Peter J Rowan

US Patent:

20060207856, Sep 21, 2006

Filed:

Dec 5, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/294637

Inventors:

Scott Dean - Issaquah WA, US
Mark Waechter - Winthrop WA, US
Kim Hanson - Woodinville WA, US
Michael Doran - Bothell WA, US
Kerry Smith - Bellevue WA, US
Scott Jeffus - Redmond WA, US
Peter Rowan - Seattle WA, US

International Classification:

G07D 7/00

US Classification:

194302000

Abstract:

Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, gift cards, in-store gift certificates, e-certificates, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a gift certificate for use on-line can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the certificate with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the certificate to the user, who can then go on-line to make purchases from an associated retailer with the certificate.

US Patent:

20040215477, Oct 28, 2004

Filed:

Dec 12, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/734615

Inventors:

Douglas Martin - Woodinville WA, US
Peter Rowan - Seattle WA, US
Brent Spraker - Seattle WA, US

International Classification:

G06F017/60

US Classification:

705/001000

Abstract:

Methods and systems are disclosed for providing consumer services such as coin-counting and digital image processing. In one embodiment, a kiosk can include a coin-counting apparatus and a digital image portion. The coin-counting apparatus can include a coin input region configured to receive a plurality of randomly oriented coins. The coin-counting apparatus can further include a coin counter to count the coins and arrive at a total of the coins. In one embodiment, a voucher can be dispensed that is redeemable for at least one of cash and merchandise. In another embodiment, the digital image portion of the kiosk can include a digital media input portion configured to receive digital media containing digital images, and a display screen for viewing at least one of the received digital images.