Abstract: A user interface is provided to present offers via icons displayed near the location of the user on a map. Offers presented on the map may include active offers previously selected by the user and currently associated with the consumer account of the user for active participation, matching offers that have a set of targeting criteria which the user meets, and location-based offers that target locations in the vicinity of the location of the user. Icons for the location-based offers are presented at their respective targeting locations; and the active offers and matching offers are presented around the location of the user on the map for convenient access. A user interface allows the user to explore available offers, view information associated with the respective offers, and select offers in which to participate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for determining the products involved in a transaction conducted with a subsidiary user of a payment account, and transmitting messages containing product specific information. Systems may be implemented to transmit product identifiers during payment processing. The product specific information may be included in alert messages sent to an account holder.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured to represent offer rules based on requirements for the detection of predefined types of events and actions scheduled to be performed in response to the detection of each occurrence of the events. The events are independent from each other in processing and are linked via prerequisite conditions to formulate the requirements of an offer campaign.

Abstract: Tissue access devices and methods of using the same are disclosed. The devices can have a sensor configured to occlude a flow path by deflecting a membrane into the flow path when the devices become dislodged from tissue. The sensor can be configured to partially or fully occlude the flow path. The sensor can have a spring. The spring can be biased to move the sensor from a sensor first configuration to a sensor second configuration when a force applied by the sensor first surface against a non-sensor surface changes from a first force to a second force less than the first force. The membrane can be deflected into the flow path when the sensor is in the sensor second configuration.

Abstract: A method for conducting a transaction is disclosed. The method includes using a first portable electronic device, and directly transmitting a request for payment to a second portable electronic device through a wireless link. Then, the second portable electronic device transmits an approval of the request for payment to the first portable electronic device. One of the first and the second portable electronic devices then sends the request for payment to a payment hub service. The payment hub service then facilitates the transfer of funds from a payer institution to a payee institution to complete the transaction.

Abstract: A method and system for providing geographic location notifications for targeted offers is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method including monitoring for an event to trigger a targeted offer. Upon detection of the event, the offer is generated. The offer is targeted to a consumer and is generated using payment data generated in response to transactions conducted by the consumer with a plurality of different merchants. A geographic location for redeeming the offer is determined. A notification message is generated about the offer. The notification message includes the offer and the geographic location for redeeming the offer. The notification message is sent to a notification device which is operated by the consumer. A graphical depiction of the offer is displayed on a map on the notification device.

Abstract: A system includes a digital camera coupled with or integrated within a transaction terminal to capture an image during authorization of a transaction initiated at the transaction terminal. The system further includes a portal configured to receive the image and transmit the image to a communication reference associated with the account information of an account in which the transaction is made, based on a security preference associated with the account information. The image may be optionally analyzed to detect fraudulent use of the account.

Abstract: A user interface is provided to present offers via icons displayed near the location of the user on a map. Offers presented on the map may include active offers previously selected by the user and currently associated with the consumer account of the user for active participation, matching offers that have a set of targeting criteria which the user meets, and location-based offers that target locations in the vicinity of the location of the user. Icons for the location-based offers are presented at their respective targeting locations; and the active offers and matching offers are presented around the location of the user on the map for convenient access. A user interface allows the user to explore available offers, view information associated with the respective offers, and select offers in which to participate.

Abstract: A system includes a transaction handler, a data warehouse to store transaction data recording transactions processed at the transaction handler and to store account data identifying an account of a user, and a portal to receive a user selection of a first portion of an announcement of a reward. The portal tracks user interactions associated with the announcement to determine whether the user is qualified for the reward. Upon a determination that the user has completed the user interactions for the reward, the transaction handler provides the reward to the account of the user via statement credit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for determining the products involved in a transaction conducted with a subsidiary user of a payment account, and transmitting messages containing product specific information. Systems may be implemented to transmit product identifiers during payment processing. The product specific information may be included in alert messages sent to an account holder.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computer implemented method is provided for the provision, on a computing apparatus, of a user interface configured via a portal to permit a merchant to define an offer campaign. The offer has a plurality of milestones required to be met in order to provide a benefit to a user. The computing apparatus may be further configured to associate the offer with a user, detect the progress of the user toward the milestone, and transmit a message to the user regarding the user's progress toward the milestone.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module for cooling a heat source includes multiple major sections, each major section including multiple minor sections. Each minor section includes one or more thermoelectric cooler (TEC) units including P-type and N-type semiconductors. Each major section also includes a single output terminal commonly connected to the minor sections, where the output terminal is configured to provide a same reference voltage signal to each of the minor sections. Each major section also comprises multiple input terminals, where each input terminal is separately connected to one of the minor sections and each input terminal is configured to provide a separate input voltage signal to each of the minor sections. The module also comprises a controller configured to independently control each reference voltage signal applied to each major section, and independently control each input voltage signal applied to each input terminal of each minor section within each major section.

Abstract: A method and system for providing geographic location notifications for targeted offers is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method including monitoring for an event to trigger a targeted offer. Upon detection of the event, the offer is generated. The offer is targeted to a consumer and is generated using payment data generated in response to transactions conducted by the consumer with a plurality of different merchants. A geographic location for redeeming the offer is determined. A notification message is generated about the offer. The notification message includes the offer and the geographic location for redeeming the offer. The notification message is sent to a notification device which is operated by the consumer. A graphical depiction of the offer is displayed on a map on the notification device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for determining the products involved in a transaction conducted with a subsidiary user of a payment account, and transmitting messages containing product specific information. Systems may be implemented to transmit product identifiers during payment processing. The product specific information may be included in alert messages sent to an account holder.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computer implemented method is provided for the provision, on a computing apparatus, of a user interface configured via a portal to permit a merchant to define an offer campaign. The offer has a plurality of milestones required to be met in order to provide a benefit to a user. The computing apparatus may be further configured to associate the offer with a user, detect the progress of the user toward the milestone, and transmit a message to the user regarding the user's progress toward the milestone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein include systems and methods for sending merchant alert messages. The merchant can specify criteria indicating the types of customers for which he desires to receive alerts. Merchant alert messages can be sent based on characteristics of a customer, including the customer's proximity to the merchant. The merchant can use the alert message to provide better service to the customer or prevent the customer from engaging in transactions, depending on the contents of the merchant alert message.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured to represent offer rules based on requirements for the detection of predefined types of events, and actions scheduled to be performed in response to the detection of each occurrence of the events. The events are processed independently from each other and are linked via prerequisite conditions to formulate the requirements of an offer campaign. In one embodiment, the requirements for the detection of the events are specified based on predetermined types of events, including a first type for an event specified for interaction with a first user when the first user performs an action as a result of a referral from a second user, and a second type for an event specified for interaction with the second user in response to the first user performing the action.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for route prediction. A method includes generating a route dictionary comprising a plurality of routes, generating a route prediction for a route partially traversed by a user based on the route dictionary and a context of the user, generating at least one location of interest based on the route prediction, monitoring an actual route of the user continuing from the route partially traversed, recording an accuracy of the route prediction based on the actual route of the user, determining that the actual route does not match the route prediction based on the accuracy, in response to determining that the actual route does not match the route prediction, determining if the actual route matches an existing route stored in the route dictionary, in response to determining that the actual route matches the existing route, and updating a count associated with the existing route.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computing apparatus is configured with a configurable, generic, data-driven model, in which properties of social networking sites/applications are stored and used in communicating offer-related messages via social networking sites.