KR20030029645A - Electronic device cover with embedded radio frequency(RF) transponder and methods of using same - Google Patents

Abstract

An exchangeable cover 100 for an electronic device in a payment system and a method of using the same are provided. The cover 100 has a transponder 110 that responds to questions by the electric field. The cover provides the electronic identification number and other information in response to the question signal. Also provided is a system for performing a payment comprising at least one mobile station 4 having a cover 100 coupled to provide local data transfer. The system also includes at least one point of sale management terminal or the like of any other having a second transceiver for providing data transmission.

Description

Electronic device cover with embedded radio frequency (RF) transponder and methods of using same}

There are prior art mobile stations, and the control card in the mobile stations is subscriber identification, such as subscriber identity module (SIM) used in GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) standard based systems. It includes a unit. The SIM includes a control unit (CPU; Central Processing Unit), a program memory (ROM; Read Only Memory), and a data memory (EEPROM) suitable for long term storage (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memoy). Erasable programmable read-only memory)) and a working memory (RAM; Random Access Memory) suitable for data storage in use. In order to use a mobile station, in general, when the mobile phone is turned on, a PIN (Personal Identification Number) number stored in the SIM must be provided. Other user-specific information, such as telephone numbers, messages, etc., may also be stored in the data memory of the SIM.

There are now also mobile phones with data connectors for connecting external data processing units such as portable computers. Thus, the mobile phone can be used as a data transmission means between a portable computer and some other data processing apparatus via a wireless communication network. In this way, it is possible, for example, to establish a connection to the user's bank in order to view balances and make payments. However, this kind of device is not very practical, because a separate cable is required between the computer and the mobile phone. Moreover, a computer must be available, for example, to establish a bank connection.

Wireless systems, so-called smart cards or payment cards are also known. The cards are mostly used for payment applications such as making payments on buses and pay phones. Such smart cards generally include a central processing unit, program memory and data memory. The internal operation of the card in use is controlled by the CPU in accordance with the program code stored in the program memory. The data memory is used to store information about the intended use of the smart card, such as the amount of money. In order to conduct payment transactions, the card also includes data transmission means such as a transmitter / receiver based on electromagnetic induction. A disadvantage of this kind of smart cards is the fact that several different cards may be required for different types of payment, for example, so the user has to carry a lot of cards. Moreover, when the amount loaded on the card has been consumed, it is necessary to load a new amount or purchase a new card at the store providing the loading service.

Japanese patent application JP 4 083 447 provides a mobile phone capable of adding more features to the mobile phone by means of a separate memory card. Such applications are preferably set for some use, such as increasing storage capacity or phone number memory. Such applications are based on how the mobile phone's central processing unit reads data stored in the applications (memory cards) and operates in any manner requested by the data. The disadvantage of this method is the fact that the functions necessary to perform the different operations of the applications must be programmed in advance in the central processing unit (CPU), whereby the development of new applications also requires a change in the programs of the central processing unit. .

International patent application WO 91/12698 provides a mobile phone which can add properties to the mobile phone by means of a separate add-in card such as a smart card. In this way, the use of the telephone can be restricted, for example by preventing international calls, long distance calls or calls to service numbers. Information about call restrictions is stored on an expansion card that must be installed on the user's mobile phone. The main use of this method is therefore to prevent the use of some features of the mobile station.

Automatic identification and data capture techniques are increasingly being used to identify and track items. Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) transponders, also known as tags or tokens, provide a means for acquiring data without direct contact such as that required for magnetic strip or barcode technology. to provide. Such transponder devices have been around for some time. US Patent No. 3,713, 148, registered with Cardullo et al. On January 23, 1973, and incorporated herein by reference, describes a transponder comprising an exchangeable or recordable memory. An RFID system consists of a reader device, also referred to as an interrogator, and a transponder (also referred to as a tag or token) with a unique electronic serial number. The tags are housed in laminates or enclosed capsules that do not require external power, for obtaining power by rectifying energy in the field generated by the interrogator and storing energy in the capacitive circuit. Because. Nevertheless, some transponders can be powered with small batteries. RFID tags range from thin, flat and flexible form-factor (thin type) to small capsules (cylindrical). An example of a thin form-factor is described in US Pat. No. 5,528,222, registered with Moskowitz et al, June 18, 1996. Although the term "radio frequency" is used, other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum can be used to generate an energy field. UHF, microwave and millimeter wave sources can be used by interrogators depending on the interrogator and the distance between the transponder and the material being transmitted. Commercial examples of RFID transponders are the Texas Instruments' Registration and Information Systems (TIRIS) line of transponders available from Texas Instruments (Dallas, Texas; www.ti.com ).

Transponders such as transponders from Texas Instruments and others can be implemented in keyfobs, cards or other such items. Gas companies are using keypops or keychain transponders to identify consumers when pumps buy gas and bill gas calculations (eg http://www.mobil.com/). speedpass /). The transponders are available from Gilbarco Inc.-West Friendly Avenue 7300, Marconi Commercial System (Greensboro, NC); http: //www.marconicommerce It interacts with the fuel supply (fueling) system such as that provided by the - .com) as known. The fuel supply system is Kenneth O. Described in US Pat. No. 6,073,840, registered with Kenneth O. Marion and assigned to Gilbarco, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The use of key pops adds something else that the consumer is concerned about carrying and losing. For example, when leaving the keypop with another person, such as a parking attendant, the guide can use the keypop to fuel many cars while the owner is eating or doing other activities.

There is also a need to allow consumers to collect coupons from different transactions at different facilities. For example, a consumer may want to collect coupons from postal inserts and newspapers and turn these hardcopy coupons into merchandise. The use of hardcopy coupons is bothersome and waste of time for consumers.

Moreover, the use of transponders in the form of keypops in keyrings is problematic when stored near certain keys that transmit their codes. Many cars are now manufactured with microprocessors embedded in keys that send signals to security systems connected to ignition systems. If there is no correct code sent by the key, the car will not start. However, the key pop transponder interferes with the encoded signal and therefore the motor vehicle will not start because the security system cannot read the code from the processor in the key. For example, the user information for the year 2000 model Jeep includes alerts for RFID transponders in the same key ring as the starter key. 1 shows a typical transponder used in a key ring 3. The transponder 1 is a typical transponder in the form of a key pop as described above and the identification number 2 is a key with a built-in processor made to interact with the security system of the motor vehicle. The security system will only allow the engine to start if the correct code is sent from the processor embedded in the key to the security system. The transponder 1 interferes with the reception of this encoded signal.

Moreover, the transponder of the key ring is inconvenient because the consumer is in a drive-through window and has to turn off the car to access the key ring of the key ring. Thus, it is necessary to have a transponder in the ignition system of a motor vehicle located away from the key ring associated with the key.

In another example of identification systems, some grocery stores are now providing self-checks. Here, the buyer scans his groceries using bar codes. Moreover, many stores are saving money by using barcode scanning and shelf area pricing as a means of delivering price information without pricing each item. However, sometimes the item can be moved from a suitable location and a means is needed to prove the price. Symbol technologies, Inc. (Holtsview, New York; http://www.symbol.com ) provides a portable shopping system. When a shopping customer enters a store, they are provided with a scanner and with the scanner they can scan items to determine the price and maintain the current total of their purchases. However, the shopping customer still has to go to the cash register and present the hardcopy coupons to the cashier for the consumer to cut, sort, organize and exchange. Coupons at the checkout are also scanned individually, which must be delayed and queued. The consumer must also provide cash, credit or payment card to purchase the product. Consumers therefore need a portable device that captures, stores and downloads coupons, provides a way to remember their purchases, and provides an automatic payment method.

In another example of automated shopping, US Pat. No. 5,729,607, registered with Schkolnick et at. On March 17, 1998, and assigned to International Business Machines, is an intelligent shopping cart. Describe the cart. Food products can be labeled with thin transponders. Transponders for food products identify items and their prices. The use of transponders allows the customer to use the cart as described in the Chicolnick patent or to pass through the energy field generated by the interrogator, and the purchased food products will be automatically identified and the total amount will be calculated. However, the consumer still has to open the wallet and look for cash or payment / credit cards. Thus, there is a need for a payment system associated with an item that a consumer can wear or hang on himself to facilitate automatic payment.

The invention is entitled "Method for using applications in a mobile station, a mobile station and a system for effecting payments", issued June 20, 2000, U.S. Patent No. 6,078,806, the application of which is partly pending and is assigned to the same assignee, provides a method of performing payment using a mobile station or Personal Trusted Device (PTD).

Therefore, for this reason, it is necessary to have an electronic identification and payment means that the consumer can carry. Moreover, there is a need to provide a system that allows consumers to obtain, store and redeem coupons on a single device.

The present invention relates generally to mobile station accessories. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic device cover having a built-in transponder and a method of using the same.

1 is a diagram of a key ring having an ignition device key and an RFID fob transponder with a processor that emits an RF signal.

2A is a block diagram of a mobile station in accordance with the present invention.

2B is a view of an electronic device cover according to the present invention.

3 is a view of a fuel dispenser.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a dispenser electronic device of the dispenser illustrated in FIG. 3.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a trading system according to the present invention.

5B is a schematic diagram illustrating the path of a telephone call between a mobile services switching center (MSC) and an application in a mobile wireless communications network.

6 is a step diagram illustrating receipt of transaction information via a wireless application protocol.

7 illustrates the use of a remote payment method of parking in accordance with the present invention.

8 illustrates use of a hotel room access method in accordance with the present invention.

9 illustrates the use of the method according to the invention in connection with a Point of Sale (POS) terminal.

10 illustrates communication between two mobile stations in accordance with the present invention.

11 shows a business model for M-Commerce in accordance with the present invention.

12 is a block diagram of a battery having an isolation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a block diagram illustrating a purchase preview system for purchasing music according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In order to eliminate the drawbacks mentioned above and set the standard in the art, applications in Personal Trusted Devices (PTDs), also referred to as mobile wireless communication units, including mobile stations and interchangeable covers with intelligence. In addition to the new method of using the same, new mobile stations with interchangeable covers as application modules and new systems for performing payments and collecting incentives and other equivalents have been invented. The exchangeable cover provides a means for local data transfer.

The invention is based on the idea that the mobile station can be complemented with applications having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation the application does not actively do anything and remains passive in the background. In the manual mode, an intelligent exchangeable cover can still function to provide a payment system. In the second mode of operation, the application is active and can, for example, control the central processing unit of the mobile station. When in the second mode of operation, the application will also use peripheral devices that are commonly known components of the mobile station, such as displays, keypads, status indicators and data ports, which the application requires when switching to the second mode of operation. Can be.

The applications used in the method of the present invention can be of three different types, preferably depending on the circumstances in which the application can switch to the second mode of operation. 1) A so-called power-up type, where the application switches to the second mode of operation as soon as possible after mobile station switching on and / or attaching a new cover. 2) In the menu type, menu type, the user can select an application which the user wants to be active from, for example, a menu displayed on the display of the mobile station. 3) Automatic type, in the automatic type, the application switches to the second mode of operation when certain conditions defined in the application are met. For example, the application of the third mode of operation may be active in the GSM system when the mobile receives a particular SMS (Short Message Services) message. SMS messages are typically used to transfer short text messages between mobile stations. The automatic type can also be selected from the menu. Menu options may also be used when several power-up type applications are connected to the mobile station and when one of the applications can be switched to the second mode of operation. The method of the present invention is characterized in that the application has a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the application is passive in the first mode of operation and in the second mode of operation the application controls the central unit of the mobile station. . The mobile station according to the invention also provides means for the application to set the application to the passive first mode of operation, the means for the application to set the application to the active second mode of operation, and if the application is in the second mode of operation. And means for controlling the central unit. Prominent advantages over the prior art solutions are achieved by the present invention. With the present invention, the possible use range of the mobile station can be substantially increased. In addition to general telephone and data services, the mobile stations according to the invention can also be used for example as credit cards and / or cash cards instead of traditional plastic cards. With a mobile station equipped with a suitable application module, a user can use his / her credit account (credit card application) to make payments in the store or pay directly from his / her bank account (cash card application). So no real cash is needed. Typical for both credit card and cash card type applications is that when a payment is made, money in electrical form or its equivalent is stored on a central computer (also referred to as a money server) that the mobile station contacts. . The money server is typically located on the bank premises. If desired, it is possible for the application to check the credit limit or check the balance of the bank account before the payment is accepted. It is also possible to store money or its equivalent in a "electric money purse" in a mobile station or in an application module, ie the cover itself. In that case, preferably it is not necessary to check the credit limit or bank account balance from the money server before the payment is accepted. In other words, it is not necessary to contact the money server to perform the payment. Information on how much money is stored in the "electronic money wallet" can be read from the memory of the mobile station or application module. The electronic money is subtracted from the memory when the payment is made. Applications of this kind where money is stored in the mobile station or in the application module itself are also referred to as payment applications.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the description and from the drawings.

In FIG. 2A, the mobile station 4, also referred to as a "Personal Trusted Device" (PTD), includes a master control unit (MCU) 13, a user interface (UI) 18, a high frequency unit 19, a low frequency unit. 21, power unit 5, data transmission means 22, which may be an IR or other equivalent in the electromagnetic spectrum, and an application module connection unit 6. The operation of the mobile station 4 is controlled by the MCU 13. The MCU 13 has prestored program code to perform different operations. The mobile station 4 may also include personal information management (PIM) capabilities such as calendars, to-do lists, and financial management programs.

The user interface 18 comprises components known from the prior art mobile phone, namely the display 7, the keypad 8 and the status indicators 23. The MCU 13 generates various, situation-specific messages, operation commands, menus, etc. on the display 7. Using the keypad 8, the user can enter different kinds of information into the mobile station 4, such as identification numbers and telephone numbers, and select operations from the menus. Status indicators 23 may preferably be used to indicate the internal modes of operation of the mobile station 4. The display may be in the form of glasses worn by a user implemented using LCD screen (s). Or the display is provided by MicroVision (Seattle, WA) and assigned to U.S. Patent No. 5,596,339; 5,659,327; 5,659,327; 5,701,132; 5,701,132; 5,982,555; 5,982,555; And a virtual retinal display as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,008,781.

The radio frequency component 19 is a known component of mobile telephones and transmits messages and calls using radio frequencies in a wireless communication network, such as a GSM network, for example via a mobile service switching center (MSC). It is used to receive.

The low frequency portion 21 preferably includes a microphone 9, headphones 10 and a buzzer 11 or the like.

Operating power for the mobile station 4 is supplied by a battery 12 that is charged when necessary. The power unit 5 specifically monitors the state of charge and the charging procedure of the battery 12. The power unit 5 transmits information to the central unit 13 (MCU) when the state of charge of the battery 12 falls below a predetermined value, whereby the MCU 13 preferably sounds to the buzzer 11. Inform this by displaying and / or displaying a message on the display 7.

The module card can be connected to a module card connector located in the mobile station 4. The module card may include, among others, a subscriber identity module (SIM) for user identification and a memory for storage of logic and data. This memory can be volatile such as RAM and non-volatile memory such as EEPROM, flash or the like.

The application module connection unit 6 is located in the mobile station 4 as shown in FIG. 2A. Other module cards can also be connected to the application module connection unit 6 of the exemplary embodiment, whereby the other module cards are preferably connected to their module card connectors. There is an application module bus 14 from the application module connection unit 6 to the central processing unit (MCU) of the mobile station 4. The application modules connected to the application module connection unit 6 by the application module bus 14 communicate with the MCU. For example, AT commands known from modems can be used for the transmission of data and commands.

In addition to the application module bus 14, there are separate control and data lines from each application module connector 15, 16, 17 of the application module connection unit 6. It is therefore possible to use standard series ISO 7816 based structures in control and data lines. The standard series ISO 7816 includes voltage levels and timing diagrams, whereby application modules are connected to the control and data lines.

For each application module, the application module connection unit 6 has a connector, through which the application module bus 14 leads to the application module. More than one application module may be connected to the same module card 13. The second application module on the module card 13 may be a SIM module, for example.

The mobile station 4 also comprises first data transmission means, such as infrared / IR or other equivalent frequencies transmitter / receiver 22 in the electromagnetic spectrum. Said first data transmission means can be used for transferring data at relatively short distances between the mobile station 4 and the cash register (payment terminal), the fuel dispenser shown in FIG. 3 or between two different mobile stations 4, for example. . The first data transfer means may also serve as a bar-code reader for reading encoded data in the form of a bar-code and transmitting it to the memory. The first data transfer means may also comprise a data connector 20, which may be used to connect a computer to the mobile station 4 or also as shown in FIG. 2B. It can be used to connect a cover for it. The mobile station 4 may comprise a housing for the components listed above. The housing may be coupled to a removable cover.

2B is a detailed view of a detachable cover according to an embodiment of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention are for use with the mobile station 4 but can also be used in combination with other devices such as, for example, an MP3 player.

A removable mobile station cover with intelligence, referred to as a SmartCover ^™ brand, is referred to as cover 100 hereinafter. The cover 100 includes an RFID transponder 110, a grill opening 120 for a speaker of the mobile station, a transparent component 130 for viewing the display of the mobile station, and a plurality of function key passage openings 140. A plurality of alphanumeric key passage openings 150, outer wall component 160, catch projection 170, interface contacts 180 from cover to phone. Signals such as serial input / output data, read / write signals, and other control signals use these contacts to provide an interface between cover 100 and mobile station 4 through data connector 20.

The RFID transponder 110 may be a cylindrical or wedge transponder attached to the cover or may be of a thin type embedded within the material of the cover 100. Cover 100 may also include a non-volatile memory to store logic and data. The transponder is read by a reader, also known as an interrogator. Data codes are encoded in the transponder and sent to the reader in response to a query signal. The pattern of circuits can also be created in a design using conducting ink or the like.

The cover 100 can also be used to transmit optical signals using optical relays of the state of the art. Other equivalents for EM energy sensors, optical elements such as Dense Wave Multiple Access (DWMA) and Surface Acoustical Wave (SAW) devices are found in Sandia Corporation (Albuque, Surfactant-templated silicon mesophase produced using techniques currently under development by Jeffrey Brinker et al. And other companies in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Self-creating structures and inkjet printing methods, such as) structures, may also be produced. US Patent Nos. 5,057,296; 5,098,684; 5,098,684; 5,858,457; 5,858,457; 5,911,858; 5,911,858; 5,949,071; 6,027,706; 6,027,706; 6,037,612; 6,037,612; 6,054,111; 6,054,111; 6,057,377; 6,057,377; And 6,090,545, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The covers 100 are interchangeable and thus allow the device with the cover to be attached to electronics for e-commerce or mobile (m-commerce) applications such as safe area access, product purchase, and the like. Allow to be a key.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the contacts 180 allow electrical signal connections between the cover 100 and an electronic device such as the mobile station 4 in FIG. 2A. This allows the cover to share memory with the electronic device. In the case of a mobile station, interfacing with the mobile station allows uploading / downloading of data from wireless networks. Thus, other equivalents, such as "digital money" or digital coupons, can be loaded into the telephone used for exchange using the RFID transponder mounting cover 100. The transponder may also send an encoded signal to the registers of the MCU to instruct the mobile station to change to manual mode or power down. This is useful in situations where mobile station use may not be permitted or may be unsafe. One example would be a fuel supply situation as described below. Another example would be in an aircraft where the use of a mobile station interferes with aircraft machines.

In addition, the interrogator can be installed as part of the security system of the motor vehicle. A reader with a directional question may ask the driver side of the car the motor is driving and the gear is driving. Therefore, the driver's mobile station is deactivated while the driver is driving a car.

Unlike Bluetooth ( www.bluetooth.com ), which requires acceptance, infrastructure, device design and development of standards, RFID system infrastructures already exist in many commercial and consumer applications. Covers 100 can be sold as accessories for electronic devices and will not be expensive-thus can be disposed of and replaceable. In an example of embodiment of the present invention, a mobile station 104 with a cover may replace an existing RFID tag, which may be in the form of an electronic badge, keyfob tag, smart card or the like. have. Because many people carry mobile stations wherever they go and many wear mobile stations to themselves, the mobile station 104 with the cover transmits data in an electronic payment system as described in US Pat. No. 6,078,806. Provides means for

The covers 100 may also be preloaded with content such as electronic money, coupons, icons, animations, ring tones, and the like. For example, Disney may provide a cover with their copyrighted characters preloaded in memory. This is a secure way to distribute copyrighted material. Internet downloads, disk-based distribution, or other such methods may be exploited by users of Disney copyrighted materials-that is, users can download the software to their systems and then share the disk with others and as a result Disney misses royalties.

Purchase of Fuel

Current RFID transponder systems for cash-free transactions such as key pops are "One Way" transactions. Keypop transponders are only valid for a user but do not provide the user with a means of feedback or interaction. The key pop does not have any user interface, which restricts the transaction to a "authentication only" process for purchase or access. Currently, a transaction takes place by the user placing an RFID keypop near the reader panel for confirmation and commencement of the transaction. Any remaining trading interface is performed via an RFID reader in Point of Sale (POS). By integrating the RFID tag and the mobile station into one device (mobile station and cover) 104, feedback to the user is now possible through the user interface (display and keypad) of the mobile station. It is also possible to follow the customer after the deal. The POS station can provide a paper receipt. However, by using a mobile station 104 having a cover, an electronic receipt can be provided. Additional security may be provided by the use of a PIN number already used to access the user's mobile station.

In the context of fuel dispensing systems, signs in dispensers and in the cellular telephone user manual provide warnings for using a mobile phone near fuel supply and other potential explosive areas. Unlike Bluetooth ( www.bluetooth.com ), which requires active use of the phone, RFID type transponders respond to energy transmitted from devices installed in pumps. The fuel dispenser, described below in US Pat. No. 6,073,840, assigned to Gilbarco, is designed for use around fuels. Thus, a manual mode of mobile station as provided is required around the fueling area. The interrogator of the fuel supply dispenser described below may place the mobile station in manual mode.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a fuel dispenser manufactured by Gilbarco Corporation-aka Marconi-(Greensboro, North Carolina) and described in US Pat. No. 6,073,840. The fuel dispenser 318 provides a fuel delivery path from the underground storage tank to the vehicle. The delivery route includes a fuel delivery line 372 having a fuel metering device 374. Fuel delivery line 372 runs to fuel delivery hose 376 and delivery nozzle 378 that are external to dispenser 318. The nozzle 378 provides manual control of fuel delivery.

Fuel dispenser 318 also includes a dispenser control system 380 having one or more controllers and associated memory 382. The dispenser control system 380 can receive capacity data from the metering device 374 via cabling 384 as well as provide control of fuel delivery. The dispenser control system 380 may provide audible signals to the audio module and speaker 386 to provide the customer with various beeps, tones, and audible messages. These messages may include alerts, descriptions, and advertisements.

The dispenser 318 is preferably equipped with a payment receiver, such as a transponder interrogator area 381, a card reader 388, or a cash receiver 390, along with a receipt printer 392. There may be other interrogators, such as being embedded in a pavilion or located overhead. With these options, the dispenser control system 380 can query the transponder passing near the transponder interrogator area 381, read data from the magnetic strip of the card inserted in the card reader 388, or the customer. Can accept cash from and pass such information to a central control system 350, such as a G-site controller sold by Gilbarco (Greensboro, NC). Interrogators above the head can be used to change the phone's mode to manual mode for safety reasons.

In addition to placing the phone in manual mode, interrogators may also provide a signal to operate an isolation circuit that prevents current from flowing from the battery to the electronic device. This further reduces the chance of sparks. 12 is a block diagram of a battery having an isolation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery circuit 1200 includes an energy collection rectifier 1210 that may be similar to an RFID circuit but does not transmit. The energy collection block 1210 is connected to an isolation circuit 1220 disposed between the power supply 1230 and the contacts 1240. Current is normally supplied from the power supply to the electronic device via contacts 1240. However, if the battery is in an area where RF energy is transmitted from the interrogator, the energy is collected by 1210 and supplies the insulation block 1220 with a signal used by the insulation block 1220 to prevent current from flowing. . The insulating block may be transistors having leads from an energy rectifier that supplies a voltage to the gate of the transistors that create a depletion region between the source and drain to prevent current flow. The power source may be a plurality of battery cells for storing power in a number of ways known in the art.

The transponder interrogator region is coupled to interrogator electronics 352. The central processing system 350 typically communicates with a remote network, such as a card verification authority, to verify that the proposed transaction to be paid or billed from the account associated with the card inserted in the card reader 388 is authenticated. The dispenser 318 will include one or more types of displays, preferably one or more alphanumeric displays 396, along with the high resolution graphical display 300. Graphical display 300 will generally have a keypad 302 integrated with or adjacent to the display to provide a touch interface. The dispenser may include an additional auxiliary keypad 304 coupled with the card reader 388 to enter secret codes or personal identification numbers (PINs). In particular, the displays 396, 300 and the keypads 302, 304 may be integrated into a single device and / or touch interface. The dispenser control system 380 is preferably a CRIND (card reader in dispenser) and TRIND (tag or dispenser tag in the dispenser) sold by Gilbarco under the trademark THE ADVANTAGE. or transponder reader in dispenser)) is comparable to microprocessor-based control systems used in type units. As noted, the dispenser control system 380 may include or be coupled to a dispenser communication electronics, referred to as interrogator electronics 352, to provide remote one-way or two-way communication between the transponder and the dispenser. Although the preferred communication method includes radio frequencies in the microwave range, these communications may include other radio frequency, infrared, acoustic or other known wireless communication methods that are acceptable for use in a fueling environment. Additionally, the dispenser 318 may include one or more antennas 308 coupled with the dispenser interrogator 352.

4 shows a basic schematic diagram of a dispenser electronic circuit available from the Gilbarco company described above. Here, the dispenser control system 380 includes a controller coupled with a memory 382 for interfacing with the central control system 350 via an interface 146. The dispenser control system 380 has a keypad 302 and a display 300 to provide a graphical user interface. Audio / video electronics 386 may interface with the dispenser control system 380 and / or auxiliary audio / video source 356 to provide customers with advertisements, sales promotions and multimedia presentations in addition to basic transactional functions. Is adapted. The graphical user interface provided by the dispenser allows customers to purchase goods and services other than fuel at the dispenser. The customer may purchase car detergent and / or order food from the QSR while fueling the vehicle. Preferably, a video menu is provided to the customer on the display 300 to facilitate the selection of various services, goods and foods available for purchase. RFID interrogator 352, card reader 388, and card receiver 390 allow customers to pay for any of the services, goods, or food ordered at the dispenser, and printer 392 may provide a transaction record. will be. The dispenser control system 380 is coupled to operate with a dispenser interrogator 352 having a receiver 342 and a transmitter 344. The receiver and transmitter are typically coupled with one or more antennas 308 to provide remote communication with the transponder. The dispenser control system 80 communicates with the central control system 350 in a backroom 326.

Typically, a consumer drives to a fuel island, exits the vehicle and places an RFID key pop in the RFID transponder interrogator window 381 of the fuel dispenser. The consumer is confirmed and the gas purchase is authenticated. After fuel dispensing is complete, the consumer may receive a receipt generated at the printer 392. The consumer then drives in the vehicle.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cover 100 and the mobile station 4 as data transmission means in the passive mode pass through the EM field generated by the reader / interrogator. As is known in the art, the interrogator may transmit at a first frequency and the transponder may respond at a second frequency. The signals are modulated such that the encoded data can be transferred between the reader / interrogator and the transponder. The modulation scheme may be pulse-width, phase-amplitude or any other kind of that known in the art. A combination 104 of cover and mobile station is within this field. The cover 100 then responds to provide the reader / questioner with information such as an electronically identified mobile station phone number or the like. The reader / questioner may also send a code to the MCU's register to instruct the phone to go into manual mode. Since information about the user's mobile station phone number can be provided to the reader / questioner, the user's mobile station can receive a Short Message (SMS) message at some point after the RFID check if the customer is safely away from the fueling area. Active use of the mobile station is not necessary because SMS messages can be received by the service provider's server and the mobile station is in passive mode, sending SMS a few minutes or hours after the customer has left the gas station and the mobile station is again in active mode. Because it comes back. The message may thank the customer for a purchase from a fuel vendor and may provide some incentive to later visit their convenience store (ie, "digital cash" or other equivalents when visiting within a certain time period). Offer free coffee, soda or any item discounts). In addition, the incentive may be inter-promotion with other companies that provide "digital cash" that is redeemed, for example, during the purchase of food products. This encourages consumers to visit fuel vendor convenience stores or other associated stores even when there is no need to purchase gasoline. The cover and mobile station combination 104 allows the vendor to reach and contact the customer at some point after the transaction is completed.

SMS messages may also be analyzed and information may be provided for entry into a Personal Information Management (PIM) application running on a mobile station. For example, the message can be analyzed for sales volume, date and cost categories to enter a financial application for tracking costs.

5A is a diagram of an example of a system for a purchase transaction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a host 500 coupled to a database 501, a trading kiosk 502 (eg, gas dispenser), and a mobile station 104 having a cover. The host may be a gas company authentication server or a server located at a company that provides transaction approval services or something of that kind.

The following is just an example. Modifications and substitutions by those skilled in the art after reading the specification including the claims are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. Although separate steps are described, some steps may be combined according to the specification of the RFID tag and interrogator in the cover 100. If the mobile station 104 with the cover is within the EM field generated by interrogator 352 at kiosk 502, the transaction begins (503). The interrogator electronics in the kiosk 502 may provide the mobile station 104 with the cover to the mobile provider 104 for later download of transaction information and other such communications via the Internet (step 510). In the case of a fuel supply transaction, the interrogator at the kiosk 502 (fuel dispenser) writes to the registers of the MCU 13 (FIG. 2A) via the contacts 180 of the cover 100 (FIG. 2B). Send a signal to (20). The signal may instruct the mobile station to switch to passive mode (step 520). In step 530, the interrogator requests an ID. Cover 100 responds with an ID (step 540). In step 545, the response and ID information is sent to the host 500. The host 500 finds the ID in the database 501 and sends a transaction approval to the kiosk 502 if it is OK. Hardcopy receipts may be provided. In step 570, an SMS message is sent via the radio bearer service provider 580.

As mentioned above, the SMS information can be analyzed for information that can be downloaded to a personal information management (PIM) system. The SMS message is also specially formatted as provided in US Pat. No. 6,078,820, registered to Well et al. On June 20, 2000, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and incorporated herein by reference. Can be. The formatted data will provide data identifiers that software applications available to the mobile station 4 can use to read the data. The following is an example of such a message:

//

APP; ID982

, error: <description>

, TITLE: GAS

, MSG: ACME

, DATE: 040900

, TIME: 1230

, AMOUNT: 2100

The analysis system provided by patent number 6,078,820 is an example of an analysis system of one of the other known in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention may also use Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). Information about WAP can be found at http://www.wapforum.org . WAP is an independent bearer. Thus, WAP applications can operate with the widest number of air interfaces. The WAP specification defines a protocol stack that can operate in high latency, low bandwidth networks such as SMS. WAP specifies a markup language that is a version of eXtensible Markup Language (XML). XML allows the use of metadata in web documents. Metadata is information about information. Thus, data is pushed to the mobile station 104 having the cover-sent to the mobile station 104-or the content requested (i.e. receipt) from the mobile station 104 having the cover and the wireless markup language ( Can be tagged by using WML (Wireless Mark-up Language).

6 is a diagram of how an embodiment of the present invention operates in a WAP environment. It is merely an example, and modifications and substitutions are still within the scope and spirit of the invention. The mobile station 104 with the cover sends the URL of the host server to the Wireless Telephony Application (WTA) server 602 via the WAP gateway 600 (step 610). The WTA requests content from the host 600 (step 620). Host 600 looks for a transaction in database 601. In operation 630, the host 600 responds with the tagged content to the WTA server. At this point, the WTA may apply an XSL style sheet to the data at step 640 and transmit the analysis data to the mobile station 104 having the cover at step 650. At point 660, the WTA may access the application of the mobile station 104 having the cover and load the data into a database.

"Digital Cash" can also be used with gift certificates for merchandise or entertainment (ie, Starbucks coffee, cinema tickets, etc.). By implementing the SmartCover cover as a "digital cash" gift certificate (possibly with a vendor's logo on the cover-Starbucks, AMC, General Cinema, etc.), the user interface of the mobile station is characterized by the number of visits, It can be used to indicate the remaining amount of "digital cash" or to convey any post-transaction SMS advertising or additional "digital cash" collection opportunities. The gift certificate may also be in the form of an SMS or other type of email as a birthday or other type of gift.

Presently, a gift certificate with a cash value is purchased and used by a buyer or provided to someone for use in a vendor location or retail chain where the gift certificate is accepted. In the future, gift certificates are presented for credit as a product purchase or show entry. The value remaining in the gift certificate may be refunded in the form of cash or, if the remaining amount cannot be refunded, in the form of another gift certificate representing the remaining amount. The problem is that the voucher must be transported, reducing the likelihood of impulse buying from the vendor where the voucher is accepted. In many cases, the amount of gift certificates remaining from the transaction is also refunded to the customer in the form of cash and cannot be used at the vendor's place of business.

In accordance with the present invention, the cover gift certificate is part of the customer's mobile station and therefore has a greater chance of always being with the customer. Vendor ads are available through design / cover and become free ads. Since the "digital cash" amount of the cover is stored electronically, the "digital cash" amount remaining from the transaction can be recorded in the cover's RFID programmable tag, mobile station 4 memory or RFID reader host network, and all "digital cash" amounts. "Increases the likelihood that money will be spent on that vendor. Once the "digital cash" amount of the cover has been consumed, the cover can be discarded or reprogrammed to the cover by visiting the vendor's place of business or the vendor / promoter's website as provided in US Pat. No. 6,078,806. Can be.

Virtual ATM and Food Shopping

As in the fuel supply example, the addition of a mobile station, as indicated in US Pat. No. 6,078,806 and the portions described below, incorporated herein by reference, allows the cover to be a reusable and secure cash card or a debit card and Allow to act as a means of local data transfer.

If the "digital cash" is consumed or needs more, the mobile money wallet of the mobile station needs to be reloaded. There are several ways to do it. One approach that is close to real money and ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) machines is to walk to the nearest "digital cash ATM" to download more money from the account. This is not very convenient because it takes some time before these kinds of "digital cash ATM" machines become widely available. The present invention provides a much more convenient way of reloading "digital cash".

Using the SMS service, it is possible to download more "digital cash" from the bank account to the mobile station. The mobile station sends a request to the money server responsible for the user's account to send more "digital cash", for example as an SMS message. If the account has a balance as a response, the money server sends "digital cash" to the mobile station and it is stored in memory. SMS is used as an example, and other services may also be used, such as, for example, the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) used in the fueling example above.

In accordance with the present invention, the cover 100 has contacts 180 (FIG. 2B) connecting the mobile station 4 platform to an RFID tag in the cover 100. As shown in FIG. The "digital cash" amount can now be loaded into the cover via the mobile station 4 and the WAP. For example, a maximum amount of “digital cash” (ie, $ 100 at a time) can be sent from the account (bank or wireless carrier account) over the air via WAP. Liability is now limited to $ 100. Moreover, the mobile station 4 may request a PIN to authenticate any RFID cash-free transaction. This is a more secure payment method than a credit card, a more secure method than carrying cash, and is more convenient than a traditional cash or payment card because "digital cash" amounts can be added to this cover at any time via a mobile phone. Do. Mobile station and cover combinations now become electronic wallets where money can be transferred wirelessly, eliminating the need to find ATM machines to get cash for small cash purchases, such as fast food.

5B shows a schematic diagram of a telephone call between a mobile service switching center (MSC), which is part of a mobile service network, and an application running on a mobile station 104 having a cover. In step 200, the application sends a telephone number called to the MCU of the mobile station 104 and sends identification data and other data necessary to establish a connection to the mobile switching center (MSC) (steps 201, 202 and 203). The switching center MSC sends the call progress information (step 204) and connection status (step 205) to the mobile station 104. The mobile station 104 then sends a confirmation of the connection to the MSC (step 206) and to the application 18 (step 207). To terminate the connection, the application 18 sends a connection complete command to the MCU of the mobile station 104 (step 208), and the MCU of the mobile station sends a connection complete request to the mobile service switching center (step 209). The MSC sends a connection completion confirmation to the MCU of the mobile station 104 (step 210). Finally, the MCU of the mobile station 104 sends information about the completion of the connection to the application (step 211).

In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, money was stored in an account and finally placed in a bank's money server. Therefore, it was necessary to update the balance in the mobile station and the balance in the bank. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electronic money is stored in the mobile station 4 or the cover 100. For example, if that kind of electronic money (also referred to as "digital cash or transaction credit amount information") is used to pay for parking or telephone charges, the amount is reduced from the mobile money wallet of the mobile station 104. do. The "digital cash" can be stored, for example, as a sign word in the mobile station memory. No link is required between the payment terminal 1021 (FIG. 10) and the money server 1022 at the moment the payment is made.

If the "digital cash" is consumed or needs more, the mobile money wallet of the mobile station needs to be reloaded. There are several ways to do it. One approach that is close to real money and ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) machines is to walk to the nearest "digital cash ATM" to download more money from the account. This is not very convenient because it takes some time before these kinds of "digital cash ATM" machines become widely available. The present invention provides a much more convenient way of reloading "digital cash".

Using the SMS service, it is possible to download more "digital cash" from the bank account to the mobile station using a method close to the method described in the above embodiment of the present invention regarding balance inquiry. The mobile station sends a request to the money server responsible for the user's account to send more "digital cash", for example as an SMS message. In response, if the account has a balance, the money server sends "digital cash" to the mobile station and it is stored in memory.

The network in which the mobile station according to the invention is used is not limited to GSM only. GSM is a good example of a system that provides the necessary data transfer possibilities. In particular, the SMS messages available on the GSM network are convenient because the normal telephone / data channel is not affected when sending SMS messages.

In addition to payment applications, the method of the present invention may also be used for other kinds of applications. For example, collecting and displaying other information such as timetables, stock prices, and exchange rates. Each of the above examples may be implemented in a separate application module or the desired functions and applications may be combined in a multi-function application module for the mobile station.

Grocery Shopping

Many people use coupons when buying groceries and other items. This requires the consumer to cut the coupons from magazines, newspapers, boxes of previously purchased items, and the like. Bar codes are currently used to encode information about products. Bar codes can also be used to print advertisements that compress a lot of information in a small space. As shown in FIG. 2A, the mobile station 4 also includes first data transmission means, such as an optical or infrared (IR) transmitter / receiver 22. Other equivalent frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum can also be used. The transmitter / receiver 22 may be used to transfer barcode encoded data to the mobile station 4 or the memory of the cover 100. Thus, consumers / users can now store coupons in the memory of the mobile station 4 or cover 100 in the form of “digital cash” and the user interface 18 can be used to track the coupons stored in the memory. When the consumer / user goes to the store, the phone can be used to scan the purchased items, remember the full charge and confirm the coupons. When the consumer checks out, "digital cash" can be automatically reimbursed at the point of sale, electronic coupons for purchased items are identified and for processing coupons as known in the clearing house or in the prior art. May be sent electronically to other such means. As mentioned above, when the mobile station 4 has the PIM capability, information about the transaction can be automatically entered into the PIM application.

Parking Meters

7 illustrates the use of a method of paying for parking meter time. Car 710 parks in front of parking meter 700. Parking meter 700 includes a sonar, IR, or other means for determining whether a car is parked in the space where the meter 700 collects the parking fee. The parking meter 700 also includes means for communicating with the central site 760, and an RFID interrogator for communicating with the mobile station and the cover 104. The means of communication to the central site can be via a point-to-point wireless connection, a wireless LAN or via a central city bus. Such buses, installed in some cities, connect traffic lights, traffic flow information, etc. to a central site.

The method begins if the user wants to park the car 710 next to the parking meter 700. The user places the mobile station 104 near the parking meter 700. The interrogation signal 705 reads the ID information stored in the cover 100 and provides the mobile station 4 with information such as the location and fee of the central site 760 via the cover 100 and the contacts 180. The cover provides the ID by return signal 706. The user enters the desired parking time and sends information 740 to the central site 760 via SMS or other such kind. The central site 760 then authorizes the parking meter for the desired time via the communication means 730. Timing information may be maintained at the central site 760, parking meter 700, or the like. An SMS or something else of that kind 750 may be sent to the mobile station 104 to notify the user of the parking timeout and the user may have another SMS or something of that kind 740 with additional digital cash sent to the parking agency. May respond to the central site 760.

Automatic Hotel / Car Rental Registration

8 illustrates the use of a method for hotel room access in accordance with the present invention. The user can use the mobile station 104 to send a request for the room via SMS or another such kind 830 to the central booking site 800 to reserve a hotel room. The central reservation site 800 may return and send an SMS or something else 840 that includes a room number, ID code, direction and other information. The user may then bypass the reception clerk 860 and proceed directly to the room (850). The user may then place the mobile station 104 near a door lock 820 that includes an interrogator. Lock queries the cover 100 (825) and the cover responds with the code received from the central reservation site 800 (827). Thus the door 810 is opened.

The car reservation system is similar. Central rental car systems are becoming common at airports. For example, at Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW) all rental car dealerships are now in the same facility. The keys are left in the cars. In order to prevent theft of cars, individuals leaving the car must pass through the gate and show their contract to the security guard. With the mobile station having a cover 104, the keys can be locked in the car. The user requests an appointment and receives an ID code to open the car and have car keys as described above. Thus, only authorized tenants are allowed access to the inside of the car and the keys. The future car system may use a mobile station with a cover as a key to the car's operation, thus eliminating physical keys.

Fast Food Restaurants

Many fast food restaurants do not accept credit cards. This is due to the percentage of transactions that fast food restaurants are required to pay for credit card services. This makes it impossible to sell from someone who could be a regular customer who does not have cash in hand. Time at the POS for cash transactions is another matter. Cash transactions require that the customer be given the correct change, and the hands that give and receive cash are checked closely for certainty. This adds to the overall transaction time and limits the speed at which the customer can be processed. Cash transactions are also vulnerable to POS downsizing.

To solve this problem, fast food vendors may have a Point of Sale (POS) Personal Radio System (PSID) that allows customers to have wireless telephone access to their system to save time. The mobile station 104 with the cover will log to the PSID and register the customer. At that point, the customer receives an SMS or WAP push message welcoming the customer, listing the number of recent visits and asking if they want the most recent menu selections to be purchased. This allows the menu selection to be performed even before the customer accesses the counter. This reduces the time spent waiting in line. The customer will then access a counter awaiting payment that requires his / her food to simply put the mobile station on the POS RFID reader. The amount in the cover is correctly adjusted by the POS reader. In the case where the cover is used as a payment card, the correct amount is paid from the account.

9 illustrates the use of a mobile station 104 having a cover and an application card 1013 having a microprocessor 1019. The mobile station 104 connects with a mobile switching center (MSC) and then with a point of sale (POS) terminal 1022 through a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). The POS terminal 1022 may include means 1023 for local data transmission. Mobile station 104 may also exchange data with a PC, such as terminal 1021, connected to a communication network, such as the Internet. The data exchange can be performed via the data transmission means 1010 connected to the data transmission means 22 on the mobile station 104 and the PC terminal 1021.

The transmission and payment of coupons in the form of "digital cash" and other digital codes may be transferred between two mobile stations. 10 shows an application in which two mobile stations 104 communicate with each other by means of data transmission means 22. It is possible to transmit digital data such as video and / or voice.

11 illustrates an M-commerce model 900 for use of a mobile station having an exchangeable cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A consumer using mobile station 104 having a cover may shop in various sales promotion channels 93X. These include home improvement shops 931, video rental shops 932, fast food restaurants 933, coffee shops 934, grocery stores 935, electronics stores 936, bookstores 937, or others of that kind. can do. The central portal database 910 may be maintained in which service requests from the mobile station 104 having the cover are processed. The portal may request billing authority 950 from a plurality of credit account issuers or authorizers 96x. They may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, First Data and the like. The credit issuer 96x authorizes the billing authority and sends an authority notification 955 to the portal 910. The bill may also be billed to the user's telephone bill. Profile database 920 may also be maintained. This database can collect marketing, purchasing habits, and other data about the mobile station's consumer. Thus, services suitable for the consumer can be provided by the wireless service providers 97x. Examples of such providers are VoiceStream, AT & T, Verizon, Sprint, SBC Wireless, and the like. Data collection is made easier by the use of a database derived from the central portal database, since consumers who select maximum privacy can be excluded from the profile database and access to the portal database restricted only by transaction authorization.

Music Preview

Music stores currently provide listening kiosks that can listen to selections of music media. However, a disadvantage of the system is that it is limited only to the choice of music playing at the listening station kiosk. Embodiments of the present invention provide a solution. 13 is a diagram of a system in which consumers can download samples of music they may want to purchase. The label on the box that stores the medium 1310 with music may include an RFID tag 1320 having a bar code or identification number recorded on the label. The medium may be a CD or a DVD or the like. The reader in mobile station 1330 will query the RFID tag or read the barcode. The mobile station establishes a connection with a record company server 1360 having a database 1365 via a wireless access point 1350. An identification number associated with the product is provided to the server. The server looks for sample files related to the identification number and the provided identification number. The samples are then downloaded 1380 to the mobile station 1330 via the wireless access point 1350. The sample files may be MPEG-1 Layer 3 (MP3), MPEG-2 Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) or something of that kind.

An alternative system is that the music store has a local wireless system as described above in the section on fast food. Sample files of music provided for sale in a store may be stored in the database 1345 of the store server 1340. An identification number is provided to the server 1340 and the database 1345 is searched for the identification number and associated sample files. If the location is found, the samples are sent 1370 to the mobile station 1330.

The present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments. Modifications apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this specification are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. Applicant's use of the term "plurality" will be defined as one or more.

Claims (16)

A module for providing local data transfer means to and from an electronic device having a housing, the module comprising: Means for detachably attaching the module to the housing; And And transponder circuitry responsive to interrogation signals for communicating with a remote station via wireless communication. The module of claim 1, further comprising memory means for storing digital data. 3. The module of claim 2, wherein the memory is preloaded with digital data representing digital cash. In the system for performing payment, The system includes at least one mobile station, wherein the at least one mobile station is: Application, Means for using the application, and A detachable module coupled to said mobile station comprising a transponder for providing a first means of local data transmission; The system for performing the payment is: At least one payment receiving terminal having second means for providing local data transmission, said second means for providing local data transmission being coupled to said first means for providing local data transmission over a wireless interface; Further includes a payment receiving terminal, The application includes means for transferring data between the first means for providing local data transfer and the second means for providing local data transfer over the air interface and for registering a payment transaction with the payment receiving terminal. System characterized in that. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said at least one payment receiving terminal is a parking meter. An electronic parking meter for receiving electronic payments, power; An interrogator connected to a power source to generate an electromagnetic field; A first antenna for receiving an electronic impulse comprising electronic identification information; And And electronic payment processing means. 7. An electronic parking meter according to claim 6, wherein the electronic payment processing means is a processor coupled to the data storage means. 8. An electronic parking meter according to claim 7, wherein said electronic payment processing means comprises a wireless communication terminal, said wireless communication terminal being capable of communicating with a central authorization authority. A battery for use in a portable electronic device, the battery comprising: Energy collection means for collecting radio frequency energy when the battery is within a reading range of the RFID reader; Energy storage means for storing and supplying energy; A plurality of leads for relaying power from the energy storage means; And An insulating means connected between said energy storage means and said plurality of conducting leads, said insulating means for preventing current from conducting from said energy storage means to said electronic device via said plurality of leads; . A method of operating a payment system comprising a first user terminal and a second terminal having at least one application, the method comprising: Establishing a communication link from said at least one application to said second terminal via a wireless interface; Receiving a menu message on the first user terminal, the menu message comprising a plurality of items for selection; Selecting one or more items from the plurality of items; Transmitting a selection message including information about the selected items to the second terminal; Receiving a payment message on a first user terminal in response to the selection message, wherein the payment message includes transaction information; Inputting information to the first user terminal specifying that payment is to be made from the first user terminal to the second terminal; Establishing a communication link from the at least one application to the second terminal via an electromagnetic induction interrogator; And Registering a payment transaction with the second terminal and the at least one application. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of items are food items. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of items are films provided by a multiplex theater, And receiving a confirmation message regarding the number of cinemas where the selected movie is being played. A method of operating a reservation system comprising a first user terminal and a second terminal having at least one application, the method comprising: Establishing a communication link from said at least one application to said second terminal via a wireless interface; Receiving a menu message on the first user terminal, the menu message comprising questions regarding a user's request to generate a reference information message; Transmitting the reference information message to the second terminal, the reference information message including information about a user request; Receiving on the first user terminal a second menu message that includes a plurality of available items that meet the user criteria; Selecting one or more items from the plurality of items; Transmitting a selection message including information about the selected items to the second terminal; Receiving a payment message on a first user terminal in response to the selection message including transaction information; Inputting information to the first user terminal specifying that payment is to be made from the first user terminal to the second terminal; Establishing a communication link from the at least one application to the second terminal via an electromagnetic induction interrogator; Registering a payment transaction with the second terminal and the at least one application; And Receiving location information of the selected item and an electronic code for unlocking the item. A method of operating a reservation system comprising a reserved user item having a first user terminal, a second terminal, and an electronic lock having at least one application and a confirmation code, the method comprising: Establishing a communication link from said at least one application to said second terminal via a wireless interface; Transmitting a confirmation message including the confirmation code to the second terminal; Receiving a location message on the first user terminal, the location message comprising location information of the reservation item and an electronic code for unlocking the reservation item; Establishing a communication link to the lock of the item via the electromagnetic induction interrogator from the at least one application; And Transmitting the electronic code to the electronic lock. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the reservation system is a hotel reservation system and the item is a hotel room. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the reservation system is a motor vehicle rental reservation system and the item is a car.