US Patent:
20060207856, Sep 21, 2006
Inventors:
Scott Dean - Issaquah WA, US
Mark Waechter - Winthrop WA, US
Kim Hanson - Woodinville WA, US
Michael Doran - Bothell WA, US
Kerry Smith - Bellevue WA, US
Scott Jeffus - Redmond WA, US
Peter Rowan - Seattle WA, US
International Classification:
G07D 7/00
Abstract:
Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, gift cards, in-store gift certificates, e-certificates, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a gift certificate for use on-line can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the certificate with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the certificate to the user, who can then go on-line to make purchases from an associated retailer with the certificate.