Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110166989 | OFFSETTING LIABILITIES AND ATTRIBUTING REWARDS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, recommending, and/or executing a payment strategy for offsetting liabilities and/or attributing rewards. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided for transferring offsetting funds from a first account to a second account. In such embodiments, the method includes: (1) determining that the second account has incurred a liability; and (2) transferring funds from the first account to the second account in an amount sufficient to offset the liability. In some embodiments, the determining step automatically triggers the transferring step, either immediately, nearly immediately, or sometime after the occurrence of the determining step. In some embodiments, the method further includes attributing rewards to the first account or the second account based at least partially on the transfer of offsetting funds from the first account to the second account and/or based at least partially on the second account incurring the liability. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166994 | DETERMINING A PAYMENT STRATEGY - Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining, recommending, and/or executing a payment strategy. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided for determining a payment strategy for using at least some funds from a first account to make two or more payments on a second account during a single pay period. In such embodiments, the method includes: (1) determining that the second account includes a payment due date and a minimum payment due; (2) determining a number of payments to make on the second account; (3) determining a payment amount for each payment, such that the total payment amount for all of the payments is sufficient to at least offset the minimum payment due; and (4) determining a triggering event for each payment, such that each of the payments is made on or before the payment due date. | 07-07-2011 |
20110184819 | AUDIBLE TRANSACTION PROCESS AND SYSTEM - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer in an audible format. The system includes a consumer device and a payment terminal located proximate the point of sale. The consumer device, either a mobile device carried by the consumer or an immobile device also located proximate the point of sale, communicates with the payment terminal and receives transaction information such as product identity or amount information. The consumer device then produces sound waves audible to the consumer based on the communicated transaction information using one or more private and/or public listening devices. This audible transaction process can be performed automatically during a transaction or can be implemented based on consumer preference. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184820 | MOBILE DEVICE CONSUMER INTERFACE PROCESS AND SYSTEM - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for assisting a consumer during a transaction with a vendor at a point of sale by providing transaction information to the consumer via consumer-readable communications. In one embodiment, a payment terminal proximate the point of sale communicates a transaction information signal to the mobile device. The mobile device communicates the transaction information to the consumer in a consumer-readable format such as audible sound waves. In some embodiments, the consumer-readable communications include requests for consumer input. The consumer input is received by an input device proximate the mobile device and communicated to the payment terminal. In some embodiments consumer input is received by the payment terminal as well as the mobile device, and in some embodiments, the consumer chooses whether to use the mobile device as an interface or only to use the payment terminal. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184864 | CASH FOLDING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention provide currency solutions for the visually impaired by, for example, providing automated teller machines (ATMs) or other cash dispensers configured to dispense folded bills to the customer. The bills are folded based on denomination to allow the customer receiving the bills from the cash dispenser to be able to identify the denomination of each bill. In some embodiments, the cash dispenser is configured to automatically identify whether the customer prefers to receive folded bills and, in some embodiments, the cash dispenser is configured to fold and dispense bills according to customer preferences. | 07-28-2011 |
20120197793 | DEPENDENT NOTIFICATION ALERT - Embodiments of the invention allow a primary user to add dependent users to one or more accounts (e.g., shared accounts) of the primary user, in order to control and monitor the transactions made by a dependent user who is authorized to make purchases using the user computer systems that are linked to the primary user's shared account. The shared account can be a credit account, a debit account, a credit line account, a pre-paid account, or any other type of account that can be used to pay for products. In other embodiments of the invention the primary user may be linked to the dependent user account, be it a shared account or the dependent user's own account, in order to receive notification alerts regarding the transactions that the dependent user is trying to make. | 08-02-2012 |
20120246024 | SELF-SERVICE HOME BUYING - According to some embodiments, a system comprises an interface and one or more processors. The interface receives a search request indicating that a buyer requests to search for properties to evaluate. The one or more processors determine one or more buyer preferences that describe preferred characteristics for the properties according to the buyer. The one or more processors also determine whether an available property located proximate to a device associated with the buyer satisfies at least a threshold amount of the buyer preferences. If the available property satisfies at least a threshold amount of buyer preferences, the interface communicates a notification recommending that the buyer evaluate the available property. | 09-27-2012 |
20120265678 | SOCIAL NETWORK PAYMENT SETTLEMENT SYSTEM - A method for effecting transfer of a payment amount to a merchant during a transaction between a customer and the merchant includes determining, using a processing device, a funds shortfall, accessing a funds sharing network comprising a plurality of users, identifying one or more of the users of the funds sharing network, requesting funds from the identified one or more users, and applying funds received from the one or more users to the funds shortfall. In some embodiments, identifying one or more of the users includes determining whether one or more of the users are indebted to the customer, determining levels of connection between two or more of the users and the customer, and developing a hierarchy of users based on the indebted users and the levels of connection. | 10-18-2012 |
20130046648 | SHOPPING LIST SYSTEM AND PROCESS - Embodiments of the invention allow a user to create a virtual shopping list that is used to identify offers for products in which the user is interested. The shopping list may be one single list or may be broken down into categories, in order to group like products together or group products together that can be purchased at one or more locations near each other. The shopping list may be transmitted to one or more businesses, such that the businesses may submit bid requests, in a reverse bid auction, for the one or more products on the shopping list. The best bids of the one or more businesses may be returned to the user. The bids may be identified as the best bids based on the lowest prices for the product, the best quality products, the proper quantities of the products, the locations at which the products are located, etc. | 02-21-2013 |
20130191193 | SHOPPING PLAN MANAGEMENT - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-program products that provide shopping plan optimization. In one embodiment of the invention, information associated with a shopping plan is retrieved by the system; the shopping plan may include a grocery or other shopping list. The system compares the information associated with the shopping plan to a database. The database may include information associated with a plurality of merchants and businesses. The system optimizes the shopping plan based at least partially on the comparison of the information associated with the shopping plan to the database. In an embodiment, the system optimizes the shopping by determining an efficient travel route based on the products and/or items in the shopping plan. | 07-25-2013 |
20130191232 | ENHANCED MOBILE APPLICATION FOR ASSISTING USERS AT A POINT OF TRANSACTION - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for an enhanced mobile application for assisting users at a point-of-transaction (POT). In one embodiment of the invention the POT assistance application program may determines that a user is conducting a transaction with a merchant. The user may utilize a user device to assist in the transaction. First, the user device may be paired with a POT system, such as a cash register. Once the devices are paired a communication link is created that allows the user to audibly and/or visually monitor the transaction using the user device. Furthermore, the user may flag an item for review during the transaction, silence the transaction, receive a subtotal for the transaction, select a payment method, or complete the transaction using the POT assistance application program. | 07-25-2013 |
20130191246 | DIRECTIONAL WAYFINDING - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a unique directional wayfinding system. In one embodiment of the invention, products are received from the user, such as a shopping list or wish list. The system determines the location of the user, determines the location of the product in the business, determines a route from the user to the product, and provides instructions to the user along the route. In an embodiment, the system identifies and/or confirms the product when the user reaches the product. In at least one embodiment, the systems, methods, and computer-program products provide functionality for the visually-impaired to assist in everyday shopping for products in businesses. | 07-25-2013 |
20130191789 | CONTROLLING A TRANSACTION WITH COMMAND GESTURES - Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a unique system for controlling transactions based on command gestures. In one embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method determines that a user is conducting a transaction with a mobile device. The mobile device senses a gesture performed by the user with the mobile device and alters at least one aspect of the transaction based on the gesture. The gestures can control a wide variety of aspects of the transaction. For example, the user may flag an item for review during the transaction, silence the transaction, receive a subtotal for the transaction, select a payment method, or complete the transaction. In an embodiment, the user is able to customize the gestures to control the transaction according to the user's preferences. | 07-25-2013 |
20140006113 | ELIGIBILITY ASSISTANCE IN SOCIAL MEDIA OFFER SYSTEM | 01-02-2014 |
20140006128 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING OFFERS DURING A SHOPPING EXPERIENCE | 01-02-2014 |
20140006136 | EXPEDITED REGISTRATION AND PROCESSING OF OFFERS AT A POINT OF TRANSACTION | 01-02-2014 |
20140006149 | NOTIFYING CUSTOMERS POST-TRANSACTION OF ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT TYPES ACCEPTED BY A MERCHANT | 01-02-2014 |
20140006165 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING OFFERS DURING AN IN-STORE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE | 01-02-2014 |
20140006175 | SOCIAL MEDIA OFFER SYSTEM | 01-02-2014 |
20140006183 | AUTOMATIC ACTIVATION OF MOBILE PAYMENT MECHANISMS BASED ON IDENTIFIED MOBILE PAYMENT TYPES ACCEPTED BY A MERCHANT | 01-02-2014 |
20140006199 | MOBILE SYSTEM FOR PRE-PROCESSING SALES RETURNS | 01-02-2014 |
20140006224 | SYSTEM FOR PRE-PROCESSING SALES RETURNS | 01-02-2014 |
20140006259 | SYSTEM FOR ITEM LEVEL PAYMENT VEHICLE SUGGESTION | 01-02-2014 |
20140006272 | NOTIFYING MOBILE DEVICE USERS OF A SUGGESTED PAYMENT TYPE PRIOR TO CONDUCTING A TRANSACTION AT A MERCHANT | 01-02-2014 |
20140006275 | ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION AND NOTIFICATION OF BANKING RECORD DISCREPANCIES | 01-02-2014 |
20140025468 | READABLE INDICIA FOR A REBATE REQUEST - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for processing readable indicia for a rebate request. An exemplary system is configured to: receive information associated with readable indicia associated with a rebate request; and process the readable indicia to issue a rebate associated with a rebate request, wherein the rebate comprises issuance of a credit associated with a purchase previously made from the merchant. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025574 | READABLE INDICIA FOR A PAYMENT CLAIM - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for processing readable indicia for a payment claim. An exemplary system is configured to: receive information associated with readable indicia associated with a payment claim; receive authentication credentials associated with the payment claim; and process the readable indicia and the authentication credentials to authorize a payment associated with the payment claim. | 01-23-2014 |
20140042218 | GENERATING READABLE INDICIA CUSTOMIZED FOR PRODUCT INFORMATION - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for collecting product information based on a navigation history of the user, the product information being associated with the product; generating a readable indicia based on the collected product information, wherein, in response to selection of the readable indicia, the readable indicia is configured to provide instructions for purchasing the product based on the collected product information; and presenting the readable indicia to the user for saving for subsequent consideration or distributing to one or more other users. In some embodiments, shipping information indicative of the user's desired destination address for the product is collected from user input and discount information is collected based on the navigation history of the user or user input. In such cases, the readable indicia may be generated based on all of the product information, the shipping information and the discount information. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046752 | ASSESSING ADVERTISEMENT IMPACT USING ADVERTISEMENT READABLE INDICIA - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for processing a readable indicia associated with an advertisement associated with a product. The invention presents a readable indicia in association with an advertisement, where the readable indicia includes instructions for triggering a data collection tool. The invention collects data from the data collection tool and analyzes characteristics of the readable indicia and the advertisement in order to determine a customer advertisement impact. The readable indicia may include information indicating at least one of a current date, a time of inception of the advertisement, a placement location of the readable indicia within the advertisement, or a visual characteristic of the readable indicia. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046854 | READABLE INDICIA FOR ADVERTISEMENTS - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for processing a readable indicia associated with an advertisement associated with a product. The invention decodes the readable indicia to determine product purchase information, wherein the product purchase information is associated with the product, receives authentication credentials associated with a payment account, and processes the authentication credentials to authorize a payment associated with the product purchase information. In some embodiments, the invention extracts a link from the readable indicia or a second readable indicia associated with the advertisement and initiates a user interface associated with the link. In some embodiments, the invention populates some or all the product purchase information into at least one of a user's notes, calendar or budget, and in some, the advertisement is placed proximate the product within a merchant's business. | 02-13-2014 |
20140156328 | TRANSACTION QUEUING - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for transaction queuing. In some embodiments, a system is configured to: receive information associated with an intended transaction, wherein a user will execute the intended transaction at a facility at a user-defined time; determine preliminary work associated with the intended transaction that can be performed prior to the user-defined time; and perform the preliminary work associated with the intended transaction. The preliminary work is placed on a transaction queue until the user arrives at the facility. | 06-05-2014 |
20140172559 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING LOCATION-BASED GOAL BALANCE INFORMATION - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for providing a notification to a consumer based on the location of the consumer. The system includes a computer apparatus including a processor and a memory; and a software module stored in the memory. The software module includes executable instructions that cause the processor to receive a goal corresponding to a specific product a consumer desires to purchase; determine a location associated with a mobile device of the consumer; identify a merchant that is located at or near the location associated with the mobile device of the consumer; determine whether the merchant offers for sale the specific product associated with the goal; provide a notification to the mobile device associated with the consumer based at least in part on determining that the merchant offers for sale the product, the notification comprising information related to the user's progress towards the goal. | 06-19-2014 |
20140278989 | DETERMINING AN OFFER BASED ON A PRE-PAID ACCOUNT BALANCE AND CONSUMER LOCATION - Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for determining an offer based on a balance value of a prepaid account and a location of a consumer who is the holder of the prepaid account. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving geographic location information associated with a consumer; (b) receiving information associated with the prepaid account of the consumer, wherein the consumer is a holder of the prepaid account; (c) determining a balance value of the prepaid account of the consumer; and (d) determining an offer to present to the consumer based at least partially on the balance value of the prepaid account and the location of the consumer. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279004 | SEPARATING OFFERS ASSOCIATED WITH ONE ACCOUNT BASED ON GEOLOCATION OF ACCOUNT USERS - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for micro-targeting an offer based on geolocation information. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: determine a first user is accessing an account, wherein the account is associated with a first user and a second user, wherein the account is presented on a user interface; and in response to determining the first user is accessing the account, transmit a first offer to the first user based on geolocation information associated with the first user, wherein the first offer is presented on the user interface, and wherein the first offer enables the first user to receive a discount or a rebate on a transaction associated with the first offer. The apparatus may also be configured to transmit, in real-time, offers to the first user based on at least one of real-time or historical geolocation information associated with the first user. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279005 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AN OFFER BASED ON AN ACCOUNT BALANCE AND LOCATION OF A CONSUMER - Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for presenting an offer to a consumer based on account balance information and consumer location information. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receive geographic location information associated with the mobile computing device of the consumer; (b) receive information associated with the credit account of the consumer, wherein the consumer is a holder of the credit account; (c) determine whether the balance value of the credit account has an existing balance value greater than zero; and (d) present, via the mobile computing device of the consumer, the offer to the consumer based at least in part on determining that the geographic location of the mobile device of the consumer is proximate to or coincident with a location of the merchant and determining that the existing balance value of the credit account associated with the merchant is greater than zero. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279006 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING AN OFFER BASED ON AN ACCOUNT BALANCE AND LOCATION OF A CONSUMER - Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for determining an offer based on a balance value of a credit account a location of a consumer having the credit account. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receive geographic location information associated with a mobile computing device of the consumer; (b) receive information associated with the credit account of the consumer, wherein the consumer is a holder of the credit account; (c) determine a balance value of the credit account of the consumer; and (d) determine an offer to present to the consumer based at least partially on the balance value of the credit account and a determined location of the consumer. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279009 | SELF-SERVICE INTERCEPT ON OR OFF PREMISE - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for transmitting an offer to a user associated with an account. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: determine, based on geolocation information associated with a mobile device associated with the user, whether the mobile device is within a predetermined distance of a reference location; in response to determining the mobile device is within the predetermined distance of the reference location, transmit an offer to the mobile device, wherein the offer is associated with a product or a service, and wherein the offer has been previously communicated to the user; and provide an option for the user to accept the offer via the mobile device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279483 | MOBILE PAYMENT VIA TRANSFER NETWORK - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for making a payment via a transfer network. In some embodiments, a first apparatus is configured to: receive readable indicia and payment information from a second apparatus, wherein the payment information comprises an amount of funds; identify an account associated with the readable indicia based on searching a database of records; process the payment information, wherein processing the payment information comprises transmitting to the identified account the determined amount of funds; transmit an acknowledgement of payment transfer to a third apparatus associated with the identified account. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279506 | USER INTERFACE FOR MOBILE PAYMENT VIA TRANSFER NETWORK - Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for making a mobile payment via a transfer network. In some embodiments, a first apparatus is configured to: receive readable indicia from a second apparatus; enable a user to input payment information, wherein the payment information comprises at least one of a payee, a payment amount, or a payment source; transmit the readable indicia and the payment information to a third apparatus. | 09-18-2014 |
20140279799 | PROVIDING REWARDS BUCKETS AND SAVINGS TOWARDS SPECIFIC GOALS - Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for providing a rewards program. The system, method, and computer program product are configured to determine that a customer has completed an action; determine that the customer has earned a reward based on the action; determine a category associated with the reward; and apply the reward to the category. In some situations, the categories are default categories provided by the financial institution. In other situations, the categories are defined by the customer. The system determines which category an earned award is routed into using a decision engine that evaluates the award and/or the action completed by the customer and compares the award and/or action to rules, such as default rules, custom rules, or dynamic rules. The categories may also include goals and the system assists in tracking customer's progress towards the goal. | 09-18-2014 |