as well as identification of vendor and purchaser along with
account information. Some or all of information exchange 44 may be
encrypted, coded or otherwise manipulated to preserve privacy.
[0037] Information exchange 44 also comprises the transmission of
electronic receipt information from vendor device 20 to purchaser
device 2. Electronic receipt information typically comprises
purchase transaction information including, but not limited to,
total purchase price, vendor ID, purchaser ID, item descriptions,
itemized pricing, purchase date, purchase time, discount
information, creditor information, authorization information,
receipt management information and other transaction information.
The electronic receipts of embodiments of the present invention
comprise itemized information so that detailed tracking and
accounting of purchased items may be performed automatically.
Detailed tracking as well as itemized information, automated
logging or indexing of stored receipts is also made available.
[0038] Information stored in purchaser device 2 may be compiled,
displayed, converted or otherwise manipulated within purchaser
device 2 through the use of microprocessor 4, memory 16 and other
components. Generally, a user may combine receipt information to
obtain a running total of itemized and categorized purchase and
budget information. When purchaser device 2 has limited processing
capabilities or for other reasons, a user may transfer 46 receipt
information from purchaser device 2 to secondary computing device
30 for further processing, storage, archiving and other
functions.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, secondary computing device 30 is
a web server 42 which can be accessed through a wireless Internet
connection. Web server 42 may provide compiled receipt information
including itemized and categorized purchase and budget information.
Web server 42 may further provide banking, automated bill payment,
tax preparation and other financial services in connection with
receipt information management.
[0040] Secondary computing device 30 such as a home computer or web
server may also transmit compiled information 48 back to purchaser
device 2 for display and reference while a user is unable to
connect to secondary computing device 30.
[0041] The electronic receipt information of preferred embodiments
of the present invention comprises detailed information in an
itemized format so that purchase data can be tracked, stored, and
compiled for specific purchase items. Items may also be assigned to
certain categories for which aggregate information may be compiled.
Items may also be assigned to budget accounts from which funds are
drawn when those items are purchased. A user may be alerted to
budget account overdrafts when receipt information is received or,
in some embodiments, a preliminary receipt may be transmitted from
vendor device 20 to purchaser device 2 for budget authorization
prior to a final purchase transaction. Upon budget approval a
specific purchase may be authorized and a final purchase receipt
will be transmitted.
[0042] Preferred embodiments of an electronic receipt will have
complete file integrity so that users may be assured of accurate
receipt information regardless of the location or possession of an
electronic receipt file. File integrity may be preserved through
independent transmission and storage of original receipt
information by an independent verification service or by other data
integrity preservation methods.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 3, a customer bank lender 39 is shown
handling various vendor accounts 71, 72, and 73, debiting and
crediting those accounts as authorization is received. An
authorization processor 30 takes requests from devices such as
wireless purchasing device 2 and either forwards an authorization
and response to the request or forwards a denial. If the request
cannot be satisfied either because of insufficient funds or some
other inconsistency in the process, then a denial is forwarded to
the wireless purchasing device. The request forwarded by the
wireless purchasing device 2 are received from wireless vending
devices 61, 62, and 63. The system may operate using several
scenarios. For example, in one scenario, the owner of a wireless
purchasing device 2 would place an order from wireless vending
device 61. Before the order is transmitted to wireless vending
device 61, the proper ownership of the device could be verified
through biometric input 10. Once verified, the order could be
transmitted wirelessly to the wireless vending device whereupon the
device would respond by indicating that there were sufficient
quantities of product available at the price requested and would
transmit that information back to the wireless purchasing device
along with an authorization code. The wireless purchasing device
would then forward the authorization code in a request to the
authorization processor 30. Authorization processor 30 would then
locate the appropriate customer bank lender 39 and forward the
request for transfer of funds. The customer bank lender would use
the authorization code to locate the correct vendor account and it
would transmit funds from the owner of the wireless purchasing
device over into the account of the vender. Once the funds have
been transferred, a transfer verification would be forwarded back
to the authorization processor back to wireless purchasing device 2
and forwarded to wireless vending device 61. Upon receiving the
verification, the vending device would release the product to the
owner of the wireless purchasing device. It should be understood
that the wireless vending device 61 is used only as an example and
that purchases can also be made from any number and type of
vendors.
[0044] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrated and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *