Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.