Patents Assigned to American Express Travel Related Services
-
Publication number: 20050038741Abstract: The present invention provides a system and methods for a radio frequency identification (RFID) system which securely and conveniently integrates important travel-related applications. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an RFID system comprises a transponder identification application and various additional applications useful in particular travel contexts; for example, airline, hotel, rental car, and payment-related applications. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an RFID system further comprises space and security features within specific applications which provide partnering organizations the ability to construct custom and secure file structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2004Publication date: February 17, 2005Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: David Bonalle, Carl Larkin, Peter Saunders
-
Publication number: 20050035192Abstract: A system and method for providing a multiple-service card is disclosed. A card member 108 is provided with a single card that serves as both an open transaction instrument and a private retailer transaction instrument. This multiple-service card may have the traditional credit card data on one side of the card, including, for example, the account number, name of the account holder, and the expiration date. The other side of the card may include a magnetic stripe that contains the account information in machine readable form as well as private retailer transaction instrument information. In the system, the primary party and the service partner participants cooperate to complete the processes associated with the provision of the combined card services, including a new account process, card replacement and renewal processes, a service partner cancellation process, and a process for cancellation and/or transfer by a primary party.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2004Publication date: February 17, 2005Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: David Bonalle, Aliza Freud, Jason Nanton, Mary Reilly, Ray Sharp
-
Publication number: 20050033687Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and methods for biometric security using auditory emissions recognition biometrics in a transponder-reader system. The biometric security system also includes an auditory emissions scan sensor that detects biometric samples and a device for verifying biometric samples. In one embodiment, the biometric security system includes a transponder configured with an auditory emissions scan sensor. In another embodiment, the system includes a reader configured with an auditory emissions scan sensor. In yet another embodiment, the present invention discloses methods for proffering and processing auditory emissions scan samples to facilitate authorization of transactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Inventors: Blayn Beenau, David Bonalle, Seth Fields, William Gray, Carl Larkin, Joshua Montgomery, Peter Saunders
-
Publication number: 20050033689Abstract: A system generally for personalizing and synchronizing fob data in the context of a distributed transaction system is disclosed. A dynamic fob synchronization system may comprise point of service (POS) devices configured with transponder-readers to initiate a transaction in conjunction with a fob, an enterprise data collection unit, and a fob object database update system. An exemplary dynamic synchronization system (DSS) may comprise various fob POS devices, a secure support client server, a fob object database update system (FODUS), one or more enterprise data synchronization interfaces (EDSI), an update logic system, one or more enterprise data collection units (EDCUs), and one or more fob POS devices configured to interoperably accept and interface with fobs. In an exemplary embodiment, DSS may comprise a personalization system and an account maintenance system configured to communicate with FODUS.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: David Bonalle, Carl Larkin, Peter Saunders
-
Publication number: 20050033619Abstract: A system and method for using RFID technology to track resource performance and task completion is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a fob and an RFID reader may engage in mutual authentication. Where the RFID reader and the fob successfully mutually authenticate, the fob may transmit to the RFID reader information identifying the resourceās performance tracking account to which the fob is associated. The RFID reader may receive and forward the information to facilitate performance tracking. In one exemplary embodiment, the RFID reader may forward the information to a point of interaction terminal for transaction completion. In another exemplary embodiment, the fob completes tasks via a computer interface. In still another exemplary embodiment, the fob resource and/or a manager access to a resource engine, wherein the resource engine may be used to automatically grade, track, score, and assign resources based on resource skills and skill sets.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Brian Barnes, David Bonalle, Peter Saunders
-
Publication number: 20050033686Abstract: A system and method for securing a Radio Frequency (RF) transaction using a proxy code, which is permanently assigned to the RF identification device (RFID) transaction account number. An account issuer permanently assigns the proxy code to a transaction account correlated to the RFID transaction device. The proxy code is uploaded onto the transaction device for later use in completing a transaction request. During transaction completion, the proxy code is provided to a merchant system in lieu of any sensitive transaction account information. Since the proxy code is permanently assigned, the number need not be changed or updated once uploaded into a payment device or merchant system. Since the proxy code contains no sensitive information, the sensitive information related to the transaction account is secured from theft where the merchant system internal security measures may fail.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Lee Peart, Peter Saunders
-
Publication number: 20050033688Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a smartcard system are provided which securely and conveniently provides for secure transaction completion in a contact or contactless environment. The invention utilizes selection of processing applications based on the account issuer parameters and risk factors (stored on a smartcard) and merchant system parameters and risk factors (stored on a merchant system database). The invention permits a merchant system and smartcard to exchange information useful for determining if particular transactions should be completed online or offline.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2004Publication date: February 10, 2005Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Lee Peart, Peter Saunders
-
System and method for activating or changing the status of an account associated with a prepaid card
Publication number: 20050027655Abstract: A system and method for activating and funding prepaid cards at the point of sale by making innovative use of existing point-of-sale devices and existing credit/debit card acceptance networks and processes. The invention obviates the need to implement new/different technology at point-of-sale terminals that are widely used at retail outlets. This invention makes use of the existing credit and charge card systems and processes, including industry standard message formats, to settle funds and fees between the seller and the issuer of the prepaid card, thus further reducing the expense and time-to-market for product distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2004Publication date: February 3, 2005Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Inventors: Bansi Sharma, Michael Peterson -
Publication number: 20050021353Abstract: The present invention includes an automatic bill payment enrollment system for recurring donations, which allows donors to automatically charge charitable donations on a recurring basis to a financial account. In one embodiment, the invention uses a donation portal having various webpages to allow a donor to donate to all U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations. In an alternative embodiment, a donor may donate to any other desired organizations. The system may also incorporate a filter for restricting monies being sent to terrorist organizations. The invention also includes a loyalty point system, wherein loyalty points may be donated to a charity. In another exemplary embodiment, the invention also facilitates employee gift matching.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2004Publication date: January 27, 2005Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Karen Aviles, Mary Craig, Jason Halpern, Wendy Lee, Anna Mariella, Anne O'Malley, Barbara Reveron-Lens
-
Patent number: 6845906Abstract: A system and method is disclosed which enables a consumer to use a PIN biometric, merchant code or other indicia to conveniently instruct a financial institution to activate or access specific financial services or accounts during a particular time period or during a particular transaction. When making a purchase, the cardholder enters account information into a remote terminal such as a POS device, then the cardholder inputs a particular PIN or biometric which is communicated to the financial services provider. The provider interprets the PIN or biometric as an instruction to access or activate a particular service.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Inventors: Coby Royer, David Armes, Bill Schwarz
-
Publication number: 20050004921Abstract: A RF transaction device is provided, which is operable to store multiple distinct data sets owned by unrelated data set owners, wherein the distinct data sets may include differing formats. The method includes the steps of: adding, by a read/write, a first data set to the RF transaction device, wherein the first data set is owned by a first owner; adding, by the read/write device, a second data set to the RF transaction device, wherein the second data set is owned by a second owner; and storing the first data set and the second data set on the RF transaction device in accordance with an owner defined format. The first and second data sets may each be stored as a Block of Binary. The first and second data sets are associated with first and second owners, respectively, and are configured to be stored independent of each other and in accordance with the particular data set storage protocol.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2004Publication date: January 6, 2005Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Blayn Beenau, Michal Bliman, David Bonalle, Joshua Montgomery, Peter Saunders, John Williamson
-
Publication number: 20040267662Abstract: Dynamically enabling and facilitating businesses or other entities to locate and transact with payment systems for the purpose of processing payments. A customer interacts with a supplier of an item (e.g., goods or services), selects an item for purchase, and provides the supplier with payment criteria. The supplier queries a payment system directory to locate candidate payment systems for the transaction. The supplier then interacts directly with one or more of the payment systems to partially or fully process payment for the transaction. Alternatively, the supplier interacts with a gateway service, which queries a payment system directory to locate candidate payment systems and then interacts with one or more of the payment systems to process payment for the transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: American Express Travel Related Service Company, Inc.Inventors: David Armes, Fred Bishop, Jeffrey Alan Edelen, Bill Schwarz
-
Publication number: 20040267651Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for facilitating financial advising and planning for a user using a portfolio integration module. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a portfolio integration module for facilitating integration of a user's goals, assets, savings, and risk tolerance to facilitate analyzing and developing a customized strategy for financial portfolio planning of the user. A portfolio reconciler module in communication with the portfolio integration module facilitates comparison of the customized strategy to other strategies and projected user financial decisions in order to further facilitate the financial portfolio planning of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Inventors: Jodi Jenson, Patricia Scarlato, Beth M. Vanney
-
Publication number: 20040267775Abstract: In the past, it has not been possible to perform searches within documents stored in a proprietary, binary format, such as Microsoft Word documents and Adobe Acrobat documents. The present invention solves the problem by storing the binary file as a field in a record of the database. Then, the binary file is translated into a text format, which is searchable within the database. Thereafter, a user of the database is able to search within binary files by performing a search of the translated file.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Inventors: Luis Azcona, Melinda K. Pollock, Robert A. Sorensen, Art Tramutolo
-
Publication number: 20040267643Abstract: Dynamically enabling and facilitating businesses or other entities to locate and transact with payment systems for the purpose of processing payments. A customer interacts with a supplier of an item (e.g., goods or services), selects an item for purchase, and provides the supplier with payment criteria. The supplier queries a payment system directory to locate candidate payment systems for the transaction. The supplier then interacts directly with one or more of the payment systems to partially or fully process payment for the transaction. Alternatively, the supplier interacts with a gateway service, which queries a payment system directory to locate candidate payment systems and then interacts with one or more of the payment systems to process payment for the transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Inventors: David Armes, Fred Bishop, Jeffrey Alan Edelen, Bill Schwarz
-
Publication number: 20040257197Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for facilitating biometric security in a transponder-reader system. The method includes detecting biometrics using a biometric sensor in order to obtain a biometric sample. In one embodiment, the biometric sensor communicates with the transponder-system and is configured with a transponder. In another embodiment, the biometric sensor communicates with the transponder-system and is configured with a reader. The invention also discloses methods for verifying a biometric sample and for authorizing a transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Blayn W. Beenau, David S. Bonalle, Seth W. Fields, William J. Gray, Carl Larkin, Joshua L. Montgomery, Peter D. Saunders
-
Publication number: 20040260728Abstract: An interface file definition is used to translate data files in a particular format to another format. Data from a centralized source is translated into a format that set forth in an interface file definition. The interface file definition is created by entering the desired format of the information to be imported. Once all the information regarding the format is entered, the data is translated to the desired format. The desired format is typically a format that is easily used by another computer program to more easily process the desired information.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence J. Mika
-
Publication number: 20040260648Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the negotiation of credits. The bank issuing the credit and a nominated bank agree to program conditions pursuant to which the nominated bank, based upon its own examination of documents presented under the credit and before said documents are forwarded to, received, and accepted by the issuing bank, will pay, accept, or negotiate the credit with no or limited recourse to the issuing bank for discrepancies in the documents.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICESInventors: Fides Carlos, Glenn D.J. Ransier, Farhad Subjally, Shankar Subramaniam, Imran Yusuf
-
Publication number: 20040260581Abstract: A system and method providing an integrated travel market broker system for facilitating transactions between travel services suppliers and buyers. The system comprises a network with hub sites that provide a centralized connection for Global Distribution Systems/Computer Reservation Systems, travel vendors, and travel office point of service terminals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: James A. Baranowski, Michael Keith Laughlin, Mark B. McCulloch, Andrew Winterton
-
Publication number: 20040256469Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for providing an irregularly shaped Radio Frequency operable transaction device using conventional International Standards Organization dimensions for conventional transaction cards and traditional transaction card manufacturing machinery. The invention provides for normal manufacture of a plurality of transaction transporters joined together in a single sheet. The outline of a RFID transaction device is impressed in a center portion of one of the transporters. A RFID transaction device including a RFID module may then be removed, or punched out of the transporter in accordance with the transaction device outline. Alternatively, the RFID module may include an outline pressed into the transporter permitting removal of the module from the transporter independent of the removal of the transaction device. The RFID module may then be removed and used to complete a RFID transaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.Inventors: William J. Faenza, Ellen Lasch, Peter D. Saunders, Lisa Webb