Patents Issued in February 11, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160042303
    Abstract: Provided are a fully automated dispatch system and method of dispatching vehicles that requires no direct communication between a dispatch person and the driver or passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Mario A. Medina, Fernando Catania, Keith Collins, Edward Moffly
  • Publication number: 20160042304
    Abstract: Disclosed is a risk-based project management system. The risk-based project management system typically includes a processor, a memory, and a program module stored in the memory. During the planning phase of a project, the program and project management system is typically configured for: prompting a first user to provide inherent risk information regarding the project, receiving inherent risk information regarding the project; and based on the received inherent project risk information, calculating an inherent project risk score. During the execution phase of a project, the program and project management system is typically configured for receiving residual risk information regarding the project and, based on the received residual project risk information, calculating a residual project risk score.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Robert J. Maloney, Larry Cravens, Emily LaForce
  • Publication number: 20160042305
    Abstract: An environment risk sorting system includes a plant environment database for storing pieces of environment risk data; a risk sorting server for updating the environment risk data; a managing server coupled with the risk sorting server, wherein, the risk sorting server executes generating through a first risk evaluation module, based on the environment risk data, a first risk evaluation result for each abandoned plant, which produces an environmental site evaluation list, through which, an environmental site evaluation data of each abandoned plant and a on-spot environmental site evaluation data are obtained, updating through a second risk evaluation module succeeding environment risk data based on the environmental site evaluation data of each abandoned plant and hence generating a second risk evaluation result for each abandoned plant, which, in turn, produces an investigation list of each abandoned plant as a basis for follow-up investigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Environmental Protection Administration, R.O.C. (Taiwan)
    Inventors: Hung-Teh TSAI, Kai-Hsing YANG, Shen-De CHEN, Yung-Kai KUAN, Tung-Ching SUN
  • Publication number: 20160042306
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system for helping a patient adhere to a care plan, the care plan designed to be followed by the patient in order to improve the patient's health, the system comprising: a task scheduling module configured to schedule one or more tasks included in the care plan, wherein a scheduled task is intended to be completed by the patient at the scheduled time; a task adherence estimation module configured to estimate the likelihood that the scheduled task will be completed by the patient at the scheduled time; and an alternative task presentation module configured to present the patient an alternative task, wherein the alternative task is intended to replace the scheduled task when the task adherence estimation module determines the patient is unlikely to complete the scheduled task and when the alternative task is accepted by the patient. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Gene Emerson, Richard Dean Dettinger
  • Publication number: 20160042307
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing utmost customer service, accountability, and job performance are described. An example method may involve a computing device determining a particular client associated with a specific plan and as a result compiles a corresponding database, propagates configuration data towards at least one apparatus, which is thereby enabled to interact with an agent and exchange a plurality of data points with the computing device for use in updating the corresponding database. The plurality of data points are associated with resources expanded and the agent in performing one or more tasks assigned to the agent via the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Yvette Valle
  • Publication number: 20160042308
    Abstract: Timesly is an invention that enables business managers to monitor their workforce and ensure accurate Employee compensation through mobile and stationary devices equipped with facial recognition technology and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Timesly records an Employee's work start and stop times without running the risk of fraudulent time recording by another Employee or at an unintended work site. Powered by facial recognition technology, Timesly is able to immediately recognize whether an Employee is clocking in for someone else and notify the Manager. Timesly's utility on mobile devices means managers can monitor their Employee workforce at changing or remote work locations. GPS technology permits managers to then verify that time entries are all entered at the designated location. Timesly enables Managers to pay the correct Employee for the assigned work completed at the intended worksite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Marc Aptakin
  • Publication number: 20160042309
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed which include receiving an indication of a floor plan of a building project; receiving an indication of an inspection report, the inspection report associated with an inspection type; identifying a forecast date associated with each room in the floor plan, the forecast date indicating when an inspection type associated with the respective room is to be completed; for each room, determining how close each room's forecast date is to a present date, and if the room's forecast date is past the present date; generating a visual map of the floor plan; associating a color of each room in the floor plan based on the determining; and providing the visual map with the associated color of each room for display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: William Clemenson
  • Publication number: 20160042310
    Abstract: A product operations tracking system involves an apparatus and system to track and monitor the operational use of assets, with an emphasis on tubular products in the oil and gas industry. A tracking device is manufactured into an end protector, such as a thread protector, attached to an asset, which in a preferred embodiment will include a camera, a GPS and related antennas, an on/off switch, a timer which may comprise software in a processor, and a power source. The removal of the end protector begins operation of a timer which will deactivate once thread connector is reconnected to the equipment to log actual usage history of the typically rented or leased asset. Once the equipment is returned to the owner, the record in the tracking device indicates the time of usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: JUAN LUIS YANEZ MENDEZ
  • Publication number: 20160042311
    Abstract: An information operation method and apparatus are described to solve the technical problem in the prior art of inconvenient, error-prone, and ineffective use of an identification number with a long length for communication and information operation. The techniques of the present disclosure generate a short identification number corresponding to an original identification number; store the short identification number and a corresponding relationship between the original identification number and the short identification number; upon a receipt of an operation request that includes the short identification number, search for the original identification number corresponding to the short identification number carried in the operation request; and perform an operation based on information corresponding to the found original identification number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Yongdong Wei
  • Publication number: 20160042312
    Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate commercial warehouse storage and services transactions can include the acts of receiving listings of commercial warehouse spaces available for storage and services, wherein each of the listings comprises space data describing the spaces; receiving a search request for space in which goods can be stored, wherein the search request comprises goods data associated with the goods; receiving a request to store the goods in a requested space associated with a requested listing from the listing; providing the request to a Storer associated with the requested space; receiving approval from the Storer to store the goods in the requested space; and coordinating transportation of the goods to the requested space and materials handling. The method can provide for tracking inventory and billing associated with the goods while at the requested space and coordinating removal of the goods from the space in response to a pick-up request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: FLEXE, INC.
    Inventors: Karl Siebrecht, Francis Duong, Edmond Sin Hang Yue
  • Publication number: 20160042313
    Abstract: A mobile dispensing cart having a plurality of locked drawers has medical articles stored therein for particular patients. The storage drawers have sizes wherein the resonant frequency of the sizes does not match the frequency of operation of the RFID system of the cart. Enclosures are used in the storage areas that provide robust RFID fields for exciting and reading RFID tags. A health care practitioner for a particular patient obtains access and opens a drawer. An RFID tracking system takes an inventory of the cart after the drawer is later closed to determine if any medical article was taken, and if so which one. The identified taken article is compared to a data base of medical articles stored in the cart for the patient and if the taken article does not match the patient data base, an alarm is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy C. Caputo, Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Publication number: 20160042314
    Abstract: A method for storing inventory items in an inventory system includes detecting that an inventory holder is available for storage and determining a classification of the inventory holder. The method also includes determining a classification of each of a plurality of storage locations and selecting a storage location for the inventory holder based, at least in part, on the classification of the inventory holder and the classification of the selected storage location. The method additionally includes transmitting information identifying the storage location to a mobile drive unit associated with the inventory holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Michael C. Mountz, Peter R. Wurman
  • Publication number: 20160042315
    Abstract: A system and methods for use in order intake, order fulfillment, inventory management, and the development of personalization services for customers, including a system and data processing elements for generating, acquiring and processing data related to the location and movement of merchandise within a store or other location. By processing such data the inventive system can assist customers or store employees to locate an item for purposes of fulfilling an order, determine if an item should be removed from inventory, generate recommendations to a customer regarding items that might be of interest, provide inputs to sales and marketing functions about what products are examined by customers and converted into sales, and provide other value-added services. As a result, embodiments of the invention can provide store operators, store employees, and customers with improved services and more efficient operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kelli Dawn Field-Darragh, Eric Jon Olson, Benjamin Michael Shiner
  • Publication number: 20160042316
    Abstract: In an airport baggage handling system bag information, flight information and airport topology information are provided to a central processor which determines a path for the bag through the handling system. The bag is scanned at various points along the path and the scan time is compared with a predetermined arrival time for the bag at the scan point. A bag is marked at risk if it arrives at a scan point after the predetermined time and the system may suggest an alternative handling path for the bag if it is determined that the risk of the bag not making an outbound flight is too high.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Nicholas John Gates, Manish Limaye, Olivier Pierre Poulard, Emad Eldeen Muhanna, Daniel Edmond Chetrit, Aseem Dayal, Pravin Naicker, Maria Patricia Maya
  • Publication number: 20160042317
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for tracking the location of a shipped item. According to various embodiments, the systems and methods may include features designed to determine whether the shipped item is likely to comply with customer-defined shipping requirements throughout the entire shipping process. In various embodiments, the systems and methods are configured to indicate to a user certain shipments that are likely to arrive without complying with all of the customer-defined shipping requirements, such that a user can take remedial action to minimize or eliminate the likelihood of the shipment failing to comply with the customer-defined shipping requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: SHANNON C. GOODMAN, DAVID A. GITTINGS
  • Publication number: 20160042318
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for tracking the location of a shipped item. According to various embodiments, the systems and methods may include features designed to determine whether the shipped item is likely to comply with customer-defined shipping requirements throughout the entire shipping process. In various embodiments, the systems and methods are configured to indicate to a user certain shipments that are likely to arrive without complying with all of the customer-defined shipping requirements, such that a user can take remedial action to minimize or eliminate the likelihood of the shipment failing to comply with the customer-defined shipping requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: SHANNON C. GOODMAN, DAVID A. GITTINGS
  • Publication number: 20160042319
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for generating a drop plan for a mailing containing a plurality of mailpieces. Tracking data may be received for mailings sent by a plurality of mailers, and estimated delivery times determined based upon the tracking data. A mailer may specify a delivery goal for a mailing and, based upon the estimated delivery times and the delivery goal, a drop plan for the mailing may be generated, which specifies at least one drop location for at least a portion of the mailing. The mailer also may modify the drop plan, such as by specifying additional constraints, modified attributes of the drop plan, additional or updated goals for the mailing, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Kimberly Michelle Mauch
  • Publication number: 20160042320
    Abstract: Systems and methods for handling a plurality items by using a sorter to receive items and obtain item information and delivery destinations from the items. A run manifest is generated having an item identifier and a destination for each of the plurality of items. The run manifest data is used in a routing module to generate dynamic routes for delivering the plurality of items, and generating a sequence identifier for each of the plurality of items according to the dynamically generated routes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen M. Dearing, C. Scot Atkins, James DeForrest Wilson, Scott R. Bombaugh, Carla F. Sherry
  • Publication number: 20160042321
    Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for monitoring logistics data associated with delivery of cargo and providing one or more suggested actions to a member of a supply chain for increasing the likelihood of on-time delivery of the cargo based on the logistics data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Marc Held
  • Publication number: 20160042322
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method, system, tool, and program product for sending a customized reply to an instant message. Specifically, under the present disclosure, a customized message may be provided for a specific instant messaging contact/availability status combination. When the availability status is selected and a message is received from the instant messaging contact, the customized message is automatically sent to the messaging contact. The disclosure may also be integrated into a calendaring application to determine, for example, whether the message recipient is in a meeting and, if so, to automatically send a reply that gives an estimated ending time for the meeting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Yen-Fu D. Chen, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Timothy M. Waters
  • Publication number: 20160042323
    Abstract: A system, method and program product are provided for facilitating the recruitment process. The disclosed system includes: a communication system that provides automated communications with a set of reference providers over a network; a readiness inquiry system for collecting readiness data from the set of reference providers via the network, wherein the readiness data comprises electronic responses to a questionnaire; an analysis system that analyzes the readiness data for each reference provider, determines whether each reference provider is an active job seeker and assigns a readiness score to each reference provider; and a system for generating a readiness report that includes a readiness score for at least one reference provider, wherein the readiness score measures an interest in being recruited for a potential job position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory C. Moran
  • Publication number: 20160042324
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention improve the calendar invite experience by providing a unified interface for managing calendar invites, regardless of the originating calendar service/messaging provider. When a calendar invite is received, the relevant information (date, time, location, etc.) is parsed from the invite and presented to the user through a calendar invite user interface. The calendar invite user interface can include selectable icons or links allowing a user to accept/decline an invite. Invites are often sent in ICS files or as accept/decline links. Based on the user action, the appropriate message can be returned so that the calendars of the invitees and the organizer can be properly updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Maxwell Johnson, Belinda Preno, Matthew Dierker
  • Publication number: 20160042325
    Abstract: Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Robert L. Avery, Wendy Cronie, Erik Fromm, Patricia Rhodes, Cheryl Khera, Paula M. Kirkish, David R. Leonhardi, Jay P. Maloney
  • Publication number: 20160042326
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to enable the equivalent value for products and services to be paid by means of corporate currency in every country in the world. A variable setting unit (201) variably sets the correspondence relationship between a key currency and a corporate currency according to prescribed conditions. On the basis of the correspondence relationship variably set by the variable setting unit (201), and a conversion rate between the key currency and an exchange currency at an activity location identified by an activity location identification unit (212), a corporate currency conversion unit (221) converts an amount in the exchange currency at the activity location, as recognized by an equivalent value recognition unit (213), into an amount in the corporate currency. A corporate currency management unit (222) uses corporate currency associated with a card medium (C) to execute a process for debiting the equivalent value amount after conversion to the corporate currency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Yoshihiro AZUMA
  • Publication number: 20160042327
    Abstract: A method for processing business-to-business payments includes: storing a plurality of payment rules, each rule including data related to a payment scheme including an institution identifier and payment amount; receiving, from a first financial institution, a notification of payment to be made by a buyer to a seller, the notification including a first institution identifier associated with the first financial institution, a second institution identifier associated with the seller and/or a second financial institution associated with the seller, and a transaction amount; forwarding, to the second financial institution, a payment notification, the notification including the transaction amount and indicates at least one of: the first financial institution, the buyer, and the seller; identifying a specific payment rule where the institution identifier corresponds to the first institution identifier; and processing a payment to the first financial institution based on the payment amount included in the specific pa
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Davide MESSINA, Vincent LAPRAS
  • Publication number: 20160042328
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for facilitating sharing of expenses over a network utilize a first component adapted to communicate with members of a user group via a client device over the network and a merchant via a merchant device over the network. The systems and methods for facilitating sharing of expenses over a network further utilize a second component adapted to receive a group transaction request from the user group, divide a payment for the group transaction request into a plurality of portions according to a number of members in the user group, separately debit the portions of the payment from one or more accounts related to each member of the user group, and provide payment to the merchant via the merchant device based on information passed with the group transaction request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Suresh Teckchandani, Deepanwita Roy, Musaab At-Taras
  • Publication number: 20160042329
    Abstract: A fund allocation management system and method of managing prepaid debit cards that allows customers to allocate funds to pay monthly bills, reoccurring expenses, or save for special purchases. More specifically, this fund allocation management system optionally calculates monthly expenses and allows customers to set certain funds aside for known expenses. Examples of customers that may benefit from this type of card and/or service includes customers using traditional bank cards as well as customers who may not qualify for traditional bank accounts. The customers can deposit funds into the prepaid cards and use it for general expenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel Collart
  • Publication number: 20160042330
    Abstract: Ranking payment requests includes a peer-to-peer payment system that employs a server configured for receiving a payment request from a requester computing device; receiving location data of the requester network device; receiving a request for a ranking of payment requests; searching social network information of the payor for occurrences of the requester of the payment request; receiving location data of the payor network device, the location data comprising a location of the payor computing device and a location history of the payor computing device; searching a transaction history of the payor; ranking the payment requests based at least in part on one or more of the location of the requester, a strength of social network connections to the payor for each of the payment requesters, and number of previous transactions between the payor and the requester; and providing the ranking of the payment requests to the payor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Narelle Cozens, Michael DePasquale, Travis Harrison Kroll Green, Boris Mizhen, Josh Ostrow, Avery Pennarun, Hoai Nguyen, Peter Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20160042331
    Abstract: A payment company separate from a retailer runs a payment application having credentials on a server computer. There are wireless personal portable interfaces belonging to the payment company but located in real and virtual retail, showrooms. The retailer agrees to the credentials of the payment company, which include prespecified real and virtual currencies for remittance. Credentials also include rules regarding limitations on acceptance of remittance in virtual currencies. A customer having a personal portable device enters a showroom and selects merchandise to purchase. She selects a payment company who remits payment to the retailer according to the credentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Robyn R. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20160042332
    Abstract: The technical field includes machine, manufacture, process, and product produced thereby, as well as necessary intermediates, which pertain to power sources, units thereof, computer systems used to facilitate operation of one or more power sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: THOMAS J. PHILLIPS, Joseph ZLOTNICKI
  • Publication number: 20160042333
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are presented for processing a user through an entry location using a mobile device. User input is received indicating a request for access through the entry location. In response to receiving the user input, one or more images are captured and analyzed. A code is identified in the images based on the analysis and the code is translated to a code identifier. The code identifier uniquely identifies the code from several codes. A gate entry device is selected based on the code identifier from several gate entry devices. Further, a signal is transmitted to the gate entry device to grant access through the entry location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick Ho, Mark Fuller
  • Publication number: 20160042334
    Abstract: A self-service, self-checkout, kiosk based micro-market retail shopping system for disposition and use in an private or public office, factory or other workspace for use by employees, workers and the like. The micro-market may supply snacks, candies, beverages, other food items and various convenience items such as toiletries for use by employees, workers and other during the work day, lunch and break time. The micro-market may also supply work related items such as uniforms and apparel, tools, office supplies, travel accessories and the like. The devices and process also include enhanced vendor administration tools and functionality. The devices and process also include enhanced user ability to use mobile devices and apps, and on-line tools for creating and managing accounts and for purchasing items. A method of using the market is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: TW Vending, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Westby, Sam Bengston, Ben Halberg, Eric Bloms
  • Publication number: 20160042335
    Abstract: A POS terminal 8 in a transaction system 1 transmits control data instructing executing a transaction-related process during a transaction; a recording device 12 receives the control data, executes a process based on the control data, transmits transaction information based on the control data and transaction identification information identifying the transaction information, and outputs a 2D code representing the transaction identification information; a terminal 14 reads the transaction identification information from the 2D code output by the recording device 12, and transmits the transaction identification information that was read and a customer ID, which is identification information to store; and a control server 10 receives the transaction information and transaction identification information from the recording device 12, receives the transaction identification information and customer ID from the terminal 14, and relationally stores the transaction information and customer ID when both of the receiv
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Yuichi Sugiyama, Keigo Mori, Shigeo Tajima, Masahiro Ito
  • Publication number: 20160042336
    Abstract: The POS system 5 of a transaction system 1 transmits transaction information, which is information related to a transaction, and transaction time information indicating the time a transaction was made, to a control server 10 during a transaction. A terminal 14 detects if the terminal 14 performed a specific movement, and transmits a customer ID and executed time information indicating when the terminal 14 performed the specific movement to the control server 10 when the specific movement is detected. Based on the transaction time information received from the POS system 5 and the executed time information received from the terminal 14, the control server 10 determines if the information matches, and if it does, relationally stores the transaction information received with the transaction time information and the customer ID received with the executed time information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Shigeo Tajima
  • Publication number: 20160042337
    Abstract: A cradle in which a recording device can be installed charges the installed recording device and can execute processes using the ability for a recording device to be installed. A cradle 13 accepts a mobile printer 11, can charge a mobile printer 11 installed to the cradle 13, and has a control unit 40 that communicates with the installed mobile printer 11 and runs a specific process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ota, Yoshiki Kinoshita, Shinichi Yoshie, Hideki Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20160042338
    Abstract: A user conducts a wireless payment transaction with a merchant system by transmitting payment information from a user device to a terminal reader without accessing a secure element resident on the user device. A user taps a user device in a merchant system's terminal reader's radio frequency field. The terminal reader and the user device establish a communication channel and the terminal reader transmits a signal comprising a request for a payment processing response. The signal is received by the user device and converted by a controller to a request understandable by an application host processor. The controller transmits the request to the application host processor, where the request is processed, and a response is transmitted to the controller and then to the terminal reader. The response generated by the application host processor is identifiable by the merchant system as a payment response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Sarel Kobus Jooste
  • Publication number: 20160042339
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a gratuity or tip to a merchant are described. A service provider provides suggested gratuity or tip amounts and/or incentives or motivations to a user to provide a gratuity. For example, the service provider can provide statistics regarding how much consumers usually tip (e.g., average tip, standard tip, etc.), how much a consumer like the user tips (e.g., similar demographics, similar spending patterns, similar number of visits to the merchant, etc.), and how much money has been collected so far to reach a goal. In addition, the service provider can indicate that the gratuity or portion of the gratuity will be donated to charity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Timothy C. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20160042340
    Abstract: A system for accumulating funds is provided. The system includes a database for storing a plurality of consumer profiles, a server for receiving from a point of sale (POS) terminal a unique identifier, accessing a consumer profile that corresponds to the unique identifier, transmitting to the POS terminal a prepayment determinant, receiving from the POS terminal the prepayment amount, and incrementing the current monetary value in the consumer profile based on the prepayment amount, and a POS terminal for transmitting to the server the consumer unique identifier, receiving from the server a prepayment determinant, reading a spending amount, calculating a prepayment amount based on the prepayment determinant and the spending amount, and transmitting to the server a message including the prepayment amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Bertram V. Burke, Michaela C. Burke
  • Publication number: 20160042341
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for secure device binding that provides user convenience through avoiding repetitive logging in when changing apps or moving from website to website. A mobile device undergoes binding to an account so that customers do not always have to enter their password when going through a financial transaction process, on a known (e.g., registered) mobile device. A device may be bound during an initial login, and once logged in, the user can select an option to be “remembered” so that the user need not re-login on the same device for future visits with an app or to a website that shares the service provider library.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kent Griffin, Mingzhe Zhu, Aruna Susarla, Anshu Gupta
  • Publication number: 20160042342
    Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatuses are provided for valuation and exchange of stored value assets, information of value, and the transfer of value to or among individuals. The exchanged assets may be of a similar nature, e.g., music files exchanged for other music files, and exchange or trade of information such as rewards value or a restaurant coupon. The exchanged assets may also be other dissimilar assets exchanged between individuals and/or entities. The exchange may be initiated in numerous ways such as after completing a review, exchanging or trading a gift card, a prepaid card, a reward card, a coupon, a ticket, a pass, and/or the like when in proximity to a specific location or a location of some type or category, and/or exchanging or trading of other assets between individuals based on one or more constraints such as time, location, need, desire for the assets, and/or proximity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: James A. Proctor, JR., Maria Elena Tripoli, James Arthur Proctor, III
  • Publication number: 20160042343
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to one embodiment includes a saving unit and a providing unit. In response to receiving a request for a payment agent in a commercial transaction from a terminal of a user not having a credit card, the saving unit saves available points of the user equivalent to a payment amount of the commercial transaction from a point storage unit. The providing unit acquires a card number of a prepaid payment means usable like a credit card and sets a limit amount based on the available points saved by the saving unit, and thereby provides card information of the prepaid payment means containing the card number and the limit amount for payment of the commercial transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Rakuten, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideaki TOBINAI
  • Publication number: 20160042344
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a system and method for facilitating online and offline financial transactions using the digital wallets. The method includes receiving a request of a user by a wallet service providing platform for creating a primary digital wallet, determining the authenticity of the credentials provided by the user for associating the financial account of the user with the primary digital wallet, transmitting a message to the data communication device to activate the primary digital wallet and for successful association of the base financial account. The method further includes allowing the user to top-up the primary digital wallet with a predetermined amount by transferring a balance available in the source financial account and to create one or more secondary digital wallets linked to the primary digital wallet to be used by the user specified affiliates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Ramesh THIMMANA, Naveen PATIBANDLA
  • Publication number: 20160042345
    Abstract: A system and method for token-based transactions to facilitate non-cash payments without using personally identifiable information data is disclosed. The system generally includes at least one computer processor and a module, which when executed by the at least one computer processor, causes the computer processor to exchange data representative of a request for identification with a computing device of a Payer Entity. The computer processor generates a signed Digital Debt Obligation, including purchase metadata comprising currency and at least one preferred payment provider, and sends the signed digital debt to the computing device of the Payer Entity. The computer processor receives data representing an approved Digital Debt Obligation from the computing device of the Payer Entity and verifies the approved Digital Debt Obligation. The computer processor sends data representative of the approved Digital Debt Obligation to a Payment Processor and queries the Payment Processor for supported payment methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Tyson Kopczynski, Daniel Chiang
  • Publication number: 20160042346
    Abstract: A computer-based method for authenticating a suspect consumer as an authorized cardholder during a payment card transaction is provided. The method includes registering the authorized cardholder within a portable computer device by receiving a reference sample of the authorized cardholder. The portable computer device includes a processor, a memory, and a camera. The method also includes storing, in the memory, the reference sample of the authorized cardholder and associated payment card information. The method further includes using the camera to capture a transaction sample of the suspect consumer during the payment card transaction using the camera. The method also includes comparing, by the processor, the transaction sample to the reference sample stored in the memory. The method further includes authenticating the suspect consumer as the authorized cardholder based at least in part on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Jeremy Michael Pastore, Michael Lester Zhao
  • Publication number: 20160042347
    Abstract: A method, a server, and a system includes a central server configured to compare an authorization result of a fare payment means upon boarding a transportation means with an authorization result of the fare payment means upon leaving the transportation means, determine whether to update at least one of a boarding terminal and a departure terminal based on the comparison result, and transmit update information to at least one of the boarding terminal and the departure terminal based on the determination result. The boarding terminal performs an authorization process of the fare payment means upon boarding if a network connection between the central server and the boarding terminal is unstable, and the departure terminal performs an authorization process of the fare payment means upon leaving if a network connection between the central server and the departure terminal is unstable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Chang Ha LEE, Min Jeong SON
  • Publication number: 20160042348
    Abstract: In a settlement system, a credit card determination unit collates an input card number with negative data of an acquirer or a settlement processor which is accumulated in a negative data table of an acquirer or a settlement processor and store's internal negative data accumulated in a store's internal negative data table, and determines whether or not the settlement process is executable by using the input card number based on the collation result. In a case where a negative data updating unit updates the store's internal negative data by itself, a communication unit distributes the updated store's internal negative data to other settlement terminal devices. In addition, the communication unit receives the updated store's internal negative data from the other settlement terminal devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi NINOMIYA, Seiro SHIMODA
  • Publication number: 20160042349
    Abstract: One-to-many comparisons of callers' voice prints with known voice prints to identify any matches between them. When a customer communicates with a particular entity, such as a customer service center, the system makes a recording of the real-time call including both the customer's and agent's voices. The system segments the recording to extract at least a portion of the customer's voice to create a customer voice print, and it formats the segmented voice print for network transmission to a server. The server compares the customer's voice print with multiple known voice prints to determine any matches, meaning that the customer's voice print and one of the known voice prints are likely from the same person. The identification of any matches can be used for a variety of purposes, such as determining whether to authorize a transaction requested by the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Vicki Broman, Vernon Marshall, Seshasayee Bellamkonda, Marcel Leyva, Cynthia Hanson
  • Publication number: 20160042350
    Abstract: Techniques for recovery during authentication include initiating sending a HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) authentication message from user equipment of a user to a merchant node of a merchant. If the user is not authenticated in response to the HTTP authentication message, then sending a Short Message Service (SMS) message from the user equipment to the merchant node is initiated. The SMS message indicates a transaction between the user and the merchant. In some embodiments, techniques include changing an access point to a network until an access point utilized is on a list of acceptable access points, in response to a buy response message that indicates a transaction between a merchant and a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Sami Mikael PUURA, Mika Kristian HIRVIKORPI
  • Publication number: 20160042351
    Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for merchant item and service return processing using wireless beacons. A merchant may include a returns and customer service area at a merchant location for use in providing refunds, exchanges, or other services related to items sold by the merchant. The merchant location may include a wireless beacon at or nearby the area. The beacon may provide communication services with a device for the user. Using the beacon, the merchant may be informed that a user has arrived at the area and pull up a receipt and/or transaction history for the user with the merchant. The merchant may also be informed about past returns by the user that may assist the merchant in preventing fraud. Moreover, the merchant may also view similar items to the item purchased by the user for use in exchanges, which may include item delivery and/or availability information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Mobeen Syed, Dennis Michael Driscoll
  • Publication number: 20160042352
    Abstract: A two-dimensional code generated from encrypted original authentication data can be displayed on an authentication device. The code is read and decrypted by an authentication application on a mobile device. This can generate and display a new two-dimensional code. The new code can contain additional information, and the new two-dimensional code is read by the two-dimensional code reading unit of an authentication device. It is then authenticated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Toshiyasu Motoki, Dan Tateno