Networked barcode verification system

Abstract

Systems and methods are described for barcode verification. Optionally, a barcode scanner/imager is coupled to a verification system over a network. The verification system receives over the network barcode data associated with an item, such as a ticket, and associated information. The verification system uses the barcode data and associated information to determine if the barcode is valid and corresponds to an identified event. The verification system transmits a verification result.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of verifying a barcode, comprising:
 receiving, at a ticket posting system, the ticket posting system including at least one computing device, a ticket transfer request by a first user, the ticket transfer request including barcode data and seat data associated with a ticket;   transmitting a verification request over a network to a verification system, the verification request including the barcode data and the seat data;   receiving, at the ticket posting system, an indication of validity of the barcode data for the seat data;   indicating that the ticket is transferable by the first user;   enabling the first user to transfer the ticket;   transmitting a request for a new barcode over the network to a barcode issuing system;   receiving, over the network, from the barcode issuing system, the new barcode; and   transferring the ticket, with the new barcode to a second user.   
     
     
         2 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the request for the new barcode includes an indication that the ticket is being transferred. 
     
     
         3 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the ticket transfer request further includes event data associated with the ticket. 
     
     
         4 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the barcode data is received via a camera or a barcode scanner. 
     
     
         5 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the barcode verification causes a lock to be placed on the ticket at least partly in response to receiving an indication that a ticket transfer process has been initiated. 
     
     
         6 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the verification system and the ticket posting system are operated by a different entities. 
     
     
         7 . The method as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising invalidating the barcode data. 
     
     
         8 . A barcode verification system, comprising:
 a ticket posting system, the ticket posting system configured to receive a ticket transfer request by a first user, the ticket transfer request including barcode data and seat data associated with a ticket;   a verification system configured to receive a verification request over a network, the verification request includes the barcode data and the seat data, wherein the verification system is configured to:
 provide an indication of validity of the barcode data for the seat data; 
 provide an indication that the ticket is transferable by the first user; and 
 enable the first user to transfer the ticket; and 
   a barcode issuing system configured to receive a request for a new barcode over the network and issue the new barcode associated with the ticket, wherein the new barcode is transferrable to a second user.   
     
     
         9 . The system as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the new barcode request includes an indication that the ticket is being transferred. 
     
     
         10 . The system as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the ticket transfer request further includes event data associated with the ticket. 
     
     
         11 . The system as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the barcode data is received via a camera or barcode scanner. 
     
     
         12 . The system as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the barcode verification causes a lock to be placed on the ticket at least partly in response to receiving an indication that a ticket transfer process has been initiated. 
     
     
         13 . The system as defined in  claim 8 , wherein the verification system and the ticket posting system are operated by a different entities. 
     
     
         14 . A computer program product residing on a non-transitory processor-readable medium and comprising processor readable instructions configured to cause one or more processors to:
 receive, at a ticket posting system, the ticket posting system including at least one computing device, a ticket transfer request by a first user, the ticket transfer request including barcode data and seat data associated with a ticket;   transmit a verification request over a network to a verification system, the verification request including the barcode data and the seat data;   receive, at the ticket posting system, an indication of validity of the barcode data for the seat data;   indicate that the ticket is transferable by the first user;   enable the first user to transfer the ticket;   transmit a request for a new barcode over the network to a barcode issuing system;   receive, over the network, from the barcode issuing system, the new barcode associated with the ticket; and   transfer the ticket to a second users with the new barcode;   
     
     
         15 . The computer program as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the request for the new barcode includes an indication that the ticket is being transferred. 
     
     
         16 . The computer program as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the ticket transfer request further includes event data associated with the ticket. 
     
     
         17 . The computer program as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the barcode data is received via a camera or barcode scanner. 
     
     
         18 . The computer program as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the barcode verification causes a lock to be placed on the ticket at least partly in response to receiving an indication that a ticket transfer process has been initiated. 
     
     
         19 . The computer program as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the verification system and the ticket posting system are operated by a different entities. 
     
     
         20 . The computer program as defined in  claim 14 , further comprising instructions configured to cause one or more processors to cause to invalidate the barcode data.