WO2011151084A1

WO2011151084A1 - System and device for verifying data at a local control point

Info

Publication number: WO2011151084A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/002761
Authority: WO
Inventors: Günther SCHMALZ
Original assignee: Schmalz Guenther
Priority date: 2010-06-05
Filing date: 2011-06-06
Publication date: 2011-12-08
Also published as: DE102010022794A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and device for verifying data at a local control point. Such data are, for example, rebate coupons or identification data for merchandise. Known control point systems require a direct connection to a validation server. The aim of the invention is to create a system in which control point systems without direct connection to the validation server are also able to verify the coupons or the merchandise or services. In order to achieve said aim, a validation terminal (1) is provided, which comprises a first interface (7) for reading the authentication data of a mobile data medium (10), a second interface (5) for exchanging data between the validation terminal (1) and a validation server (2), a third interface (6) for exchanging data with a control point system (11), and a control unit (4) which sends the authentication data read via the first interface (7), or a data record formed from the authentication data, via the second interface (5) for verifying the verification server (2) which evaluates data received via the second interface (5) and relays the evaluated data to the third interface (6).

Description

System and device for verifying data at a local control point

The invention relates to a system and apparatus for verifying data at a local control point. The inventive system and the inventive device are particularly suitable for redeeming coupons and the authenticity of goods and

Authorization of services.

Manufacturers and distributors distribute millions of paper coupons and thousands of

Loyalty cards every year to attract new customers or retain existing customers. Often, manufacturers and dealers share the cost or rebate granted to the customer demonstrating the coupon. In such promotions, for example, the manufacturer grants the retailer a refund for each coupon that has been redeemed and proven by him. Here, manufacturers and dealers

Specify restrictions, such as the number, period, or local validity of coupons that must be reviewed before redemption.

Many coupons are not redeemed at all. The reasons for this vary, including often the cumbersome nature of redemption and the fact that many coupons are distributed to customers who have little interest in the products or services. In addition to coupons, savings and customer loyalty can also be achieved through loyalty cards. In order to benefit from such bonus systems, customers would have to carry too many cards with them, and in the end they will carry only a few, if any.

There are therefore, for example, WO 2004/02240 AI systems for distributing

electronic coupons known in which the coupons can be loaded on the mobile phone of a customer and the customer transmits his coupon to the cashier system of the merchant when paying at a POS system of the dealer. The dealer's cash register system is connected to the issuing office of the coupon, so that the cash register system can check the coupon's solvency by exchanging data with the issuing office of the coupon, among other things, to make sure to get back the manufacturer's reimbursement. From US2010 / 0131342 AI further a system for the redemption of coupons is known in which the coupons can be electronically validated and redeemed by means of an intelligent clearing network. For this purpose, the coupon cards to be redeemed are read by means of a card reader set up in a retail store and the read data is transferred to a computer cash point (point-of-sale terminal). The computer cash transfers the data to the retailer's retail system. From the retailer's POS system, for example, the data is passed on to a central database of the intelligent clearing network. The intelligent clearing network compares the received data with stored data and sends control data via the

Retailer's cashier system back to the computer cashier. Either the computer cash register carries out the validation of the coupon itself with the received control data, or the data has already been validated in the intelligent clearing network and the

Computer cash only takes the redemption of the coupon card.

Especially at small retailers and boutiques are only the simplest POS systems available, which are not equipped to communicate with the verification server of the manufacturer, or the organizer of a coupon promotion. Under certain circumstances, small dealer chains, whose POS systems are such a verification over one

Network connection, such as via the Internet would support, but also not inclined to take the risk, with a connection of their POS system to an external network, the risk of computer viruses or attacks by so-called hackers suspend. Some providers of POS systems explicitly exclude in their service contracts and warranty conditions, even the connection of third-party components. The owner of such a cash system is therefore dependent on the

Supplier of the cash register system the verification and redemption of coupons as

Software component offers itself, or offers a corresponding, certified interface.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a system and corresponding devices for such a system to allow the participation of the dealer in a discount promotion or an authenticity check, their POS system not specifically for such

Attendance are set up. This object is achieved in a system or a device of the type mentioned in that an electronic validation terminal is provided for the verification of portable media, which has the following features: a first interface for reading authentication data a second interface for data exchange between the validation terminal and a validation server, a third interface for data exchange with the control point system, a control device which the read via the first interface authentication data or a record formed from the authentication data via the second interface for verification to a

Validation server sends, which evaluates data received via the second interface and sends the evaluated data to the third interface.

The validation terminal enables the processing, verification and validation of encoded data on portable media carriers, for example coupons of discount campaigns, or RDiF tags / NFC data in goods flow and inventory checks and / or for

Authentication of goods even with traditional data collection devices, such as electronic cash registers or goods movement tracking systems. In this way it supplements these data acquisition devices with a function without the need for intervention or substantial intervention in this system.

Is the first interface for reading from the validation terminal

Authentication data is formed from an optical scanner, e.g. optical, machine-readable codes are read. With a one-dimensional scanner, so-called barcodes (barcodes) can be read from a coupon, for example.

So-called 2D scanners can read more robust 2D matrix area codes that contain much more information. These codes may e.g. by

Promotions in magazines and on packaging are spread and also out a newspaper break or have been printed by the user at home itself. These 2D codes, for example QR code, can already be used today

commercially available mobile software are photographed from printed media, also stored as a picture. By means of software programs already belonging to the state of the art, the photographed QR code can then for example be directly translated into an Internet address. A link, which can be called up by the 2D code, then opens the Internet access available on the mobile device at the corresponding website or the web interface in connection with local applications on the mobile device, which is thus current

Information about validity, but also about available quotas and the associated location receives, so that the user of a discount actions

be able to check in advance whether it meets the redemption conditions.

Finally, there are also promotions in which such a code can be either retrieved (gepullt) from the user of a mobile user terminal, such as a mobile phone or a personal assistant (PDA / Smartphone) with integrated data access to electronic networks such as the Internet or on the mobile User terminal can be filed (pushed) or delivered as MMS or SMS link.

Using location-based services and the software applications available through the mobile network, these codes can be updated, as well as easily and conveniently delivered or requested based on the location. Validation via the local terminal with processing via the validation server, location based services, and comparable mobile network services, for example based on geocoding by satellites, greatly enhanced the possibility of using a transaction fee for vouchers actually redeemed

Customer cards and related actions now clear and secure billing.

If the first interface of the validation terminal is formed from electro, magnetic, or electromagnetic receivers, the authentication data can also be generated by electronic chip cards or cards with magnetic read stripes (eg customer cards, Bank cards), or also be read by active and passive near-field transmitters such as so-called Radio Frequency Tags (RFID) or NFC devices. In addition to the conventional customer cards, for example, highly flexible, if necessary removable tags or RFiD stickers can be read, as they are now used for authenticity in expensive luxury goods, such as garments and fashion accessories, such as handbags, or even for automatic

Warranty registration for technical goods or similar transactions. The

Records of this can be assigned to portable media carriers such as customer cards as customer RFiD tags, as well as stickers and thus customer accounts, which can also be processed via this validation terminal.

The validation terminal can also connect to the authentication provider, namely the validation server, over a point-to-point connection, for example, over a telephone line. The validation server is in turn connected to its own or external clearing houses to settle joint promotions from manufacturers and distributors, or to allow manufacturers, distributors and logisticians as exhibitors to hire, view and process through self-service access, advertising campaigns and flow control transactions.

This can go so far that the logistical location and authentication processes that can be associated with commercial promotions have the advantage of being able to access the same validation terminal.

The validation terminal equipped with a remote configuration unit for the control unit and the interface controls, as well as safe

Encryption technologies are thus able to unify logistic processes, authenticity, promotions and loyalty programs. Interested buyers and users, in addition to geocoded applications and mobile applications, at the same time also have access to a large extent to printed information in the form of 1D, but above all 2D codes and this totality of all portable media contributions can be processed through a global system on a broad basis. This broad basis is only guaranteed by the validation terminal. Larger organizations can do this Validation terminal by a software client in conjunction with commercially available

Map hardware.

Smaller and medium-sized organizations and individual companies, however, rely on such a terminal, as it is precisely organizations of this size that represent an essential part of the overall market potential in all countries. The fact that this validation terminal can handle analogue and digital portable media together, and the fact that this validation terminal enables organizations and companies of all sizes to participate in a global system, highlights the scope of the problem being solved by such a validation terminal. The main difference to the known ones

Point-of-sale systems which have to set up a direct connection from their point-of-sale system to the validation server with the described disadvantages for the purpose of validation consists in avoiding such a direct connection between the point-of-sale system and the validation server by removing this connection from the inventive system

Validation terminal is made. Cash register system and validation system are thus decoupled from each other by the intermediate validation terminal.

Preferably, in the electronic device, the second interface is configured to establish a wired or wireless connection to a data network. This can be the data network of the authentication provider. The majority of

Today, however, authentications take place over the Internet, usually in encrypted form, so that the validation terminal is preferably equipped with an Ethernet interface for a wired connection to the Internet or intranet or with a WLAN interface or with both interfaces.

To display the result of the verification process optical or acoustic display elements can be provided. For example, a green signal lamp may be displayed if the authentication was successful and a red one

Signal lamp will be displayed if the authentication was denied. The same can be achieved, for example, in addition or alone with an acoustic signal generator. For example, three short beeps as confirmation and one long, possibly with lower frequency issued beep.

The user of the local terminal may then, for example, the corresponding

Discard or refuse validation, or refuse or cancel the goods delivered or awaiting delivery.

Preferably, the optical interface of the device is designed so that it can be read by a handheld scanner, which is generally used at POS systems. This makes it possible for at least a subset of the received data to be displayed in a machine-readable form on this optical interface and to be read by the POS system without an electrical connection between the validation terminal and the POS system. An infection with so-called

Computer viruses, spying on data or any other kind of electrical

Incompatibility is thereby avoided. Since this type of connection via the already existing handheld scanner is done, the operator of the POS system does not have to worry that the distributor of the POS system can escape its warranty.

The user of the cash register system, ie the sales staff can, as usual, in place of the original label of the document to be checked (coupon, label) on the

Validation terminal created in the context of authentication bar code or area code with the normal, at his POS system or goods flow control system

read off connected scanner and needs, with appropriate prepared

POS system, no other inputs to make by hand. This includes both

Input errors as well as deliberate manipulation on the part of the sales staff.

In a particular embodiment of the invention is in an accepted

Authentication of the coupon displays a different code. In preparation of the rebate action, the dealer or body preparing the rebate action should, in the system, provide a special code for each discounted merchandise for the discounted merchandise either directly in the merchant's cash register system or if its POS system is connected to a dealer network have deposited. If the code is detected by the cash register scanner, which has been stored for discount items, can now be used to compile the invoice. The use of an optical interface and the reading of the optical interface with the hand-held scanner, which is usually connected to the POS system in any case, creates a risk of transmission of defective ones

Computer codes are virtually excluded and therefore will probably usually find a good acceptance even among security-conscious users.

For cash registers with prism scanner, the display representing the bar code is preferably installed remotely in the scanning area of this prism scanner to achieve this particular type of firewall function.

Much greater design possibilities arise when the third interface of the validation terminal is designed such that it transmits the evaluated data via an electronic interface, e.g. a serial interface or a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth with the POS system or the goods receipt or

output system is exchanged. Of course this sets a corresponding

Programming the POS system or the goods flow control system ahead.

An embodiment of the validation terminal as a portable device, for example by integrating a power supply with batteries or rechargeable batteries and the design of the third interface as a radio interface increases the practicality of the validation terminal. It can then be used simultaneously by, for example, several point-of-sale systems or multiple checkpoint, goods flow and inventory systems, so that only a single electronic validation terminal has to be purchased for shops with multiple POS systems or can be used in mobile applications such as ticketing.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the validation terminal results when the portable variant of such a terminal at least parts of the control device and the interfaces are formed from a mobile device. Today's mobile devices have a sufficiently powerful processor that can take over the tasks of the control device. Optionally, the display of the mobile phone as optical Display device can be used.

The connection to the Internet can be carried out by the LAN and WLAN function integrated in the mobile phone or else by the mobile radio system itself. Under certain circumstances, even the scanner interface can be realized by using the integrated camera, which is widely used by many HandyBs.

In order to introduce a worldwide Internet-based coupon and loyalty card validation system for POS and for checkpoint applications, such as ticketing, plagiarism protection, warranty registration or logistics processes, a small validation terminal, also available as a mobile version, can support the market launch on a very broad basis Afford.

Especially for organizations with little or no IT infrastructure and limited resources, companies and organizations of all sizes and multiple segments can be enabled to validate portable media identification codes of coupons, tickets, NFC devices, or RFiD-equipped goods. Especially due to the fact that printed codes and RFiD have to be processed in parallel, even when RFiD or other technologies are spreading rapidly. The imprint of the identical code on the RFiD label or a comparable label, does not necessarily provide a remedy to replace the special benefit of RFiD and related technologies, and thus to fully exploit.

The validation terminal is part of a verification system and is interposed between the verification provider and the merchant system.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings

Embodiments described and explained in detail.

Show it:

1 shows the basic structure of a validation system according to the invention. FIG. 2 shows a validation system for a discount promotion Fig. 3 A verification system for the authenticity of goods

Fig. 4 A mobile validation terminal incorporating a mobile phone

1 shows the basic structure of a validation system with an issuing point 3, by means of which validation data are generated and by data transfer 9 the

Validation data on a validation server 2 are deposited. Alternatively, the validation data can also be generated on the validation server 2 and by

Data transfer 9 are sent to issuing office 3. The issuing agency 3 is also responsible for linking the validation data to a mobile medium 10 in a suitable manner.

The movable medium 10 is carried by, for example, a customer and, for example, to obtain a discount in the payment process or to collect

Bonus points on a customer card, presented at a checkpoint 11. The movable medium 10 may also be permanently connected to a product, or even provided to be removable after purchase, in which case it can be checked at the checkpoint 11, if the goods marked in this way the

Authenticity criteria of the manufacturer corresponds.

The movable medium 10 may be embodied either as a physical data carrier, e.g. in the form of a customer card with magnetic stripes, or a so-called RFID tag or in non-physical form, e.g. be displayed as a stripe or area code on a paper printout. Depending on the configuration, customers can also access this code on their personal data carrier, e.g. in the form of an MMS or photos, NFC unit on which

Mobile phone will be sent, and the customer displays this data for the purpose of

Validation on the display of his mobile phone.

At the checkpoint 11, a validation terminal 1 is held for the purpose of validation, whether to check a discount code or an authenticity feature. By means of the validation terminal 1 are stored on the mobile medium 10 Data read, and sent to the validation server 2 and compared with the criteria specified there.

The validation terminal 1 according to the invention has a first interface which, on the basis of its function, hereinafter referred to as the network interface 5, a second interface, hereinafter referred to as scanner interface 7 and a third interface which, in the following, functions as a control point interface 6 referred to as. A control unit 4 is connected to all three interfaces 5, 6, 7 and controls the data transfer between the individual interfaces 5, 6, 7.

The scanner interface 7 can, depending on the application as an optical scanner for one or two-dimensional codes or as a reader for cards with magnetic data strip, with contacts for reading so-called smart cards, with a coil for the inductive reading of cards or with antennas for reading RFID tags or NFC elements.

This list is not exhaustive and may include other interfaces as needed. In a particular embodiment, multiple interfaces for

different volumes connected in parallel, so that, for example, optional inductive cards and smart cards can be read from the validation terminal 1. Optionally, these interfaces are modular, so that the validation terminal 1 can be equipped and configured individually for each application.

In certain mobile data carriers 10, the mobile data carrier is automatically detected and read out by plugging in the chip card, approaching the RFID tag. For printed codes, by placing the portable media, for example the paper printout, or the mobile device, the reading by pressing a control button, not shown, also forcibly started and / or by a not shown

Control button or sensor which detects a scanning, the process will be finally confirmed. Customer cards, RFID tags or NFC-equipped devices are guided past the corresponding readers or transponders at a suitable distance and angle. Here, too, can be forcibly started and confirmed with elements not shown, the process. The code read is forwarded by the control unit 4 via the network interface 5 for example via a network 8, with which the validation server 2 is also connected to it. In general, this network will be the Internet. Alternatively, this network can also be formed from a company-internal network, a virtual point-to-point connection or even a true point-to-point connection.

Preferably, the control unit 4 is configured such that it simultaneously for

various validations that different validation servers 2 may be responsible for. This is done either in an address memory 12 of the

Validation terminals stored a mapping table, the assignment of a read via the scanner interface 7 code and the address, e.g. contains the IP address of the validation server 2 responsible for this code. The control unit 4 reads the respective address associated with a code and composes a data packet which is sent to the address of the validation server 2. In this case, this must be

Assignment table can be brought up to date by remote maintenance. Alternatively, this allocation table can also be run in a central service center, not shown, and validation requests are made by the

Validation terminal 1 always sent first to the service center, and then from there to the respective competent validation server 2 to be forwarded. Another technical possibility is that the address of the validation server 2 is already included in the read code, and is found by evaluating the code.

The validation server 2 evaluates the information sent to it and, if all prerequisites, such as period of a promotion, contingent has not been exhausted or supply chain is consistent, sends a positive confirmation back to the validation terminal 1 with the product to be checked evaluates the incoming confirmation message and sends the confirmation to the control point interface 6 in an appropriately adapted form.

The control point interface 6 is formed in this embodiment as a display and shows a stored in the cash discount code, which the operator of Enter checkpoint 11 in his cash register or read in order to carry out a discount on the submitted item. In a preferred embodiment, a bar code is displayed on the display 6 which is used with the reader, which is usually used at POS systems anyway for reading the printed on product labels bar code, eg so-called EAN / UPC code. Alternatively or additionally, an alphanumeric representation of this barcode can also take place. Alternatively, alternatively or additionally, a confirmation display, not shown, for example, a green LED for some

Seconds are controlled.

Alternatively, the control point interface 6 can also be made of a wired

Interface, for example, a parallel or serial interface, for example, a USB interface exist, which is connected directly to the control point device 11. In this case, a larger amount of data between the validation terminal 1 and control point device 11 can be replaced.

In the case that due to the data transmitted to him the validation server 2 a

Validation rejects, a reject message is returned to the validation terminal 1 and the rejection is displayed accordingly. For example, the display may show: [EG utschein expired !!] or gross rebate amount exceeded !!) or similar. Alternatively or additionally, for example, a red LED for a few seconds flash or an acoustic display, for example, generate a low tone.

In this way, a control point system, for example, a POS system, which does not use the hardware, or the software for exchanging data with the

Validation server 2 is provided, in its function be extended so that it can be integrated into a validation system.

Fig. 2 describes an embodiment of a validation system for a

Goods sales promotion program based on vouchers or customer cards. At the beginning of a coupon action, data from a campaign manager in the

Validation server 2 entered. The campaign manager may be the manufacturer or dealer or it may be a contractor, such as one Advertising agency. The Campaign Manager determines the goods for which the vouchers are redeemable and can limit, among other things, the number of vouchers to be redeemed and the redemption period, eg a maximum of ten thousand vouchers in total, fifty for a particular merchant and three for each customer.

The goods can be clearly identified, for example, using the so-called EAN / UPC. In this embodiment, identical EAN / UPS codes are given for identical goods, the original EAN / UPC for the goods without discount and two other EAN the goods with 10% discount and 25% discount. Alternatively, discounts with fixed amounts such as five euros or ten euros can be specified. These additional EAN / UPC codes are created by the Campaign Manager at Issue 3 with an application on Validation Server 2. Of course, unlike the direct connection 9 shown in FIG. 2, the data transfer can of course also take place via the Internet, for example a VPN connection. Each retailer participating in the discount promotion, or participating merchant chain, will be appropriately briefed, for example, by information on the website, a cover letter or email, as to how these additional EAN / UPC or comparable codes must be maintained in their POS system 19.

Alternatively, these additional EAN / UPC codes can also be exchanged by a direct exchange of data, not shown, with the dealer systems, if that

Dealer system is designed fernwartbar.

For example, through advertising, customers access a web application that provides them with code that promises a discount or an addition to a participating merchant. In this embodiment, the downloaded on the mobile phone 13 two-dimensional code includes an individualized discount code, which is awarded only once, and the web address of the

Validation server 2. As shown in Figure 2, this web application runs on the

Issuer 3 web server 3. By exchanging data 9 with the validation server 2, the web application ensures that the individualized code is made known to the validation server 2. In this way it is ensured that the validation server 2 too recognize the discount code as valid when presented to validation server 2 from validation terminal 1 for review. Alternatively, such could be one

Web application for the distribution of discount codes also on a specially for it

provided, not shown web server, or be on the validation server 2 itself.

The customer goes with his mobile phone 13 to the POS system 19 of the participating dealer and displays when paying the coupon code on the display of his mobile phone 13 and puts the display of his mobile phone 13 on the optical scanner 12 of the validation terminal 1. The dealer starts the validation process by pressing a start button (not shown) at the validation terminal 1.

This causes the control circuit to take an image of the display of the mobile telephone 13 by means of the optical scanner module 12 contained in the validation terminal 1, which consists for example of a built-in camera. By means of a programmed application, the control device 4 evaluates the photographed two-dimensional code and compiles a data packet which is sent from the validation terminal 1 to the

Validation Server 2 is sent. The data packet contains at least the

Checking discount code, but may also contain additional data, such as the identifier of the merchant. The identifier of the merchant can be obtained, for example, via a unique serial number of the validation terminal 1, or is stored, for example, as a parameter in the memory of the validation terminal 1.

The validation server 2 compares each received discount code with the stored discount code and controls the other validity requirements. In the case of a match and if the validity requirements are met, the

Validation server 2 a validation message back to the respective validation terminal 1. In this embodiment, the validation message contains the EAN code with the discount provided in each case, for example, a fixed amount of 5 €. With a one-off discount code, the validation server 2 flags the corresponding discount code as being consumed so that it can not be redeemed a second time. At the same time, it stores further received data, such as the dealer identification, for example for one Advertising coverage analysis. In the event that the discount code is unknown, the validity has expired, or other criteria are not met, it sends a refusal message, which may advantageously contain the reason for the refusal, back to the

Validation terminal 1.

Messages received via the network interface 5 are evaluated by the control unit 4 and the processed result is transferred to the checkpoint interface 6.

In this embodiment, the control point interface is designed as a display 6, the display of which can be read by a reading device 20 connected to the cash register system 19. There are corresponding displays commercially available, which can represent a barcode and this barcode can be read with so-called laser scanners. Such an embodiment has the advantage that at the cash register system 19, which can be used mostly already used reading devices 20, and no other reading devices must be purchased. Laterally on the display 6 of the validation terminal 1, sensors (not shown) may be mounted in a further embodiment, which detect the laser beam of the reading device. As soon as the

Reading device has detected a bar code, the laser beam is turned off. Since the sensors, not shown, are connected to the control unit 4, it can be detected by evaluating the switching off of the laser beam that the code shown in the display has been recognized by the POS system 19.

Alternatively, however, an alphanumeric representation can alternatively be selected on the display 6 of the validation terminal 1, so that the validation terminal 1 is also suitable for point-of-sale (POS) systems without readers 20. In this case, the cashier gives the information shown on the display, e.g. manually enter a number into their POS system or press a corresponding key that is pre-assigned a discount for a certain amount or percentage.

The EAN code read from the display 6 of the validation terminal 1 is stored in the

POS system 19 compared with the EAN / UPC code stored in the POS system and carried out the corresponding discount. Also in this case the validation of the Validation terminal 1 made while the discount is made by the decoupled POS system 19.

In order to limit a discount on certain goods or to allow different discounts for different goods, the control device 4 is preferably so

designed so that it can also evaluate the codes of goods labels. In the simplest application, the product label is read with the same optical scanner module 12, which is also provided for reading the discount code. Optionally, input via a keyboard, not shown, or connected to the validation terminal 1, not shown, handheld scanner can be read. Alternatively, the product label can also be read with the hand-held scanner 20 of the checkout system 19, and be transmitted to the control device 4 of the validation terminal 1 via the checkpoint interface 6, which is designed, for example, as a serial interface.

The control device 4 packs this data into the data packet which is sent to the

Validation server 2 is transmitted, and thus allows the validation server 2 to make a discount depending on the goods to be purchased by the customer.

There are already promotions known in which the discount code printed in print media 15 or on billboards. The customer, who has a mobile phone 13 with a built-in camera, can photograph this code 16 and display it on his display. There are also software applications for mobile phones are known that can prepare a photographed code, and then either new, in a standardized form on the display or as other data, such as. via a radio interface of the mobile phone 13, for example, a so-called Bluetooth interface to a suitably equipped validation terminal 1 forward. Depending on the embodiment, the optical scanner interface 12 is also suitable for reading paper coupons 17, which the customer has either printed himself or consist of a newspaper break.

Another embodiment of the validation options is further illustrated in FIG. The validation terminal 1 is also equipped with an RFID reader module 12 for reading customer cards 15 in addition to an optical scanner module 11. Depending on reading customer card may also be provided an unillustrated magnetic stripe reader or a non-illustrated chip card reader. RFiD and comparable technologies are finding their way into personal identification as well as logistics. However, these technologies will coexist with conventional printed codes, magnetic stripes and smart cards for some time and can therefore be replaced by a correspondingly equipped

Validation terminal 1 are advantageously processed in parallel.

When redeeming the discount code, the customer can present his customer card 18 at the same time. The identification information stored on the customer card is then sent to the validation server 2 together with the other data. By the additional

Use of customer identification data results in more diverse

Combinations. On the one hand, the customer identification can be used to limit the number of coupons that can be redeemed for a customer. Regardless, the redemption of a discount code also because of the presentation of a

Customer identification to control the success of the promotion and collect statistical material. Another application is the deterrence of abuse that can result from the merchant attempting to redeem discount codes for themselves. It would then attract attention that always only the same customers redeem in large numbers Gutsscheine.

By introducing novel ID documents with integrated RFID chips, which can be connected via the pseudonym function as a customer card for processing on the validation terminal 1 by means of RFI D readers, can be displayed data such. EAN / UPC loyalty card codes of different loyalty card providers are displayed on the display 6, in which they are assigned to the RFID chip, in particular also the pseudonym identifier provided for this purpose. Again, the POS system is decoupled and system compliant, minimum technical requirements from the side

Cash register systems, as with the direct connection through integrative networking, are eliminated.

Usually, the data on the discounts performed are collected in the dealer's cash register system and sent in a known manner to an unillustrated clearing house for the purpose of calculating the amount to be reimbursed to the merchant. With the featured However, the validation server 2 can also take over the task of collecting the data and transmitting it to the clearing house. Furthermore, these actions are often borne jointly by the supplier or the brands with the participating dealers. Setting up such joint campaigns would be through such a global one

Simplified, automated and accelerated validation system, through the connection to clearing houses, are then processes such as security, timely billing and

Transparency realized and optimized. In this way, such analyzes can be performed, although the merchant's POS system is only capable of evaluating the relatively simple information of a bar code or number entry.

As shown in FIG. 2, the POS system 19 may be a single cash register in which the data (EAN codes, assigned selling prices,

Discounts) are stored in a single-user system. However, it can also be a point-of-sale terminal of a networked cash register system in which the cash registers are connected to a central data server of the merchant or the dealer chain. The POS system 19 shown in FIG. 2 in this case consists of a plurality of point-of-sale terminals which are connected to a central data server or a central data processing system, for example a merchandise management system. In this case, the data read in via the reading device 20 can be transmitted from the point-of-sale terminal to the central data processing system of the merchant and the estimated discount can be calculated there. This discount data will then be sent to the appropriate POS terminal

transferred back and reported accordingly on the receipt.

In principle, the POS system 19 can be even further networked, for example, also connected to an alternative coupon validation system. The validation terminal 1 in this case allows the dealer to participate in an alternative

Validation provider, for example, has not received approval from the manufacturer of the POS system 19. Also in this application, the validation terminal 1 is completely decoupled from the POS system 19 and its networking and allows independent access to the validation server 2 from the network of the POS system.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the authenticity of goods can be tested. Especially luxury goods such as perfume, clothing and fashionable accessories, which are sold under expensive brands, are often the victims of product piracy. But even with everyday objects, such as batteries for mobile phones are imitated end-users and traders counterfeit products, which also hold security risks in itself. Such products 21 are increasingly provided with data carriers, such as RFID tags. Although these RFID tags can also be imitated, they nevertheless make it possible to verify by means of an individualized identifier whether a product 21 with the identical identifier has already been presented elsewhere for checking the authenticity. Although the cost of RFID tags with their dissemination is increasingly falling, the presented verification system is also suitable for goods 22 and services which are only characterized by a complex code, for example a two-dimensional code. Since these codes have a large length, they can be awarded worldwide only once per product.

The issuing agency 3 assigns RFID tags in this embodiment with a

a unique identifier and connects them with the goods to be protected 21. The data is stored centrally in a validation server 2. Once the goods 21 the

Exit the production site, the ID is scanned at the goods issue and the

Validation server 2 updated accordingly. As soon as the goods arrive at the middleman, his incoming inspection scans the goods 21, 22. In the exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the merchant's goods receipt system 23 is a conventional goods receipt control system which is not designed accordingly

Authenticity check yourself.

In this case, the validation terminal 1 is used with which the one-to-one identifications of the goods are read via the scanning module 7. In a manner already described in detail, the validation terminal sends this data to the validation server 2. This compares the received identifier with the stored identifier and, if necessary, performs a plausibility check. Inasmuch as each middleman is equipped with a validation terminal 1, 2 can be found in the validation server at each

Goods receipt and goods issue, the location of the goods receipt and issue are stored. The location results, for example, from a stored in configuration parameters 12 Identification of the respective dealer. In this way, the validation server 2

Verify that the data provides a traceable supply chain.

Upon confirmation of the authenticity by the validation server 2, the

Validation terminal 1 a record, which in the goods receipt control system 23 makes the booking of the goods 21, 22. Likewise, the validation terminal is used to update the data in the validation server 2 for a goods issue.

Of course, the validation terminal 1 can also be used by a retailer to prove to the end customer the authenticity of the goods. If the validation terminal is equipped with a printer or a printer interface, a certificate of authenticity can also be printed out to the end customer or automatically assigned to his customer account online. Another use case would be automatic warranty registrations by checkout via validation terminal 1.

However, collaboration is also customary for the various fields of application in logistics, so that optimizations and new simplified processes can be designed and handled with such a system. This process can also be automatically assigned to an online customer account.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a validation terminal 1 whose functions are partly formed by a mobile telephone 24. Today's mobile phones have a powerful processor and a variety of functions that can perform some or even all the functions of a validation terminal 1 depending on the design. In the presented embodiment, the mobile phone 24 is enclosed in a housing. Three pushbuttons 25, 26, 27 are used to start, stop and abort the already well-described validation process. The control device is formed by the processor of the mobile telephone 24. The display 28 of the mobile telephone 24 is used to display status messages, e.g. to indicate the reason of refusal of one

Validation. At the moment, no mobile phones are known which would allow reading of a bar code with a handheld scanner, so this function, such as also achieved in the other embodiments already presented by a separate display device 6. Should mobile phones be available with a display suitable for reading, this function can also be achieved with the mobile phone 24. USB ports of the mobile phone 24 can also be connected to one in the housing

attached plug-in device 29 are looped through, so that when appropriate

Control point systems also have a wired data transfer between

Mobile phone and control point system is possible, or the power supply of the

Validation terminals 1 is ensured.

Since many mobile phones nowadays already have WLAN or Bluetooth interfaces, a connection to the control point system can also take place by means of these techniques. For reading the goods code 21, 22, a separate scanning device 7 is provided in the illustrated embodiment. Since many mobile phones already have a built-in camera, this can also be read to read the code displayed on mobile phones or the code 22 shown on paper. Optionally, by optical deflection devices, such as mirrors and prisms, the reading surface, which is formed for example by a translucent disc on the housing of the validation terminal 1 and on which the mobile phones or paper strips are placed, are imaged on the camera optics of the mobile phone inside the housing of the validation terminal 1 , For connection to the validation server, the mobile phone 24 can use, on the one hand, if available, a WLAN access of the merchant. The particular advantage of the mobile phone 24, however, is that it can establish Internet access via the mobile radio system itself and thus is autonomous from the infrastructure available at the point of sale.

Claims

claims

1. Device (1) for verifying data at a local control point (11, 19) with a first interface (7) for reading authentication data of a second interface (5) for data exchange between the validation terminal (1) and a validation server (2)

- A third interface (6) for data exchange with a control point system (11) of a control device (4) which the via the first interface (7) read authentication data or one formed from the authentication data

Data record via the second interface (5) for verification to the Verificationsserver (2) sends, which evaluates data received via the second interface (5) and forwards the evaluated data to the third interface (6).

2. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first interface (7) for reading authentication data from an optical scanner or an electromagnetic receiving unit, such as so-called RFID tags or Near Field Communication NFC is formed.

3. Electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second interface (5) is configured such that it is a wired or wireless connection to a

Data network manufactures.

4. Electronic device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the third interface (6) is designed as an optical display device.

5. Electronic device according to claim 4 wherein the optical display device (6) the

technical property to be able to be read by so-called hand scanners (20).

6. Electronic device according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the at least a subset of the received data is displayed in a machine-readable form.

7. Electronic device according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 5 that the third

Interface (6) is designed such that it transmits the evaluated data via an electronic interface, e.g. a serial interface or a radio link with the control point system (11) can exchange.

8. Electronic device according to one of claims 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 in which the

electronic device is designed as a portable device.

9. Electronic device according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 in which at least parts of the control device (4) and the interfaces (7, 5, 6) from a mobile device (24) are formed ,

A system for verifying data with a validation server (2) that compares incoming data with stored data and a data comparison function

Confirmation or refusal message, the data is also stored on a mobile data carrier (13, 17, 18, 21, 22), and with an electronic device according to one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 for reading the data of the mobile data carrier and for exchanging data with the validation server (2).

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the from the mobile data carrier (13, 17, 18, 21, 22)

Data that has been read in is converted by the validation server (2) or the validation terminal (1) into another data format and / or data with changed data content.

12. A method for verifying data at a local control point in which a device is equipped with a first interface (7) for reading authentication data a second interface (5) for exchanging data between the validation terminal (1) and a validation server (2) of a third interface (6) for data exchange with a control point system (11) of a control device (4) which transmits the authentication data read via the first interface (7) or one formed from the authentication data