KR20070020553A - System and method for distributing an identifier redeemable for a plurality of products - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for paying identifiers. Each identifier establishes a database with a number of unique identifiers that can be used to redeem these products in association with them in the database. The customer is given an indication of the identifier selected from the plurality of identifiers. The requester receives a first reimbursement request to replace the first product with the selected identifier. After deciding whether to approve the request for reimbursement of the selected identifier for the first product, the first approval result message is sent to the requester.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING AN IDENTIFIER REDEEMABLE FOR A PLURALITY OF PRODUCTS}

The present invention relates to the payment of identifiers used to access values, and more particularly, to the payment of identifiers that can be used to convert a number of different products through multiple payment channels.

Identifiers such as personal identification numbers (PINs) can be used to access information stored in the relevant accounts. In general, the PIN is unique and only the individual account holder knows, so the PIN can be used to verify account identity and grant access to the account. Most PINs are generally too long for a third party to know by chance. By keeping the PIN secret, the owner can access the account and also access the confidential information without worrying about theft. In addition, PIN owners can access their accounts from anywhere while they remember or carry their PIN. Since PINs are usually associated with automatic repayment systems, it is common for the value or information of a PIN to be accessible at any time.

Since a PIN can be obtained from anywhere, such as a computer terminal, the time and place for an account holder to access an account is greatly increased. For example, a bank account holder can access his account information while providing his PIN, or pay the bill through an ATM or computer without visiting the bank during business hours.

Thus, a PIN is an ideal way to access your account or redeem your money. In other words, a PIN is an effective means of paying a customer. That is, the merchant pays the customer a PIN rather than a product, and the customer can use the PIN later to redeem money or merchandise. Thus, the PIN can be used as an effective means for the customer to make future payments conveniently. For example, a telecommunications service provider may pay a service price by paying a PIN associated with the telecommunications fee. For example, a communication card (telephone card) and a related PIN are paid to a customer at a point of sale. These cards and PINs can be associated with accounts stored in a central processor, such as accounts with service prices stored by telecommunications providers. At the time and place selected by the customer, the customer connects to the supplier's communication system and then provides the PIN to use the PIN to access the stored account value, e.g. serviceable minutes. As soon as the PIN is verified, the supplier provides the service to the customer.

Usually a PIN is associated with one account and one value. For example, a PIN is used to access information in a particular account or to access the value of an account. This value is typically of one kind, such as communication time, minutes, or points. Therefore, after the merchant pays the PIN to the customer, the customer changes the PIN into one product. If it is a phone card PIN, it will be converted to talk time. If it is a bank account PIN, it will be converted to money.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a system and method for paying identifiers. Each identifier establishes a database with a number of unique identifiers that can be used to redeem these products in association with them in the database. The customer is given an indication of the identifier selected from the plurality of identifiers. The requester receives a first reimbursement request to replace the first product with the selected identifier. After deciding whether to approve the request for reimbursement of the selected identifier for the first product, the first approval result message is sent to the requester.

On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method of paying an identifier. Receive a request for a product based on a unique identifier, which is one of the products associated with the identifier in the database, which can be used to redeem each of the products and pay the product to the customer.

The present invention also provides a system for paying identifiers. The system includes a database that stores a plurality of unique identifiers associated with a plurality of products redeemable with a unique identifier; An output device for sending an indication of the identifier selected from among the unique identifiers to the customer; An input device for receiving a first reimbursement request from the customer to change the first product using the selected identifier; A processor for determining whether to approve redemption of the first product using the selected identifier; And an output device for issuing the first approval result message to the customer.

The present invention also provides a method for providing a PIN, which is a PIN associated with a plurality of products including the first and second products, a product that can be redeemed separately through a separate payment channel for each PIN Providing with; Receiving a first request with the PIN to redeem a first product; Determining whether a PIN is associated with a first product; Redeeming the first product through the first payment channel; Receiving a second request with the PIN to redeem the second product; Determining whether the PIN is associated with a second product; And redeeming the second product through the second payment channel.

1 is a block diagram of a system for delivering a product in accordance with the present invention;

2 is a block diagram of a system for providing and activating an identifier in accordance with the present invention;

3 is an example of a product having an identifier in accordance with the present invention;

4 is an example of a card having an identifier according to the present invention;

5 is a flow chart of a method of paying an identifier to a customer in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention provides a system and method for purchasing multiple products using only one identifier, such as a customer's PIN. As detailed below, this method provides the customer with an identifier, such as a PIN, in a variety of ways. Identifiers are used to convert various products associated with identifiers in a database maintained by a central processor. The customer contacts the central processor or a specific supplier and asks them to change the identifier into a product. These reimbursement requests are sent to a central processor or supplier through a customer, retailer or other broker. If the central processor approves, reimbursement is authorized and the product is sent to the customer. In some cases, customers use one PIN to get other products. These reimbursement requests are sent through the same channel for each product or through different channels for each product. Different suppliers also supply their products through different payment channels.

Identifiers are associated with the goods or services themselves (called "products"), goods or services providers (called "product suppliers"), telecommunications networks, redemption channels, accounts and redemption points.

Identifiers are paid in several ways. For example, an identifier such as a PIN is printed on a card that is offered or sold to a customer in a store. When purchasing a product, the identifier is also printed on the receipt the customer receives. Identifiers are often included in product packaging; For example, when a customer selects or purchases a product, an identifier may be attached to the product, attached to the package, printed on the product itself, or attached to the product or its packaging.

In some cases, when purchasing a product, an identifier is also provided along with the product as a special incentive. For example, an identifier may be redeemed for another product associated with (or not related to) the identifier that is included in the package of the packaged product purchased from the retailer.

For example, a customer or other end user receives a product that contains an identifier, such as a PIN, which is associated with multiple redeemable products. The customer then connects to a central processor or, with the help of an intermediary, asks the customer to change the identifier to the first product. Typically, this request contains an identifier and the ID of the item you want. The central processor determines whether the reimbursement request is valid. For example, the central processor accesses the identifier database to verify that the identifier is valid and has not yet been used to redeem the requested product. The central processor sends a reimbursement response to the reimbursement requestor (ie customer or broker) in the form of a confirmation that the first product will be reimbursed. The central processor then begins the process of sending the first product to the customer. For example, the central processor makes a request to the supplier to send the first product to the customer. On the other hand, when a retailer makes such a request, he or she approves or sends the product to the customer. The central processor then modifies the database to reflect the redemption of the first product by the identifier. In some cases, this process may be repeated when the customer sequentially requests that the identifier be replaced (reimbursed) with the second product.

It should be noted that the identifiers provided by the method of the present invention are used to access various products. Products or services with an identifier and reimbursement may include long-distance calls, wireless communications, beepers, Internet-based telecommunications services (e.g. wireless web access), emergency services, legal services, accounting services, tax services, asset management services, laundry services, Moving services, call services (e.g. wake-up service), travel services, delivery services, online / offline dating services, electricity / gas services, water services, sewage treatment services, internet access, film processing (including digital film) . Examples of prepaid products or services available as identifiers include gift accounts, prepaid gas accounts, prepaid miscellaneous accounts, prepaid entertainment accounts, prepaid movie accounts, phone bell download accounts, game download accounts, video download accounts, video / movie download accounts, and music download accounts. (E.g. music files using formats such as MP3, MP4, WMV, WAV, etc.), other software download accounts, customer reward accounts, bridge / road tollby accounts, and other types of value that can be accessed through other identifiers.

Products related to identifiers include products such as bidding o games, video game consoles, commerce cards (such as credit cards, debit cards, and postpaid cards), audio-visual products (such as DVDs, CDs, and music download cards), concert tickets, and gift certificates. It may also include software or other downloadable content.

1 shows a system 100 for product payment in accordance with the present invention. Each of the suppliers 2a-2n of the system 100 communicates with the customer 4 or the central processor 20 via the communication network 12a-n. The central processor 20 is connected to a database 22, which stores identifiers as well as identifier-related information, such as information about products that can be redeemed with identifiers or about redeemable products themselves, such as downloadable content. There is information. Each supplier 2 supplies the product to the customer 4 via the payment channels 6a-n.

The customer 4 requests the product directly or indirectly from the central processor 20. Communication (such as a request or response) is made between different parties via a network 12a-n. The communication network 12a-n includes a communication device or network between one party (eg, a customer) and another party (eg, a merchant, supplier, central processor). The technologies used for this communication include networks (of telephones or computers), dedicated circuits, IP-based connections, the Internet, intranets, extranets, LANs, WANs, VPNs, Ethernets, and other client-server systems. This communication technology uses protocols such as TCT / IP, UDP, OSI, SNA, X.25, ISO 85/83, XML, and SOAP. Data is exchanged between the terminals 10a-n and the central processor 20 through a communication network.

On the other hand, the customer sends the product request directly or indirectly to the supplier 2a-n via the communication network 12a-n.

The system 200 of Figure 2 is to pay and activate an identifier in accordance with the present invention. The merchant 8a-n pays the customer an identifier or related product at the store. For example, a customer may purchase a product or an identifier at the merchant terminals 10a-n. The identifier is used to redeem a particular product, which is associated with the product purchased from the merchant terminal 10. For example, let's say a customer buys a concert ticket for a famous musician and prints an identifier such as a PIN on the receipt or the ticket itself. After the concert, the PIN can be used to get a poster or download a live song. On the other hand, if a customer buys a CD of the same musician and the card with the identifier printed is in the CD packaging, the identifier can be redeemed for other songs downloaded from the Internet.

In some cases, an identifier must be activated before the customer redeems or uses it. For example, a customer receives a PIN that can be redeemed for prepaid service. The PIN is activated when the customer receives it. For example, when a related PIN is received, such as a product purchased from the terminal 10, an activation message is sent from the terminal 10 to the central processor 20 through the communication network 12. The central processor 20 activates the identifier by modifying the database 20 that stores identifier information such as product information (eg, redemption information) or activation information related to the identifier. Subsequently, an activation confirmation message is sent to the terminal 10. The terminal 10 confirms the activation to the customer 4.

The central processor 20 may be a server, computer, computer system, hub, database, data processor, credit network, or other processor. The central processor 20 processes data received from the merchant 8 and the terminal 10, and also directly communicates with the customer through a data processing network or a telephone network such as the Internet.

The merchant terminal 10 includes all the terminals that the merchant 8 uses to do business with a customer. Examples of such terminals 10 include cash registers, magnetic stripe readers, credit card terminals, ATMs, and the like, and are typically stored in stores. For example, a customer may purchase a product or a transaction may be made at the terminal 10.

3 shows an example of a product with an identifier according to the invention. In the figure, 40 is an identifier indication of the product 30. Here is an example of "ACME Brand X5000 All-Purpose Widget" as a product, but any other product can be used.

Any product or service related to the display 40 can be productized, such as a CD, DVD, ticket, phone card, other card, financial product, or other product or service. In some cases, only the indication 40 is provided to the customer without the product. Alternatively, the product 30 itself is also a service indication. For example, there may be an indication on a receipt for providing a product or service, or an indication on another means of communication about the product or service. In some cases, the product may be an electronic file or program, such as a download file (such as a music file or video game), a web page, or an email.

The display 40 can be any form of printing or writing, even audiovisual means for communicating with the identifier, and includes invisible information. For example, it may include an RFID device that can send an identifier to an authorized receiver. The indicator 40 is attached to the product 30 or provided separately. The indication 40 of FIG. 3 is printed on the product, and the other indication 40A is provided to another communication means 30A separate from the product 30 such as a receipt. That is, more than one identifier may be provided, but only one may be provided. For example, it may be provided as 40 or 40A of FIG. 3, but not both at the same time.

The indicator 40 has an entity such as a sticker or a label or is printed on the receipt 30A. The display 40 may be electronic. For example, there are e-mails, text messages, voice messages, and other communication means for identification. In some cases, it may be sent electronically to the purchaser or to a designated recipient or to another person. For example, an indication that lists identifiers in an email sentence may be an email. The indication 40 may be any means for sending the identifier to the end user.

Identifier redemption notice 42 is contained in product 30 or label 40. This notice 42 tells the relevant product how to redeem the identifier. For example, supplier information, redemption expiration date, other data related to product 30, identifier product redemption information, and the like. The notice 42 may also be provided with an identifier indication 40 or other indication. For security reasons, the notice 42 may be provided to the user separately from the mark 40, for example, the mark 40 is provided with the product but the statement 42 is provided by mail (or e-mail) after registering the product. Can be.

4 is a product 30 and the identifier display 40 according to the present invention, the card as an example. 3 shows the front and back of the product 30. Example product 30 is a value storage card such as a credit card, debit card, telephone card. The card 30 is the issuer identification 33, credit network identification 32, card title 34, card number 36, expiration date 38, cardholder name 39, magnetic strip 35, repayment It contains a notice (42) and other relevant information.

The indicator 40 in FIG. 4 is a number printed on a sticker attached to the back of the card. This identifier may or may not be associated with the product (via the adhesive). On the other hand, the card number 36 may replace the identifier display without such a sticker indication 40.

5 illustrates a method of paying an identifier to a customer in accordance with the present invention.

Set up an identifier database at 400 to associate identifiers with multiple products. Each identifier (of the database) is associated with a specific product, such as a product that can be redeemed by providing an identifier. This database stores all information about identifiers and related products, for example redemption information or product payment information. This information may be stored for each identifier in a separate database entry. For example, each identifier is associated with each product that is paid with an identifier indication. Each identifier may also be associated with a supplier who pays for the product associated with that identifier. Each identifier or related product is also associated with valid data such as expiration date. Each identifier or related product may be linked to a payment channel for paying the product to the customer, or to a network for sending information such as mutual requests between the customer and the associated central processor.

The database stores redemption data for each product associated with a particular identifier. The database may be modified to indicate that a particular product has been redeemed (or not redeemed) using a particular identifier.

For example, several identifiers can be stored in a database, and each identifier can be associated with concert tickets, posters, and music download files. Each of these concert tickets, posters, and music files is associated with a supplier. For example, a concert ticket may be associated with TicketCo, a poster with PosterCo and MemorabiliaCo, and a music file with iMusicCo. Music files may also be linked to specific payment channels, such as the Internet. The ticket may be associated with a communication network, such as a telephone network, or it may be associated with a specific 800 number that a customer can use to turn the identifier into a ticket.

At 410, the identifier indication is provided to the customer. As noted above, the label may be provided in various ways, such as on a DVD, provided on a customer's product, on a sticker on the back of the DVD, or on a receipt.

The identifier may be provided in an activated state. In other words, regardless of the acquisition method, anyone who obtains the identifier can use it immediately. On the other hand, the identifier may be provided in an inactive state, in which case it must be activated before use.

Register and activate the identifier at 420. This step occurs when the customer receives the identifier. For example, when a customer purchases or obtains a card from a merchant, the card number is an identifier or is associated with the card differently. During the transaction, card information is entered at the merchant terminal, for example by scratching the magnetic stripe. Swiping the card at the terminal activates the identifier, which is well known in the art. For example, card information (eg, identifier) is sent from a terminal to a central processor connected to a database, and the central processor corrects the database to reflect the fact that the identifier is activated. Activation may occur when there is a confirmation signal between the terminal and the central processor. For example, the central processor does not activate the identifier until it confirms that the product (card) is purchased properly.

In some cases, the identifier is not activated when the product is purchased, but may be activated when the product is used for the first time or upon separate request. This method is advantageous in terms of marketing because the customer has to revisit the outlet store where the product was purchased. In this case, activation may be performed in the same manner as described above.

The 430 sends a reimbursement request to change the identifier to the first product to the central processor. This request may be made directly by the customer or through a merchant. This request contains an identifier. For example, a requestor (customer or trader) connects to a central processor or supplier over the telephone or the Internet and follows the redemption instructions (in the identifier display). Specifically, follow the instructions to access or call the central processor's website. On the other hand, an identifier may be sent from the customer side to a merchant who requests repayment from a central processor or supplier. Or the vendor of the product the customer wants to replace with the identifier may be a merchant.

Sometimes a particular product may be selected for reimbursement. For example, you can change the identifier to multiple products, but you may want to receive one product each time you request a reimbursement. Therefore, the requestor may select a product to be repaid. For example, if a single identifier can redeem a concert ticket and several songs (eg, four songs), the customer can select the concert ticket.

Similarly, one request for reimbursement may require customer choice. For example, if three of the four songs are selected to be redeemed by the identifier, the customer can select three songs to download. In some cases, it may be desirable for a customer to receive multiple products, rather than multiple products.

At this stage, the customer may choose a product to be repaid, but in some cases it is important to realize that it can be repaid at any one time.

The central processor may request the identifier from the requester. When the requester accesses the web page associated with the central processor, the requester may request the identifier from the input field, in which case the requester may type or enter the identifier and process this information by "returning" the process. Send to the central processor.

In some cases, the identifier may be displayed in the form of a separate card having a magnetic strip or another storage medium in which the identifier is stored. In this case, the reimbursement request requires reading the identifier using a scanner or reader. The request containing the machine-readable identifier is sent to the central processor.

At 440, the central processor or vendor decides whether to approve the repayment of the first product. For example, by connecting to a database (i) whether the identifier is valid; (ii) can redeem the product requested by the identifier; (iii) the reimbursement request is in time (eg, the expiration date has passed); (iv) Determine whether the identifier has already been used to redeem the requested product. Based on these judgments (or other judgments related to the identifier or product), the central processor decides whether to accept the reimbursement of the product. For example, if the identifier is valid and can be used for the reimbursement of the requested product and the repayment request is in time and the identifier has not yet been used for reimbursement, the reimbursement request is approved.

A wide variety of criteria can be used to determine approval of reimbursement. For example, limiting the number of specific products that can be obtained using a particular identifier, limiting the total number of uses of one identifier, or limiting the overall value of a product obtained using this identifier.

In some cases, the identifier itself can be used directly to redeem the product. For example, the PIN itself used to access the provider's phone service may be an identifier, in which case the PIN is activated or preactivated in step 420. To get telephone service, a customer simply needs to contact a supplier and use the telephone service. The use of PINs to access telephone services is well known in the art.

At 450, the central processor or vendor sends the approval result to the requester. If the central processor determines that the request has been approved, the approval result is positive to indicate that the request is being processed or the product is being delivered, or that the customer will receive the product.

If it is determined that the request should not be granted, the approval result is negative. For example, if there is a problem with the approval request or with the identifier or the requested product, it will indicate that the request was denied. At 440, the request is denied if: (i) the identifier is invalid; (ii) the identifier is valid but not available for reimbursement of the requested product; (iii) the request was not made in a timely manner (eg, expired); Or (iv) an identifier has already been used for the requested product or product type.

If the central processor or vendor decides not to approve the return of the first product, the process stops at step 455.

If the central processor or supplier decides to approve the return of the first product, a request is sent to the requestor or first supplier to send the first product to the customer.

Step 460 occurs when the supplier is responsible for the repayment of the first product, independent of the central processor. If the central processor delivers the product, there is no need to send a reimbursement request to the first supplier. Rather, the central processor simply repays the first product. If the requestor is a product supplier, combine steps 450 and 460.

At 470, the first vendor or central processor gives the first product to the customer. Any way of paying for the product is possible here. For example, there may be several payment channels. Downloadable content may be delivered by email or download, posters or other physical items may be delivered by mail or directly, and coupons, vouchers, tickets, etc. may be delivered by mail or electronically printed. Telephone service is available from the supplier. However, the PIN used to access the telephone service may be provided through other payment means at this stage.

Note that the first supplier provides the first product to the customer through a central processor. For example, at 460, the central processor sends a reimbursement request to the first supplier, who sends the product to the central processor, which sends the product to the customer.

For example, if the central processor approves the customer's content request in step 440, the central processor receives the requested content from the supplier, and the customer can download the content from the central processor's website. Depending on the product, the central processor may accept the PIN in advance, such as when setting up a database in step 400 or later, such as the PIN used for telephone service.

For some products, they may be repaid when the central processor or supplier has provided the customer with appropriate instructions for receiving the product. For example, if a vendor or central processor provided a customer with a code used to obtain a banana split from a particular dessert trader on a particular date, the banana split dessert could be redeemed.

At 480, the customer requests a reimbursement to change the identifier to the second product. This step is similar to step 430 for the first product.

At 490, the central processor or vendor determines whether to approve the second reimbursement request. This step is similar to step 440.

If the central processor or vendor decides not to approve the second reimbursement request, the process stops at step 495. This step is similar to step 455.

At 500, a request is made to the second supplier to give the second product to the customer. This step is similar to step 460. The second supplier can be the same as or different from the first supplier.

At 510, the second supplier delivers a second product to the customer, which is similar to step 470.

Steps 430-460 or steps 480-510 are repeated for multiple reimbursement requests. For example, this process is repeated and products are redeemed until all products associated with the identifier (eg, all products that can be redeemed with the identifier) have been redeemed. Each time a product is redeemed, the database is modified or updated to reflect the fact that a particular product is redeemed and cannot be redeemed again. For example, if a concert ticket was redeemed, modify the database to indicate to which identifier the ticket was redeemed. If the customer tries to redeem another concert ticket with this identifier, the central processor rejects the request by determining that the request has already been approved (see step 450). For products that can be redeemed over and over again, the database can be modified to show the number or amount of remaining products of this kind. For example, if the product to be repaid is a 60-minute long distance service, the customer could spend 60 minutes using it multiple times. Each time you use it, you modify the database to display the rest of the time.

In some cases, the acceptance criteria for a particular identifier may not apply to multiple repayments, in which case the second request will always be rejected.

Claims (37)

In a way to use a unique identifier to get customers a product: Establishing a database with a plurality of unique identifiers, each identifier associated with the products in the database, which may be used to redeem these products; Paying a customer an indication of an identifier selected from the plurality of identifiers; Receiving a first reimbursement request from the requester to replace the first product with the selected identifier; Determining whether to approve the reimbursement request of the selected identifier for the first product; And Sending a first approval result message to the requester. The method of claim 1 wherein the products are two or more different products. The method of claim 1, wherein the products are two or more different products, each of which can be repaid from a different supplier. The method of claim 1, Sending a request to the first supplier to provide the customer with a first product belonging to the product; Confirming the reimbursement to the requester; And Modifying the database to indicate that the first product has been redeemed. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the act of paying the customer comprises paying an identifier indication to the merchant for payment to the customer. 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the act of paying the customer comprises selling the product related to the identifier to the customer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the act of paying the customer comprises providing the identifier purchased with the product purchased by the customer. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the identifier indication is physically coupled to the product. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the identifier indication is disposed on a package of a product. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the identifier indicator comprises a value storage card. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining step determines whether the first product is a product related to an identifier. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether the identifier is in a database. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of determining whether or not to make a repayment request, the database is accessed to process storage information in the database associated with a particular identifier. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a reimbursement request instruction to a supplier to provide the first product to the customer. The method of claim 1 wherein the product is a product or service. The method of claim 1, wherein the product is associated with various value units and these value units are redeemed separately. The method of claim 1 wherein the product includes downloadable content. The method of claim 1 wherein the product is a communication service. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving a product price from a customer. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a second request from a customer to redeem the selected identifier for a second product belonging to the products. The method of claim 20, Determining whether to approve the request for redemption of the identifier for the second product; And And sending a second approval result message to the customer. The method of claim 1, wherein the reimbursement request is received via the Internet. The method of claim 1, wherein each product is associated with a separate account. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifier indication comprises a redemption coupon. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the identifier indication comprises a redemption card. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the redemption card includes a machine-readable medium, and an identifier is stored on the medium. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifier can be used for redemption of each product. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifier can be used to redeem one or more physical products and one or more electronic products. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the identifier display comprises a receipt with an identifier printed thereon. In the method of paying the identifier: Receiving a request for a product based on a unique identifier, the product being one of the products associated with an identifier in a database, wherein the identifier can be used to redeem each of the products; And Paying the product to a customer. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein said request is received from a customer. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising receiving the request at a central processor and sending a reimbursement confirmation to the central processor. 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising determining whether to provide a first product to a customer based on whether the request includes an identifier and whether the identifier can be redeemed for the first product. . In a system that pays identifiers: A database that stores a plurality of unique identifiers associated with a plurality of products redeemable with a unique identifier; An output device for sending an indication of an identifier selected from the unique identifiers to the customer; An input device for receiving a first reimbursement request from the customer to change the first product using the selected identifier; A processor for determining whether to approve redemption of the first product using the selected identifier; And And an output device for issuing a first approval result message to the customer. Computer-readable media encrypted with computer program code effective to carry out any of the following acts to redeem the product: A database setting containing a plurality of unique identifiers that can be used to redeem these products in association with a plurality of products; Issue an indication of a selected one of the unique identifiers to the customer; Receiving a first reimbursement request from the requester to convert to the first product using the selected identifier; Determining whether to approve the reimbursement request; Issue the first approval result message to the requester. To provide a PIN: PIN associated with a plurality of products, including the first and second products, providing a product with a PIN that can be redeemed separately through a separate payment channel for each product; Receiving a first request with the PIN to redeem a first product; Determining whether a PIN is associated with a first product; Redeeming the first product through the first payment channel; Receiving a second request with the PIN to redeem the second product; Determining whether the PIN is associated with a second product; And Redeeming the second product through a second payment channel. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the first payment channel and the second payment channel are different.

Images