Freeman v. Delta Air Lines

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Law Offices of John W. Carpenter, LLCJohn W. Carpenter, Esq. (Bar No. 221708)829 Baronne St.ew Orleans, LA 70113Telephone Office: (504) 581-9322Telephone Cell: (415) 577-0698Facsimile: (866) 41 0-6248Email: [email protected]

ttorneys for Plaintiff/bert John Freeman

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTFOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

Albert John Freeman

Plaintiffv.

Delta Air Lines, Inc.Defendant

Complaint for Patent Infringement

CNo.:l3 4179COMPLAINT FOR PATENT

INFRINGEMENT

DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

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COMPLAINT FO R PATENT INFRINGEMENT

Albert John Freeman hereby alleges for his Complaint against Delta Air Lines, Inc. foratent infringement, as follows:

NATURE OF THE CASEThis 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 andcosts flowing there from.

THE PARTIES

1. Plaintiff, Albert John Freeman ("Plaintiff') is an individual residing at 101 LombarStreet, San Francisco, CA 94111-1184.

2. Upon information and belief, Delta Air Lines, Inc. ("Defendant") is a DelawareCorporation having a principal place at 1030 Delta Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30320-6001, and hasappointed Corporation Service Company, 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, in the City ofWilmington, 19808, County ofNew Castle, as its agent for service of process. Defendantregularly conducts and transacts business in California, throughout the United States, and withinthe Northern District of California, itself and/or through one or more subsidiaries, affiliates,business divisions or business units.

JURISDICTION AND VENUE3. 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 Defendancommitted acts of infringement in the United States and in this judicial district. Accordingly, thi

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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) becauseDefendant is subject to personal jurisdiction in this District and/or has committed acts within thisDistrict giving rise to this action.

PLAINTIFF'S PATENT5. Plaintiff is 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 commercialtransaction system, a product information system, a method for authenticating a commercialtransaction device, and a method for obtaining point-of-sale information about a product. A copyof the '284 Patent is attached to this Complaint as Appendix A.

COUNT IPATENT 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, withoutauthorization or license from Plaintiff by manufacturing or having made, and/or selling or havingsold, 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. Defendan

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is thus liable for infringement of the '284 Patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 271 literally and/or undethe doctrine of equivalents.

9. To the extent that facts learned in discovery show that Defendant's infringement othe '284 Patent has been willful, Plaintiff reserves the right to request such a finding at time otrial.

10. Plaintiffhas suffered monetary damages in an amount not yet determined by reason oDefendant's infringement of the '284 Patent, and will suffer additional monetary damages unlesDefendant is enjoined by the Court from continuing to infringe the '284 Patent.

CERTIFICATION OF INTERESTED PARTIES OR PERSONSPursuant to Civil L.R. 3-16, the undersigned certifies that the following listed person

association of persons, firms, partnerships, corporations (including parent corporations) or otheentities (i) have a financial interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to theproceeding, or (ii) have a non-financial interest in that subject matter or in a party that could bsubstantially 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 th

'284 Patent is valid and enforceable;

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DEMAND FOR JURY TRIALPursuant 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 InfringementPage 6 of6


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APPENDIX A


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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 DataContinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 402,741, Mar. 13, 1995.Int. CI. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . G06K 5/00U.S. Cl ............................ 235/380; 2351379; 380/25;902/4Field of Search .................................. 380123, 24, 25;

4,682,7944,802,2184,838,7924,972,4765,056,1415,159,6355,178,4185,243,6555,313,5645,337,3585,337,3615,450,491

902/4; 235/379, 380, 462References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS711987 M & ~ g o l i n ................................... 283/821/1989 Wright et al. ............................. 380/236/1989 Hoyeck ................................... 434/1631111990 Nathans .................................... 380/2310/1991 Dyke ......................................... 380/2510/1992 Wang ........................................ 380/51111993 Merry et al. .............................. 383n39/1993 Wang ........................................ 380/51511994 Kafii et al. ............................... 3851358/1994 Axelrod et al ..................... 235/380 X8/1994 Wang et al. .............................. 380/519/1995 McNair ............................... 235/380 K

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS4203748 8/1993 Germany ......... ......... .......... ... 235/38057-29173 2/1982 Japan ............ ........... ........... ... 235/38060-19279 1/1985 Japan .......... ......... .......... ........ 235/380

Ill lllllllllrtl111111111111111US005661284A[111 Patent Number:[45] Date of Patent:

5,661,284Aug. 26, 1997

0226796 911988 Japan ..................................... 235/4940314685 12/1988 Japan ..................................... 23514941-261799 10/1989 Japan ..................................... 235/3800172987 711991 Japan ..................................... 235/494OTHER PlffiUCATIONS

Mark Maremont, "A Magnetic Mug Shot on your CreditCard?" excerpt from article in Business Week, Apr. 24,1995.Valerie Block. "Kodak System Compresses Photo To ASecurity Code fo r Card Stripe", American Banker, Mar. 31,1995.Primary .&amine,.....Donald T. HajecAssistant Examiner-Michael G. LeeAttome)l Agent, or Firm--Townsend and Townsend andCrew UP[57] ABSTRACTA commercial1ransaction system (2) uses a multi-purposedcredit/debit/identification card (8) having a randomly generated graphic card holder figurecode (10) uniquely corresponding to, but having no discernable relationship to, thecard holder. The figurecode is visually discernable or it canbe encoded by digital or analog means using magnetic,optical or magnetoptical media. A computer system (4)stores the graphic figurecode along with identification information of the card holder. A reader (14) is used to access thegraphic :figurecode for comparison with the stored electronicversion in the computer system. An infonnation terminal(18) is adapted to receive information from and, preferably,transmit information to, the computer system. Anotheraspect of the invention relates to using graphic product I.D.ftgurecodes (40) located in and/or around the product trademark instead of or in addition to barcodes to identify achosen product (36), especially in conjunction with graphictrigger figurecodes (42) which prompt the collection andstorage of point-of-sale information regarding the product.

33 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets

L------ - - - - - - - - __ .J


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U.S. Patent Aug. 26, 1997 Sheet 1 of 2 5,661,284

...-4~ - - c o i P i i t E R - s ~ m - i

! ! ! ! + ~ - - - + : - - - t C O M ~ ~ E R 24 :I SYSTEM I~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ~ - - I6--------------- ..... ...,..__.J. IIIISECOND , - - ~ F I R ~ S ~ T "'--t I28---.L-- '- 28

TRANSACTIONAL TRANSACTIONAL ISYSTEM COMPUTER SYSTEN I___ __ . ..____ -J IL--------------- --------------1

FIG. L

12

16 8

FIG. 2.


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32

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Aug. 26, 1997 Sheet 2 of 2

28

FIG. 3.4038

SALT ~ 3 6

FIG. 4.

5,661,284

/_46COMPUTERSYSTEM

I IL----.-. ------ _.._.. __ ..J

FIG. 5.


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COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATEDAPPUCliTJON

This is a continuation in part application of applicationSer. No. 08/402,741 filed Mar. 13, 1995, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONVarious types of commercial transaction cards, such ascredit cards, debit cards and automatic teller cards, havenearly all of their information in alphanumeric form, oftenopen to casual inspection by an observer. With conventionalcredit cards, all key information about the user is visible onthe credit card: the use r's name. credit card number, type ofcard, etc. The only thing which is not visible is a personalidentification number (PIN) number, commonly used withcards such as calling cards and automatic teller cards.However, crooks often can obtain or detennine PIN numbers

2reader, typically at a point-of-sale, is used to access thegraphic card holder figurecode and transform it into anelectronic form for comparison with the stored electronicversion of the card holder figurecode in the computer

5 system. An information terminal. also typically at the pointof-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 recognition that saving computer time in verifying the user is very

10 important. Accordingly, the use of a graphic triggerfigurecode, corresponding to a location in the computersystem where the computer is instructed to start searchingfor the card holder figurecode. aids the searching process,thus saving search time. While the trigger figurecode ispreferably a nonalphanumeric graphic trigger figurecode, i t15 can be alphanumeric or a combination of alphanumeric andnonalphanumeric components. For example, assume that thecomputer system can store card holder figurecode information in one of ten million locations. By dividing the computer memory into one thousand different blocks ofmemory,

20 the total number of possible locations for each figurecodewithin each block of memory is reduced from ten million toten thousand. By rurecting the computer system to startsearching at the particular block of memory containing thecard 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 unscrupulous individuals watching users using an automatic tellermachine, removing slips of paper with the PIN number onthem, and punching in the PIN number, sometimes with theaid of a telescope. Sophisticated crooks can often obtainother specialized information, such as a user's mother'smaiden name, to unlawfully use the credit card accountThus, in many cases, using only visual access, most. i f notall, information needed about a particular commercial trans- 30action card can be obtained visually and then recorded forlater use. Physical access to the card is not necessary.

25 time by the computer is saved.The invention can be caoied out with the commercialtransaction device being a simple credit card. In this case,the computer system would serve both be the identificationverification function associated with the card holder figure-code and the transactional functions to store and manipulatetransactional information associated with the credit cardtransaction. In other cases, the commercial transactiondevice could be a multifunction or universal card providingthe user access to several accounts, such as two credit cardSUMMARY OF TilE INVENITON35 accounts, a debit card account and a telephone calling cardThe present invention is directed to a commercial trans- account. In this case, the computer system would typicallyaction system in which all, or at least all important, infer- include a verification computer system which would storemation on a card is encoded in graphic form called a graphic the electronic version of the graphic card holder figurecodecard 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 ofholder's credit card, debit card, or other commercial trans- different transactional computer systems, each transactionalaction device. The figurecode is preferably randomly or computer system associated with its corresponding creditpseudo-randomly generated for the card holder and has no card, debit card, etc. After validation of the card holderdiscernable relationship to the card holder. This helps sub- figurecode, together with any supplementary validationstantially 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 theholder'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 graphicalphanumeric characters, alphanumeric characters are much product identification (LD.) figurecodes instead of or inmore easily copied than complex random or pseudo-random 50 addition to barcodes to identify a chosen product This usegraphic 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 theIn the preferred embodiment, the figurecode is a visually collection and storage of point-of-sale information regardingdiscernable, two-dimensional figurecode. The figurecode the particular product.can also be encoded by digital o r 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 ofmedia, such as compact disks, magneteoptical media, such the trademark of the product, much time searching for anas 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 scanvisually discernable figurecodes for ease of understanding. 60 that to enable the figurecodes to be read. Using one or moreThe commercial transaction system includes a commer- trigger figurecodes relating to point-of-sale informationcial 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 tofigurecode uniquely corresponding to the card holder. The be collected can be changed by the manufacturer accordingsystem 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 appearalong with identification information for the card holder. A from the following description in which the preferred


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embodiments have been set forth in detail in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCR1PI'ION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified view showing a commercial transaction system made according to the invention;FIG. 2 shows the front of a multi-use commercial transaction card for use with the system of FIG. 1;FIG. 3 shows a multi-use commercial transaction cardsimilar 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 trademarkincoiporates ID . and trigger figurecodes; andFIG. 5 is a simplified view showing a product informationsystem in which information about the product of FIG. 4 canbe obtained at the point of sale.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERREDEMBODIMENfS

4Card 8 is typically used in a commercial transaction, suchas to charge goods or services. To do so, data link6 includesa card reader 14 configured to scan the face 16 of card 8 andtransform the graphic information represented by card

5 holder figurecode 10 and trigger figurecodes 12 into electronic versions of each. Data link 6 typically also uses aninformation terminal 18 to input information for use bycomputer system 4 and to receive information from computer system 4. For example, on presenting card 8 to card

10 reader 14. data link 6 passes the electronic version of cardholder figurecode 10 and trigger figurecode 12 to computersystem 4 which sends back a signal indicating a match or nomatch. I f a match signal is sent back, this is indicated on thescreen 20 of information terminal 18. Computer system 415 could then ask the operator of terminal 18 to obtain additional information from the holder of card 8. such as a PINnumber or what type of card is to be used, such as aparticular bank credit card. This information could beentered by the clerk using a key pad 22 of terminal 18.20 Assuming the information matches, computer system 4could 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 ato read a commercial transaction card 8. One such card 8 is single transaction system. such as a single type of bankshown in FIG. 2 and takes the form of a multi-use commer- 25 credit card. In other cases. card 8 is a multi-use commercialcia! transaction card including a graphic card holder figure- transaction card used for different types of commercialcode 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 ofcard 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 PINselection of a figurecode 10 for a particular card holder. numbers and mothers ' maiden names. ID . computer systemscreening is done to ensure that the card holder figurecode 24 would then be coupled to two or more transactionalis not a duplicate or a near duplicate of the card holder 35 computer systems 26 which would process the transactionfigurecode for another card holder. Assuming figurecode 10 based upon authorization obtained through I.D. computeris sufficiently different from all other recorded figurecodes, system 24. In FIG. 1, transactional computer systems 26 arean electronic version of figurecode 10 is stored in computer shown to be linked to data link 6 through I.D. computersystem 4 and is thereafter associated with the card holder's system 24; this is only for purposes of illustration sinceLD. number and other identification information in the 40 computer systems 26 could. for example, be each linkedcomputer system. However, by using card 8, there would be directly to information terminal18 independent of any datano 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 inlooking at the card; this provides an additional level of nonalphanumeric form is to make it difficult for someone tosecurity. Along an edge of card 8 are trigger figurecodes 12. 45 copy it without obtaining the actual card. One way toTrigger figurecodes 12 help computer system 4 to narrow enhance this to. for example, prevent crooks from takingdown 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 holderIn the preferred embodiment, both card holder figurecode figurecode 10 and trigger figurecode 12, except when being10 and trigger figurecodes 12 are graphical and substantially 50 used. One way to do this would be to apply the graphicnon-alphanumeric. This is so they cannot be read and information to card 8 in a manner so that it is visible only tomemorized merely by having an individual look at them. a particular light spectrum, such as ultraviolet light. AnotherActual access to card 8 would be required to copy graphic would be to laminate card 8 with a prismatic surface so thatcard holder figurecode 10. Trigger figurecodes 12 are not the graphic information can be visually accessed only byunique, but rather each set of graphic trigger figurecodes 12 55 looking at face 16 of card 8 at a particular angle. Anotherfor a particular card 8 identifies a particular starting location way is shown in FIG. 3. A card Sa has a base 28 and a lightwithin the computer system 4 associated with the particular blocking/transmitting layer 30. Layer 30 is made of astorage 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 terminalsand could be replaced by barcodes or even alphanumeric 60 32. becomes clear or at least transparent. Thus. graphic cardinformation since they do not transfer information about the holder figurecode lOa and trigger figurecode 12 will not becard holder but rather only information about the general visible since terminals 32 will not be connected to anarea 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 sourceto the card holder's name, such as a PIN number or the 65 and complementary electric terminals so that. once card Samother's maiden name. can be also stored in conjunction is properly positioned on card reader 14, terminals 32 arewith card holder figurecode 10. coupled to the power source which transforms layer 30 from


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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 graphicfigurecode 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 figurecodeComputer 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 electronicstored or reserved card holder figurecodes. Card 8 is then version of said graphic figurecode for said devicemade using the approved figurecode 10 and an electronic 10 holder and identification information for said deviceversion of card holder figurecode 10 is stored in memory in holder; andcomputer system 4. Card 8 also has a trigger figurecode 12 a data link operably coupling the commercial transactionto 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 adaptedalso stored with the card holder's figurecode. To, for to access the graphic figurecode and transform saidexample, purchase a product the card bolder places card 8 on graphic figurecode into a read electronic version forcard reader 14 which sends data to computer system 4. comparison with the stored electronic version in saidComputer system 4 can ask for more information to verify computer system; andthe user is the authorized card holder. For simple 20 an information terminal adapted for at least receivingtransactions, 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 graphicinformation could include the card holder's name, PIN figurecode is a two-dimensional. visually discernablenumber. 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 graphicreference 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 computertrademark AJAX for a brand of salt. In this case, the system is adapted to store and manipulate transactionaltrademark itse lf includes graphic information which serves information associated with the commercial transactionas 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 computerpurpose as a barcode; it identifies the particular product system includes an identification verification computeruniquely. An advantage of incorporating graphic figurecodes system, which stores the stored electronic version of theinto 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 informationthe 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 linkalways 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 istrademark 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 graphicproduct identifier region 38 associated with the trademark. figurecode is a visually discernable graphic figurecode andFigurecodes 40, 42 could be incorporated both into the said optical reader uses light in the visible light spectrum totrademark 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 comprisingcollection 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 tothe 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 transactionLD. figurecode 40. it too will be scanned. FIG. 5 illustrates, 60 device provided by a user in a commercial transactionin 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 noOther modifications and variations can be made to the 65 discemable relationship to the user; anddisclosed embodiments without departing from the subject using substantially no alphanumeric characters; readingof the invention as defined in the following claims. the chosen graphic figurecode;


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creating a read electronic version of the chosen graphicfigurecode;transmitting the read electronic version of the chosengraphic figurecode to a computer system;

providing a graphic trigger figurecode at the productidentifier region of the chosen product, paid trigger:figurecode corresponding to selected point-of-saleinformation to be recorded far the chosen product;reading the LD. and trigger :figurecodes from a chosencomparing the read electronic version of the chosen product using a data input device; andgraphic figurecode to a plurality of stored electronic recording point-of-sale information about the chosenversions of a plurality of graphic figurecodes to deter- product according to trigger :figurecode using a com-mine i f 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 theating 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 trigger16. The method according to claim 14 wherein the reading figurecode-providing step is carried out using a triggerstep 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 ofmitting 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 claim14wherein 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 a20. The method according to claim 14 wherein: device holder, said graphic figurecode having nothe transmitting step is carried out using a computer d i s ~ a b l e r e l a t i o n s ~ p to said device h ~ l d e r , saidsystem with an identification computer system. which graphic f i g ~ e c o d e bemg at least substantially non-conducts the comparing step and a transactional com- 30 alphanumenc; andputer system and ' a graphic trigger figurecode cotTesponding to a chosen' . . . start search location of a plurality of start searchthe match or no match stgnalts prov1ded to at least the 1 ti th t st to d th h btransactional computer system. oca ons 1n e compu er sy em at e searc y21. A product information system compromisin : the o m p u t ~ system for the s tored l e c t r o n i c vc:rsion. g 35 of the graphic :figurecode thus savtng search time;a pro?uct. i d e n ~ e r region far a chosen product, said a computer system configured to stare a stored electronic

r e g t o ~ mcluding a product tradema:k; . . version of said graphic figurecode for said devicea graphic product I.D. figurecode, umque to and 1denti- holder and identification information for said devicefying the chosen product, incorporated into the product holder; andidentifier region; a data link operably coupling the commercial transaction

. n1i d . 40a 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 adaptedcomputer system, said data link comprising: to access the graphic figurecode and transform saida reader adapted to access the graphic product LD. 45 graphic figurecode into a read electronic version forfigurecode and transform said graphic product LD. comparison with the stored electronic version in saidfigurecode into a read electronic version for use by computer system; andsaid computer system; and an information terminal adapted for at least receivingan 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 graphic22. The product information system according to claim 21 trigger figurecode is a 2-dimensional, visually discernablewherein 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, saidgathering instruction to the computer system relative to said graphic figurecode having no discemable relationship

chosen product. to said device holder. said graphic figurecode being at24. 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 electronicinstructions to record transactional information. 60 version of said graphic figurecode for said device25. The product information system according to claim 21 holder and identification information for said devicewherein the product LD. figurecode is incorporated into the holder;product trademark. . . . . . a data link operably coupling the commercial transaction26. 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 adaptedidentifier region of a chosen product; to access the graphic figurecode and transform said


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graphic figurecode into a read electronic version forcomparison with the stored electronic version in saidcomputer system; andan infonnation terminal adapted for at least receivinginformation from the computer system; and sa selective light blocking/transmitting layer overlyingthe graphic figurecode, said layer including an elec-tric terminal so that when said electric terminal iscoupled to a chosen source of electricity, said layer

10transmits light therethrough so to permit light accessto the graphic figurecode and, when the electricterminal is disconnected from the chosen source ofelectricity, said layer effectively blocks light trans-mission therethrough to visually obscure the graphicfigurecode.

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