On-line Clearing House Patents (Class 705/14.29)
  • Patent number: 11763402
    Abstract: Food and beverage gifts can be transmitted from a first mobile computing device to a second mobile computing device that run an application program. The mobile computing devices communicate with a server and data for the system users is stored on a database. When food or beverages are gifted, a unique token generated by the server and a gift message is transmitted to the second mobile computing device. The user can go to a food or beverage provider and redeem the gift credit by showing the user interface to a staff member of the food or beverage provider. The server can record the unique token for the food or beverage gift as being used and records the value of the food or beverage gift with the food or beverage provider. The server forwards payment for the value of the food or beverage gift to the food or beverage provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: PintPass Software, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Rickert
  • Patent number: 11736465
    Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting a personalized value added offer during an advanced verification process are provided. An access control server may receive an enrollment verification request comprising data relating to an account holder. The server may determine an enrollment status of the account holder and determine a value added offer based on the account holder. The server may display an advanced verification interface for user input. The advanced verification interface may include the value added offer and/or a security credential prompt. The server may personalize the advanced verification interface and/or the value added offer based on monitoring the system and compiling historical transaction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Bethke, II, Umesh Singh Chauhan, Nageshwara R. Chirravuri, Danielle R. Cloud, Mark R. Reese, James D. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 11710159
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating one or more user interfaces for onboarding a merchant for use of services of a commerce platform system are described. The method may include transmitting, from a merchant system to a commerce platform system, a request for creating a merchant account that onboards the merchant for use of services provided by the commerce platform system. The method may also include in response to executing an onboarding user interface received from the commerce platform, establishing a merchant context for the merchant account in a memory of the merchant system, wherein the merchant context stores a local copy of merchant account data for the merchant account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Stripe, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Basta, Ryan Orbuch
  • Patent number: 10893034
    Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting a personalized value added offer during an advanced verification process are provided. An access control server may receive an enrollment verification request comprising data relating to an account holder. The server may determine an enrollment status of the account holder and determine a value added offer based on the account holder. The server may display an advanced verification interface for user input. The advanced verification interface may include the value added offer and/or a security credential prompt. The server may personalize the advanced verification interface and/or the value added offer based on monitoring the system and compiling historical transaction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Bethke, II, Umesh Singh Chauhan, Nageshwara R. Chirravuri, Danielle R. Cloud, Mark R. Reese, James D. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 9704174
    Abstract: A computer converts a first quantity of loyalty program points of a loyalty program possessed by a member held in a first account to a second quantity of different loyalty program points possessed by the member held in a second account in accordance with a fixed ratio. The loyalty program points and the different loyalty program points are non-fungible, non-negotiable units of exchange. A mutual agreement exists between program operators to permit the conversion. Responsive to the converting: the first quantity of loyalty program points is subtracted from the first account; the second quantity of different loyalty program points is added to the second account; and the entity compensates the commerce partner in accordance with mutual agreement. A transformation results in the different loyalty program points that are subject to terms, conditions, or restrictions of the different loyalty program and not of the loyalty program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventors: Sean I. McGhie, Brian K. Buchheit
  • Publication number: 20150046241
    Abstract: The UNIVERSAL VALUE EXCHANGE MULTIPOINT TRANSACTIONS APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“UVEMT”) transform cross-ecosystem currency exchange instructions via UVEMT components into cross-ecosystem currency exchanges. In one embodiment, the UVEMT may obtain a cross-ecosystem currency exchange instruction and determine one or more sources and destinations based on parsing the cross-ecosystem currency exchange instruction. The UVEMT may identify currency types associated with the sources and the destinations and determine exchange rates of the currency types relative to a standard currency. In one implementation, the UVEMT may obtain currency exchange restrictions and conditions associated with the sources and the destinations and generate a currency exchange flow path for currency transfer from the sources to the destinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: VISA INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION
    Inventors: Diane Salmon, Susan French, Victoria Graham, Amit Bhargava, Shipra Jha, Nancy Kim
  • Patent number: 8935747
    Abstract: An authentication includes a unit that issues right transfer information that is to be transmitted to a service providing device and a token that corresponds to the right transfer information and is to be transmitted to a service proxy access device on a basis of information about a user to whom a right is transferred and a condition under which the right is transferred, a unit that provides the token to the service proxy access device, and a unit that receives from the service providing device the token transferred from the service proxy access device and transmits to the service providing device the right transfer information that corresponds to the token and is kept by the authentication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Hatakeyama
  • Publication number: 20140344044
    Abstract: System and method that utilizes a participant's points and a single use, virtual credit card account to implement a cash purchase with a cash vendor. The virtual credit card is active for a single purchase only with an available credit equal to the total of the cash purchase price and any fees. The virtual credit card may further be active for a limited period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Sven Sprogoe, Richard M. Philipak, Jeffrey D. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20140289033
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for providing a plurality of loyalty programs for a plurality of merchants. This involves storing, on a computer-readable storage module, identification information for merchants and customers, and a plurality of rule sets for each merchant, receiving, a request from a customer identifying a customer, a merchant, and purchase information regarding a purchase made by a customer from a merchant, determining if the request complies with the corresponding rule set for the merchant, and, if so, determining a social media profile for the customer, awarding loyalty points to the customer, and uploading loyalty point reward information to the social media profile for the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Ricardo Alonso Ortigoza
  • Publication number: 20140222542
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SIGNATURE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Richard Postrel
  • Patent number: 8788333
    Abstract: An electronic wallet platform obtains, from a check-out web page of a merchant, (i) a unique identification of a given consumer, of a plurality of consumers, who is purchasing at least one item from the merchant in an on-line transaction, and (ii) associated transaction data. The electronic wallet platform supplies, to a transaction qualification service, the unique identification of the given consumer; and retrieves, from a consumer enrollment database, a record wherein at least one useful token is stored in association with the unique identification of the given consumer. The transaction qualification service determines, based on rules from an offers registry database, whether the at least one useful token is applicable to the on-line transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mastercard International Incorporated
    Inventors: Jose A. Alba, David Grossman
  • Publication number: 20140195324
    Abstract: A program controlled data-processing system and computer-based method for facilitating retail transactions based on a seamless translation of reward points into a suitable currency for purchase. In one embodiment, the present invention allows a user to utilize points without the traditional redemption restrictions or encumbrances associated with reward programs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Antoine Hage
  • Patent number: 8639571
    Abstract: A system and method for converting a rebate sponsor's offer into an instant credit or price reduction against a follow-on purchase. Rebate requests are obtained at a site on the Internet. The rebate request is tested to confirm that the at least one predetermined criterion has been satisfied. The person making the rebate request is enabled to make the follow-on purchase, with the rebate being converted into the instant credit or price reduction against the total price of the follow-on purchase. The follow-on purchase transaction is completed by charging that person for the purchase. The credit or price reduction can be conditioned on at least one predetermined criterion such as amount being spent on the follow-on purchase, the vendor from which the follow-on purchase is being made, and other criteria. The credit or price reduction can be redeemed in parts across a series of follow-on purchase transactions. In another aspect of the invention, consumers are advised of rebate offers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: David Leason, Scott L. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20130325579
    Abstract: A system and method to provide a universal loyalty currency, facilitate exchange of loyalty benefits, and allow payments using loyalty benefits. A method includes: receiving registration information to associate account information of a payment account with at least one loyalty account to enable conversion of first loyalty benefits to second loyalty benefits; receiving, for a transaction, an authorization request identifying the account information and requesting the use of the second loyalty benefits to fund at least a portion of the transaction; and processing the transaction using the second benefits converted from the first loyalty benefits hosted in the loyalty account and funds from the payment account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Visa International Service Association
    Inventors: Diane C. Salmon, Nancy L. Kim, James Alan VonDerheide
  • Patent number: 8577721
    Abstract: There is provided a communication device which has a first communication system that communicates with an external telephone device and a second communication system that communicates with an external computer. The communication device comprises a call unit and a data acquisition unit. The call unit makes a call to a telephone device designated by a user using the first communication system. If a destination of the call unit is decided by the user's designation, a data acquisition unit obtains data corresponding to the destination telephone device using the second communication system. By only making a call operation, the user can obtain the data corresponding to the destination telephone device from the communication device through the computer network which is a different kind of network from the telephone line network. That is, the communication device can reduce user's operations to access related devices over various kinds of networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuma Aoki, Kiyotaka Ohara, Makoto Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20130268342
    Abstract: A host clearinghouse account manager may maintain a system, such as a middleware system, for converting and/or exchanging loyalty points to value credits. The host clearinghouse's system middleware determines the appropriate number of loyalty points from a first merchant's loyalty point system to convert and/or exchange by implementing a conversion processor that converts the participant's loyalty points to an appropriate value credit equivalent. These value credits may then be converted and/or exchanged to loyalty points in a second merchant's loyalty point system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Tune, John M. Rojewski
  • Publication number: 20130246154
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated points rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Signature Systems LLC
    Inventor: Richard Postrel
  • Patent number: 8533037
    Abstract: An item may be purchased using a combination of rewards and monetary consideration, wherein a maximum allowable reward payment portion (or correspondingly a minimum monetary consideration amount) is established by the merchant, the reward issuer, or an online reward exchange operator. The user may select, using for example a user interface slider control, the desired number of rewards to redeem (up to the maximum allowable amount) and the corresponding monetary consideration portion is displayed. The transaction may then be executed wherein the selected rewards are redeemed and the balance is paid for with the corresponding monetary consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Signature Systems LLC
    Inventor: Richard Postrel
  • Publication number: 20130231995
    Abstract: A user selects a product to be liquidated from a product provider and then designates to the transacting entity that reward points are to be used towards the purchase of the liquidated product. The transacting entity acts to decrease the number of reward points in the user's reward account by the required number of points. The reward account holder conveys consideration to the transacting entity equivalent to the par value of the reward points consumer obtains the product in exchange for reward points having a retail value equivalent to what he would have otherwise paid for the product, while the reward account holder is required to convey only the par value of the points. The product provider is able to liquidate the product and obtain payment equivalent to what it would otherwise have obtained in a prior art liquidation process, auction or trading environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: SIGNATURE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Richard Postrel
  • Patent number: 8527336
    Abstract: A computerized system and method that enables identifying the best payment currency for a product or service is disclosed. Payment currencies include cash, reward programs and the unit or currency in which reward programs are denominated, and combinations thereof. A single product search request initiates searches of multiple payment currencies. Availability, discounts, prices, comparable costs, net values and relative values are determined and/or calculated per each payment currency. Comparable cost, relative value, or other criteria, may be used to determine the best payment method, that is, the lowest cost in a common currency, such as cash. Determination of the best payment currency is accomplished in “real-time” and has an advantage of leveraging quantitative and qualitative analysis in its determination. In addition, the search may be personalized by adding information unique to each user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Sanjay Kothari, Vinay Pulim
  • Publication number: 20130218657
    Abstract: The UNIVERSAL VALUE EXCHANGE APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“UVE”) transform cross-ecosystem currency exchange instructions via UVE components into cross-ecosystem currency exchanges. In one embodiment, the UVE may obtain a cross-ecosystem currency exchange instruction and determine one or more sources and destinations based on parsing the cross-ecosystem currency exchange instruction. The UVE may identify currency types associated with the sources and the destinations and determine exchange rates of the currency types relative to a standard currency. In one implementation, the UVE may obtain currency exchange restrictions and conditions associated with the sources and the destinations and generate a currency exchange flow path for currency transfer from the sources to the destinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Diane Salmon, Nancy Kim
  • Patent number: 8512150
    Abstract: A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Scientific Games Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Mark E. Herrmann, Dow K. Hardy, John F. Acres, John E. Taylor, Jr., Scott N. Weller, Francis Josef Lichtenberger
  • Patent number: 8515808
    Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Signature Systems LLC
    Inventor: Richard Postrel
  • Patent number: 8510159
    Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Signature Systems LLC
    Inventor: Richard Postrel
  • Patent number: 8510163
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and mechanism that virtualizes a physical queue in a retail establishment. Customers using this system have the ability to indicate they would like to pay now (i.e., enter the virtual queue) using a button on their mobile device, and then they continue shopping until the mobile device informs them to proceed to a checkout counter. In addition, the system implements features that address users waiting in the queue. One feature is about transactions within the queue. This means that customers can buy priority using their mobile device, while waiting. Another feature is targeted advertisement and recommendation of products, leading to increased impulsive purchases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Basil Hess, Felix von Reischach, Juliana Sutanto
  • Publication number: 20130191202
    Abstract: An online reward exchange system, including an exchange computer that interoperates with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting via a user computer, merchant's point of sale device, or mobile device an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: SIGNATURE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: SIGNATURE SYSTEMS LLC
  • Patent number: 8489546
    Abstract: A computerized system, method and process allows telecommunications carriers to find, evaluate and select locations for equipment through direct access to end users, while providing citizens the opportunity to offer the use of their dwelling or other assets to carriers. The system and method further provides a computerized mechanism for (a) creating an inventory and marketplace for available properties for use in telecommunications networks, (b) providing quality and/or performance monitoring and control for wireless communication systems based on data in the clearinghouse, and (c) providing localized content over wireless networks using the clearinghouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Theodore S. Rappaport
  • Patent number: 8433610
    Abstract: An online reward exchange system including an exchange computer that interoperates with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting via a user computer, merchant's point of sale device, or mobile device an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Signature Systems LLC
    Inventor: Richard David Postrel
  • Patent number: 8407087
    Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting via a user computer, merchant's point of sale device, or mobile device an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Signature Systems, LLC.
    Inventor: Richard Postrel
  • Publication number: 20120303436
    Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Richard David Postrel
  • Publication number: 20120303437
    Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Richard David Postrel
  • Patent number: 8261974
    Abstract: A universal digital information management and transaction system facilitates a consumer's ability to organize, use and obtain personal data related to a consumer, including for example, the consumer's financial, health, and personal records. A consumer is provided with an online profile that stores all of the relevant consumer information, with a token associated with the consumer's profile to enable the consumer to securely login remotely to the system to access and manage all of their relevant information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Hull
  • Publication number: 20120203617
    Abstract: An online reward exchange system including an exchange computer that interoperates with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting via a user computer, merchant's point of sale device, or mobile device an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Richard David Postrel
  • Patent number: 8112494
    Abstract: A method for content data management and provision. The method includes receiving a registration message from a user, the registration message containing user identification information. The user may registered, the registering including storing the received user identification information. A blank message may be received, the blank message being addressed to a number associated with a broadcast entity. A user identity is determined based upon the received blank message, at least one of a date or a time of transmission of the blank message is determined, and a broadcast entity is determined based upon the blank message. The at least one determined date or time is compared with content broadcast information associated with the broadcast entity, and at least one piece of content data is identified based upon the comparing. The at least one piece of identified content data is transmitted to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: MediaWave International Corporation
    Inventor: Adham Maghraby
  • Publication number: 20110153403
    Abstract: An item may be purchased using a combination of rewards and monetary consideration, wherein a maximum allowable reward payment portion (or correspondingly a minimum monetary consideration amount) is established by the merchant, the reward issuer, or an online reward exchange operator. The user may select, using for example a user interface slider control, the desired number of rewards to redeem (up to the maximum allowable amount) and the corresponding monetary consideration portion is displayed. The transaction may then be executed wherein the selected rewards are redeemed and the balance is paid for with the corresponding monetary consideration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Postrel
  • Publication number: 20100280896
    Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting via a user computer, merchant's point of sale device, or mobile device an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: SIGNATURE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: Richard David Postrel
  • Publication number: 20100274657
    Abstract: A scalable integrated credit exchange system for incentivizing conservation of a resource is provided, which includes a credit allocation system, a consumer interface, and an online trading system. Data is utilized from a measuring system using a smart meter, geospatial monitoring system, and the utility. The incentive is provided in the form of an awarded “ECOSHARE credit” that can be traded in the provided online trading system or can be utilized to reduce the consumer's utility bill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: James G. Workman, Montgomery F. Simus
  • Patent number: 7818209
    Abstract: Finding a best price available for a selected product, computed including all relevant factors available to the search engine. Searching separately for the product by price, and concurrently, searching for any available coupons or other discounts available for that product from the seller. When obtaining price information, querying for relevant information relating to purchase decisions. Obtaining relevant information from third-party sources. When obtaining discount information, querying for relevant information relating to applicability of that discount. Matching price information with coupon information for each selected requested product, and computing an effective price to the potential buyer. Aggregating the information it obtains, and presenting that aggregated information. Filtering or sorting those results. Maintaining separate pricing information for each product, uniquely identified by a code, in a database entry. Maintaining separate information for each discount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Campusi, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Lu, Sadashiv Adiga
  • Publication number: 20100250360
    Abstract: A trading platform to allow holders of points or miles in loyalty programs to monetize their holdings, or to barter rewards, and connects parties interested in buying reward items or services with pointsholders capable of redeeming points to obtain the desired rewards. The trading platform creates matches between parties and can obtain a matchmaking or brokerage fee in the process without having to interact with the loyalty program itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: LOYALTYMATCH INC.
    Inventors: Michael Edward Ball, Bradley John Ball
  • Patent number: 7791752
    Abstract: A variable price on-line printing system includes printing and finishing resources, and an on-line server to receive print job data and electronic requests for use of the printing/finishing resources from customer workstations. A dynamic price database includes data that describe current and anticipated future demand for the printing/finishing resources. An automated dynamic price offer generation process accesses the dynamic price database and derives a dynamic price for use of at least one of the printing/finishing resources based upon current and anticipated future demand as indicated in the dynamic price database. A user interface engine receives input from the automated dynamic price offer generation process and outputs price offers to the customer workstations, including the dynamic price associated with a printing/finishing resource, wherein the dynamic price is tailored to shape demand for the printing/finishing resource. The customer can accept or decline the dynamic price offer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Reiner Eschbach, Robert J. Rolleston
  • Publication number: 20100223121
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a perks package associated with personality rights of a known entity are disclosed. A method for managing such a perks package can include selecting personality rights of at least one of a plurality of known entities with which a subscriber desires to be associated. The method can further include transferring into a personality association fee account fees paid by the subscriber in exchange for association with the selected personality rights. The personality association fee account can be linked with the personality rights selected. At least one of a plurality of perks packages can be automatically assigned to the subscriber in exchange for payment of the association fees, wherein the at least one perks package assigned is associated with the personality rights selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Marion Darnell JONES
  • Publication number: 20100217658
    Abstract: The present invention provides a space and all necessary procedures enabling visitors to create, distribute, aggregate, exchange, return, donate, verify, redeem, account and clear different kinds of incentives by commonly available means and tools, where the specific commodity (promotional programs) is exchanged for special consideration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Dmitry Yankelevich, Yuriy K. Krasnov
  • Patent number: 7778870
    Abstract: A system and method for centralizing the creation, approval, monitoring and managing of a plurality of incentive reward or spiff programs. The system preferably includes a host system that allows program managers, an administrator and participants to access the system in connection with spiff programs. The system also may monitor and report on the effectiveness of the spiff programs to permit the program manager to increase its return on investment. Once a spiff program is approved, registered participants are automatically enrolled in the program. Upon the entering or receipt of sales information, the system automatically begins the claims process for all eligible products. Centralizing the available spiff programs allows the participants to combine rewards and simplifies tax issues. The users may also view various reports on the spiff programs and directly communicate with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Marketing Technology Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: George Kriza
  • Patent number: 7769629
    Abstract: A system and method for providing online incentive programs that allows participants in the programs to access hierarchical reports detailing the current status of the incentive programs. The incentive programs include means to restrict access to the various hierarchical reports to prevent the different levels of management from accessing information relating to higher levels of management. Participants may therefore monitor their performance, as well as the performance of those individuals who are under their control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Marketing Technology Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: George Kriza, Travis Kriza
  • Publication number: 20100179870
    Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Postrel
  • Publication number: 20090299846
    Abstract: Linking loyalty programs by use of a new and unique cross-reference number. Reward points from the linked accounts are pooled. Redemption of reward points associated with the linked accounts can be restricted using restriction rules. Restriction rules restrict redemption of points from an individual's account; from the pooled rewards, and/or restrict redemption for a predetermined reward type. Reward points in the linked accounts can also be converted from one reward account to another using a conversion table, which holds a liability ratio for each account. A processing platform, typically comprising a computer-implemented linking engine and an account files database, is logically connected to a network to receive linking instructions from an account holder. The linking engine can assign the cross-reference number; apply restriction rules; and convert reward points using the conversion tables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne Richard Brueggemann, Ramkishan Sadasivam, Kurt Emmenegger, Ashish Bhagare, Deirdre Baker