WO2014008327A2

WO2014008327A2 - Specialized terminal with integrated video capture at point of sale for fraud prevention associated with purchased products or services

Info

Publication number: WO2014008327A2
Application number: PCT/US2013/049195
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tony Collins
Original assignee: Tony Collins
Priority date: 2012-07-03
Filing date: 2013-07-03
Publication date: 2014-01-09
Also published as: WO2014008327A3

Abstract

A specialized terminal has integrated video capture at the point of sale to prevent fraud associated with purchased products or services. The terminal has a processor core, a display that displays a user signature input area, and an input device for the user to enter a signature. When the signature is entered, the video capture device takes a video of the user and stores the video in association with the receipt, so the user cannot later say that the purchase was made by an unauthorized person.

Description

SPECIALIZED TERMINAL WITH INTEGRATED VIDEO CAPTURE AT POINT OF SALE FOR FRAUD PREVENTION ASSOCIATED WITH PURCHASED PRODUCTS

OR SERVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No.

61/667,861 filed July 3, 2012, which is incorporated by reference, herein, in its entirety.

BACKGROUND.

[0002] Service establishments suffer substantial losses from chargebacks due to fraud perpetrated by authorized credit card users. In particular, some patrons defraud service establishments by claiming that charges actually accrued and paid by the patron using the patron's credit card were charges that were unauthorized, or charges made by an unauthorized user of the patron's "lost" credit card. Large service establishments may suffer losses which amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year from people claiming either they didn't authorize the charges or they lost their credit card and someone else made the charges.

SUMMARY.

[0003] In one embodiment, a virtual attendant Logistics Enterprise Touchscreen (vaLET) apparatus helps combat patron fraud.

[0004] In one embodiment, a system including a vaLET apparatus helps combat patron fraud.

[0005] In one embodiment, a patron is provided with a vaLET apparatus upon entry to a service establishment. The vaLET apparatus implements a digital menu through which the patron places an order. In an embodiment, the vaLET apparatus displays one or more advertisements when not otherwise in use. When the patron is ready to checkout, the server asks the patron whether the patron prefers to have their receipt printed or emailed.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the patron elects emailing of the receipt. The server uses the POS system to process the patron's valid credit card. When the POS system is ready to print the receipt, the server redirects the print to the vaLET System. The vaLET apparatus displays the transferred receipt instead of a menu.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the vaLET apparatus displays the receipt including the patron's itemized purchases. In one embodiment, the vaLET apparatus displays a virtual calculator for tips, including preset percentage amounts and/or an option to manually enter a tip amount the ability to enter it in manually. According to an embodiment, the patron is presented with a signature field into which the patron electronically enters a signature.

[0008] According to an embodiment, as the patron signs the signature field, a camera of the vaLET apparatus captures a video of the patron as they sign.

[0009] In one embodiment, below the signature field is an email field, where the patron enters an email address. The vaLET system emails the receipt to the address, thereby achieving a "green" receipt rendering process, and also collecting the email address for future marketing campaigns.

[0010] According to one embodiment, one or more frames of the collected video are sent to the database server and stored along with the purchase information, the email address and signature to discourage the patron from later claiming that the credit card used was in the possession of an unauthorized party, or that the charges were not authorized, or that fewer than all of the charges were authorized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0011] In the accompanying drawings:

[0012] Fig. 1 is a highly simplified, schematic view of a system according to an embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a simplified flow diagram according to an embodiment, under a scenario

A.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a simplified flow diagram according to an embodiment, under a scenario

B.

[0015] Fig. 4 is a simplified flow diagram according to an embodiment, under a scenario

C.

[0016] Fig. 5 is a simplified flow diagram according to an alternative embodiment, under a scenario D.

[0017] Fig. 6 is a simplified flow diagram according to an alternative embodiment, under a scenario E.

[0018] Fig. 7 is a simplified flow diagram according to an alternative embodiment, under a scenario F.

[0019] Fig. 8 is a simplified flow diagram according to an alternative embodiment, under a scenario G.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a simplified flow diagram according to an alternative embodiment, under a scenario H.

[0021] Fig. 10 is a simplified flow diagram according to an alternative embodiment, under a scenario I. DETAILED DESCRIPTION.

[0022] The inventive concept is taught by way of examples, below, and in various contexts or scenarios.

vaLET device Mark I.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the vaLET apparatus is implemented in a Mark I configuration. In such an embodiment, the device includes a digital menu implemented via a user interface on a display unit of a hardware computing device using software stored in an on-board, non-transitory, computer readable medium, the software enabling a hardware processor core (i.e., one or more CPU's or processors) to implement the instructions represented by the software, which may be referred to as vaLET software. In one embodiment, the hardware computing device is a tablet device. As is well known in the field of hardware computing devices, the user interface is displayed on the display unit under control of the processor core and in accordance with the stored software instructions. Likewise, as is also well understood, the hardware computing device has a communication unit which is capable of wireless or wired communications with other computing devices, and carries out such communications according to well-established communication protocols. To this end, the hardware computing device has a radio frequency (RF) unit as part of the communication unit or in addition to the communication unit, and the RF unit and the communication unit operate under control of the processor core. In addition, the hardware computing device has some way to accept user input, such as a touch- sensitive surface, a keyboard, a mouse, voice recognition, motion sensing, or other commonly known or hereafter-developed technology that permits users to enter data into a hardware computing device: an input unit, for short. Finally, the hardware computing device includes a video collection unit such as an integrated webcam or the like, as is well understood in this field. [0024] The user interface has an appearance (is "skinned") in a theme chosen by the establishment. On the device it gives a list/menu of the establishments products (food, drinks, bottles, drinks, products, etc.) from which to select. While in idle, according to an embodiment, it will display and rotate the establishment's preselected advertisements. At checkout, the server prints (sends wirelessly) the receipt info, to the vaLET device (see Fig. 1, "vaLET Mark I and Π"). Now instead of displaying the product menu it displays the transferred receipt. The server pushes the 'SCAN' button thereby activating the scanner 400 and transferring the scanned ID and/or credit card image to the vaLET device where it is attached to the customer's record (receipt) in the vaLET device. On it now is the full receipt info, which includes the itemized purchases. Below there is a virtual calculator for tips, where on it are preset percentage amounts or the ability to enter it in manually. Below that there is a signature and email field were the customer signs and enters their email address to have the receipt emailed.

[0025] As the customer is signing, the camera of the device is taking a video of them signing. There is also a 'reset' button to reset the signature field. The collected data is then sent through wireless network 100 then on to database 200 which, as shown in Fig. 1, may be hosted in-house or in an offsite data center.

[0026] In the event the customer chooses not to have their receipt emailed or if the customer loses their hardcopy, the customer can go to a receipt retrieval link on the establishment's website. To access their receipt via the web server 300 (again, in-house or offsite embodiments are shown), the customer passes some security test, such as entering their last name, the last 4 digits of the credit card used and the date of service; the customer then can download a copy of their receipt. vaLET device Mark II.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the vaLET apparatus is implemented in a Mark II configuration. In particular, it is similar to the Mark I device and is, e.g., implemented as a tablet device but include, in addition, a credit card reader.

[0028] On the device it gives a list of the establishments products (e.g., food, drinks, bottles, drinks, products, etc.) from which to select. While in idle it will display and rotate the establishment's preselected advertisements. This version of the vaLET software 2.0 links directly to the establishment's POS system to allow orders to be placed directly from the vaLET devices and allow credit card transactions from the vaLET devices without having to return back to the POS station. Orders can be placed from the devices and go directly to the kitchen (restaurant use) or POS station at the server bar. Thus, instead of having to track down a server, the order is sent regardless, thereby having orders processed faster. At checkout the server or customer evokes the payment procedure and then swipes the customer's credit card directly on the vaLET device with the onboard credit card swipe. Because the credit card is never outside the immediate presence of the patron, the patron has less of an opportunity to successfully claim that an unauthorized person caused the charges to be made.

[0029] After credit card approval, the full receipt info is displayed, which includes the itemized purchases of the night. Below there is a virtual calculator for tips where on it are preset percentage amounts or the ability to enter it in manually. Below that there is a signature and email field were the customer sign and enter their email address to have the receipt emailed. As the customer is signing, the camera of the device is taking a video of them signing. There is also a 'reset' to reset the signature field. The 'submit' button completes the transaction and sends the record via System 100 to be stored on the database backend (System 200). If the customer wants a hardcopy of the receipt a copy can be printed at any POS station with a printer or a portable printer the server/server carries. In the event the customer chooses not to have their receipt emailed or if the customer loses their hardcopy. The customer can go to a receipt retrieval link on the establishment's website. To access their receipt via the web, the customer enters in, their last name, the last 4 digits of the credit card used and the date of service; the customer then can download a copy of their receipt. This is part of System 300.

[0030] The network 100, according to an embodiment, is a high speed 1 Gigabit secure connection or the like employing suitable encryption of the data via HTTPS communications or the like.

[0031] The database 200, according to an embodiment, is part of a Content Management

System (CMS) with a SQL backend. The CMS will allow establishments to input and feature (push) their logos, menus, menu themes and inventory to the vaLET devices. The CMS will also house and receive "printed" receipts and images (customer snapshots or ID snapshots), email addresses and signatures that are sent to it from the vaLET devices. The CMS will them store all the collected data on a SQL database. The data is stored and recalled based on date, time, name, last several digits of credit card, dollar amount, tip amount, signature, table location, bar location, email address, items purchased, or the like. The SQL database is accessed via the vaLET web server (system 300) for receipt retrieval.

[0032] The web server 300, according to an embodiment, implements a vaLET web server. In an embodiment, the device is a Linux -based web server that ties into the SQL database backend allowing past customers access to their receipts. The receipts maybe recalled online by going the receipt retrieval link, entering in the last several digits of their credit card, date and name. This pulls up their receipt which can then be downloaded. The web server is also responsible for emailing newly generated receipts to customers using the email address stored in the newly created SQL database records.

[0033] The ID scanner 400, in an embodiment, is a standard issue ID scanner readily available on the market, which may be used for scanning documents such as passports, drivers' licenses, and other card size documents. According to an embodiment, the scanner 400 scans a document at roughly <1 sec @ 300 DPI, and carries out an optical character recognition (OCR) operation with respect to the scanned document.

[0034] The database 200 may be implemented offsite, and may be thought of as a

"cloud" database. Likewise, in an embodiment, the web server 300 is not onsite in the establishment but is implemented in the cloud as well.

[0035] Having described the various hardware and operations of the vaLET apparatus in a number of example configurations, the discussion will now turn to a number of example scenarios in which the vaLET apparatus and system may be advantageously implemented.

Presentation of the vaLET device (Mark I) in Scenario A (Nightclub).

[0036] Referring to Fig. 2, a customer enters the establishment where the customer is escorted to their table. Upon obtaining the customer's credit card and ID the server presents them with the vaLET device. Obtaining an ID and credit card is carried out to ensure payment of the tables/services at the end of the evening, and to provide collateral for leaving the vaLET device at the table with them. The customer then flips through the vaLET device (Mark I) digital menus which features the predetermined drinks/bottles to choose from. Throughout the night while the menu isn't in use the device will display and rotate the establishment preselected advertisements. [0037] At the end of the night when the patron is ready to checkout, the server then asks the customer whether they want their receipt printed or emailed. So for the sake of argument let's assume the customer say "emailed". The server goes back to the POS system to process their credit card. When the POS is ready to print the receipt, the server redirects the "print info" to the vaLET device. Now instead of displaying the bottle menu it's now displaying the transferred receipt. Now at the top of the vaLET screen is a 'SCAN' button. The server then places the customers ID on the scanner (System 400). The server pushes the 'SCAN' button thereby activating the scan and transferring the scanned ID and/or credit card image to the vaLET device where it is attached to the customer's record (receipt) in the vaLET device. The server presents the vaLET device back to the customer. On it are the itemized purchases of the night. Below there is a virtual calculator for tips where on it are preset percentage amounts or the ability to enter it in an amount manually. Below that there is a signature field were the customer sign. As the customer is signing, the camera of the device is taking a video of them signing. Below the signature field is the email field, where the customer will fill in their email address. Now the receipt gets emailed. This does two things. Gives the establishment a tax cut because now they are going green. And two, the customer now have the customers email address for future marketing campaigns. In the event the customer chooses not to have their receipt emailed or if the customer loses their hardcopy. The customer can go to a receipt retrieval link on the establishment's website (System 300). To access their receipt via the web, the customer enters in, their last name, the last 4 digits of the credit card used and the date of service; the customer then can download a copy of their receipt. This is part of System 300 Presentation of the vaLET device (Mark II) in Scenario B (Nightclub)

[0038] Referring to Fig. 3, a customer enters the establishment where the customer is escorted to their table. Upon obtaining the customer's credit card and ID the server presents them with the vaLET device. The presenting of their credit card and ID is not only to ensure payment of the tables/services at the end of the evening but this is also to provide collateral for leaving the vaLET device at the table. Once with the customer "the customer" flips through the vaLET device digital menus, which features the predetermined bottles/drinks to choose from. Throughout the night while the menu isn't in use the device will display and rotate the establishment preselected advertisements. If the customer wants to place an order the customer selects what they want, sending the item(s) to a shopping cart. The customer then accesses the cart by entering in their pre-as signed PIN at the order checkout which then goes directly to the server station and appears directly on the POS screen there. This eliminates the need of having to wait for the server to return to their table to place the additional orders. The customer can also use the "call" feature to display a message at the server/server station notifying them that their customer needs them.

[0039] At the end of the night when the patron is ready to checkout, the server then asks if the customer want their receipt printed or emailed. So for the sake of argument let's assume the customer say "emailed". The server goes back to the POS system to process their credit card. When the POS is ready to print the receipt, the server redirects the "print info" to the vaLET device. Now instead of displaying the bottle menu it's now displaying the transferred receipt. Now at the top of the vaLET screen is a 'SCAN' button. The server then places the customers ID on the scanner (System 400). The server pushes the 'SCAN' button thereby activating the scan and transferring the scanned ID and/or credit card image to the vaLET device where it is attached to the customer's record (receipt) in the vaLET device. The server presents the vaLET device back to the customer. On it are the itemized purchases of the night. Below there is a virtual calculator for tips where on it are preset percentage amounts or the ability to enter it in an amount manually. Below that there is a signature field were the customer sign. As the customer is signing, the camera of the device is taking a video of them signing. Below the signature field is the email field, where the customer will fill in their email address. This collected data is sent through System 100 then onto System 200. If the receipt gets emailed, this gives the establishment a tax cut because now they're going green. And two, the customer now have the customers email address for future marketing campaigns. In the event the customer chooses not to have their receipt emailed or if the customer loses their hardcopy. The customer can go to a receipt retrieval link on the establishment's website. To access their receipt via the web, the customer enters in, their last name, the last 4 digits of the credit card used and the date of service; the customer then can download a copy of their receipt. This is part of System 300

Presentation of the vaLET device (Mark I) Scenario C (Bar)

[0040] Referring to Fig. 4, a customer goes to a bar and orders. Upon settling of the of their tab, the bartender presents the customer with a vaLET device (Mark I) on it is displayed the customer's bill (tab), the customer then hands back to the bartender their credit card and the vaLET device (Mark I). The bartender then processes the customer's credit card, and then returns the vaLET device (Mark I) to the customer with the processed tab within the device. The customer then adds the tip, enters their email address to have the receipt emailed to them (optional System 300) or it can be printed at a nearby POS printer. Finally they sign on the vaLET device (Mark I) completing the sale. As the customer is signing, the camera of the device is taking a video of them signing. Presentation of the vaLET device (Mark II) Scenario D (Bar).

[0041] Referring to Fig. 5, a customer goes to a bar and orders. Upon settling of the of their tab, the bartender presents the customer with a vaLET device (Mark II) on it is displayed the customer's bill (tab), the customer then swipes their credit card on the vaLET device (Mark II). The customer's credit card is processed within the device. The customer then adds the tip, enters their email address to have the receipt emailed to them (optional System 300) or it can be printed at a nearby POS printer. Finally they sign on the vaLET device (Mark II) completing the sale. As the customer is signing, the camera of the device is taking a video of them signing.

Presentation of the vaLET device (Mark II) in Scenario E (Restaurant)

[0042] Referring to Fig. 6, the scenario is the rush of a lunch crowd. A customer enters an establishment and is seated and offered a vaLET device (Mark II). The customer scrolls through the restaurant's digital menu. From the vaLET device (Mark II) the customer can place their order directly to the POS system which then goes to the restaurant kitchen. This bypasses having to wait for the server/server to come to the customers table to place an order, especially if time is of the essence. The server/server is still responsible for bring out the food and drinks to the customer. Once the customer is done they can pay directly on the vaLET device (Mark II) at which point they can have their receipt emailed from the vaLET device (Mark II) (System 300) and/or printed by having it sent to one of the nearby POS printers.

Presentation of the vaLET device (Mark II) in Scenario F (Restaurant)

[0043] Referring to Fig. 7, the scenario is a group dining together. In which case two or more of the vaLET devices (Mark II), can be linked together where as one will be the master, the other(s) the slave(s). Persons in the group can order directly to the restaurants POS system thereby sending orders directly to the kitchen. This bypasses having to wait for the server/server to come to the customers table to place an order, especially if time is of the essence. Once they orders are placed, the servers takes up all the slave units leaving the master. This is to allow further ordering if need be and to pay for the entire groups costs/services. Once the customer(s) are done they can pay directly on the vaLET device (Mark II) at which point the customer signs and can have their receipt emailed from the vaLET device (Mark II) (System 300) and/or printed by having it sent to one of the nearby POS printers. As the customer is signing, the camera of the device is taking a video of them signing.

Presentation of the vaLET device (Mark II) in Scenario G (Retail)

[0044] Referring to Fig. 8, a customer enter a jewelry (retail) store to shop upon selecting merchandise to purchase the clerk pulls up the selected merchandise on the vaLET device (Mark II) by selecting it from the digital menu on the vaLET device (Mark II), typing in the merchandise SKU manually or using a bar code scanner to read the bar code on the merchandise . The clerk then processes the payment on the vaLET device (Mark II). At which point the customer signs and can have their receipt emailed from the vaLET device (Mark II) (System 300) and/or printed by having it sent to one of the nearby POS printers. As the customer is signing, the camera of the device is taking a video of them signing.

Presentation of the vaLET device (all versions) in Scenario H (Package delivery)

[0045] Referring to Fig. 9, a package delivery company (FedEx or UPS etc.) will use the vaLET device (all versions) to have all package deliveries signed for. Using the cellular connection in the tablets, the vaLET software will stay in connection with the delivery company's systems and database to monitor real time package delivery status. When the package is delivered, the delivery person scans the package and then hands the vaLET device (all versions) to the person signing for the package. As the person signs, the camera on the device records the process, thereby keeping a video record of the transaction. Once the transaction is complete the data gets uploaded back to the delivery company's database.

Presentation of the vaLET device (all versions) in Scenario I (Airline check-in)

[0046] Referring to Fig. 10, during check-in the airlines will use the vaLET device (all versions) to scan in and photograph customer's luggage. This provides a visual record of all the customer's baggage in the event of any dispute.

[0047] In the foregoing description, numerous details which are well understood in this field have been omitted so as to avoid obscuring the inventive concept. Specific implementations have been described in concrete terms, but the details of these implementations should be taken in the vein of teaching by example, and not by way of limitation. Variations of the foregoing, and substitution of particular parts for others, will occur to persons familiar with this field, and such variations are certainly within the scope and spirit of the inventive concept, the extent of which is to be determined in accordance with the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus, intended for use in fraud prevention associated with a purchase, comprising:

a processor core;

a display device configured to display a user signature input area under control of the processor core;

the input device configured to receive, under control of the processor core, an input user signature, at the user signature input area;

the processor core configured to operate the video capture device to capture one or more frames of video information contemporaneously with the receiving of the input user signature; and

a storage in which the processor core stores the input user signature in association with the video information.

2. The apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the display device is further configured to display, at the same time as the user signature input area, a receipt for the purchase.