Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in imposing chargeback probability scores on network transactions. One exemplary method includes obtaining at least one transaction detail of a network transaction between a consumer and a merchant. A computing device determines a chargeback probability score for the network transaction based, at least in part, on the at least one transaction detail. Chargeback data is transmitted to an entity associated with the network transaction, where the chargeback data includes at least one of (a) the chargeback probability score and (b) an indicator that the chargeback probability score fails to satisfy one or more thresholds, thereby permitting the entity to hold and/or decline the network transaction when the chargeback probability score fails to satisfy one or more thresholds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a competitive diagnostic assay strip for detection of a target molecule in a sample. The strip includes an elongated substrate extending between a first end at which the sample is applied to the strip and a second end at which results of the assay can be assessed. A first layer is supported on the substrate for receiving, absorbing, and filtering a liquid sample. A second layer is supported on the substrate, wherein the second layer comprising a mobile labelled specific binding partner of a target molecule. A third layer is supported on the substrate, the third layer comprising a test region and a control region separated from the test region. The test region has immobilized target molecules. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of conducting a diagnostic assay. The method includes providing a competitive diagnostic assay strip in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A QR (quick response) code is scanned by a customer's payment-enabled mobile device to launch a payment account system transaction. The QR code includes the mobile phone number for a merchant's employee or associate. The mobile phone number is communicated through payment account system transaction messaging to the merchant's bank. The merchant's bank sends a confirmation message to the employee/associate to trigger completion of a related purchase transaction.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of a target in a sample including a first port configured to receive a multi-layered substrate having a sample inlet and a reagent inlet. The sample inlet is connected to a first microfluidic channel and the reagent inlet is connected to both the first microfluidic channel and a second microfluidic channel. The second microfluidic channel has a longer pathway than the first microfluidic channel. A first test strip and a second test strip are each connected to both the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel, while a third test strip is connected only to the first microfluidic channel. Each test strip includes a conjugate section, a detection section, and a collection section.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a point-of-collection, selected quantitative indicia of an analyte on a test strip using a smartphone involves imaging a test strip on which a colorimetric reaction of a target sample has occurred due to test strip illumination by the smartphone. The smartphone includes a smartphone app and a smartphone accessory that provides an external environment-independent/internal light-free, imaging environment independent of the smartphone platform being used. The result can then be presented quantitatively or turned into a more consumer-friendly measurement (positive, negative, above average, etc.), displayed to the user, stored for later use, and communicated to a location where practitioners can provide additional review. Additionally, social media integration can allow for device results to be broadcast to specific audiences, to compare healthy living with others, to compete in health based games, create mappings, and other applications.

Abstract: A method for processing a point to point payment transaction includes: receiving a first transaction message related to a payment transaction including a transaction amount, primary account number, and recipient account number; generating a second transaction message related to the payment transaction including a payment amount based on the transaction amount; transmitting the second transaction message to a first financial institution associated with the primary account number; determining receipt of a currency amount equivalent to the payment amount from the first financial institution; generating a third transaction message related to the payment transaction including the recipient account number and a settlement amount based on the transaction amount; and transmitting the third transaction message to a second financial institution associated with the recipient account number.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a point-of-collection, selected quantitative indicia of an analyte on a test strip using a smartphone involves imaging a test strip on which a colorimetric reaction of a target sample has occurred due to test strip illumination by the smartphone. The smartphone includes a smartphone app and a smartphone accessory that provides an external environment-independent/internal light-free, imaging environment independent of the smartphone platform being used. The result can then be presented quantitatively or turned into a more consumer-friendly measurement (positive, negative, above average, etc.), displayed to the user, stored for later use, and communicated to a location where practitioners can provide additional review. Additionally, social media integration can allow for device results to be broadcast to specific audiences, to compare healthy living with others, to compete in health based games, create mappings, and other applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in assigning bank identification numbers (BINs) are disclosed. One exemplary method includes identifying a payment account demand for an issuer. The payment account demand is associated with an anticipated number of primary account numbers (PANs) for the issuer, each PAN having a PAN length. The method further includes selecting a BIN length for the issuer based on the payment account demand where the BIN length being less than the PAN length, assigning a BIN to the issuer where the BIN has the BIN length, and appending the BIN to a BIN directory. The BIN is associated with the issuer. The BIN is different than each other BIN in the BIN directory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for merging continuity check messages (CCMs) are described. Some embodiments determine multiplexer and de-multiplexer nodes in a network for multiplexing and de-multiplexing CCM traffic. One embodiment creates an optimization problem which when solved identifies nodes in the network that should be configured as multiplexer nodes to multiplex multiple CCMs into a group CCM and/or as de-multiplexer nodes to de-multiplex a group CCM into multiple CCMs. This embodiment uses the solution of the optimization problem to configure nodes in the network as multiplexer nodes and/or as de-multiplexer nodes. Another embodiment determines weights for different paths in the network that can be used for merging CCM traffic, and then merges the CCM traffic based on these weights.

Abstract: Tools for photograph billpay tagging of a digital image are provided. The digital image may correspond to a portion of text positioned upon a medium. The text may correspond to billpay information. The tool may define a graphical reference frame for the digital image. The tool may identify a set of glyphs within the text. The tool may translate a portion of the digital image into an estimated group of characters. The translated portion of the digital image may correspond to at least a part of the set of glyphs. The tool may tag the portion of the digital image with a tag. The tag may be coupled with a billpay input field. The billpay input field may be populated. The billpay input field may be populated with the group of estimated characters. The bill input field may be populated based on the coupling.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for merging continuity check messages (CCMs) are described. Some embodiments determine multiplexer and de-multiplexer nodes in a network for multiplexing and de-multiplexing CCM traffic. One embodiment creates an optimization problem which when solved identifies nodes in the network that should be configured as multiplexer nodes to multiplex multiple CCMs into a group CCM and/or as de-multiplexer nodes to de-multiplex a group CCM into multiple CCMs. This embodiment uses the solution of the optimization problem to configure nodes in the network as multiplexer nodes and/or as de-multiplexer nodes. Another embodiment determines weights for different paths in the network that can be used for merging CCM traffic, and then merges the CCM traffic based on these weights.

Abstract: A method for coordinating outbound and inbound itineraries for a plurality of travelers is provided. Such a method comprises receiving a destination location, a plurality of origin locations, and travel information, wherein each origin location is associated with at least one traveler. A set of suggested outbound and inbound itineraries between each origin location and the destination location is then determined, based upon the travel information, from a travel database comprising at least outbound and inbound itineraries between the origin locations and the destination location, wherein each suggested outbound and inbound itinerary comprises an arrival time and a departure time with respect to the destination location, and the set of suggested outbound and inbound itineraries collectively provides an optimal time together of the travelers at the destination location. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The methods and systems for coordinating the travel itineraries of multiple travelers, who are leaving from more than one origin location, but are arriving at the same destination location, provide automated techniques for determining which itineraries for each traveler best meets the specified criteria for the trip. For example, a travel organizer may specify certain travel criteria for a trip, such as the relative importance of the travel schedules versus the price. A set of suggested travel itineraries that most closely meet the specified criteria are then provided, in addition to the amount of time between when any two travelers arrive at and/or leave from the destination location, and the price. Furthermore, the travel coordination techniques provide flexibility by allowing replacement of one or more of the suggested itineraries with other possible itineraries and recalculation of the time amounts and the price(s).

Abstract: The methods and systems for coordinating the travel itineraries of multiple travelers, who are leaving from more than one origin location, but are arriving at the same destination location, provide automated techniques for determining which itineraries for each traveler best meets the specified criteria for the trip. For example, a travel organizer may specify certain travel criteria for a trip, such as the relative importance of the travel schedules versus the price. A set of suggested travel itineraries that most closely meet the specified criteria are then provided, in addition to the amount of time between when any two travelers arrive at and/or leave from the destination location, and the price. Furthermore, the travel coordination techniques provide flexibility by allowing replacement of one or more of the suggested itineraries with other possible itineraries and recalculation of the time amounts and the price(s).