Kiosk gift card system and method

Abstract

A gift card system and method for purchasing gift cards at a kiosk is disclosed. The system/method includes a gift card distribution kiosk located at a retail establishment that provides a user with access to a multitude of different forms of gift cards that may be purchased and printed onto a customizable card with a personalized message. The kiosk includes a kiosk processor interface, a gift card dispenser, a card reader and gift card management server connected to a network. The gift card management server, through the kiosk processor interface, provides vendor options to users to select and pay via the card reader. In another embodiment, the kiosk is used to redeem unused user gift cards for a reduced value user selected gift card, reduced cash value, full value store card, rewards points, bank debit, and/or electronic code user towards online purchases.

Claims

1. A kiosk gift card manufacturing system communicating with a gift card management server (GMS) by means of a computer communications network (CCN), said kiosk gift card manufacturing system comprising: (a) a kiosk processor interface (KPI); (b) a kiosk card reader (KCR); (c) a gift card dispenser (GCD); (d) a gift card collector (GCC); and (e) a gift card printer (GCP); wherein: said KPI is configured to electronically communicate with said GMS through said CCN; said KPI is configured to enable users to interact with said GMS through said CCN; said GMS is configured to provide said users with options to purchase user-selected gift cards; said GMS is configured to provide said users with options to redeem value within or consolidate monetary value from within one or more pre-existing gift cards; said GCP is configured to print said user-selected gift cards upon receiving a payment from said user; said user-selected gift cards are associated with a gift card value; said GCS is configured to provide blank cards for said user-selected gift card printing to said GCP; said KPI is configured to communicate with a second kiosk gift card manufacturing system via said CCN to affect printing of said user-selected gift cards on said second kiosk gift card manufacturing system.

2. The kiosk gift card manufacturing system of claim 1 wherein said GMS is further configured to communicate to said KPI via said CCN using: (a) a vendor management system (VMS); (b) a payment server; (c) a vendor database; and (d) an advertising server; wherein said VMS is configured to communicate with a plurality of vendors to submit user requests for gift cards; said plurality of vendors are configured to respond to said user requests via said CCN; said vendor database is configured to store and maintain data related to said plurality of vendors; said payment server is configured to accept payments for said gift cards; and said advertising server is configured to display advertisements on said KPI.

3. The kiosk gift card manufacturing system of claim 1 wherein said gift card value is associated with a discounted value of said pre-existing gift card.

4. The kiosk gift card manufacturing system of claim 1 further comprises a means to dispense cash associated with a discounted value of said pre-existing gift card.

5. The kiosk gift card manufacturing system of claim 1 wherein said KPI is configured to redeem one or more of said pre-existing gift cards and consolidate them monetary value of said pre-existing gift cards in a bank account specified by said user.

6. The kiosk gift card manufacturing system of claim 1 wherein said kiosk processor interface is a touch interface.

7. The kiosk gift card manufacturing system of claim 1 wherein said kiosk processor interface is a graphical interface.

8. The kiosk gift card manufacturing system of claim 1 wherein said CCN is wired.

9. The kiosk gift card manufacturing system of claim 1 wherein said CCN is wireless.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the advantages provided by the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates an overall kiosk gift card system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed kiosk gift card system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed kiosk processor interface system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed kiosk processor interface display according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart describing an exemplary kiosk gift card purchase according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart describing an exemplary kiosk gift card exchange/redeeming according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart describing an exemplary kiosk gift card to gift card exchange option according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart describing an exemplary kiosk gift card to cash exchange method option according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart describing an exemplary kiosk gift card to bank debit exchange method option according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart describing an exemplary kiosk gift card to store credit exchange method option according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart describing an exemplary kiosk gift card to rewards points exchange method option according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart describing an exemplary kiosk gift card to Ecode exchange method option according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 13 illustrates a gift card value check system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(15) FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart describing a gift card value check method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(16) FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary remote kiosk gift card presentation system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(17) FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart describing a remote kiosk gift card presentation method according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

(18) While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detailed preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

(19) The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to the presently preferred embodiment, wherein these innovative teachings are advantageously applied to the particular problems of a gift card system and method. However, it should be understood that this embodiment is only one example of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others.

Preferred Exemplary Kiosk Gift Card System (0100)

(20) The present invention may be seen in more detail as generally illustrated in FIG. 1 (0100), wherein a kiosk gift card system comprises a kiosk (0104) with a gift card dispenser (0111), a live interface portal (LIP) (0106), a kiosk processor interface (0105) that communicates with a gift card management server (0102). The kiosk processor interface (0105) may be a touch user interface that is based upon the sense of touch or a graphical user interface (GUI) that may navigated with a pointing device such as a mouse. A user (0101) may use the touch interface to interact and navigate the kiosk (0104). According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, a user may purchase a gift card at kiosk with the kiosk processor interface. The gift card may be customized to add a fixed value and also personalized to add a personal message on the card. A user may request a gift card for a specific vendor, for example Starbucks, and add a fixed amount, for example $90. Furthermore, the user may add a personalized message such as Happy Holidays on the card. Additionally, the user may personalize the font, design, color, size, and position of the personalized message. The kiosk processor interface (KPI) (0105) receives a purchase request from the user (0101) and forwards the request to a gift card management server (GMS) (0102). The GMS (0102) may then connect with the vendor of interest and receive a confirmation to print the gift card. The GMS (0102) may then instruct a printer to print the gift card and dispense the gift card via the gift card dispenser (0111) after an amount has been paid with a card reader and a payment module. After a transaction is complete, the user may request real time support through a live interface portal (0106) such as a camera or an online chat on the KPI (0105). The user may also seek live support during the gift card transaction with the live interface portal (0106). The LIP (0106) may further communicate with a customer support center through (0103) a network and gift card management server (0102).

Preferred Exemplary Kiosk Gift Card System (0200)

(21) The present invention may be seen in more detail as generally illustrated in FIG. 2 (0200), wherein a user/consumer (0201) interacts with a kiosk gift card system located in a retail establishment. For example the kiosk may be located in retail establishments such as Walmart, Home Depot, in a Mall, in a public event place such a sports stadium, in an office building etc. The system comprises a kiosk (0210) with a kiosk processor interface (KPI) (0211) that communicates with a gift card management server (0230). The GMS (0230) may be physically connected directly to the kiosk (0210). The GMS (0230) may be remotely located that may be accessible via the network (0240). An administrator may remotely monitor GMS (0230) via the network (0240). The network may be wired and may use protocols such as Ethernet. The network may be wireless and may use protocols such as 4G, LTE, and/or Bluetooth.

(22) The KPI (0211) is configured for enabling users to interact with GMS (0230). The GMS (0230) may further comprise a microprocessor executing instructions read from a computer-readable medium (0231) and a graphical user interface (GUI) with a pointing device. An administrator may open a GUI and select vendor database (0232) for updating records. A more detailed view of GUI may be seen in FIG. 4 (0400).

(23) The kiosk further comprises a Kiosk Card Stacker (0213) that maintains an inventory of blank cards equipped with or without a NFC device. The NFC device in a card may be enabled to communicate wirelessly with a NFC reader installed in a mobile computing device such as a smart phone or other NFC reader equipped devices. The blank cards may be configured to be in different sizes so as to enable users to choose a size. A Kiosk card printer (0214) may be connected physically to the Kiosk Card Stacker (0213). The Kiosk Card Stacker (0213) may automatically feed a blank card to the printer when it receives a print request. The print request may include information pertaining to the card size, personalized message, color, logo, value, and/or NFC chip. The kiosk processor interface (KPI) (0211) may receive a purchase/exchange request from a user (0201) which subsequently forwards the request to a gift card management server (GMS) (0230). The GMS (230) may then search the vendor database (0232) to check if the vendor exists on the database. If so, the GMS (0230) may connect with the vendor of interest via vendor management server (VMS) (0250) via network (0240) and receive a confirmation to print the gift card. The user may pay with a credit card or debit card for the requested amount with a card reader (0217). The user may also choose to pay in cash. The card reader may communicate via network (0240) with a payment server (0260) that authenticates the payment and sends a confirmation for the payment. The GMS (0230) may then instruct a printer (0214) to print the gift card and dispense the gift card via the gift card dispenser (0215). According to an exemplary embodiment, gift card manufacturing on demand (MOD) with a gift card kiosk enables a consumer to print a gift card on as needed basis.

(24) The kiosk may also comprise a Near Field Communication (NFC) device (0212). The communication (NFC) is a standards-based short-range wireless connectivity technology that makes life easier and more convenient for consumers by making it simpler to make transactions, exchange digital content, and connect electronic devices with a touch. The user may use a mobile computing device (0202) equipped with a NFC reader to establish a NFC connection with the kiosk (0210). According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the user (0201) may use the NFC device (0202) to pay for a gift card. The user may also receive a confirmation to the device (0202).

(25) The kiosk (0210) may also be communicating via network (0240) with an advertisement server ADS (0270) that is configured to display advertisements on the kiosk processor interface (0211). According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the kiosk is enabled to target advertisements to the user through the advertising server (0270).

(26) The kiosk (0210) may also use a card collector (0216) to gather unused gift cards that may be redeemed or exchanged for like kind gift cards or cash as described below in one of several methods. The unused cards may be recycled or reused for customized gift cards.

(27) According to preferred exemplary embodiment, the kiosk in the retail establishment may be integrated into the retail network server (0280) to provide retailer specific value offers and discounts. For example, if the kiosk is located in Walmart, advertisements and offers related to Walmart may be displayed on the KPI (0211). Value Offers may also be presented to the user on a mobile computing device (MCD) (0202). The consumer may use the Value offers at check out with the MCD (0202) or print a paper copy at the kiosk.

(28) Vendor Database (0232)

(29) As illustrated below in Table 1.0, the vendor database (VBD) (0232) may further comprise vendor related information such as Vendor Name, Vendor ID, Credit Limit, Address and Gift Card Serial Number. The VDB (0232) may communicate with GMS (0230) or through a wired or wireless network. When a consumer requests a gift card, the KPI (0211) may process and forward the request to the GMS (0230). The GMS (0230) may determine the vendor from request and issue a gift card with a serial number from the VDB (0232). If the requested gift card amount exceeds the Credit Limit for the vendor, the GMS (0230) may forward the request to a vendor management server (0250). The VMS (0250) may further communicate with the user requested vendor with the Address, for authorization upon which a customized gift card may be printed and dispensed to the requesting consumer.

(30) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1.0 Vendor Vendor Credit Name ID Limit Address Gift Card Serial No. Vendor 1 58769 $1,000 www.vendor1.com 5687587-576768 Vendor 2 69789 $500 www.vendor2.com 6687587-676769 Vendor 3 96987 $100 www.vendor3.com 7687587-776770 Vendor 4 56876 $500 www.vendor4.com 8687587-876771 Vendor 5 64647 $1,000 www.vendor5.com 9687587-976772
Consumer Database (0233)

(31) As illustrated below in Table 2.0, the consumer database (CBD) (0233) may further comprise consumer related information such as Consumer Name, Consumer ID, Credit Check, Consumer Contact information, and Consumer History. A single entry for example may contain information about a consumer 1 with a consumer ID 123-56-789 who has been credit checked. The CDB (0233) may also maintain consumer history and past purchases. For example, Consumer 1 may have purchased a Vendor 1 and Vendor 3 gift card. The consumer history may be analyzed further for presenting specific advertisements to consumers with an advertising server ADS (0270). It should be appreciated by anyone skilled in the art that the database may be maintained and stored in standard SQL or any industry DBMS standard.

(32) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2.0 Consumer Name Customer ID Credit Check Customer Contact History Consumer 1 123-56-789 Yes 123-334-3456 Vendor 1, Vendor 3 Consumer 2 123-56-790 Yes 123-354-3457 Vendor 3, Vendor 4 Consumer 3 123-56-791 No 123-364-3458 Vendor 2, Vendor 5 Consumer 4 123-56-792 Yes 123-374-3459 Vendor 4, Vendor 6 Customer 5 123-56-793 No 123-384-3460 Vendor 6, Vendor 7
Consumer Personalization

(33) According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, consumer personalization may be used to provide specific customer history with real time evaluation and supported purchases. For example, from the aforementioned table 2.0, consumer 2 may be evaluated in real time based on past purchase history such as Vendor 3 and Vendor 4. The consumer 3 may be presented with an advertisement for Vendor 3 or Vendor 4 after identifying the consumer with the CDB (0233) and consumer ID.

(34) Consumer History Macro (Total) & Micro (by Card)

(35) According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the CDB (0233) may also provide Macro reports for total customer specific history in a particular category. For example a consumer's past history from the CDB (0233) may indicate purchases in a drug store and the specific information may be used to present drug store related advertisements or drug store related gift cards.

(36) Similarly, the CDB (0233) may also provide Micro reports for specific customer history with a genre or historical favorites. For example, a consumer's past history or historical favorites may be analyzed and determined that a consumer is interested in sports. A history of all transactions on a particular card may also be analyzed and

(37) Consumer Card Balances

(38) According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, a consumer may use the KPI (0211) and obtain real time balance on a gift card directly or with a NFC device (0202). A consumer (0201) may insert a gift card into card reader (0217) in the kiosk (0200). The card reader (0202) may then determine the vendor ID based on the gift card information. The GMS (0230) may then query the vendor database (0232) with the Vendor ID and receive a vendor address which may be used to login into a vendor management server (VMS) (0250). The VMS (0250) may then respond to the GMS (0230) with a gift card balance that may be presented to the consumer (0201) on the interface (0211). The gift card balance may also be wirelessly transmitted to the consumer's mobile device (0202) with the NFC reader (0212).

(39) Consumer Direct Marketing

(40) According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the retailer system/kiosk interface provides customer specific advertising micro marketing material with the Advertising server (ADS) (0270). For example, when a consumer interfaces with the KPI (0211), the consumer may be identified with a consumer ID and the CDB (0233). The GMS (0230) may use the consumer information forward it to an advertisement server ADS (0270) that is configured to serve advertisements. The ADS (0270) may serve advertisements directly to the consumer based on the consumers past purchase history while the customer is waiting for a transaction. Similarly, micro marketed promotions and discounts based on historical purchases or viewing may also be provided to a consumer.

(41) Consumer Fraud Alerts

(42) According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the system/kiosk may provide push communication in the event of any issues with account usage or unauthorized access. When a user interfaces with KPI (0211), the consumer may be identified and if there is a history of misusage in the consumer's history, an alert may be communicated to the retail establishment. The alert may be transmitted with the network (0240) or an alarm may be sounded to notify concerned officials.

(43) Consumer Customer Services

(44) According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the kiosk may provide connectivity with a live communication for post purchase, post issue follow up with a live interface portal (LIP) (0218). The LIP (0218) may be an audio device such as a microphone or a video device such as a camera. The LIP (0218) may enable a consumer (0201) to communicate with a live customer support (0290) via GMS (0230) and network (0240). Alternately, a consumer may perform an online chat on the KPI (0211) with a touch screen or typing with a keyboard. The consumer may also request support before a transaction, during a transaction, or after a transaction.

Preferred Exemplary Kiosk Processor Interface (0300-0400)

(45) As generally illustrated in FIG. 3 (0300) and FIG. 4 (0400), an exemplary kiosk processor interface (0301) comprises a gift card menu (0310) for purchasing/exchanging, a gift card exchange/redeeming menu (0320), a payment option menu (0330), an administrator menu (0340), and a chat menu (0350). A user may interface with a kiosk via the KPI (0301) and navigate through the menus with a touch interface or a graphical interface. The user may select an exchange menu (0320) to exchange unused gift cards that may or may not have a balance on them. The user may exchange for another gift card from a different vendor, cash, bank debit, store credit, and/or an eCode for use with online purchases (0321). An administrator may login to the KPI (0301) via the admin menu (0340) and perform administrator actions such as set up, update, reboot, and/or install new features (0341). The user may be provided with payment options such as credit card, debit card, and/or cash (0331). The user may select a gift card menu (0310) to access options such as gift card purchase, gift card exchange, gift card redeem or gift card balance check (0311). The user may also request support from customer support (0290) through a live interface portal. The user may choose one of the chat options (0351) from online chat, video chat and voice chat.

Preferred Exemplary Flowchart Kiosk Gift Card Purchase Method (0500)

(46) As generally seen in the flow chart of FIG. 5 (0500), a preferred exemplary Kiosk Gift Card Purchase method may be generally described in terms of the following steps: (1) clicking on the kiosk processor interface (0501); A user may click through or touch the KPI to navigate the different options of the interface as aforementioned in FIG. 3 (0300) and FIG. 4 (0400). (2) browsing through a list of vendors (0502); The user may browse through a list of vendors that are stored and maintained in a vendor database that is accessible by a gift card management server via a network. An administrator may add/delete/update vendors in the vendor database. (3) selecting a vendor to purchase a gift card from the vendor (0503); The user may select a vendor from the list of vendors. (4) requesting a monetary amount to apply to the gift card (0504); The user may request an amount to be applied to the gift card. The request may then be forwarded to GMS for processing. The GMS may connect with the vendor of interest to vendor management server (VMS) via network and receive a confirmation to print the gift card. (5) paying the monetary amount (0505); The user may pay with a credit card or debit card for the requested amount with a card reader. The user may also choose to pay in cash. The card reader may communicate via network with a payment server that authenticates the payment and sends a confirmation for the payment. (6) printing and dispensing the gift card (0506); and The GMS may then instruct a gift card printer to print the gift card with a personalized message and dispense the gift card via a gift card dispenser. (7) collecting the gift card (0507). The user may then collect the gift card from the gift card dispenser.

Preferred Exemplary Flowchart Kiosk Gift Card Exchange Method (0600)

(47) As generally seen in the flow chart of FIG. 6 (0600), a preferred exemplary Kiosk Gift Card Exchange method may be generally described in terms of the following steps: (1) clicking on the kiosk processor interface (0601); A user may click through or touch the KPI to navigate the different options of the interface as aforementioned in FIG. 3 (0300) and FIG. 4 (0400). (2) scanning user gift cards with a card reader (0602); The user may user a card reader to scan user gift cards that are unused or have a balance remaining on them. A unique identification number (UID) associated with each gift card may be saved in a local database maintained by the GMS. The Kiosk card collector may collect the cards and unused cards may be recycled or reused for future customized gift cards. (3) calculating a consolidated value for remaining balance of the user gift cards (0603); and the gift card management server may add the remaining balances on all the user gift cards and determine a consolidated value. The GMS may communicate with plural vendors via the vendor management server with the UID's to determine remaining balance on each cards. For example, gift card 1 may have an unused value of $34, gift card 1 may have an unused value of $46 and gift card 1 may have an unused value of $100. The GMS will determine a consolidated value of $180 for the unused gift cards. (4) providing redeeming options for exchanging said user gift cards to the users (0604). The KPI may provide various exchange options for the consolidated value such as another gift card from a different vendor, cash, bank debit, store credit, and/or an eCode for use with online purchases.

Preferred Exemplary Flowchart Kiosk Gift Card-Gift Card Exchange Method (0700)

(48) As generally seen in the flow chart of FIG. 7 (0700), a preferred exemplary Kiosk Gift Card to Gift Card Exchange method may be generally described in terms of the following steps: (1) choosing gift card option from a redeeming menu on the kiosk processor interface (0701); (2) receiving plural vendor options and a discounted offer in exchange for the consolidated value (0702); The GMS may provide the user with a list of available vendors to choose from along with a discounted offer value in exchange for the consolidated value. For example, the GMS may offer a $100 worth Home Depot Card for a consolidated value of $180. (3) selecting a vendor from said options for a new vendor gift card (0703); If the user accepts the offer value, the user may select a vendor from the list of vendors. (4) requesting a monetary amount to apply to the vendor gift card (0704); The user may request a monetary value to apply to the selected vendor gift card. For example, the user may request to apply $110 to the gift card. (5) paying any additional monetary amount above the offer value (0705); The user may pay the $10 difference from the step above to apply to the gift card. (6) printing and dispensing said gift card from a blank card applying the monetary amount (0706); and (7) collecting the gift card (0707).

Preferred Exemplary Flowchart Kiosk Gift Card-Cash Exchange Method (0800)

(49) As generally seen in the flow chart of FIG. 8 (0800), a preferred exemplary Kiosk Gift Card to Cash Exchange method may be generally described in terms of the following steps: (1) choosing cash option from a redeeming menu on the kiosk processor interface (0801); (2) receiving a discounted offer in exchange for the consolidated value (0802); (3) accepting the offer value, if not, proceeding to step (0806) (0803); (4) dispensing cash for the offer value (0804); (5) collecting cash from the dispenser (0805); and (6) returning the user gift cards (0806).

Preferred Exemplary Flowchart Kiosk Gift Card-Bank Debit Exchange Method (0900)

(50) As generally seen in the flow chart of FIG. 9 (0900), a preferred exemplary Kiosk Gift Card to Bank Debit Exchange method may be generally described in terms of the following steps: (1) choosing bank debit option from a redeeming menu on the kiosk processor interface (0901); (2) receiving a discounted offer for the consolidated value (0902); (3) accepting the offer value, if not, proceeding to step (0906) (0903); (4) providing bank account information (0904); (5) transferring funds for the offer value to the bank information (0905); and (6) returning the user gift cards (0906).

Preferred Exemplary Flowchart Kiosk Gift Card-Store Credit Exchange Method (1000)

(51) As generally seen in the flow chart of FIG. 10 (1000), a preferred exemplary Kiosk Gift Card to Store Credit Exchange method may be generally described in terms of the following steps: (1) choosing store credit option from a redeeming menu on the kiosk processor interface (1001); (2) receiving a full value offer in exchange for the consolidated value (1002); (3) paying any additional monetary amount above the offer value (1003); (4) printing and dispensing said store card for the retail establishment from a blank card applying the monetary amount (1004); and (5) collecting the store card (1005).

Preferred Exemplary Flowchart Kiosk Gift Card-Rewards Points Exchange Method (1100)

(52) As generally seen in the flow chart of FIG. 11 (1100), a preferred exemplary Kiosk Gift Card to rewards points Exchange method may be generally described in terms of the following steps: (1) choosing rewards points option from a redeeming menu on the kiosk processor interface (1101); (2) receiving rewards points in exchange for the consolidated value (1102); (3) accepting the rewards points, if not, proceeding to step (1106) (1103); (4) providing rewards account information (1104); (5) transferring the rewards points to the rewards account (1105); and (6) returning the user gift cards (1106).

Preferred Exemplary Flowchart Kiosk Gift Card-Ecode Exchange Method (1200)

(53) As generally seen in the flow chart of FIG. 12 (1200), a preferred exemplary Kiosk Gift Card to rewards points Exchange method may be generally described in terms of the following steps: (1) choosing eCode option from a redeeming menu on the kiosk processor interface (1201); (2) receiving a discounted offer in exchange for the consolidated value (1202); (3) accepting the offer value, if not, proceeding to step (1206) (1203); (4) providing means for transmitting a eCode to the user (1204); (5) transmitting the eCode to the user (1205); and (6) returning the user gift cards (1206).

Preferred Exemplary Gift Card Value Check System (1300)

(54) The present invention may be seen in more detail as generally illustrated in FIG. 13 (1300), wherein a user/consumer (1301) with a NFC reader equipped mobile computing device (1303) checks value of a gift card (1305). The gift card (1305) may also be embedded with a NFC compatible chip (1306) that communicates wirelessly with device (1303). The consumer (1301) may query the balance of a gift card (1305) with an application on the device (1303). The mobile device (1303) may then query a vendor management server (VMS) (1350) via a network (1304). The VMS (1350) may be remotely located that may be accessible via the network (1304). An administrator may remotely monitor VMS (1350) via the network (1304). The network may be wired and may use protocols such as Ethernet. The network may be wireless and may use protocols such as 4G, LTE, and/or Bluetooth. When queried by the device (1303) with a gift card identification number (Gift card ID), the VMS (1350) may respond with a balance on the gift card. The mobile device (1303) may then display the gift card balance to the consumer (1301).

Preferred Exemplary Gift Card Value Check Method (1400)

(55) As generally illustrated in FIG. 14 (1400), the present invention system may be utilized in the context of an overall gift card balance/value check method, wherein the gift card value check system as described previously in FIG. 13 (1300) is controlled by a method having the following steps: (1) reading gift card identification (ID) number from a gift card with a NFC reader in a mobile computing device (1401); (2) transmitting the gift card ID to a vendor management server (1402); (3) receiving gift card balance from the vendor management server (1403); and (4) displaying the gift card balance on the mobile computing device (1404).

Preferred Exemplary Remote Kiosk Gift Card Presentation System (1500)

(56) The present invention may be seen in more detail as generally illustrated in FIG. 15 (1500), wherein a kiosk gift card system comprises a kiosk (1504) with a gift card dispenser, a live interface portal (LIP), and a kiosk processor interface that communicates with a gift card management server (1502). The kiosk processor interface may be a touch user interface that is based upon the sense of touch or a graphical user interface (GUI) that may navigated with a pointing device such as a mouse. A user (1501) may use the touch interface to interact and navigate the kiosk (1504). The kiosk (1504) may communicate with another remote kiosk (1514) located at a different retail establishment. The retail establishment may be located in the same place or in a different location or place. According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, a user may purchase a gift card at a kiosk with the kiosk processor interface and print the gift card at a remote kiosk that could be collected at the remote retail establishment. The kiosk (1504) may communicate with kiosk (1514) via a network (1503) through gift card management system (1502) and gift card management system (1512). According to yet another preferred exemplary embodiment, a user may redeem unused gift cards at a kiosk with the kiosk processor interface, accept an offered monetary value from the kiosk, and print the gift card at a remote kiosk that could be collected at the remote retail establishment. According to a further preferred exemplary embodiment, a user (1501) may purchase a gift card at a kiosk (1504) with the kiosk processor interface, receive an electronic code (ecode) from the kiosk (1504), and transmit the ecode to another user (1511) located at another location. The user (1511) may then print a customized gift card at a remote kiosk (1514). The ecode may be scrambled, encrypted, and/or encoded for security purposes.

Preferred Exemplary Flowchart Remote Kiosk Gift Card Presentation Method (1600)

(57) As generally illustrated in FIG. 16 (1600), the present invention system may be utilized in the context of an overall remote kiosk gift card presentation method, wherein the remote kiosk gift card presentation system as described previously in FIG. 15 (1500) is controlled by a method having the following steps: (1) paying cash or redeeming unused gift cards (gift cards with a balance) choosing eCode option from a redemption menu on a kiosk processor interface (1601); (2) receiving a discounted cash offer value in exchange for the consolidated value of the unused gift cards (1602); (3) accepting the offer value and selecting a ecode or ecode option, if not, proceeding to step (1609) (1603); (4) providing means for transmitting a ecode to the user, if ecode is selected (1604); (5) transmitting the ecode to a remote user (1605); (6) purchasing gift cards with said ecode at a second gift card kiosk located in a second location (1606); (7) printing a gift card at a remote kiosk in a different (second) location in a retail establishment, if remote printing is selected in step (1603) (1607); (8) collecting the printed gift card at the remote kiosk by a second user (1608); (9) returning the user gift cards (1609).

System Summary

(58) The present invention system anticipates a wide variety of variations in the basic theme of kiosk gift card system, but can be generalized as a kiosk gift card system in a retail establishment comprising:

(59) (a) kiosk processor interface;

(60) (b) gift card management server;

(61) (c) card reader; and

(62) (d) gift card dispenser;

(63) wherein the kiosk processor interface is configured to enable users to interact with the gift card management server; the gift card management server is configured to connect to a network; the gift card management server is configured to provide the users with options to purchase user-selected gift cards; and the gift card dispenser is configured to print the user-selected gift cards upon receiving payment through the card reader.

(64) This general system summary may be augmented by the various elements described herein to produce a wide variety of invention embodiments consistent with this overall design description.

Method Summary

(65) The present invention method anticipates a wide variety of variations in the basic theme of implementation, but can be generalized as a kiosk gift card system purchase method wherein the method is performed on a kiosk gift card system system comprising:

(66) (a) kiosk processor interface;

(67) (b) gift card management server;

(68) (c) card reader; and

(69) (d) gift card dispenser;

(70) wherein the kiosk processor interface is configured to enable users to interact with the gift card management server; the gift card management server is configured to connect to a network; the gift card management server is configured to provide the users with options to purchase user-selected gift cards; and

(71) the gift card dispenser is configured to print the user-selected gift cards upon receiving payment through the card reader;

(72) wherein the method comprises the steps of: (1) clicking on the kiosk processor interface; (2) browsing through a list of vendors; (3) selecting a vendor to purchase a gift card from the vendor; (4) requesting a monetary amount to apply to the gift card; (5) paying the monetary amount; (6) printing and dispensing the gift card; and (7) collecting the gift card.

(73) This general method summary may be augmented by the various elements described herein to produce a wide variety of invention embodiments consistent with this overall design description.

System/Method Variations

(74) The present invention anticipates a wide variety of variations in the basic theme of kiosk gift card system. The examples presented previously do not represent the entire scope of possible usages. They are meant to cite a few of the almost limitless possibilities.

(75) This basic system and method may be augmented with a variety of ancillary embodiments, including but not limited to: An embodiment wherein the gift card management server is further configured to communicate via the network with: (a) vendor management server; (b) payment server; (c) vendor database; and (d) advertising server wherein the vendor management server is configured to communicate with plural vendors to submit user requests for gift cards; the plural vendors are configured to respond to the user requests with the network; the vendor database is configured to store and maintain data related to the plural vendors; the payment server is configured to accept payments for the gift cards; and the advertising server is configured to display advertisements on the kiosk processor interface. An embodiment wherein the kiosk processor interface is a touch interface. An embodiment wherein the kiosk processor interface is a graphical interface. An embodiment wherein the network is wired. An embodiment wherein the network is wireless.

(76) One skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments are possible based on combinations of elements taught within the above invention description.

CONCLUSION

(77) A kiosk gift card system and method for purchasing gift cards at a kiosk has been disclosed. The system/method includes a gift card distribution kiosk located at a retail establishment that provides a user with access to a multitude of different forms of gift cards that may be purchased and printed onto a customizable card with a personalized message. The kiosk includes a kiosk processor interface, a gift card dispenser, a card reader and gift card management server connected to a network. The gift card management server, through the kiosk processor interface, provides vendor options to users to select and pay via the card reader. In another embodiment, the kiosk is used to redeem unused user gift cards for a reduced value user selected gift card, reduced cash value, full value store card, rewards points, bank debit, and/or electronic code user towards online purchases.

(78) Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.