Patents Issued in May 25, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170147990
    Abstract: A digital surface representation of a vehicle serves as an objective basis for identifying impaired physical conditions such as hail damage or other surface defects. This objective information can be integrated with other information and used as a reliable benchmark for vehicle value or condition in vehicle transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: René Franke, Christian Röckers, Michael Reinhold Schulte, Michael Brian Morrison, James Powell Hastings
  • Publication number: 20170147991
    Abstract: A vehicle damage report is constructed from a scan of vehicle surfaces. Objective information derived from the surface scan is augmented with other information from other sources, such as vehicle identification information or repair cost estimates that can be used to facilitate and administer a multi-party downstream repair process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: René Franke, Christian Röckers, Michael Reinhold Schulte, Michael Brian Morrison, James Powell Hastings
  • Publication number: 20170147992
    Abstract: Systems and methods for replacing modules of a personal communication structure are provided. The modules are configured to be field replaceable, such that field service personnel are able to quickly and easily replace modules in locations with high pedestrian traffic. Embodiments of the personal communication structure include a frame and one or more field replaceable units supported by the frame. The field replaceable units may include an RF bay field replaceable unit, a display field replaceable unit, a user interface field replaceable unit, an environmental sensor field replaceable unit, an electronics bay field replaceable unit, and/or a network bay field replaceable unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Kyle R. Bowers, Benjamin P. Lee, Parag N. Shah, Kenneth J. Gray, Benjamin M. Lawler, Alexander P. Stroshane
  • Publication number: 20170147993
    Abstract: A document processing method, an apparatus, and a terminal device are provided. In the method: the apparatus acquires an electronic document. The apparatus identifies a wearable device identification corresponding to the electronic document. The apparatus sends the electronic document and the corresponding wearable device identification to a server, so that the server stores the electronic document in a user account corresponding to the wearable device identification. Meanwhile, storing the electronic document in association with the user account corresponding to the wearable device identification allows the wearable device to function as an identification device, extends the application of the wearable device, and improves user experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: XIAOMI INC.
    Inventors: Tiejun LIU, Pengfei ZHANG, Xingsheng LIN
  • Publication number: 20170147994
    Abstract: Improved systems and methods for extracting product purchase information from electronic messages transmitted between physical network nodes to convey product purchase information to designated recipients. These examples provide a product purchase information extraction service that is able to extract product purchase information from electronic messages with high precision across a wide variety of electronic message formats and thereby solve the practical problems that have arisen as a result of the proliferation of different electronic message formats used by individual merchants and across different merchants and different languages. In this regard, these examples are able to automatically learn the structures and semantics of different message formats, which accelerates the ability to support new message sources, new markets, and different languages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Ievgen Mastierov, Conal Sathi
  • Publication number: 20170147995
    Abstract: A vehicular parking system includes a parking server, which includes: (a) a wireless transceiver to receive a first wireless signal, indicating that a user of a vehicle that is associated with a smartphone has commenced a paid parking session; (b) a parking session commencement unit that, in response to the first wireless signal, updates a parking record in the vehicular parking system, to indicate that the vehicle is associated with the paid parking session. The wireless transceiver, subsequently, receives a second wireless signal, indicating that the smartphone has autonomously determined to end the paid parking session, based on an autonomous analysis of the smartphone. A parking session termination unit of the server, in response to the second wireless signal, updates the parking record to indicate that the vehicle is no longer associated with any paid parking session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Natan Kalimi
  • Publication number: 20170147996
    Abstract: A discussion forum system including a central server in communication with a plurality of user devices in which each of the user devices provides a user interface through which an associated user communicates with the central server; the user interfaces facilitate user participation in a plurality of exchanges in which each of the two or more users is represented by a pseudonymous avatar; in which at least a first user and a second user of the two or more users pay a required buy in associated with a first exchange of the plurality of exchanges to join the exchange and the value of each user's buy in is divided amongst a comment bank and a tip bank associated with each user; and in which, users pay from the comment bank to make comments and pay others from their tip bank for quality comments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Josh Kirley
  • Publication number: 20170147997
    Abstract: Provided are a method and system for effecting a payment transaction. The method capturing a digital image of a price identifier and a merchant identifier at a client device. Generating payment request data by a payer application at the client device comprising data corresponding to the price and merchant identifiers contained in the the digital image. Forwarding the payment request data from the payer application to a payment server. Initiating by the payment server a payment transaction from a payer account to a recipient account in response to receipt of the payment request data. Forwarding notification data to the payer application indicating the status of the payment transaction from the payment server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: MasterCard International Incorporated
    Inventor: Alex STAVELEY
  • Publication number: 20170147998
    Abstract: Provided are a computer-implemented method and system for triggering an online transaction in response to a physical activity of a user. The method comprises monitoring the physical activity of the user via at least one sensor; and authorising an online transaction from at least one source account to a recipient account in response to the monitored physical activity matching at least one predetermined characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen Ward
  • Publication number: 20170147999
    Abstract: An electronic device, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, may include: a communication module that includes an antenna; one or more sensors; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: obtain a gesture input with respect to the electronic device using the one or more sensors; perform a function related to payment if the gesture input satisfies a specified condition; and suppress the execution of the function if the gesture input does not satisfy the specified condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Moo-Young KIM, Sun-Kee LEE, Chung-Geol KIM, Su-Young PARK
  • Publication number: 20170148000
    Abstract: A service provider may assist in management of remotely stored data. The service provider may cause a user device to update remotely stored personal information, including payment information, across one or more third party electronic sites (e.g., websites, applications, and/or other remote data repositories). The service provider may build a site directory of sites that store personal data. The site directory may include information to enable update of personal information for a specific site, such as which pages to access, what data to input, what type of inputs are acceptable, and other selections and/or inputs to create, modify, update, or switch personal information maintained by a site with new or different personal information. The service provider may create a script that, when executed by an application on a user device, may cause the user device to automatically update the personal information on one or more third party sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Chris Hopen, Derek Hanson
  • Publication number: 20170148001
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for saving coins and applying the coin value toward the purchase of selected products are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the methods and systems described herein can be utilized by parents, grandparents, etc. to encourage and facilitate saving by children. For example, in some embodiments a mobile application is provided that enables a child to select a product to purchase as a “reward” for achieving a savings goal. The mobile application can also enable the child (and/or the child's parent) to set the savings goal, and track the child's progress in reaching the goal as saved coins are periodically exchanged at one or more coin counting kiosks. Other embodiments of the disclosed technology enable the parent and/or child to receive a notification when the child reaches the savings goal, and apply the saved funds toward the purchase of the selected reward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander Stock, Adam Rubin, Eric Chung, Theron Sarda, Jonathan Greenblatt, Kevin King, Cord Frieden, Tricia Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20170148002
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for incentivizing consumers to recycle their accumulated change at consumer-operated coin counting kiosks. In various embodiments, the methods can include providing users with a plurality of deals on, e.g., leisure time activities and other rewarding goods and services that they can purchase at the coin counting kiosks in return for loose coins. The systems can include a software application, e.g., a mobile application that can be used to obtain user deal preferences and periodically provide users with deal offers that match their preferences and/or the amount of coin value they may have available to put toward a purchase. Other embodiments of the disclosed technology enable multiple users to purchase deals (e.g., group activities) as a group by making individual contributions toward the purchase price via a network of coin counting kiosks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander Stock, Adam Rubin, Eric Chung, Theron Sarda, Jonathan Greenblatt, Kevin King, Cord Frieden, Tricia Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20170148003
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for generating donations to charities based on transactions to payment accounts are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving a user preference from a consumer where the user preference relates to a donation by the consumer, to a charity, from a payment account associated with the consumer; receiving an authorization request for a purchase transaction to the payment account where the authorization request includes a donation indicator based on an input at a POS terminal associated with the purchase transaction; generating, by a computing device, a donation transaction from the payment account to a charity account associated with the charity, based on the donation indicator and the user preference; and causing a donation amount associated with the donation transaction to be funded to the charity account from the payment account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Andres Lopez, Maria Fondeur Butler, Birce Arslan, Tyler Welsh, Stephen Parento
  • Publication number: 20170148004
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fulfilling purchases is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, for example, a portable communication device having a controller element that receives from an online system a barcode image as an object of acknowledgment of a product purchased from said online system, and presents on a display of the portable communication device said barcode image to complete a purchase fulfillment process by way of at least one among a visual inspection of the barcode image by a merchant employee and processing of said barcode image by a point of sale (POS) device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Scott White
  • Publication number: 20170148005
    Abstract: An automatic retail system including a server executing an inventory management application, a weight sensitive pallet sending a report to the inventory management application upon removal of an item from the weight sensitive pallet; a weight sensitive shelving system receiving items removed from the pallet and for storing the items, the weight sensitive shelving sending a report to the inventory management application upon receipt or removal of an item; and an automatic retail device sensing the removal of an item. The automatic retail device includes a camera and a display presenting one or more media presentations. The automatic retail device sends a report to the inventory management application upon completion of a sale of the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Murn
  • Publication number: 20170148006
    Abstract: An article vending machine in a network of article vending machines capable of exchanging an inoperable rental article received from a user for an operable replacement article. The article dispensing machine checks customer identification information against one or more customer rental criteria to determine if the customer is eligible to exchange an inoperable article for an operable one. The article vending machine searches for an identical replacement article within an inventory of the machine itself and within inventories of the networked article vending machines. Alternatively, the article vending machine may provide a refund for the inoperable article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: J. Mitchell Lowe, Eric Hoersten, ChristopHer A. Kapcar
  • Publication number: 20170148007
    Abstract: An electronic payment terminal includes a light guide to guide the light from at least one light source internal to the electronic payment terminal to the exterior of the electronic payment terminal. The light guide is integrated with a contactless payment module integrated with the electronic payment terminal and additionally includes at least one shock-absorbing pad extending beyond the external surface of the electronic payment terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Didier Coquelet, Franck Robert, Ferhaj Chowdhary
  • Publication number: 20170148008
    Abstract: According to the invention, a system for providing payments to a point of sale device is disclosed. The system may include a mobile device having a storage medium, an input device, a wireless transmission device, and a processor. The storage medium may include individual authentication information and device authentication information. The input device may be configured to receive an input. The wireless transmission device may be configured to selectively transmit the device authentication information to a nearby point of sale device. The processor may be configured to compare the input with the individual authentication information, and activate the wireless transmission device to transmit the device authentication information if the input is correlated with the individual authentication information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Rebecca Loevenguth, Evans Mehew, Dave Owen, Dianna Lyons, Scott Paintin
  • Publication number: 20170148009
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to authenticate internet transactions upon a set of authentications of user's mobile device generated dynamic credentials. A mobile device generates dynamic authentication credentials and a transaction terminal transmits at least part of them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Carlos A. Perez Lafuente
  • Publication number: 20170148010
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, which facilitates a terminal to be used in further consideration of user's convenience. According to at least one of embodiments of the present invention, a strict authentication procedure for expense payment can be performed via a simple and convenient user interface between a mobile terminal and a terminal user. In particular, since at least one of a selection and authentication of a payment means of the mobile terminal can be performed via at least one of an aligned direction, a moving direction and a moving track of the mobile terminal, the user interface between the mobile terminal and the terminal user for the expense payment can be further simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sure BAK, Eunji LEE
  • Publication number: 20170148011
    Abstract: A system and method for web-based checkout in an e-commerce system using a secret pin received via Short Message Service (SMS) and using an identifier are disclosed. The system and method include receiving a customer payment request and email address of a customer from a vendor, transmitting a pin to an SMS account of the customer, receiving the pin from the customer to confirm payment, authenticating the IP address and the pin and processing the payment. The system and method include receiving a payment request from a customer and a phone number of the customer, authenticating an IP address of the customer, looking up an account of the customer based on the received phone number, generating a link and token associated with the customer, transmitting the mailto link and token to the customer, receiving an email response from the customer, and processing the payment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: @Pay IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: John P. Killoran, JR., Patrick L. Killoran, Isaiah Baca
  • Publication number: 20170148012
    Abstract: A method for near field authentication of sources using an audio transceiver computing device includes scanning a plurality of predetermined frequencies for a free frequency, selecting the free frequency from the plurality of predetermined frequencies, generating a periodic enclosed content message, generating a modulated carrier wave representing the periodic enclosed content message, and transmitting the modulated carrier wave at the free frequency. A method for near field authentication of sources using a microphone input of a receiving computing device includes scanning a plurality of predetermined frequencies to detect a signal using the microphone input, verifying, responsive to detecting the signal, that the signal includes at least one enclosed content message, and extracting a content from the enclosed content message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Uniloc Luxembourg S.A.
    Inventors: Craig S. ETCHEGOYEN, Dono HARJANTO, Sean D. BURDICK
  • Publication number: 20170148013
    Abstract: E-commerce personal account numbers, shipping addresses, and other data may be tokenized to facilitate transaction completion by establishing e-commerce browser standards. Tag data may be received from a website associated with an e-commerce transaction. The tag data may include an indication that a merchant payment webpage is configured to receive a payment transaction via a token. Tokens may then be created from a personal account number and a shipping address corresponding to the personal account number in response to a request for token data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: PANKAJ RAJURKAR, Ashish Kulpati, Koni Uttam Nayak, Gurumoorthy Hariharan, Aparna Krishnan Girish, Parveen Bansal, Michelle Scurrah
  • Publication number: 20170148014
    Abstract: In some implementations, a computer-implemented method for generating a token identity for a customer may include: receiving, from the customer, a request for generating the token identity, the request including customer information associated with a digital identification of the customer; obtaining the digital identification of the customer based at least on the customer information included in the received request from the customer; receiving an identifier of the customer; determining that the identifier of the customer matches an identifier specified by the digital identification of the customer; in response to determining that the identifier of the customer matches an identifier specified by the digital identification of the customer, generating a customer identification sequence for the customer; assigning the generated customer identification sequence for the customer to a device identity module configured to the customer device; generating the token identity based at least on assigning the generated cu
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Margaret Bouse
  • Publication number: 20170148015
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a location aware trust based currency exchange. A method for location aware trust based currency exchange includes receiving in a mobile device on behalf of an end user a request to conduct a peer-to-peer currency exchange transaction. A database is then queried for a listing of partners geographically proximate to a location indicated by the request, the listing including both a trust value for each of the partners indicative of a trustworthiness for a corresponding one of the partners and also an exchange rate offered for each of the partners. The listing is then displayed in the mobile device. Finally, in response to the end user selecting one of the partners in the listing, a message is transmitted to the selected one of the partners indicating a desire by the end user to conduct the peer-to-peer currency exchange transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Jeff L. Edgington, Kristina E. Jones, Hung Tack Kwan, Shiju Mathai
  • Publication number: 20170148016
    Abstract: A method for confirmation of an electronic transaction using a blockchain includes: receiving transaction data, the transaction data including a transaction amount and currency code; generating a transaction message formatted based on one or more standards including a first data element configured to store the transaction amount, a second data element configured to store the currency code, and a third data element configured to store an invoice identifier; transmitting the transaction message to a financial institution via a payment network; receiving a return message from the financial institution via the payment network formatted based on the one or more standards and including a data element configured to store the transaction amount, currency code, and invoice identifier; and generating a hash value based on application of hashing algorithms to the transaction amount, currency code, and invoice identifier stored in the data element included in the received return message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: MasterCard International Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven Charles DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20170148017
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a biological recognition technology-based mobile payment device, method and apparatus, and a storage medium. The method includes receiving, by a payment Trusted Application (TA) that operates in a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) on a device, a call request from one of a plurality of third party payment applications that are installed on the device and operate with the payment TA, determining content to be encrypted and an encryption parameter for performing encryption based on the call request, acquiring a result of biometric recognition from a biometric recognition application, encrypting the content according to the encryption parameter and the result of biometric recognition and returning the encrypted content to the third party payment application that generates the call request, for the third party payment application to perform a pay tent-related operation based on the encrypted content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Xiaomi Inc.
    Inventors: Yang HU, Yuanyuan HUANG
  • Publication number: 20170148018
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for methods and systems effective to secure process synchronized requests after at least one secure inter-device communication link between the originating and confirming communication devices is established. A method may include forwarding, by the confirming communication device the request and receiving, by a server, a first request from the originating device and at least one second request from the confirming device. The method may also include, by the server, determining a sequence of receiving of the first and the at least one second requests and processing the requests in order to authenticate a communication device, accept or reject a financial transaction, based on the receiving sequence and receiving time difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Pavel Levin
  • Publication number: 20170148019
    Abstract: A registered provider device encrypts provider input related to a transaction between the provider device and one of many registered user devices to create an encrypted one-time-use provider code (the encryption is performed using an encryption key produced, in part, using a uniquely sequenced number generated by a sequencer maintained by the provider device). Similarly, the user device encrypts user input to create an encrypted one-time-use user code using an encryption key produced, in part, using a uniquely sequenced number generated by a user sequencer maintained by the user device. The provider and user devices independently transmit their different encrypted one-time-use codes to an intermediate entity, which decrypts the encrypted codes. This decryption is performed using one-time-use encryption keys produced using sequencers maintained by the intermediate entity, and this decryption generates an authorization request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: BenedorTSE LLC
    Inventor: RICHARD F. CARROTT
  • Publication number: 20170148020
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for verifying recurring transactions to payment accounts. One exemplary method includes initially receiving an authorization request for a transaction to a payment account and involving a merchant, where the authorization request includes a recurring payment indicator. The method also generally includes transmitting, by at least one computing device, a verification request to a consumer associated with the payment account, and inhibiting, by the at least one computing device, at least one or authorization or clearing of the transaction until a verification of the transaction, based on a direction from the consumer, is recognized, whereby the consumer is able to verify the transaction before the transaction is cleared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Vienravee
  • Publication number: 20170148021
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing secure transaction functionality using a centralized digital gateway configured to process transactions of various types, using different transaction processing entities, within a single processing flow. The digital gateway may implement rules and logic to optimize transaction processing costs. Additionally, transaction authorization, various types of transaction analyses, and transaction processing and dispatch processes may be performed in parallel, as directed by the implemented rules and logic, in order to optimize transaction processing costs and processing speeds. Further, digital gateway may be configured to normalize transaction request data across different transaction types, allowing the transaction request data to be transmitted in a uniform manner to related back-end systems, partner systems, and transaction processors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Daniel Goldstein, Abhishek Banerjee, Marc Elbirt, Seshu Pandey, Kevin Lai, Sanjay Saraf
  • Publication number: 20170148022
    Abstract: A computerized method for generating a time-limited number for use in a payment card transaction involving a payment card issued by a financial institution. The payment card comprises an original payment card number. A first plurality of digits of the original payment card number is provided to a processor. The first plurality of digits are predetermined digits associated to the financial institution. A desired expiration date through which the time-limited number is valid for acceptance in the payment card transaction is provided to the processor. A program is executed by the processor to set a first plurality of digits in the time-limited number to the first plurality of digits in the original payment card number, generate a first number corresponding to the desired expiration date, set a second plurality of digits in the time-limited number to the first number, and output the time-limited number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald W. Sandstrom, Paul E. Vasil, Ludwik F. Zon
  • Publication number: 20170148023
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for secure peer to peer transactions. In use, a peer to peer secured transaction is initiated between a first device and a second device. A request is prepared with signed keys at the first device, and the request may be received at the second device. Next, signed keys at the second device are validated and a response is prepared with signed keys at the second device and sent to the first device. Further, the response is cleared via issuer/broker/clearing house at the first device. Lastly, a receipt is prepared and signed at the first device, and the signed receipt is sent to the second device. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Vivek Mundhra, Geeta Mundhra
  • Publication number: 20170148024
    Abstract: A payment processing system continuously processes transactions having data elements. A profile table exists for each data element of the transactions and is continuously updated with risk variables in real time. Risk metrics of various types are calculated in real-time if criteria are met. A risk metric percentage is compared to one of two thresholds to determine whether or not to trigger a strike and whether or not to turn on alert for a particular data element of a profile table. If an alert is turned on then the thresholds become more restrictive for that particular data element for future transactions. Fraud model parameters are also adjusted if a strike is triggered or an alert is turned on. An alert is turned off after passage of time and if the risk metric for a future transaction is below a threshold. Rules are created in real time if an alert is on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Jiaqi YU, Jianning LE
  • Publication number: 20170148025
    Abstract: A payment processing system continuously processes transactions. A group of transactions satisfying criteria within a recent measurement window are extracted from transaction data. A second group of transactions satisfying the criteria within a past baseline window are also extracted. An attribute of transactions is selected for analysis and a risk metric value is calculated for transactions in the measurement window having a particular attribute value. The same risk metric is used to calculate a baseline value for transactions in the baseline window having the same attribute value. The baseline value may be normalized and adjusted. The risk metric value is compared to the baseline value and an alert is generated if the risk metric value is greater. Any of a variety of risk metrics are used. Total dollar amount and total order count from the measurement window compared to similar from the baseline window are also used to inform the alert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Jianning LE, John LEI, Jiaqi YU, Charles FIRKINS, Robert Marssdorf
  • Publication number: 20170148026
    Abstract: A payment processing system continuously processes transactions. Upon arrival, in real-time, a transaction is parsed and each entity is used to retrieve other previous transactions associated with that entity in order to build a link analysis web. Iteratively, each entity in the retrieved transactions is used to retrieve other associated transactions, etc. Before retrieval of associated transactions, each entity is checked whether it appears in a bypass table. If so, that entity is not used to retrieve transactions. Once built, transactions and entities within the link analysis web are analyzed to determine whether the current transaction is fraudulent. Off-line or online, risk metrics such as address mismatch rate, bank decline rate, ticket decline rate and new payment device rate, along with the proportion of a linked entity is used to determine whether that linked entity is erroneous and should be placed into the bypass table and excluded from the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: John LEI, Jianning LE, Jiaqi YU, Fang LI, Robert Marssdorf
  • Publication number: 20170148027
    Abstract: A payment processing system continuously processes transactions. Multiple modeling technologies are used within a fraud detection system to each handle different blocks of segmented transaction data in order to detect fraud. Model data is created from recent segmented transaction data that is currently handled by an existing model; each transaction includes a fraud flag as to whether it was fraudulent or not. The model data is used to train, validate and test any of a number of types of models where the fraud flag is the target. Performance metrics such as Sensitivity, Review Rate and False Positives are calculated for each trained model. An operational objective is used to determine a value for a particular performance metric which then dictates values for other performance metrics for each model. The best model is chosen by optimizing the performance metrics. The best model is configured and deployed to replace the existing model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Jiaqi Yu, Jianning LE
  • Publication number: 20170148028
    Abstract: An electronic payment instruction file associated with a payer identifier and a payee identifier from a remote payer device may be received. Information about the electronic file may be stored into a transaction database. An authorization and payment processing server may retrieve, from the transaction database, the information about the electronic payment instruction file and automatically arrange for funds to be transferred from a payment account associated with the payer identifier to an account associated with the payee identifier. The authorization and payment processing server may then transmit a confirmation signal to the remote payer device confirming that the payment has been completed without transmitting any information to any device associated with the payee identifier at the location of the transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventor: Shirley WHITE-ELLUL
  • Publication number: 20170148029
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a payment verification system, method and apparatus, which pertain to the field of security technologies. The system includes a device verification server and at least one payment verification server. The device verification server is configured to register the at least one payment verification server to provide a payment service that is based on biometric recognition, and verify a user device in response to a request from the user device to activate a payment function for the user device that is based on biometric recognition. The payment verification server is configured to verify a payment application that is used on the user device in response to the request when the user device is verified with success, activate the payment function for the user device when the payment application is verified with success, and verify one or more payment requests from the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Xiaomi Inc.
    Inventors: Yang HU, Junqi Lin, Yuanyuan Huang
  • Publication number: 20170148030
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for associating a user of a social media networking system with a customer of a travel provider. In response to receiving a post published by the user on the social media networking system, a travel data source is queried to identify a customer profile based on information relating to the user or to information related to a content of the post. The post by the user and information from the customer profile are displayed on the display. An answer to the social media post is formulated based on the information from the customer profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Alfredo Fernandez Acuna, Vincent Domurado, Adrien Bardon
  • Publication number: 20170148031
    Abstract: A system for intelligently determining changes to a service provider user's parameters in the service provider system. The system generally includes a service provider's computer system which contains a computer and a user database stored thereon; a user carried service provider tool, such as an ATM card, a cell phone, and the like; and a remote device whose use by the user is monitored by the service provider, such as an ATM machine (e.g., if the service provider is a bank and the service provider tool is an ATM card) or a phone or cell tower (e.g., if the service provider is a telecommunications service provider and the tool is a cell phone). Activity amongst the computer system, user carried service provider tool, and remote device is wirelessly monitored by the service provider (or an agent of the service provider) in an electronic communications network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Pablo R.M. Gonzalez, Tiago Pagani, Krzysztof A. Rudek, Vinod A. Valecha
  • Publication number: 20170148032
    Abstract: A method of certifying the condition of a collectible item, including establishing a unique identification number for the item; evaluating the item and determining a numeric grade for the overall condition of the item; entering the item identification number and the numeric grade in a worksheet; saving a read-only record copy of the worksheet in a registration database keyed to the identification number; generating no more than two identical labels with the identification number for the item; creating a separate registration certificate that displays the numeric grade for the overall condition and other identifying information for the item; applying one of the identical labels to the registration certificate; and applying the other one of the identical labels to the item or a container of it. The labels are secure ID Tags, being unalterable and tamper evident by destruction if removed. They form a security seal when affixed to a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Scott C. CORNIUK, Joan E. CORNIUK
  • Publication number: 20170148033
    Abstract: A system for preventing restricted transactions using physical trade documents includes a document intake machine comprising a document scanner and a data extractor. The document intake machine receives a physical trade document associated with a transaction of goods from an entity. The document scanner scans the physical trade document to create an electronic file. The data extractor identifies trade terms from the electronic file. A trade-executing machine receives the trade terms and compares them to a database of restricted trade terms. For each of the trade terms that match a restricted trade term, the trade executing machines identifies a confidence level associated with the trade term indicating a likelihood that the transaction of goods is a restricted transaction. If the confidence level is greater than a predetermined threshold, the trade executing machine flags the transaction of goods as a potential restricted transaction and communicates a notification message to the entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Ann McCormick, Gary Ford, Mark Zanzot, Peter ThoII, Robin Tooker, Steven Dommes, Timothy Lukavsky, Walter McKay
  • Publication number: 20170148034
    Abstract: Systems and methods of improving the operation of a transaction network and transaction network devices is disclosed. A spend engagement and relevance diagnostics host may comprise various modules and engines wherein a merchant and/or customer transaction record may be evaluated for establishing proper usage of differentiated transaction instruments according to their proper purposes, proper acceptance by merchants of differentiated transaction instruments, and delivery of value-added data such as electronically indicated offers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish Kapatia Sharma, Sangarsh Nigam, Arnab Bose, Mira Srinivasan, Faisal Ahmad
  • Publication number: 20170148035
    Abstract: Buying stage determination techniques in a digital medium environment are described to model and control user interaction with a service provider to purchase a good or service through identification of stages in a buying cycle associated with users. Usage data is obtained that at least describes interactions by one or more users with the service provider that occurred during previous sessions. The marketing interactions in the obtained usage data are classified and quantified for respective said users using one or more features. Generation of a model of the stages of the buying cycle is controlled using the quantified usage data. The model is configured to identify a stage in the buying cycle that is associated with a respective said user, which is usable to control further marketing interactions supported for that user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Meghanath Macha Yadagiri, Ritesh Noothigattu, Shivam Garg, Abhishek Kandoi, Atanu R. Sinha
  • Publication number: 20170148036
    Abstract: Associating callers of a contact center with their social media identity may provide mutual benefits to the caller and contact center. For example, a business operating a contact center can receive information about their current and potential customers and customers can receive additional information, incentives, or other perks by allowing access to their social media profile. When a caller initially calls a contact center, they are prompted, and possibly incentivized, to check into a virtual venue. The caller may then be known, via an associated social media identity, to the contact center. The virtual venue may then receive access to comments and other posts, such as endorsements, provided by connects to the social media identity and process the call in accordance with the sentiment or utilize the social media network for post-call follow-up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Reinhard Klemm, David Skiba
  • Publication number: 20170148037
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for computing a price-sensitivity score for a product for sale is provided. The method comprises (a) receiving, by a transaction analysis component, transaction data comprising a purchase of the target product by a consumer; (b) receiving, by a product analysis component, a reference price-sensitivity score for a reference product for sale; (c) calculating, by the transaction analysis component, a correlation index using the transaction data; said correlation index being indicative a correlation between purchases of the target product and the reference product; and (d) calculating, by the product analysis component, the price-sensitivity score for the target product using the correlation index and the reference price-sensitivity score. Methods for computing a price-sensitivity rating of a consumer and a price-efficiency rating for a merchant are also provided. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Shuvam Sengupta, Rohit Modi, Pulkit Gupta, Ankur Arora
  • Publication number: 20170148038
    Abstract: A system and method that enables usage of data embedded inside social media data to help estimate buy intent (BI), to allow companies or organizations to utilize this information to track conversations about their brand, to engage with their customers/users, to conduct advisement and investment efficiency analysis, to manage and reduce potential risk, and identify the factors that may affect company sales and revenues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Ragy Thomas, Murali Swaminathan, Xin Feng
  • Publication number: 20170148039
    Abstract: There is provided a method of power monitoring comprising: determining the price for electricity for a user; determining the power consumption of an electrical appliance within the user's premises; and providing an output signal for the appliance to indicate to the user if the current operational mode of the appliance is desirable or undesirable to the user based on at least one of: the electricity price and the power consumption. An apparatus for power monitoring and a base station used in the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Erik WILHELM, Suranga NANAYAKKARA, Shaohui FOONG, Joseph FALVELLA, Don Samitha ELVITIGALA