US6935559B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Systems and methods for determining an authorization threshold
Assignee: First Data Corp
•
Filing: 2004-06-25
•
Granted: 2005-08-30
•
Expires: 2024-06-25
Abstract
Abstract Systems and methods are described that determine a threshold value for an authorization check, such as an age verification, that is performed at a point of sale or other point of access control where access to a product, service, location, event, or the like, is restricted to individuals who meet an authorization threshold. In embodiments associated with purchases that comprise a variety of items for purchase and a variety of associated age-related authorization thresholds, systems and methods are described for determining an age-related authorization threshold for the purchase as a whole that will authorize the purchase of the items. In embodiments in which a purchaser's authorization is checked with respect to a determined threshold value, a record of the authorization check can be stored and can subsequently be retrieved to verify that an authorization check for the encounter was carried out using the determined threshold value.
Inventors
- 👤 Cassandra Mollett
- 👤 Alan Jay Bethscheider
- 👤 Susan Diane Brauckman
- 👤 David A. Walker
- 👤 David Wayne Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:34
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/08; G07F7/10; G07F7/1008; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/30; G06Q20/34; G06Q20/341; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/40; G06Q20/401; G06Q20/4014; G06Q20/40145; G06Q20/403; G07F9/00; G07F9/02; G07F9/026
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of determining an authorization threshold associated with the purchase of multiple items comprising: identifying a first item that a purchaser desires to purchase; identifying a first authorization threshold associated with the purchase of the first item offering; identifying a second item that the purchaser desires to purchase; identifying at least a second authorization threshold associated with the second offering, wherein the second authorization threshold is different than the first authorization threshold; and determining a third authorization threshold associated with the purchase of the first and second items wherein the third authorization threshold based at least in part on the first and second authorization thresholds.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of determining an authorization threshold associated with the purchase of multiple items comprising: identifying a first item that a purchaser desires to purchase; identifying a first authorization threshold associated with the purchase of the first item offering; identifying a second item that the purchaser desires to purchase; identifying at least a second authorization threshold associated with the second offering, wherein the second authorization threshold is different than the first authorization threshold; and determining a third authorization threshold associated with the purchase of the first and second items wherein the third authorization threshold based at least in part on the first and second authorization thresholds.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the third authorization threshold is more restrictive than either the first or second authorization threshold.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the third authorization threshold is less restrictive than either the first or second authorization threshold.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the third authorization threshold is the first authorization threshold.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the third authorization threshold is the second authorization threshold.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of determining an authorization threshold comprising: identifying at least a first authorization threshold associated with a first offering; identifying at least a second authorization threshold associated with a second offering, wherein the second authorization threshold is different than the first authorization threshold; and determining a third authorization threshold based at least in part on the first and second authorization thresholds.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of determining an authorization threshold comprising: identifying at least a first authorization threshold associated with a first offering; identifying at least a second authorization threshold associated with a second offering, wherein the second authorization threshold is different than the first authorization threshold; and determining a third authorization threshold based at least in part on the first and second authorization thresholds.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the third authorization threshold is more restrictive than either the first or second authorization threshold.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the third authorization threshold is less restrictive than either the first or second authorization threshold.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the third authorization threshold is the first authorization threshold.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the third authorization threshold is the second authorization threshold.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the first offering comprises an item or service.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the second offering comprises an item or service.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the first authorization threshold is not age related.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the second authorization threshold is not age related.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the third authorization threshold is not age related.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 6 wherein identifying at least the first authorization threshold comprises receiving an electronic identifier signal associated with the first offering, to access stored information associated with the offering.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 6 wherein identifying at least the first offering comprises receiving an electronic identifier signal associated with the first offering, and wherein identifying the first authorization threshold comprises using the electronic identifier to access stored information associated with the first offering.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 6 wherein determining the third authorization threshold comprises selecting at least one of the first or second authorization thresholds.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the third authorization threshold is related to at least one of the set consisting of: citizenship, residential address, zip code, security clearance level, education level, weight, legal status, criminal status, and membership.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 6 wherein obtaining identification information about at least the first offering comprises receiving information from scanning in, reading electronically, keying in manually, and inputting orally.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
78 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising obtaining authorization identification information about a purchaser by obtaining information from at least one of: magnetically encoded information on an identification card, a driver's license, a smart card, a bar code, a transponder, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant, a security key, a computer file, a fingerprint of the purchaser, an iris scan of the purchaser, a voice sample of the purchaser, and other biometric information available from the purchaser.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising obtaining authorization identification information about the purchaser by obtaining information that allows access to a stored record associated with the purchaser.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising storing a transaction identifier and at least one of: the time of the transaction, the date of the transaction, and a numeric identifier for the transaction.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising determining authorization value for the purchaser and comparing the authorization value with the third authorization threshold.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising: determining an authorization value for a purchaser; comparing the authorization value with the third authorization threshold; and not allowing a purchase to be completed if the purchaser is not authorized to make the purchase.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising displaying the third authorization threshold to a clerk associated with a purchase.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus that determines an authorization threshold for a plurality of offerings, the apparatus comprising: computer processor circuitry in communication with an offering identifier apparatus, the computer process configured to receive identification information regarding at least a first offering and a second offering, wherein the computer processor circuitry is further configured to determine at least a first authorization threshold associated with the first offering and at least a second authorization threshold associated with the second offering, and wherein the computer processor circuitry is further configured to determine a third authorization threshold based at least in part on the first and second authorization thresholds.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus that determines an authorization threshold for a plurality of offerings, the apparatus comprising: computer processor circuitry in communication with an offering identifier apparatus, the computer process configured to receive identification information regarding at least a first offering and a second offering, wherein the computer processor circuitry is further configured to determine at least a first authorization threshold associated with the first offering and at least a second authorization threshold associated with the second offering, and wherein the computer processor circuitry is further configured to determine a third authorization threshold based at least in part on the first and second authorization thresholds.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the apparatus is a point of sale device.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the first and second offerings are part of a purchase transaction.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the third authorization threshold is more restrictive than either the first or second authorization threshold.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the third authorization threshold is less restrictive than either the first or second authorization threshold.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the third authorization threshold is the first authorization threshold.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the third authorization threshold is the second authorization threshold.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the first offering comprises an item or service.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the second offering comprises an item or service.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the first authorization threshold is not age related.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the second authorization threshold is not age related.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the third authorization threshold is not age related.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the computer processor circuitry is further configured to receive information about a purchaser of the first and second offering.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein information about the purchaser is obtained from at least one of: magnetically encoded information on an identification card, a driver's license, a smart card, a bar code, a transponder, a cell phone, a personal digital assistant, a security key, a computer file, a fingerprint of the purchaser, an iris scan of the purchaser, a voice sample of the purchaser, and other biometric information available from the purchaser.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the computer processor circuitry is further configured to compare authorization information about a purchaser with the third authorization threshold to determine whether the purchaser is authorized to purchase the offerings.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the computer processor is further configured to store in a computer memory a record of the purchase that comprises an identifier for the purchase and a record of the purchaser's authorization information.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the computer processor circuitry is further configured to not allow the purchase to be completed if the computer processor circuitry determines that the purchaser is not authorized to make the purchase.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising a display that is configured to display the third authorization threshold.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
80 words
A computerized system that determines an authorization threshold for a plurality of offerings, the system comprising: means for obtaining electronic identifiers for a plurality of offerings; means for using the electronic identifiers to access a database of authorization information to determine at least a first authorization threshold for a first offering and a second authorization threshold for a second offering; and means for determining a third authorization threshold based at least in part on the first and second authorization thresholds.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
80 words
A computerized system that determines an authorization threshold for a plurality of offerings, the system comprising: means for obtaining electronic identifiers for a plurality of offerings; means for using the electronic identifiers to access a database of authorization information to determine at least a first authorization threshold for a first offering and a second authorization threshold for a second offering; and means for determining a third authorization threshold based at least in part on the first and second authorization thresholds.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 45 further comprising means for obtaining electronic identifiers that identify the offerings.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 45 further comprising means to obtain authorization information about a purchaser of the offerings.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 47 further comprising means for comparing the authorization information about a purchaser with the third authorization threshold to determine whether the purchaser is authorized to purchase the offerings.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 48 further comprising means for storing a record of the purchase that comprises an identifier for the purchase and a record of the authorization information about the purchaser.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 45 further comprising a display means for displaying the third authorization threshold.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
77 words
A software module stored on a computer accessible storage medium, the software module comprising: program instructions that are configured to receive electronic identifiers for a plurality offerings; program instructions that are configured to determine at least a first authorization threshold for a first offering and a second authorization threshold for a second offering; and program instructions that are configured to determine a third authorization threshold based at least in part on the first and second authorization thresholds.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
77 words
A software module stored on a computer accessible storage medium, the software module comprising: program instructions that are configured to receive electronic identifiers for a plurality offerings; program instructions that are configured to determine at least a first authorization threshold for a first offering and a second authorization threshold for a second offering; and program instructions that are configured to determine a third authorization threshold based at least in part on the first and second authorization thresholds.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The software module of claim 51 wherein the third authorization threshold is more restrictive than either the first or second authorization threshold.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
22 words
The software module of claim 51 wherein the third authorization threshold is less restrictive than either the first or second authorization threshold.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
The software module of claim 51 wherein the third authorization threshold is the first authorization threshold.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
16 words
The software module of claim 51 wherein the third authorization threshold is the second authorization threshold.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
The software module of claim 51 wherein the first offering comprises a good or service.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
The software module of claim 51 wherein the second offering comprises a good or service.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
15 words
The software module of claim 51 wherein the first authorization threshold is not age related.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
15 words
The software module of claim 51 wherein the second authorization threshold is not age related.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
15 words
The software module of claim 51 wherein the third authorization threshold is not age related.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
39 words
The software module of claim 51 wherein the third authorization threshold is related to at least one of the set consisting of: citizenship, residential address, zip code, security clearance level, education level, weight, legal status, criminal status, and membership.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-08-29 | 2009-02-28 | 2009-08-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-08-29 | 2013-02-28 | 2013-08-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-08-29 | 2017-02-28 | 2017-08-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |