U.S. patent application number 14/175712 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-16 for affinity group.
This patent application is currently assigned to SERVERSIDE GROUP LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is SERVERSIDE GROUP LIMITED. Invention is credited to Adam Elgar, Tom Elgar.
Application Number | 20150199676 14/175712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39050877 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150199676 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Elgar; Tom ; et al. |
July 16, 2015 |
AFFINITY GROUP
Abstract
A method of creating an affinity group image for application to
an affinity group transaction means, the method comprising:
displaying at least one image for application to a transaction
means associated with the affinity group; receiving instructions to
manipulate an image selected from the at least one image;
processing the selected image by applying the received manipulation
instructions to the selected image to produces a personalised
image; and saving the personalised image for selection by a member
of the affinity group.
Inventors: |
Elgar; Tom; (London, GB)
; Elgar; Adam; (Brooklyn, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SERVERSIDE GROUP LIMITED |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
SERVERSIDE GROUP LIMITED
London
GB
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150039412 A1 |
February 5, 2015 |
|
|
Family ID: |
39050877 |
Appl. No.: |
14/175712 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13557166 |
Jul 24, 2012 |
|
|
|
14175712 |
|
|
|
|
11891250 |
Aug 8, 2007 |
8527354 |
|
|
13557166 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04845 20130101;
G06Q 30/0226 20130101; G06Q 20/24 20130101; G06Q 20/3555 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/34 20060101
G06Q020/34; G06Q 20/24 20060101 G06Q020/24; G06F 3/0484 20060101
G06F003/0484; G06Q 30/02 20060101 G06Q030/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 8, 2006 |
GB |
GB0615735.8 |
Apr 20, 2007 |
GB |
GB0707716.7 |
Claims
1. A computer-implemented method for creating an affinity group
image for each of the members of the affinity group to select and
apply to an affinity group transaction card for that member, the
method comprising: causing an image to be displayed at a user
interface that, following editing, is to later be offered to each
of the members of the affinity group for application to an affinity
croup transaction card for that member; providing an internet
communications link coupling the user interface to an image
processor; receiving at the image processor from the user interface
instructions to edit the image that, following editing, is to later
be offered to each of the members of the affinity croup for
application to an affinity croup transaction card for that member;
causing the image processor to editing the received image editing
instructions to produce an affinity group image that is to later be
offered to each of the members of the affinity croup for
application to an affinity group transaction card for that member;
and saving in an electronic storage device the affinity group image
in a manner that permits it to later be offered to each of the
members of the affinity group for application to an affinity croup
transaction card for that member.
2. A computer-implemented method for creating an affinity group
image for application to affinity group transaction cards
associated with the affinity croup, the method comprising: causing
at least one image for application to the affinity group
transaction cards associated with the affinity group to be
displayed; receiving instructions to edit an image selected from
the at least one image; processing the selected image by applying
the received editing instructions to the elected image to produce
the affinity group image; and saving the affinity group image in a
manner that permits it to be later offered to each of the members
of the affinity group for selection by that member of the affinity
group to be applied to an affinity group transaction card for that
member.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the method is repeated to generate
multiple, different group affinity images and further comprising:
associating a different group identifier with each different
affinity group image; and saving each different affinity group
image with its associated group identifier.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein each group identifier comprises an
affinity group image identifier and an affinity group
identifier.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving the image as
an upload from a user's computer.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the instructions to edit include
rotating, resizing, moving, and adding text to the image.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the affinity group image comprises
multiple one or more images overlaid on each other.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the image is a logo representative
of the affinity group.
9. (canceled)
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising offering the affinity
group image only to members of the affinity group for application
to affinity group transaction cards for the members.
11. A computer-implemented method for automating the setup of an
affinity group scheme for affinity group financial transaction
cards for members of the affinity group, the method comprising:
enabling an affinity group to apply through a user interface for
the affinity group scheme; displaying an image; enabling editing of
the image; receiving instructions to edit the image and editing the
image in accordance with the received instructions; storing the
edited image in a storage device; and making the stored edited
image available for selection by a member of the affinity group for
application to an affinity group transaction card for that
member.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: enabling the
affinity group to upload an image from an affinity group computer;
storing the uploaded image in the storage device; and enabling
selection and editing of the uploaded image.
13. The method of claim 11 further comprising: enabling edits of a
different image; storing the different edited image in the storage
device; and making the stored edited images available for selection
by a member of the affinity group for application to an affinity
group transaction card for that member.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the image and the edited image
are stored in the same storage device.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the image and the edited image
are stored in separate storage devices.
16. The method of claim 11 further comprising: creating an image
identifier; associating the image identifier with the edited image;
and storing the edited image with the associated image identifier
in the storage device.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the image identifier comprises:
a first identifier identifying the affinity group; and a second
identifier identifying the edited image.
18. The method of claim 11 further comprising: storing the image in
a remote image store; causing a graphical representation of the
image to be displayed on a user interface, the user interface being
coupled to a remote image processor by an internet communications
link, the link being operable to transfer information about edits
applied to the graphical representation between the user interface
and the remote image processor; and the remote image processor
accessing the remote image store in order to apply edits to the
image held in the remote image store that emulate those applied to
the graphical representation.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising a scheme provider or
a transaction card issuer checking the edited image.
20. A computer-implemented method of automating the setup of an
affinity group scheme for issuing transaction cards, the method
comprising: enabling an affinity group to apply through a user
interface for an affinity group scheme; requesting that the
affinity group input affinity group data or an affinity group
image; and automatically generating an affinity group website based
on a template affinity group website and inputting the affinity
group data or image to that website.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the affinity group image is an
affinity group logo representative of the affinity group.
23. A computer-implemented method of automating the setup of an
affinity group scheme comprising: enabling an affinity group to
apply through a user interface for an affinity group scheme;
requesting that the affinity group input affinity group data or an
affinity group image; and automatically generating affinity group
marketing material based on a template affinity group marketing
material that includes the inputted affinity group data or the
affinity group image.
24. The method of 23 wherein the affinity group image is an
affinity group logo representative of the affinity group.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/557,166, entitled "Affinity Group,"
and filed on Jul. 24, 2012; which is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/891,250 (now U.S. Pat. No.
8,527,354, issued Sep. 3, 2013), entitled "Affinity Group" and
filed on Aug. 8, 2007; which claims the benefit of UK Application
No. GB 0615735.8, filed Aug. 8, 2006, and UK Application No.
GB9696615.7, filed Apr. 20, 2007. The entire content of each of
these applications and patents is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to affinity group schemes. In
particular, the present invention relates to methods and computer
apparatus for affinity group schemes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] An affinity group is a group such as a charity or an
organisation which has a plurality of members. Examples of affinity
groups are the National Trust, Cambridge University and New York
University.
[0004] In such an affinity group scheme, it is desirable for an
affinity group financial transaction card to be created. Members of
the affinity group can then apply to receive the affinity group
financial card which has a pre-designed affinity group card image
thereon. For example, a member of the National Trust may apply for
an National Trust credit card which has an image of one of the
National Trust castles on it and/or the National Trust logo.
[0005] Affinity group financial transaction card schemes are
desirable to affinity groups as the card issuer makes a payment to
the affinity group for each affinity group member which applies for
an affinity group card. The card issuer also pays a percentage of
the spending accrued with each affinity group card to the affinity
group. Furthermore, affinity group card schemes are desirable to
the card issuer as the pre-designed affinity group card image
motivates members of the affinity group to apply for a card, thus
creating new clients for the card issuer.
[0006] Known affinity group schemes initially comprise a sales
process driven by the card issuer to each affinity group. Once an
affinity group has signed up to the scheme, an image must be
created for the affinity group card. This involves a process of
designing an affinity group image and then subsequently printing a
number of cards having the affinity group image applied
thereto.
[0007] The printed cards are required to be stored under very high
security conditions in individually labelled boxes. In some cases
sophisticated card delivery carousels are used, however, in most
cases hundreds if not thousands of printed affinity group cards are
stored in marked card holders.
[0008] The affinity group is then required to create its own
marketing material, with help from the card issuer, inclusive of a
financial card application form, for direct mailing to members of
the affinity group.
[0009] If a member of the affinity group decides that he/she wants
an affinity group card, then they are required to fill in the card
issuers application form and post it to the card issuer. The card
issuer then processes the application form and determines whether
the member is eligible for a financial card. If the member is
eligible, then the card issuer orders a pre-printed affinity group
card having the affinity group image printed thereon, to be
retrieved from the card holder and to be printed with the members
details. Finally, the card is sent to the member.
[0010] A common problem associated with the known affinity group
schemes is that the card issuers are only able to target the very
largest affinity groups, for example large charities. This is
because the logistical difficulties and onerous cost of setting up
and delivering the affinity group card must be offset by
considerable card volumes generated.
[0011] Additionally, the design and pre-printing of affinity group
cards can be a lengthy process. Once designed the cards typically
take between 8 to 12 weeks to be printed with the affinity group
image. Furthermore, the direct mailing of the affinity group
marketing material does not tend to have a high response rate,
typically only 0.2% of the members approached apply for the
affinity group card.
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide an
improved affinity group scheme.
SUMMARY
[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of creating an affinity group image for
application to an affinity group transaction means, the method
comprising: displaying at least one image for application to a
transaction means associated with the affinity group; receiving
instructions to manipulate an image selected from the at least one
image; processing the selected image by applying the received
manipulation instructions to the selected image to produces a
personalised image; and saving the personalised image for selection
by a member of the affinity group.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of operating a computer for creating an affinity
group image for application to an affinity group transaction means,
the method comprising: displaying at a user interface at least one
image; providing an internet communications link coupling the user
interface to an image processor; receiving at the image processor
instructions to manipulate an image selected from the at least one
image; causing the image processor to apply the received
manipulation instructions to the selected image to produce an
affinity group image; and saving in storage means the affinity
group image for selection by a member of the affinity group.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: associating an identifier to each affinity group
image; and saving the affinity group image and associated
identifier.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention the
identifier comprises an affinity group image identifier and an
affinity group identifier.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention the at
least one image is uploaded from a users computer.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention the
instructions to manipulate include rotating, resizing, moving, and
adding text to the selected image.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention the
affinity group image comprises one or more images overlaid with
each other.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention the at
least one image is a logo.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of producing an affinity group transaction means,
the method comprising: displaying at least one affinity group
image; enabling only members of the affinity group to select one of
the affinity group images; and applying the selected affinity group
image to a transaction means.
[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of operating a computer system for producing an
affinity group transaction means, the method comprising: displaying
at a user interface at least one affinity group image; providing an
internet communications link coupling the user interface to an
image processor; enabling only members of the affinity group to
select one of the affinity group images; and causing the image
processor to apply the selected affinity group image to a
transaction means.
[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: printing the transaction means having the
selected affinity group image.
[0024] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: a storage means for storing the at least one
affinity group image.
[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: associating an identifier to the at least one
affinity group image.
[0026] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: storing the at least one affinity group image
and the associated identifier in a storage means.
[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention the
identifier comprises an affinity group image identifier and an
affinity group member identifier.
[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention an affinity
group is a group comprising at least one member.
[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: enabling a members of the affinity group to
upload an image from their computer; processing the uploaded image
by applying received manipulation instructions to the uploaded
image to produce a personalised affinity group image; and applying
the uploaded personalised image to the transaction means.
[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of distributing credit accrued from an affinity
group scheme, the method comprising: transferring credit to a
scheme provider in respect of a member who joins an affinity group
scheme; and transferring a percentage of the transferred credit
from the scheme provider to an affinity group.
[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of distributing credit accrued from an affinity
group scheme, the method comprising: transferring credit to a
scheme provider in respect of spending accrued from an affinity
group transaction means; and transferring a percentage of the
transferred credit from the scheme provider to an affinity
group.
[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: transferring credit to a scheme provider in
respect of spending accrued from an affinity group transaction
means; and transferring a percentage of the transferred credit from
the scheme provider to an affinity group.
[0033] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: associating identifier data to the transferred
credit; and determining which affinity group the percentage of
transferred credit should be transferred to based on the identifier
data.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of printing a transaction means, the method
comprising: receiving user data from a processor; receiving user
image selection data from a processor; and printing a transaction
means having the user data and the user image.
[0035] According to another embodiment of the invention the user
image selection data is identification data; and further comprising
requesting the user selected image from a storage means in
accordance with the identification data.
[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a process for automating the set up of an affinity group
scheme, the process comprising: enabling an affinity group to apply
through a user interface for an affinity group scheme; displaying
at least one image; enabling manipulations of a selected one of the
at least one image; storing the manipulated image in storage means;
and making the stored image available for selection by a member of
the affinity group for application to an affinity group transaction
means.
[0037] According to another embodiment of the invention the process
further comprises: enabling the affinity group to upload an image
from an affinity group computer; storing the uploaded image in
storage means; and enabling selection and manipulation of the
uploaded image.
[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention the process
further comprises: enabling manipulations of another selected one
of the at least one image; storing the another manipulated image in
the storage means; and making the stored images available for
selection by a member of the affinity group for application to an
affinity group transaction means.
[0039] According to another embodiment of the invention the process
further comprises: creating an image identifier; associating the
image identifier to the manipulated image; and storing the
manipulated image and associated image identifier in the storage
means.
[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention the at
least one image and the manipulated image are stored in separate
storage means.
[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention the at
least one image and the manipulated image are stored in the same
storage means.
[0042] According to another embodiment of the invention the image
identifier comprises: a first identifier identifying the affinity
group; and a second identifier identifying the manipulated
image.
[0043] According to another embodiment of the invention the at
least one image is stored in a remote image store; a graphical
representation of the selected one of the at least one image is
displayed on a user interface; the user interface is coupled to a
remote image processor by an internet communications link, said
link being operable to transfer information about manipulations
applied to the graphical representation between the user interface
and the remote image processor; and the remote image processor
accesses the remote image store in order to apply to the selected
one of the at least one image held in the remote image store
manipulations emulating those applied to the graphical
representation.
[0044] According to another embodiment of the invention a scheme
provider and/or a transaction means issuer checks the manipulated
image.
[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of applying for an affinity group transaction
means, the method comprising: applying for an affinity group
transaction means; and selecting an affinity group image for
application to the affinity group transaction means.
[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of applying for an affinity group transaction
means, the method comprising: selecting an affinity group image for
application to an affinity group transaction means; and applying
for the affinity group transaction means.
[0047] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: printing the transaction means having the
selected predetermined affinity group image thereon.
[0048] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: associating an image identifier to the affinity
group image; and storing the image identifier and the affinity
group image in storage means.
[0049] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: requesting the selected affinity group image
from the storage means based on the image identifier; and printing
the transaction means having the selected affinity group image
thereon.
[0050] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: uploading an image from a personal computer;
manipulating the uploaded image; and wherein the manipulated
uploaded image is selected for application to the affinity group
transaction means
[0051] According to another embodiment of the invention the
manipulated uploaded image also comprises an affinity group
logo.
[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: associating a user identifier to the selected
predetermined affinity group image; and storing the user identifier
in a storage means.
[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of printing a transaction means, the method
comprising: receiving a print request comprising an image
identifier and a user identifier; accessing a first storage means
to retrieve image data associated with the image identifier;
accessing a second storage means to retrieve user data associated
with the user identifier; and printing the transaction means
comprising the retrieved user data and the retrieved image
data.
[0054] According to another embodiment of the invention the print
request comprises a plurality of print requests, each print request
comprising an image identifier and a user identifier.
[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of automating the set up of an affinity group
scheme for issuing transaction cards, the method comprising:
enabling an affinity group to apply through a user interface for an
affinity group scheme; request the affinity group inputs affinity
group data and/or at least one affinity group image; and
automatically generating an affinity group website based on a
template affinity group website and comprising the inputted
affinity group data and/or image.
[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method of automating the set up of an affinity group
scheme, the method comprising: enabling an affinity group to apply
through a user interface for an affinity group scheme; request the
affinity group inputs affinity group data and/or at least one
affinity group image; and automatically generating an affinity
group marketing material based on a template affinity group
marketing material and comprising the inputted affinity group data
and/or image.
[0057] According to another embodiment of the invention the at
least one affinity group image is an affinity group logo.
[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method for distributing revenue generated from
transaction means, the method comprising: transferring revenue
generated in respect of an affinity group transaction means from
the affinity group transaction means issuer to an affinity group
scheme provider; and transferring a percentage of the revenue
generated in respect of the affinity group transaction means from
the affinity group scheme provider issuer to an affinity group.
[0059] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: associating an affinity group identifier with
the revenue generated in respect of the affinity group transaction
means; and transferring the affinity group identifier together with
the revenue.
[0060] According to another embodiment of the invention the method
further comprises: determining to which affinity group the revenue
accrues based on the associated affinity group identifier.
[0061] According to another embodiment of the invention the
identifier identifies the affinity group and the affinity group
member to whom the transaction means belongs.
[0062] According to another embodiment of the invention a batch of
revenue is transferred comprising revenue generated in respect of a
plurality of affinity group transaction means.
[0063] According to another embodiment of the invention the
plurality of affinity group transaction means all belong to the
same affinity group.
[0064] According to another embodiment of the invention the
plurality of affinity group transaction means do not belong to the
same affinity group.
[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a method for distributing revenue generated from
transaction means, the method comprising: transferring a
predetermined amount in accordance with each application for an
affinity group transaction means from an affinity group transaction
means issuer to an affinity group scheme provider; transferring a
percentage of the predetermined amount from the affinity group
scheme provider to the affinity group.
[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention there is
provided a computer system for creating an affinity group image for
application to an affinity group transaction means, the computer
system comprising: a user interface for displaying at least one
image; an internet communications link coupling the user interface
to an image processor said link being operable to transfer
instructions to manipulate an image selected from the at least one
image between the user interface and the image processor; and means
for causing the image processor to apply the received manipulation
instructions to the selected image to produce an affinity group
image; and for saving in storage means the affinity group image for
selection by a member of the affinity group.
[0067] In particular, embodiments of the present invention seek to
provide an automated process for setting up an affinity group
scheme, including for example, automating the generation of
marketing materials for the affinity group; using online
techniques, such as email, to drive down the cost of soliciting the
members once the scheme is in place; using digital card printing
techniques to ensure that, while each affinity card group will have
their own card stock, these do not have to be printed in advance
and stored at high cost as they are printed only when required; and
reducing the practical barriers and cost of creating an affinity
group website through using WYSIWYG tools to design the site.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0068] For a better understanding of the present invention and as
to how the same may be carried into effect reference will now be
made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0069] FIG. 1 illustrates a process of the present invention for
applying for an affinity group scheme;
[0070] FIG. 2 illustrates a process of the present invention for
creating an affinity group card image;
[0071] FIG. 3 illustrates a process of the present invention for
creating and manipulating an image;
[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates a process of the present invention for
creating an affinity group website;
[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates a process of the present invention for
creating affinity group marketing material;
[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates a process of the present invention for
applying for an affinity group financial card;
[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates another process of the present invention
for applying for an affinity group financial card;
[0076] FIG. 8 illustrates a computing device for carrying out the
processes of the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 9 illustrates connection of several computing devices
of the present invention; and
[0078] FIG. 10 illustrates a process of the present invention for
apportioning payments accrued using an affinity group card.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0079] Additional advantages and novel features of the invention
will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in
part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
examination of the following and accompanying drawings or may be
learned by practice of the invention.
[0080] FIG. 1 illustrates a process of the present invention by
which an affinity group administrator 10 can apply to set up an
affinity group scheme.
[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an affinity group administrator 10
enters the scheme providers website at step S100. In one
embodiment, the scheme provider website provides information about
the affinity group scheme and how it works. The affinity group
administrator 10 then applies to set up an affinity group scheme at
step S102. In order to apply for an affinity group scheme the
affinity group administrator 10 may be requested to answer several
predetermined questions about the affinity group. Based on the
affinity group administrator's answers, the affinity group is
vetted by the scheme provider and/or the card issuer at step S104
to determine if they are suitable for the affinity group scheme. In
some instances it may not be necessary for the scheme provider
and/or the card issuer to vet the affinity group.
[0082] If successful, the affinity group administrator 10 is then
directed, either through a link which they need to activate, or
automatically, to enter the scheme providers card image creation
facility 12 at step S106, the scheme providers affinity group
website creation facility 14 at step S206, or the scheme providers
affinity group marketing material creation facility 16 at step
S306.
[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the affinity group administrator
10 enters each of these creation facilities 12, 14, 16 in order to
create at least one affinity group card image, an affinity group
website and affinity group marketing material. However, the
affinity group administrator 10 is not required to enter all of
these facilities 12, 14, 16. For example, the affinity group scheme
would still function with the creation of at least one affinity
group card image and an affinity group website, or at least one
affinity group card image and affinity group marketing material, or
at least one affinity group card image alone.
[0084] Furthermore, the affinity group administrator 10 can enter
these facilities 12, 14, 16 in any order, for example the affinity
group administrator 10 may opt to enter the affinity group card
image creation facility 12 first, followed by the affinity group
website creation facility 14 and then the affinity group marketing
material creation facility 16. Alternatively, the affinity group
administrator 10 may opt to enter the affinity group website
creation facility 14 first, followed by the affinity group
marketing material creation facility 16 and then the affinity group
card image creation facility 12. In addition, the affinity group
administrator 10 can exit the process at any stage and return to
finish the process at a later time or date.
[0085] If unsuccessful at step S104, the reason for the affinity
group's rejection is sent to the affinity group administrator 10
and the affinity group administrator 10 is prohibited from
continuing with the process.
[0086] FIG. 2 illustrate a process of creating an affinity group
card image. The affinity group administrator 10 enters the card
image creation facility 12 at step S106, in order to design at
least one affinity group card image. The card image can be made up
from one or several components, each of which has its position
defined relative to an origin, and can be manipulated based on a
set of predetermined rules, such as, rules allowing the image or
its components to be resized, rotated, flipped, mirrored and moved
relative to other components and/or an origin. Once designed, the
affinity group card image can be applied to affinity group
financial cards which are associated with the affinity group.
[0087] FIG. 3 illustrates in further detail a process of creating
an affinity group card image using the card image creation facility
12. The card image creation facility 12 allows the affinity group
administrator 10 to create a card image through a browser interface
that is divided into two software portions, the front end software
and the back end software. The affinity group administrator 10
enters the front end software of the card image creation facility
12, at step S106. The front end software may be operated by a
website server or other front end server and operates entirely
within an Internet browser. In most cases the front end software,
which is a Graphical User Interface (GUI), is not required to be
download, because it accepts the limitations of the browser.
[0088] The affinity group administrator 10 can opt to select and
upload an image from their hard drive 18 at step S108 to the image
compilation server 20. Uploaded images can include those affinity
group members might naturally associate with the affinity group,
such as castles owned by the National Trust, and/or affinity group
logos. The uploaded affinity group images can only be accessed by
the affinity group who uploaded them and cannot be accessed and/or
used by any other affinity group. Alternatively, an image may be
selected from scheme provider stock images stored in the image
storage device 22.
[0089] Back end software, running on the image compilation server
20, enters the uploaded image into a storage device and generates a
web-friendly graphical representation of the image at step S110 to
send to the front end software. The web-friendly graphical
representation is a less computationally demanding representation
of the image.
[0090] The affinity group administrator 10 performs image
manipulations at step S112, such as resizing, rotating,
positioning, flipping, scaling, brightness controls, red-eye
reduction, altering opacity levels, and placing the image as
desired. Text can also be added to the image, such as the name of
the affinity group. Furthermore, the affinity group administrator
10 can change the colour of the image, such that the image uses
colours associated with the affinity group.
[0091] Next, the affinity group administrator 10 can select another
image to overlay on top of the first image at step S114. The
overlay image may, for example, also have been uploaded from the
affinity group administrator hard drive 18 or may be selected from
the stock images stored in the storage device 22. The back end
software transmits a web-friendly graphical representation of the
overlay image at step S116 to the affinity group administrator 10,
for use in creating a combination of the original manipulated image
with the overlay image at step S118.
[0092] The number of images combined in a card image is not limited
to one or two, many more layers may be used if desired.
[0093] Following completion of the affinity group card image, the
affinity group administrator 10 approves the card image at step
S120 and the front end software transmits a string of affinity
group administrator manipulation data to the image compilation
server 20 at step S122. This string encapsulates the affinity group
administrator's 10 image selections and manipulations.
[0094] On receiving this string the back end software accesses the
original copies of the images from the image storage device and
performs the exact operations that the affinity group administrator
10 has chosen in the front end software for the affinity group card
image. In this way, the back end software emulates the
manipulations at the affinity group administrator end according to
the information transferred in the text string. At this point the
back end software outputs the resulting card image at step
S124.
[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the string of affinity group
administrator manipulation data is sent after the manipulation is
completed, and takes the form of a text string for each component
of the image. For example, the text string makeimage.aspx for a
graphics component might read:
id+=030, x=182, y=32.3, flip=yes, rotate=270, scale=190.6, where id
is an image identifier; x and y define the position of a component
relative to a predetermined origin; and flip, rotate, and scale
define manipulations of types generally well known in the art.
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that a range of image
manipulations can be defined in this way. A resulting image may be
represented by one or a number of graphical components. It is thus
possible for a plurality of text strings, or an extended text
string, to define an image made of a plurality of separate
graphical components. The graphical components used, for example,
are generated and manipulated with a minimum of computing
resources; and the card images constructed as a result can be
recreated on the image compilation server 20 using the relevant
(and generally much larger) image files.
[0096] Returning to FIG. 2, following creation of the affinity
group card image, the card image is output at step S124 and stored
in the card image storage device 24 at step S126. In one
embodiment, a card image identifier may be created at step S128 and
associated with the card image at step S130 in the storage device
24.
[0097] The card image identifier can be used to identify each
affinity group card image. In addition, the card image identifier
may comprise data in order to identify which affinity group the
card image belongs to.
[0098] Following creation of the card image, the affinity group
administrator 10 can either elect to exit the image creation
facility 12, or can elect to create a further affinity group card
image at step S132, such that several different affinity group card
images are stored in the storage device 24.
[0099] In one embodiment, the scheme provider and/or card issuer
can review all affinity group card images at step S134 to determine
whether the card image is acceptable. If the card image is not
acceptable, then the reason for the card image's rejection is sent
to the affinity group administrator 10 and the affinity group
administrator 10 is invited to redesign the card image.
[0100] In one embodiment, the card image displayed on a financial
card may be restricted to a selected pre-defined area, such as a
"window" on the financial card (or other transaction cards),
leaving the rest of the card free to contain functional features of
the card, such as a bank logo, a payment card hologram type
indicator (such as, for example, "Visa" or "MasterCard" logos).
[0101] Although the image creation facility 12 is discussed in
detail above with reference to FIG. 3, the present invention is not
limited to the use of the image creation facility of FIG. 3. For
example, any known image creation facility could be used, such that
the affinity group administrator 10 can manipulate images in order
to create an affinity group card image.
[0102] FIG. 4 illustrates a process of creating an affinity group
website. The affinity group administrator 10 is prompted to enter
the website creation facility 14 at step S206.
[0103] The affinity group administrator 10 is then directed by the
website creation facility 14 to input specific affinity group data
at step S208 which can be used by the website creation facility 14
to automatically generate an affinity group website. The predefined
data may be data such as the affinity group name; the affinity
group mission statement etc.
[0104] The affinity group administrator 10 can also elect, either
before or after the affinity group data has been inputted at step
S208, to incorporate images in the affinity group website. If the
affinity group administrator 10 decides to incorporate images in
the affinity group website, they elect to enter the image creation
facility 12 at step S210. The image creation facility 12
illustrated in FIG. 4 is the same as the image creation facility 12
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0105] The affinity group administrator 10 can then select one or
more images from their hard drive 18 or the stock images from the
image storage device 22 for manipulation prior to use in the
affinity group website. In addition, if the affinity group
administrator 10 has already designed at least one affinity group
card image and/or affinity group marketing material, then the
affinity group administrator 10 can access the affinity group
images previously uploaded and stored in the image compilation
server 20. The image creation facility 12 outputs the final
selected and manipulated images at step S212.
[0106] Following selection and manipulation of at least one image,
the website creation facility generates the affinity group website
at step S214 using a template website stored in the template
website storage device 26, the selected and manipulated image(s)
and the inputted data. For example, the template website may be a
pre-designed website comprising blank spaces which are to be filled
by specific predetermined data/images such as the affinity group
name, the affinity group mission statement, the affinity group logo
and the affinity group image. Upon generation, the inputted data
and images are inserted into the appropriate blank areas of the
template website to create an affinity group website.
[0107] Alternatively, if the affinity group administrator 10 elects
not to incorporate images in the affinity group website at step
S224, then the website creation facility generates the affinity
group website at step S214 using a template website stored in the
template website storage device 26 and the data inputted at step
S208.
[0108] The affinity group website is then stored at step S216 in an
affinity group website storage device 28. Although the affinity
group website storage device 28 is illustrated as a separate
storage device to the template website storage device 26, the
storage devices 26 and 28 may be the same storage device.
[0109] In one embodiment, an affinity group website identifier is
created at step S218 and associated with the generated affinity
group website in the storage device 28 at step S220. This
identifier is used to identify the affinity group website. The
affinity group website identifier may also be used to identify the
affinity group which the affinity group website belongs to.
[0110] In another embodiment, the scheme provider and/or card
issuer can check the contents and appearance of the affinity group
website at step S222 in order to determine whether the website is
of a sufficient standard. If the website is not acceptable, then
the reason for the website's rejection is sent to the affinity
group administrator 10 and the affinity group administrator 10 is
invited to redesign the website.
[0111] In a further embodiment, the affinity group administrator 10
is able to view and edit the generated affinity group website in
order to approve the final website or alter the information
displayed as required. Furthermore, the template website may be
configurable by the affinity group administrator 10, such that the
affinity group administrator 10 may be able to adjust certain
features of the template website.
[0112] Although only one template website is describe, there may be
several different template websites stored in the template website
storage device 26. The affinity group administrator 10 can then
select one of the template websites and this template website is
retrieved from the template website storage device 26 for
application of the input website data and images.
[0113] Once generated the affinity group website can be used by the
affinity group in order to advertise the affinity group card to its
members. The affinity group website can also be used to enable a
member of the affinity group to apply for an affinity group
card.
[0114] Alternatively, the data which is input by the affinity group
can be used by the scheme provider to automatically generate an
affinity group scheme web page which can be incorporated into an
affinity groups existing website. In another embodiment, the
affinity group scheme web page could be displayed on the scheme
providers website.
[0115] The affinity group website may also contain specific text
inserted by the card issuer, such as the terms and conditions of
the financial transaction card. If the affinity group administrator
10 desires to change these, then any changes can be reviewed by the
card issuer and the scheme provider prior to implementation of the
changes. In addition, some portions of the template website may not
be customizable by the affinity group and may only be changeable by
either the scheme provider, card issuer or both.
[0116] FIG. 5 illustrates a process for creating affinity group
marketing material. An affinity group administrator 10 is directed
at step S306 to enter the scheme providers marketing material
creation facility 16.
[0117] The affinity group administrator 10 is then directed by the
marketing material creation facility 16 to input specific affinity
group data at step S308. The requested data may be the same or
different data to that requested by the website creation facility
14. In an alternative embodiment, the marketing material creation
facility 16 may use the same data as that inputted to the website
creation facility 14 and vice versa therefore the affinity group
administrator 10 is not request to input this data twice. However,
the affinity group administrator 10 may be presented with an option
to insert further or different data, if required, at step S308.
[0118] The affinity group administrator 10 can also elect at step
S310, either before or after the affinity group data has been
inputted, to incorporate images in the affinity group marketing
material. If the affinity group administrator 10 decides to
incorporate images in the affinity group marketing material, they
must enter the image creation facility 12. The image creation
facility 12 illustrated in FIG. 5 is the same as the image creation
facility 12 illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0119] The affinity group administrator 10 can access the affinity
group images previously uploaded and stored in the image
compilation server 20.
[0120] The affinity group administrator 10 can then select one or
more images from their hard drive 18 or the stock images from the
image storage device 22 for manipulation prior to use in the
affinity group marketing material. In addition, if the affinity
group administrator 10 has already designed at least one affinity
group card image and/or affinity group website, then the affinity
group administrator 10 can access the affinity group images
previously uploaded and stored in the image compilation server 20.
The image creation facility 12 outputs the final selected and
manipulated images at step S312.
[0121] Following selection and manipulation of at least one image,
the marketing material creation facility 16 generates the affinity
group marketing material at step S314 using template marketing
material stored in the template marketing material storage device
30, the selected and manipulated image(s) and the inputted data.
For example, the template marketing material may be pre-designed
marketing material comprising blank spaces which are to be filled
by specific predetermined data/images such as the affinity group
name, the affinity group mission statement, the affinity group logo
and the affinity group image. Upon generation, the inputted data
and images are inserted into the appropriate blank areas of the
template marketing material to create the affinity group marketing
material.
[0122] Alternatively, if the affinity group administrator 10 elects
not to incorporate images in the affinity group marketing material
at step S324, then the marketing material creation facility
generates the affinity group marketing material at step S314 using
template marketing material stored in the template marketing
material storage device 30 and the data inputted at step S308.
[0123] The affinity group marketing material is then stored at step
S316 in an affinity group marketing material storage device 32,
which may be the same or a different storage device to that used to
store the template marketing material.
[0124] Affinity group images which have been previously uploaded
and manipulated can also be used in the affinity group marketing
material and it may not be necessary for the affinity group
administrator 10 to enter the image creation facility 12. In one
embodiment, the affinity group administrator 10 merely needs to
indicate that the same image(s) used in the affinity group website
are to be used in the affinity group marketing material.
[0125] Alternatively, if the affinity group marketing material is
designed prior to the affinity group website, then the affinity
group administrator 10 merely needs to indicate that the same
data/images used in the affinity group website are to be used in
the affinity group marketing material.
[0126] In one embodiment, an affinity group marketing material
identifier can be created at step S318 and associated with each
generated affinity group marketing material in the memory 32 at
step S320. The marketing material identifier can be used to
identify the affinity group marketing material. In addition, the
marketing material identifier can also be used to identify which
affinity group the affinity group marketing material belongs
to.
[0127] In another embodiment, the scheme provider and/or card
issuer can check the contents and appearance of the generated
affinity group marketing material at step S322 in order to
determine whether all marketing material is of sufficient standard.
If the marketing material is not acceptable, then the reason for
the marketing materials rejection is sent to the affinity group
administrator 10 and the affinity group administrator 10 is invited
to redesign the marketing material.
[0128] The generated affinity group marketing material can then be
distributed to members of the affinity group, such as via email, in
order to encourage members of the affinity group to apply for an
affinity group card. In one embodiment the affinity group email
contains a link directly to the affinity group website.
[0129] In one embodiment, the affinity group administrator 10 is
able to view and edit the generated affinity group marketing
material in order to approve the final marketing material or alter
the information displayed as required. Furthermore, the template
marketing material may be configurable by the affinity group
administrator 10, such as the affinity group administrator 10 may
be able to move certain features of the template marketing
material.
[0130] The automatically generated marketing material may include a
PDF displaying the affinity group name, logo and a selection of
affinity group card images from which a member of the affinity
group can select.
[0131] If an affinity group member decides to apply for an affinity
group financial card, then they can apply for the affinity group
card online, offline or over the internet. The affinity group
member may decide to apply for the affinity group financial card in
response to the affinity group marketing material. In another
embodiment, an affinity group member may go directly to the
affinity group website in order to apply for the card, without
having received the affinity group marketing material. In another
embodiment, an affinity group member may go to the scheme providers
website which then redirects the member to the appropriate affinity
group website or the appropriate affinity group web page of the
scheme providers website.
[0132] FIG. 6 illustrates a process of the present invention by
which an affinity group member 32 can apply for an affinity group
financial card. At step S400, an affinity group member 34 enters
the affinity group website or web page. The affinity group member
34 then applies for the affinity group card at step S402. Following
application, the affinity group member 34 is directed to enter the
card image selection facility 36 at step S404. The card image
selection facility 36 displays all the pre-designed affinity group
card images at step S406, designed by the affinity group
administrator 10 for the relevant affinity group to which the
member 34 belongs. The pre-designed affinity group card images are
stored in storage device 24. The affinity group member 34 selects
one of the pre-designed affinity group card images for their
financial card at step S408.
[0133] In one embodiment, an unique identifier is created at step
S410 and is associated with the affinity group member at step S412.
The unique identifier may then be associated with the selected card
image and both are stored in the storage device 38 at step
S414.
[0134] In another embodiment, the unique identifier comprises an
affinity group member identifier and a selected card image
identifier, and is stored in the storage device 38 instead of the
selected card image, thereby reducing the amount of storage
required in the storage device 38.
[0135] The card issuer must approve the application at step S416.
For example, an affinity group member who has a bad credit rating
may not be approved and therefore would not be issued with an
affinity group financial card. Once the affinity group members
application has been approved at step S416, the unique identifier
is sent to the print server 40 at step S418.
[0136] If the unique identifier comprises the affinity group member
identifier and the selected card image identifier, then upon
receipt of the unique identifier, the print server 40 sends a
request for the selected affinity group card image to the storage
device 24 at step S420 based on the selected card image identifier.
The storage device 24 then sends the affinity group card image,
which relates to the card image identifier, to the print server 40
at step S422.
[0137] Furthermore, the print server 40 sends a request for member
data to the card issuer 42 at step S424 based on the affinity group
member identifier. The card issuer 42 sends the member's data to
the print server 40 at step S426. Consequently, the financial data
corresponding to the affinity group member identifier is obtained,
via a secure connection to the card issuer 42 and at no time does
the scheme provider server have any financial information.
[0138] The print sever 40 then sends the member data and the
affinity group card image to the printer 44 at step S428. The
printer 44 prints the financial card having the selected affinity
group card image onto blank card stock, encodes the card's magnetic
strip with the members financial data and embosses the card to
create a finished affinity group financial card at step S430.
Finally, the printed personalised financial card is sent to the
member at step S432.
[0139] Alternatively, if the unique identifier comprises only the
member data, and is associated with the selected card image, then
following approval of the member by the card issuer at step S416,
the card image and the unique identifier are sent to the print
server 40 at step S416. Consequently, the print server 40 does not
need to request the affinity group card image from the storage
device 24 and the process moves directly from step S418 to step
S424.
[0140] The member identifier may be a unique non-sequential
identifier, which matches with a set of financial records, from the
card issuer 42. Thus, in a "mail merge" type operation, the
member's selected affinity group card image can be matched up with
the member's financial and personal records, so that the correct
image is placed on the affinity group card.
[0141] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative process by which an
affinity group member can apply for an affinity group financial
card. At step S500, an affinity group member 34 enters the affinity
group website or web page. The affinity group member 34 is then
directed to enter the card image selection facility 36 at step
S502. The card image selection facility 36 displays all the
pre-designed affinity group card images at step S504, designed by
the affinity group administrator 10 for the relevant affinity group
to which the member 34 belongs. The pre-designed affinity group
card images are stored in storage device 24. The affinity group
member 34 selects one of the pre-designed affinity group card
images for their financial card at step S506.
[0142] In one embodiment, an unique identifier is created at step
S508 and is associated with the affinity group member at step S510.
The unique identifier may then be associated with the selected card
image and both are stored in the storage device 36 at step
S512.
[0143] In a preferred embodiment, the unique identifier comprises
an affinity group member identifier and a selected card image
identifier, and is stored in the storage device 38, instead of the
card image thereby reducing the amount of storage required in the
storage device 38.
[0144] The affinity group member 34 then applies for the affinity
group card at step S514. Following application, the card issuer
must approve the application at step S516. For example an affinity
group member who has a bad credit rating may not be approved and
therefore would not be issued with an affinity group financial
card. Once the affinity group member 34 has been approved at step
S516, the unique identifier is sent to the print server 40 at step
S518.
[0145] If the unique identifier comprises the affinity group member
identifier and the selected card image identifier, then upon
receipt of the unique identifier, the print server 40 sends a
request for the selected affinity group card image to the storage
device 24 at step S520 based on the selected card image identifier.
The storage device 24 sends the requested affinity group card image
to the print server 40 at step S522.
[0146] Furthermore, the print server 40 sends a request for member
data to the card issuer 42 at step S524 based on the affinity group
member identifier. The card issuer 42 sends the member's data to
the print server 40 at step S526. The financial data corresponding
to the affinity group member identifier is obtained, via a secure
connection to the card issuer 42 and at no time does the scheme
provider server have any financial information.
[0147] The print sever 40 then sends the member data and the
affinity group card image to the printer 44 at step S528. The
printer 44 prints the financial card having the selected affinity
group card image onto blank card stock, encodes the card's magnetic
strip with the members financial data and embosses the card to
create a finished affinity group financial card at step S530.
Finally, the printed personalised financial card is sent to the
member at step S532.
[0148] Alternatively, if the unique identifier comprises only the
member data, and is associated with the selected card image, rather
than a selected card image identifier at step S512, then following
approval of the member by the card issuer at step S516, the card
image and the unique identifier are sent to the print server 40 at
step S518. Consequently, the print server 38 does not need to
request the affinity group card image from the storage device 18
and the process moves directly from step S518 to step S524.
[0149] In a further embodiment, the unique identifier comprises an
affinity group member identifier, a selected card image identifier
and an affinity group identifier so that it is known which affinity
group the member belongs to.
[0150] In a preferred embodiment, the affinity group member applies
for a financial card by completing an application form online,
offline or over the internet. However, other methods of completing
the application form are possible. For example, the member may be
required to print off the application form and send it to the card
issuer following completion, or may be sent a paper application
form directly upon request.
[0151] In addition, although the process of FIGS. 6 and 7 refer to
the affinity group member 34 entering the affinity group website,
it may be possible for the affinity group member 34 to apply for an
affinity group card through different means, such as via a paper
application form.
[0152] In a further alternative embodiment, the member can upload
their own image for application to the affinity group card. For
example, the member may wish to display a picture of their child on
their affinity group card, but may also wish it to have the
affinity group logo and/or name displayed on the card so that it is
still an affinity group card. The member can manipulate their own
picture, using the image creation facility 12 illustrated in FIG.
3.
[0153] The printer 44 uses digital card printing technology in
order to print each card separately, each card is printed with the
selected affinity group card image and the members data at the same
time. Therefore, only one printing step is required. It is not
necessary for affinity group cards to be pre-printed with the
affinity group image and stored in high security establishments,
prior to application of the affinity group members data.
[0154] Each affinity group card may be printed separately on
demand, upon approval of each application form. Alternatively, a
plurality of cards may be sent in a batch to the print server 40
for printing. Each card may have a different or the same affinity
group image and may originate from the same or different affinity
groups.
[0155] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary computing device 1000 such
as a scheme provider server, which is used to perform the above
mentioned processes.
[0156] The computing device 1000 comprises a communication
interface 100, a central processing unit 200, storage devices 300,
400 and 500, an input/output interface 600, a scheme provider
engine 800 and calculation device 900 operatively coupled by a
connection network 700, illustrated in FIG. 8. The connection
network 700 may be an electrical bus, an optical network, switch
fabric or any other suitable interconnection system.
[0157] The scheme provider server 1000 is connected over a network
2000 to at least one an affinity group administrators personal
computer 5000 and/or an affinity group members personal computer
6000, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The network 2000 may be for example
the internet.
[0158] The central processing unit 200 controls the scheme provider
server 1000 and may be a conventional microprocessor.
[0159] The storage device 300 is a temporary storage device and
comprises an input website data storage device 310 and an input
marketing material data storage device 320. The storage device 400
comprises a template website storage device 410 and a template
marketing material storage device 420. The storage device 500
comprises an affinity group website storage device 510, an affinity
group marketing material storage device 520, an affinity group card
image storage device 530, and an identification data storage device
540. Although the storage devices 300 to 500 are illustrated as
separate storage devices, one storage device may be used to store
all the data.
[0160] The temporary storage device 300 maybe, for example one or
more conventional random access memory (RAM) devices, Flash memory
devices, and/or electrically erasable programmable read only memory
(EEPROM) devices. Furthermore, although the storage device 300 are
described as temporary storage devices, the storage device 300
could be a permanent storage device.
[0161] The communications interface 100 provides bidirectional data
communication coupling for the scheme provider server 1000. The
communication interface 100 can be functionally coupled to the
network 2000. In one embodiment, the communications interface 100
provides one or more input/output ports for receiving electrical,
radio frequency, or optical signals and converts signals received
on the port(s) to a format suitable for transmission on the
connection network 700. The communications interface 100 can
include a radio frequency modem and other logic associated with
sending and receiving wireless or wireline communications. For
example the communications interface 100 can provide an EtherNet
interface, Bluetooth and/or wireless capability for the computing
device 1000.
[0162] Operation of the scheme provider server 1000 will now be
described with reference to the process illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
2. When the affinity group administrator 10 enters the scheme
provider website at step S100 and applies for an affinity group
scheme, the affinity group administrators computer is able to
communicate with the scheme provider sever 1000 via the network
2000.
[0163] The affinity group administrator 10 elects to enter the card
image creation facility 12. At this point the scheme provider
engine 800 hands operation over to the image compilation server
4000. The image compilation server 4000 carries out the same
operations as the image compilation server 20 described above with
reference to FIG. 3. Following creation of at least one card image,
the image compilation server 4000 hands operation back to the
scheme provider engine 800. The scheme provider engine 800
instructs the CPU 200 to store the at least one card image output
by the image compilation server 4000 in the affinity group card
image storage device 530 (affinity group card image storage device
24). The scheme provider engine 800 also instructs the CPU 200 to
generate a card image identifier for each card image, associate
that card image identifier with the card image in the affinity
group card image storage device 530 and store the card image
identifier in the identification data storage device 540.
[0164] Operation of the scheme provider server 1000 is further
described with reference to the process illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
4. When the affinity group administrator 10 enters the scheme
provider website at step S100 and applies for an affinity group
scheme at step S102, the affinity group administrators computer is
able to communicate with the scheme provider sever 1000 via the
network 2000.
[0165] The affinity group administrator 10 then elects to enter the
website creation facility 14. The scheme provider engine 800
generates a prompt, via the front end server 3000, for the affinity
group administrator 10 to enter predetermined data such as the
affinity group name and affinity group mission statement etc. The
scheme provider engine 800 receives the requested data which is
input by the affinity group administrator 10 and instructs the CPU
200 to store this data in the input website data storage device
310.
[0166] If the affinity group administrator 10 has elected to enter
the image creation software 12, the scheme provider engine 800
hands operation over to the image compilation server 4000. The
image compilation server 4000 carries out the same operations as
the image compilation server 20 described above with reference to
FIG. 3. Following creation of at least one image, the image
compilation server 4000 hands operation back to the scheme provider
engine 800.
[0167] Next the scheme provider engine 800 instructs the CPU 200 to
generate an affinity group website. The CPU obtains a template
affinity group website from the template website storage device 410
and retrieves the input website data from the input website storage
device 310. The CPU 200 then generates the affinity group website
in accordance with the instructions of the scheme provider engine
800, by inserting the input website data and any images into the
appropriate areas of the template website, and saves the affinity
group website in the affinity group website storage device 510.
[0168] The scheme provider engine 800 also instructs the CPU 200 to
generate a website identifier for the affinity group website,
associate that website identifier with the affinity group website
in the affinity group website storage device 510 and store the web
site identifier in the identification data storage device 540.
[0169] Operation of the scheme provider server 1000 is further
described with reference to the process illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
5. When the affinity group administrator 10 enters the scheme
provider website at step S100 and applies for an affinity group
scheme at step S102, the affinity group administrators computer is
able to communicate with the scheme provider sever 1000 via the
network 2000.
[0170] The affinity group administrator 10 then elects to enter the
marketing material creation facility 16. The scheme provider engine
800 generates a prompt, via the front end server 3000, for the
affinity group administrator 10 to enter predetermined data such as
the affinity group name and affinity group mission statement etc.
The scheme provider engine 800 receives the requested data which is
input by the affinity group administrator 10 and instructs the CPU
200 to store this data in the input marketing material data storage
device 320.
[0171] If the affinity group administrator 10 elects to enter the
image creation software 12, the scheme provider engine 800 hands
operation over to the image compilation server 6000. The image
compilation server 6000 carries out the same operations as the
image compilation server 20 described above with reference to FIG.
3. Following creation of at least one image, the image compilation
server 6000 hands operation back to the scheme provider engine
800.
[0172] Next the scheme provider engine 800 instructs the CPU 200 to
generate affinity group marketing material. The CPU 200 obtains
template affinity group marketing material from the template
marketing material storage device 420 and retrieves the input
marketing material data from the input marketing material storage
device 320. The CPU 200 then generates the affinity group marketing
material in accordance with the instructions of the scheme provider
engine 800, by inserting the input marketing material data and any
images into the appropriate areas of the template marketing
material, and saves the affinity group marketing material in the
affinity group marketing material storage device 520.
[0173] The scheme provider engine also instructs the CPU 200 to
generate a marketing material identifier for the affinity group
marketing material, associate that marketing material identifier
with the affinity group marketing material in the affinity group
marketing material storage device 520 and store the marketing
material identifier in the identification data storage device
540.
[0174] In alternative embodiments hardwired circuitry may be used
in place of or in combination with software instructions to
implement aspects of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of
the present invention are not limited to any specific combination
of hardware circuitry and software.
[0175] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the scheme provider server 1000 is
also connected to the card issuer server 7000 and the printer
server 8000 via the network 2000. When a card, or cards, are to be
printed, an unique identifier is sent to the print server 8000. The
printer server 8000 is illustrated as separate server to the scheme
provider server 1000 in FIG. 9. However, the printer server 8000
may form part of the scheme provider server 1000. The printer
server 8000 is illustrated as separate server to the scheme
provider server 1000 as the printer severer 8000 may be required to
be located at a secure location, for example at the card issuers
premises such that the cards are printer under high security
conditions.
[0176] Following printing each affinity group card is sent to the
affinity group member and activated. The member can then use the
card for example to purchase goods.
[0177] FIG. 10 illustrates the process of distributing financial
payments as a result of the affinity group scheme. The card issuer
9100 makes an activation payment 9600 to the scheme provider 9200.
An activation payment 9600 is a payment made in respect of each
affinity group member 9400 who has successfully applied for an
affinity group card. In one embodiment, the activation payment 9600
is triggered by activation of the affinity group card by the
affinity group member, for example the affinity group member may be
required to telephone a specific telephone number following receipt
of their affinity group card, in order to activate the card. The
activation payment 9600 is in respect of each affinity group member
and is a one-off payment.
[0178] In addition, the card issuer 9100 makes an accrued spending
payment 9700 to the scheme provider 9200. An accrued spending
payment 9700 is a payment made in respect of any spending accrued
using the affinity group card by the affinity group member 9400.
The card issuer 9100 receives usage data 9500 from retailers, which
results directly from spending accrued by the affinity group member
9400 using the affinity group card. The usage data 9500 is used by
the card issuer 9100 to compile statements which are sent to the
affinity group member 9400 detailing, where, when and how much the
affinity group member 9400 has spent using their affinity group
card. In addition, the usage data 9500 is used by the card issuer
9100 in order to determine the total amount of spending accrued on
each affinity group member 9400. A percentage of the total spending
accrued by each affinity group member 9400 is then transferred as
an accrued spending payment 9700 to the scheme provider 9200.
[0179] The accrued spending payment 9700, may be calculated and
transferred to the scheme provider 9200 monthly, quarterly or
yearly, for example. The accrued spending payments 9700 are made
regularly until the affinity group member permanently stop using
their affinity group card.
[0180] The scheme provider 9200 receives an activation payment 9600
and an accrued spending payment 9700 from the card issuer 9100. The
scheme provider 9200 then uses the calculation device 900
illustrated in FIG. 8, to calculate a percentage of the activation
payment(s) 9600 and the accrued spending payment(s) 9700. Finally,
the scheme provider 9200 transfers the calculated percentage of the
activation payment(s) 9800 and the calculated percentage of the
accrued spending payment(s) 9900 to the affinity group 9300 to
which the affinity group member 9400 belongs.
[0181] In a preferred embodiment, the activation payment 9600 and
the accrued spending payment 9700 are associated with a unique
identifier 9610 prior to being transferred from the card issuer
9100 to the scheme provider 9200. The unique identifier 9610
provides the scheme provider 9200 with data such as the affinity
group member 9400 from which the payment results and the affinity
group 9300 which the affinity group member 9400 belongs. The unique
identifier may be the same unique identifier as that created at
step S410 or step S508 in FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively.
[0182] Upon receipt of an activation payment 9600 or an accrued
spending payment 9700, the scheme provider 9200 uses the unique
identifier 9610 which is associated with the activation payment
9600 or the accrued spending payment 9700, to determine which
affinity group 9300 the affinity group member 9400 belongs and then
transfers the percentage activation payment 9800 or the percentage
accrued spending payment 9900 to that affinity group 9300.
[0183] In one embodiment, the activation payment 9600 and the
accrued spending payment 9700 may be sent in batches, for example,
a batched payment may relate to at least one activation payment
9600 and at least one accrued spending payment 9700; and/or a
batched payment may relate to several affinity group members of the
same affinity group and/or different affinity groups. The scheme
provider 9200 can then use the unique identifier 9610 in order to
determine which affinity group member 9400 the payment accrued
from, and consequently, the scheme provider 9200 is able to
determine the percentage activation payment 9800 and/or the
percentage accrued spending payment 9900 which should be
transferred to each affinity group 9300.
[0184] The method and apparatus of the present invention enables an
affinity group scheme to be offered to a wide range of affinity
groups, as the card issuer is not required to spend large amounts
of money and time offering an affinity group scheme to multiple
individual affinity groups and then helping each affinity group
design an affinity group card, an affinity group website and
affinity group marketing material.
[0185] Therefore, the card issuer is able to appeal to a much
larger range of affinity groups and the affinity group scheme is
not limited to only large affinity groups enabling the affinity
group scheme to be applied to previously inaccessible affinity
groups. The card issuer does not need to negotiate with multiple
affinity groups, a "one size fits all" partnership can be entered
into with the scheme provider and many different affinity groups
can then join the service without need for the card issuer to
adjust it's offering in anyway.
[0186] Furthermore, small affinity groups very often contain people
who have stronger ties to the affinity group than are found for
larger groups (i.e. the affinity is stronger). This can translate
to higher response rates and greater card usage.
[0187] Moreover, online sign-up for affinity groups means that a
wide array of potential tools can be delivered to all participants.
This diversity allows the affinity group to tailor it's marketing
campaign to the strengths of the organization. This also means that
large affinity groups that have a profile that does not fit the
highly prescriptive requirements of conventional affinity group
schemes can develop a campaign that plays to their strengths.
[0188] The present application discusses the use of affinity group
financial cards. However, any financial account access means or
transaction card means may be utilised by the affinity group
scheme, such as debit cards, credit cards, store cards, gift
voucher cards and telephone cards. In addition, affinity group
cheque books could also be created using the affinity group scheme
of the present application.
[0189] The affinity group scheme of the present invention combines
technical features which together enable the system to run faster,
reduce unnecessary transactions, and facilitate connectivity which
would otherwise not be feasible, albeit ultimately for the purpose
of an affinity group scheme.
[0190] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while the
foregoing has described what is considered to be the best mode and,
where appropriate, other modes of performing the invention, the
invention should not be limited to the specific configurations and
methods disclosed in this description of the preferred embodiment.
Those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention has a
broad range of applications in many different types of affinity
groups and financial account access means, and that the embodiments
may take a wide range of modifications without departing from the
inventive concept as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *