Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INITIALIZING/ACTIVATING ACCOUNTS UTILIZABLE FOR
PURCHASING/PROVISIONING ITEMS/SERVICES OVER DATA
COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 09/702,794,
filed November
1, 2000, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 60/213,519,
filed June 23, 2000, to
Klear et al., and U.S. Provisional Application 60/215,878, filed June 30,
2000, to Klear et al., all of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to an initialization process that
administers and/or
contributes to purchasing and/or provisioning of items or services online, and
more particularly, to a
system, method, and computer readable medium storing computer-executable
instructions for
initializing an account andlor processes for use in purchasing items or
services including event tickets,
concessions, and/or merchandise over a data communication network, and
optionally provisioning these
purchases at a point of sale location. Provisioning, as defined herein,
includes in whole or in part, the
process of effectuating and/or facilitating the processing of a transaction,
including, for example, the
sale and/or transfer of tickets for movies, theatre, shows, sporting events,
cultural events, and the like.
BACKGROUND ART
In 1998, online movie ticket purchases accounted for a mere 0.05% of the 1.5
billion movie
tickets sold. However, listings of show times for these movies are accessed
over the Internet at
astronomical levels. To say, then, that the online movie ticket industry
remains largely untapped would
be somewhat of an understatement.
To be sure, the number of movie tickets purchased online and other e-commerce
transactions
are expected to increase at a phenomenal pace in the near future. Movie
tickets today are an enormous
industry. In 1997, $6.36 billion dollars were spent on movie admissions. This,
coupled with the
expected continued increase in the number of e-commerce transactions indicates
that the future trend in
the sales of movie tickets will be online. According to a recent Wall Street
Journal article, the online
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ticketing industry can best be characterized by the online ticketing
powerhouse, Ticketmaster, which
does well over $10 million a month, ticketing everything from concerts to
sporting events. See, FIGS.
1 and 2. International Data Coloration estimated the market at $2.6 billion in
1996 and expects it to
grow almost a hundredfold to $220 billion in 2001. Forrester Research also
expects Internet-based e-
connmerce to increase from 12 percent of a typical company's revenue to 42
percent. According to the
Internet's largest demographic survey, conducted by the Georgia Institute of
Technol~ in late 1997,
of the 10,000 respondents, 47 percent had four-year college degrees or better,
and household incomes
average more than $53,000 a year. A joint study from International Data Com.
and Relevant
Knowledge Inc. indicates that by 2002, half of the 102 million people in the
U.S. who use the Internet
at home will be shoppers.
The trend in box office revenues over recent years is also encouraging. The
number of screens
was up 7.1% in 1996, 6.8% in 1997, and an estimated 8% in 1998. Goldman Sachs
believes that the
industry could have over 40,000 screens by the end of 2002, a 6.5% CAGR
increase from the 30,825
screens at year-end 1997 reported by the Motion Picture Association of
America. Clearly, then, a vast
body of evidence indicates that online ticket sales, not only to movies but
also to other events such as
sporting events, will only increase in the foreseeable future. Yet with all of
this evidence suggesting
that the online ticketing industry is more than ready to explode with
development, no effective means
exist for provisioning items purchased online at a point of sale location
particularly designed for
entertainment events. Nor do means exist for initiating an account utilizable
with such a process.
Movie and event advertising via a communications network, like ticket sales,
is another area
ready for development. In 1997, the average movie advertising costs alone, per
feature, was $19.244
million dollars. The National Association of Theatre Owners, in 1997,
conducted an analysis of
average movie advertising costs, the results of which are shown in FIG. 3.
According to Forrester
Research, advertisers have committed less than 3% of their media advertising
budgets to the Web. As
online advertising dollars rise to over $8 billion by 2002, movie studios will
be spending a greater
percentage online to promote their upcoming films. Furthermore, as
demonstrated in FIGS. 4a - 4b, the
use of e-mail as a vehicle for advertising campaigns looks also to be
promising. However, as with the
above, no means exist for effectively and efficiently presenting movie and
event advertising via a data
communications network either during the online purchase of event tickets or
via personalized e-mail
messages. Nor does a system exist for activating such a process.
Movie merchandising and theatre concessions are other key markets ready for
development.
Current estimates demonstrate that the movie licensing business stands at $110
billion according to the
International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association. Theatre
concessions, on the other hand,
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are currently a $2.6 billion market. Even so, no means exist for users to make
any of these merchandise
or concession purchases, remotely, via a data communications network, with the
purchase then being
redeemable at a point of sale location. Nor does a technique exist for
initializing such a system.
Several prior art techniques have not adequately addressed these needs. For
example, U.S.
Patent 6,052,629 to Leatherman et al. (Leatherman) is directed to an Internet
capable browser dispenser
architecture. As shown in prior art FIG. 5 (FIG. 1 of Leatherman), the system
of Leatherman includes a
plurality of fuel dispensers 12, each having at least two fueling positions
and acting as a point of sale
(POS) interface. Connected to the fuel dispensers 12 is a main service station
store 16, a local server
18, a convenience store 20, a number of restaurants 22, and a car wash 24, as
well as other remote
servers 26 via the Internet. Basically, the system of Leatherman provides gas
station customers with
access to a server on a local network and remote sites via the Internet. With
this arrangement, the gas
station customers may purchase services at the POS dispensers and be subject
to advertisements
transmitted thereto. However, while Leatherman discusses purchasing items at a
gas station, it makes
no disclosure of effectively provisioning entertainment and/or ticketing
industry items purchased on-
line. Nor does it disclose a technique for initializing or activating an
account or system for facilitating
these transactions.
A number of wireless devices are similarly unable to address the needs of the
prior art. For
example, U.S. Patent 5,618,045 to Kagan et al. Ka en) relates to an
interactive game system. As
depicted in prior art FIG. 6 (FIG. I of Kagen), the interactive game system
610 of K, Aden includes three
playing devices 612, 614, and 616, which communicate via a wireless local area
network.
Communication is effected utilizing short-range radio, infrared, or ultra-
sonic signals. As shown in
prior art FIG. 7 (FIG. 2 of Ka-e~-n), each playing device includes a processor
718, an interface 720, a
transmitter 722, a receiver 724 and a display 726. Using these components, a
player's actions are
transmitted to and received by another player's playing device.
U.S. Patent 5,636,920 to Shur et al. (Shur) relates to a sports team
organizer. In prior art FIG. 8
(FIG. 1 of Shur), a portable computing device for organizing a sports team
includes an input device
812, a processor 814, a memory 816, a number of stored programs 818, and an
output device 820. With
these elements, the organizing system allows a team roster, a starting lineup,
and a number of drills to
be generated.
U.S. Patent 5,647,795 to Stanton Stanton) relates to portable computerized
pari-mutuel sports
entertainment system. In prior art FIG. 9 (FIG. 1 of Stanton), the system
includes a computer 911 and
conductor 916, a video cassette recorder 912 with video tape 917, a television
set 913, keypads 914, and
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printers 915. The computer 911 operates as a main computing server, and
includes a motherboard 920,
a memory card 921, and a number of graphics and other serial cards 922, 923,
and 924. With this
system, bets are entered from remote locations with keypads 914 and stored in
computer 911. After a ,
race, winnings are collected at the cashiers' windows (keypads 914).
The above cited patents are relevant from the perspective that wireless
devices are gaining
more popularity in today's society. However, none of these devices effectively
provisions transactions
or purchases in the context of the entertainment andlor ticketing industry.
Nor do any of the above
provide a technique for initializing or activating an account or system for
facilitating these transactions.
Similarly, U.S. Patent 5,794,207 to Walker et al. (Walker) relates to a method
and apparatus for
a cryptographically assisted commercial network system designed to facilitate
buyer-driven conditional
purchase offers. In prior art FIG. 10 (FIG. 1 of Walker), the system includes
seller interfaces 300,
central controller 200, and buyer node 400. A number of modems 350 and 450
facilitate connection to
central controller 200. Using these components, a buyer communicates a binding
purchase offer to a
number of sellers. In response, the sellers have the option to accept a
purchase offer and thus bind the
corresponding buyer to a contract. Nevertheless, Walker makes no mention of,
for example, allowing
redemption of the purchases at a point of sale location upon identification or
verification of the
purchaser or of the purchase. Nor does Walker provide a technique for
initializing or activating an
account or system for facilitating these transactions.
While the above discussion illustrates the growing use of wireless devices,
none of the above
mentioned prior art references describes, for example, adequate and effective
processes for activating
and/or initializing the devices or accounts used therewith. In addition, none
of the above prior art
references provides, for example, methods or processes for activating the
devices for use in the context
of entertainment or sporting events, especially over local or global data
communications networks.
U.S. Patent 5,546,523 to Gatto (Gatto) is directed to an electronic fund
transfer system utilizing
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and identification cards unique to individual
users. More
specifically, as depicted in steps 410-429 of prior art FIG. 11 (FIG. 2 of
Gatto), after inserting an
identification card into an ATM a user may utilize a number of custom
programmed transactions
individually selected by the user. For example, a particular user may
routinely and repeatedly have use
for a transaction in which he or she withdraws a set dollar amount from a
savings account. With the
invention of Gatto, the user may perform the above described transaction
simply by pressing a single
key. These custom designed transactions are stored on the card and are
conveniently displayed in one
or more transaction menus customized for each user. Even so, Gatto provides no
disclosure of a
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technique for initializing or activating an account or system for facilitating
the purchase and/or
provisioning of items on-line.
U.S. Patent 6,005,942 to Chan et al. (Chan) relates to a smart card which can
facilitate a post-
s issuance download of an application. As shown in prior art FIG. 12 (FIG. 4
of Chan), after issuance of
a smart card, step 401, an application is forwarded to the smart card through
any electronic media
connectable to the smart card and any appropriate networks, step 402.
Subsequently, the application is
loaded onto the smart card using a card domain program step 404. This card
domain is a special system
application installed by the card issuer and provides platform wide services.
Therefore, Chan provides
no disclosure of a technique for initializing or activating an account or
system for facilitating the
purchase and/or provisioning of items on-line.
Thus, the prior art has failed to disclose a technique for initializing or
activating an account or
system for facilitating the purchase and/or provisioning of goods or services,
such as tickets or
entertainment items, over a data communication network.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a technique for
initializing or
activating an account over a data communication network, such as the Internet,
is disclosed. Upon
activation or initialization, the account may be used to facilitate the
purchase and provisioning of
admittance to entertainment events and the like. These events may include, for
example, movies, open
seating events, reserved seating events, theatre, shows, sporting events,
cultural events, and the like, or
any combination thereof. In addition, items and services may also be
purchased. For example,
concessions and movie related merchandise may also be purchased and
provisioned after activation of
the customer's account.
To activate his or her account, a communication is received from the customer
via the data
communication network requesting activation of the account. The communication
may be transmitted
from, for example, any of a personal computer, wireless phone, personal
digital assistant, Bluetooth
enabled device, or any other similar device, and may include payment
information, purchase selections,
demographic information, as well as responses to surveys, and the like.
In response to the communication, an account is activated to allow storage of
information
regarding purchases made by the customer. In addition, an identifier is
associated with the customer
and with the customer's account. Then in some embodiments, an identification
device may be
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distributed to the customer. For instance, the identification device may be
distributed to the customer
during his or her first visit to the theatre or venue, or it may be physically
mailed to an address provided
by the customer. The identification device may include, for example, a smart
card, e-ticket, a credit
card, or other similar object. Whatever the case, this identification device
has the identifier stored
therein and is utilizable for accessing the account at a point of sale for
provisioning of the purchases.
In other embodiments, the identification device may already be in the
possession of the
customer. In these cases, the identifier may be transmitted via the data
communication network to the
customer's identification device where it is then stored in internal memory.
Thus, the identifier may be
stored in, for instance, the memory of a personal digital assistant, cellular
phone, or other wireless or
Bluetooth enabled device. In the same manner, the identifier may be written
using, for example a smart
card writer, to a smart card, or printed onto a paper ticket, or the like.
Iii addition, the identifier may be determined or generated by the customer or
by some entity
other than the activation system sponsor. For example, the customer may select
his or her own
identifier. With this example, the identifier is transmitted by the user from
his or her client system to
the main computing server, where the identifier may be stored and associated
with the customer's
account. Advantageously, the customer may utilize an identifier, and
identification device, provided by
a third party. In this example, the customer may be able to utilize, for
instance, an automated teller
machine card with a identifier generated by a third party bank as his or her
identification device.
Likewise, biometrics information may be utilized as an identifier. In these
cases, the biometrics
information may initially be captured and stored by the user. Then, during the
activation process, the
biometrics information is transmitted to the main server where it may be
associated with the customer's
account. Alternatively, an account may first be activated without being
associated with an identifier.
Then, the customer's biometrics information may be scanned and associated with
the account during his
or her first visit to the theatre or other venue.
In other embodiments, the identification device may be delivered to the
customer before
activation of his or her account. For example, with mass audience targeting
campaigns, low cost
identification devices may be mailed or handed out to potential customers,
along with account
activation instructions. Each customer may then connect to the main server and
activate his or her
account. Similarly, instead of mailing the actual devices, advertisements may
be mailed, either
physically or electronically, prompting the customer to activate an account.
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After activating his or her account, the customer may redeem purchases by
presenting the
identifier or identification device to an attendant at the theatre or venue.
In particular, the attendant
scans the identifier and accesses the customer's account to verify a ticket or
other item or service
purchase. After verification, the customer is admitted and his or her account
is updated to indicated that
the purchase has been redeemed.
Having summarized some of the aspects of the initialization features of the
present invention,
the provisioning and initialization process and system is now briefly
discussed.
The ZebraPassTM system advantageously provides the backend, ticketing
technology to existing
portal sites such as MovieTickets.com so that the site may provide a better
experience for the consumer.
In this example, movie ticket purchases are made online under the following,
easy procedure:
1. Moviegoer visits a leading portal such as MovieTickets.com or other portal
and selects a
movie, theatre, and desired time.
2. Moviegoer is linked to ZebraPass.comTM or other portal connection that
accesses the
system of the present invention and pays for movie tickets via a credit card
in a secure
transaction or other payment/ordering procedure.
3. Moviegoer's ticket is electronically transferred from, for example, the
ZebraPassTM host
server to the theatres' network connector.
4. With the "ZebraPass" smart card, moviegoer avoids box office lines and
proceeds directly
to the attendant who collects the ticket stubs.
5. An easy-to-use smart card reader is provided to the attendant who, rather
than tearing the
ticket stub in half, simply flashes the "ZebraPass" or smart card onto the
smart card reader,
identifying the moviegoer as the ticket holder.
ZebraPass is a system built for today but scalable enough to comport with
plans for tomorrow.
ZebraPass electronically transfers the movie ticket to the theatre rather than
transfernng the ticket
directly to the smart card. This alleviates the need for the consumer to have
a smart card reader on their
home PC. It also makes the system compatible with smart devices. As the smart
card merely acts as an
identifier, and since all of the ticket information is stored on the ZebraPass
server, ZebraPass will
duplicate this identification/server model to permit the smart device to act
as the identifier while
maintaining the ticket information on the server. This enables ZebraPass to
use the developed smart
card infrastructure for the smart devices.
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Enabling Technology for Professional Sports Teams Season Tickets Online/Smart
Cards
Professional sports ticketing permits the venue to grant a VIP status to its
season ticket holders.
The ZebraPass can be tied into numerous programs that set them apart from the
single game ticket
holder.
D Season Tickets
D Season ticket holders will have all their season tickets on one smart card
or smart device.
D Parking
D Ticket holder will have access to VIP parking where he/she can only enter
upon flashing
the card upon the reader
D Debit
D The venues can add a debit feature to the card and collect the float on the
interest from the
card.
D Club Seats
D Provides access to privileged parts of the stadium.
D Fewer Employees
D No employee is needed to control the entrance to the VIP section
D Loyalty points
D Loyalty can be tied directly into the card and will work with the venue's
participating
merchants.
Demographic Information
By having each prospective user register demographic information on the site
such as age, zip
code, and entertainment interests, ZebraPassTM will be able to generate key
demographic information
that was previously unknown. This is known as "ZebraPass Knowledge
Management."
ZebraPass Knowledge Management is the process of acquiring information about
moviegoers,
turning the information into specific knowledge, then deploying that knowledge
throughout the
business to enable:
D Consumer focused planning and decision making,
D Consumer knowledge based marketing, and
D Intelligent, real time interaction with consumers at every contact point.
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ZebraPass Knowledge Management is a component of a well-rounded ZebraPass
Relationship
Management strategy. Benefits include:
D Increased sales revenue and profit
~ More precise demand forecasts
Improved customer retention, satisfaction and loyalty
New market/opportunity identification for business growth
Rapid, centralized tracking and measurement of marketing ROI
Enables a capital budget approach to marketing investments
D Flexibility to respond to rapidly changing marketing conditions
~ Improved customer service
ZebraPassTM will provide value to many different groups including ticket
portals, movie
theatres, consumers, and sports teams.
Value Proposition to ticket portals:
Increase Revenues
~ Increase advertising space
D Increase Exposure
~ Increase stickiness
~ Create advantage over competition
~ Branding opportunities on the "ZebraPass"
Value Proposition to movie theatres:
Lower Costs
~ Decrease costs incurred via printing fewer movie tickets at the box office
~ Decrease number of employees at the box office as a result of increased
smart card usage
~ Eliminate need for kiosk machines
D Increase Revenues
~ Increase efficiency at concession stand
~ Improve sales of tickets and concessions from key demographic information
Exposure
~ Improve safety due to the decrease in the amount of cash handled at the
theatres
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~ Ensure that parent's money given to their children is actually spent on the
concessions
~ Eliminates fraudulent activity
Value Proposition to sports teafraslstadiunzs:
5
Improve demographic information to improve box office gross
Direct marketing
D More focused advertising on the website
Loyalty points and gift certificates
10 D Parking
Debit
D VIP status
Value Proposition to theme parks:
~ VIP status
~ Increased Efficiency
Parking
Loyalty points
~ More targeted advertising to consumers
Value Proposition to corcsunaers:
Shorter lines at the box office
Greater convenience at the concession stand and box office
D Easy way to control your family budget
D College students can charge their tickets and concessions on their credit
cards
y On line student and senior citizen registration to ensure discounts
No need to use their credit card to redeem their ticket
As the concepts of the present invention work seamlessly with non-assignable
and assignable'
seat venues, ZebraPassTM will rapidly evolve the ticketless concept to the
next realm:
With the introduction of the standard Bluetooth technology, ZebraPass will
utilize smart
devices such as cell phones, PDAs, and pagers and other devices enabled with
wireless application
protocol (WAP). The ticket will be purchased via a smart device and redeemed
using that same smart
device.
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For example:
A Miami Heat fan steps out of his/her home on the way to the stadium. Using a
WAP enabled
wireless device, he is able to check the schedule for the game and then
purchase a ticket on the way to
the arena. The ticket is transferred electronically to the venue and will be
matched accordingly with
his/her identification which can be found in the phone. On the way to the
arena, helshe is able to check
weather reports to determine whether or not he/she needs his/her umbrella
while he walks to the game.
He/she arrives at the arena and walks past the Bluetooth enabled reader with
the cell phone still in
his/her pocket. The reader matches the code of the phone to that of the
electronic ticket and permits our
Miami Heat fan to enter, all in 1/10 of a second.
ProductslServices
ZebraPass serves, for example, two ticket market niches, the individual ticket
market and the
season ticket professional sports team market.
Tn one example, individual ticket purchases are made online under the
following procedure:
1. Ticketholder visits a leading site such as MovieTickets.com and selects an
event, venue, and
desired time.
2. Ticketholder is linked to ZebraPass.com and pays for the ticket with a
credit card in a secure
transaction.
3. Ticketholder's ticket is electronically transferred from ZebraPassTM host
server to the venue's
network connector.
4. With the "ZebraPass" contactless card, ticket holder avoids lines and
proceeds directly to the
attendant who normally collects the ticket stubs.
5. An easy-to-use smart card reader is provided to the attendant who, rather
than tearing the ticket stub
in half, simply flashes the "ZebraPass" onto the smart card reader,
identifying the individual as the
ticket holder.
In another embodiment, Zebrapass allows online users to purchase concessions
in advance and
with a credit card.
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To eliminate fraud, once a smart card has been flashed onto the real-time
point-of sale system,
it becomes invalid.
As another example, season ticket purchases are made under the following
procedure:
Ticketholder visits a leading professional sports team web site to purchase
season tickets.
2. Ticketholder is linked to ZebraPass.com and pays for the tickets with a
credit card in a
secure transaction.
3. Season ticket holder's ticket is electronically transferred from
ZebraPassTM host server to
the venue's network connector.
4. With the "ZebraPass" contactless card, ticket holder avoids lines and
proceeds directly to
the attendant who normally collects the ticket stubs.
5. An easy-to-use smart card reader is provided to the attendant who, rather
than tearing the
ticket stub in half, simply flashes the "ZebraPass" onto the smart card
reader, identifying
the individual as the ticket holder.
The present invention provides an initialization or activation process for
facilitating the
purchase of items and services such as event tickets online. In addition, the
present invention provides
an initialization process implementable and utilizable over a data
communication network connectable
with a user or client system and a server and/or point of sale system.
The present invention also facilitates the provisioning of demographic
information to program
sponsors. By having each user register demographic information such as age and
interests during, for
example an initialization process, the present invention compiles information
for advertising and
marketing use. Using this information, the present invention allows event
sponsors to create custom
offerings to users. Similarly, the invention allows a sponsor to leverage user
and market information to
create programs that address evolving user needs for targeting and acquiring
new customers.
The present invention provides marketing opportunities for the events
themselves and/or event
related merchandise at an entertainment site. This allows users to shop for
tickets, concessions, and
event-related merchandise at a single time and location. Further, the present
invention applies these
concepts to a wide variety of venues such as movies, concerts, sporting
events, cultural activities,
reserved seating events, events requiring advanced ticket purchase, andlor
other similar and analogous
events.
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To accomplish the above , a user first visits a leading portal, for example,
Yahoo! or
CitySearch, and selects an event and a desired time. Next, the user is linked
to a server, where he or she
purchases a ticket andlor concessions and other merchandise with, for example,
a credit card, in a
secure transaction. The event ticket is then transferred to the user's
account, which in turn is associated
with a smart card in the possession of the user. With the smart card in hand,
the user avoids any box
office lines and proceeds directly to an attendant or a point of sale (POS)
server or system. The user
then presents the smart card to the attendant or POS who reads the smart card
using a reading device.
After reading the smart card, the attendant or POS accesses the user's account
and verifies that a ticket
has indeed been purchased before admitting the user.
In another embodiment, a registration form is first completed by the user in
an initialization
process. Subsequently, the user selects an event and pays for the ticket with,
for example, a credit card
in a secure e-commerce transaction. Then, in this embodiment, a bar coded
ticket or receipt is
generated and printed by the user. With the bar coded ticket or receipt in
hand, the user avoids the box
office lines and proceeds directly to an attendant or POS who collects the
ticket, verifies the purchase
optionally automatically via a bar code reader, and admits the user to the
movie screen.
In these embodiments, a scanner is utilized by the movie theatre attendant
who, rather than
tearing the ticket stub in half, simply scans the bar code with the scanner to
verify that a ticket purchase
has indeed been made by the user. Similar processes may be used for the
purchase of merchandise and
concessions. Furthermore, to eliminate fraud, once a ticket has been scanned
into the real time point of
sale system, it cannot be used again. Alternatively, the present invention is
implemented in a fully
automated setting without human intervention, except in the event of a failure
or when assistance is
needed.
In other embodiments, the present invention utilizes credit cards, smart
cards, or cards with
memory media embedded therein, or other portable devices, such as wireless
phones, wireless pagers,
personal digital assistants, or Internet-ready watches as an alternative or in
addition to the printed
tickets.
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to initializing an account
for use in purchasing
and provisioning an item or service to an event customer via a data
communication network. This
embodiment includes receiving a communication from the customer at a server
via the data
communication network, requesting activation of the account. In response to
the communication, the
account is activated to allow storage of information therein regarding a
purchase made by the customer
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including admittance to at least one entertainment event and optionally
concession purchases to be
provided to the event customer at the at least one event. Also in response to
the communication, an
identifier is associated with the customer. This embodiment also includes
distributing an identification
device to the customer. This identification device has the identifier stored
therein and is utilizable for
accessing the account at a point of sale for provisioning of the purchase and
to admit the event customer
to the at least one entertainment event.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to initializing an
account for use in
purchasing and provisioning an item or service to an event customer. This
embodiment includes
receiving a communication from a user requesting activation of the account.
This embodiment also
includes activating, in response to the communication, the account to allow
storage of information
therein regarding a purchase made by the user including admittance to at least
one entertainment event
and optionally concession purchases to be provided to the user at the at least
one event. Then an
identification device is distributed to the user upon verifying activation of
the account. This
identification device is utilizable for accessing the account at a point of
sale for provisioning of the
purchase and to admit the user to the at least one entertainment event.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to initializing an
account for use in
purchasing and provisioning an item or service to an event customer. This
embodiment includes
receiving a communication from a user requesting activation of the account. In
response to the
communication, the account is activated to allow storage of information
therein regarding a purchase
made by the user including admittance to at least one entertainment event and
optionally concession
purchases to be provided to the user at the at least one event. Also in
response to the communication,
an identifier is associated with the user. This embodiment also includes
hansmitting the identifier to
the user for storage in a memory of an identification device utilizable for
accessing the account at a
point of sale for provisioning of the purchase and to admit the user to the at
least one entertainment
event.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to initializing an
account for use in
purchasing and provisioning an item or service to an event customer. This
embodiment includes
distributing an identification device to a user. The identification device, in
turn, has an identifier stored
therein. This embodiment also includes receiving a communication from the user
requesting activation
of the account. Then, the embodiment includes activating, in response to the
communication, the
account to allow storage of information therein regarding a purchase made by
the user including
admittance to at least one entertainment event and optionally concession
purchases to be provided to the
user at the at least one event. This account is accessible at a point of sale
for provisioning of the
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purchase upon presentation of the identification device and to admit the user
to the at least one
entertainment event.
Thus, any or all of the following advantages may be provided by the present
invention:
5 decrease costs incurred via printing fewer movie tickets at the box office;
decrease the number of
employees at the box office as a result of increased home based printing and
smart card usage; increase
efficiency at concession stands; provide another method and outlet to sell
tickets and concessions; sell
. more tickets using e-mail messages; improve sales of tickets and concessions
from key demographic
information; receive a portion of advertisement sales; improve safety due to
the decrease in the amount
10 of cash handled at the theatres; ensure that parents' money given to
children is actually spent on the
concessions; shorter lines at the box, office; greater convenience at the
concession stand and box office;
advance sales; more information about movies before purchase of ticket; easy
way to control a family
budget; greater access to merchandise; improve demographic information to
improve sales; direct
marketing; higher impact for advertising via a mail messages; and/or more
focused advertising.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of
the invention in
order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better
understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of
course, additional features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and wluch will form the subject
matter of the claims
appended hereto.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in
detail, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details
of construction and to the
arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings.
The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and
carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon
which this disclosure
is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other
structures, methods and systems
for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is
important, therefore, that the claims
be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent
and Trademark Office
and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and
practitioners in the art who are not
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16
familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from
a cursory inspection the
nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The
abstract is neither intended to
define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor
is it intended to be limiting
as to the scope of the invention in any way.
These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various
features of novelty
which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the
claims annexed to and
forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the
invention, its operating advantages
and the specific objects attained by~its uses, reference should be had to the
accompanying drawings and
descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the
invention.
Other objects of the present invention will be evident to those of ordinary
skill, particularly
upon consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments.
NOTATIONS AND NOMENCLATURE'
The detailed descriptions which follow may be presented'in terms of program
procedures
executed on computing or processing systems such as, for example, a stand-
alone gaming machine, a
computer or network of computers. These procedural descriptions and
representations are the means
used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of
their work to others skilled
in the art.
A procedure is here, and generally, conceived to be a self consistent sequence
of steps leading
to a desired result. These~steps are those requiring physical manipulations of
physical quantities.
Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical
or magnetic signals capable
of being stored, transferred, combined, compared and otherwise manipulated. It
proves convenient at
times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as
bits, values, elements,
symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be noted, however,
that all of these and
similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities
and axe merely convenient
labels applied to these quantities.
Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms, such as
adding or
comparing, which are commonly associated with mental operations performed by a
human operator.
No such capability of a human operator is necessary, or desirable in most
cases, in any of the operations
described herein which form part of the present invention; the operations are
machine operations.
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Useful machines for performing the operation of the present invention include
general purpose digital
computers or similar devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the amount of money spent on movie admissions
in recent years in
the United States;
FIG. 2 is a table illustrating the number of movies attended by U.S. residents
in recent years;
FIG. 3 is a chart illustrating an analysis of movie advertising costs;
FIGS. 4a - 4d illustrate an analysis of e-mail as a vehicle for advertising
campaigns;
FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art Internet capable browser dispenser
architecture;
FIGS. 6 - 7 illustrate a prior art interactive game system;
FIG. 8 illustrates a prior art sports team organizer;
FIG. 9 illustrates a prior art portable computerized pari-mutuel sports
entertainment system;
FIG. 10 illustrates a prior art cryptographically assisted commercial network
system;
FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a prior art electronic fund
transfer system;
FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a prior art system which
allows post-issuance
downloading of applications onto a smart card;
FIG. 13 depicts one example of an architecture capable of implementing the
present invention;
FIG. 14 illustrates some of the interactions occurring between a proxy and a
POS system;
FIG. 15 illustrates some of the interactions occurring between identification
devices and a
theatre/venue system;
FIG. 16 illustrates some of the interactions occurring between identification
devices and a
theatre/venue system in a Bluetooth enabled embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 17 depicts another example of an architecture capable of implementing the
present
invention;
FIG. 18 depicts yet another example of an architecture capable of implementing
the present
invention;
FIGS. 19a - 19b depict a flow diagram illustrating one example of an
initialization or activation
routine in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating another example of an initialization or
activation routine
in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is flow diagram illustrating yet another example of an initialization
or activation
routine in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIGS. 22a - 22b depict a flow diagram illustrating one example of an
initialization or activation
routine suitable for use with wireless or Bluetooth enabled devices;
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FIG. 23 depicts a flow diagram illustrating another example of an
initialization or activation
routine suitable for use with wireless or Bluetooth enabled devices;
FIG. 24 depicts a flow diagram illustrating yet another example of an
initialization or activation
routine suitable for use with wireless or Bluetooth enabled devices;
FIG. 25 depicts a flow diagram illustrating one example of an initialization
or activation routine
utilizing biometrics information as an identifier;
FIG. 26 depicts a flow diagram illustrating another example of an
initialization or activation
routine utilizing biometrics information as an identifier;
FIG. 27 is a flow diagram illustrating one example of a process used for
purchasing items in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 28 is a flow diagram illustrating one example of another process used for
purchasing items
in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is a flow diagram illustrating one example of a process used for
redeeming items
purchased in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 30 depicts a combined architecture and process diagram illustrating a
purchase and
redemption process in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 31 is a flow diagram illustrating one example of yet another process used
for purchasing
items in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 32 is a flow diagram illustrating one example of yet another process used
for redeeming
items purchased in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 33 depicts a combined architecture and process diagram illustrating yet
another purchase
and redemption process in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
FIG. 34 is a flow diagram illustrating one example of still yet another
process used for
purchasing items in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 35 is a flow diagram illustrating one example of still yet another
process used for
redeeming items purchased in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
FIG. 36 depicts a combined architecture and process diagram illustrating still
yet another
purchase and redemption process in accordance with the principles of the
present invention;
FIG. 37 is a flow diagram illustrating another example of still yet another
process used for
purchasing items in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 38 is a flow diagram illustrating another example of still yet another
process used for
redeeming items purchased in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
FIG. 39 depicts a combined architecture and process diagram illustrating still
yet another
purchase and redemption process in accordance with the principles of the
present invention;
FIG. 40 illustrates one example of a central processing unit for implementing
a computer
process in accordance with a computer implemented embodiment of the present
invention;
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FIG. 41 illustrates one example of a block diagram of internal hardware of the
central
processing unit of FIG. 40;
FIG. 42 illustrates another example of a block diagram of internal hardware of
the central
processing unit of FIG. 40;
FIG. 43 illustrates one example of a memory medium which may be used for
storing a
computer implemented process of the present invention; and
FIG. 44 illustrates an example of a combined Internet, POTS, and ADSL
architecture which
may be used to implement the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Reference now will be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of
the invention.
Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, which is
not intended to be limited
thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon
reading the present specification and
viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be
made.
For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can
be used on other
embodiments to yield a still further embodiment. Additionally, certain
features may be interchanged with
similar devices or features not mentioned yet which perform the same or
similar functions. It is therefore
intended that such modif cations and variations are included within the
totality of the present invention.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, users are provided
with the ability to
activate or initialize an account which may then be used to facilitate the
purchase of items and services
including tickets and concessions and/or other merchandise online. W itially,
a communication or
request is transmitted from a user's client system to a main computing server
via a data communication
network such as the Internet, requesting activation of an account. The client
system may include, for
example, any of a personal computer, cellular phone, personal digital
assistant, Bluetooth enabled
device, or any other similar device. In addition to requesting activation of
the account, the
communication may include credit card or other payment information, name,
address, personal
information, movie or other event preferences as well as any purchase
selections, and the like.
In response, the account is activated to allow storage of information
regarding purchases made
by the customer. After activating an account, an identifier is generated or
selected and associated with
the customer or customer's account. This identifier may then stored or written
to an identification
device, which is distributed to the customer and utilized to access the
customer's account at a point of
sale for provisioning of the purchases. In some examples, the identification
device may be distributed
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to the customer during his or her first visit to the theatre. In other cases,
it may be physically mailed to
an address provided by the customer.
In other embodiments, a device already in the possession of the user may be
implemented as
the identification device. In these embodiments, an identifier may be
transmitted from the main
computing server to the user's client system, where it may be written or
stored in the identification
device. In addition, an identifier may be determined or generated by the user
or some other entity and
transmitted to the main computing server. In this case, after receiving the
identifier, the main
computing server stores or associates the identifier with the customer's
account.
Biometrics information may also be utilized as an identifier. In particular,
the biometrics
information may be captured and transmitted to the main server during the
activation process. Then,
after receiving the biometrics information, the main computing server stores
or associates this
information with the customer's account. Alternatively, an account may first
be activated without
being associated with an identifier. Then, the user's biometrics information
may be scanned and
associated with the account during his or her first visit to the theatre or
other venue.
An overview of one example utilizing the concepts of the present invention is
now summarized.
Identification Device
Smart cards are provided as one example of an identification device suitable
for use with the
present invention. Smart cards are standard credit or debit sized cards that
contain an embedded
integrated circuit. The integrated circuit in a smart card has processing
capability and extensive storage.
Smart cards have many advantages over conventional magnetic stripe cards due
to their processing
capability, greater storage capacity and resistance. to counterfeiting.
Smart cards can either be contact or contactless. Contact smart cards
typically are inserted into
a reader, while contactless smart cards need only to be passed within a close
proximity of a reader. By
using Radio Frequency (RF) technology, contactless cards can complete a
transaction in 1/10 of a
second, thereby allowing rapid consumer through put through a transaction
point.
The speed, security and flexibility of contactless smart cards has lead to
their rapid adoption by
mass transit authorities around the world, including the Washington DC area
Washington Metropolitan
Area Transit Authority (WMATA).
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Usage Scenarios
The ZebraPass system in this embodiment can be described in four use
scenarios.
1) Consumer
2) Theater/ Stadium
3) ZebraPass
4) Web portal using the ZebraPass system
Consumer Use- Theaters/ Professional Sports Teams
The consumer using the system has four use scenarios:
1) Web enrollment
2) Web usage of ZebraPass consumer services
3) Claim smart card at the theater
4) Redeem ticket (with smart card) at theater
Web enrollment
Web enrollment is a user's entry to the system. The user goes to a web portal,
and makes a
request to purchase tickets online. The portal employs the ZebraPass system to
perform a user
registration process, which results in assigning a user m and password. The
registration information,
including the user's credit card information, is then stored in the ZebraPass
system. Cardholder
verification is then performed. At the end of the process, the user has a
means of securely logging onto
the system, and the ZebraPass system has stored all of the information,
necessary to complete
purchases.
In the case of a consumer purchasing their season tickets online, the season
ticket holder will
receive their ZebraPass card directly from the ticket office. The purchase of
the season ticket package
can be made either directly on the team's website or offline. After the
purchase of the season ticket
package, the season tickets are stored directly on the ZebraPass system.
Web use of ZebraPass consumer services
Once a user is registered to the ZebraPass system, the user can access its
services through the
portal/ team's website.
Services include:
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Theaters
~ Obtaining show time information for a particular theater.
~ Buying tickets for theater seats.
~ Buying concessions.
~ Viewing and canceling purchases.
Sports Teanas
~ Obtaining season ticket information for a particular team.
~ Buying tickets for a season.
~ Adding a debit amount of concessions for the season.
~ Transferring tickets to another user on the system.
~ Purchasing preferred parking for the stadium.
~ Accessing loyalty points on the ZebraPass system.
The user interacts with the Web portal, which in turn accesses the ZebraPass
system to
maintain the user's session state, and to access ZebraPass services.
When the user makes or changes purchases through ZebraPass, the record of the
transaction is
not stored on the ZebraPass smart card. Instead, it is stored in the venue's
point of sale (POS) system.
Thus, "inventory" resides at the venue. The ZebraPass smart card is used for
identification of the user.
The user therefore does not need to have a smart card reader on his or her own
computer. A smart card
reader is only required at the theater/stadium POS system.
In addition to using a ZebraPass smart card, the ZebraPass system may
eventually support the
use of other contact or contactless smart cards.
Claim smart card
If the user does not have a supported smart card, they can obtain a ZebraPass
smart card at a
participating theater or stadium.
The consumer needs a smart card only for the purpose of authentication at the
theater/stadium.
The first time the user uses the ZebraPass system online, a record of the
transaction is created in the
ZebraPass system. Once a record is created, the consumer can go to any
participating theater/stadium
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and obtain their smart card. Theater/Stadium personnel issue the smart card,
and the user's identity is
stored in the consumer's ZebraPass file. The card issuing transaction is
performed by the ZebraPass
System.
Redeem ticket (with smart card) at theater/stadium
Once the user has either a ZebraPass smart card or any smart card that is
supported by the
ZebraPass system, they can use it to enter shows/games at that or any
participating theater/stadium. The
user redeems a ticket purchase by proceeding directly to the desired show/game
for which a ticket was
purchased, and flashing the ZebraPass smart card past a ZebraPass proximity
(contactless) smart card
reader. (If a non-ZebraPass card is used, and the card used is a contact smart
card, the card will instead
have to be inserted into a smart card reader. The ticket redemption procedure
is the same, however.)
The smart card reader at the theater/stadium communicates with the theater's
POS system.
ZebraPass software in the system interacts with the user's smart card and
attempts to authenticate the
user. If authentication is unsuccessful, a message indicating failure is
displayed on a panel in the smart
card reader. In this case, the user is not admitted to the show/game.
If authentication is successful, the ZebraPass system looks in its database
stored in the theater
or stadium's POS system, and verifies that this user has purchased a ticket
for show/game that is
currently being admitted. Again, if this test fails, the user is rejected. If,
however, this test succeeds, the
user's ticket is redeemed, marked as a "stub", and the user is admitted.
Using a smart card reader attached to the ZebraPass system, a similar
procedure is used to
claim packaged concessions purchased online through the ZebraPass system. The
user's smart card is
used to authenticate the user, and ZebraPass software in the theater POS
system verifies a prior online
purchase of concessions and displays what the concessions have been purchased
enabling the
concession staff to transfer the concessions. The sale of "packaged"
concessions should result in a
shorter waiting line at the concessions stand. In the case of sporting events,
concession purchases
simply go against the existing value currently residing on the card itself.
Theater Use
A participating theater will typically implement software support in at least
these areas of
functionality:
1) Viewing current ZebraPass purchases, as well as other management data.
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2) The ability to interact directly with and override the ZebraPass system in
order to expedite
customer service requests.
3) The ability to obtain marketing or demographic information related to
ZebraPass purchases for their
theater.
4) The ability to monitor the status of the theater's ZebraPass connection,
and the ZebraPass server, as
well as to view and verify the information that is being presented to users
for their theater.
Note that when a consumer makes a ticket purchase through the ZebraPass
system, two transactions
typically occur:
1) The ticket purchase is charged to the consumer's credit card.
2) The ZebraPass system makes a payment to the theater.
Stadium Use
A participating stadium will need software support in at least these areas of
functionality:
1) Viewing current ZebraPass purchases, as well as other management data.
2) The ability to interact directly with and override the ZebraPass system in
order to expedite customer
service requests.
3) The ability to obtain marketing or demographic information related to
ZebraPass purchases for their
stadium.
4) The ability to monitor the status of the stadium's ZebraPass connection,
and the ZebraPass server,
as well as to view and verify the information that is being presented to users
for their event.
Note that when a consumer makes a ticket purchase through the ZebraPass
system, two transactions
actually occur:
1) The ticket purchase is charged to the consumer's credit card.
2) The ZebraPass system makes a payment to the sports team.
ZebraPass Use
The ZebraPass system operates as a service on a 24X7 basis to provide customer
support. This
will require administrative functions to monitor the status of the system, its
usage, and the status of
sessions and transactions in progress. Accounting services will also be
provided to manage ZebraPass
financial accounts and payments made to theaters and sports teams. The
ZebraPass system will also
provide administrative services.
Web Portal Use
Web portals, which employ the ZebraPass system in order to provide online
ticket purchasing
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to end-users, must interface to the ZebraPass system. The ZebraPass system is
designed to make this
integration as simple as possible.
Once integrated with the ZebraPass system, a portal/team web site needs to
monitor its usage of
the ZebraPass.
System Architecture
The overall architecture of the ZebraPass System is illustrated in FIG. 13 and
is divided into
three major components: web portals 501, a ZebraPass server 505, and theaters
509. ZebraPass
10 customers 511 purchase tickets by using a set of dynamically generated web
pages that are provided
through a web portal 501 such as MovieTickets.com or PhoenixCoyotes.com.
Through these web
pages, a customer 511 can send requests to purchase tickets to a ZebraPass
server 505 which also
resides on the Internet 512. The ZebraPass server 505 accepts customer
requests from the participating
web portals 501 and forwards them to the appropriate theaters/sports teams
509.
A ZebraPass System 513, which may include the ZebraPass Tiiternet proxy
software and
hardware, resides at the theater/stadium site to accept requests from the
ZebraPass server 505. The
ZebraPass system 513 interacts With the theater or stadium's POS system 521 to
request ticket
purchases and report results back to the ZebraPass server 505, which in turn
forwards that information
to the customer 511 via the web portal 501. The ZebraPass System 513 is
designed to integrate with
any of the top POS systems, which include Pacer/CATS and Radiant Systems. In
addition, the
ZebraPass System 513 manages the smart card readers 525.
ZebraPass Server
The ZebraPass server 505 consists of a scalable application server cluster and
a database
system 529. The application server stores all transactions in the database
529, as well as customer
demographic information and cached show time/game information. It completes
transactions with
theater/stadium systems and credit card processors in real time. ZebraPass
software on the application
server implements the ZebraPass system's services, including ticket
purchasing, show time requests,
game times, etc.
ZebraPass Internet Proxy
The ZebraPass Internet proxy 517 serves as a front end to the ZebraPass System
513. It
brokers the ZebraPass customer's ticket requests to a theatex/stadium's POS
521 and issues requests for
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tickets and show times/games. The Internet proxy 517 displays to the end user
all output from the
ZebraPass system 513 that the user needs to see. To accomplish this, a
software component is installed
on the portal system to communicate with the ZebraPass server 505.
Stadium/Theater S sy tem
The stadium/ theater system tier consists of the Internet proxy 517 described
above, ZebraPass
software, and the stadium/ theater POS system 521. It also includes smart card
readers 525 which serve
the purpose of validating ZebraPass ticket holders as well as activating new
customer cards. The system
to which the smart card reader is attached also displays information about
purchases, such as which
concessions were purchased, and for which shows/game a user has purchased
tickets.
The ZebraPass system 513 communicates with the theater/stadium POS system 521
in order to
obtain information on the number of available seats for a given show/game, to
obtain a list of available
shows/games, and to initiate and complete purchases which are paid for by the
ZebraPass system.
ZebraPass Integration with POS System
ZebraPass Internet Prod to POS Interface
The point of integration between ZebraPass 505 and the POS system 521 is the
ZebraPass
Internet proxy 517. All of these subsystems reside either in the
theater/stadium itself or somewhere on
the theater or stadium's wide area network (WAN). FIG. 14 provides an overview
of the interactions
between the proxy 517 and a theater supported POS system 521.
The two types of customer requests which involve communication with the
theater's POS
system 521 are ticket purchases 604 and movie show times 608. The POS system
521 uses the same
interface to respond with purchase confirmation/failure information 612 as
well as movie listings 616.
A customer's request for movie show times 616 does not automatically result in
a query of the theater's
POS system. Since movie show times do not change that often, the system can be
configured to issue
updates 620 to the ZebraPass server 505 whenever movie listings or show times
change.
In the use of a stadium system, the POS system and the ZebraPass system must
communicate
and interface in order to transfer tickets via a secure authentication. This
process must be done to
ensure that the correct recipient receives the ticket, that the ticket can
only be used once, and ensure that
the ticket cannot be duplicated.
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ZebraPass Internet Proxy to Smart Card Hardware Interface
Although the ZebraPass smart card hardware and software are installed at the
theater/stadium
site, they operate independently of the theater/stadium POS system 521. POS
systems 521 do not need
to be modified to communicate with smart cards because this function is
managed by the ZebraPass
software. FIG. 15 illustrates the interactions between smart cards 701 and the
ZebraPass system 513.
The ZebraPass to smart card interface consists of two primary interactions.
The first scenario
involves new user registration. When a new customer has purchased tickets with
ZebraPass for the first
time, he/she must claim a ZebraPass smart card 701 at the theater or stadium.
The customer presents a
major form of identification such as a driver's license or credit card. A
stadium/theater employee
performs a lookup of the customer in the ZebraPass database 529. If a match is
made, the ZebraPass
system will issue a command to the smart card reader 525 to activate the new
customer's identification
number on a ZebraPass smart card (step 704), which is subsequently given to
the customer (step 708).
ZebraPass customers only need to do this the first time they purchase tickets.
The second scenario occurs when a card-holding customer redeems a ticket.
After purchasing
tickets through a participating ZebraPass web portal, the customer redeems his
or her ticket simply by
walking through a smart card xeader 525 located at the theater/stadium. When
the customer presents
the ZebraPass card (step 712), the smart card reader 525 will detect the
ZebxaPass identification numbex
on the card and send it to the ZebraPass system software (step 716). The
software will perform a
lookup of this number in its local database 529. Note that the ZebraPass
database 529 is located on-site
with the ZebraPass system 513, making the validation process almost
instantaneous. The ZebraPass
database contains a copy of the master inventory contained in the POS database
529. Once the system
has found a match between the ZebraPass ID and an existing seat reservation, a
confirmation is sent
back to the smart card reader display, indicating that the customer is allowed
to enter the
theater/stadium.
Bluetooth Smart Devices
In another implementation of its ticketing purchasing system, ZebraPass adds
ticketing by
wireless devices. As depicted in FIG. 16, instead of using a contactless smart
card, wireless devices
such as cell phones and PDAs 801, utilizing Bluetooth, will be used to
identify the ticket holder and
vend (electronically) a ticket.
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Bluetooth is a Iow-power radio that fits into a small chip set that will be
embedded into devices
like cell phones and PDAs which could then communicate with other Bluetooth
devices in unlicensed
spectrum. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group includes Intel, Nokia, Toshiba,
IBM, 3Com, Lucent
Technologies, Microsoft, and Motorola.
Through the use of smart handheld devices such as cellular phone, personal
digital assistants,
pagers and communicators 801, goods and services can now be purchased from the
Internet by use of
the wireless application protocol which extends the functionality of the web
and its services onto
wireless devices.
I0
The ZebraPass server electronically transfers the ticket from the host server
to the theatre's
point of sale which then integrates, through the ZebraPass software, with the
Bluetooth enabled reader.
As the person walks past the reader, the reader identifies the smart device
(step 809), through
Bluetooth, as identity of the ticket holder thereby permitting the person to
enter the venue (step 813).
Another example of an architecture utilizable for implementing the features of
the present
invention is depicted in FIG. 17. In this embodiment, one or more of a
plurality of individual
computers or communications systems (clients) 1710, 1712, 1714, and 1716 are
linked to one other and
to main computing server 1720 via communication network 1730. Communication
network 1730 may
include one or more shared data buses or links, point-to-point dedicated dial-
up connections, private
networks, the Internet or Internet 2, and any other analogous or similar
connections or network(s).
Clients 1710, 1712, 1714 and 1716, on the other hand, include any number of
devices useable by a user
to interface and communicate with main computing server 1720.
In a first example, computing systems or clients 1712 may include personal
computers
operating, for example, an Internet browser, connected to network 1730 by
conventional telephone
service (POTS) via, for example, standard telephone modems. In another
example, computing systems
or clients 1714 may include other similar computing devices connected to
network 1730 via a private
local or wide area network 1734. Likewise, the computing systems may be
connected via ISDN lines,
T1 connections, or the like, using any suitable or analogous technologies and
protocols including
Multipoint Multichannel Distribution Service (MMDS), Digital Subscriber Line
(DSL), Asynchronous
Subscriber Line (ADSL), satellite service, and/or the like. For instance,
computing systems or clients
1710 may be connected to network 1730 through cable television systems
utilizing cable modems 1711.
The particularities of the computing and communications systems used to access
main
computing server 1720 are irrelevant. What is important however is that the
client systems allow a user
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to access main computing server 1720. To illustrate this point, the client
systems are not limited to
being conventional computers. For instance, clients 1716 may include Internet-
ready television units,
or portable devices including digital or other wireless telephones, personal
digital assistants (PDA),
wireless two-way pagers, Internet-ready watches, and other similar devices
including standard
Bluetooth enabled devices or devices implementing, for example, Wireless
Application Protocol
(WAP) and accessing the Internet through a Windows CE or Palm OS device.
Hence, as an example, a
menu-driven WAP phone may incorporate a mouse, instead of or in addition to a
small keypad to
access main computing server 1720. Similarly, main computing server 1720 may
be viewed on a cell-
phone or Tnternet ready watch display.
With embodiments utilizing standard Bluetooth technology, a tiny Bluetooth
microchip,
incorporating a radio transceiver, is built into the digital devices. The
Bluetooth technology makes all
connections instantly and without usage of cable or wires. It facilitates fast
and secuxe transmissions of
both voice and data, even when the devices are not within line-of sight. The
radio operates in a
globally available frequency band, ensuring compatibility worldwide.
In these embodiments, the Bluetooth enabled devices communicate spontaneously
to offer, for
example, voice/data point access; cable replacement; and personal ad-hoc
networks. Voice/data access
points are enabled by recognizing and connecting to different types of
networks through a Bluetooth
connection. For instance, a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone can connect to the
Internet as simply as
any wire-bound connections. Cables can also be eliminated with Bluetooth
technology even when the
devices are not within line-of-sight. Furthermore, all Bluetooth-enabled
devices can be set up to
automatically exchange information and synchronize with one another. For
instance, appointments
scheduled on a handheld device can automatically be accepted in a desktop PC
as soon as the devices
are within range of each other.
Bluetooth technology is fully functional even in noisy radio environments, and
its voice
transmissions are audible under severe conditions. The technology provides a
very high transmission
rate and all data are protected by advanced error-correction methods, as well
as encryption and
authentication routines for the user's privacy. For further information
regarding Bluetooth enabled
devices and the Bluetooth standard, see, the Bluetooth White Papers in
Appendix A of U.S. Patent
Application No. 09/702,794, filed November l, 2000. Copies of the Bluetooth
specification can be
ordered by fax at: Bluetooth SIG, Fax +46 70 615 9049.
To further dispel the notion that the clients need be conventional computers,
it is also possible
that the clients may be located in public areas, such as, for example, at a
kiosk in a shopping mall. As
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yet another example, computing systems or clients 1716 may include any one or
more of the above
mentioned portable wireless devices linked to and in communication with a
central office or
communications center 1718. For instance, with wireless PDAs, clients 1716 may
be linked to a
wireless LAN or other network via, for example, a number of transmitters
and/or receivers 1719. In the
same manner, a satellite phone 1716 may be linked to network 1730 via a
satellite base station 1718 or
the like. Again, what is important in this particular embodiment is that a
user have access to main
computing server 1720.
Any number of client systems 1710, 1712, 1714, or 1716 may optionally be
linked or
10 connectable to, for example, a printing or writing device 1735. In one
example, writing device 1735 is
used to write or encode information or data onto a storage medium, such as a
chip embedded within a
smart card. As another example, the storage medium may be a floppy disk or a
magnetic strip located
on a credit card. With portable wireless devices, the data or information may
be stored directly in, for
example, a hard disk drive or the like. With these PDAs, additional
information may also be
15 transmitted for storage thereon. For example, with reserved seating events,
a row and section number
for the reserved seats may be stored in the account as well. Thus, the seating
information may be
transmitted, for example, at redemption. As yet another example, the
information may be coded or
written onto a piece of paper forming, for example, a ticket, certificate, or
receipt. With this example,
the information may be encoded in a numeric code or bar code or any other
similar data capable of
20 being read by a standard bar code reader or other similar device.
Advantageously, in accordance with another embodiment, the writing device may
be
incorporated in a portable and/or wireless device, such as a Palm VII,
computer, or the like. In this
embodiment, the identification may be unique to the user and/or specific
event. Thus, the device
25 receives the ticket and stores it therein. In addition, the ticket
optionally includes a unique portion or
component corresponding to a unique seating arrangement for reserved seating,
such as at sporting
events, and/or optionally another unique portion corresponding to concession
and/or other purchases.
With the architecture depicted in FIG. 17, the interconnected communications
systems may
30 exchange information using various services, such as electronic mail,
Gopher, andlor the World Wide
Web ("WWW"). These services allow each system including, for example, main
computing server
1720 and client systems 1710, 1712, 1714, and 1716 to send information,
including graphical Web
pages, to one another and other remotely located systems, where the pages may
then be displayed.
Using the WWW as an example, each resource or web page of the WWW is uniquely
identifiable by a
Uniform Resource Locator (URL). To view a specific web page, a client system
specifies the URL for
that web page in, for example, a HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request.
HTTP is one example
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of an application protocol that provides users access to files using a
standard page description language
such as HyperText Markup Language (HTML) or Extensible Markup Language (XML).
These
languages provide a standard set of tags that define how a Web page is to be
displayed. When a user
indicates to a browser implemented on, for example, client 1712, to display a
web page, the browser
sends a request to the server, in this case main computing server 1720, to
transfer a document that
defines the web page to the client. When the requested document is received by
the client, the browser
displays the web page as defined by the page description language. Typically,
the document contains
various tags that control the displaying of text, graphics, controls, and
other features. The document
may also contain the URLs of other web pages available on that particular
server or on other server
computing systems.
Although this example is described in the context of the Internet and the WWW,
it is to be
understood that the aspects of the present invention may be implemented
utilizing other similar
architectures and environments. For example, the concepts of the present
invention may be
implemented in an electronic mail environment where data and information or
requests are transmitted
in electronic mail messages between the client systems and the main computing
system.
In the context of provisioning movie theatre tickets, main computing server
1720 may be
accessed by remotely located users to advantageously allow the purchase of,
for example, movie
tickets. Similarly, main computing server 1720 is also utilizable for the
purchase of concessions and
other movie related merchandise. Furthermore, main computing server 1720 may
advantageously be
used to collect theatre patron demographic data for marketing use. As yet
another example, server 1720
is capable of disseminating movie-related information as a service to theatre
patrons and of providing
advertising service to third party sponsors. In still yet other embodiments,
main computing server 1720
may be used to facilitate an initialization process after which a user account
is generated for each
theatre patron. In these embodiments, each patron utilizes some sort of
identification device, such as,
for instance, a smart card having a machine readable identifier for uniquely
identifying the user to
redeem purchases. In other embodiments, an identification device already in
the possession of the user
is associated with an account during the initialization process.
Advantageously, an identifier is used to
associate the user and the identification device with a corresponding account.
Of course, the
identification device may take many forms. Fox instance, it may include a
smart card or credit card, or
even a PDA or wireless phone with the identifier written to memory, and/or any
other analogous
devices. The device optionally stores the ticket thereon which is optionally
unique to a specific event,
and optionally includes a component for specific seating, concession, and/or
other unique customer
information/preferences.
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According to the principles of the present invention, main computing server
1720 allows a
remotely located user to check on movie times, seating availability, and other
information, such as the
movies being shown at a particular theatre, the address and/or directions to
the theatre and other related
information. In addition, a user may utilize main computing server 1720 to
purchase tickets,
concessions, and/or other merchandise as well. To purchase a ticket or other
merchandise, the user
conducts a credit card transaction or other similar secure transaction
utilizing fox example, an Internet
credit/debit service, or the like. Then, the information concerning the
purchase is transmitted to the
theatre. To illustrate, after the purchase of a movie ticket, main computing
server 1720 updates an
account associated with the user which may be located locally, at the theatre
server, or at another
remote location or server altogether. Alternatively, main computing server
1720 may authorize printing
of a ticket containing an identification code at the user's client server or
optionally the encoding of
ticket or account information onto, for example, a memory medium located in or
on the user's smart
card, PDA, or other portable device. The user's account then is accessible at
a point of sale upon
presentation of the identification device. Hence, the user gains admission to
an event only after a movie
attendant verifies the purchase of a ticket, which occurs when the attendant
accesses the user's account
using the identifier stored on the identification device presented by the
user.
Using the smart card as an example, while at the entrance of a theatre, a user
may gain
admission to the movie by first presenting or motioning the smart card within
the reading or
transmission range of a reader. Subsequently, the reader reads the identifier
embedded in the smart
card, accesses the user's account and determines whether a ticket purchase has
in fact been made by the
user. This information is then transmitted to the theatre attendant who either
admits or turns away the
user based on this account information.
Also in some embodiments, additional information may be stored and transmitted
to a user or
theatre attendant. Fox example, in reserved seating venues, a section and seat
number may also be
stored in the user's account. In these embodiments, after accessing the
account, whether it is stored on
the user's identification device or on the theatre server, the seating
information may be printed onto a
physical receipt. Printing may be effected by a point of sale printer or by
the user's device (assuming
that the device possesses printing capability). The physical receipt
advantageously provides the user
with evidence of purchase and may be used for entrance into particular
sections, readmission into a
section, or to oust other customers from the user's seat.
Although in this and other embodiments of the invention, reference is made to
an attendant who
verifies and admits or denies admission to the user, it is also possible
within the scope of the invention
to use some type of automated device in place of the attendant. For example,
it is possible that the
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theatre attendant may be replaced with a reader and optional turnstile. In
this case, the user could
motion the smart card within the reading range of the reader after which the
turnstile would admit the
user only if a purchase has been made, or an alarm may occur to indicate that
an improper entry attempt
has occurred. Similarly, a concession or merchandise stand could be replaced
with a reader and a candy
machine-like vending device. In this case, the user could motion or insert the
identification device into
a reading slot after which any purchased items would be dispensed. Thus,
reference to an attendant is
for convenience and exemplary purposes only, and it is to be understood that
the invention is intended
to cover other alternatives as well. Similarly, the attendant may have access
to a ticket printing device
to print out a receipt, specific movie information, specialty program
information, reserved seat
assignments, concessions information, and the like.
Of course, the user may also purchase concessions andJor merchandise, such as
clothing, movie
soundtracks, toys, posters, videos, and the like in a manner similar to that
described above as well.
These items may then be picked up at the theatre during the event or, with
merchandise, mailed to the
user's home. Specifically, concession purchases follow similar procedures as
the movie ticket
purchases. The user collects the pre-purchased concession items and presents
an identification device
(e.g., a bar coded ticket, smart card, and/or other device) to the attendant
at the register. Scanning the
device expedites the lines by optionally eliminating the exchange of money if
pre-paying for
concessions and the need to enter each item into the register. As the purchase
decision has already been
made, that too will create a more efficient operation. Additionally,
concessions may optionally be sold
in "Value Packs." For example, users may be. able to purchase a large soft
drink, large popcorn, and a
box of candy at a reduced price. "Frequent flier" purchases and bonus points
may be offered as well.
With merchandise, the present invention provides access to convenient, 24-hour
purchases and
advanced purchases. Furthermore, since purchases are made online, the product
does not have to be in
stock at the time of the purchase.
Optionally, the theatre, for example, may also include readers/scanners at
each row or seat in
the theatre. In this embodiment, the customer enters the theatre via, for
example, the POS and optional
auto-attendant card scanner/reader, and proceeds to sit down in the
appropriate seat. At the row or seat,
the customer has his or her card scanned/read and the concession stand is
alerted to the fact that the user
is ready to receive any pre-paid orders. Alternatively, a user can order
concessions using, for example,
a wireless device, even in the theatre, and have the concession provided to
the seat without waiting in
line. The above embodiment is also applicable to reserved seating embodiments
such as sporting
events. In these embodiments, the user need not check-in at the seating
location. Instead, when the
user enters the reserved seating event via the POS, the POS directly notifies
concessions with the user
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seat location stored in the system. Subsequently, the pre-purchased items may
be delivered to the
user's reserved seat.
Main computing server 1720 may also provide movie information using, for
example, Oracle's
Customer Relationship Management software products. For example, any of the
following information
may be provided: theatre location, descriptions, listings of the actors in the
movie, a summary of the
plot, movie time, a movie rating, any selected reviews, a running time, the
director, and listings or
groupings of movies by genre, and other similar information.
Marketing techniques may also be facilitated by server 1720. For instance, the
present
invention may offer advertising, via for instance main computing server 1720,
to movie studios, movie
theatres, concession manufacturers, and other companies. As an example, a
special entertainment
theme area may be created for each sponsor including customized logos placed
on various pages,
contests, and/or games or sweepstakes designed to generate an electronic
mailing list of entrants.
Similarly, main computing server 1720 may be utilized to develop, design,
program, host, maintain,
promote and fulfill customized events for sponsors and provide lists of the
users' email addresses.
Furthermore, main computing server 1720 may be used to provide updates on the
week's new films and
videos. Additionally, main computing server 1720 may contain its own
advertisements or
advertisements from other sponsors.
Main computing server 1720 may be used to gather and store user demographic
data during an
initialization or initiation process. This data may include; fox example,
customerluser name, age,
income, address, movie preferences, theatre preferences, time preferences, zip
code, movie interests,
prior purchases, and may, in turn, be used by movie sponsors during subsequent
marketing campaigns.
Having each prospective user register demographic information on main
computing server 1720,
program sponsors may deploy this knowledge throughout the business to enable:
user focused planning
and decision making; user knowledge based marketing; and intelligent, real
time interaction with users
at every contact point. Furthermore, the present invention may provide the
following benefits:
increased sales revenue and profit; more precise demand forecasts; improved
customer retention,
satisfaction and loyalty; new market/opportunity identification for business
growth; rapid, centralized
tracking and measurement of marketing ROI; enables a capital budget approach
to marketing
investments; flexibility to respond to rapidly changing marketing conditions;
and improved customer
service.
In a related fashion, server 1720 may be used to proactively transmit
advertisements via, for
example, an electronic mail message, concerning movies to a targeted user
based on the user's
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previously entered preferences. More specifically, main computing server 1720
may be utilized to
transmit a personalized email to users touting special films at local theatres
based on previous movie
ticket purchases. For example, if a film is entering the latter stages of its
engagement and sales are
lagging, the present invention may be utilized to send a personalized email
message to someone who
5 has purchased tickets for similar types of movies before and offer them an
incentive to attend the
screening. In addition, the identification device may also have
advertisements, logos, and/or corporate
sponsors, and other similar information printed on one or more surfaces.
Although in this embodiment, main computing server 1720 is described in the
context of movie
10 theatre ticket sales, it is to be understood that the concepts of the
present invention are applicable to
other environments as well. For instance, it is to be understood that the
scope of the present invention
is intended to cover other industries such as the sales of sporting event
tickets in sports venues, music
concerts, museums, or any other event where it may be advantageous to allow a
user to purchase tickets
or other items remotely. In this embodiment, the specific reserved seating
information, and other
15 customized information such as concessions, customer preferences, parking,
and the like, may be stored
on a wireless device (or remote account) and associated with a component of
the ticket transferred to
the wireless device and/or may be printed on a ticket for use during the event
by the identification
device or by an attendant at using a point of sale device. Additionally, other
alternative or simultaneous
arrangements may also be used that utilize this customized information.
To facilitate the above and other functions, main computing server 1720
implements, for
example, one or more computing processes and a number of local and/or remote
databases, or one or
more computers or computing systems. Main computing server 1720 is
advantageously linked to or
connected with any number of point of sale (POS) servers 1744 and/or ticket
and theatre servers 1746
located at or accessible by, for example, the theatre itself. These POS
servers 1744 are located at each
theatre. In contrast, theatre server 1746 may exist as a single server or as
multiple servers with one or
more located at each theatre. In accordance with the principles of the present
invention, POS servers
1744 and/or theatre servers 1746 are linked to a number of readers 1740. These
components, along
with any other optional elements, collectively comprise the theatre computing
system.
The theatre computing system, like main computing server 1720 implements any
number of
computing processes or programs and databases, either local or remote,
necessary to facilitate the
concepts of the present invention. In one embodiment, integration between the
theatre computing
system and main computing server 1720 occurs on three different levels. The
first includes a physical
connection between main computing server 1720 and the theatre computing
system. This is
accomplished by employing, for example and as discussed above, a T1 line,
utilizing the Internet as a
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virtual private network. The second consists of, for example, a network
connection using a TCP/IP
Internet protocol. This network connection is secure with firewalls in place.
The third consists of, for
example, an Application Programming Interface. This software may be a custom
piece of software
built from the ground up for each theatre chain. In one example, either or
both of POS server 1744
and/or theatre server 1746 serve as a gateway or entrance to the corresponding
theatre computing
system. Furthermore, firewall 1750 separates main computing server 1720 from
the theatre computing
system to facilitate secure communications.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the theatre
computing system, like
main computing server 1720, may be used to store theatre patron or user
accounts. In particular, each
account is associated with a user via an identifier and is used to facilitate
admission of the theatre
patrons. More specifically, after a user purchases a ticket, the user's
account is updated. Then before
gaining admission to a movie or before redeeming any merchandise, the account
may be verified at the
theatre utilizing, for example, an identification device presented by the
user.
According to the concepts of the present invention, either main computing
server 1720, theatre
system, or both keep track of tickets and/or merchandise sold. Similarly, the
information may
alternatively or additionally be stored within the memory of a user's
identification device.
The theatre computing system performs other functions as well. For instance,
the theatre
computing system may be used to transmit information regarding seating
availability, prices, types of
concessions and merchandise, and the like to theatre customers. In addition,
the theatre system may be
advantageously used to manage and store information regarding the operation of
the theatre. For
instance, the theatre system advantageously monitors ticket sales including
maintaining the number of
seats available for purchase, and re-tabulating inventory after each sale, as
well as other management
functions associated with the day-to-day operation of a movie theatre such as
maintaining merchandise
inventories. Of course, in alternate embodiments, the above information and
management functions
may be performed by main computing server 1720 thereby easing the management
burden placed on
the theatre system.
According to the principles of the present invention, readers 1740, in one
embodiment, include
smart card readers. Of cotuse other variations and alternatives are possible
including bar code readers,
infrared beam and microwave readers, credit card magnetic strip readers,
biometrics scanning/capture
devices such as retina or fingerprint scanners, and/or any other analogous
devices. fii one example,
readers 1740 are located in various locations within the theatre itself
including, for instance, building
entrances, concessions and/or merchandise stands, or other provisioning
stations, and the like. As
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mentioned above, readers 1740 are connected to and in communication with POS
server 1744 and/or
ticket/theatre server 1746, via a data communication network, including, for
example, a hardwired
LAN, or a wireless network utilizing any number of transceivers and/or
receivers or the like. In
accordance with the principles of the present invention, readers 1740 are used
to read and identify each
user as he or she attempts to gain admission to the theatre. In this regard,
as described above, after
presentation of an identification device, reader 1740 reads an identifier
stored on the device and
subsequently accesses the account associated with the user as identified by
the identifier. At that point,
the theatre attendant may verify whether a ticket has been purchased by the
user and admit or deny
entrance to the user, accordingly.
I0
Readers 1740 serve as part of a wireless LAN bar code scamling system which
provides an
interactive exchange of data from anywhere in the theatre, thereby ensuring
that mission critical
information is visible, available and accessible while the movie theatre is
selling tickets. In this
embodiment, a network controller, or NCU, is created which may take the form
of hardware or software
and acts as a gateway between the host computer and other components of the
Radio Frequency system.
Gateways optimize the performance of systems with high terminal counts,
network monitoring and
diagnostics, screen formatting, and keyboard mapping. In addition, the NCU is
available as a fault-
resilient system, eliminating downtime and risk to critical theatre
operations.
Also in this embodiment, multiple transceivers, or access points, are
established in each theatre
depending upon the physical size of the theatre. These transceivers and access
points act as base
stations that pass communications between the network controller (or host) and
Radio Frequency
terminals. Transceivers are used in UHF and 902-928 MHz systems, in which they
receive and route
messages from terminals to the network controller. These bases also transmit
messages, such as
instructions, back from the host to the wireless devices. Access points,
typically used in 2.4 GHz
installations, are wired directly to an Ethernet or Token Ring backbone, and
provide transparent access
between the wired LAN and an unlimited number of wireless devices which are,
in turn, used by theatre
employees.
The theatre employees assigned to operate readers 1740 are equipped with, for
example, a
Wireless Spectrum 24 device. This device automatically downloads ticket
information into the access
points on a real time basis. In this example, an indicator light is used to
identify invalid tickets. Each
access point, which is connected to the wired LAN backbone, executes a unique
hopping pattern across,
for example, 78 non-overlapping frequencies. The table of 66 hopping patterns
specified in the IEEE
802.11 standard minimizes the probability that one cell operates on the same
frequency at the same time
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as another cell. This allows the accesses points to operate at 2Mbps without
interruption-even in close
proximity to one another.
Another example of an architecture utilizable for implementing the features of
the present
invention is depicted in FIG. 18. In this embodiment, client systems 1810,
1812, 1814, and 1816,
communications network 1830, private network 1834, cable modems 1811,
transmitters and/or
receivers 1819, and central office or communications center 1818 are similar
to the corresponding
components shown in FIG. 17, and thus are not described again. Advantageously,
in the embodiment
of FIG. 18, POS theatre server 1844 and readers 1846 are individually
connected to network 1830 and
to one another. In addition, each are protected by firewalls 1850a and 1850b
respectively. As a result,
a user may directly access either POS theatre server 1844 or reader 1846 via
network 1830.
In this embodiment, management responsibilities and functions are
advantageously passed onto
POS server 1844 and readers 1846. Thus, either or both of POS server 1844
and/or readers 1846 are
responsible for initializing and maintaining user accounts, provisioning
tickets, maintaining seat and
merchandise inventory, storing survey data, and/or any other similar
functions. Similarly, in this
embodiment, any or all of the functions of the main computing server of the
embodiment of FIG. 17 are
performed by either or both of POS server 1844 andlor readers 1846. Thus,
either or both of POS
server 1844 and/or readers 1846 may be adapted to perform the online sales of
merchandise and
concessions, advertising (including customized e-mails), information
management, and/or initialization
functions of the present invention.
This embodiment may be used in addition to or in conjunction with the main
computing server
of FIG. 17 to result in a fault tolerant system. Thus, if main computing
server 1720 were to fail,
processing could continue without any disruption to system users.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, one example of an
initialization
process is illustrated in FIGS. 19a - 19b. To commence the initialization or
activation process (step
1900), a user utilizes any of client systems 1710, 1712, 1714, or 1716, to log
on to or establish a
connection with network 1730 (step 1904) and subsequently connect to main
computing server 1720
(step 1908). After establishing a connection, main computing server 1720
displays various pieces of
information including, for example, instructions directing new users to enter
a randomly assigned new
user identifier and/or password. Following these instructions, the user enters
subscriber information
including, for instance, the identifier and/or password (step 1912). The
identifier is then checked for
validity (step 1916). If the validity check indicates that the user is a
repeat user, processing continues
with a purchase routine (step 1920), several examples of which are described
in greater detail below.
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On the other hand, if the validity check indicates that the user is not a
repeat subscriber,
processing continues with a prompt asking whether the user wishes to become a
subscriber (step 1924).
A negative response terminates processing (step 1928). If however the user
indicates that he or she
wishes to subscribe, a registration form is transmitted for completion by the
user (step 1932). To
complete the form, the user includes information such as the user's name,
address, phone number,
social security number, and/or other similar data (step 1936). Additionally,
the form may also include
survey information utilizable for marketing purposes and/or other demographics
including age, sex,
number of children, genre preferences, time preferences, the amount of money
spent on movies in a
month, and/or other similar survey questions.
In addition to including the above information, the user also includes payment
information.
This information typically includes credit card information, but may also
include information pertaining
to other alternative payment methods, such as Internet credit services,
establishing a credit account
directly with the system sponsor, or other similar plans. Although in this
embodiment an electronic
registration form is forwarded to the user's client system, it is possible to
mail or fax a hard copy as
well. As with all other embodiments and processing xoutines, advertisements by
the system sponsor as
well as other parties may be displayed at any time during processing.
After filling out the registration form (step 1936), processing continues with
a purchase routine.
As an example of such routine, the user initially selects a theatre (step
1940). This is followed by
displaying a list of movies showing at the theatre selected by the user (step
1944). After selecting a
movie (step 1948), the theatre system checks fox seating availability (step
1952). Subsequently, a check
is performed by, for example, main computing server 1720 to ensure that the
user's payment is valid
(step 1956). If the payment is not valid, processing either starts over or
ends (step 1928) Otherwise, an
account is initialized or activated on behalf of the user followed by
confirmation of the user's purchase
(step 1964). This confirmation is made, in one embodiment, by mailing to the
user a receipt or a smart
card having an identifier stored in memory. In other embodiments, some other
device, such as a PDA,
may be sent to the user. Similarly, a confirmation code or other identifier
may be transmitted and
written to a memory medium already in the possession of the user, assuming
waiting capability is
possessed by the usex's client system and/or device or wireless device. For
instance, the medium may
be a piece of paper, a magnetic strip, or a memory chip embedded in a smart
card. In still othex
embodiments, the confirmation may include a password or confirmation number or
may be omitted. In
this latter case, the user's identity and/or name is stoned in, for example,
main computing server 1720
for confirmation purposes, as will be descaibed in greater detail below.
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After confirmation (step 1964), the user brings the receipt or confirmation
to, for example, the
theatre (step 1968 in FIG. 19b). There, after verifying activation of the
user's account, the theatre
issues a smart card with an identifier written or encoded in memory (step
1974). In embodiments
utilizing a confirmation code or the like, the code is read or presented to,
for example, an attendant for
verification. In other embodiments, a valid form of identification such as a
driver's license is presented
to the attendant. Whatever the case may be, the attendant then uses the
confirmation and accesses main
computing server 1720 to verify that the user has indeed activated his or her
account. Also at that time,
or shortly after payment is confirmed, each of the servers is updated. Fox
example, theatre server 1746
is updated with a confirmation and any purchase information (step 1976).
Additionally, main
10 computing server 1720 is also concurrently updated (step 1980). After all
of the servers have been
updated, processing ends (step 1984). Alternatively, the servers need not be
updated immediately, and
optionally only one of the servers and/or an entrance device or reader need be
updated.
As mentioned above, other initialization procedures are also possible within
the concepts of the
15 present invention. As another example, FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment
suitable for mass mail
marketing campaigns. Specifically, processing commences (step 2000) with the
mass mailing of
advertisements (step 2004) which are subsequently received by the users (step
2008). The
advertisements may include actual paper mailings, or facsimile transmissions
or electronic
advertisements. The advertisement preferably contains information regarding
the service as well as
20 instructions for connecting to main computing server 1720. After receiving
the advertisement, the user
logs on to main computing server 1720 in accordance with the instructions or
directions included with
the advertisement (step 2012). Following the advertisement's instructions, the
user enters a code that
indicates that the user is a new subscriber (step 2016). Next, main computing
server 1720 confirms that
the user wishes to subscribe (step 2020). If the user does not wish to
subscribe (step 2024), the
25 initialization routine terminates (step 2028). If the user wishes to
subscribe, main computing server
1720 obtains, for example, basic information such as payment information and
any other information
not already known by the sponsor including movie preferences and/or other
similar information (step
2026). In addition, main computing server 1720 also optionally prompts the
user for a movie selection
(step 2026).
After receiving a movie selection, main computing server 1720 attempts to
schedule the movie
(step 2032). As discussed above, main computing server 1720 checks for seating
availability and other
similar information stored either locally, remotely in the theatre system, or
in some other remotely
located database. Subsequently, whether or not the user was successful in
scheduling a movie, a unique
identifier is assigned to the user. In addition to being associated with the
user, the identifier is also
associated with an identification device, such as a smart card (step 2036).
Similar to the above
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embodiment, an account and identifier are generated and activated for the user
at main computing
server 1720 and such information is optionally forwarded to ticket/theatre
server 1746 (step 2040).
Furthermore, if the user was successful in scheduling a movie, the account is
updated to indicate that a
ticket has been purchased. If the user was not successful in scheduling a
movie, the identifier and
account are generated for use with later purchases.
Subsequently, ticket server 1746 and/or main computing server 1720 transmit
this information
to POS servers 1740 so that the user's account may be established or updated
(step 2044). In some
embodiments, this information is transmitted to POS servers 1740 only if a
ticket is successfully
purchased. In other cases, the information is always transmitted. Of course,
the information to be
stored in the accounts is not limited to tickets. For example, any concession
or merchandise
information is also transmitted.
Once all desired purchases have been completed (step 2048), the identification
device is sent to
(step 2052) and subsequently received by the user (step 2056). After receipt
by the user, the process
ends (step 2028). As discussed above, the device may be a smart card with the
identifier stored in an
embedded chip, a physical paper ticket, or an electronic message with an
identification code, and/or any
other similar device. Furthermore, instead of mailing or electronically
transmitting the device to the
user, the device may also be picked up at the theatre or some other location.
Once again, in addition to
storing the information in an account located on the computing servers, this
information may also be
stored in the memory of the identification devices.
In addition to the examples discussed above, yet another initialization
procedure is described
with reference to FIG. 21. As with the embodiment of FIG. 20, this example is
also suitable for mass
mail marketing campaigns. More specifically, processing again commences (step
2100) with a mass
mailing to a number of potential users or customers (step 2104). In this
embodiment, the mass mailing
includes the physical mailing of smart cards and/or other similar devices.
Each device, as with the
above embodiments, optionally includes or is assigned one or more identifiers
which may later be
associated with the user. Of course, other alternatives may be used such as
assigning or transmitting the
device an identifier in real-time associated with a specific individual event,
time, location, and/or other
information. The list of potential users may be gathered through a marketing
campaign, a survey, or
even selected at random. Whatever the case, one or more users subsequently
receive the smart card or
other identification device (step 2108) via, for example, mail service. As yet
another alternative, the
device may be passed out at a store location, or the like.
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Included with the identification device are information and instructions
regarding the service as
well as directions for connecting to main computing server 1720. After
receiving these instructions and
the identification device, the user logs on to main computing server 1720
(step 2112). Also pursuant to
the advertisement's instructions, the user enters a code that indicates that
the user is a new subscriber
(step 2116). Next, after prompting the user to subscribe (step 2120) main
computing server 1720
confirms that the user wishes to subscribe (step 2124). If the user does not
wish to subscribe, the
initialization routine terminates (step 2I28). On the other hand, if the user
wishes to subscribe, main
computing server 1720 obtains, for example, basic information such as payment
information and/or any
other information not already known by the sponsor including movie preferences
and other similar
information (step 2132). In addition, main computing server 1720 also
optionally prompts the user for
a movie selection at this time (step 2132).
After receiving a movie selection, main computing server 1720 attempts to
schedule the movie
(step 2136). As discussed above, main computing server 1720 checks for seating
availability and other
similar information stored either locally, remotely in the theatre systems, or
in some other remotely
located database. Subsequently, the user is associated with the unique
identifier previously assigned to
the identification device received by the user.
After associating the user with an identifier, the account and identifier are
forwarded to
ticket/theatre server 1746 (step 2140). Furthermore, if the user was
successful in scheduling a movie,
the account is updated to indicate the purchase of a ticket. If the user was
not successful in scheduling a
movie, the identifier and account are generated for use with later purchases.
Subsequently, ticket server 1746 andlor main computing server 1720 transmit
this information
to POS servers 1740 so that the user's account may be activated or updated
(step 2144). In some
embodiments, this information is transmitted to POS servers 1740 only if a
ticket was successfully
purchased. In other cases, the information is always transmitted. Once all
desired purchases have been
completed, an optional transaction to debit the customer's account may be
performed (step 2148).
From there, the user may utilize the identification device to gain admission
to the theatre or other
similar events (step 2152).
Another example of an initialization process utilizable in conjunction with,
for example,
wireless or Bluetooth enabled devices, is illustrated in FIGS. 22a - 22b. To
commence the initialization
or activation process (step 2200), a user utilizes, for example, a wireless or
Bluetooth enabled client
system to log on to or establish a connection with network 1730 and main
computing server 1720 (step
2204). After establishing a connection, main computing server 1720 transmits
to the user's wireless or
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Bluetooth enabled device information, which includes, for example,
instructions directing new users to
enter a randomly assigned or user-selected identifier and/or password.
Subsequently, the user enters
subscriber information including, for instance, the identifier and/or password
with his or her wireless or
Bluetooth enabled device (step 2208). The information is then checked to
determine whether the user is
a repeat user (step 2212). If the check indicates that the user is a repeat
user, processing continues with
a purchase routine (step 2216).
On the other hand, if the validity check indicates that the user is not a
repeat user, processing
continues with a prompt asking whether the user wishes to subscribe (step
2220). A negative response
terminates processing (step 2224). However, if the user indicates that he or
she wishes to subscribe, a
registration form is transmitted to the user's wireless or Bluetooth enabled
device (step 2228). To
complete the form, the user includes information such as the user's name,
address, phone number,
social security number, payment information, and/or other similar data (step
2232). Additionally, the
form may also include survey information utilizable for marketing purposes
and/or other demographics
including age, sex, number of children, genre preferences, time preferences,
the amount of money spent
on movies in a month, and/or other similar survey questions.
After filling out the registration form, processing optionally contW ues with
a purchase routine.
For example, the user initially selects a theatre with his or her wireless or
Bluetooth enabled device
(step 2236). This is followed by transmitting a list of movies showing at the
theatre to the user's
wireless or Bluetooth enabled device (step 2240). After selecting a movie
(step 2244), the theatre
system checks for seating availability (step 2248). Subsequently, a check may
optionally be performed
by, for example, main computing server 1720 to ensure that the user's method
of payment is valid (step
2252). If the payment is not valid, processing either starts over or ends (N
in step 2256) Otherwise, an
account is initiated or activated on behalf of the user followed by an
optional confirmation of the user's
purchase (step 2260). Upon activation, an identifier may be transmitted to the
user's wireless or
Bluetooth enabled device for use in accessing the user's account.
Alternatively, as will be discussed
below, the identifier may be determined by the user, or a previously generated
identifier may be
utilized.
After activating the user's account, the identifier is written to memory of
the user's wireless or
Bluetooth enabled device (step 2264). In embodiments where the identifier is
selected by the user, the
identifier is transmitted to, for example, main computing server 1720, where
it is associated with the
user's account. Subsequently, the user brings his or her wireless or Bluetooth
enabled device to the
theatre or other venue (step 2268). Then, to gain admittance into the theatre,
the user beams or
transmits the identifier to an attendant, who uses the identifier to access
the user's account and verify
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that the user has indeed purchased a ticket or service (step 2268). Also at
that time, each of the servers
is updated (steps 2272 and 2276). After all of the servers have been updated,
processing ends (step
2224). Alternatively, the servers need not be updated immediately, and
optionally only one of the
servers and/or an entrance device or reader need be updated.
Other activation or initialization procedures are also possible within the
concepts of the present
invention. As another example, FIG. 23 depicts an embodiment suitable for use
with mass mailing
campaigns. Specifically, processing commences (step 2300) with the mass
mailing of electronic
advertisements (step 2304) received by the users' wireless or Bluetooth
enabled devices (step 2308).
Each advertisement preferably contains information regarding the service as
well as instructions for
connecting to main computing server 1720. After receiving the advertisement,
the user logs on to main
computing server 1720 with his or her wireless or Bluetooth enabled device
(step 2312). From there,
the user enters a code that indicates that the user is a new subscriber (step
2316). In response, main
computing server 1720 prompts the user to subscribe (step 2320). After
confirming that the user wishes
to subscribe (step 2324), main computing server 1720 obtains, fox example,
basic information such as
payment information and any other information not already known by the sponsor
including movie
preferences and/or other similar information from the user (step 2232). After
receiving the above
information, an account is generated on behalf of the user. In addition, main
computing server 1720
also optionally prompts the user for a movie selection. Returning to step
2324, if the user does not wish
to subscribe, the initialization routine terminates (step 1628).
After receiving a movie selection, main computing server 1720 attempts to
schedule the movie
(step 2336). As discussed above, main computing server 1720 checks for seating
availability and other
similar information stored either locally, remotely in the theatre system, or
in some other remotely
located database. Also, a unique identifier is assigned to the user (step
2340). Subsequently, the
account and identifier are optionally forwarded to ticket/theatre server 1746
(step 2344) or any POS
servers (step 2348). Furthermore, if the user was successful in scheduling a
movie, the account is
updated to indicate that a ticket has been purchased. If the user was not
successful in scheduling a
movie, the identifier and account are generated for use with later purchases.
Alternatively, the user may select an identifier or utilize a preexisting
identifier. In this case,
the identifier is transmitted from the user's wireless or Bluetooth enabled
device to main computing
server 1720. If an identifier is generated by main computing server 1720, the
identifier is transmitted to
the user's wireless or Bluetooth enabled device (step 2352), where it may be
written to memory (step
2356). In either case, this identifier is associated with the account
generated on behalf of the user.
Once all desired purchases have been completed and after the user's account
and identifier have been
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generated, processing ends (step 2328). Then, as with the example of FIG 22,
the user's wireless or
Bluetooth enabled device may be utilized as an identification device to gain
admittance into a theatre or
other venue.
In addition to the examples discussed above, yet another initialization
procedure is described
with reference to FIG. 24. As with the embodiment of FIG. 23, this example is
also suitable for mass
mail marketing campaigns. More specifically, processing again commences (step
2400) with a mass
mailing to a number of potential users or customers (step 2404). In this
embodiment, the mass mailing
includes the physical mailing of wireless or Bluetooth enabled devices
directly to the potential
10 customers. Each device optionally includes or is assigned one or more
identifiers which may later be
associated with the user. Of course, other alternatives may be used such as
assigning or transmitting the
device an identifier in real-time associated with a specific individual event,
time, location, and/or other
information. As an alternative to mailing the devices, the devices may be
passed out at a store location,
or purchased by the users.
Included with the identification device are information and instructions
regarding the service as
well as directions for connecting to main computing server 1720. After
receiving these instructions and
the identification device, the user logs on to main computing server 1720
using the wireless or
Bluetooth enabled device (step 2408). The user enters a code that indicates
that the user is a new
subscriber. After determining that the user is a new customer, the user is
prompted to subscribe (step
2416). Main computing server 1720 then confirms that the user wishes to
subscribe (step 2420). If the
user does not wish to subscribe, the initialization routine terminates (step
2424). On the other hand, if
the user wishes to subscribe, main computing server 1720 obtains, optionally,
a movie selection and
basic information such as payment information and/or any other information not
already known by the
sponsor including movie preferences and other similar information (step 2428).
As with the
embodiment of FIG. 23, this information may be transmitted by the user from
his or her wireless or
Bluetooth enabled device.
After receiving a movie selection, main computing server 1720 attempts to
schedule the movie
(step 2432). Subsequently, an account is generated or activated and associated
with the unique
identifier previously assigned to the identification device received by the
user (step 2436).
Alternatively, the user may select an identifier, or one may be generated and
transmitted to the wireless
or Bluetooth enabled device and stored therein.
Subsequently, the account and identifier are forwarded to ticket/theatre
server 1746 (step 2440).
Furthermore, if the user was successful in scheduling a movie, the account is
updated to indicate the
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purchase of a ticket. If the user was not successful in scheduling a movie,
the identifier and account are
generated for use with later purchases. In addition, an optional transaction
to debit the customer's
account may be performed (step 2444). From there, the user may utilize the
identification device to
gain admission to the theatre or other similar events.
Another example of an initialization process is illustrated in FIGS. 25a -
25b. To commence
the initialization or activation process (step 2500), a user utilizes any of
client systems 1710, 1712,
1714, or 1716, to log on to or establish a connection with network 1730 and
main computing server
1720 (step 2504). After establishing a connection, main computing server 1720
displays various pieces
of information including, for example, instructions directing new users to
enter a randomly assigned
new user identifier and/or password. Following these instructions, the user
enters subscriber
information including, for instance, the identifier and/or password (step
2512). The identifier is then
checked fox validity (step 2512). If the validity check indicates that the
user is a repeat user, processing
continues with a purchase routine (step 2516).
On the other hand, if the validity check indicates that the user is not a
repeat subscriber,
processing continues with a prompt asking whether the user wishes to become a
subscriber (step 2520).
A negative response terminates processing (step 2564). If however the user
indicates that he or she
wishes to subscribe, a registration form is transmitted for completion by the
user (step 2524). To
complete the form, the user includes information such as the user's name,
address, phone number,
social security number, payment information, and/or other similar data (step
2528). In addition, the
user also includes biometrics information to be associated with an account and
for use as an identifier.
In some cases the biometrics information may have previously been scanned by a
capture device and
stored in the user's client system. In other cases, the user's biometrics
information may be captured at a
later time, for instance, during the user's first visit to the theatre or
venue. As will be discussed below,
any physiological or behavioral aspects of the human body may be used as the
biometrics information.
For example, finger or thumb prints, iris or retina images, electronic
signatures, voice or facial scans,
hand scans, and or any other similar features may be utilized. The biometrics
information may be
captured at the user's client system or at some other location and stored onto
a memory medium and
later transferred to the user's device.
After filling out the registration form (step 2528), processing continues with
a purchase routine
(step 2532). Assuming that the user's payment is valid, an account is
initialized or activated on behalf
of the user and associated with the user's biometrics information (step 2536).
As will be discussed
below, this account may then be accessed using the biometrics information to
verify a ticket or other
purchase. Subsequently, an optional confirmation may be transmitted to the
user (step 2540).
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After confirmation, main computing server 1720, and optionally any theatre or
POS servers, are
updated to reflect activation of the user's account and/or any purchases (step
2544). To redeem his or
her purchases, the user arrives at the theatre (step 2548), where his or her
biometrics information is
scanned by, for example, an attendant (step 2552). After scanning, the user's
account is accessed and
any purchases are verified (step 2556). If purchases are redeemed, each of the
servers are updated (step
2560) before finishing processing (step 2564).
As another example of a biometrics initialization or activation process, FIG.
26 depicts an
embodiment suitable for mass mail marketing campaigns. Specifically,
processing commences (step
2600) with the mass mailing of advertisements (step 2604) which are
subsequently received by the
users (step 2608). The advertisements may include actual paper mailings, or
facsimile transmissions or
electronic advertisements. Each advertisement preferably contains information
regarding the service as
well as instructions for connecting to main computing server 1720. After
receiving the advertisement,
the user logs on to main computing server 1720 in accordance with the
instructions or directions
included with the advertisement (step 2612). Following these instructions, the
user enters a code that
indicates that the user is a new subscriber (step 2616). Next, main computing
server 1720 confirms that
the user wishes to subscribe (step 2624). If the user does not wish to
subscribe, the initialization routine
terminates (step 2660). If the user wishes to subscribe, main computing server
1720 obtains, for
example, basic information, a movie selection, and other data such as payment
information and any
other information not already laiown by the sponsor including movie
preferences and/or other similar
information (step 2628). In addition, main computing server 1720 also obtains
biometrics information
from the user. As mentioned above, this information may have been previously
captured and stored
onto the user's system or, in the alternative, may be captured at a later
time, for instance during the
user's first visit to the theatre.
After receiving a movie selection, main computing server 1720 attempts to
schedule the movie
(step 2632). As discussed above, main computing server 1720 checks for seating
availability and other
similar information stored either locally, remotely in the theatre system, or
in some other remotely
located database. Subsequently, an account is generated or activated on behalf
of the user and
associated with the user's biometrics information (step 2636). Furthermore, if
the user was successful
in scheduling a movie, the account is updated to indicate that a ticket has
been purchased.
Subsequently, ticket server 1746 and/or main computing server 1720 transmit
this information to POS
servers 1740 so that the user's account may be established or updated (step
2640).
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With embodiments where the user's biometrics information is not captured until
his or her first
visit to the theatre, an account is initially generated without an identifier.
Upon the user's first visit to
the theatre, biometrics information may be captured and then associated with
his or her previously
generated account. In these cases, the user may be required to present a valid
picture ID or the like in
order to proceed with the biometrics capture routine.
Once all desired purchases have been completed, a confirmation may optionally
be sent to the
user (step 2644). To redeem his or her purchases, the user arrives at the
theatre (step 2648), where his
or her biometrics information is scanned by, for example, an attendant (step
2652). After scanning, the
user's account is accessed and any purchases are verified. If purchases are
redeemed, each of the
servers are updated (step 2556) before finishing processing (step 2660).
One example of a purchase routine used to purchase tickets or other items or
services is
described with reference to FIG. 27. This routine may be used after
initializing an account as described
above or in conjunction therewith. To commence processing (step 2700),
utilizing any of client
systems 1710, 1712, 1714, or 1716, a user logs on to or establishes a
connection to network 1730 (step
2704) and connects to main computing server 1720 (step 2708). The user may
connect to server 1720
via the Internet, a private dial-up connection, or any other suitable means.
After establishing a
connection to main computing server 1720, the user enters subscriber
information including, for
instance, an identifier and/or a password (step 2712). This information is
entered to facilitate secure
communication between the user and main computing server 1720 by preventing
third parties from
accessing the user's account. W addition, the information may be used to
identify repeat users as well
as first time users. As such, before processing can continue, the identifier
is checked for validity (step
2714). In one embodiment, main computing server 1720 checks to see whether the
identifier/information has been entered before. If the information has not
been previously entered, main
computing server 1720 prompts or asks the user whether he or she wishes to
subscribe (step 2722). If
the user wishes to subscribe, processing proceeds with a new subscriber or
initialization routine (step
2726). On the other hand, if the user does not wish to subscribe, processing
ends (step 2730).
If the validity check (step 2714) indicates that the user is not a first time
user, processing
continues, optionally, with the establishment of a connection to
ticket/theatre server 1746 (step 2734).
From there, the user interactively enters a number of requests including, for
example, a particular movie
or a conveniently located theatre, or any other analogous request. In the
embodiment depicted in FIG.
27, a list of movie theatres is displayed (step 2738) and the user is prompted
to select a particular
theatre (step 2742). Of course other processing routines are possible. For
instance, it is possible to
prompt the user for a desired movie in response to which a listing of theatres
showing the desired movie
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is displayed. Likewise, it is also possible to prompt the user for a desired
theatre in response to which a
listing of movies showing in the selected theatre is displayed. Other routines
are similarly possible.
Returning to the example of FIG. 27, after selecting a theatre, a listing of
the movies showing at
the selected theatre is displayed (step 2746) for selection by the user (step
2750). Likewise, a listing of
concessions may also be displayed now or at some other point in processing.
Similarly, at any time
during processing a listing of merchandise and/or advertisements may be
displayed. Additionally, the
user may, at any time, opt into or enter a concessions or merchandise menu
where these purchases may
be made. Furthermore, the user may optionally at any time access additional
information regarding the
movie, or the theatre or any other similar information. For instance, before
making a movie selection,
the user may wish to read a critic's review or check the rating of the movie
and purchase beverages.
Likewise, the user may wish to find out where the theatre is located and
determine the ticket prices and
seating availability.
After selecting a movie title (step 2750), the main computing server or the
theatre system
(either or both of POS server 1744 and ticket/theatre server 1746) check to
see whether the desired
number of seats is available (step 2754). If the desired number of seats is
not available, indication is so
made and the user is prompted for another selection. However, if the desired
number of seats is
available, the user is, optionally, prompted for any additional movie and/or
concession/merchandise
selections or purchases (step 2758).
Once all desired selections or purchases have been made, ticket server 1746
updates POS server
1744 by transmitting information identifying these purchases (step 2762). For
example, if a user
purchased four tickets along with popcorn and beverages, ticket server 1746
would transmit this
information along with the user's identifier to a POS server 1744 located at
the theatre selected by the
user. The POS server 1744 would then access and update the user's account
using the corresponding
identifier. To gain admission to the theatre, the user merely presents his or
her identification device to a
theatre attendant. The attendant then verifies that purchases have indeed been
made by reading the
identification device at one of readers 1740. After reading the identification
device, the attendant
accesses the user's account and verifies ticket purchase before admitting or
turning away the user.
Alternatively, as suggested above, instead of or in addition to storing
information in an account located
on main computing server 1720, tickedtheatre server 1746, or POS server 1744,
the account
information can also be stored on the user's identification device by, for
instance, writing the
information to memory and/or directly stored on a device or wireless device
having such capability.
Similarly, the information can just as easily be embedded or encoded onto a
disposable medium such as
paper, in the form of a ticket or receipt.
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After updating POS servers 1740, theatre/ticket server 1746 notifies main
computing server
1720 that the user's account information has been updated (step 2766). At that
point, the purchase
routine is optionally completed by collecting payment information (step 2770).
This information
5 typically includes credit card information, but may also include information
pertaining to other
alternatives, such as utilizing or participating in an Internet credit
service, establishing a credit account
directly with the system sponsor, or other similar plans. After completing the
purchase routine,
processing ends (step 2730).
10 One example of a purchase routine utilizable in this embodiment is
illustrated in FIG. 28. To
commence the purchase routine (step 2800), a user utilizes any of client
systems 1710, 1712, 1714, or
1716, to log on to or establish a connection with POS server 1744 (step 2804).
As with any of the
above embodiments, the user may connect to POS server 1744 via the Internet or
any private dial-up
connection. After establishing a connection to POS server 1744, the user
enters subscriber information
1S including, for instance, an identifier and/or a password. This information
is entered to facilitate secure
communication between the user and POS server 1744 by preventing third parties
from accessing the
user's account. Consequently, before processing can continue, the identifier
is checked for validity
(step 2808).
20 Subsequent to the validity check, an interactively navigable display is
presented to allow the
user to enter any number of requests including, for example, a particular
movie or a conveniently
located theatre, and/or any other analogous request. Furthermore, the
interactive display also allows
data to be collected from the user (step 2812). In addition, as with any of
the above examples,
numerous advertisements or other banners may also be displayed. In the
embodiment depicted in FIG.
25 28, a list of movie theatres is displayed and the user is prompted to
select a particular theatre (step
2816). Of course other processing routines are possible. For instance, as
mentioned above, it is
possible to prompt the user for a desired movie in response to which a listing
of theatres showing the
entered movie is displayed. Likewise, it is also possible to prompt the user
for a desired movie genre in
response to which a listing of movies falling into that gem~e is displayed.
Other routines are similarly
30 possible.
After selecting a theatre, a listing of the movies showing at the selected
theatre is displayed
(step 2820) for the user's selection (step 2824). If the user fails to make a
selection, for example,
because all of the seats in the theatre have already been sold, processing
ends (step 2828). If the user
35 successfully schedules a movie selection, a listing of concessions and/or
other merchandise may then be
displayed (step 2832). Additionally, the user may, at any time, opt into or
enter a concession or
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merchandise menu where these purchases may be made. Furthermore, the user may
optionally at any
time access additional information regarding the movie, or the theatre or any
other similar information.
In this embodiment, once all desired selections have been made (step 2836),
the user is
optionally prompted for an additional or alternative identifier to be
associated with the purchases (step
2840). The additional identifier may belong to the user, or it may belong to
someone else. The
identifier may alternatively be associated with an account or individuals
within an account and include
its own set of privileges/preferences. This feature is convenient for parents
seeking to ensure that their
children are spending money on movies and not other items, or to ensure that
their children are viewing
non-objectionable movies. In addition, this feature also provides tracking
within an account as to the
specific individuals that are utilizing the account in a specific manner or
preference. Whatever the case
may be, POS server 1744 waits until an identifier is received (step 2844)
before closing the transaction
by making payment arrangements (step 2848). Again, at any time, advertisements
and other banners
may be displayed (step 2852).
The routine continues, then, with POS server 1744 updating the account
information at each
reader 1746 (step 2856). Processing ends once updating is complete (step
2828). Once again, instead
of or in addition to storing information in an account located on POS server
1744, and/or readers 1746,
the account information can be stored on the user's device by, for instance,
writing the information to
memory.
One example of the process used to redeem a ticket purchased according to this
embodiment is
discussed with reference to FIG. 29. In this procedure, processing starts
(step 2900) with the
presentation of an identification device by the user to a movie theatre
attendant (step 2904).
Subsequently, the device is read by reader 1746 (step 2908). Using a smart
card as an example, reading
may be effected by moving or motioning the identification device into a
reading range of reader 1746.
In other cases, reading may be effected by sliding a magnetic strip over a
reading device. Alternatively,
the reading may include passing a ticket having a bar code encoded onto a
surface under a bar code
reader. As yet another alternative, reading may be effected by passing a paper
ticket or receipt having a
code printed on one surface to an attendant who then visually inspects the
code and accesses an account
using, for example, a computer located at the theatre.
Using the identifier read from the identification device, the attendant
accesses the user's
account to determine whether a ticket purchase has in fact been made by the
user. As discussed above,
the account not only indicates ticket information, but may also include
information regarding
concession or merchandise purchases as well. Based on this account
information, the user is either
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admitted or turned away. In particular, after reading the identifier, the
identifier is checked for validity
(step 2912). If the identifier is invalid, for example, because a ticket has
not been purchased or because
of an equipment failure, entry is denied (step 2916). Other possible reasons
for invalidity could exist if
the user has become delinquent with payments or because the account has never
been activated.
Whatever the reason, the theatre attendant then optionally directs the user to
customer assistance (step
2920) where another attendant or customer service representative can attempt
to resolve the problem
(step 2924). If entry is denied because the account has not been activated,
the user may be asked to
subscribe. Furthermore, also at this time, addition promotional incentives may
be brought to the user's
attention (step 2928). For instance, it may be possible to award the user
bonus credits for subscribing at
that time. Additionally, the user may be given an opportunity to join a
"frequent movie" club, where
users are awarded bonus credits utilizable toward additional movies or
merchandise based on the
amount spent. Afterward, if the user has decided to subscribe he or she may
return to the theatre
entrance to recommence the admission process (step 2904), or if the problem
was not able to be
resolved, processing terminates (step 2932).
Returning to step 2912, if the identifier is valid, the user is admitted (step
2936). Then, if no
other purchases have been made, the user proceeds to the theatre (step 2952).
However, if the user has
made additional purchases (step 2940), such as, for instance, merchandise or
concessions, he or she is
directed to a customer station where the items may be retrieved. At the
station, the user presents the
identification device to an attendant who then accesses the user's account
(step 2944). If the account
indicates that a purchase has previously been made, the merchandise is
delivered to the user (step
2948). From there, the user proceeds to the theatre (2952) and processing ends
(step 2932).
FIG. 30 depicts a combined architecture and process diagram used to illustrate
some of the
concepts of another embodiment of the invention. Initially, from a client
system such as, for instance, a
personal computer 3001, a user commences the process by transmitting a
transaction request to POS
theatre 3010 via network 3006 (steps 3004 and 3008). Included with the
request, among other things,
are the user's identification and information regarding, for example, a movie
selection, time, location,
merchandise, and/or concessions. In conjunction with the user's request, POS
theatre 3010
interactively responds to the user's inquires, displays messages and
advertisements, and finalizes the
transaction by, for example, transmitting confirmation information (steps 3012
and 3016).
Subsequently, POS theatre 3010 updates the account information associated with
the user. For
example, POS theatre 3010 updates any local databases, as well as
databases/accounts located at any
concession stands 3030 (step 3028) and/or readers 3022 (step 3020).
Optionally, in response to the
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POS theatre's transmissions, concession stand 3030 and reader 3022 may
transmit acknowledgements
indicating that the user's account has successfully been updated (steps 3024
and 3032).
Shortly before show time, the user arrives at the theatre with identification
device in hand. In
this embodiment, the identification device includes a smart card 3046 with an
identifier stored in a
memory chip. To gain admission to the theatre, the user presents smart card
3046 to an attendant who
then accesses the user's account (step 3036). After checking the user's
account, the attendant either
admits or denies admission to the user based on the information contained in
the account (step 3040).
A similar procedure is used to obtain merchandise and concessions.
Specifically, the user presents his
or her smart card to an attendant at concession stand 3030 (step 3044). The
smart card is read, the
account is accessed, and products are delivered to the user in accordance with
the user's account (step
3048). Furthermore, although POS theatre 3010, reader 3022, and concession
stand 3030 are depicted
as being separate elements, it is to be understood that in this and other
embodiments they may also exist
as a single component.
FIG. 31 depicts another purchase routine in which an electronic ticket is
stored onto a user's
identification device. To commence this purchase routine (step 3100), a user
utilizes any of the above
described client systems, to log on to or establish a connection with a POS
server and/or directly to the
POS (step 3104). As with the above embodiments, after establishing a
connection to the POS server,
the user enters subscriber information including, for instance, an identifier
and/or a password. The
identifier is then checked for validity (step 3108).
Subsequent to the validity check, an interactively navigable display is
presented to allow the
user to enter any number of requests including, for example, a particular
movie or a conveniently
located theatre, and/or any other analogous request and to allow data to be
collected from the user (step
3112). In addition, as with any of the above examples, numerous advertisements
or other banners may
also be displayed. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 31, a list of movie
theatres is displayed and the
user is prompted to select a particular theatre (step 3116). Of course other
processing routines are
possible. For instance, as mentioned above, it is possible to prompt the user
for a desired movie in
response to which a listing of theatres showing the entered movie is
displayed. Other routines are
similarly possible.
After selecting a theatre, a listing of the movies showing at the selected
theatre is displayed
(step 3120) for the user's selection (step 3124). If the user fails to make a
selection, processing ends
(step 3128). If the user successfully schedules a movie selection, a listing
of concessions and/or other
merchandise may then be displayed (step 3132). Additionally, the user may, at
any time, opt into or
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enter a concession or merchandise menu where these purchases may be made.
Furthermore, the user
may optionally at any time access additional information regarding the movie,
or the theatre or any
other similar information.
Once all desired selections have been made (step 3136), an electronic ticket
(e-ticket) is
transmitted to the user (step 3140). The electronic ticket preferably is
encrypted or includes some sort
of watermark to ensure originality and to prevent counterfeits. The e-ticket
is then stored onto the
user's identification device or smart card, using a writing device or the like
(step 3144). Again, as
mentioned above, advertisements may be displayed at any time, including during
the closing transaction
where payment information is forwarded to the POS server (step 3152). The
routine continues, then,
with POS server optionally updating the account information at each reader
(step 3156). Processing
ends, once updating is complete (step 3128).
One example of a process used to redeem a ticket is discussed with reference
to FIG. 32. In
this procedure, processing starts (step 3200) with the presentation of the
smart card by the user to a
movie theatre attendant (step 3204). Subsequently, the card is read by a
reader (step 3208). Reading
may be effected by, for example, motioning the card within a reading range of
the reader. By reading
the card, account information is transmitted from the card to the reader
and/or POS directly or
optionally via a POS server or other communication/connection. The account
information read from
the smart card may then be used during the admission process or to update the
server's records.
Using the reader, an attendant accesses the user's account to determine
whether a ticket
purchase has in fact been made. As discussed above, the account not only
indicates ticket information,
but may also include information regarding concession or merchandise purchases
as well. Based on
this account information, the user is either admitted or turned away. In
particular, after reading the
account information, the identifier is checked for validity (step 3212). If
the identifier is invalid
because a ticket has not been purchased or because of equipment failure, entry
is denied (step 3216).
Then the theatre attendant may direct the user to customer assistance (step
3220) where another
attendant or customer service representative can attempt to resolve the
problem (step 3224). If entry is
denied because the account has not been activated, the user may be asked to
subscribe and purchase a
ticket. Furthermore, also at this time, addition promotional incentives may be
brought to the user's
attention (step 3228). Afterward, if the user has decided to subscribe he or
she may return to
recommence the admission process (step 3204). Otherwise, if the problem was
not resolved, processing
ends (step 3232).
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Returning to step 3212, if the identifier is valid, the user is admitted (step
3236). Then, if no
other purchases have been made, the user proceeds to the theatre (step 3252).
However, if the user has
made additional purchases (step 3240), such as, for instance, merchandise or
concession purchases, he
or she is directed to a customer station where the items may be retrieved. At
the station, the user
presents the identification device to an attendant who then accesses the
user's account stored on the
user's smart card (step 3244). If the account indicates that a purchase has
previously been made, the
merchandise is delivered to the user (step 3248). From there, the user
proceeds to the theatre (3252)
and processing ends (step 3232).
10 Furthermore, in any of the embodiments of the present invention, readers
may be installed on
the theatre seats for use in delivering concessions during or before the
movie. With this optional
feature, instead of picking up concessions at a concession stand, the user
selects a seat, inserts his or her
smart card into a smart card reader accessible from the seat to facilitate
delivery of the concessions.
More particularly, the reader uniquely identifies the selected seat and
facilitates the delivery of the
15 purchased concessions directly to the user.
FIG. 33 depicts a combined architecture and process diagram used to illustrate
some of the
concepts of this particular embodiment. Initially, from a client system such
as, for instance, personal
computer 3301, a user commences the process by transmitting a transaction
request to POS theatre
20 3310 or optionally via a POS server and then to POS theatre 3310 or other
communication method via
network 3306 (steps 3304 and 3308). Included with the request, among other
things, are the user's
identification information regarding, for example, a movie selection, time,
location, merchandise,
and/or concessions. As part of the user's request, POS theatre 3310
interactively responds to the user's
inquires, displays messages and advertisements, and finalizes the transaction
by transmitting an e-ticket
25 to client 3301 (steps 3312 and 3316). In accordance with the principles of
the present invention, the e
ticket, then, is written or encoded onto the user's smart card using
writer/reader 3322 (step 3320).
Subsequently, POS theatre 3310 optionally updates the account information
associated with the
user. For example, POS theatre 3310 updates any local databases, as well as
databaseslaccounts located
30 at any concession stands 3334 (step 3332) and/or readers 3326 (step 3324).
Optionally, in response to
the POS theatre's transmissions, concession stand 3334 and reader 3326 may
transmit
acknowledgements indicating that the user's account has successfully been
updated (steps 3336 and
3328).
35 Shortly before show time, the user arrives at the theatre with smart card
3346 in hand. To gain
admission to the theatre, the user presents smart card 3346 to an attendant
who then accesses the user's
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account stored conveniently on the smart card andlor on system memory (step
3340). After checking
the user's account, the attendant either admits or denies admission to the
user based on the information
contained in the account (step 3344). A similar procedure is used to obtain
merchandise and
concessions. In particular, the user presents his or her smart card to an
attendant at concession stand
3334 (step 3348). The smart card is read, the account is accessed, and
products are delivered to the user
in accordance with the user's account (step 3352).
An example of another embodiment of a purchase routine utilizing a wireless
device is
illustrated in FIG. 34. To commence the purchase routine (step 3400), a user
utilizes a wireless device
including, for example, a Bluetooth enabled device, to log on to or establish
a comiection with the POS
server (step 3404). As discussed above, the user may connect to the POS server
via a
transmitting/receiving tower or any other suitable means. After establishing a
connection to the POS
server, the user enters subscriber information including, for instance, an
identifier and/or a password
associated with the user and his or her wireless device. The identifier is
then checked for validity (step
3408).
Subsequent to the validity check, an interactively navigable display is
presented to allow the
user to enter any number of requests from his or her wireless device
including, for example, a particular
movie or a conveniently located theatre, and/or any other analogous request
(step 34I2). In this
embodiment, a list of movie theatres is displayed and the user is prompted to
select a particular theatre
(step 3416).
After selecting a theatre, a listing of the movies showing at the selected
theatre is displayed
(step 3420) for the user's selection (step 3424). If the user fails to make a
selection, processing ends
(step 3428). If the user successfully schedules a movie selection, a listing
of concessions and/or other
merchandise may then be displayed (step 3432). Additionally, the user may, at
any time, opt into or
enter a concession or merchandise menu where these purchases may be made.
Furthermore, the user
may optionally at any time access additional information regarding the movie,
or the theatre or any
other similar information.
Once all desired selections have been made (step 3436), an e-ticket is
optionally transmitted to
the user (step 3440). Again, the e-ticket preferably is encrypted or includes
some sort of watermark to
ensure originality and to prevent counterfeits. The e-ticket is then stored
in, for example, main memory
of the user's wireless device (step 3448). Again, as mentioned above,
advertisements may be displayed
at any time, including during the closing transaction where payment
information is forwarded to the
POS server and POS at the theatre or directly to the POS theatre (step 3452).
The routine continues,
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then, with POS server optionally updating the account information at each
reader (step 3456).
Processing ends, once updating is complete (step 3428).
One example of the process used to redeem a ticket purchased according to this
embodiment is
discussed with reference to FIG. 35. In this procedure, processing starts
(step 3500) with the
presentation of the wireless device by the user to a movie theatre attendant
(step 3504). Subsequently,
the wireless device is read by a reader (step 3508). Reading may be effected
by, for example,
transmitting information via an infrared transmission to the reader. In this
manner, an identifier,
account information, or e-ticket information is transmitted from the wireless
device to the reader and/or
POS server, which may then be used during the admission process and/or to
update the server's records.
The attendant next accesses the user's account to determine whether a ticket
purchase has in
fact been made. As discussed above, the account not only indicates ticket
information, but may also
include information regarding concession or merchandise purchases as well.
Based on this account
information, the user is either admitted or turned away. In particular, an
identifier retrieved from the
account information is first checked for validity (step 3512). If the
identifier is invalid because a ticket
has not been purchased or because of equipment failure, entry is denied (step
3516). Then the theatre
attendant may direct the user to customer assistance (step 3520) where another
attendant or customer
service representative can attempt to resolve the problem (step 3524). If
entry is denied because the
account has not been activated, the user may be asked to subscribe and
purchase a ticket. Furthermore,
additional promotional incentives may at this time be brought to the user's
attention (step 3528).
Afterward, if the user has decided to subscribe he or she may return to the
theatre entrance to
recommence the admission process (step 3504), or if the problem was not
resolved, processing ends
(step 3532).
Returning to step 3512, if the identifier is valid, the user is admitted (step
3536). Optionally,
for reserved seating embodiments, a receipt or seating confirmation may be
printed by either the
attendant or the user's identification device for use in gaining admission to
the actual seat, as proof of
purchase against other customers, or for readmission. Then, if no other
purchases have been made, the
user proceeds to the theatre (step 3552). However, if the user has made
additional purchases (step
3540), such as, for instance, merchandise or concessions, he or she is
directed to a customer station
where the items may be retrieved. At the station, the user presents the
wireless device to an attendant
who then accesses the user's account stored on the user's wireless device
(step 3540). If the account .
indicates that a purchase has previously been made, the merchandise is
delivered to the user (step
3548). From there, the user proceeds to the theatre (3552) and processing ends
(step 3532).
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Furthermore, in any of the embodiments of the present invention, readers may
be installed on
the theatre seats for use in delivering concessions during or before the
movie. With this optional
feature, instead of picking up concessions at a concession stand, the user
selects a seat, and transmits an
identifier from his or her wireless device into a reader accessible from the
seat to facilitate delivery of
the concessions. More particularly, the reader uniquely identifies the
selected seat. Subsequently, the
purchased concessions are delivered directly to the user.
FIG. 36 depicts a combined architecture and process diagram used to illustrate
some of the
concepts of this particular embodiment. Initially, from the user's wireless
device 3601, the user
commences the process by transmitting a transaction request to POS theatre
3610 directly or via a POS
server via transmitter 3602, wireless base station 3603, and network 3606
(steps 3604 and 3608).
Included with the request, among other things, are the user's identification
and requests regarding, for
example, a movie selection, time, location, merchandise, and/or concessions.
As part of the user's
request, POS theatre 3610 interactively responds to the user's inquires,
displays advertisements and
messages, and finalizes the transaction by transmitting an e-ticket to
wireless device 3601 (steps 3612
and 3616).
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the e-ticket,
then, is written or stored
onto memory of the user's wireless device 3601. Subsequently, POS theatre 3610
optionally updates
account information associated with the user. For example, POS theatre 3610
updates any local
databases, as well as databases/accounts located at any concession stands 3630
(step 3628) and/or
readers 3622 (step 3620). Optionally, in response to the POS theatre's
transmissions, concession stand
3630 and reader 3622 may transmit acknowledgements indicating that the user's
account has
successfully been updated (steps 3632 and steps 3624).
Shortly before show time, the user arrives at the theatre with his or her
wireless device 3601.
To gain admission to the theatre, the user transmits an identifier or account
information via, for
example, an infrared transmission to a reader (step 3636). After checking the
user's account, an
attendant either admits or denies admission to the user based on the
information contained in the
account (step 3640). A similar procedure is used to obtain merchandise and
concessions. In particular,
the user transmits account information via, for example, an infrared
transmission to a reader at a
concession stand 3630 (step 3648). An attendant then accesses the account, and
products may
subsequently be delivered to the user (step 3644).
FIG. 37 depicts another purchase routine utilizing biometrics information/data
as the user's
identification device and/or identifier. In this embodiment, biometrics, or
physiological or behavioral
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aspects of the human body, are used for authentication or identification after
a purchase. In these
embodiments, any aspect may be utilized including, for example, finger or
thumb prints, iris or retina
images, electronic signatures, voice or facial scans, hand scans, and or any
other similar features. To
commence this purchase routine (step 3700), a user utilizes any of the above
described client systems,
to log on to or establish a connection with a POS server and/or directly to
the POS (step 3704). As with
the above embodiments, after establishing a connection to the POS server, the
user enters subscriber
information including, for instance, an identifier andlor a password. The
identifier is then checked for
validity (step 3708).
Subsequent to the validity check, an interactively navigable display is
presented to allow the
user to enter any number of requests including, for example, a particular
movie or a conveniently
located theatre, and/or any other analogous request and to allow data to be
collected from the user (step
3712). In addition, as with any of the above examples, numerous advertisements
or other banners may
also be displayed. In this embodiment, a list of movie theatres is displayed
and the user is prompted to
select a particular theatre (step 3716). Of course other processing routines
are possible.
After selecting a theatre, a listing of the movies showing at the selected
theatre is displayed
(step 3720) for the user's selection (step 3724). If the user fails to make a
selection, processing ends
(step 3728). If the user successfully schedules a movie selection, a listing
of concessions and/or other
merchandise may then be displayed (step 3732). Additionally, the user may, at
any time, opt into or
enter a concession or merchandise menu where these purchases may be made.
Furthermore, the user
may optionally at any time access additional information regarding the movie,
or the theatre or any
other similar information.
Once all desired selections have been made (step 3736), a receipt and/or an e-
ticket is
optionally transmitted to the user, and may be printed at the user's
convenience (step 3740). Again, as
mentioned above, advertisements may be displayed at any time, including during
the closing transaction
where payment information is optionally forwarded to the POS server (step
3752). The routine
continues, then, with POS server optionally updating the account information
at each reader or scanning
device (step 3756). Furthermore, in these embodiments, each account is
associated with a piece of
biometrics information. For example, an account may utilize a user's
fingerprint or retina image as an
identifier. Processing ends, once updating of these accounts is complete (step
3728).
One example of a process used to redeem this purchase is discussed with
reference to FIG. 38.
In this procedure, processing starts (step 3800) with the arrival of the user
at a POS scanner/reader (step
3804). Subsequently, the user's biometrics information is scanned or captured
by an automated or
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attendant operated scanner/reading device (step 3808). Reading may be effected
by, for example,
scanning the user's eye, or collecting the user's signature, scanning the
user's voice or face or any other
similar aspect.
5 After scanning, for example, the user's retina, an attendant gains access to
the user's account as
identified by the retina image (stored for example in the server and accessed
via a network linked to the
scanner) to determine whether a ticket purchase has in fact been made. As
discussed above, the account
not only indicates ticket information, but may also include information
regarding concession or
merchandise purchases as well. Based on this account information, the user is
either admitted or turned
10 away. After gathering the biometrics information, the account is checked
for validity (step 3812). If
the account is invalid because a ticket has not been purchased or because of
equipment failure, entry is
denied (step 3816). Then the theatre attendant may direct the user to customer
assistance (step 3820)
where another attendant or customer service representative can attempt to
resolve the problem (step
3824). If entry is denied because the account has not been activated, the user
may be asked to subscribe
15 and purchase a ticket. After deciding to purchase a ticket, the user's
biometrics information is collected
via, for example, a capture device, and stored in the theatre/POS servers
and/or each individual reader
(step 3828). Afterward, if the user has decided to subscribe he or she may
return to recommence the
admission process (step 3804). Otherwise, if the problem was not resolved,
processing ends (step
3832).
Returning to step 3812, if the account is valid and a ticket has been
purchased, the user is
admitted (step 3836). Then, if no other purchases have been made, the user
proceeds to the theatre
(step 3852). However, if the user has made additional purchases (step 3840),
such as, for instance,
merchandise or concession purchases, he or she is directed to a customer
station where the items may
be retrieved. At the station, the user again has his or her biometrics
information scanned by an
attendant or by an auto-attendant which then accesses the user's account (step
3844). If the account
indicates that a purchase has previously been made, the merchandise is
delivered to the user (step
3848). From there, the user proceeds to the theatre (3852) and processing ends
(step 3832).
FIG. 39 depicts a combined architecture and process diagram used to illustrate
some of the
concepts of this particular embodiment. Initially, from a client system such
as, for instance, personal
computer 3901, a user commences the process by transmitting a transaction
request to POS theatre
3910 or optionally via a POS server and then to POS theatre 3910 or other
communication method via
network 3906 (steps 3904 and 3908). Included with the request, among other
things, are the user's
biometrics information and purchase information regarding, for example, a
movie selection, time,
location, merchandise, andlor concessions. As part of the user's request, POS
theatre 3910 interactively
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responds to the user's inquires, displays messages and advertisements, and
finalizes the transaction by
optionally transmitting an e-ticket or receipt to client 3901 (steps 3912 and
3916). In accordance with
the principles of the present invention, the e-ticket, then, is printed at the
user's convenience.
Also in this embodiment, biometrics information may be captured at, for
example, the user's
PC 3901 via, for example a scanner or other capture device 3918. Subsequently,
this information may
be transmitted with order information for use in establishing an account.
Alternatively, a theatxe
capture device 3920 linked to POS theatre 3910 or soma other scanning device
connected to network
3906 may be used in an initialization process to gather biometrics
information, which may then be
associated with an account stored in, for example, server 3910.
Subsequently, POS theatre 3910 optionally updates the account information
associated with the
user. For example, POS theatre 3910 updates any local databases, as well as
databases/accounts located
at any concession stands 3934 (step 3932) and/or readers 3926 (step 3924).
Optionally, in response to
the POS theatre's transmissions, concession stand 3934 and reader 3926 may
transmit
acknowledgements indicating that the user's account has successfully been
updated (steps 3936 and
3928).
Shortly before show time, the user arrives at the theatre. To gain admission
to the theatre, an
attendant scans the user's biometrics data 3946 to accesses the user's account
(step 3940). After
checking the user's account, the attendant either admits or denies admission
to the user based on the
information contained in the account (step 3944). A similar procedure is used.
to obtain merchandise
and concessions. In particular, the user's information is again scanned by an
attendant at concession
stand 3934 (step 3948). The account is accessed, and products are delivered to
the user in accordance
with the user's account (step 3952).
Viewed externally in FIG. 40, a computer system designated by reference
numeral 40 has a
computer 42 having disk drives 44 and 46. Disk drive indications 44 and 46 are
merely symbolic of a
number of disk drives which might be accommodated by the computer system.
Typically, these would
include a floppy disk drive 44, a hard disk drive (not shown externally) and a
CD ROM indicated by
slot 46. The number and type of drives vary, typically with different computer
configurations. Disk
drives 44 and 46 are in fact optional, and for space considerations, are
easily omitted from the computer
system used in conjunction with the production process/apparatus described
herein.
The computer system also has an optional display upon which information
screens may be
displayed. In some situations, a keyboard 50 and a mouse 52 are provided as
input devices through
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which a user's actions may be inputted, thus allowing input to interface with
the central processing unit
42. Then again, for enhanced portability, the keyboard 50 is either a limited
function keyboard or
omitted in its entirety. In addition, mouse 52 optionally is a touch pad
control device, or a track ball
device, or even omitted in its entirety as well, and similarly may be used to
input a user's selections. In
addition, the computer system also optionally includes at least one infrared
transmitter andlor infrared
received fox either transmitting and/or receiving infrared signals, as
described below.
FIG. 41 illustrates a block diagram of the internal hardware of the computer
system 40 of FIG.
40. A bus 56 serves as the main information highway interconnecting the other
components of the
computer system 40. CPU 58 is the central processing unit of the system,
performing calculations and
logic operations required to execute the processes of the instant invention as
well as other programs.
Read only memory (ROM) 60 and random access memory (RAM) 62 constitute the
main memory of
the computer. Disk controller 64 interfaces one or more disk drives to the
system bus 56. These disk
drives are, for example, floppy disk drives such as 70, or CD ROM or DVD
(digital video disks) drive
such as 66, or internal or external hard drives 68. As indicated previously,
these various disk drives and
disk controllers are optional devices.
A display interface 72 interfaces display 48 and permits information from the
bus 56 to be
displayed on the display 48. Again as indicated, display 48 is also an
optional accessory. For example,
display 48 could be substituted or omitted. Communications with external
devices, for example, the
other components of the system described herein, occur utilizing communication
port 74. For example,
optical fibers and/or electrical cables and/or conductors and/or optical
communication (e.g., infrared,
and the like) and/or wireless communication (e.g., radio frequency (RF), and
the like) can be used as
the transport medium between the external devices and communication port 74.
Peripheral interface
54 interfaces the keyboard 50 and the mouse 52, permitting input data to be
transmitted to the bus 56.
In addition to the standard components of the computer, the computer also
optionally includes an
infrared transmitter 78 and/or infrared receiver 76. Infrared transmitters are
optionally utilized when
the computer system is used in conjunction with one or more of the processing
components/stations that
transmits/receives data via infrared signal transmission. Instead of utilizing
an infrared transmitter or
infrared receiver, the computer system may also optionally use a low power
radio transmitter 80 and/or
a low power radio receiver 82 as shown in the alternate embodiment of FIG. 42.
The low power radio
transmitter transmits the signal for reception by components of the production
process, and receives
signals from the components via the low power radio receiver. The low power
radio transmitter and/or
receiver are standard devices in industry.
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FIG. 43 is an illustration of an exemplary memory medium 84 which can be used
with disk
drives illustrated in FIGS. 40-42. Typically, memory media such as floppy
disks, or a CD ROM, or a
digital video disk will contain, for example, a multi-byte locale for a single
byte language and the
program information for controlling the computer to enable the computer to
perform the functions
described herein. Alternatively, ROM 60 and/or RAM 62 illustrated in FIGS. 40-
42 can also be used to
store the program information that is used to instruct the central processing
unit 58 to perform the
operations associated with the instant processes.
Although computer system 40 is illustrated having a single processor, a single
hard disk drive
and a single local memory, the system 40 is optionally suitably equipped with
any multitude or
combination of processors or storage devices. Computer system 40 is, in point
of fact, able to be
replaced by, or combined with, any suitable processing system operative in
accordance with the
principles of the present invention, including sophisticated calculators, and
hand-held, laptop/notebook,
mini, mainframe and super computers, as well as processing system network
combinations of the same.
Conventional processing system architecture is more fully discussed in
Computer Organization
and Architecture, by William Stallings, MacMillan Publishing Co. (3rd ed.
1993); conventional
processing system network design is more fully discussed in Data Network
Design, by Darren L.
Spohn, McGraw-Hill, Inc. (1993), and conventional data communications are more
fully discussed in
Data Communications Principles, by R.D. Gitlin, J.F. Hayes and S.B. Weinstain,
Plenum Press (1992)
and in The Irwin Handbook of Telecommunications, by James Harry Green, Irwin
Professional
Publishing (2nd ed. 1992). Each of the foregoing publications is incorporated
herein by reference.
Alternatively, the hardware configuration is, for example, arranged according
to the multiple instruction
multiple data (MI1VID) multiprocessor format for additional computing
efficiency. The details of this
form of computer architecture are disclosed in greater detail in, for example,
U.S. Patent No. 5,163,131;
Boxer, A., Where Buses Cannot Go, IEEE Spectrum, February 1995, pp. 41-45; and
Barroso, L.A. et
al., RPM: A Rapid Prototyping Engine for Multiprocessor Systems, IEEE Computer
February 1995, pp.
26-34, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In alternate preferred embodiments, the above-identified processor, and, in
particular, CPU 58,
may be replaced by or combined with any other suitable processing circuits,
including programmable
logic devices, such as PALs (programmable array logic) and PLAs (programmable
logic arrays). DSPs
(digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), ASICs
(application specific
integrated circuits), VLSIs (very large scale integrated circuits) or the
like.
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FIG. 44 is an illustration of the architecture of the combined Internet, POTS
(plain, old,
telephone service), and ADSL (asymmetric, digital, subscriber line) for use in
accordance with the
principles of the present invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that
the use of the Internet,
ADSL, and POTS are for exemplary reasons only and that any suitable
communications network may
be substituted without departing from the principles of the present invention.
This particular example is
briefly discussed below.
In FIG. 44, to preserve POTS and to prevent a fault in the ADSL equipment 254,
256 from
compromising analog voice traffic 226, 296 the voice part of the spectrum (the
lowest 4 kHz) is
separated from the rest by a passive filter, called a POTS splitter 258, 260.
The rest of the available
bandwidth - - from about 10 kHz to 1 MHz - - carries data at rates up to 6
bits per second for every
hertz of bandwidth from data equipment 262, 264, and 294. The ADSL equipment
256 then has access
to a number of destinations including significantly the Internet 220 or other
data communications
networks, and other destinations 270, 272.
To exploit the higher frequencies, ADSL makes use of advanced modulation
techniques, of
which the best known is the discrete multitone (DMT) technology. As its name
implies, ADSL
transmits data asymmetrically - - at different rates upstream toward the
central office 252 and
downstream toward the subscriber 250.
Cable television providers are providing analogous Internet service to PC
users over their TV
cable systems by means of special cable modems. Such modems are capable of
transmitting up to 30
Mb/s over hybrid fiber/coax system, which use fiber to bring signals to a
neighborhood and coax to
distribute it to individual subscribers.
Cable modems come in many forms. Most create a downstream data stream out of
one of the
6-MHz TV channels that occupy spectrum above 50 MHz (and more likely 550 MHz)
and carve an
upstream channel out of the 5-50-MHz band, which is currently unused. Using 64-
state quadrature
amplitude modulation (64 QAM), a downstream channel can realistically transmit
about 30 Mb/s (the
oft-quoted lower speed of 10 Mb/s refers to PC rates associated with Ethernet
connections). Upstream
rates differ considerably from vendor to vendor, but good hybrid fiber/coax
systems can deliver
upstream speeds of a few megabits per second. Thus, like ADSL, cable modems
transmit much more
information downstream than upstream. Then Internet architecture 220 and ADSL
architecture 254,
256 may also be combined with, for example, user networks 222, 224, and 228.
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In accordance with the principles of the present invention, in one example, a
main computing
server implementing the process of the invention may be located on one or more
computing nodes or
terminals (e.g., on user networks 222, 224, and 228 or system 240). Then,
various users may interface
with the main server via, for instance, the ADSL equipment discussed above,
and access the
information and processes of the present invention from remotely located PCs.
As illustrated in this
embodiment, users may access or use or interact with the computer assisted
program in computer
system 40 via various access methods. Databases 85, 86, 87, 88, and 40 are
accessible via, for example
computer system 40 and may be used in conjunction with client manager module
91, tracking module
92, smart card readers 93, for the various functions described above.
The above embodiments are only to be construed as examples of the various
different types of
computer systems that may be utilized in connection with the computer assisted-
implemented process
for purchasing and provisioning items over global and/or local networks.
The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the
detailed specification,
and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and
advantages of the
invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Further, since numerous
modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art,
it is not desired to limit the
invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described,
and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of
the invention.
