MXPA01004206A - An online purchase system and method. - Google Patents

Abstract

An online purchase system (100) that provides a universally accessible, anonymous and secure online payment option for consumers. A user (103) pays cash and receives a serial number. The serial number may be imprinted on a cash card (111) or the like for convenience. The user accesses an online proxy system (107), which establishes a cash account (125) using the serial number and allows the user to conduct online transactions using the cash account. The user accesses the cash account (125) with a user ID (127) and password (129), which may be arbitrarily chosen to maintain anonymity. The proxy system (107) includes at least one universally accepted charge account (147) that is used to conduct transactions on behalf of the user (103). The user surfs the Internet (101) for goods and services of online merchants (105). The user selects items to purchase and indicates the desire to purchase the selected items by selecting or interfacing a buy button (145) or the like. The proxy system (107) intercepts the purchase request, compares the user s account balance (131) with the total purchase amount (143) to verify sufficient funds, adjusts the account balance (131) if there are sufficient funds, and populates a purchase page (141) from the merchant with valid charge account information to complete the purchase. The cash cards (111) may be dispensed at a currency receiving vending machine, dispensing unit (109) or the like. The serial number incorporates a monetary value, and may further include sponsor, dispensing unit, or temporal information as desired.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PURCHASE ONLINE Related Applications The present application is a continuation in part of the patent application of E.U.A. entitled Prepaid Card Based Internet and Merchandiser Sales and Advertising System, (Internet based on Prepaid Card and System of Sales and Advertising of Dealer), Series No. 09 / 384,581, filed on August 27, 1999, which is incorporated here by reference in its entirety and forms part of the present invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to e-commerce (e-commerce) and, more particularly, to an online shopping system that provides an anonymous and secure online, universally accessible payment option for consumers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The explosion of the Internet has led to new methods for conducting business generally referred to as e-commerce. E-commerce has become quite common and involves many types of online transactions over the Internet, or any other global network, including business-to-business and business-to-consumer transactions. Consumers can buy and purchase items or services online without leaving their home or computer. In the consumer world, the primary method of conducting purchases is the use of a credit or debit card, otherwise called a charge card. The consumer provides the charge number and the expiration date or any other information that may be required such as the name and address, etc., on the purchase page of an online merchant. The online merchant verifies the loading information, either during the immediate transaction or as soon as possible, and completes the purchase after the verification. Other billing methods have been used such as through mail or cash on delivery (COD), but these methods are more expensive and certainly not as convenient for both merchants and consumers. Another technique called e-portfolio (electronic wallet) is becoming more popular but is still based on credit and requires a valid charge account. There are people who do not have a charge card, people who have a charge card but want to keep their freight number and name confidential, and many people who can not get a freight card, such as seniors. In addition, many people want to remain anonymous and still have the convenience of buying online. The use of a charge card avoids anonymity since the merchant verifies the account through the card guarantor. ^^? a-a ^ a load and, therefore, who access the identity of the buyer. Methods for billing through mail or COD are limited and unsatisfactory for several reasons, including lack of convenience and potential lack of anonymity. It is desired to provide the convenience of charge cards to conduct online purchases on the internet or any other global network for those persons who have the necessary funds or cash but can not use charge cards.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION A method for enabling online purchases through a network and an online delegate system in accordance with the present invention includes establishing, through the online delegate system, a prepaid cash account for a user entity, providing online access to the cash account after receiving an identification value, receive a purchase request with a corresponding purchase amount by the user's entity to purchase selected items from a merchant through the network, verify whether the cash balance of the cash account is sufficient to cover the amount of the purchase, and provide, through the online delegate system, valid charge account information associated with the online delegate system for the merchant through the network to consummate the sale. The cash account includes the cash balance and is associated with the verification value that > ** «« ^ a allows access to the cash account. In this way, the user entity, after establishing a cash account with the delegate system, can conduct online transactions using the cash account through the delegated system. The user entity does not need to establish a credit or debit account to perform transactions online, since this is handled through the delegate system. The delegated system provides valid cash account information that is pre-established by the delegated system and used to complete transactions initiated by the user entity. The online purchase method may also include receiving an amount of cash or currency, providing a corresponding serial number, detecting an online request to create the account box, receiving and verifying the serial number, creating the account box with the cash balance corresponding to the amount of currency received, and allow online access to the account box using the identification value. In this way, the user entity provides cash in exchange for a serial number that is used to establish the account box. The cash can be received by any of a plurality of methods, such as a currency acceptance unit or an automatic assortment unit (ADU) or a sales machine, or the like. The serial number can encode the received cash amount, where the ADU prints the serial number on the card and provides the card.

- * - - - - • The user entity, after receiving the serial number, connects to the network (for example, enters lines) to establish the cash account. The method may further comprise prompting the user entity for a user identification and a corresponding key, verifying the validity of the user identification and key according to at least one criterion (such as a predetermined minimum number of alphanumeric characters, or similar), and receive and store a user's information and password as the identification value used for the cash account. Afterwards, the delegate system prompts, receives and verifies the user's identification and password before providing access to the cash account. Once the user entity has been established and loaded into the cash account, the user entity can then carry out transactions online through the delegated system. During a transaction, the user entity selects items or services from any merchant and finally receives a purchase page describing the items that are to be purchased along with a purchase amount. The purchase page is received in the delegate system, which explores the purchase page for a predetermined keyword. Alternatively, a transaction icon may be displayed in the user entity, wherein the selection of the transaction icon by the user entity is detected by the delegate system to denote a purchase request. In one embodiment, a transaction box can be displayed around an examiner window in the user entity, where the transaction icon is provided in the transaction box. The transaction window can be displayed in the user entity, where the transaction icon can be provided in the transaction window. In an alternative embodiment, the online purchase method may comprise invoking a transaction manager that maintains an online session with the user entity through the network. In this case, the method further includes the transaction manager providing a separate session link to the network that is controlled by the user entity through the transaction manager. In this mode, the transaction administrator in the delegate system receives and advances the examiner requests from the user entity to the network, receives responses from the network and sends the responses to the user entity. 15 The transaction manager can be implemented in the delegated system or can be divided between the user entity and the delegated system. For example, a virtual consultant program can be loaded or it can be installed in the user entity, where the virtual consultant program cooperates with a program of 20 transaction in the delegated system to perform transaction functions. The virtual consultant program can be added to an examiner as a routine or connection that is easily available to the user entity from a menu of tools or taskbar in the examiner. 25 In additional modalities, the online purchase method ™ < < < ñtil kmm *. ** '*., mr. i i uraií ?? i, ni il MÉMfc ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ M¡ || ¡||| You can include invoking an account manager that verifies the identification value and provides online access to the cash account, invokes a transaction administrator that tracks and administers the online exam through the user entity, and retrieves, through the transaction manager, the purchase amount of a merchant's purchase page selected in response to receipt of a purchase request from the user entity and verify whether the cash balance is sufficient to cover the purchase amount. The transaction manager can have access to a universally accepted charge account information associated with the delegate system, where the transaction manager then inhabits the purchase page with the cash account information and directs the inhabited purchase page to the merchant selected to complete the sale. The account manager compares the purchase amount with the remaining balance in the cash account and rejects or accepts the purchase request based on whether there are sufficient funds in the cash account. The cash account information associated with the online delegate system may comprise a cash account associated with a universally accepted creditor. The cash account information is reciprocated or is otherwise associated with the cash account. In this way, the debit, credit, debit or other information of the delegate system information is used to complete the sale with the merchant provided that the user entity has sufficient funds in the delegated cash account. By ^^^^^^^ Therefore, the user entity does not need to have a credit or debit account and only needs to have established the cash account in the delegated system. Online merchants typically send a confirmation page to the purchasing entity to verify the sale. In other modalities, the online legacy system intercepts the merchant's confirmation page and sends the confirmation page or a substitute confirmation page to the user entity. If the confirmation page includes delegated cash account information, then you may not want to send that information to the user entity. The delegate system can send a substitute confirmation page or a masked confirmation page to the user unit. The substitute confirmation page may comprise a separate delegated confirmation page generated by the delegate system incorporating some of the merchant's information and not including any cash account information in the delegate system. Alternatively, the delegate system intercepts the merchant's confirmation page, masks the cash account information, and sends the masked confirmation page to the user entity. The line purchase method may further comprise tracking the transaction activity of a plurality of cash accounts and generating aggregate purchase information associated with the plurality of cash accounts. The method may also include tracking purchases associated with the cash account and conferring points Mitl f "4« * »- * • * * -» ^ ii l * i of bonus to the cash account for acceptability to receive promotional items or services related to sale or purchases The method may also include detecting a request for search associated with the purchase request of the user entity, identify selected items in a purchase request and conduct an online search for the prices of items similar to the selected items. The method may further comprise invoking an account manager that allows the user entity to perform management functions in the cash account. Said administration functions may include dividing the cash account into a plurality of dependent sub-accounts or dividing the cash account into a plurality of separate and independent cash accounts. An online shopping system in accordance with the present invention incorporates any of the functions previously described to allow transactions by a user entity. The online shopping system includes a communication system that enables communication through the network, an account activation system that creates a cash account, an account manager that allows access to the cash account, and a transaction system that serves as a delegate or power for the user entity to access online merchants. The account activation system may also include a serial number verification system, a serial number coding system, an identification system that establishes an identification value to allow online access to the cash account, and a charge account system that associates the cash account with valid charge account information. The account manager compares a purchase request with an account balance to check for sufficient funds and also maintains an accurate account balance. The transaction system detects a purchase request from the user entity, cooperates with the account manager to verify if there are sufficient funds, and provides charge account information to selected merchants to complete a purchase. In more particular modalities, the user entity provides cash and receives a serial number on an account card. The serial number may be preprinted on the card or may be printed on the card at the point of sale by a validation unit, such as a vending machine or ADU, or the like. The validation unit prints a serial number on an invalid card to provide a card with a valid date after purchase. The account card may include a magnetic strip incorporating a partial serial number, wherein the validation unit reads the partial serial number of the magnetic strip to generate a valid serial number to be printed on the account card. Alternative modes contemplate the use of wireless communication devices, such as cell phones and PDA devices, or the like, to receive a serial number in exchange for the account. The serial number is transmitted wirelessly to the device to be used by the user entity to create a cash account with the delegate system. In other embodiments, a cryptic encoding unit may be provided to encode the monetary value received from the user entity in the valid serial number. The cryptic encoding unit may also encode any combination of other information in the valid serial number, such as card guarantor information, location information and temporary information. The temporary information may include a time stamp and a date stamp, or the like. It is appreciated that an online shopping system in accordance with the present invention provides a universally accessible, anonymous and secure online payment option for consumers. In certain modalities a user pays in cash and receives a serial number, which can be printed on an account card or similar for convenience, or otherwise transmitted electronically, either using a wireless network or drivers. A serial number received by a user can be transferred to another user, such as using email or the like. The user accesses an online delegate system to establish a cash account using the serial number, which then enables the user to conduct transactions online using the cash account. The user accesses the cash account with a user identification (ID) and a password, which can be arbitrarily selected to maintain the user's anonymity. The delegate system includes at least one valid charge account that is used to conduct transactions in favor of the user. The user browses the network to view items or services of online merchants, such as on the internet or similar. The user selects items to buy and indicates the desire to buy those selected items by selecting or interconnecting a purchase button or similar. The delegate system intercepts the purchase request, compares the user's account balance with the total amount of the purchase to verify if there are sufficient funds, adjusts the balance of the account if sufficient funds exist, and inhabits a merchant's purchase page with valid charge account information to complete the purchase. Account cards can be stocked in a sales machine that receives coins, ADUs, or the like. The serial number can incorporate any type of information such as monetary value, guarantor information, ADU information, temporary information, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when considering the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment together with the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements comprising The Internet Based On Prepaid Card And Shopping System In Merchant Advertising. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the relationships between the main elements comprising the Prepaid Card System. Figure 3 is a block diagram that represents the relationships between the main elements that comprise the Electronic Commerce Sales and Advertising System (IMAGE: Interactive Sales and Advertising Gateway for Electronic Commerce). Figure 4 is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements comprising the Automatic Telephone System. Figure 5 is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements that comprise the Vigilante Website. Figure 6 is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements comprising the Account Management System. Figure 7 is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements that comprise the Promotional Website. Figure 8 is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements comprising the - - * - "- '" -' • "• - • '• Consumer Behavior and A Campaign Database System Ad. Figure 9 is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements that comprise the Transaction Tracking System Figure 10 is a block diagram of an illustrative e-commerce delegated purchasing system (e-commerce) according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 11 is a more detailed diagram of a modality illustrative of the delegated system of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a block diagram of an illustrative automatic assortment unit (ADU) used to supply prepaid account cards supplied with serial numbers in accordance with the present invention. is a block diagram of another ADU unit similar to the ADU of Figure 2, but connected in addition to a network and including presentation of live advertisement Figures 14A and 14B are front and back views, r Specifically, an illustrative account card used for the convenience of transporting a serial number in exchange for cash or coins of a user or consumer. Figure 15 is a screen display of an illustrative welcome page that can be used as the initial web page when a user visits a website associated with the delegate system of Figure 10.

Figure 16 is a screen display of an account activation page that can be displayed after the selection of a new card activation link from the welcome page of Figure 15. Figure 17 is a screen display of an illustrative account information page to provide account information to the user of a delegate system cash account. Figure 18 is a screen display of an illustrative account surcharge page, which can be used to allow a user to recharge one or more cash accounts using cards, cash, checks, money orders or different types of accounts such as credit or bank accounts. Figure 19 is a one-page display screen of an illustrative account card surcharges for recharging one or more cash accounts with additional cash cards. Figure 20 is a screen display for an illustrative account management page that is displayed to allow a user to access and perform account management functions. Figure 21 is a screen display of an illustrative transaction page that can be displayed and used by a user to perform transactions online using a cash account established in the delegated system. Figure 22 is a screen display of an illustrative table transaction page to facilitate purchases and other J *? R.A * Í .- *, -,? *. . A-., Mm * *, ". *. . * -., **, *, & *, transactions by the user according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 23 is a screen display of a window or virtual consulting page that is used in the user entity computer to facilitate online transactions through the delegated system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements that comprise the Internet on a Prepaid Card Base and the Sales and Advertising System of the Merchant. The prepaid card system is shown in relation to the advertising system (IMAGE, Interactive Commerce and Advertising Gateway for Electronic Commerce).

All numbers are the same throughout the specification, and Figure 1 will be explained in Figures 2, 3, and 4. The figure is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements comprising the prepaid card system. The distribution, activation and administration of basic account of said Prepaid cards are summarized in this. The corporation 1 sells a non-specific number of cards 2 to a group of retailers and distributors 3. The retailers (distributors) pay the corporation for the cards or take them into a consignment agreement. Retail sellers sell the card to consumers 4 and collect a commission percentage. The consumer enters (connects to) the corporation card account management system 7 using one of the following methods: through the automated telephone system 5, through an internet server or master computer 6. The card management system 7 is also linked to the card tracking system 14. The connection through the automatic telephone system 5 is achieved in the following way: the consumer 4 calls to a regional telephone number that is directly connected to the automated telephone system 5 of the merchants 8, also called service providers, interacts with the clients and the corporation, as will be explained in detail later. Figure 3 shows a new group of advertisers and advertising and commerce agencies in offline media with current advertisers 10 for campaigns to be run by group 9 and driven by consumers 11 who may not have purchased cards. 2. The corporation 1 seeks that these groups form a non-exclusive alliance with the merchants 8, explaining benefits to the group from the interaction with the card interaction system 7, discussed below, and the website, promotional websites 12 and tracking systems card transaction 14, all of these interact with consumer behavior and the Ad 13 campaign database system. Figure 4 shows the main elements that comprise the automatic telephone system and is a system commonly available through social media channels. normal commercial sales. The functions described below are handled by said system without the addition of special hardware. Once the connection is established, the user or consumer 4 is encouraged by the automatic telephone system 5 to press the # 1 key on his telephone keypad if a touch tone telephone is being used by the user at the time of the call , or say the word "one" if you do not have a touch tone phone. The words "one" and "zero" 10 are recoed by the voice recoion unit 15. At this point, the user is also encouraged to press the # zero key, or wait a few seconds in order to talk to the operator. If the user presses the # 1 key, then communication is directed to the touch tone processing unit 16. If any 15 different key to the # 1 or # 4 keys is pressed and the voice recoion unit 15 does not recoe the words "one" or "zero", then the user is encouraged once again to enter a valid command by pressing the appropriate keys on the keyboard or saying the appropriate number. If this process is repeated more than 3 20 times and the consumer 4 can not connect to the main processor 17, then the connection is directed to an operator who will have access to the site and who will conduct the account management operations for the client to enter the account cash management program 7. 25 According to the response, voice type or data, the The system will direct the call to either the speech recoion unit 15 or the touch tone processing unit. These components of the automatic telephone system 5 serve as a translation unit for the main processor 17 for the automatic telephone system 5. In the case of the speech recoion system 15, the voice commands are translated into digital signals that the main processor 17 can recoe In the case of the touch tone processing unit 16, the tone signals of the consumer telephone unit 4 are translated into digital signals that the main processor for the automatic telephone system 17 can recoe. Figure 5 shows the main elements comprising the vigilant website interconnected to the internet server or master computer 6 with numbers shown internally for clarity. In order to access the watchful website, the consumer 4 must first establish a connection to the master computer 6 that controls the functions of the website. The consumer 4 establishes the internet connection using either a modem connection or a direct network connection (ADS), cable modem, connection T1, T3 as provided by an independent internet service provider or guest entity (e.g. , UNIT, AOL AT & T) to link your computer to the internet server 6. Users access the online global network system (Internet) using one of the various third-party operating systems and internet browsers (for example, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape - ± -S * i. . i ... . ,. * I »**** - ** * & Navigator) to signal your internet connection to the I.P. address. i (Internet Protocol) associated with the site domain (that is, the site). This can be done by simply typing the following: http://www.netspend.com in the search bar of the corresponding internet browser program for a netspend.com entity. Note that, although the site is the internet server site 6, the corporation will expand the use of internet domains to include each of its sales campaigns. In this way, users can enter another gateway server 10 Internet configured similarly to the Internet server 6 by entering the corresponding domain in the search bar of the examiner. In order to continue with the card activation process, the consumer 4 will navigate through an assortment of web forms 15 using an internet browser program that you use to make the connection to server 6, as you create and update changes in the account corresponding to the card 2 purchased. Once the connection has been established either through any of the aforementioned methods, the internet server 6 20 will automatically run the welcome program / manuscript 21, which in turn will initiate the entry manuscript of the consumer account program 19. The entry 22 manuscript will encourage the consumer 4 to enter the serial number found on the back of card 2. If the consumer 4 used a system 25 automatic telephone 5, then the consumer 4 will use the keys , ..A ***, ae¡Aj, t? Igú-.

Numbers on the keypad of your phone to enter the numbers that correspond to the serial number contained on the back of the purchased card 2 if the phone used by the consumer has the ability to produce touch tones capable of interacting with the processing unit touch tone 15, figure 4. Otherwise, the consumer 4 will tell the numbers for the speech recognition system 15 to be processed into digital signals that can be used by the main processor 15 of the automatic telephone system. A final alternative will be for the consumer to wait for the automatic telephone system 5 to direct the call to an operator, and for the consumer 4 to provide the serial number to the operator for processing. Regardless of the method used, consumer 4 will be encouraged to enter either a valid serial serial number (as described above), in order to create a valid username, or enter a username for a pre-existing account. . The username is a pseudonym, a nickname, without any relation to the real identity of the consumer (a minimum of 8 characters is required for this step). Through this means, the identity of the consumer is protected and confidentiality and privacy are ensured. If the consumer 4 does not have a valid user number, as will be the case with new users, then the entry 22 manuscript of the consumer account program 19 will direct the consumer to the forms associated with the new account program 23; otherwise, it will direct the consumer 4 to the MM forms of account management program 24. As part of the new account program 23 the user will fill out several forms that are part of a program manuscript that will gather the necessary information to create a new cash account. The information required during this process includes, but is not limited to, the following: card serial number, user number, and personal identification number. The serial number will correspond to one found on the card, while the username and personal identification number will be created by the consumer 4 following a group of rules described within the new account program forms 23. The number of Identification combined with the username created in the previous step will be entered into the account management program 24 and the transaction program 25 using the action of identifying the user as described to ensure the security of the account. The rules will be set in order to maximize the security of the account and to provide compatibility with payment systems used by merchants 8 and are subject to change as the number of consumers 4 who subscribe to card services is increased or the payment systems used by dealers 8 change. Programs 23, 24 and 25 fed to other programs will be discussed later. As merchants 8 enter the system, they are connected to the merchant account program 20, which is part of the card 18 internet server program on the main computer. Within the merchant account program 20, there is a welcome program 26, an entry program 27, a new account program 28, an account management program 29 and a validation program 30, all of which feed to others programs discussed later. Both the card internet server 18 and the merchant account program 20 are fed into the cash account management program 7 and the card tracking system 14. The non-restrictively allied groups comprising advertisers and advertising and sales agencies 9, offline advertisers 10, merchants 8 and corporation 1 all connect with the program 31 called the internet server IMAGE 31, and with programs within the master computers. Program 32 is a welcome manuscript, 33 is an entry program, 34 takes new account data and interacts with an account management program 35 and advertisers account data 68, merchant account data 69, account data of password 71 and user account data or clients 73. Account management data 35 is interconnected with the search program 36, the verification program 37, the update and renewal program 38, and the trade analysis program 39. In turn, programs 36, 37 and 39 interact with user account data 73. Program 38 also interacts ^^ ^ ^ with the account data of the advertiser 68 merchant account data 69 and password account data 71. The merchant analysis program 39 interacts with event data 74 and backup data 81. Via the computer master essentially all programs interact with the behavior of the consumer and the campaign database system Ad 13. Figure 6 shows the main elements comprising the account management system 7 shown in bold lines for clarity. The account management system 7 is composed of 0 a computer system containing a user account program 4, automatic telephone system reception data 5 and a dealer and merchant account management system 41. The computer system is linked in a computer network to the master computer that serves the web site 5 vigilante 6 in order to provide all the information between the programs contained in the vigilant website (vigilant internet server) and those contained within the computer of the system Account Management 7 also shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 further shows a new account creation program 48, an account data store 49, a cryptic data coding program 50, and a base administration program of data 51, all of these interact with each other and the card tracking system 14 and programs 28 and 29 prior you discussed.

Jj fitf Jfo aMt = - • • * - > • - «8» »*. i. . . "* MÜViÜfflÉ The new account program 23 of the consumer account program 19 of the internet server 6, figure 5, will in turn initiate the creation of the new account program 42 contained within the user account program 40 of the administration system 7. The information entered by the consumer during the procedures of the new account program 23 will be handled by the database management program 45, which in turn will transfer the information in the account data storage 43 where the Account serial number, balance, username and personal identification number will be stored for future reference In the process the data stored in the account data storage 43 is cryptically encoded by the cryptic coding program 44 to ensure the integrity of the information contained within the system so that access to the storage of account data, u backup auxiliary data storage 46, and according to auxiliary storage 47 requires authentication through the cryptic encoding program. This aspect of the user account program 40 prevents unauthorized parties from having access to the information contained in their data storage elements 43, 46, 47. The term of the creation of new accounts 42 and the program of new accounts of the consumer account program 19 of internet server 6, start account management program 24, figure 5.

The consumer 4 figure 5, enters the account manager program 24 when any of the following occurs: a combination of appropriate user name plus personal identification number is entered during the entry 22 manuscript, or the new account program 23 has been finished successfully. As part of the account management program 24, the consumer 4 navigates through a classification of forms that are linked through manuscripts. Within these forms, the consumer 4 will be able to perform a variety of accounting tasks according to their disposition of available funds for the specific account corresponding to the combination of username + personal identification number. The account management program 24 performs these functions by channeling the information entered in the forms contained within these limits to the appropriate elements of the database administration program 45 the account management system 7. The information entered by the consumer during the procedures of the account management program 24 will be handled by the database administration program 45, which in turn will transfer the information to the data storage of accounts 43, where the account serial number, balance, user name and personal identification number will be stored for future reference. In the process, the data stored in the data storage of accounts 43 are cryptically encoded by the cryptic coding program 44 ^^ t to ensure the integrity of the information contained within the system, so that access to the storage of account data, or its auxiliary backup data storage 46, and the second backup data storage 47 requires authentication by part of the cryptic encoding program. This aspect of the user account program 40 prevents unauthorized parties from having access to the information contained within these data storage elements 43, 46, 47. The main accounting functions that the consumer 4 can perform within the administration program of accounts 24 are as follows: If the consumer has an additional pre-existing account, the account management program 24 can add the amount of the current card purchase to the previous balance from any existing account. In this way the consumer can consolidate several accounts under the account corresponding to the name of the user of the active assignment. Either a serial number (in the case of cards that are not yet activated), or a combination of serial number plus personal identification number or combination of username + personal identification number (in the case of active cards) for the accounts that the consumer wishes to consolidate, it is required for this transaction. The process for this transaction is as follows: Consumer 4 selects the addition / consolidation of the fund manuscript option of the account management program 24. The ^ y ^ ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿Adding / consolidating manuscripts of funds after prompts the user to enter the number of preexisting accounts that could be selected as accounts of "transfer funds from:". The program takes this number and creates a form with a number of available fields so that the consumer 4 enters a combination of serial number + personal identification number, or user name + identification number corresponding to the number of selected account for the transfer of funds. The account management program 24 in turn retransmits the 10 information to the database management program 45, which matches the serial number information with the serial numbers of existing accounts stored in the data storage of accounts 43, 46, 47 and updates the balance of the accounts to reflect the transaction completed by the consumer 4. The 15 account update is replicated through the data storage elements of accounts 43, 46. 47 to ensure data integrity. Again, the flow of information between the database management program 45 and the data storage elements of accounts 43, 46, 47 is channeled to 20 through a cryptic coding program 44 in order to maintain the security of the system. Consumers 4 can also use external sources to increase the balance of their card account 2. This is done by selecting the manuscript to "add credit card funds, 25 debit card or bank account "of the administration program 24. Then, depending on the selection made by the consumer, the manuscript of the account management program 24 directs the consumer through the forms corresponding to the selected form of payment. Within the forms, the consumer is encouraged to enter the necessary information to conduct the transaction through the requirements established by the financial institution. Examples of the information gathered at this point are name, credit or debit card number, expiration date, billing address or institution name, bank account number, bank account type, and ABA address number ( in the case of bank accounts). The information gathered during the transaction is then supplied to the corresponding bank or credit agency authority or settlement bank for the verification of the funds in the specific external account. It is the responsibility of the financial institution to deduct the amount transferred from the consumer's account balance. If the account and transfer amounts are validated and approved by the financial institution, then the account management program 24 sends the amount of transfer information to the database management system 45, which in turn updates the data storage elements of accounts 43, 46, 47 to reflect changes in the specific cash account 2. The account update is replicated through the data storage elements 43, 46, 47 to ensure the integrity of the data. Once again, the flow of l t »» ?? " to. ** "" • "information between the database management program 45 and the data storage elements of accounts 43, 46, 47 is channeled through a cryptic coding program 44 to maintain the security of the system. The consumer can also distribute funds from any account to several accounts The process for this transaction is as follows: consumer 4 selects the division / distribution of the fund manuscript option of the account management program 24. Separation / Distribution of the funds manuscript then prompts the user to enter the number of pre-existing accounts that could be selected as "transfer funds to:" accounts The program takes this number and creates a form with a number of fields available to the consumer 4 that you enter a combination of serial number + personal identification number, username + identification number, which sponde to the number of accounts selected for the transfer of funds. The account management program 24 in turn retransmits the information to the database management program 45, which matches the serial number information with the serial numbers of existing accounts stored in the account data storage 43 , 46, 47 and updates the balance in the accounts to reflect the transaction completed by the consumer 4. The account update is replicated through the data storage elements of accounts 43, 46, 47 to ensure the integrity of the accounts.

JitahiiÉtáii data. Once again, the flow of information between the database management program 45 and the data storage elements of accounts 43, 46, 47 is channeled through a cryptic encoding program 44 to maintain the security of the system. In the case where the consumer wishes to create a sub-account, the consumer 4 can follow the following process: Consumer 4 selects the "create sub-account" manuscript option of the account management program 24. The "create sub-account" manuscript then prompts the user to enter the number of sub-accounts that he could select as "transfer funds to:" accounts. The program takes this number and creates a form with a number of form fields available for the consumer to enter new combinations of user name + identification number corresponding to the number of sub-account accounts selected for the transfer of funds. The "create sub-accounts" program then assigns serial numbers to those accounts, ensuring in the process that the new serial numbers will not conflict with the regular cash account serial numbers. This can be easily achieved by adding a prefix to the serial number that marks the new account as an account created by the user. Once this step has been completed, the account management program 24 in turn retransmits the information to the database management program 45, which matches the serial number information of the original account and stores the data. aaaaaijtLjtejj new serial numbers associated with the new sub-accounts created, stores the information in the data storage of accounts 43, 46, 47 and updates the balance in the accounts to reflect the transaction completed by the consumer 4. The update is replicated through of the data storage elements of account 43, 46 47 to ensure the integrity of the data. Again, the flow of information between the database management program 45 and the data storage elements of accounts 43, 46, 47 is channeled through a cryptic coding program 44 to maintain the security of the system. The consumer can also request disbursement of funds. By selecting this option from the account management menu, the consumer initiates the process through which the corporation will provide the amount of cash available to the consumer. A transaction right will be determined to cover disbursement expenses. This is done by selecting either one of the manuscripts "add funds to credit card, debit card or bank accounts "of the account management program 24. Then, depending on the selection made by the consumer 4. the manuscript addresses the consumer through the forms that correspond to the selected form of payment. In this way, the consumer is encouraged to enter the necessary information to conduct the transaction as per the requirements established by the financial institution Examples of the information gathered in this point are name, credit or credit card number. - * ~ . . .... debit card, expiration date, billing address or institution name, bank account number, bank account type and ADA address number (in the case of bank accounts) and cash amount to transfer. In order for the transaction to continue, the available funds must be equal to or greater than the sum of the transaction amount requested by the consumer + the amount of the transaction right. If this is not true, then the account management program 24 will explain the error in the transaction and incite consumer 4 to enter a new quantity that satisfies the parameters established by the transaction. The information gathered during the transaction is then supplied to the corresponding banking or credit agency authority or settlement bank to confirm that the account information corresponds to a valid active account within the financial institution system. Having the confirmation received from the financial institution, then the account management program 24 will credit the specified amount with the funds deducted from the consumer's card account if said funds are available. The availability of funds within the card account management system 7 is verified through the database management program 45, which verifies the balances of the accounts coinciding with the combination of username + personal identification number entered by the consumer with those stored in the storage elements of system account data 43, ^ ri ^^^ 46.47. It is the responsibility of the financial institution to update the amount transferred to the consumer's account balance. If the account and transfer amounts requested are valid and approved by the financial institution, then the account management program 24 sends the amount of transfer information to the database management system 45, which in turn updates the data storage elements of accounts 43, 46, 47 to reflect changes in the specified card account 2. The account update is replicated through the account data storage elements 43, 46, 47 to ensure the data integrity Again, the flow of information between the database management program 45 and the account data storage elements 43, 46, 4 is channeled through a cryptic encoding program 44 to maintain the security of the system. The consumer can select to receive a check from his account, this will be achieved by selecting the manuscript "send me a check" from the account management program 24. The manuscript addresses the consumer through the forms that correspond to the form of payment selected as disbursement checking. Within the forms with the consumer is encouraged to enter the necessary information to conduct the transaction. Examples of the information gathered at this point include the name of the payer and mailing address and amount that will be disbursed. ^ dMÍÍMfelÉ ^ Í The availability of funds within the card account management system 7 is verified through the database administration program 45, which verifies account balances matching the combination of username + identification number personal entered by the consumer with that stored in the account data storage elements 43, 46, 47. In order for the transaction to continue the available funds within the card account must be equal to or greater than the sum of the amount of transaction requested by the consumer plus the amount of the transaction right. If this is not true, then the account management program 24 will explain the error in the transactions and insert the consumer 4 to enter a new quantity that satisfies the parameters established by the transaction. In this point, the account management program 24 sends the amount of transfer information to the database management system 45, which in turn updates the data storage elements of account 43, 46, 47 to reflect changes in the Card account 2 specifies. The account update is replicated through the data storage elements of accounts 43, 46, 47 to ensure the integrity of the data. Again, the flow of information between the database management program 45 and the data storage elements of accounts 43, 46, 47 is channeled through a cryptic coding program 44 to maintain the security of the system. Meanwhile, the name * - "'" • ** "-" of the payer, check disbursement amount and mailing address are retransmitted to the payable department of corporation accounts. It is the sole responsibility of the corporation to ensure that the requested check is sent to the consumer 4 within a period of time previously communicated to the consumer 4 by the account management program 24. E-commerce transactions are also facilitated (e-commerce) . In addition to allowing the consumer 4 to conduct the aforementioned account functions through the account management program 24, the consumer account program 19, figure 5, of the internet server 6 also allows the consumer to conduct e-commerce transactions with a variety of participating merchants 8. From the menus found in the forms of the account management program 24, the consumer 4 can initiate the transaction program 25. The consumer 4 can use the fund search function in the program of transactions 25 to search for a specific item, a merchant 8, or the cost of an item. Once the consumer 4 has found a product or service in which he is interested in buying, the transaction program directs it to the appropriate merchant 8. Using the transaction program 25, the internet server directs the computer internet browser of the consumer to the IP address (internet protocol) of the internet server hosting the website of the particular merchant 8 with those selected from any of ^^^^ tt tfíÜU the merchant networks listed in the forms of the transaction program 8. A network merchant 8 is categorized as a merchant who honors card 2 as a form of payment. Traders 8 are categorized by industry and geographic networks. If the consumer 4 is aware that the merchant 8 is a participant and provides honors to the card 2, then he can navigate directly to the merchant's website 8 by entering the appropriate URL website in the search bar of the examiner program Consumer's Internet 4 instead of using the hyperlinks available within the transaction program 25. If there is a merchant who does not honor the card, the user can use the services menu of member of transaction program 8 to notify the corporation , through a form of electronic mail contact created by the manuscripts of the transaction program 25, of his desire to purchase items from the merchant 8 using a card as a form of payment. The corporation then retransmits this electronic mail to the merchant 8 using an email program with the intention of persuading the merchant 8 to become a member of the card network. The system also has a characteristic or aspect of purchase recommendation. Based on the currently available balance obtained by the account transaction manager program 24 and provided to the transaction program, at » - i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i I i I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. This aspect helps the consumer to make a decision by making available to him a wide variety of options for any specific cash account. The merchant accounts are as follows: The merchant 8 establishes an internet connection using either a modem connection or a direct network connection (ADSL, Cable Modem, T1 connection, T3) as provided by a service provider. independent internet or hosting entity (for example, UUNET, AOL, AT & T) to link your computer to the internet server 6. The user is introduced to the global network line system (Internet) using one of the several operating systems of third parties and internet examiners (for example, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator) at the point of your Internet connection to the I.P. address. (Internet protocol) associated with the web domain (for example, the site www.netspend.com). This could be done by simply typing the following: http://www.netspend.com in the search bar of the corresponding internet browser program. Note that although the site is internet site 6, the corporation will expand the use of internet domains to include each of its sales campaigns. In this way, users can enter another internet gateway server configured similarly to the internet server 6 by entering the corresponding domain in the server bar. ^ tiikUk ^? The search of the examiner (for example, www.netspend.com). Figure 7 shows programs with promotional sites 12. When a consumer 10, who may or may not have a card, enters promotion site 12, content in welcome manuscripts 52, it will be an animation program 57, a program that presents as you can get free gifts 54, forms of instruction 56 and information description forms 55, all of these interact with the database transaction administrator program 51, consumer behavior and the accompanying database system 13, management of password database 58, image database 59, a password verification program 23 with subprogram 61, publicist database management, program 54 presents how the client tells the merchant 8 when the client wishes to see advertising free gifts, which the merchant verifies. This is valuable information that is automatically handled in the system in order to provide the advertiser the ability to verify the AD efficiency and make contact with the merchant can lead to sales that are also entered into the system. The merchant 8 must be in the system to collect the benefits presented. In order to proceed with the merchant account activation process, the merchant 8 will navigate through a classification of web forms using the same internet browser program that he used to make the connection to the server 6, as he creates and updates changes in the * "" - * - ^^^ j ^^ j ^ fe ^^ g merchant account Once the connection has been established, the internet server will automatically run the welcome program / manuscript 26 (see figure 5), which in turn will initiate the manuscript of = 5 entry 27 of merchant account program 20. Entry manuscript 27 will prompt merchant 8 to enter a combination of valid merchant account number + password in order to enter merchant account management system 29, or to create a new account through the 10 new account program 28. As part of the new account program 28, merchant 8 will fill out several forms that are part of a program manuscript that will gather the information needed to create a new merchant account. The information required during this process includes, but is not limited to, the following: 15 card merchant identification number, password, financial institution information (preferred payment method), address, contact information, desired geographical network, industrial network classification. The new account program 28 will generate a merchant serial number that will be assigned to 20 future transactions conducted by the merchant 8. The new account program 28 will also prompt the merchant 8 to create a merchant account user name and personal identification following a set of rules described within the new account program forms 28 The identification number 25 combined with the username created in the previous step ~ * »* Iiie & ** ** ma * a ....., -» "a a- a 4Mj ^ assures me the security of the account. The rules will be set in order to maximize the security of the account and to provide maximum compatibility with payment systems used by merchants 8, and are subject to change since the number of merchants 8 subscribed to card services it is increased or the payment systems used by dealers 8, change. The new account program 28 of the internet server 6 of the consumer account program 20 in turn will initiate the program of creating new accounts 48 contained within the dealer and merchant account program 41 of the account transaction manager system 7. The information entered by the merchant during the procedures of the new account program 28 will be handled by the database administrator program 51, which in turn will transfer the information to the account data storage 49, where the account serial number, balance, merchant user name and personal identification number will be stored for future reference. In the processes, the data stored in the data storage of accounts 49 are cryptically encoded by the cryptic encoding program 50 to ensure the integrity of the information contained within the system so that access to the account data requires authentication to through the cryptic encoding program 50. This feature of the dealer and merchant account program ^ Uu ^ ium 43 prevents unauthorized parties from having access to the information contained within their data storage element 49. The term of creating a new account program 48 and the merchant account program 20 of the internet server 6 starts the account manager program 29. Trader 8 introduces the account management program 29, either when one of this occurs: An appropriate combination of username + merchant identification number is entered during the entry 27 manuscript, or the new accounts program 28 has been completed successfully. As part of the account management program29, the merchant 8 navigates through a classification of forms that are linked through manuscripts. With these forms, the merchant 8 will be able to perform a variety of administration tasks. The account management program 29 performs these functions by channeling the information entered in the forms contained within its limits to the appropriate elements of the database administration program 51 of the account management system 7. The information entered by the merchant during the procedures of the account management program 29 will be handled by the database administration program 51, h in turn will transfer the information to the account data storage 49, where the account serial number, balance, name of user and personal identification number will be stored . - * ..., _ ".._. . .. * ^ i .. .- .-,, - ._. .A ^^^^ AJJl & for future reference. In the process, the data stored in the data storage 49 is cryptically encoded by the cryptic encoding program 50 to ensure the integrity of the information contained within the system, so that access to the data storage 49 requires authentication by the cryptic encoding program 50. This aspect of the merchant account program 41 prevents unauthorized parties from having access to the information contained within their data storage element 49. The merchant participation 8 conducts sales transactions with consumers 4 using current electronic commerce procedures that include but are not limited to, electronic catalogs and electronic shopping cards located within their internet servers and readily available to consumers 4 within the realm of the global online network such as the internet. The consumer makes a connection to the merchant internet server 8 by directing his internet browser to the domain associated with the I.P. address. (internet protocol) corresponding. At the point of sale, the consumer provides the merchant 8 with the account number and personal identification number associated with his account. The merchant's server (computer) then verifies the availability of funds in the account using one of the actual electronic payment programs available for credit card verification. The program employed by the merchant 8 is then connected through the global online network (internet) to the internet server 6, specifically the merchant account program 20. The merchant account program 20 verifies the merge name combination merchant account user + password as provided by the merchant's computer 8 in order to verify that merchant is a participating merchant. Once the combination of the account username + password of the merchant has been validated, the merchant account program 20 initiates a validation program 30, the 10 h in turn the availability of funds in the consumer account 4 necessary to cover the transaction amount plus any transactional right. The mechanics of the validation process is as follows: The validation program receives the following information from the 15 merchants' computer 8; merchant identification number, cardholder account number, cardholder identification number, transaction amount. If the transaction amount plus any transactional right is less than or equal to the available balance in the account, then the The validation program matches the information with the information stored within the data storage of accounts 43 and makes the appropriate updates to the cardholder's account balance as it was stored in the user account data storage 43, and to the balance of accounts of 25 merchants as it was stored in the data storage of i-A-a lUaii ii m * - * • > * *, .. t - «." merchant accounts 49. If the transaction amount exceeds the available balance, then the validation program 30 produces an error message that is retransmitted to the merchant's computer 8. It should be noted that The verification program uses proprietary software using database technology and cryptic coding, such that it performs the verification in a wireless, almost automatic way for the consumer. Figure 8 covers the consumer behavior and the campaign database system ad 13. The external programs cooperating with it are the tracking system 14, which will be discussed later in Figure 9, and the card account system 7 discussed in figure 6. The promotional web server sites of corporation 13 have the following major internal programs: Publicist database 63, merchant database 64, password database 65, user database 66 and event tracking system 67. All subroutines or programs have already been discarded. Figure 9 is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements comprising the transaction tracking system. The transaction tracking system 14 is composed of a computer system linked to the computers serving the watchdog website 6 (internet server), the account management system 14 and the consumer behavior and campaign database systems ad 13, shown in figure 8. *. .. .. *. * _ * _. . .. . .. .. .... . . ^, - * a ^ a. »A transaction entry including all validated transactions, successful or not by the validation program 30, FIG. 5, is maintained by the transaction database management program 80. This program transaction database management system 80 channels the information to the data storage elements 81, 89 and the second auxiliary data store 83 contained within the transaction tracking system 14. The information flow of the transaction tracking system 14 is handled by the transaction database management program 80 and the cryptic encoding program 82, which ensures the integrity of the data stored within the system 14. Other subroutines or programs have already been discussed. Depending on a positive verification of funds, the merchant 8, figure 5, supplies goods and / or services to the consumer. 4. The funds must be transferred from the corporation to external accounts. The mechanisms through which the corporation disburses funds generated by electronic commerce transactions between consumers 4 and merchants 8 are as follows: The corporation makes the funds available to merchants either through an electronic transfer of funds. funds to the merchant selection of financial institutions, or by sending a verification note from your financial department to the payer of the registration established by the merchant in the merchant profile, created and managed by the account program of i lii fíitpiiifc-ifÉ distributor and merchant 20. Depending on the options established within the account management menu 29, the corporation will supply the desired cash amount available to a bank or credit accounts established for the merchant. The transaction and contract rights will be determined during disbursement expenses. The process is automatic and initiated through the manuscripts contained within the validation program 30 each time an electronic commerce transaction is validated by the account management system 7. Each time a transaction results in a positive balance in the merchant account as stored in the account data storage 49, a combination of programs within the merchant account program 20 and the dealer and merchant account system 41 initiates the transfer of funds to the financial institution established by the merchant. The information gathered during the transaction is then supplied to the corresponding banking or credit agency authority or settlement bank to confirm that the account information corresponds to an active account, valid within the financial institution system. Having received confirmation from the financial institution, then the account management program 29 will credit the specific account with funds deducted from the merchant's cash account. The amount of funds transferred is equal to the transaction amount ^ b ^ j * ¡^ W «* j less the transactional and contractual rights determined by the corporation. It is the responsibility of the financial institution to update the amount transferred to the merchant account balance. If the requested account and transfer amounts are valid and approved by the financial institution, then the account management program 29 sends the amount of transfer information to the database administration system 51, which in turn updates the item of information. Account data storage 49 to reflect changes in the specific card merchant account. If the merchant chooses to receive a check, as indicated by the account profile established within the account management program 29, then the same process as that established for the disbursement of funds through electronic means (as described above) , applies, except that it rather generates an electronic transaction, the manuscripts contained within the account management program 29 will generate manuscripts that cause the name of the payer, amount of disbursement verified and shipping address to be retransmitted to the payable department of corporation accounts . It is the sole responsibility of the corporation to ensure that the requested check is sent to the merchant 8 within a period of time previously communicated with the merchant 8 through the account management program 29. ^^^ - ^ * - * -.rifcaaai The corporation makes use of the information gathered by its cash account management databases 4,5 51, 80,81 and its IMAGE 68, 69 program databases, 1,3,74 compiled information of transactions conducted in each of the critical steps of the model to create market research amounts that provide information regarding physical-demographic patterns derived from the behavior stacked by the account management system. The market research information is accessed through the internet server 6, which uses the information gathered and processed within the database systems 13, 14. Figure 3, briefly discussed above, represents the relationships between the elements main ones that comprise the commerce and advertising system of electronic commerce (IMAGE: trading gateway and interactive advertising for electronic commerce). The merchants / advertisers 8 enter the IMAGE program promising a promotional offer. The merchant enters (contacts) the corporation 6 website in order to establish a new account or maintain an existing account. The merchant promises the initial promotional offer or updates a current campaign by adding inventory through the internet server using information gathered and processed within the database system 13. The promotional offer may consist of discounts, excess items in the inventory, items discontinued, and informational brochures, and / or any other item that may be used in the form of a sample or gift in an attempt to increase the likelihood of a purchase transaction by the receiving consumer. The corporation works with advertising people, publicists / distributors and merchants to establish mutually beneficial networks and devices. A network refers to consumer coverage for the distribution of a promotion. The network will vary according to the following criteria: Means, geographical distribution and industry. The merchant can select from the television, radio or printer (magazines, letters, newspapers and brochures). Under the various media options, the merchant can select their distribution channels through different industry and geographic networks. Advertising may also be provided on wireless devices, such as cell phones or PDAs or the like, and also on signs or flags such as along roads or external roads, in buildings or metro stations and the like. The merchant can select from local, regional, national or international coverage. Under the geographic network, the merchant must select their distribution channels through different industries and types of media. The merchant can specify the coverage based on the industry where he conducts his business. Under the industry network, the merchant can select their distribution channels through - "• - - - ... ... .. ... ..," - ^ * MM of different geographical and media types. The merchants pay a processing fee to the corporation according to the type of network selected. The merchant / advertiser satisfies the prizes to provide free items, services or discounts to the customer. The merchant verifies the participation regimes in real time by connecting the internet server 6 which uses the information gathered and processed within the database system 13. The distributor / advertisers 9 of the IMAGE medium agrees to publish a merchandise free of charge. guarantee ad from a number of online retailers participating. The distributor / advertiser introduces the device by paying a contract maintenance fee and allowing the corporation to place advertisements in its publication. The distributor / advertiser verifies the participation regimes in real time, connecting to the internet server 6 that uses the information gathered and processed within the base system 13. A password participant can be described as one who announces a distributor / advertiser and is intended to verify the effectiveness of your ad as quickly as possible. The password participant enters into the paid device a contract maintenance fee that is set as a percentage of the amount paid by the advertiser and by the password participant for the advertisement to which the password identification directs customer service.

* Figure 7, briefly discussed above, represents the relationships between the main elements that comprise the promotional website. Promotional websites are served by a computer that is linked in a network to computers that serve consumer behavior and the ad 13 campaign database system, the transaction tracking system 14, the watch website 6 , and the account management system 7. Direct access to promotional websites is achieved through consumers 11 in a manner consistent with that through 10 consumers make contact with other websites within the global online internet network. An example of how this connection is achieved has been presented in the description of the access to the watchful web site 6 through the consumers 4 within the description of the prepaid card system. 15 Consumers 11, buying or examining, respond to or recognize the advertisement placed in different media. As a result of the recognition of the advertisement, the consumer contacts the corporation either by telephone (through regional law numbers) or by accessing one of the websites 20 corporate promotions 12. Once the contact has been established, the corporation will gather specific information that will direct the consumer to an advertisement placed in the magazine by the password participant 10. The password ad is used to verify that the consumer participant has the IMAGE publication 25 in the hand. Once the participants have entered the sites $ fo flffi [[jtig¡g / fáÉg_ _ li ± ^ _j_ _ - ~ - - - • »-8a ^ au.ai > M promotional internet or have established contact with a representative customer service, they must answer a password question before moving to claim their free promotional items or services. From the promotional website 12, the consumer is able to select free items, samples or discounts from a selection of merchant offers that are activated for the specific audience for the pre-established demographic aspect of advertising media. Figure 8, briefly discussed above, is a block diagram representing the relationships between the main elements that comprise consumer behavior and the accompanying database system ad 13. Consumer behavior and database system from 15 campaign ad 13 are served by a computer that is linked in a network to the computers that serve the promotional websites 12, the transaction tracking system 14, the watchdog website 6 and the account management system 7. The client behavior and the database system of 20 campaign ad 13 is comprised of a publicist database program 63, a merchant database program 64, a password database program 65, a database program 66, and a tracking system of events 67, The publicist database program 63 includes a 25 publicist account data unit which in turn is linked to the new account program 34, to the account management program 35, and to the update / renewal program 38, all contained within the vigilant website computer 6. The merchant database program 64 comprises a data unit of merchant account 69 and an inventory data system 70. The merchant account data unit 69 is linked to the new account program 34, account management program 35 and update / renewal program 38, all contained within of the watchful computer computer 16. The inventory data system 70 is comprised of the inventory database program 77 and the current (modified) data storage unit 78. The password base program 65 comprises the unit of password account data 71, and the image database / representation program 72. The password account data unit 71 is linked to the account program. a new 34, account management program 35 and update / renewal program 38, all contained within the watchdog computer 6. The user database program 66 comprises the user account data 73 and is linked to the program of new accounts 34, program of administration of accounts 35 and the program of update / renovation 38, all contained within the computer of vigilant website 6.

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The event tracking system 67 is comprised of the event data storage unit 74, the tracking system program 75 and the event backup data storage unit 76. The event tracking system is linked to the program of search 36 and verification program 37, both contained within the watchdog computer 6. and the cryptic coding program 82 of the transaction tracking system 14. The corporation verifies the consumer selections as 10 were registered by the components of consumer behavior and the ad 13 campaign database system computer, the card transaction tracking system 14 computer, the watch server 6 website computer, and the computers of the promotional website 12 with the 15 to produce market research reports containing physical demographic and geographic reports based on consumer interaction and consumer purchasing behavior. The corporation provides market search packages to the merchant / publicist of IMAGE, publicist / distributors and 20 password publicist through the internet server 6 using the information collected and processed within consumer behavior and the database ad database system 13. Figure 9, discussed briefly before, represents the relationships between the main elements that comprise he 25 transaction tracking system 14. The tracking system of ^^^^? ^ j ^ g ^ gjj ^^ j ^^ j ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ jj ^^^ ^ j? ^^ transaction 14 is served by a computer that is linked in a network to computers that serve promotional websites 12, the consumer behavior and the ad 13 campaign database system, the watch website 6 and the account management system 7. The transaction tracking system computer 14 is comprised of a transaction data store 79 , a transaction database management program 80, a backup data unit 81, a cryptic encoding program 82 and a second auxiliary data storage 83. A transaction record including all validated transactions, successful or not, by the validation program 30 is maintained by the transaction database management program 80. The transaction database management program 80 channels the information to the data storage elements 81, 83 contained within the system. transaction tracking 14. The flow of information within the transaction tracking system 14 is handled by the adminis transaction database 80 and the cryptic encoding program 82, which ensures the integrity of the data stored within the system 14. Depending on a positive verification of funds, the merchant 8 supplies goods and / or services to the customer. 4. The Figure 10 is a simplified block diagram of an illustrative electronic commerce delegate purchase system 100, "- > ^ - * ^ ** in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention Delegate purchase 100 incorporates or otherwise contemplates the use of a network 101, which may include or otherwise comprise any type of network of local area (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) as is known to those skilled in the art.The network 101 may incorporate all or a substantial portion of the online system into a global network (the "internet") and any intranets or extranets as desired The present invention is illustrated using internet principles, such as the concepts of global networks, websites, web pages, URLs (Uniform Resource Locators), etc., although it is understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular type of network or network system Although not specifically shown, the present invention contemplates wireless communications at any point of the communication system, such as any type of wireless connection ambrica to the internet. Wireless communications of all types are contemplated, such as the use of infrared communications, by means of lasers or microwaves or the like. The present invention also contemplates the use of wireless devices, such as cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or any similar device. A plurality of user systems or user entities 103, individually marked as USER 1, user 2, user 3, etc. it is coupled to the network 101 using any of a plurality of connection means previously described, already known, or recently discovered. For example, each user entity 103 establishes a connection to the network 101 using any type of communication device or technology, such as any type of analogue, digital or cable modem, to a service provider. (5 service or guest entity.) Each user entity 103 is associated with one or more corresponding users.Any user entity 103 can alternatively be coupled through a LAN or WAN gate device (not shown) to network 101, in where LAN / WAN can be implemented according to 10 any standard communication topology, such as Ethernet or the like. Each user entity 103 includes an appropriate operating system (OS) and application software to establish communications in the network 101, such as Internet Explorer by Microsoft, Netscape Navigator, AOL, etc. Said software The communication typically includes an examiner with examination capabilities to address a website, such as through the Internet Protocol (IP) or a URL or the like, and to retrieve interpreting and displaying web pages or the like written in the Descriptor language. Hypertext (HTML), Extensible Descriptor Language (XML) or 20 similar. In this way, user entities 103 are able to communicate with other user entity 103 or communicate with any other system or service coupled to network 101. A plurality of vendors or merchants 105, individually marked MERCHANT 1, MERCHANT 2, 25 MERCHANT 3, etc. It is also connected to network 101 for allowing any of the user entity 103 to examine and comprise articles or services. A user entity 103, such as USER 1, examines a web page or the like from a merchant 105, such as MERCHANT 1, to "browse", "browse", or otherwise purchase the inventory of items or services of the selected merchant. A predominant method of purchases is the use of a type of charge card, credit card, debit card and other type that is generally "universally" accepted by any and all merchants 105 who conduct business through the 101 network (such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). The term "charge" as used herein incorporates the concepts of either credit or debit, including credit or debit accounts and corresponding credit or debit cards. For example, a charge account refers to either a credit or debit account and a charge card refers to either a credit or debit card. In this way, the user must have a valid charge card backed by a corresponding bank or financial institution, and the user must issue the necessary information (typically including card number and expiration date) to the selected merchant in order to purchase the Items or services selected from that merchant. The use of an established charge account is problematic for many online users for several reasons. First, the user must have sufficient credit in order to obtain the charge account and a corresponding number first. ^^ faith ^ ^ éjggj Many users, such as young people or private franchise, has enough funds to purchase any of the 105 merchants, even the lack of credit or credentials needed to establish a proper charge account. Second, many people, for various reasons, do not want to use debit accounts and thus are not allowed by merchants or online retailers. Third, the use of charge accounts, and cards typically requires specific user identification, thus reducing or otherwise 10 eliminating anonymity. Many users want to remain anonymous while buying items or services online. A delegated system 107 is provided and is coupled to the network 101 to serve as an intermediary to allow any of the user entity 103 to purchase items or services 15 of the merchants 105, without considering whether the user entities have an established charge account. A user (consumer, customer or the like) associated with any user entity 103 issues cash or any appropriate currency to a receiving entity 109. As described below, the entity of The reception 109 may comprise or incorporate any one or more of a plurality of different entities or systems. In one embodiment, the receiving entity 109 includes an automatic assortment unit (ADU) or vending machine or the like, located in any private or public establishment as desired. The Reception entity 109 can also comprise a person, such as a cashier or manager or similar, in any private or public physical establishment or brick and mortar location, such as a bank, post office, train station, airport, etc., or any type of club, bar, restaurant, or store, such as a convenience store, or a supermarket, department store, convenience store, etc. In return to cash or currency the user receives a unique serial number that can be used to establish one or more accounts with the legacy system 107. Each account established with the delegate system 107 is referred to as a "debit" or "account" account. box ", since it can be started and filled with funds using cash or similar, including coins, checks, money orders, etc. Also, once established, the account is used as cash or similar or as a debit account to purchase goods or services from any of the merchants 105. The receiving entity 109 is affiliated with other services as an agent for the delegated system 107 The receiving entity 109 receives or otherwise stores information used to generate or send the serial number, and provides the currency or cash received from users to the delegate system 107 or to an agent thereof, such as a bank or other financial institution. 161 affiliated with the delegate system 107. In one modality, for example, an account is opened in bank 161 to receive cash, coins or funds in favor of the delegated system 107. It is noted that many variations are possible and contemplated. Bank 161 may represent a plurality of branch offices * SS * mm¡ different from a bank or a multiple number of different banks used by the delegate system 107. In another embodiment, coins can be received directly or indirectly in any bank branch system 161 or delegate put 107, so that no 109. reception intermediary entities are required However the receiving entity 109 provides an additional level of convenience and represents a network of individual entities receiving widely distributed within any desired geographic area or even worldwide, where each entity 10 receiving 109 sends the received cash to any bank 161 or any other financial institution authorized by the delegated system 107. The delegate system 107 provides serial number information to each receiving entity 109, and cash received from The user is sent to the bank 161. In one embodiment, the serial number is printed on a card 111 or the like, for convenient access by the user, wherein the card 111 is sold to the user in exchange for cash or coins. . In another mode, a valid serial number is printed on card 111 20 after being purchased by the user through the receiving entity 109. As described below, the receiving entity 109 includes a validation unit or the like to validate the card 111 after purchase by generating and printing a serial number. valid on the face of card 111. One mode 25 particular of the receiving entity 109 is an assortment unit, (ADU), described below, configured to receive cash from a user, wherein the ADU unit further includes a validation unit, described below, which creates and prints the serial number on the card 111 for use by the user . In another embodiment, the receiving entity 109 includes a cashier or manager, a supply of non-validated cards and a validation unit, wherein the manager inserts the card into the validation unit, which creates and prints the serial number on the card 111 after the user buys the card. In yet another mode, the serial number is provided to the user through any type of communication means, such as the user's computer through the internet, or the user's communication selection device. The serial number must be transmitted to a user's cell phone or PDA device, either via wireless or wired connection. For example, the serial number can be transmitted in infrared (IR) communications to the cell phone or PDA, or the like. In any case, the user receives a serial number in exchange for cash or coins, where the cash is finally sent to the delegate system 107 or deposited in a bank account established in favor of the delegate system 107. Coins or cash can be collected periodically or immediately sent to bank 161 after receipt. The delegate system 107 incorporates any necessary hardware and software to establish an online presence on the network 101 to create and manage cash accounts for the user entities 103 and to facilitate purchase transactions for items or services as described herein. In one embodiment, the delegate system 107 includes one or more server computers that collectively implement a communication system 113, a processor system 115, and a memory system 117. The communication system 113 manages the connection to the network 101 to establish and maintaining communications with any of the user entity 103 and the dealers 105. The processor system 115 incorporates one or more microprocessors or the like to access and execute software programs and codes to perform the functions of the delegate system 107. The memory system 117 includes any type of memory devices, such as read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM) or the like, for storing software programs for execution by the processor system 115 and for temporary storage of data and parameters used and processed by the processor system 115. The delegate system 107 also incorporates a system of storage 119, including one more similar storage devices, such as hard disk drives, tape drives, etc., for the permanent storage of software and data programs as is known to those skilled in the art, for example, the system storage 119 is used to store software programs and databases associated with user entities 203 and merchants 105 as necessary and, in addition, to store information in web page format for the delegate system 107 to facilitate communication in interfaces . The serial number is issued to the delegate system 107 through a user entity 103 and the network 101 to establish a cash account with the delegated system 107, for example, USER 1 receives a valid serial number on card 111, and USER 1 then accesses a web page provided by delegate system 107 through network 101 using a known URL, which may also be printed on the card 111. A user connection 121 is established, with the communication system 113, provided in the delegate system 107. If the user 1 is a new user, then the delegate system 107 invokes an account manager 123 that helps USER 1 to establish a new account using the serial number. Account Administrator 123 prompts and receives the serial number of USER 1 and determines if the serial number is valid. If the number is valid, the account administrator 123 establishes a cash account 125 for the USER 1. The account 125 of the USER 1 incorporates sufficient data to facilitate online purchases through the network 101. In one embodiment, the administrator of accounts 123 creates and supplies a user identifier (user ID) 127 and a corresponding password 129 and provides this user identification information back to USER 1, to facilitate access to account 125 of the USER rBáiiiTi iti i MMüHaiü 1. In another mode, the account manager 123 prompts the user ID 127 and the password 129, which is supplied by the USER 1, where the user identification information is then stored within the account 125 of the USER 1. In one embodiment, the serial number provided on the card 111 incorporates, encodes or otherwise encodes cryptically a cash or value amount corresponding to the amount of cash or currency provided to the receiving entity 109. The amount in cash is stored within the account 125 of the USER 1 as an account balance 131. As described below, the account manager 123 deducts a total purchase amount from the account balance 131 for each purchase transaction conducted by the USER 1. In this way, the remaining cash or funds available to any user entity 103 with a valid account is always maintained by the delegated system 1 07. Each cash account maintained by the delegated system 107 may also incorporate other types of information, such as default information 133. The default information 133 may include, for example, a default shipping address to ship purchased goods or services. online. The shipping address can be the user's address or any address selected by the user, such as a P.O. box One P.O. box can allow the user's anonymity, if desired. The default information 133 may include another j ^ g ^ ^ ¿^ iub «rifaMÜÉi information, such as preferences associated with the use of the delegate system 107, or other preferences. Once the account 125 of the USER 1 is established, the USER 1 can enter the delegate system 107 using the appropriate user ID 127 and the password 129 and access the account 125 of the USER 1 for the purpose of managing the account as describe later. The card 111 may comprise any type of configuration, such as a credit card, debit card, telephone card, smart card, or any other standard or size convenient to fit within a standard or similar wallet wherein said cards are typically made of plastic, paper or cardboard or any other suitable material. However, it is noted that once the serial number is issued to the account manager 123 and a corresponding user account is activated, or responding to the original serial number, then the original serial number is no longer valid. Subsequent attempts to establish another account using the same serial number are detected by the account manager 123 and rejected. The card 111 is effectively useless once a user entity 103 has activated an account with the delegate system 107 using the serial number printed on the card 111. In this way, an additional level of security is provided, so that a user entity 103 does not lose funds once an account with the delegate system 107 is activated using the serial number. Once a cash account is activated, the «-« tta user entity 103 accesses the corresponding account using the corresponding user ID and password associated with the activated account. For this reason, it is noted that the particular card is not necessary, and the serial number can be transported to a user in any desired form or format. The card 111 simply provides a convenient format and means for enabling convenient transportation of the serial number for a subsequent activation of a cash account with the delegate system 107. A card mode also provides a convenient and powerful advertising mechanism for sellers and merchants. . Advertising information through any merchant or seller can be printed on the face of the card. The card serves as an advertising vehicle when it is displayed on an ADU unit and then on purchases while it is carried by the user. Such advertising may serve strategic purposes, where the advertising agent of a purchased card can receive an incentive or other compensation. The particular tracking of cards purchased with associated advertisers can also serve other strategic purposes. A particular advantage provided by the delegate system 107 is that the user can remain completely anonymous even after establishing a cash account with the delegate system 107. The user interacts with the receiving entity 109 on a cash and anonymous basis and receives a number of corresponding series. He Ü &ii aaato¿ *. ** »t - ,. ^. - "< • ii, IM ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ | gag serial number has no identity or other specific information of the user. The account manager 123 establishes an account for any valid serial number and both provides and prompts a user identification and the corresponding password can be defined by the user and can be arbitrary as long as any predetermined specifications and requirements are followed as previously described . Once a cash account has been activated for a user, the user enters the associated cash account and can then request the completion of online transactions. In response, the delegate system 107 invokes a transaction block 135 to purchase items and / or services from any of the merchants 105. In a particular mode, a user entity 103 accesses a welcome web page of the delegate system 107 through of the network 101 and a user connection 121 and enters the access of a corresponding cash account. The user entity 103 selects and activates the transaction block 135. In one embodiment, the transaction block 135 establishes a separate delegated connection 137 with the network 101 to access any of the merchants 105, while the user entity 103 maintains a session with the delegate system 107 through the user connection 121. In this manner, the transaction block 135 acts as an intermediary or delegate between a particular user entity 103 and any of the merchants 105. The transaction block 135 intercepts all the commands and presses the i ^ dbáÉ selections by the user entity 103 and issues these commands and selections to the network 101 through the delegate connection 137, where the transaction block 135 remains effectively transparent to the user entity 103. for example, after establishing and entering an active cash account of the delegate system 107, the USER 1 issues examination commands to access the web pages of any of the merchants 105, such as the MERCHANT 2. The transaction block 135 establishes a session through the delegate connection 137, with the MERCHANT 2, receives the web page of the MERCHANT 2, and sends the web page to the USER 1. In this way, any of the user entity 103 can browse or otherwise browse the network 101 by accessing any of the merchants 105 in order to navigate the merchants 105 to search for goods or services, wherein the transaction block 135 effectively operates as an intermediary. The delegate system 107 which operates as an intermediary, establishes an additional level of security and anonymity for the user entity 103. A user entity 103 may then use the delegate system 107 to purchase, from any of the merchants 105 using a credit account. active box. For example, USER 1 has established an active cash account 125 with the delegate system 107 and can buy from any of the merchants 105 such as MERCHANT 2. USER 1 selects particular items or services according to the particular software and the configuration - * ~ ^ * "*** - * ~ <TRADER 2, such as compiling items on a shopping card or similar When USER 1 is ready to buy, USER 1 makes the appropriate selections to make the MERCHANT 2 generates a purchase page 141. The purchase page 141 typically includes a list of all items that can be purchased and a total purchase amount 143, which may include any appropriate taxes and any other charges such as shipping charges. The purchase page 141, with the total purchase amount 143, is received by the transaction block 135 and sent to the USER 1. An interactive purchase button 145 is displayed to the USER 1 to confirm the purchase of the items. on the shopping page 141 for the total purchase quantity 143. The purchase button 145 can be incorporated into the purchase page 141 or it can be displayed using any of a variety of methods. shopping button 145 may be sent to USER 1 from delegate system 107 to be displayed. Alternatively, the shopping button 145 can be displayed in a separate examiner window after entry. The transaction block 135 intercepts the selection of the purchase button 145, indicating the desire to purchase the items listed on the shopping page 141. In one embodiment, the USER1 does not need to fill in all the otherwise necessary details of the purchase page 141 that are usually required by the selected merchant 105, such as MERCHANT 2. In In particular, the purchase page 141 typically requires the name, address, or other required or optional information and also requires the user to issue a valid charge card number and corresponding expiration date. Rather, the USER 1 simply select the purchase button 145. Alternatively, a keyword, such as the word "buy" or the like, is written in any predetermined field on the purchase page 141, such as the field normally reserved for a charge card number, and, after the selection of the purchase button 145, the transaction block 135 scans and detects the keyword, the transaction block 135, after the selection of the purchase button 145 detection and / or the corresponding keyword, recover the total purchase amount 143 of the purchase page 141. The transaction block 135 asks the account manager 123 to access the USER 1 cashier account 125 for determining If the balance 131 indicates sufficient funds to cover the total purchase amount 143. For example, the transaction block 135 issues the total purchase amount 143 to the account manager 123, which compares the total purchase amount 143 with the balance Account 131 to determine if sufficient funds are available. If sufficient funds are not available such as, for example, if the total purchase amount 143 exceeds the account balance 131, then the account manager 123 informs the transaction block 135, which rejects the sale or purchase. The transaction block 135 informs the USER 1 that the purchase is rejected due to lack of sufficient funds. On the other hand if the account balance 131 indicates that there are sufficient funds, then the transaction block 135 informs the account manager 123 that the sale is going to be completed. The account administrator 123 5 deducts the total purchase amount 143 from the account balance 131, resulting in a new account balance 131 available to the USER 1. The transaction block 135 also inhabits the purchase page 141 with the required information appropriate to complete the 10 sale requested by the USER 1. In particular, the transaction block 135 accesses a pre-existing charge account 147 of the delegate system 107, which includes any and all information required to conduct online purchases, such as a charge number 148 and the expiration date 149. Charge account 147 is 15 a pre-established charge account endorsed by an appropriate financial institution or bank 163, wherein the charge account 147 is universally accepted as through any of the merchants 105. In this way, the purchase page 141 is inhabited with information of valid system charge account Delegate 107 to complete the desired sale for USER 1 with an active cash account with sufficient funds. The transaction block 135 may also inhabit the purchase page 141 with other information, such as a shipping address, which may otherwise be required for the shipment of items to the USER. 25 1. Transaction block 135 may request or encourage the USER1. for an alternate shipping address different from the default shipping address if it was previously provided. In this way, USER 1 can use the default shipping address previously provided or can provide a new * 5 shipping address for the particular purchase. Once the purchase page 141 is filled with valid charge account information from the charge account 147, the transaction block 135 transmits a populated purchase page 142 to the selected merchant 105 such as MERCHANT 2, which 10 receives and verifies the purchase page 141 populated 142. Since the delegate system 107 fills the purchase page 142 with valid charge information, the MERCHANT 2 accepts the purchase page filled 142 and completes the sale. It is noted that the MERCHANT 2 is isolated from the particular user entity USER 1 15 interested in the purchase since the MERCHANT 2 is effectively making the purchase transaction with the delegate system 107. Once the purchase is approved by the MERCHANT 2, such as the MERCHANT 2, that merchant can optionally send a page of confirmation 151 addressed to the delegate system 20 107 through the network 101. The transaction block 135 intercepts the confirmation page 151 and sends a corresponding delegated confirmation page 153 to the user entity 103 through the user connection 115. Although the confirmation page 151 optionally it can be sent to USER 1, this can 25 contain charge account information specific to the account of I ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^~ this way, it may not be desired to provide such information to the USER 1 or any other user entity 103. In one embodiment, the transaction block 135 scans the confirmation page 151 and separates or otherwise masks the specific charge account information of the delegate system 107 and sends a modified version of the confirmation page 151 in the form of the delegated confirmation page 153 back to the user entity 103. In this manner, a user entity 103 effectively receives a merchant confirmation page selected 105 without the specific account information of the charge account 147. It is noted that the systems established by the dealers 105 do not need to be modified and effectively operate in the same way as they are currently operated. The delegate system 107 simply acts as an intermediary or delegate for any of the user entity 103, which has established a cash account with the delegate system 107, as previously described. In one embodiment, the particular configuration of the systems used by the user entity 103 can also be used to transmit online business through the delegate system 107 without modification. In this embodiment, the transaction block 135 marks web pages of the network 101 within a delegate system box and sends the delegate system box to the user entity 103. The user sees the external box supplied by the delegate system 107 to control online purchases ..}.

«T - • - * tt-r ~. ? nmm- * M ** l¿u In another embodiment, a virtual consultant program 155 is loaded into the user entity 103 to interact with the delegate system 107 as desired. The virtual consultant program 155 may be implemented as software provided to the user entity 103 and otherwise it may be software downloaded to a user entity 103 through the network 101 and installed in the user entity 103. In one embodiment, the virtual consultant program 155 is added to an examiner program as a routine or entry that is readily available to the user from a menu or from a menu of tools or taskbar in the examiner. The virtual consulting program 155 operates in conjunction with the transaction block 135 to provide similar functions previously described. A benefit of the virtual consultant program 155, however, is that the user entity 103 need not remember to store the URL or address of any of the merchants 105, since this function is handled by the virtual consultant program 155. The virtual consultant program 155 verifies the scanning function and detects the selection by a user entity 103 for a purchase of items or services from any of the merchants 105. After the detection of a desired purchase, such as the selection of the purchase button 145, the virtual consultant program 155 establishes a connection to the delegate system 107 and sends the purchase page 141 to the transaction block 135. The transaction block 135 performs the accounting functions to verify if there are sufficient funds, fills in the purchase page 141 with the necessary purchase information, such as the charge number 148 and the expiration date 149, and issues the completed purchase page 142 to the selected merchant 105. Alternatively, the transaction block 135 performs the Account functions and provides the necessary purchasing information for the virtual consultant program 155. The virtual consultant program 155 fills the purchase page 141 and sends the purchase page filled 142 to the selected merchant 105. In any of these m <odalities, the particular transactions that occur between the The user entity 103, the delegate system 107 and the selected merchant 105 are effectively transparent to the user entity 103. During the transaction or as soon as possible, the selected merchant 105 or a selected agent thereof, uses the charge number 148 and / or any other information of the 15 charge account 143 to make contact with the financial institution that issues the 147 charge account, such as bank 163, to pre-approve the transaction. The merchant 105 or its agent then issues an invoice or other request for funds from bank 163 in a standard manner. Bank 163 finally makes contact with the bank 20 161 to recover the funds transaction requirements. The delegate system 107 in one mode generates a report of all the transactions by the transaction block 135 and sends the report to either or both of the banks 161, 163. Alternatively, either or both banks 161, 163 generate reports that are 25 sent to the delegate system 107. The delegate system 107 after you can adjust the bank's reports with data in the delegate system 107 for accounting purposes or otherwise identify discrepancies in the software or database. This report can also be used to identify and prevent fraudulent use of the system. An individual financial institution 162 replacing or otherwise affiliated with banks 161, 163 can modernize the entire transaction process. For example, the individual financial institution 162 may also comprise a single bank that receives all funds from the receiving unit 109 and also branches from the charge account 147 for the delegate system 107. Entity 162 has access to the cash account so that the delegated system 107 ensures that there are sufficient funds for any particular transaction. Once the purchase or sale has been completed, the selected merchant 105 uses the shipping address to send the items or services to the selected shipping address of the user entity 103, such as the USER 1. In effect, the system Delegate 107 receives sufficient funds through receiving entity 109 and maintains a debit sale to complete purchases through any of the merchants 105 through network 101. The amount of credit or debit is then deducted from the pre-account. -Funds, where the funds are finally sent to the appropriate merchant. The delegated system 107 can incorporate many or all of the ? a_M ^^^^ a ^ Mria M aaü functions of the Internet based on Prepaid Card and Merchant Sales and Advertising System previously described. However, the use of a debit account pre-established by the delegate system 107 to conduct online transactions reduces or eliminates many functions. The sale of prepaid cash cards in exchange for a valid number may be similar, although the ADUs or vending machines with validation units, described below, are also contemplated. The establishment of a cash account and online account management functions are similar. A user uses a serial number to activate one or more accounts, and can also give rise to accounts, split accounts, create subaccounts, request disbursements of funds from one or more accounts, etc. in a similar way. The delegate system 107 eliminates any need for dealers 105 to cancel any particular card, such as the previously described card. Charge account 147 is based on any of several universally accepted credit or debit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, etc. For this reason, user entities 103 are not limited to any particular merchant in the internet network 101. The delegated system 107 can establish universally accepted charge accounts so that virtually any online merchant is accessible. There is no need for any of the merchants to be a member to allow them to occur . ~~? ~ > ** m * transactions, although the merchant membership is not omitted and may continue to be beneficial for other reasons. In this way, merchants do not have to be members or have to maintain any account with the delegate system 107. Therefore, a selected merchant does not have to verify the availability of funds in the user's cash account in the delegated system 107 since the delegated system 107 handles the fund verification functions. The merchant only needs to verify the amount of charge 147, which is essentially identical to any pre-approved charge account made daily for any online customer purchase using a universal charge card.

Figure 11 is a more detailed diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the delegate system 107. A user entity 203 is shown, which represents any of the user entity 103 coupled to the network 101. A serial number issuance system 205 it is also shown, which receives coins from the user entity 203 and provides a corresponding serial number in a similar manner as previously described with respect to the receiving entity 109. The serial number issuance system 205 may incorporate the reception unit 109 or any other suitable system used to receive coins and provide valid serial numbers. The user entity 203 is shown coupled to the delegate system 107, which typically is through a network, such as the network 101. The delegate system 107 includes a user interface 209, an account activation system 211, a system account administration 213 and a transaction system 214. The user entity 203 initially interconnects a welcome program manuscript 215 within the user interface 209 when accessing the delegate system 107. If the user entity 203 has previously established a account, the user interface 209 transfers the user entity 203 to an input manuscript 217. After successful entry through the entry manuscript 217, the user interface 209 transfers the user entity 203 to a user management program 203. account 219, which accesses the account administration system 213 to perform account management functions as previously described for the administr account 123. For example, the user entity 203 can divide or consolidate accounts, create subaccounts, add funds to one or more accounts, review transaction reports, etc. Once the user entity 203 is appropriately loaded or entered, the user entity 203 can request the activation of a transaction program 221 to conduct online transactions. The transaction program 221 cooperates with the transaction system 214 to perform the functions of the transaction block 135 as previously described. If the user entity 203 indicates the desire to establish a new account, the user interface 209 transfers the user entity 203 to a new account program 223, which accesses the account activation system 211. The activation system from iaaHl Mlg account 211 includes a serial number verification system 225, which prompts user entity 203 for the serial number received from the serial number issuance system 205. User entity 203 provides the serial number to the verification system of serial number 225, which verifies if the serial number is valid. If the serial number received from the user entity 203 is not valid, then the serial number verification system 225 issues an error message 227 back to the user entity 203, indicating that the serial number is invalid. If an invalid serial number is received, then the serial number verification system 225 does not allow the user entity 203 to create a new account. The user entity 203 is allowed to access the account management program 219 or the account management system 213 only after establishing at least one valid cash account. If the serial number verification system 225 detects a valid serial number of the user entity 203, then the account activation system 211 transfers the serial number to a serial number decoding system 229, which extracts any encrypted or encoded information cryptically. For example, the serial number decoding system 229 extracts data of time and date, guarantor data, location data and any other information incorporated within the serial number. In one mode, some of the data retrieved from the serial number, such as location information (demographic information ^ * - _T á? ¡¡¡And / or postal code), guarantor information (sales information), and temporary information (time, date) is stored for the creation of market search reports. It is noted that for security purposes, the information encoded within the serial number may not be easy or simply decodable. For example, the information can be encoded cryptically in the serial number and retrieved through an appropriate cryptic decoding algorithm. The serial number decoding system 229 also decodes and transfers monetary value data to a debit card system 231. The debit card management system 231 incorporates valid charge account information, such as a credit card number. valid charge and an expiration date of the valid charge card, which is used to perform transactions in favor of the user entity 203. The operation within the account activation system 211 is transferred to a program of user ID 233, which interacts with the entity 203 to establish a valid user identification and password, as previously described with respect to the account manager 123. The account activation system 211 interconnects the account management system 213 to store the new account information. accounts The account management system 213 includes a database administration program 235, which transfers the information from the user identification program 233 and the debit card management system 231 ,. ,,,. It is noted that the information can be transferred through a cryptic data encryption program 239 for security purposes to store cryptically encoded data to protect the users of the system. Delegate 107. The account data storage 237 may also be interconnected to one or more auxiliary data storage 241 to store the corresponding data for a plurality of users as necessary. An illustrative cash account 243 corresponding to the user entity 203 is shown within the account data storage 237. The cash account 243 associated with the user entity 203 incorporates the user identification, the password, the account balance, and any other information by default as previously described with respect to account 125 of the USER 1. The account balance is initially set in the monetary value data retrieved from the serial number provided by the user entity 203. Once the user entity 203 has a valid cash account 243, user entity 203 can enter through entry manuscript 217 and interconnect with account management program 219, which accesses cash account 243. The entity of user 203 can also interconnect with transaction program 221 to activate and conduct online purchases. The transaction program 221 is interconnected and controls the transaction system 214 to enable online purchases. He • * * * * * • * - • * - • ^^ mr? *? J¿ * iím¡ transaction system 214 includes a navigation block and frame block 251 that allows user entity 203 to navigate a network such as the network 101 through the delegate system 107. As previously described, in one embodiment, the user entity 203 maintains a session with the delegate system 107, which maintains a separate connection to the network 101 to examine other entities, such as any of the merchants 105. The navigation and frame block 251 interconnects with the user entity 203 by retrieving navigation functions and commands from the user entity 203 and performing the navigation through the network 101, where the web pages retrieved from the network 101 are sent to the user entity 203. The navigation block and frame block 251 can formulate a frame associated with the delegate system 107 around each page to assist the user entity 203 in the functions It's exam. A transaction page in illustrative frame 1300 is shown in Figure 22. The chart further assists the user entity 203 to purchase from any of the dealers 105. As previously described, in another embodiment, the navigation and frame functions performed by the navigation block and frame 251 can be performed through a virtual consultant program 155 that is installed on and executed by the user entity 203. The navigation block and frame 251 is coupled to a tracking block 253 that verifies the navigation of the user interface 203. The tracking block 253 also observes decisions Purchase by the user entity 203 and store the information in an appropriate memory. This tracking information can be used for promotions and subsequent advertising campaigns, since it contains specific purchasing characteristics of any particular user. The transaction system 214 further includes a search block 225 that allows the user entity 203 to search for specific products or services based on any one or more of the various criteria. The criteria may include price, merchandise or description of the service provider, or keys, description of the product or service or keys, terms related to the industry, etc. In addition, the user entity 203 through the search block 255 may search for the lowest price available for specific items or services from multiple merchandise sites. The transaction system 214 further includes a purchasing block 257, which incorporates the necessary transaction functions to allow the user entity 203 to purchase items online using one or more cash accounts, such as 20 the cash account 243. The purchasing block 257 includes an authorization shopping block 259, which interconnects with the account management system 213 to authorize a particular purchase by the user entity 203. In particular, after that the user entity 203 has examined and selected articles 25 or services of a merchandise for purchase, the user entity m - ^? ^ "* ^^^ * - MHÉáÉ 203 indicates the desire to purchase the selected items or services The authorized purchase block 259 compares the total purchase price with the available balance of the corresponding cash account, such as the cash account 243 to determine if the purchase is authorized The shopping block 257 also includes a shopping page population and a 261 transmission block, which is interconnected with the website of a merchandise to populate a shopping page. purchases and to transmit a populated shopping page, such as the populated shopping page 142, to the selected merchandise The shopping and transmitting page population block 261 cooperates with the debit card management system 231 to supply a corresponding debit card number and expiration date of the credit card and any other information necessary to properly populate a shopping page to complete The transaction block 257 also includes a confirmation page block 263 to facilitate the termination of a transaction with the user entity 203. The confirmation page block 263 may perform the configuration in one of several different ways. In one embodiment, the confirmation page block 263 receives a confirmation page of a selected merchandise, such as the confirmation page 151 masks any specific information to the delegate system 107 and sends the masked confirmation page to the user entity 203. By example, the particular debit card information used by the delegate system 107 trust me aa? ^? aßS? * to complete the transaction may be masked so as not to be recoverable by the user entity 203. In an alternative mode, the delegate system 207 sends a delegate confirmation page with an associated predetermined format with the delegate system 107, such as the delegated confirmation page 153. Figure 12 is a simplified block diagram of an illustrative automatic dispensing unit (ADU) 300 used to supply prepaid cash cards supplied with serial numbers used in accordance with the present invention. The ADU 300 unit is similar in function and configuration as a sales machine or any type of unit that accepts coins. In the embodiment shown, the ADU 300 includes a card presentation 301, which is commonly used in known vending machines such as stamp machines, candy machines, telephone card machines, etc. For example, the card display 301 includes three display windows 303, 305 and 307 to present three separate case cards 304, 306, and 308, respectively. Of course, any number of cash cards less than or greater than 3 can be displayed as desired. The cash cards 304, 306 and 308 displayed can be preprinted with information from the guarantor and can also include advertisements as desired. The preprinted or programmable marks X, Y and Z associated with the display windows 303, 305, and 307, respectively, may also be provided within the tMjHIIIM presentation of card 301 to provide additional information of the corresponding cash cards. For example, labels X, Y and Z can define a desired box value associated with the corresponding adjacent cards. In one embodiment, the X, Y and Z labels can define certain predetermined cash card amounts such as $ 10, $ 20, $ 50, $ 100, etc., where the user is provided with the corresponding cash card once it is provided. the appropriate amount of money and the corresponding cash card is selected. A selection unit 309 is also provided in the ADU 300 unit and may include selection buttons 311, such as those commonly used for vending machines. In the embodiment shown, 3 selection buttons 311 individually marked with X, Y and Z correspond to the selection of the cash cards 304, 306 and 308, respectively. Of course, any number of selection buttons 311 may be provided, or any type of alternative selection mechanism may be used, such as cross reference, alphanumeric buttons commonly used in stamp machines. The ADU 300 unit further includes a coin acceptance unit 313 with a corresponding slot 314 for accepting money in standard or standard size paper in denominations of $ 1, $ 5, $ 10, $ 20, $ 50, etc., as is commonly used for the United States money. Any type of valid internal and / or foreign money is contemplated depending on the location or geographical region. An optical reader 315 detects paper tickets inserted in the slot 314 of the money acceptor unit 313 to verify the valid money and to identify the denomination amount of each bill. An optional coin slot 317 may be provided with a corresponding coin detector 319. The ADU 300 unit may further include a processor 321 coupled to the optical reader 315 and currency detector 319 to determine the total amount of money inserted in the ADU 300 unit. An optional deployment unit 323 coupled to the processor 321 may be provided for the display of information. For example, the display unit 323 may comprise a Single Light Emitting Diode (LED) screen to display the amount of money that has been received by the ADU300 unit through the money acceptance unit 314 and / or the coin slot 317. The display or 323 screen can be used to transport any type of information as desired. The ADU 300 unit further includes an internal card supply 325 for maintaining pre-filled case cards within the ADU 300 unit to be supplied to the user. In a first embodiment, the cash cards charged within the card supply 325 of the ADU 300 unit are pre-validated with valid serial numbers. The user simply inserts the appropriate amount of money into the ADU 300 unit as detected by the processor 321 and makes a selection through the selection unit 309. If the appropriate amount of money is received, the processor 321 activates the card supply. 325 and a card sorting unit 327 to supply the appropriate and selected card through the assortment slot 329. The serial number may incorporate information identifying a valid serial number and may also incorporate the corresponding monetary value of the credit card. box, such as $ 20, $ 50, etc. The cashier card may also be endorsed by a merchant or publisher, wherein the serial number may also incorporate information from the card annunciator guarantor, card bank guarantor information, a lot number or 10 any information that may be desired. A major problem with pre-validated cards is a lower level of security, so that a significant amount of funds can be stolen by breaking the ADU 300 unit. Any pre-validated cash card recovered by a thief from the ADU 300 unit after 15 can be used to establish a valid cash account with the delegate system 107 and retrieve items and services online using a serial number preprinted as previously described. However, it is noted that if the thief is detected at any time, it is possible to trace the stolen cards to 20 through the corresponding serial numbers and deactivate those serial numbers. In another embodiment, the cash cards in the supply of cards 325 are not validated. Box cards not optionally validated include a magnetic trra that stores at 25 minus a portion of a valid serial number associated with that private card. The serial number on the magnetic strip may include any desired information, such as card annunciator guarantor information, card bank guarantor information, lot number, etc., associated with that particular card for purposes of tracking information. The serial number can optionally include a monetary value if you wish to stock cash cards with predetermined monetary values. However, one may wish not to incorporate the monetary value in the magnetic strip. Rather, a programmable monetary value is incorporated 10 in the complete serial number. In any case, the serial number on the magnetic strip of the invalid card is incomplete and, therefore, is not valid and may not be used to establish a cash account and conduct online purchases. Unvalidated cash cards provide a high level of security to be used 15 with the ADU unit 300. The processor 321 is further coupled to a memory 331, which can be implemented as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or any combination thereof for storing certain types of information associated with 20 the ADU unit 300. For example, the memory 331 may store location information (LOS) 338, identifying the location of the ADU unit 300. The memory 331 may also store maintenance or service information, such as an identification number. and password associated with the personnel of 25 maintenance or responsible service of the ADU 300 unit. * Aa * a ¿the? ** j - **. , -m **. -. - .. *, .- 4. &, - .. *. *. -, -. . . t ^ A- s A-t provides an optional communication port 333 to allow external communications and control of the ADU 300 unit. For example, communication port 333 may be used by the appropriate maintenance or service person with identification corresponding and password for programming or reprogramming memory 331 and processor 321, as desired. The memory 331 may further incorporate a cryptic encoding code 333 executable by the processor 321 to perform encoding and / or cryptic encoding functions as described below. The cryptic encoding code 337 executed by the processor 321 operates as a cryptic encoding device for encoding information in the serial number. Of course, a cryptic encoding device or separate coding can be used instead. The processor 321 may further be coupled to a clock / timer unit 335 to retrieve time and date information (temporary information) as desired. In one embodiment, the processor 321 detects the amount of money received by the ADU 300 unit and optionally displays the amount through the display device or 323 screen.

Processor 321 detects the selection through the selection unit 309 of a cash card, such as any of the cash cards 304, 306 or 308, and communicates with the supply of cards 325 and the card sorting unit 327 to supply an appropriate cash card through the assortment slot 329. In 25 this mode, the boxed card assorted is still not validated. " > ^ j.ifaiffiM. faA. ...1.. . ..a .., 1 n *? n ?? i • i * Ifrllh iitnffirlii? The user is then instructed to insert the boxed card stocked into a slot 340 of a magnetic reader (MAG) and print device 339 coupled to the processor 321. The MAG reader and printer device 339 read the partial serial number of the magnetic strip 5 on the cash card. The processor 321 retrieves the serial number and activates the cryptic coding program 337 to complete the serial number. For example, location information 338, maintenance information, time and date information, as well as the cash amount received, may be 10 incorporated by the cryptic encoding code 337 to generate a valid and complete serial number. Once the cryptic encoding code 337 creates a valid serial number, the processor 321 controls the MAG reader and printer device 339 to print the valid serial number on the card to validate 15 the card. For additional security purposes, the serial number can be generated using any appropriate type of cryptic encoding algorithms, and in addition it can be based on change codes with time to avoid or otherwise substantially reduce the possibility of serial numbers 20 fraudulently created. The card is then stocked from slot 340 and thus provided to the purchasing user. It is noted that even if a cash card is intended to have a specific monetary value, the processor 321, through the cryptic coding code 337, can be used to incorporate 25 only the monetary value in the serial number that has been in jjá ^^^^ j &jgj ^^^ - ^^ reality received by the ADU 300 unit without considering the face value of the card. In this way, a card with a face value of 50 dollars can actually incorporate any monetary value greater or less than 50 dollars corresponding to the exact amount received in the ADU 300 unit provided by the user.

Alternatively, the user may be forced to insert at least the amount of money of the face value of a card selected to receive that card. In an alternative embodiment, an internal MAG reader 341 and printer 343 are coupled to the processor 321. The printer 343 is further coupled to the card sorting unit 327. In this embodiment, after selection through the selection unit 309 , the card supply 325 provides a selected card to the MAG 341 reader, which reads the partial serial number of the MAG strip of the card. The partial serial number is provided to the processor 321, which executes the cryptic coding code 337 to generate a cryptically encoded and valid serial number as previously described. The processor 321 communicates with the printer 343, which receives the cash card of the MAG 341 reader and prints the valid serial number on the face of the card. The printer 343 cooperates with the card sorting unit 327 to supply the valid card through the assortment slot 329. In this way after the user has selected the appropriate card, the validation process is performed internally to the ADU 300 unit, so that a valid card is stocked only once, without requiring additional action by the user. It is noted that the processor 321, the memory 331 and the reader MAG and printer device 339 (or the reader MAG 341 and the printer 343) collectively comprise a validation unit used to validate box cards that will be supplied by the user. In an alternative mode, a separate validation unit can be provided and used by a manager or cashier in a store. The validation unit includes a slot to receive an invalid box card, which is stamped with a valid serial number to validate the card. The validation unit may or may not be coupled to a cash register to verify funds. The manager receives cash from a user, select an invalid card and insert it into the independent validation unit. The validation unit stamps the card with a valid serial number, and the manager retrieves the card and sends it to the user. The validation unit may include a numerical input device or the like to allow the manager to enter data that will be incorporated in the serial number. For example, the amount of cash received from the user can be entered by the manager, where the validation unit incorporates the value of the card into the serial number. Figure 13 is a simplified block diagram of another ADU 400 unit implemented in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The ADU 400 unit is very similar to the ADU 300 unit in that it includes similar components and functionalities. In addition, the ADU 400 unit incorporates communication logic 401 to establish an online communication connection 402 to an external network, such as the network 101, although any alternative and suitable network is contemplated. A wireless connection is contemplated for the ADU 400 unit. The communication logic 401 allows remote control and programming of the ADU 400 unit, such as through a remote server associated with the delegate system 107 or the like. The communication logic 401 may be coupled to the processor 321 and / or the memory 331 for programming purposes of programming these devices or elevated software, etc. For example, a new version of cryptic encoding code 337 may be downloaded and stored in memory 331 through communication logic 401. In yet another embodiment, ADU 400 unit may include a live display or advertising screen 403 coupled to the communication logic 401. The live advertising screen 403 may include any type of display apparatus such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or screen or display of LEDs or the like to display live advertising. The advertising information can be delivered remotely through a network using the communication logic 401 and in this way can be remotely updated from time to time. The live advertising screen 403 may alternatively, or in addition, include memory for storing live advertisement presentation information, wherein said information may be updated from time to time. The advertising information may be provided in response to data or card assortment activity by a user. The card card stock operations performed by the ADU 400 unit may be similar or identical to those performed by the previously described ADU 300 unit. However, the remote communication capability provided by communication logic 401 allows additional capabilities. The ADUs 300 or 400 units should be serviced from time to time to 10 recover the cash received in the unit. Such service may be performed on a periodic basis such as daily, weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, etc., or any other desired service period. It is possible to detect that an independent ADU 300 unit is low on cash cards and charged with 15 a significant amount of money if a significant number of cash accounts are activated using serial numbers supplied by the ADU 300 unit. Note that each serial number can incorporate location information and even more can incorporate specific ADU unit identification information . Without However, there is no guarantee that a user will activate a card stocked within a certain period of time, so it can not be a way to tell him that a given ADU 300 unit is outside the cash cards. The 401 communication logic allows periodic communications, such as every hour or every day, to 25 trace the sales operations of the ADU 400 unit.

For example, the report logic 405 can be provided to verify the supply of cards 325 and / or processor 321 to determine the status of the ADU 400 unit and transport the status to a remote administrator through the communication logic 401. This report can be conducted periodically, on an interruption basis, or through combination using the remote system to determine the status of the ADU 400 unit. In this way, if the ADU 400 unit is low on cards, as reported by the 405 report logic, it can be serviced at any 10 moment. Reporting logic 405 is also used to transmit assorted serial numbers for tracking and verification purposes. This provides an additional security mechanism to identify fraudulently created serial numbers but does not match the actual assorted information. Figure 14A is a front view of an illustrative case card 500, which can be used as any of the cash cards such as 111, 304, 306, 308, as previously described. The cash card 500 can be made the same size and form as a standard debit or credit card or 20 any other card with similar wallet size. The box card 500 includes a front face 503 available for printing any type of advertisement by a particular box card retainer. The front surface 503 may also include a designer of value 501, which is shown as specifying "20 25 units. "The units denote any type of money, A "~ Hfa? ÉlMf ''," r- ~ ** - depending on the jurisdiction or geographic use of the caja 500 card. For example, in the United States, a 501 value allocation of 20 units may denote $ 20 from the USA Figure 14B is the back side of the cash card 500. The back side of the cash card 500 includes a magnetic strip 505 for printing any type of information associated with the cash card 500, such as a partial serial number, card advertising guarantor information, card bank guarantor information, lot number, monetary value, etc. The back side of the card Box 500 may also include a printable segment 507 for printing a serial number 509 as previously described. The printable segment 507 may also include other information, such as a lot number 511, personal identification number (PIN) 513, or any other printed information as desired. The side 15 back of the box card 500 may also include instruction text 515, such as instructions for activating the cash card 500 through an internet connection or touch tone telephone activation, etc. Figure 15 is a one page screen presentation 20 illustrative welcome web 600 that can be used as the initial web page when a user visits a website associated with the delegate system 107. The welcome manuscript 215 can be programmed to send the welcome web page 600 to the user entity 203. The welcome page 600 may be written 25 in HTML or XML or similar, and includes interactive buttons . *, * ^ ... K *. ^ M * ^,. ^^, hyperlink or selection text as it is commonly used and deployed by standard browsers, such as Internet Explorer by Microsoft or Netscape Navigator by Netscape. The welcome web page 600 includes a hyperlink of information 602 to allow a user to link to the information regarding the web site. The welcome web page 600 may include a new card activation link 603 that allows a user to establish a new cash account based on the purchase of a cash card. The welcome web page 600 may further include a transaction link 605 that allows a user to invoke the transaction function of the proxy system 107 to purchase, browse, or otherwise browse the network and to purchase items or services. The user interface 209 can intervene to direct the user to the entry 217 manuscript to verify that the user has at least one valid cash account. The welcome web page 600 may also include a reward program link 607 that allows a user to link to promotional information associated with purchases using the delegate system 107. The welcome web page 600 may also include other types of links such as an information link 609 that allows a user to link to help information or a site map, or the like. Figure 16 is a screen display of an illustrative account activation page 700 that can be presented after the selection of the new card activation link The user account page 700 may include a serial number field 701 to receive the serial number purchased by the user, such as the serial number printed on the website. cash card. The account activation page 700 may also include a user name field 703a to allow the user to enter any desired user name to establish the associated cash account. In the embodiment shown, the user name comprises twelve (12) digits or alphanumeric characters. A second optional user name field 703b may be used for precautionary purposes where the user re-enters the user name for verification. The account activation page 700 may further include a password field 707a to allow the user to select and enter any password 15 desired to enter and access the associated cash account. In the mode shown, the password comprises six (6) digits or alphanumeric characters. A second password field 707b can be included for security purposes, where the user re-enters the same password issued in the field of security. 20 password 707a to verify the password. The account activation page 700 also includes an INTRODUCTION 709 button, which the user selects after filling in the fields required to create the associated cash account. Figure 17 is a one-page screen presentation of 25 illustrative account information 800 to provide information a ^^ fa |? |, - | fi ^ r n} ft < • - '-, J. »: - .... ... ,. ,. * * ** Has the user account? The account information page 800 may display the user name 801 and the corresponding password 803, although the password 803 may be displayed in masked form for security purposes. The account information page 800 may also include a graph of balance amount 805 indicating the total remaining funds in the cash account. The 800 account information page may also include an 807 account surcharge link that allows the user to link to one or more pages to increase the available balance or funds 10 associated with the cash account. The account information page 800 may further include a transaction link 809 that allows the user to continue the transaction program and associated transaction pages to purchase items or services through a network. Fig. 18 is a screen display of an illustrative surcharge page 900, which may be presented in response to the selection of the account surcharge link 807 of the 800 account information page. The 900 account surcharge page can include a box link 901 to allow a user 20 recharge the associated cash account using additional cash cards, issuing cash and other types of currency such as checks or money orders, or using other types of accounts such as credit or bank accounts. The cash or coins is issued to a receiving entity 109 or supplied to a point 25 representative of the delegate system 107 to top-up the account of - ^^ J > # TftÍ | M 'i || pj ^ feji l I *, **,. * * m ~? ll ** A * box. In connection with box 901 it can be used to link to associated pages denoting the status of the cash received or an indication of the desire to issue the cash to increase the balance of the cash account. If it is observed, however, that the balance of the cash account is not increased until real funds are received and / or verified. A similar check link 905 may be provided on the account surcharge page 900 to allow a user to link to pages to issue a check to a receiving entity 109 to increase the cash account balance. A similar money order bond 909 may be provided on the account surcharge page 900 to allow the user to increase the balance in a similar manner as in the 901 checkout link or 905 check link, except that monetary orders are used. A bank account link 913 is selected for transfer to web pages that allow a user to increase the balance of a cash account by transferring funds from a valid and existing bank account. These web pages prompt a particular bank for a bank account number and verify the funds available and the authorization to transfer funds from the bank account to the selected cash account. The 900 account surcharge page further allows the user to enter a credit card number through a 903 credit card link or similar debit card number through a 911 debit card link to allow a user is linked to pages for ADEMIEM increase the balance using a valid credit or debit card. The 900 surcharge page also includes a 907 cash card link that allows a user to link to pages to increase the balance of a cash account of one or more purchased cash cards. In this way, a user can use a variety of methods to create new accounts or to increase the balance of existing accounts. Fig. 19 is a screen representation of an exemplary cash card surcharge page 1000 that may be presented in response to the selection of the cash card link 907 from the account surcharge page 900. The account surcharge page of box 100 includes a plurality of fields of serial number 1001, wherein each field of serial number 1001 allows a user to enter a valid serial number of a purchased cash card. A user name field 1003 is provided to allow the user to insert the user name of a valid cash account that is not overloaded. A password field 1005 is provided to allow the user to enter the corresponding password in the associated cash account. It should be noted that, however, the password is optional in an alternative mode, so that any user with a valid account can reload that user account or any other user account using the username only without the corresponding password. For example, user A can reload user account B, using the username of user B without knowing the corresponding password of user B. The cash card 1000 surcharge page also includes an ENTER 1007 button, which is selected to complete the surcharge process. Figure 20 is a screen representation of an illustrative account management page 1100, which may be presented in response to the selection of the account management link 604 of the welcome 600 web page. After a user has activated by at least one valid cash account, the account administration page 1100 is used to manage those cash accounts. The account management page 1100 may include a balance field 1101 that displays the current balance of the cash account. An original amount field 1103 displays the original balance of the account. A number of transaction fields 1005 can be used to present the total number of transactions in the cash account. A date field 1007 and a corresponding quantity field 1109 can be used to present the date and amount of the last transaction associated with the corresponding cash account. The account management page 1100 further includes a transaction history link 1101 that transfers the user to transaction history pages that allow him or her to track all transactions for the particular cash account. A split account link 1113 can be provided so that the user can split the existing account into a plurality of fttfe ^ Yes ^ * * - * -. - ** < * - - .. -. > < ^ Jifaaa. different accounts or create your accounts associated with the existing account. For example, an existing account with a balance of $ 5,000 can be divided into two separate accounts, each of $ 2,500. The two different accounts have different user names and passwords and are effectively independent with respect to each other. Alternatively, the original $ 5,000 account can be divided into two or more sub-accounts, such as 5 sub-accounts, each having $ 1,000. All subaccounts are associated with a master account with a single username and password and are 10 can be used by different people under a master or principal account, or they can be used to track different types of transactions. The account administration page further includes a request funds link 1117 that links the user to corresponding pages 15 that allow the user to withdraw funds from a particular cash account. A report link 1119 can be provided that transfers the user to pages to display any type of reports of the transactions associated with the cash account. For example, a report can list all the sites 20 web and corresponding purchase quantities, date and time and any other information for each transaction associated with the cash account. An online bank link 1121 can be provided to allow the user to perform banking functions online using the cash account such as banknotes to pay or transfer 25 coins between bank accounts. ?? ñi ?? fitAfcMa ** aMi * aa > - - - - - < * - •• - ******** The gutter administration page 1100 also includes a supply preference link 1123 that transfers the user to one or more pages that the user sets or changes one or more supply addresses by omission. An account preference link 1125 can be provided to transfer the user to one or more pages that allow you to select any preference associated with the account or transaction functions. Figure 21 is a screen representation of an illustrative transaction page 1200 that may be displayed in response to the selection of the transaction link 605 of the welcome page 600. The transaction page 1200 may include account information 1201, a link of provisioning preferences 1203 for setting or changing supply preferences, a link of account preferences 1205 for setting or changing account preferences, and an address field 1207 for allowing the user to insert an address such as a URL or the like, for browse or browse the network. It is noted that since the specific cash account information is displayed, the user has entered that account for the transaction. A search link 1209 may be provided on the transaction page 1200 for the user to find items or services in the network associated with particular merchants coupled to the network. In search link 1209 it can also be divided into a category 1211 link or a 1213 site link. A low price search link 1215 can be included that invokes a search function that searches the network, such as m t ^ m ^ rm ^ Itfliif ^ the internet or similar, to find the lowest price of the same item or service or some similar. Figure 22 is a screen representation of a transaction page in illustrative frame 1300 to facilitate purchases and other transactions by the user. The transaction page in frame 1300 includes a head section 1301 that displays information regarding the cash account in a similar manner as transaction page 1200. The effective head section 1301 forms a box around an examiner section 1303 , which is similar to that commonly displayed by an examiner. The review section 1303 includes standard foot sections 1305 and slide bar functions 1307 to provide the user with link information and to facilitate viewing the entire web page as is well known to those skilled in the art. In header section 1301 it includes information similar to transaction page 1200. For example, the head section 1301 includes the account information section 1309, a shopping button or link 1311 to facilitate a purchase selection, an address field 1313 to allow the user to insert an address for a web page or the like, the which is then displayed in the examiner section 1303, a supply preference link 1315 and an account preference link 1317 in a manner similar to that previously described. The purchase button 1311 serves as the purchase button 145 in this mode, when ,, ^ ^ ... . . . ,. ... aa ^^^ J ^ a shopping page is displayed in the examiner section 1303. The shopping page is then submitted to the delegate system 107 as previously described. The transaction page in frame 1300 is an example for using the delegate system 107 to intercept communications between a user entity and a selected merchant. An alternative method is to verify the Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP) communications port at the examining level. Figure 23 is a screen representation of a window 10 or illustrative virtual consulting page 1400. The virtual consulting page 1400 includes a header section 1401 which provides standard functions such as output link 1403 and a help link 1405. The virtual consulting page 1400 also includes an account information section 1407 which displays the account name 15, balance and other information associated with the active cash account, as desired. The virtual consulting page 1400 also includes transaction links such as a link to the account management 1411, a link to the search functions 1413, or a shopping button 1415 for the functions of 20 purchases. A preset section 1409 allows the user to program a plurality of links to perform preset programmable functions defined and used by the user. The virtual consulting page 1400 is typically displayed in the user entity 103 through a program locally 25 executed, such as the virtual consultant program 155, or similar. He ^^^^ J ^^ fij ^ J ^ J ^^ J ^ J ^^ j ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ gg program virtual consultant 155 can be downloaded from the servers in the website supported by the delegate system 107, or can be downloaded in any other standard format, such as through a CD-ROM, floppy disk, etc. The virtual consultant program 155 allows the user to call the delegated system 107 in the middle of a session without having to return or reopen another window of the delegate system site. In one embodiment, a background cache memory of the last forms visited by a user entity 103 is created as a reference point. Hence, the communication between the merchant and the user entity can resume the same path as before, except that it will be intercepted by the delegate system 107 from that forward point in a similar way as the frame or frame method. picture. Through the transaction process, the user is given the opportunity to leave the system to free that user from data interception, so that the user can resume normal network browsing. Although a system and a method according to the present invention has been described in relation to the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit this to the specific form established herein, but to the contrary, it is intended to cover said alternatives, modifications and equivalents, according to they may be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method to enable online purchases through a network and an online delegate system, comprising: establishing, by the online delegate system, a prepaid cash account for a user entity, the cash account including a cash balance and being associated with an identification value that allows access to the cash account; provide online access to the cash account after receiving 10 the identification value; receiving a purchase request as a corresponding purchase amount from the user entity to purchase selected items from a merchant through the network; verify if the balance of the cash account is sufficient to 15 cover the purchase amount; and provide, through the delegate system, valid charge account information associated with the delegated system so that the merchant through the network consolidates the sale. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step 20 of establishing further comprises: receiving a quantity of coins; provide a corresponding serial number; detect the online request to create the cash account; receive and verify the serial number; 25 create the cash account with the cash balance corresponding to - * - «---» | ¡| j | jg the amount of money received; and enable online access to the cash account using the identification value. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein further establishing comprises: receiving, in a money acceptance unit, money and verifying the amount of cash received; generate a serial number that encodes the amount of cash received; print the serial number on the cashier card; and supplying the cash card 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of establishing further comprises: prompting the user entity for a corresponding user identification and password; verify the validity of user information and password according to at least one criterion; and receiving and storing the user's identification and password as the identification value for the cash account. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of providing online access further comprises: prompting for identification and password; and receive and verify the user's identification and password before providing access to the cash account. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the i .-. step of receiving a purchase request also includes: receiving a purchase page with the purchase amount of the user entity; and explore the purchase page for a certain key. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: displaying a transaction icon in the user entity; and receiving a purchase request comprising detecting the selection of the transaction icon by the user entity. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of displaying further comprises: displaying a transaction frame around an examiner window in the user entity; and provide the transaction icon in the transaction box. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of displaying further comprises: displaying a transaction window in the user entity; and provide the transaction icon in the transaction window. 10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: invoking a transaction manager that maintains a session online with the user entity through the network; and providing, through the transaction manager, a separate session link to the network that is controlled by the user entity through the transaction manager. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: receiving and sending, through the transaction manager, requests from the examiner of a user entity to the network; receive, through the transaction manager, responses from the network; and send, through the transaction manager, the 10 responses to the user entity. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: invoking an account administrator who verifies the identification value and who provides online access to the cash account; 15 invoke a transaction manager that tracks and administers the online exam by the merchant user entity through the network; recover, through the transaction manager, the purchase amount of a merchant's purchase page 20 selected in response to receipt of a purchase request from the user entity; and verify, through the transaction manager and account management, whether the cash balance is sufficient to cover the purchase amount. 13. The method according to claim 12, which further comprises: accessing, through the transaction manager, universally accepted charge account information; populate, through the transaction manager, the shopping page with the universally accepted charge account information; and send, through the transaction manager, a populated shopping page to the selected merchant. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of verifying comprises: comparing, through the account manager, the quantity of purchases with the remaining balance in the cash account; reject the request for the account, through the account manager, if the remaining balance is insufficient to cover the amount of purchases; and accept the purchase request, through the account manager, if the remaining balance is sufficient to cover the purchase amount. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: establishing a debit account associated with a universally accepted creditor; and correspond to the debit account information with the cash account. 16. The method according to claim 1, which is • taaalMÉjteilÜa further comprises: intercepting a merchant confirmation page that includes the valid charge account information; and send a substitute confirmation page to the user entity. The method according to claim 1, comprising: intercepting a merchant confirmation page that includes the valid charge account information; mask the charge account information from the confirmation page; and send the masked confirmation page to the user entity. 18. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving and storing default information associated with the cash account. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: tracking the transaction activity of each of a plurality of cash accounts; and generate aggregate purchase information associated with the plurality of cash accounts. 20. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: tracking accounts associated with the cash account; and award reward points to the cash account for eligibility to receive promotional or sales items or services related to purchases. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: detecting a search request associated with the purchase request of the user entity; identify selected items in the purchase request: and conduct an online search to apply prices to items similar to the selected items. 22. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: invoking an account manager that allows the user entity to perform management functions in the cash account. 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the administration functions further comprise: dividing the cash account into a plurality of dependent sub-accounts. The method according to claim 22, wherein the administration functions further comprise: dividing the cash account into a plurality of separate and independent cash accounts. 25. An online shopping system using a network, comprising: Gifeg ^^ a communication system that allows communication through the network; an account activation system that creates a cash account, comprising: a serial number verification system that verifies the validity of a serial number received through the communication system of a user entity; a serial number decoding system that decodes a monetary value of the serial number to establish an initial account balance; an identification system that establishes an identification value to allow online access to the cash account by the user entity; and a charge account system that associates the cash account with valid charge account information; an account manager that allows access to the cash account, which compares a purchase request with an account balance to verify if there are sufficient funds, and that maintains an accurate account balance; and a transaction system that serves as a delegate for the user entity to access online merchants, which detect a purchase request from the user entity, which cooperates with the account manager to verify if there are sufficient funds, and provides the charge account information to a selected merchant to complete a purchase. lUgjg! ^^^^ 26. The online shopping system according to claim 25, further comprising: a receiving entity that receives money and that provides the serial number in exchange. 27. The online shopping system according to claim 26, wherein the receiving point comprises providing the serial number on the cash card. 28. The online shopping system according to claim 27, wherein the serial number is preprinted in the 10 cash card. 29. The online shopping system according to claim 27, wherein the receiving entity further comprises: a validation unit that prints the serial number in the 15 invalid box card to provide a valid charge card after purchase. 30. The online shopping system according to claim 29, further comprising: the charging card including a magnetic strip incorporating 20 a partial serial number; and the validation unit reading the partial serial number of the magnetic strip, generating a valid serial number and printing a valid serial number on the cash card. 31. The online shopping system according to the 25 claim 30, wherein the validation unit comprises: ^^ a ^ lm? ái a processor; a memory; a magnetic reader; and a printer. 32. The online shopping system according to claim 30, further comprising: a cryptic encoding unit that encodes the monetary value to the valid serial number. 33. The online shopping system according to the 10 claim 32, wherein the cryptic encoding unit further encodes any combination of other information to the valid serial number, the other information including card guarantor information, location information and temporal information. 34. The online shopping system according to the 15 claim 27, wherein the step of receiving the entity further comprises: an assortment unit that receives cash and supplies a cash card. 35. The online shopping system in accordance with the 20 claim 34, wherein the assortment unit further comprises: a validation unit that prints the serial number on a non-valid cash card to provide a validated cash card. 36. The online shopping system according to the 25 claim 35, further comprising: ^^. ^^ S ^ &j ^. ^^ á ^ É É É É W W W W W The box card includes a magnetic strip that incorporates a partial serial number; and the validation unit reading the partial serial number of the magnetic strip and generating a valid serial number. 37. The online shopping system according to claim 36, the validation unit further comprises: a cryptic encoding device that encodes the monetary value to the serial number. 38. The online shopping system according to claim 37, further comprising: the cryptic encoding device further encoding any combination of other information in the serial number, the other information including card guarantor information, information of assortment unit and temporary information. 39. The online shopping system according to claim 38, further comprising: the serial number decoding system for decoding the serial number to retrieve the encoded information from the serial number. 40. The online shopping system according to claim 25, wherein the identification value comprises: a user identifier and a password, both arbitrarily determined by the user entity. 41. The online shopping system according to the 25 claim 25, wherein the account administrator furthermore ^^^ J ^^^ J ^ ___ ^ _ ^ __: ^ a ^ a.-aaajJtj ^ aSeBjA comprises: memory for storing cash account information; and a database management program that accesses cash account information to allow online transactions. 42. The online shopping system according to claim 41, further comprising: a cryptic data coding program that cryptically encodes cash account information in the memory. 43. The online shopping system according to claim 25, wherein the transaction system further comprises: a transaction program that maintains a session with the user entity through the network and a separate link with the network That is controlled through the user entity. 44. The online shopping system according to claim 43, further comprising: the transaction program intercepting and sending shopping pages; and after the detection of a purchase request, the transaction program completes a shopping page and returns to a corresponding merchant through the network. 45. The online shopping system according to claim 43, wherein the transaction program intercepts a merchant confirmation page, masks the information and charge account and sends a confirmation page. t ^ Üjjgí masked to the user entity. 46. The online shopping system according to claim 43, wherein the transaction program intercepts a confirmation page of a merchant and sends a substitute purchasing page substitute to the user entity. 47. The online shopping system according to claim 25, wherein the transaction system further comprises: a transaction program interconnecting the administrator 10 account; and a virtual consultant operating remotely in the user entity that cooperates with the transaction program to conduct online transactions. 48. The online shopping system in accordance with the 15 claim 47, further comprising: the virtual consultant operating as an intermediary to allow the user entity to examine traders directly; and the virtual consultant intercepting a purchase request 20 corresponding with the transaction program through the network to complete a purchase. 49. The online shopping system according to claim 25, which further comprises: a search engine that conducts on-line searches for 25 merchants with similar items selected by the entity of user. ÍÜMMÜMÍM -.?&--a* ¿?jm. SUMMARY An online shopping system (100) is described that provides a universally accessible, anonymous and secure online payment option for consumers. A user (103) pays in cash and receives a serial number. The serial number can be printed on a box card (111) or similar for convenience. The user accesses an online delegate system (107), which establishes a cash account (125), using the serial number and allows the user to conduct transactions online using the cash account. The user accesses the cash account (125) with a user ID (127) and password (129), which can be arbitrarily selected to maintain anonymity. The delegate system (107) includes at least one universally accepted charge account (147) that is used to conduct transactions in favor of the user (103). The user browses the internet (101) to see articles and services in online merchants (105). The user selects items for purchase and indicates the desire to purchase the selected items by choosing or interconnecting a shopping button (145), or the like. The delegated system (107) intercepts the purchase request, compares the user's account balance (131) with the total purchase amount (143) to check if there are sufficient funds, adjusts the account balance (131) if there are sufficient funds , and fill a shopping pages (141) of the merchant with the valid charge account information for ^^ iA.ia complete the purchase. The box cards (111) can be stocked in a vending machine that receives coins, assortment units (109) or the like. The serial number incorporates a monetary value, and may also include guarantor, assortment or temporary information, as desired. *, - .. *,. I-,. -. ..? m * ... .A. ** .. * * - _ ^, * * -ttv? A