Patents by Inventor Susan Smith Thomas

Susan Smith Thomas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9582826
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Calman, Susan Smith Thomas, Erik Stephen Ross, Jooyong Lee, Zhenshuo Fang, James Mulholland, Brendan Kiu, Nastasha Tan
  • Patent number: 9501765
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for transaction queuing. In some embodiments, a system is configured to: receive information associated with an intended transaction, wherein a user will execute the intended transaction at a facility at a user-defined time; determine preliminary work associated with the intended transaction that can be performed prior to the user-defined time; and perform the preliminary work associated with the intended transaction. The preliminary work is placed on a transaction queue until the user arrives at the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: David M. Grigg, Carlos Vieira, Susan Smith Thomas
  • Publication number: 20160171454
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for transaction queuing. In some embodiments, a system is configured to: receive information associated with an intended transaction, wherein a user will execute the intended transaction at a facility at a user-defined time; determine preliminary work associated with the intended transaction that can be performed prior to the user-defined time; and perform the preliminary work associated with the intended transaction. The preliminary work is placed on a transaction queue until the user arrives at the facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: David M. Grigg, Carlos Vieira, Susan Smith Thomas
  • Publication number: 20160110675
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for transaction queuing. In some embodiments, a system is configured to: receive information associated with an intended transaction, wherein a user will execute the intended transaction at a facility at a user-defined time; determine preliminary work associated with the intended transaction that can be performed prior to the user-defined time; and perform the preliminary work associated with the intended transaction. The preliminary work is placed on a transaction queue until the user arrives at the facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: David M Grigg, Carlos Vieira, Susan Smith Thomas
  • Patent number: 9224113
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for transaction queuing. In some embodiments, a system is configured to: receive information associated with an intended transaction, wherein a user will execute the intended transaction at a facility at a user-defined time; determine preliminary work associated with the intended transaction that can be performed prior to the user-defined time; and perform the preliminary work associated with the intended transaction. The preliminary work is placed on a transaction queue until the user arrives at the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: David M. Grigg, Carlos Vieira, Susan Smith Thomas
  • Patent number: 9053490
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for collecting product information based on a navigation history of the user, the product information being associated with the product; generating a readable indicia based on the collected product information, wherein, in response to selection of the readable indicia, the readable indicia is configured to provide instructions for purchasing the product based on the collected product information; and presenting the readable indicia to the user for saving for subsequent consideration or distributing to one or more other users. In some embodiments, shipping information indicative of the user's desired destination address for the product is collected from user input and discount information is collected based on the navigation history of the user or user input. In such cases, the readable indicia may be generated based on all of the product information, the shipping information and the discount information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Grossman, David M. Grigg, Susan Smith Thomas, Matthew A. Calman
  • Patent number: 9026461
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Calman, Erik Stephen Ross, Susan Smith Thomas, Jooyong Lee, Zhenshuo Fang, James Mulholland, Brendan Kiu, Nastasha Tan
  • Patent number: 9026460
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for automatic activation of mobile payment mechanisms (e.g., software applications, devices/hardware and the like) on a mobile communication device in response to automated determination of the mobile payment types accepted by a merchant at which the user/consumer is located. As such, the present invention serves to automatically make the user/consumer aware of an option for mobile payment. In addition, the mobile payment transaction is made more efficient, in that, the user/consumer does not have to manually configure and/or activate the software or hardware associated with the mobile payment type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Grigg, Alicia C. Jones, Matthew A. Calman, Susan Smith Thomas
  • Patent number: 9015070
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for pre-processing a sales return. The system may initiate a sales return transaction prior to a customer being physically present at a merchant store. To this extent, the system is also capable of transmitting sales return information to a merchant such that the consumer's presence is not necessary in order to process a sales return transaction. Merchants and Consumers may use QR codes to both process payments for sales transactions and initiate sales return transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Grigg, Susan Smith Thomas, Peter John Bertanzetti, Matthew A. Calman
  • Publication number: 20140279506
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for making a mobile payment via a transfer network. In some embodiments, a first apparatus is configured to: receive readable indicia from a second apparatus; enable a user to input payment information, wherein the payment information comprises at least one of a payee, a payment amount, or a payment source; transmit the readable indicia and the payment information to a third apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Eileen D. Bridges, Lisa Gibson, James G. Ronca, Mark D. Zanzot, Susan Smith Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140278989
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for determining an offer based on a balance value of a prepaid account and a location of a consumer who is the holder of the prepaid account. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving geographic location information associated with a consumer; (b) receiving information associated with the prepaid account of the consumer, wherein the consumer is a holder of the prepaid account; (c) determining a balance value of the prepaid account of the consumer; and (d) determining an offer to present to the consumer based at least partially on the balance value of the prepaid account and the location of the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew A. Calman, David M. Grigg, Laura Corinne Bondesen, Susan Smith Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140279005
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for presenting an offer to a consumer based on account balance information and consumer location information. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receive geographic location information associated with the mobile computing device of the consumer; (b) receive information associated with the credit account of the consumer, wherein the consumer is a holder of the credit account; (c) determine whether the balance value of the credit account has an existing balance value greater than zero; and (d) present, via the mobile computing device of the consumer, the offer to the consumer based at least in part on determining that the geographic location of the mobile device of the consumer is proximate to or coincident with a location of the merchant and determining that the existing balance value of the credit account associated with the merchant is greater than zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew A. Calman, Susan Smith Thomas, Laura Corinne Bondesen, David M. Grigg
  • Publication number: 20140279009
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for transmitting an offer to a user associated with an account. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: determine, based on geolocation information associated with a mobile device associated with the user, whether the mobile device is within a predetermined distance of a reference location; in response to determining the mobile device is within the predetermined distance of the reference location, transmit an offer to the mobile device, wherein the offer is associated with a product or a service, and wherein the offer has been previously communicated to the user; and provide an option for the user to accept the offer via the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Grigg, Matthew A. Calman, Susan Smith Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140279799
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for providing a rewards program. The system, method, and computer program product are configured to determine that a customer has completed an action; determine that the customer has earned a reward based on the action; determine a category associated with the reward; and apply the reward to the category. In some situations, the categories are default categories provided by the financial institution. In other situations, the categories are defined by the customer. The system determines which category an earned award is routed into using a decision engine that evaluates the award and/or the action completed by the customer and compares the award and/or action to rules, such as default rules, custom rules, or dynamic rules. The categories may also include goals and the system assists in tracking customer's progress towards the goal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Susan Smith Thomas, Laura Corinne Bondesen, David M. Grigg
  • Publication number: 20140279483
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for making a payment via a transfer network. In some embodiments, a first apparatus is configured to: receive readable indicia and payment information from a second apparatus, wherein the payment information comprises an amount of funds; identify an account associated with the readable indicia based on searching a database of records; process the payment information, wherein processing the payment information comprises transmitting to the identified account the determined amount of funds; transmit an acknowledgement of payment transfer to a third apparatus associated with the identified account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Eileen D. Bridges, Lisa Gibson, James G. Ronca, Mark D. Zanzot, Susan Smith Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140279006
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for determining an offer based on a balance value of a credit account a location of a consumer having the credit account. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receive geographic location information associated with a mobile computing device of the consumer; (b) receive information associated with the credit account of the consumer, wherein the consumer is a holder of the credit account; (c) determine a balance value of the credit account of the consumer; and (d) determine an offer to present to the consumer based at least partially on the balance value of the credit account and a determined location of the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew A. Calman, Susan Smith Thomas, Laura Corinne Bondesen, David M. Grigg
  • Publication number: 20140279004
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for micro-targeting an offer based on geolocation information. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: determine a first user is accessing an account, wherein the account is associated with a first user and a second user, wherein the account is presented on a user interface; and in response to determining the first user is accessing the account, transmit a first offer to the first user based on geolocation information associated with the first user, wherein the first offer is presented on the user interface, and wherein the first offer enables the first user to receive a discount or a rebate on a transaction associated with the first offer. The apparatus may also be configured to transmit, in real-time, offers to the first user based on at least one of real-time or historical geolocation information associated with the first user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Susan Smith Thomas, Matthew A. Calman, David M. Grigg
  • Publication number: 20140172559
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for providing a notification to a consumer based on the location of the consumer. The system includes a computer apparatus including a processor and a memory; and a software module stored in the memory. The software module includes executable instructions that cause the processor to receive a goal corresponding to a specific product a consumer desires to purchase; determine a location associated with a mobile device of the consumer; identify a merchant that is located at or near the location associated with the mobile device of the consumer; determine whether the merchant offers for sale the specific product associated with the goal; provide a notification to the mobile device associated with the consumer based at least in part on determining that the merchant offers for sale the product, the notification comprising information related to the user's progress towards the goal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew A. Calman, Carrie Anne Hanson, David M. Grigg, Susan Smith Thomas, Peter John Bertanzetti, Elizabeth S. Votaw
  • Publication number: 20140156328
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for transaction queuing. In some embodiments, a system is configured to: receive information associated with an intended transaction, wherein a user will execute the intended transaction at a facility at a user-defined time; determine preliminary work associated with the intended transaction that can be performed prior to the user-defined time; and perform the preliminary work associated with the intended transaction. The preliminary work is placed on a transaction queue until the user arrives at the facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Grigg, Carlos Vieira, Susan Smith Thomas
  • Patent number: 8744914
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Felix A. Mon, Robert J. Mackenzie, Susan Smith Thomas, Jason Michael Ackiss, Maile George, Robert Fleetwood Armstrong, Kazi M. Ariff, Erik Stephen Ross