Freeman V. Delta Air Lines

Transcript

• • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Law Offices of John W. Carpenter, LLC John W. Carpenter, Esq. (Bar No. 221708) 829 Baronne St. ew Orleans, LA 70113 Telephone Office: (504) 581-9322 Telephone Cell: (415) 577-0698 Facsimile: (866) 41 0-6248 Email: [email protected] ttorneys for Plaintiff /bert John Freeman IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA Albert John Freeman Plaintiff v. Delta Air Lines, Inc. Defendant Complaint for Patent Infringement C¥No.:l3 4179 COMPLAINT FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL Page I of6 ' .. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 COMPLAINT FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT Albert John Freeman hereby alleges for his Complaint against Delta Air Lines, Inc. for atent infringement, as follows: NATURE OF THE CASE This is an action arising under the Patent Laws and Statutes of the United States in which Albert John Freeman seeks to recover for patent infringement, and for any and all damages and costs flowing there from. THE PARTIES 1. Plaintiff, Albert John Freeman ("Plaintiff') is an individual residing at 101 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94111-1184. 2. Upon information and belief, Delta Air Lines, Inc. ("Defendant") is a Delaware Corporation having a principal place at 1030 Delta Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30320-6001, and has appointed Corporation Service Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, in the City of Wilmington, 19808, County ofNew Castle, as its agent for service of process. Defendant regularly conducts and transacts business in California, throughout the United States, and within the Northern District of California, itself and/or through one or more subsidiaries, affiliates, business divisions or business units. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 3. This is an action arising under the Patent Laws and Statutes of the United States Code, namely, 35 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq. including 35 U.S.C. §§ 271 and 281, et seq. because Defendant committed acts of infringement in the United States and in this judicial district. Accordingly, this Complaint for Patent Infringement Page 2 of6 . ' 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a). 4. Venue is proper in this District under 28 U.S.C. 1391 §§ and/or 1400(b) because Defendant is subject to personal jurisdiction in this District and/or has committed acts within this District giving rise to this action. PLAINTIFF'S PATENT 5. Plaintiffis the owner ofUnited States No.5,661,284 ("the '284 Patent") which was duly issued on August 26, 1997. The Patent concerns inter alia embodiments for a commercial transaction system, a product information system, a method for authenticating a commercial transaction device, and a method for obtaining point-of-sale information about a product. A copy of the '284 Patent is attached to this Complaint as Appendix A. COUNT I PATENT INFRINGMENT OF U.S. PATENT No. 5,661,284 6. This COUNT is instituted against Defendant for infringement of the Patent. 7. Plaintiff repeats and realleges the allegations set forth in paragraphs 1-6. 8. On information and belief, Defendant is infringing, or has infringed, one or more claims of the '284 Patent in this Judicial District and elsewhere in the United States, without authorization or license from Plaintiff by manufacturing or having made, and/or selling or having sold, and/or offering for sale or having offered for sale, and/or importing or having imported, and/or using or having used, claimed embodiments ofthe invention of the '284 Patent. Defendant Complaint for Patent Infringement Page 3 of6 . . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 is thus liable for infringement of the '284 Patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 271 literally and/or under the doctrine of equivalents. 9. To the extent that facts learned in discovery show that Defendant's infringement of the '284 Patent has been willful, Plaintiff reserves the right to request such a finding at time of trial. 10. Plaintiffhas suffered monetary damages in an amount not yet determined by reason of Defendant's infringement of the '284 Patent, and will suffer additional monetary damages unless Defendant is enjoined by the Court from continuing to infringe the '284 Patent. CERTIFICATION OF INTERESTED PARTIES OR PERSONS Pursuant to Civil L.R. 3-16, the undersigned certifies that the following listed person, association of persons, firms, partnerships, corporations (including parent corporations) or other entities (i) have a financial interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding, or (ii) have a non-financial interest in that subject matter or in a party that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding: Albert John Freeman RELIEF WHEREFOR PLAINTIFF PRAYS FOR THE FOLLOWING RELIEF: (a) For decree and judgment against Defendant and all in privity with Defendant that the '284 Patent is valid and enforceable; Complaint for Patent Infringement Page 4 of6 . ' 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 (b) For decree and judgment against Defendant and all in privity with Defendant, that the '284 Patent is, and has been, infringed by Defendant and that Defendant is liable as a patent infringer; (c) For an injunction permanently enjoining Defendant, its officers, agents, servants, employees, attorneys and all those in active concert, participation or privity with Defendant from further infringement, in any form what ever, of the '284 Patent; (d) For decree and judgment against Defendant and all in privity with Defendant requiring Defendant to pay Plaintiff his damages, costs, expenses, prejudgment and post-judgment interest for Defendant's infringement of the '284 Patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271 and 28 U.S.C. § 1961; and (e) For such other and further relief which should appear just and equitable to this Court. Complaint for Patent Infringement Respectfully submitted, ~ ~ ~ \...: aw Offices of John W. C enter, LLC John W. Carpenter, Esq. (Bar No. 221708) 829 Baronne St. New Orleans, LA 70113 Telephone Office: (504) 581-9322 Telephone Cell: (415) 577-0698 Facsimile: (866) 410-6248 Email: john(a)jwcarpenterlaw.com Attorneys for Plaintiff Albert John Freeman Page 5 of6 . . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 38(b) and Civil Local Rule No. 3-6, Plaintiff demands a trial by ·ury on all issues allowable by law. Complaint for Patent Infringement Page 6 of6 . ' APPENDIX A United States Patent [19] Freeman et al. [54] COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION SYSTEM [75] Inventors: Albert J, Freeman, 531 Silverado Dr., Tiburon, Calif. 94920-1920; James F. Bann, Piedmont, Calif. [73] Assignee: Albert J, Freeman. Tiburon, Calif. [21] Appl. No.: 525,443 [22] Filed: Sep. 8, 1995 [63] [51] [52] [58] [56] Related u.s. Application Data Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 402,741, Mar. 13, 1995. Int. CI. 6 ....................................................... G06K 5/00 U.S. Cl ............................. 235/380; 2351379; 380/25; 902/4 Field of Search .................................. 380123, 24, 25; 4,682,794 4,802,218 4,838,792 4,972,476 5,056,141 5,159,635 5,178,418 5,243,655 5,313,564 5,337,358 5,337,361 5,450,491 902/4; 235/379, 380, 462 References Cited U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 711987 ................................... 283/82 1/1989 Wright et al. ............................. 380/23 6/1989 Hoyeck ................................... 434/163 1111990 Nathans .................................... 380/23 10/1991 Dyke ......................................... 380/25 10/1992 Wang ........................................ 380/51 111993 Merry et al. .............................. 383n3 9/1993 Wang ........................................ 380/51 511994 Kafii et al. ............................... 385135 8/1994 Axelrod et al ...................... 235/380 X 8/1994 Wang et al. .. ............................ 380/51 9/1995 McNair ............................... 235/380 K FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 4203748 8/1993 Germany ............................... 235/380 57-29173 2/1982 Japan ..................................... 235/380 60-19279 1/1985 Japan ..................................... 235/380 Ill lllllllllrtl111111111111111 US005661284A [111 Patent Number: [45] Date of Patent: 5,661,284 Aug. 26, 1997 0226796 911988 Japan ..................................... 235/494 0314685 12/1988 Japan ..................................... 2351494 1-261799 10/1989 Japan ..................................... 235/380 0172987 711991 Japan ..................................... 235/494 OTHER PlffiUCATIONS Mark Maremont, "A Magnetic Mug Shot on your Credit Card?" excerpt from article in Business Week, Apr. 24, 1995. Valerie Block. "Kodak System Compresses Photo To A Security Code for Card Stripe", American Banker, Mar. 31, 1995. Primary .&amine,.....Donald T. Hajec Assistant Examiner-Michael G. Lee Attome)l Agent, or Firm--Townsend and Townsend and Crew UP [57] ABSTRACT A commercial1ransaction system (2) uses a multi-purposed credit/debit/identification card (8) having a randomly gen- erated graphic card holder figurecode (10) uniquely corre- sponding to, but having no discernable relationship to, the card holder. The figurecode is visually discernable or it can be encoded by digital or analog means using magnetic, optical or magnetoptical media. A computer system (4) stores the graphic figurecode along with identification infor- mation of the card holder. A reader (14) is used to access the graphic :figurecode for comparison with the stored electronic version in the computer system. An infonnation terminal (18) is adapted to receive information from and, preferably, transmit information to, the computer system. Another aspect of the invention relates to using graphic product I.D. ftgurecodes (40) located in and/or around the product trade- mark instead of or in addition to barcodes to identify a chosen product (36), especially in conjunction with graphic trigger figurecodes (42) which prompt the collection and storage of point-of-sale information regarding the product. 33 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets L------ -------- __ ..J U.S. Patent Aug. 26, 1997 Sheet 1 of 2 5,661,284 ...-4 i ---t 24 : I SYSTEM I I I 6 ---------------..... ...,.._·_.J. I I I I SECOND "'--t I 28 ---.L--'- 28 TRANSACTIONAL TRANSACTIONAL I SYSTEM COMPUTER SYSTEN I ._ __ ___. ..__ __ --J I L--------------- --------------1 FIG. L 12 16 8 FIG. 2. U.S. Patent 32 A3s ~ ' Aug. 26, 1997 Sheet 2 of 2 28 FIG. 3. 40 38 SALT ~ 3 6 FIG. 4. 5,661,284 /_46 COMPUTER SYSTEM I I L----.-. ------_.._.. __ ...J FIG. 5. 5,661,284 1 COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION SYSTEM CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPUCliTJON This is a continuation in part application of application Ser. No. 08/402,741 filed Mar. 13, 1995, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of commercial transaction cards, such as credit cards, debit cards and automatic teller cards, have nearly all of their information in alphanumeric form, often open to casual inspection by an observer. With conventional credit cards, all key information about the user is visible on the credit card: the user's name. credit card number, type of card, etc. The only thing which is not visible is a personal identification number (PIN) number, commonly used with cards such as calling cards and automatic teller cards. However, crooks often can obtain or detennine PIN numbers 2 reader, typically at a point-of-sale, is used to access the graphic card holder figurecode and transform it into an electronic form for comparison with the stored electronic version of the card holder figurecode in the computer 5 system. An information terminal. also typically at the point- of-sale, is adapted to receive information from and, preferably, transmit information to, the computer system. One of the main features of the invention is the recogni- tion that saving computer time in verifying the user is very 10 important. Accordingly, the use of a graphic trigger figurecode, corresponding to a location in the computer system where the computer is instructed to start searching for the card holder figurecode. aids the searching process, thus saving search time. While the trigger figurecode is preferably a nonalphanumeric graphic trigger figurecode, it 15 can be alphanumeric or a combination of alphanumeric and nonalphanumeric components. For example, assume that the computer system can store card holder figurecode informa- tion in one of ten million locations. By dividing the com- puter memory into one thousand different blocks of memory, 20 the total number of possible locations for each figurecode within each block of memory is reduced from ten million to ten thousand. By rurecting the computer system to start searching at the particular block of memory containing the card holder's figurecode, a tremendous amount of search so that even cards with PIN numbers are not all that secure. For example, PIN numbers can often be viewed by unscru- pulous individuals watching users using an automatic teller machine, removing slips of paper with the PIN number on them, and punching in the PIN number, sometimes with the aid of a telescope. Sophisticated crooks can often obtain other specialized information, such as a user's mother's maiden name, to unlawfully use the credit card account Thus, in many cases, using only visual access, most. if not all, information needed about a particular commercial trans- 30 action card can be obtained visually and then recorded for later use. Physical access to the card is not necessary. 25 time by the computer is saved. The invention can be caoied out with the commercial transaction device being a simple credit card. In this case, the computer system would serve both be the identification verification function associated with the card holder figure- code and the transactional functions to store and manipulate transactional information associated with the credit card transaction. In other cases, the commercial transaction device could be a multifunction or universal card providing the user access to several accounts, such as two credit card SUMMARY OF TilE INVENITON 35 accounts, a debit card account and a telephone calling card The present invention is directed to a commercial trans- account. In this case, the computer system would typically action system in which all, or at least all important, infer- include a verification computer system which would store mation on a card is encoded in graphic form called a graphic the electronic version of the graphic card holder figurecode card holder figurecode. The card holder figurecode uniquely to verify the authenticity of the card holder figurecode corresponds to identification information relating to a card 40 typically scanned at the point-of-sale, and a number of holder's credit card, debit card, or other commercial trans- different transactional computer systems, each transactional action device. The figurecode is preferably randomly or computer system associated with its corresponding credit pseudo-randomly generated for the card holder and has no card, debit card, etc. After validation of the card holder discernable relationship to the card holder. This helps sub- figurecode, together with any supplementary validation stantially reduce the possibility of surreptitious copying of 45 information such as mother's maiden name, PIN number, information regarding the card bolder, such as the card etc., the rest of the transaction would be handled by the holder's name, account number, type of card, expiration transactional computer system for the associated transaction. date, etc. While the information could be encrypted using Another aspect of the invention relates to using graphic alphanumeric characters, alphanumeric characters are much product identification (LD.) figurecodes instead of or in more easily copied than complex random or pseudo-random 50 addition to barcodes to identify a chosen product This use graphic figures; therefore graphic figurecodes using no of product LD. figurecodes is especially useful in conjunc- alphanumeric characters are generally preferred. tion with the use of trigger figurecodes which prompt the In the preferred embodiment, the figurecode is a visually collection and storage of point-of-sale information regarding discernable, two-dimensional figurecode. The figurecode the particular product. can also be encoded by digital or analog methods using, for ss An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that by example, magnetic media, such as magnetic strips, optical incorporating the product LD. figurecode into the region of media, such as compact disks, magneteoptical media, such the trademark of the product, much time searching for an as re-writable optical disks, or other media as well. 25 The out-of-the-way barcode, as is conventionally done. is eliroi- present invention will, however, be described in terms of nated. The clerk need merely find the trademark and scan visually discernable figurecodes for ease of understanding. 60 that to enable the figurecodes to be read. Using one or more The commercial transaction system includes a commer- trigger figurecodes relating to point-of-sale information cial transaction device. such as a universal or multipurpose allows this information to be easily and automatically col- credit/debit/identification card, having a graphic card holder lected for the particular product The type of information to figurecode uniquely corresponding to the card holder. The be collected can be changed by the manufacturer according system also includes a computer system configured to store 65 to what information is needed. the graphic card holder figurecode in an electronic form Other featUres and advantages of the invention will appear along with identification information for the card holder. A from the following description in which the preferred 5,661,284 3 embodiments have been set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCR1PI'ION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a simplified view showing a commercial trans- action system made according to the invention; FIG. 2 shows the front of a multi-use commercial trans- action card for use with the system of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a multi-use commercial transaction card similar to that of FIG. 2. but including a light blocking/ transmitting layer to block unintended visual access to the card; FIG. 4 illustrates a product in which the trademark incoiporates ID. and trigger figurecodes; and FIG. 5 is a simplified view showing a product information system in which information about the product of FIG. 4 can be obtained at the point of sale. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENfS 4 Card 8 is typically used in a commercial transaction, such as to charge goods or services. To do so, data link 6 includes a card reader 14 configured to scan the face 16 of card 8 and transform the graphic information represented by card 5 holder figurecode 10 and trigger figurecodes 12 into elec- tronic versions of each. Data link 6 typically also uses an information terminal 18 to input information for use by computer system 4 and to receive information from com- puter system 4. For example, on presenting card 8 to card 10 reader 14. data link 6 passes the electronic version of card holder figurecode 10 and trigger figurecode 12 to computer system 4 which sends back a signal indicating a match or no match. If a match signal is sent back, this is indicated on the screen 20 of information terminal 18. Computer system 4 15 could then ask the operator of terminal 18 to obtain addi- tional information from the holder of card 8. such as a PIN number or what type of card is to be used, such as a particular bank credit card. This information could be entered by the clerk using a key pad 22 of terminal 18. 20 Assuming the information matches, computer system 4 could then provide an appropriate authorization message to FIG. 1 shows a commercial transaction system 2 includ- terminal 18. ing a computer system 4 connected to a data link 6 adapted Computer system 4 may be of the type dedicated to a to read a commercial transaction card 8. One such card 8 is single transaction system. such as a single type of bank shown in FIG. 2 and takes the form of a multi-use commer- 25 credit card. In other cases. card 8 is a multi-use commercial cia! transaction card including a graphic card holder figure- transaction card used for different types of commercial code 10 which uniquely corresponds to the holder or owner transactions, such as two different types of bank credit cards, of card 8. Figurecode 10 is preferably randomly or pseudo- a debit card and a telephone calling card. In this case, randomly designed. generated or developed so that it has no computer system 4 may include. as shown in FIG.!, an LD. discernable relationship to the holder of card 8. '!YPically, 30 computer system 24, containing an electronic version of card holder figurecode 10 is generated randomly or pseudo- graphic figurecode 10 plus user ID. numbers, user names, randomly using appropriate computer programs. Upon and auxlliaxy user I.D. verification information such as PIN selection of a figurecode 10 for a particular card holder. numbers and mothers' maiden names. ID. computer system screening is done to ensure that the card holder figurecode 24 would then be coupled to two or more transactional is not a duplicate or a near duplicate of the card holder 35 computer systems 26 which would process the transaction figurecode for another card holder. Assuming figurecode 10 based upon authorization obtained through I.D. computer is sufficiently different from all other recorded figurecodes, system 24. In FIG. 1, transactional computer systems 26 are an electronic version of figurecode 10 is stored in computer shown to be linked to data link 6 through I.D. computer system 4 and is thereafter associated with the card holder's system 24; this is only for purposes of illustration since LD. number and other identification information in the 40 computer systems 26 could. for example, be each linked computer system. However, by using card 8, there would be directly to information terminal18 independent of any data no way for anyone to deduce the user's name, or any other links between terminal18 and LD. computer system 24. information about the card or the card holder, just from One of the reasons for providing graphic figurecodes in looking at the card; this provides an additional level of nonalphanumeric form is to make it difficult for someone to security. Along an edge of card 8 are trigger figurecodes 12. 45 copy it without obtaining the actual card. One way to Trigger figurecodes 12 help computer system 4 to narrow enhance this to. for example, prevent crooks from taking down the search to find the card holder figurecode 10 within photographs of someone's card 8 through a telephoto lens, its memory. . is to use a covering which visually obscures card holder In the preferred embodiment, both card holder figurecode figurecode 10 and trigger figurecode 12, except when being 10 and trigger figurecodes 12 are graphical and substantially 50 used. One way to do this would be to apply the graphic non-alphanumeric. This is so they cannot be read and information to card 8 in a manner so that it is visible only to memorized merely by having an individual look at them. a particular light spectrum, such as ultraviolet light. Another Actual access to card 8 would be required to copy graphic would be to laminate card 8 with a prismatic surface so that card holder figurecode 10. Trigger figurecodes 12 are not the graphic information can be visually accessed only by unique, but rather each set of graphic trigger figurecodes 12 55 looking at face 16 of card 8 at a particular angle. Another for a particular card 8 identifies a particular starting location way is shown in FIG. 3. A card Sa has a base 28 and a light within the computer system 4 associated with the particular blocking/transmitting layer 30. Layer 30 is made of a storage location of particular graphic card holder figurecode material which is opaque under normal circumstances and, 10. However, graphic trigger figurecodes U are not unique when coupled to a suitable electric source through terminals and could be replaced by barcodes or even alphanumeric 60 32. becomes clear or at least transparent. Thus. graphic card information since they do not transfer information about the holder figurecode lOa and trigger figurecode 12 will not be card holder but rather only information about the general visible since terminals 32 will not be connected to an area within the computer at which the card holder figurecode appropriate electric power source. With this type of system. 10 is stored. Other user verification information. in addition card reader 14 would include an appropriate power source to the card holder's name, such as a PIN number or the 65 and complementary electric terminals so that. once card Sa mother's maiden name. can be also stored in conjunction is properly positioned on card reader 14, terminals 32 are with card holder figurecode 10. coupled to the power source which transforms layer 30 from 5,661,284 5 6 a dark, light-blocking condition to a clear or transparent, What is claimed is: light-transmitting condition to permit visual access by card 1. A commercial transaction system comprising: reader 14 to a card holder figurecode lOa and a trigger a commercial transaction device including a fixed graphic figurecode 12a. figurecode uniquely corresponding to a device holder, In use, a graphic card holder figurecode 10 is generated, s said graphic figurecode having no discemable relation- typically pseudo-randomly by a computer, for a card holder. ship to said device holder, said graphic figurecode Computer system 4 checks to ensure the newly chosen being at least substantially non-alphanumeric; figurecode is not a match or a near match with any other a computer system configured to store a stored electronic stored or reserved card holder figurecodes. Card 8 is then version of said graphic figurecode for said device made using the approved figurecode 10 and an electronic 10 holder and identification information for said device version of card holder figurecode 10 is stored in memory in holder; and computer system 4. Card 8 also has a trigger figurecode 12 a data link operably coupling the commercial transaction to identify the place for computer system 4 to start searching device and the computer system. said data link com- for figurecode 8. Appropriate identifying infonnation for the prising: card holder, such as name, I.D. number, PIN number, etc. is 15 a reader for the commercial transaction device adapted also stored with the card holder's figurecode. To, for to access the graphic figurecode and transform said example, purchase a product the card bolder places card 8 on graphic figurecode into a read electronic version for card reader 14 which sends data to computer system 4. comparison with the stored electronic version in said Computer system 4 can ask for more information to verify computer system; and the user is the authorized card holder. For simple 20 an information terminal adapted for at least receiving transactions, computer system 4 can transmit the card hold- information from the computer system. er's name to terminall8 for viewing by the clerk only on 2. The system according to claim l wherein the commer- screen 20. The clerk could then ask the user his or her name; cial transaction device is a commercial transaction card. assuming the correct answer is given, the clerk can enter an 3. The system according to claim 2 wherein the commer- LD. verified code to permit the transaction to continue. LD. 25 cial transaction card serves as one or more credit, debit, verification information can also be requested of the user identification and bank automatic teller machine cards. from a key pad accessible by the user or the clerk; this 4. The system according to claim 1 wherein the graphic information could include the card holder's name, PIN figurecode is a two-dimensional. visually discernable number. mother's maiden name, date of birth, etc. graphic figurecode. Another aspect of the invention will be described with 30 5. The system according to claim 1 wherein the graphic reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 illustrates a product 36 figurecode includes no alphanumeric characters. having a product identifier region 38, in this case the 6. The system according to claim 1 wherein the computer trademark AJAX for a brand of salt. In this case, the system is adapted to store and manipulate transactional trademark itself includes graphic information which serves information associated with the commercial transaction as an identification (I.D.) figurecode 40 and a trigger fig- 35 device. urecode 42. Identification figurecode 40 serves the same 7. The system according to claim 1 wherein the computer purpose as a barcode; it identifies the particular product system includes an identification verification computer uniquely. An advantage of incorporating graphic figurecodes system, which stores the stored electronic version of the into the product identifier region 38 is that the clerk need not graphic ftgurecodes, and a transactional computer system. spend time trying to find out which of six sides of a package 40 which stores and manipulates transactional information the barcode is on so that the barcode can be scanned. The associated with the commercial transaction device. trademark or other product identifier region 38 is almost 8. The system according to claim 1 wherein said data link always prominent to reduce the time it takes the clerk to find includes commercial telephone system lines. it. Instead of being incorporated into the letters of the 9. The system according to claim 1 wherein said reader is trademark itself, an LD. figurecode 40 and trigger figurecode 45 an optical reader. 42 could be formed around the trademark, but still in the 10. The system according to claim 9 wherein said graphic product identifier region 38 associated with the trademark. figurecode is a visually discernable graphic figurecode and Figurecodes 40, 42 could be incorporated both into the said optical reader uses light in the visible light spectrum to trademark and around the trademark. read the graphic figurecode. Trigger figurecode 42 is used to cause the automatic so 11. The system according to claim 1 further comprising collection and storage of point-of-sale information regarding means for selectively visually obscuring the graphic figure- product 36. For example, a particular trigger figurecode 42 code. might include one or more of the following: date and time 12. The system according to claim ll wherein the obscur- of sale, costs, form of payment, and zip code of store. ing means includes means for forming the graphic figure- 'fiigger figurecode 42 can be changed to accommodate what ss code so to be detectable using infrared light only. type of information the producer of product 36 wishes to 13. The system according to claim 1 wherein the infer- collect at that time. Nothing special needs to be done since mation terminal is also adapted to transmit information to the price will be obtained by scanning LD. figurecode 40; the computer system. since trigger figurecode 42 is within the same region 38 as . 14. A method for authenticating a commercial transaction LD. figurecode 40. it too will be scanned. FIG. 5 illustrates, 60 device provided by a user in a commercial transaction in simplified form. passing product 36 over a scanner-type comprising the following steps: data input device, typically a scanner at a check-out counter, creating a chosen fixed graphic figurecode uniquely cor- coupled to a computer system 46 which, together, constitute responding to the user while: a product identification system 48. ensuring that the chosen graphic figurecode has no Other modifications and variations can be made to the 65 discemable relationship to the user; and disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject using substantially no alphanumeric characters; reading of the invention as defined in the following claims. the chosen graphic figurecode; 5,661,284 7 8 creating a read electronic version of the chosen graphic figurecode; transmitting the read electronic version of the chosen graphic figurecode to a computer system; providing a graphic trigger figurecode at the product identifier region of the chosen product, paid trigger :figurecode corresponding to selected point-of-sale information to be recorded far the chosen product; reading the LD. and trigger :figurecodes from a chosen comparing the read electronic version of the chosen product using a data input device; and graphic figurecode to a plurality of stored electronic recording point-of-sale information about the chosen versions of a plurality of graphic figurecodes to deter- product according to trigger :figurecode using a com- mine if the stored electronic version of the chosen puter system operably coupled to the data input device. graphic figurecode matches one of the stored electronic 10 27. The method according to claim 26 wherein the J.D. versions of the plurality of graphic :figurecodes; and figurecode-providing step is carried out using a region providing either a match/no match signal by the computer encompassed by the product trademark as the product ideo- system according to whether there is or is not a match tifier region. as a result of the comparing step. 28. The method according to claim 27 wherein the I.D. 15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the ere- 5 :figurecode-providing step is carried out by incorporating the ating step creates a two-dimensional, visually discernable 1 I.D. figurecode into the design of the product trademark. chosen graphic figurecode. 29. The method according to claim 26 wherein the trigger 16. The method according to claim 14 wherein the reading figurecode-providing step is carried out using a trigger step is carried out at a point of a purchase. :figurecode cotTesponding to at least one of the following: 17. The method according to claim 14 wherein the trans- date and time of sale, cost, form of payment, zip code of mitting step is carried out over commercial telephone system 20 store. lines. 30. The method according to claim 26 wherein the LD. 18. The method according to claim 14 wherein the reading figurecode is other than a bar :figurecode. step is carried out using visible light. 31. A commercial transaction system comprising: 19. The method according to claim 14 wherein the match/ 25 a commercial transaction device comprising: no match signal is provided to an information terminal. a graphic figurecode uniquely corresponding to a 20. The method according to claim 14 wherein: device holder, said graphic figurecode having no the transmitting step is carried out using a computer to said device said system with an identification computer system. which graphic bemg at least substantially non- conducts the comparing step and a transactional com- 30 alphanumenc; and puter system· and ' a graphic trigger figurecode cotTesponding to a chosen ' . . . start search location of a plurality of start search the match or no match stgnalts prov1ded to at least the 1 ti · th t st to · d th h b transactional computer system. oca ons 1n e compu er sy em at e searc y 21. A product information system compromisin : the system for the stored vc:rsion . g 35 of the graphic :figurecode thus savtng search time; a pro?uct. region far a chosen product, said a computer system configured to stare a stored electronic mcluding a product tradema:k; . . version of said graphic figurecode for said device a graphic product I.D. figurecode, umque to and 1denti- holder and identification information for said device fying the chosen product, incorporated into the product holder; and identifier region; a data link operably coupling the commercial transaction . n1i d . 40 a computer system co gure to store a stored electromc device and the computer system, said data link com- version of said graphic product LD. figurecode; and prising: a data link operably coupling the chosen product and the a reader for the commercial transaction device adapted computer system, said data link comprising: to access the graphic figurecode and transform said a reader adapted to access the graphic product LD. 45 graphic figurecode into a read electronic version for figurecode and transform said graphic product LD. comparison with the stored electronic version in said figurecode into a read electronic version for use by computer system; and said computer system; and an information terminal adapted for at least receiving an information terminal adapted for at least receiving information from the computer system. information from the computer system. 50 32. The system according to claim 31 wherein the graphic 22. The product information system according to claim 21 trigger figurecode is a 2-dimensional, visually discernable wherein the product LD. figurecode is other than a barcode. graphic trigger figurecode with an alphanumeric character. 23. The product information system according to claim 21 33. A commercial transaction system comprising: further comprising a graphic trigger figurecode incorporated a commercial transaction device including a graphic fig- into the product identifier for providing an information- 55 urecode uniquely colTesponding to a device holder, said gathering instruction to the computer system relative to said graphic figurecode having no discemable relationship chosen product. to said device holder. said graphic figurecode being at 24. The product information system according to claim 21 least substantially non-alphanumeric; wherein said information gathering instruction includes a computer system configured to store a stored electronic instructions to record transactional information. 60 version of said graphic figurecode for said device 25. The product information system according to claim 21 holder and identification information for said device wherein the product LD. figurecode is incorporated into the holder; product trademark. . . . . . a data link operably coupling the commercial transaction 26. A method for obtaining pomt-of-sale information device and the computer system. said data link com- about a product comprising the following steps: 65 prising: providing a unique graphic I.D. figurecode at a product a reader for the commercial transaction device adapted identifier region of a chosen product; to access the graphic figurecode and transform said 5,661,284 9 graphic figurecode into a read electronic version for comparison with the stored electronic version in said computer system; and an infonnation terminal adapted for at least receiving information from the computer system; and s a selective light blocking/transmitting layer overlying the graphic figurecode, said layer including an elec- tric terminal so that when said electric terminal is coupled to a chosen source of electricity, said layer 10 transmits light therethrough so to permit light access to the graphic figurecode and, when the electric terminal is disconnected from the chosen source of electricity, said layer effectively blocks light trans- mission therethrough to visually obscure the graphic figurecode. * * * * *