U.S. patent application number 14/990774 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for delivery of value identifiers using short message service (sms).
The applicant listed for this patent is John David GUEST, Leslie George LOWIN, Brian Roger TAGG. Invention is credited to John David GUEST, Leslie George LOWIN, Brian Roger TAGG.
Application Number | 20160182739 14/990774 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36582038 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160182739 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GUEST; John David ; et
al. |
June 23, 2016 |
Delivery of Value Identifiers Using Short Message Service (SMS)
Abstract
A system and method for adding value to a customer account are
provided. An identifier associated with a value is distributed to a
customer. The identifier is usable to add the value to an account.
A request to add the value to a customer account is received via
short message service (SMS). The request comprises the identifier
and account identification information associated with the customer
account. In some embodiments, the identifier may be entered into
the device using text auto-completion software. The request is
received from a user communication device as an SMS message. The
value associated with the identifier and the customer account
associated with the account identification number are identified
based on the request. The value is caused to be added to the
customer account. A confirmation that the value was added to the
customer account is passed to the user communication device.
Inventors: |
GUEST; John David; (Fareham,
GB) ; TAGG; Brian Roger; (Petersfield, GB) ;
LOWIN; Leslie George; (Poynings, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GUEST; John David
TAGG; Brian Roger
LOWIN; Leslie George |
Fareham
Petersfield
Poynings |
|
GB
GB
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
36582038 |
Appl. No.: |
14/990774 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12245182 |
Oct 3, 2008 |
9256867 |
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14990774 |
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11233704 |
Sep 23, 2005 |
7472822 |
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12245182 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 15/06 20130101;
G06Q 20/3255 20130101; H04M 17/10 20130101; G06Q 30/0239 20130101;
H04W 4/24 20130101; H04M 2215/32 20130101; H04M 2215/2026 20130101;
G06Q 20/32 20130101; H04M 1/72552 20130101; H04M 2215/0196
20130101; G06Q 20/322 20130101; H04M 17/20 20130101; G06Q 20/28
20130101; H04M 15/68 20130101; H04M 17/00 20130101; H04M 17/206
20130101; H04M 15/43 20130101; G06Q 20/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04M 17/00 20060101
H04M017/00; G06Q 20/28 20060101 G06Q020/28 |
Claims
1-42. (canceled)
43. A method for adding value to a pre-existing customer account,
the method using an identifier associated with a value that is
redeemable with a plurality of providers of goods or services, the
method facilitated between a, a customer device, and a central
processor, the method comprising: receiving at the central
processor a request from the customer device via electronic
communication to add the value associated with the identifier to
the pre-existing customer account, the request being received from
a customer device, the request comprising: the identifier
associated with the value; and information sufficient to identify
the pre-existing customer account; based on the request to add
value, the central processor: determining the value associated with
the identifier; causing the value to be added to the pre-existing
customer account; and sending a communication to the customer
device confirming that the value was added to the pre-existing
customer account.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the information sufficient to
identify the pre-existing customer account is stored in a memory
storage system comprised in the customer device.
45. The method of claim 43, wherein the identifier comprises a
PIN.
46. The method of claim 43, wherein the customer de vice comprises
a mobile phone having a phone number, and wherein the information
sufficient to identify the pre-existing customer account comprises
the phone number.
47. The method of claim 43, wherein the information sufficient to
identify the pre-existing customer account comprises an email
address.
48. The method of claim 43, wherein the information sufficient to
identify the pre-existing customer account comprises a user name
and a password.
49. The method of claim 43, wherein the account comprises a
telecommunications service account.
50. The method of claim 43, wherein the account comprises a
financial services account.
51. The method of claim 43, wherein the account comprises a
multimedia account.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein the account is usable to enable
one or more services on the specific communication device.
53. A system for adding value to a pre-existing customer account,
comprising; a central processor, in communication with a customer
device, the central processor configured to: receive from the
customer device an electronic communication comprising an
identifier of value and information sufficient to identify the
pre-existing customer account; determine the value based on the
identifier; cause the value to be added to the pre-existing
customer account; generate and send to the customer device an
electronic communication confirming that the value was added to the
pre-existing customer account; the customer device, in electronic
communication with the central processor, the customer device
configured to: send an electronic communication to the central
processor comprising the identifier of value and information
sufficient to identify the pre-existing customer account.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/664,188 filed Mar. 23, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to the delivery of identifiers such
as PINs from user devices to account providers such as
telecommunication service providers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Communication devices and other electronic components,
especially mobile telephones, are a very common consumer product.
In many countries, a popular type of payment arrangement for
service associated with a device (such as telecommunication service
tor a mobile telephone) is for the user to make payments to credit
their account in advance of using the mobile telephone. This type
of payment-is commonly known as "pre-pay". The process of making a
payment and crediting the user's account is commonly known as a
"top-up", which term reflects the normal manner of usage in which
the user frequently tops up their account by relatively small
amounts. Many pre-pay systems allow the user to make payments at a
variety of retail outlets, thereby allowing the user to pay for a
top-up at a location which is convenient to them.
[0004] Conventional stored value accounts such as mobile telephone
accounts are reloaded or "topped up" in a two-step process. First,
the customer purchases at a retail outlet a stored value card
having a PIN (e.g., of up to 16 or more letters and/or digits)
associated with a specific value such as $20. Second, the customer
accesses a central processor, e.g., by calling an 800 number on the
back of the card, and requests to add the card's value to the
customer's account. During the call, the customer typically
provides card identification information such as a PIN as well as
information sufficient to identify the customer's account, such as
a phone number associated with the account and the name of the
account provider. For instance, a customer attempting to add the
card value to a wireless phone account may call an 800 number on
the back of the card to access a centralized VRU. In response to
various VRU prompts, the customer may input the card PIN, the name
of the customer's service provider (such as AT&T), and the
phone number corresponding to the wireless account. The central VRU
system may then cause the card value to be added to the customer's
wireless account.
[0005] Many of these cards are still printed, stored and
transported by the Mobile Operators under highly secure conditions
to the retailer or distributor as they arc effectively active (i.e.
useable and therefore valuable) as soon as they are printed. As the
market has expanded, the logistical complexity of maintaining this
process for such large numbers of transactions and the costs
associated with managing the many opportunities for fraud and
system abuse led the Network Operators to seek other alternatives.
Often, no record is kept of where a card has been distributed, as
the route to market is often quite elaborate. Some small stores buy
cards at cash and carries, and few if any systems have been
developed that can cancel all stolen cards. Lorries full of cards
have been stolen; staff in stores have sold cards and pocketed the
money themselves. Cards (or other physical embodiments of a PIN or
other identifier) are often equivalent to money.
[0006] More recently electronic payment systems of crediting a
mobile phone account have been developed. Some of these systems use
magnetic stripe cards in which limited user details were contained
within a magnetic stripe. In some recent systems, cards are
distributed in an "inactive state" and activated at the point, of
sale ("POS").
[0007] Despite intense efforts by the mobile operators to promote
an earlier electronic system, market acceptance has been slow.
Cards have not reduced in popularity, it is simply that the cards
are expensive for the mobile operators and have been encouraged to
decline, and alternative systems are being promoted and made
increasingly attractive.
[0008] Other systems enable customers to replenish prepaid mobile
phone accounts by sending an SMS message to a centralized system,
For instance, U.S. Application Publication No. 2002/0115424 to
Bagoren discloses one such system. Other relevant systems includes
those described in the following patents and applications: U.S.
Pat. No. 6,375,073 to Aebi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,067 to
Nguyen et al; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2002/0187772 to Hyyppa et al. The disclosures of all references
mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
[0009] There are several disadvantageous costs associated with many
prior art systems and methods: a cost of IVR provisioning; a cost
of Customer Services for high rate of fall-out from IVR (typing in
a number consisting of 16 digits can be difficult and can involve
error); cost of secure delivery; cost of wastage, loss, and theft;
and a high cost for retailer to hold ail denominations of all
service providers. Also, the end-user may be unlikely to find the
right denomination for the right operator at all merchants. Also,
the process can be time-consuming for the customer.
[0010] In addition, many people do not like carrying yet mote
plastic cards. Most plastic cards arc not transferable. In other
words, a first user cannot top up a second users account with the
first user's card. The cards from many service providers do not
have a phone number on them, so they can get mixed up. The
unregistered cams are often used once and discarded. As they are
plastic, they are more expensive than the cards they replace.
[0011] It is desirable to provide an improved system and method for
adding value to a stored-value account.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Accordingly, various embodiments of the invention are
directed to a system and method tor adding value to a customer
account. An identifier associated with a value is distributed to a
customer. The identifier is usable to add the value to an account.
A request to add the value to a customer account is received via
short message service (SMS). The request comprises the identifier
and account identification information associated with the customer
account. The request is received from a user communication device
as an SMS message. The value associated with the identifier and the
customer account associated with the account identification number
are identified based on the request. The value is caused to be
added to the customer account. A confirmation that the value was
added to the customer account is passed to the user communication
device.
[0013] According to one embodiment, an identifier associated with a
value is distributed to a customer, wherein the identifier is
usable to add the value to an account. A request to add value to a
customer account is received via short message service (SMS),
wherein the request comprises the identifier and an identification
number associated with the customer account. The request is
received from a user communication device. The value associated
with the identifier is identified. The value is caused to be added
to the customer account.
[0014] According to another embodiment, a system tor distributing
an identifier associated with a value to a customer is provided,
wherein the identifier is usable to add the value to the account.
An input device receives via short message service (SMS) a request
to add the value to a customer account. The request comprises the
identifier and account identification information associated with
the customer account. The request is received from a user
communication device as an SMS message. A processor identifies the
value associated with the identifier and the customer account
associated with the account identification information based on the
request. A value insertion system causes the value to be added to
the customer account. An output device passes to the user
communication device a confirmation that the value was added to the
customer account.
[0015] According to another embodiment, a method for adding value
to a customer account is provided. An identifier associated with a
prepaid value is received at a second user communication device
associated with a customer account from a first user communication
device. A request to add the value to the customer account is
passed to a central processor. The request to add value comprises
the identifier and account identification information associated
with the customer account The request to add value is passed via
SMS. The central processor is configured to identify the value and
the customer account based on the request.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a system for passing an identifier using short
message service.
[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart showing a method for passing an
identifier using short message service.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
[0018] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to
a system for adding value to a customer account. In some
embodiments, a wireless communication device may send a value
identifier via short message service ("SMS") to a centralized
redemption processing system. For instance, the user may enter a
PIN on a phone keypad of a mobile phone configured to send SMS
messages. The communication may contain information sufficient to
identify a customer account. For instance, the wireless
communication device may be a phone associated with the account,
wherein the phone number of the wireless device is encoded in the
message and is sufficient to identify the account. The centralized
system may then cause the value associated with the Identifier to
be added to the identified account.
[0019] In some embodiments, the centralized system may identify the
account based on the communication. For instance, the centralized
system may identify the account based on a phone number in the
communication.
[0020] In some embodiments, the account may be managed by the
centralized system. In other embodiments, the account may be
managed by a separate account provider system. In embodiments where
the account is managed by a separate system, the centralized system
may cause the value to be inserted into the user's account, e.g.,
in any manner as described herein or in the patent applications
referenced herein.
[0021] In some embodiments, the centralized system may enable
adding value associated with a PIN to a prepaid account. For
Instance, a customer having a pay-as-you-go wireless mobile phone
service account may purchase a $20 prepaid phone card PIN in order
to "top off" or recharge tire airtime minutes in the account. The
prepaid card comprises a PIN and a phone number. In prior art
systems, the customer would redeem the card value by calling the
phone number and then providing the PIN and account number at IVR
prompts. The centralized system may enable the customer to send the
PIN in an SMS communication (i.e. text message) to the phone
number. For mobile phone customers who send a PIN from their
respective mobile phone, the account number (i.e., mobile phone
number) need not be provided in the text of the message because it
may be identified via an SMS header or caller ID mechanism. For
other accounts, the customer may also include an account number in
tire text of the message. Once the service provider system
identifies the PIN and account number based on the SMS message, the
PIN's value may he identified and added to the designated account
using traditional methods. Thus, a customer may add value to an
account by sending a simple SMS text message instead of navigating
a two-way phone call.
[0022] In some embodiments, the centralized system may send a
transaction confirmation back to a user communication device (e.g.,
a mobile phone that initiated a request to add value), e.g., via
SMS. For instance, a confirmation may be sent via SMS to indicate
that a request to add value was successfully received. In some
embodiments, a confirmation may be sent to indicate that the
request was passed to the proper account management system. In some
embodiments, a confirmation may be sent to the user's communication
device to indicate that the value was successfully added to the
customer's account.
[0023] In some embodiments, the centralized system may enable the
use of an auto-spelling phone dictionary software in mobile phones,
such as T9 or Zi, to simplify the process of entering the text of a
PIN on a phone keypad. For instance, by using PINs based on real
words, the auto-spelling dictionary may auto-complete a word
comprised in the PIN. For instance, for a PIN based on the word
"kitchen," such as "kitchen123," the phone may auto-complete the
word "kitchen" after the user enters the letters "k-i-i-c."
[0024] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to payment
systems and methods that may allow consumers to make payments at
retail locations, e.g., payments for value to be added to a
customer account. Some embodiments relate to the use of technical
means to facilitate such transactions. While some embodiments
relate specifically to payments for crediting an account associated
with a device such as a mobile telephone, these and other
embodiments may also be more generally applicable to payment for
other products and services.
[0025] Various embodiments of the present invention may be used in
conjunction with existing systems. For instance, value may be added
to an account via any embodiment disclosed herein, and value may be
added to the same account using conventional systems. In one
conventional system, a magnetic stripe card payment system may
involve the distribution of curds bearing a card identifier such as
a PAN (of up to 19 or more digits). A customer may place a call to
an IVR system and enter the PAN on the mobile phone (or other
device) for validation of the card and for linking this card to the
mobile phone's airtime account. Thereafter the magnetic stripe may
be read when payment is made by swiping the card through a reader
in a retail outlet to Identify the mobile telephone account.
[0026] Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention
provide for systems and methods wherein users pass value
identifiers (such as a prepaid card PIN) to a central system (or
provider system, such as a system of a telecommunications service
provider) via short message service (SMS). The SMS message may
comprise the PIN (or other identifier).
[0027] In some embodiments, the central system may identify the
account. For instance, the central system may identify the account
if an SMS message is sent from a device that automatically
communicates information, identifying the account. For instance,
the central system may identify a phone number of a mobile phone
that sent the SMS message, wherein the phone number is associated
with an account. In some embodiments, such as in circumstances
where an account cannot otherwise be identified from the SMS
communication, the SMS message may also comprise an account number
associated with a product or service.
[0028] Although many embodiments are described herein in reference
to mobile phones, mobile phone accounts, mobile phone service
providers, PINs, and prepaid cards, it should be appreciated that
the systems and methods described herein may apply to any
communication device (e.g., any communication device equipped to
send text messages), any account related to a product or service,
any provider of a product or service, any identifier associated
with a value, and any representation of the identifier (e.g.,
physical or electronic).
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a system for passing an identifier using short
message service. As shown in FIG. 1, the system may comprise one or
more user communication devices 10a-10h, a central processor 2, one
or more provider systems 8a-8h, and one or more merchants 6a-6b.
One or more merchants 6a-6h may distribute identifiers (e.g., card
having identifiers associated with a value) to one or more
customers. For instance, the identifiers may be distributed at a
point of sale using a point of sale terminal, e.g., by swiping a
magnetic stripe of a stored value card having a printed identifier
associated with a value (which in some embodiments may be selected
at the point of sale).
[0030] The central processor 2 may comprise any computer, server,
database system, or other system. The provider systems 8 or central
processor 2 may manage customer accounts, like central processor 2,
the provider systems may also comprise any computer, server,
database system, or other system.
[0031] The user communication, device 10 may comprise any device
that enables electronic communication (e.g., SMS text messaging)
between a user and another entity. For instance, the user
communication device 10 may comprise a wireless handset or portable
Internet-enabled video game player. The user communication device
10 may be equipped with a keypad and other functionality.
[0032] A customer may said an SMS message from a user communication
device 10a to one or more other user communication devices 10b or
to a central processor 2. The SMS message may comprise a request to
add the associated value to a customer account. The request may
comprise the identifier as well as account identification
information of the customer account (e.g., a phone number
corresponding to a telecommunications service account) as well as
information identifying the provider of the account (such as the
telecommunications service provider).
[0033] The user communication devices 10 may also be equipped with
software and hardware to enable voice recognition and automatic
spelling and dictionary functionality with respect to entering the
identifier and/or the identification information into the message.
For instance, a user communication device 10 may store a variety of
different user account numbers wherein each account number may be
entered by pressing a single button (or combination of buttons),
without entering the whole account number. In these instances, the
phone or other user communication device 10 may store the account
numbers so that users do not have to remember them.
[0034] Embodiments of the present invention may comprise an
alternative payment system and method that involves the use of
technical means that may be similar to or different from those
described above, e.g., to effect payment for crediting an
account.
[0035] Some embodiments are directed to a system for crediting an
account (such as a mobile phone account) using some or all of the
following components: [0036] (1) A mobile phone having a radio
communication circuit and a keyboard capable of keying numbers
and/or letters of the alphabet and the ability to use the Short
Message Service text system provided by the Mobile Operator
telecommunications networks (or other centralized system or
provider system); [0037] (2) A card purchased from a retail outlet
(or over the Internet or other communications network) containing a
PIN (or other identifier) comprising alphabetic and/or numeric
characters (e.g., and a telephone number for the service); [0038]
(3) A transaction control system (or other central system, such as
the central system mentioned above) remote from the mobile phone
(or other device), the mobile phone and the transaction control
system able to communicate using the SMS text messaging facility,
the transaction control system storing PIN database records wherein
each PIN has a related denomination stored against it. [0039] (4)
An airtime account control system (or other central system) run by
the Mobile Operator (or other central entity), the airtime account,
control system and the transaction control system being remote and
being capable of communicating over a communications link, the
airtime account control system storing account database records of
mobile phone accounts, each account database record including an
amount of credit (or other value).
[0040] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart showing a method for passing an
identifier using short message service.
[0041] In block 210, a value identifier may be distributed to a
user. For instance, the user may purchase a prepaid phone card
having a PIN. In some embodiments, the user may purchase an amount
of value at a point-of-sale, and the point-of-sale may distribute a
coupon or voucher having a PIN or other code representative of the
purchase value. In some embodiments, the user may receive the
identifier via mail, email, SMS, or other communication (e.g., as a
reward for a prior purchase or other activity ). Any methods of
obtaining an identifier associated with value are contemplated
herein.
[0042] By way of example, a user may purchase a stored value card
having an associated value of $50 with the printed PIN
"15243CANDLE." For Instance, the PIN "5243CANDLE" may be usable to
add $50 of value to an account.
[0043] In block 220, a portion of the identifier may be entered
into a user communication device such as a wireless phone. The
identifier (or portion thereof) may be provided to a user
communication device as part of an SMS message. For instance, the
user may elect to compose an SMS text message and then begin to
enter a PIN associated with purchased value.
[0044] For instance, the user may enter the letters "C-A-N-D" into
the keypad of a wireless phone. (It should be appreciated that tire
number keypad of a phone can be used to enter letters and symbols
as well as numbers. For instance, pressing the number "3" two times
in rapid succession can be used to enter the letter "E".)
[0045] In block 230, the user device may automatically complete the
identifier (or portion thereof).
[0046] For instance, upon entry of the first one or more letters of
a PIN or other code (or portion thereof) into a user device, the
user device may implement auto-complete functions. For instance,
upon entering the letters "C-A-N-D" (e.g., via voice recognition or
on a keypad such as a computer keyboard or phone keypad), the user
device may automatically complete the word "CANDLE" by
automatically entering the remaining letters "L-E." The user may
delete the auto-completed letters or otherwise undo the
auto-completion by using a backspace, delete function, voice
command, or other similar functionality. In some embodiments, the
user device may suggest possible auto-completed words that can be
selected by the user. For Instance, after entry of "C-A-N-D," the
user device may suggest the words "CANDY," "CANDIES," and "CANDLE.
" The user may then, select the intended word (here, "CANDLE"). In
this way, text entry (e.g., on a phone keypad) can be expedited and
simplified.
[0047] It should be appreciated that the PIN may be entered in any
variety of ways. For instance, the user device may have voice
recognition software (or other similar functionality) to recognize
and/or identify spoken letters, words, numbers, and symbols (such
as the characters of a PIN). For instance, a user may enter a PIN
into a user device (e.g., a microphone comprised in the device) by
speaking each of the letters, numbers, and symbols of a PIN or
other code. The user device may convert each of the spoken
characters into text (e.g., text displayed on a screen of the user
device.) For instance, if the PIN is "15243CANDLE," then the user
may speak each character in series, e.g., "1-5-2-4-3-C-A-N-D-L-E."
In some embodiments, voice recognition software may also enable
recognition of entire spoken words. Thus, for the above example,
the user may speak "1-5-2-4-3-CANDLE," wherein the digits are
spoken in succession while the word "candle" is pronounced as a
single word. Combinations of spoken and written letters, words,
numbers, symbols, and other characters are also contemplated
herein. For instance, the user may enter the digits "1-5-2-4-3" on
a keypad and then speak the word "candle" or speak each letter
"C-A-N-D-L-E." The user might also speak each of the numbers
"1-5-2-4-3" and then enter the letters "C-A-N-D-L-E."
[0048] In block 240, provider and/or account identification
information may be entered Into the user device. For instance, the
user may speak the name of the company (such as AT&T) that
provides telecommunications service for the user's mobile phone or
other user device. This company or other entity may be the provider
of the account to which the user may want to add value. The user
may also enter an account number or other account identifier, such
as the phone number of the mobile telephone account for which value
is to be added. Alternately, another number associated with the
account may be provided instead of a phone number, e.g., for
accounts that do not involve a phone and for accounts that have an
account number separate from the mobile telephone number. For
instance, these numbers may be spoken or entered at the user
communication device.
[0049] In some embodiments, account identification information may
be entered (or otherwise provided) automatically or with minimal
user input. For instance, the phone number of a user communication
device may be automatically transmitted in (or with) any SMS
message transmitted from the user communication device, e.g., as
source information related to the SMS message. Alternately, the
phone number (or other account identifier) may be stored in the
user communication device (or on a communications network to which
the user communication is connected), and the stored number (or
code) may be inserted automatically with a simple click of a button
(or combination of buttons). For instance, the user may store a
fifteen-digit account number as a speed-dial number in an internal
(or networked) database. Instead of entering the entire account
number manually for each request to add value to the account, the
user may simply speed-dial the number to cause it to be entered
into the text message. In some embodiments, the user device may
have memory comprising a "phone book" (stored locally on the user
device or externally on a communication network or other database
or storage). Account numbers, PINs, and other information may be
stored in the "phone book" (or other storage system) just like any
other number or code. This may enable the user to enter these
numbers into the SMS message (or attach them to the message)
directly from the phone book without having to manually or verbally
enter the individual characters of the account number or PIN,
etc.
[0050] Mobile telephones and other mobile communication devices may
also have m-wallet functionality, which may be used in conjunction
with the features and functions described herein. For instance, a
user may add credit cards, passwords, and other account identifiers
to a database stored on the communication device (or a central
processor in communication with the communication device) for use
in transactions.
[0051] In some embodiments, a customer may enter customer account
identification information that is not related to the user
communication device. For instance, the customer may enter on an
SMS-enabled wireless phone (or personal computer) the number of a
bank account, utility account, online merchant account, or other
account to which the customer wants to add the value.
[0052] It should he appreciated that the SMS message may comprise
any other information sufficient to identify the account, such as
the name, address, or code associated with a provider of the
account (e.g., the name of the bank or utility). This information
may be necessary so that the central processor may cause the value
associated with the identifier to he added to the proper customer
account.
[0053] In block 250, the user device may transmit via SMS a request
to add the value associated with the identifier to the user
account. The SMS message may comprise a PIN, account identification
information, and/or account provider identification information.
For Instance, the SMS message may comprise the inputs entered into
the user input device as described in blocks 210-240.
[0054] Continuing with the example described above, the SMS message
may comprise the PIN "15243CANDLE" and may include the phone number
(or other SMS identifier) of the user communication, device from
which tire SMS message originates. For example, the phone number
may be comprised in the formatting (e.g., the header) of the
message rather than the body of the message. In some embodiments,
the PIN, account identifier, and account provider may be identified
in the message (e.g., in the body of the message), For example, the
message body may comprise a PIN ("15243CANDLE") followed by a phone
number (e.g., 2023551234) followed by an account provider (e.g.,
"AT&T" or a numerical code associated with the provider), The
message may conform to predetermined formatting specifications,
such as formatting instructions provided on a purchased stored
value card. For Instance, a single space may separate the PIN from
the account identification information in the text message.
[0055] The request may be passed, to a central processor or other
entity,
[0056] In block 260, the central processor may receive the request
Based on the received SMS message, the central processor may
identify the value, account information (e.g., account
identification information), and/or provider identification
information (e.g., the identity of the provider. For instance, the
central processor may identify the PIN from the body of the text,
and the central processor may identify the account identification
information (such as a phone number) from the header or other
formatting information of the SMS message.
[0057] The central processor may identify a value associated with
the identifier by looking op the identifier in a database of
identifiers, each associated with a value. For instance, in the
case of stored value cards with a predetermined value that are
distributed to customers, each PIN Identifier printed on a card may
he associated with a specific predetermined value prior to
distributing the cards. In other embodiments, the customer may
assign a selectable value to a particular PIN. For instance, a
particular PIN or card number may be assigned a value selected by
the customer at the time the customer purchases the value. In those
embodiments, the value may be associated with the specific value at
the point of sale and stored in a database operatively connected to
the central processor. The central processor may accordingly
process information in the database to determine the value that
corresponds to the identified PIN or other code.
[0058] In some embodiments, the central processor may also identity
account identification information, such as a phone number of the
requesting user communication device. In some embodiments, the
central processor may process the body or formatting information to
determine the account identification information. Like the PIN and
value information, account information may be stored in raid
retrieved from a database. For instance, an account database may
associate each of a plurality of user accounts with account
identification information (such as a phone number of a user
communication device).
[0059] In some embodiments, the central processing system may
manage the customer account for which value is requested to be
added. In these embodiments, the central processor may cause the
value to be added to the account, e.g., by amending a database
entry corresponding to the account.
[0060] In block 270, the central processor may pass to a provider
system a request to add the value to the customer account. For
Instance, if the customer's account is managed by a third-party
account provider (e.g., a carrier of telecommunications service or
a public utility), then the request may be passed to this entity so
that it can add the value to the account. The request may comprise
any request as described or referenced herein. For instance, the
request may comprise a request to "insert value" into the
customer's account, as described In one of the applications
incorporated by reference.
[0061] It should be understood that the actions described for block
270 may be unnecessary if the central processor manages the
customer's account.
[0062] In block 280, the account provider system may add the value
to the customer account. Again, it should be noted that the account
provider may be the same or different entity than the central
processor.
[0063] In block 290, a confirmation message may be passed to the
originating user communication device. For instance, if a user
communication device originates the request to add value, then a
confirmation may be passed to this device, e.g., via SMS. Any type
of confirmation may be passed. For instance, a confirmation of any
of the following may be passed to the user device or otherwise
communicated to the user: a confirmation that the request was
received; a confirmation of the amount of value requested; a
confirmation that the request was passed to the relevant provider;
a confirmation that the value was successfully added to the
account; an updated account balance; and other confirmation
information. It should also be appreciated that the request process
may comprise one or more verification steps. For instance, upon
receiving a request to add value, the central processor may send a
reply SMS message identifying the account (or the name of the
requestor or other information associated with the request) and
requesting confirmation to proceed with the transaction (e.g., by
pressing "OK" on a phone keypad, and/or sending a reply SMS message
containing the number "1" or another code indicating
confirmation).
[0064] Various modifications and deviations from the method
described herein are also within the purview of the invention. For
instance, it should be appreciated that the identifier may be
distributed to one customer but then received from another
customer. For instance, the identifier may be distributed to one
customer, who then gives it (e.g., transmits it via SMS) to another
customer. The second customer may then request to add the value
associated with the Identifier to an account of the second customer
(or a third customer). The identifier may be passed to any number
of different users before it is redeemed.
[0065] It should also be appreciated that the request to add value
may be received from a person different from the holder of the
target account. For instance, a parent may purchase value and send
an SMS message requesting to add purchased value to a child's (or
friend's) account. In some embodiments, a request to add value may
be processed regardless of the source of the request as long as the
identifier and account identification information correspond to
valid value identifiers and customer accounts.
[0066] Other methods of implementing various embodiments of the
invention may comprise some or all of the following actions: [0067]
(1) Keying in the alphabetic PIN (or other identifier) from a
purchased card (or other physical or virtual representation of a
value identifier) onto the mobile phone (or other communication
device) using the keyboard (or input device) of the mobile phone
(or other device); [0068] (2) Sending this alphabetic PIN as an SMS
text message to the phone number for the product or service as
specified on the card (or other representation of a value
identifier); [0069] (3) The data read by the transaction control
system corresponding to a PIN record in the database and from this
record extracting the denomination of the purchased card; [0070]
(4) The transaction control system communicating with the airtime
account control system and requesting of it to update the mobile
phone's account, by the denomination of the purchased card (or
other value associated with the identifier); [0071] (5) Returning
an SMS text message to the mobile phone confirming the success or
otherwise of the top-up (or other transaction wherein value is
added or otherwise credited to an account).
[0072] Various features of the present invention as applied to
crediting an account for a mobile phone may be generalized to any
other products or services. For instance, instead of maintaining
and updating account database records, appropriate means for
delivering the product or service in question are provided. The
manner of delivery will depend on the product in question, but
includes generating an order for a supplier to supply a product,
communication of data to instruct a service provider to pro vide a
service, or where a product is intangible and represented by
database records, updating that database record. In order for a
consumer to invoke the purchase of products or services other than
an airtime credit, the alphanumeric code of the product or service
may be included in the SMS short message as well as the PIN of the
card purchased.
[0073] According to another aspect of some embodiments of the
invention, systems and methods of purchasing general services may
be provided. These systems and methods may involve any or all of
the following: [0074] (1) A mobile phone having a radio
communication circuit, a keyboard capable of keying numbers and
letters of the alphabet and the ability to use the Short Message
Service text system provided by the Mobile Operator
telecommunications networks; [0075] (2) A card purchased from a
retail outlet containing a PIN comprising alphabetic characters
only and a telephone number for the service; [0076] (3) A
transaction control system remote from the mobile phone, the mobile
phone and the transaction control system able to communicate using
the SMS text messaging facility, the transaction control system
storing PIN database records wherein each PIN has a related
denomination stored against it; [0077] (4) A service fulfillment
account control system run by a service fulfillment company, the
service fulfillment account control system and the transaction
control system being remote and being capable of communicating over
a communications link, the service fulfillment control system
storing details of products and services in a common database or
databases and each product or service has a value recorded against
it in its database record
[0078] Any methods may be used, such as those involving any or ail
of the following: [0079] (1) Keying in a variable length
alphanumeric product or service identifier and the alphabetic PIN
from the card onto the mobile phone using the keyboard of the
mobile phone; [0080] (2) Sending this identifier and alphabetic PIN
as an SMS text message to the phone number for the service as
specified on the card; [0081] (3) The data read by the transaction
control system corresponding to a PIN record in the database and
from this record extracting the denomination of the card; [0082]
(4) Communicating the product or service identifier from the data
read and the value of the PIN and the consumer's mobile phone
number to the service fulfillment account control system; [0083]
(5) The data read by the service fulfillment account control system
corresponds to a record in the service fulfillment account control
system's database and this record identifies the product or service
being requested and its value; [0084] (7) Beginning the process of
fulfilling the order identified from the read data by delivering
the product or service to the consumer identified by their mobile
phone number; [0085] (8) Confirming back to the transaction control
system that the transaction has been successful; [0086] (9)
Returning a confirmation SMS text message to the mobile phone
[0087] When applied to payments for products in general, some
embodiments of the present invention may provide the same
advantages as described above with reference to crediting an
account for a mobile phone. The present invention is particularly
useful in that it provides a mechanism of allowing consumers to pay
for a product at any of a large number of retail locations, but
without the retailer needing to be involved in the delivery of the
product. For instance, instead of delivering a product (or service)
at a point-of-sale (POS), a merchant may merely deliver a PIN
associated with the product or service (e.g., by delivering a
virtual or physical representation of the PIN, such as a card). For
instance, the customer may purchase a card comprising the PIN. The
customer may later contact a central entity in order to redeem the
product or service.
[0088] Use method of payment at the retailer by the consumer for
the card that contains the PIN may be by any accepted means
supported by the retailer. The cards may appear as any other
product to the retailer. Each card may have a unique number (e.g.,
a European Article Number, serial number, barcode, number encoded
on a magnetic stripe). For instance, the number may be presented as
a barcode exactly as all other products for sale. This barcode may
be read by the retailer's terminal equipment and the correct
payment amount may be indicated and requested.
[0089] According to another aspect of some embodiments of the
invention, there is provided a mechanism whereby the PIN, which for
the crediting of a mobile phone's service account (e.g., airtime
account) alone may have a specific value and may be communicated
between consumers using any or all of the following, for example:
[0090] (1) A first mobile phone having a radio communication
circuit, a keyboard capable of keying numbers and letters of the
alphabet and the ability to use the Short Message Service text
system provided by the Mobile Operator telecommunications networks;
[0091] (2) A card purchased horn a retail outlet containing a PIN
comprising alphabetic characters only and a telephone number for
the service; [0092] (3) A second mobile phone having a radio
communication circuit, a keyboard capable of keying numbers and
letters of the alphabet and the ability to use the Short Message
Service text system provided by the Mobile Operator
telecommunications networks
[0093] Any methods may be used, such as methods involving any or
all of the following; [0094] (1) Keying in the alphabetic PIN from
the card onto the first mobile phone using the keyboard of the
mobile phone; [0095] (2) Sending this alphabetic PIN as an SMS text
message to the second mobile phone; [0096] (3) The second mobile
phone sending this same alphabetic PIN as an SMS text message to
the phone number for the service as specified on the card; [0097]
(4) The data read by the transaction control system corresponding
to a PIN record in the database and from this record extracting the
denomination of the card; [0098] (5) The transaction control system
communicating with the airtime account control system and
requesting of it to update the second mobile phone's account by the
amount identified by the PIN; [0099] (6) Returning a confirmation
SMS text message to the mobile phone.
[0100] The various features of the present invention as applied in
the third aspect above to crediting an account for a mobile phone
may be generalized to any other products as described above.
[0101] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a mechanism whereby the PIN on a card purchased from a
retailer may be used in the purchase of goods and services through
the web, or via other routes which may otherwise involve the use of
credit or debit cards or other payment mechanisms that imply that
the consumer has a bank or equivalent account. In some embodiments,
the PIN may first be converted into a standard transaction card
identifier, such as a Visa card number. For example, a customer may
access a website (e.g., a website identified on the card or a
website of the merchant who sold the card) and enter the PIN, The
website may receive the PIN, identify the value, purchase a stored
value card for a corresponding value, and then send the card number
(and other authorization information) to the customer, e.g., via
the website or in an email. In another embodiment, entailers may
employ special payment functionality so that PINs can be used in
place of credit cards and other traditional payment methods.
[0102] Some embodiments of the invention may comprise my of the
following: [0103] (1) A mobile phone having a radio communication
circuit, a keyboard capable of keying numbers and letters of the
alphabet and the ability to use the Short Message Service text
system provided by the Mobile Operator telecommunications networks;
[0104] (2) A card purchased from a retail outlet containing a PIN
and a telephone number for the service; [0105] (3) A transaction
control system remote from the mobile phone, the mobile phone and
the transaction control system able to communicate using the SMS
text messaging facility, the transaction control system storing PIN
database records wherein each PIN record has a denomination stored
in it; [0106] (4) An airtime account control system run by the
Mobile Operator, the airtime account control system and the
transaction control system being remote and being capable of
communicating over a communications link, the airtime account
control system storing account database records of mobile phone
accounts, each account database record including an amount of
credit.
[0107] Some embodiments may comprise any of the following: [0108]
(1) Purchasing a card from a retailer and using the retailer's
system to accept payment as for other goods; [0109] (2) Keying in
the PIN from this purchased card onto the mobile phone using the
keyboard of the mobile phone; [0110] (3) Sending this PIN as an SMS
text message to the phone number for the service as specified on
the card; [0111] (4) The data read by the transaction control
system corresponding to a PIN record in the database and from this
record extracting the denomination of the card; [0112] (5) The
transaction control system communicating with the airtime account
control system and requesting of it to update the mobile phone's
account by the amount identified by the PIN; [0113] (6) Returning a
confirmation SMS text message to the mobile phone.
[0114] The entry of PINs may be simplified by using a wholly
alphabetic PIN. Such a PIN may be less than the length of the
equivalent numeric PIN (e.g., less than half the length) and yet
have the same number of possible values, since there are 26 letters
and only 10 digits.
[0115] In some embodiments, PIN entry may be simplified by using
PINs made of words from the T9 dictionary (or other dictionaries
such as auto-spelling dictionaries).
[0116] The PIN on the card may be constructed wholly from one or
more words found in an automatic word spelling dictionary present
in mobile phones or other communication devices. This then
simplifies the keying in of PINs by using such dictionaries as T9
and Zi.
[0117] According to some embodiments, IVR and voice recognition may
be used for systems for PIN input on voice calls.
[0118] The alphabetic or word based PIN may be provided to the
system by the customer talking into the system by means of a voice
recognition system based on an Interactive Voice Response
service.
[0119] In some embodiments, one user may send text to one another
(via SMS) and thereby electronically transfer card values to one
another. For instance, a user may send a prepaid card PIN to
another user (such as a family member or friend). The other user
may use the PIN to obtain the associated product or service.
[0120] According to some embodiments, a user may key in a card PIN
onto a mobile phone using the keyboard of the mobile phone and send
this PIN by SMS text message to another mobile phone. The recipient
may then send this SMS text message on to yet another mobile phone.
This process may repeat any number of times.
[0121] The final recipient mobile phone may send the PIN as an SMS
text message to the central system (e.g., a central phone number)
for the service as specified on the card.
[0122] The value of the cards may be controlled or monitored by
batch or PCS activation. For instance, whenever cards are swiped at
a retail location, a central processing entity may activate the
card.
[0123] Some embodiments may include any or all of the following:
[0124] (1) A mobile phone having a radio communication circuit, a
keyboard capable of keying numbers and letters of the alphabet and
the ability to use the Short Message Service text system provided
by the Mobile Operator telecommunications networks; [0125] (2) A
transaction control system remote from the mobile phone, the mobile
phone and the transaction control system able to communicate using
the SMS text messaging facility, the transaction control system
storing PIN database records wherein each PIN record has a
denomination stored in it; [0126] (3) Combining known cards into
batches of one or more card; [0127] (4) Identifying these batches
of cards by unique batch identifiers and recording these batches in
a database forming a part of the transaction control system whose
records contain a status identifier for each of these batches;
[0128] (5) Recording all the PINs of all the cards contained in the
batch in the batch database record; [0129] (6) Issuing these
batches of cards to retailers with a status of "inactive" wherein
every card is therefore inactive; [0130] (7) Activating one batch
at a time by the retailer communicating with the transaction
control system, identifying the batch by means of its unique batch
identifier and requesting that the status be changed to "active"
wherein every card in the batch becomes active; a process termed
"activation";
[0131] Some embodiments may comprise any or all of the following:
[0132] (1) Purchasing a card from a retailer and using the
retailer's system to accept payment as for other goods; [0133] (2)
Keying in the PIN from this purchased card onto the mobile phone
using the keyboard of the mobile phone; [0134] (3) Sending this PIN
as an SMS text message to the phone number for the service as
specified on the card; [0135] (4) The data read by the transaction
control system corresponding to a PIN record in the database and
from this record extracting the denomination and the status of the
card; [0136] (5) Returning a rejection SMS text message to the
mobile phone if the status of the card is found to be inactive;
[0137] (6) The transaction control system communicating with the
airtime account control system and requesting of it to update the
mobile phone's account by the amount identified by the PIN if the
status of the card is found to be active; [0138] (7) Returning a
confirmation SMS text message to the mobile phone.
[0139] In some embodiments, the value may determined by the amount
paid for it by the customer. For instance, the customer may specify
a certain value to be activated on the card, according to any
systems and methods known in the art.
[0140] The retailer may be charged for the value of the cards
following activation.
[0141] Some embodiments of the invention may provide a card based
airtime top-up service that may not need any PINs provided by the
Mobile Operators.
[0142] In some embodiments, an IVR may not be needed for adding PIN
value to an account.
[0143] In some embodiments, a card purchased to perform an airtime
top-up can be used equally by account holders of any Mobile
Operator (or other product or service provider).
[0144] In some embodiments, entities (such as third parties) may
place advertising on the cards (or other representation of an
identifier).
[0145] In some embodiments, PINs may be used for the purchase of
goods and services other than those related to mobile airtime.
[0146] In some embodiments, PINs may be used as payment for goods
and services. For instance, the PIN may be used as a card number in
a transaction similar to that used for credit and debit cards at
merchant terminals or over the Internet.
[0147] The application of air-time credit to a mobile phone may be
achieved by the end-user sending a free standard text message of a
service identifier (typically 5 characters) and an 8 character
alphabetic PIN to an SMS host; a process with which the vast
majority of Pre-Pay users are very familiar, and whose success rate
may be significantly higher than IVR.
[0148] In some embodiments the absence of the service identifier
may indicate that the value is to be added to the user's airtime
account. In some embodiments the user may determine the
functionality of one or more, service identifiers.
[0149] Card PINs may be provided by a centralized system. The
end-user may send one or more PINs to the centralized system, which
may construct from an Interpretation of the text an electronic
top-up to the end-user's mobile operator.
[0150] One benefit of the present invention is that providers of
products and services (such as those that may be associated with a
PIN) may use electronic distribution and redemption channels that
do not necessarily involve the distribution to a consumer for
reception from a consumer) of a physical embodiment of a PIN (e.g.,
on a physical card). For instance, a top-up may be entirely
electronic.
[0151] Cards and accounts may be activated in a variety of ways: in
units of a batch at the point of sale by using an IVR (or web)
based activation service; or in units of a card, again at the point
of safe, but by swiping the card through the acquisition or PCS
terminal. Value associated with identifiers may also be activated
and/or credited in any other ways known in the art, such as any of
those described in the following U.S. patents and patent
applications; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/778,338 filed Feb. 17,
2004, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/253,243 filed Sep. 24, 2002,
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/324,333 filed Sep. 24, 2001,
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/396,404 filed Jul. 15, 2002,
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/519,630 filed on Nov. 14, 2003,
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/519,629 filed on Nov. 14, 2003,
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/712,182 filed Nov. 13, 2003, U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/655,828 filed Sep. 5, 2003, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/698,084 filed Nov. 3, 2003, U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/411,971 filed Apr. 11, 2003, U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/641,363 filed Aug. 18, 2000 (now issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,361), U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/149,740 fifed Aug. 19, 1999, U.S. application Ser. No.
10/732,641 filed Dec. 10, 2003, the U.S. application filed Dec. 19,
2003 under Attorney Docket No. 64243.000005, and the U.S. patent
application filed Jan. 16, 2004 under Attorney Docket No.
64243.000006. All of these patents and applications are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Other features
of these patents and applications are also contemplated herein. It
should be appreciated that the authorization and activation of
media devices as described herein may be combined with the novel
systems and methods of the applications referenced above.
[0152] It should be appreciated that the embodiments described
above may have some or all of die features described for that
embodiments. For each system component or step described above, a
corresponding system and method according to the invention may
comprise only a portion of the component or step.
[0153] In some embodiments, the cards may only have value following
activation offering the industry very significant control benefits
and minimizing financial risk to the retailer.
[0154] In some embodiments, the cards may only be charged after
activation, offering much improved cost controls over existing
services.
[0155] In some embodiments, the operators can significantly reduce
or even close their IVR services. In some embodiments, the
operators can significantly reduce their Customer Services support
provision.
[0156] In some embodiments, the nature of the service also enables
a single generic card to be used for all networks, ensuring
availability of stock and providing greater flexibility in card
use.
[0157] According to some embodiments, a customer may designate a
service provider. A small number of cards, e.g., 3 cards with
denominations of $5, $10, $20, could be in circulation instead of a
larger number of cards for each denomination for a plurality of
different service providers. A customer may purchase a single card
and later select the service provider (or select the service
provider a t the point of sale).
[0158] It should be understood that fee identifiers are not limited
to the purchase of airtime. They may be used, unchanged and with
the same end-user interface, to purchase other services such as
mobile services (text bundles, ring-tones, screen savers, games and
so on) and non-mobile services (WiFi time, web purchases, lottery
tickets, etc). As contemplated herein, the identifiers may be used
to add or activate any type of value In any type of customer
account. For instance, any of the products and/or services
mentioned in commonly-owned U.S. application Ser. No. 10/732,641
filed Dec. 10, 2003, are contemplated herein. The disclosure of
this application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0159] In some embodiments, one or more cards and identifiers may
be transferable as gifts. For instance, an identifier may be passed
from one user device to another user's device. The transferee may
then use the identifier to redeem value in the same or similar
manner as that described herein.
[0160] In some embodiments, the identifiers may be
service-independent such that tire PIN may he used hr other
financial transactions. In some embodiments, identifiers may be
used with any network, such as a closed or open debit or credit
network.
[0161] In some embodiments, because the manufacture and
distribution of cards may be outside the control of the mobile
operators, additional branding and marketing opportunities are
possible. For example cards themed for Christmas and other
occasions, special editions, prizes and so on, or Starbucks or
McDonald's branded cards become a possibility. Cards may be branded
with an entity other than (or in addition to) the provider of the
card.
[0162] Using text as the mechanism for transferring the PIN to the
airtime service, In some embodiments, "own label" PINs can be used
to remove the need for anything of value from the Mobile Operators
in the whole process. In some embodiments. Mobile Operators may be
unaware of a voucher until the top-up occurs.
[0163] Some PINs/identifiers may redeemable for the purchase of
age-related goods and services (such as lotteries, and
goods/services related to younger children such as entry to theme
parks, etc.). Adult content may also he purchased. Merchants may
perform any necessary age checking at the point of purchase.
Redemption of these clearly marked PINs would he restricted
according to their intended use.
[0164] The embodiments of the present inventions are not to be
limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. For
example, although many of the embodiments disclosed herein have
been described with reference to stored value cards and wireless
phone accounts, the principles herein are equally applicable to any
other type of value identifier or indicia and any other type of
account. Also, although many of the embodiments have been described
in reference to "topping up" an account, the principles herein are
equally applicable to other systems and methods of adding or
activating value in an account. Indeed, various modifications of
the embodiments of the present inventions, in addition to those
described herein, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings.
Thus, such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of
the following appended claims.
[0165] Further, although the embodiments of the present inventions
have been described herein in the context of a particular
implementation in a particular environment for a particular
purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that its
usefulness is not limited thereto arid that the embodiments of the
present inventions can be beneficially implemented in any number of
environments for any member of purposes. Accordingly, the claims
set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and
spirit of the embodiments of the present inventions as disclosed
herein.
* * * * *