Abstract: There is disclosed a system has a POS terminal comprising a display output interface and an identification input interface, the POS terminal being programmed: to receive identification data via the identification input interface, the identification data identifying a selected product for processing by the POS terminal, to process the identification data to generate alphanumeric text data encoding a description of the selected product, and to output the alphanumeric text data via the display output interface; a display unit; and a controller, programmed: to receive the alphanumeric text data from the POS terminal display output interface, to process the alphanumeric text data to generate further identification data identifying the selected product, to process the further identification data to select graphical data appropriate for the selected product, and to output the graphical data to the display unit. A controller, method, computer readable medium and computer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of providing a dynamic purchase incentive to a purchase of a product. A product identification is input into a purchasing device which transmits it to a discount server computer along with customer identification data. The discount server computer uses the product identification to retrieve from a product discount database associated product discount data, and uses the customer identification data to retrieve from a customer profile database associated customer profile data. The discount server computer uses the retrieved customer profile data and the product identification to generate a dynamic purchase incentive to be applied to the purchase of the product by the customer, the incentive varying as a function of the retrieved customer profile data and the product identification. The discount server computer transmits the purchase incentive to the purchasing device, and the purchase incentive is applied to the purchase of the product by the customer.

Abstract: A customer registers a social networking identifier with a retail loyalty program. When a customer completes a transaction at a retail establishment and provides a customer loyalty account number for the customer, a determination is made as to whether the customer can use social networking awards as part of the retail transaction.

Abstract: A method for providing a service transaction for a mobile device of a user at a point of sale (POS) of a supplier, wherein the method comprises the steps of sending (S2) by said mobile device an individual supplier code (SC) read (S1) by said mobile device from a supplier tag located at the point of sale (POS) of said supplier to a server of a service provider; returning (S5) a service valid message (SVM) by said server of said service provider to the mobile device if the supplier code (SC) belongs to a registered supplier of the respective service; and performing (S6) a service transaction of the respective service at the point of sale (POS) of the registered supplier in response to the service valid message (SVM) received by the mobile device.

Abstract: A system for receiving a real-time discount with an open loop debit card, credit card or mobile payment device in a multi-merchant, multi-payer commercial environment. The system has a plurality of buckets with information concerning discounts currently available, a point of sale (POS) device initiates a transaction, a financial processor transmits a query to an account issuing bank to determine whether the payer has sufficient funds for the transaction, the issuing bank communicates with the discount system in real time to determine if a discount is available, if a discount is available, the issuing bank borrows the amount of the discount by from an issuing bank discount reserve pooled (IBDRP) account and the issuing bank credits the payer's account in real time with the amount of the discount.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for managing and redeeming electronic coupons on a mobile device. The invention may also cause a mobile device to generate an alert when it is at or in the vicinity of a location such as a retail store where an electronic coupon held by the mobile device may be redeemed. An alert may also be caused when the mobile device is used in a sales transaction at the location. The electronic coupons may be redeemed in a number of ways including scanning an image displayed on the mobile device, communicating with a wireless network, or through an integrated near field payment system offered by the location.

Abstract: Payers may be incentivized to change from a first payment option to a second payment option, if the second payment option has a lower transaction cost than the first payment option. In one example, a user makes a payment through an on-line system. The user chooses a payment instrument, such as a credit card, to make the payment. A system then determines whether there the user's chosen instrument has the lowest transaction cost, or if there are ways of making the payment that have lower transaction costs. If lower-cost ways of making the payment exist, the user may be offered an incentive to change to a payment method that has a lower transaction cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating discounts or incentives with payment options are presented. In various embodiments, a customer purchasing goods or services is presented with various discounts or incentives to use one or more particular forms of payment such as cash, credit card, debit card, house card, or the like. After being presented with such information, the customer may then choose a form of payment, taking into account the various discounts or incentives related thereto. The appropriate discount or incentive is then applied to the customer's total bill and/or saved in the customer's loyalty account for future use.

Abstract: A method for configuring a mobile communication device to perform transactions using a second communication channel that is different from a first communication channel through which the mobile communication device sends voice data. The method includes attaching a secure element to the mobile communication device. The secure element includes a memory storing an application, a processor configured to execute the application stored in the memory; and a wireless transceiver configured to send transaction data associated with the executed application through the second communication channel to a terminal that is remote from the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A method for configuring a mobile communication device to perform transactions using a second communication channel that is different from a first communication channel through which the mobile communication device sends voice data. The method includes attaching a secure element to the mobile communication device. The secure element includes a memory storing an application, a processor configured to execute the application stored in the memory; and a wireless transceiver configured to send transaction data associated with the executed application through the second communication channel to a terminal that is remote from the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A customer relationship management system wirelessly detects presence and identity of a customer when the customer enters a business establishment. The system captures a visit pattern of the customer based on communication from the wireless device. A relevant marketing message for the customer is determined based on the customer's presence, visit pattern, identity, and location. The marketing message is delivered directly to a wireless device carried to the customer upon a subsequent entry of the customer to the business establishment. Responses of the customer (e.g., purchasing patterns, etc.) are stored for subsequent use in presenting relevant offers.

Abstract: An electronic offer management system and method thereof is disclosed. In particular, the system comprises means for receiving information related to a plurality of offers distributed by a plurality of different offer distributors to customer for redemption at plurality of stores, means for automatically routing the information related to an offer to a point-of-sale system of each store in which the offer can be redeemed, and means for automatically clearing the offers redeemed by the customer at the stores. The system further comprises means for automatically reconciling financial obligations associated with each cleared offer, as well means for dynamically profiling customers so that improved offer targeting can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of distributing, redeeming, and clearing digital coupons that includes transmitting digital coupon data directly to a wireless user communication device such as a user's cell phone and then detecting directly from the device whether any of the digital coupon data has been selected to be redeemed and receiving the selected digital coupon data directly from the wireless user communication device for redemption and clearing purposes.

Abstract: A Tradesman's Purchase system is operated by a bank or credit issuing authority that issues a Tradesman's purchasing credit unique ID# to qualifying tradesman selected from the group consisting of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, masons, mechanics, repair shop professionals, contractors, or related construction or trade companies and professions upon payment of an initiation fee and payment of periodic maintenance fees. The unique ID# provides pre-negotiated discount levels for tradesmen within the group contracted with pre-selected wholesalers, jobbers and businesses. The unique ID# is linked to the tradesman's name, business, professional status, license number and biometric data including palm print, finger print, iris print and voice print. Professional purchases by the tradesman are tracked by the system, analyzed and reported to sponsoring manufacturers of goods, jobbers or wholesalers for a fee.

Abstract: To enhance the targeting accuracy in providing services such as provision of samples for members by performing management of member information and authentication while securing personal anonymity. There is provided a center server and a store terminal. The center server gives a unique ID to a member application, sends it to a particular mobile information terminal and manages it as authentication information about a member who is the user of the mobile information terminal. In response to purchases of a particular article by the member, the store terminal inputs the ID from the mobile information terminal and inputs purchase information about the article the member purchases. The center server then acquires attribute information about a member identified by the ID.

Abstract: The invention relates to a point of sale system comprising a point of sale device (1) having input devices (3) for recording external customer identification codes and for identifying articles, and having a point of sale data processing device (2) calculating an amount to be paid as a function of the article identifications, and a data processing system (20) coupled to the point of sale data processing device by means of a data transfer network (12), comprising a first (24) and a second server (21, 22).

Abstract: The image forming apparatus decodes a two dimensional code within an image and obtains a password; stores the image in a storage unit if the password thus obtained matches a password entered through an operating section; and when an instruction is given by a user to display the image stored in the storage unit on a display unit of the image forming apparatus, displays the image on the display unit of the image forming apparatus without requesting an entry of the obtained password, and when an instruction is given by a user to display the image stored in the storage unit on a display unit of an external device, other than the display unit of the image forming apparatus, requests re-entry of the password for displaying the image on the display unit of the external device.

Abstract: Disclosed is advertising campaigns to attract customers to a business or establishment. One or more advertising campaign parameters are provided to a location based service operating on one or more computer systems. An identification for each appropriate customer is provided by a location based service. A promotion code for a discount for a service or product offered by the business is provided to each appropriate customer. The promotion code is used at a point of sale device of the business when an appropriate customer presents the promotion code at the point of sale. Variations are described.

Abstract: Techniques for temporary access to enterprise networks are provided. Devices of customers are detected and authenticated for temporary enterprise network access to a facility of an enterprise when the customers are in a configurable geographic distance to that facility. Temporary access credentials for accessing select resources of the facility or enterprise network are pushed to the processing device upon successful authentication. When one or more terminating actions are detected, the temporary access credentials are revoked and access to the enterprise network ceases.

Abstract: A system comprises a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, a POS controller, a retail subscription system. The POS terminal allows a cashier to enter subscription sales data into the POS controller. The POS controller maintains databases on available subscriptions and produces databases containing data relating to subscriptions sold to customers. The retail subscription system verifies the subscriptions by reference to its own databases and transmits the subscriptions to a fulfillment house for distribution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an approach for rewarding customers for use of self-checkout stations and, optionally, for being self-sufficient in such use by not requiring retailer (employee) assistance. Specifically, the under the present invention, a set of service choices made by a customer during purchasing transactions are tracked. Such service choices include whether the customer elected to use self-checkout stations. In addition, a frequency of assistance needed by the customer during the purchasing transactions will be tracked. Such tracking can be accomplished using any known technology including the use of the customer loyalty cards that are assigned to specific customers. In any event, a reward can be offered to the customer if the customer elected to use self-checkout stations to complete at least a subset of the purchasing transactions, and/or if the frequency of assistance needed by the customer during the purchasing transactions fell below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments manage an electric vehicle charging transaction. A set of principals associated with the electric vehicle charging transaction is identified. Electric vehicle charging information is retrieved from a set of sources. An energy transaction plan is generated using the electric vehicle charging information. A charging phase of the electric vehicle charging transaction is initiated for an electric vehicle connected to a charging station in accordance with the energy transaction plan. The charging phase comprises at least one of charging the electric vehicle with electricity, storing electricity in an electric storage mechanism associated with the electric vehicle, and removing electricity from the electric storage mechanism to de-charge the electric vehicle. In response to completion of the charging phase, the process then settles the financial obligations of a subset of principals in accordance with the energy transaction plan.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for bumping a mobile device, such as a smart phone, against a fixed poster board display at a store to initiate a download of coupons, advertisements, or other benefits to the mobile device. Products can be rated by a user's up/down bump or other bump patterns. Using accelerometer-based inertial measurements, multiple users can control multiple mouse cursors on a large display with their mobile devices in order to select information to be downloaded to their mobile devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer system and method for managing electronic transactions. A plurality of consumer and merchant accounts are stored in a data store. Each consumer account has a first consumer account identifier. Each merchant account has a merchant account identifier. A merchant offer is stored in the data store in association with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier. A push module associates the merchant offer with the consumer account identifier. A communication and routing module receives a charge request over the network interface device, the charge request including an amount and a second consumer account identifier and identifies a selected one of the consumer accounts by associating one of the first consumer account identifiers with the second consumer account identifier. A transaction processing system that processes the charge request based on an account detail of the selected consumer account.

Abstract: In addition to standard product labels, incentive labels are printed and provided to customers when an item is identified to and weighed by a scale/label printer located in a store by accessing an incentive database to determine the existence and nature of any incentive. One or more display devices may be used in connection with providing incentives, including enabling a customer to select from among a number of incentives displayed. An incentive label construction may be provided with desirable folding features. Certain incentives may be of a graduated/progressive type to invite larger purchases by customers.

Abstract: A system for providing distributed control to process transactions is disclosed. The system includes a service provider system having associated therewith a number of rules and a number of meta-rules, a point of service device having associated therewith a number of rules and a number of meta-rules, and a portable device having associated therewith a number of rules and a number of meta-rules. The portable device uses its associated rules to determine an outcome for a transaction. If the portable device is unable to determine the outcome for the transaction, the portable device uses its associated meta-rules to either determine whether one or more of its associated rules can be altered locally in order to determine the outcome or request the point of service device to help determine the outcome using the rules and meta-rules associated with the point of service device.

Abstract: A system and method for proximity based marketing is disclosed between a mobile computing device having a Short Range Communication (SRC) device and a Proximity Short Range Communication (PSRC) device associated with a product or service using near field magnetic induction. The SRC device and/or the PSRC device can include at least two substantially mutually orthogonal antennas to provide magnetic antenna diversity. The method comprises defining a proximity boundary with dimensions defined by at least one of a communication range of the SRC and PSRC devices and a receive sensitivity of at least one of the SRC and PSRC devices. A proximity signal is communicated in the proximity boundary between the SRC device and the PSRC device. An action is performed by at least one of the SRC and PSRC devices when the proximity signal is detected.

Abstract: A system for managing coupon redemption and prioritization is provided. According to one aspect of the system, the system allows an electronic coupon or reward to be redeemed a specific number of times. The specific number of times may range from one to infinity. According to another aspect of the system, the system automatically resolves any redemption conflict associated with the concurrent redemption of electronic coupon(s) and paper-based coupon(s) by using certain predefined rules and logic.

Abstract: Accordingly some embodiments, a merchant server receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant of a purchase of at least one item from a first merchant. The customer agrees to participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant in exchange for having the subsidy applied against the purchase from the first merchant. In one embodiment, after selling the at least one item to the customer, the merchant server determines that the customer did not participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant as the customer agreed to, and assesses a penalty against the customer.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering coupons to consumers in a retail shopping environment. The system includes an indicator positioned proximate a retail display of a discounted product. A customer directly interacts with an in-store electronic coupon delivery system. The in-store coupon delivery system assesses the products intended to be purchased and generates an output associated with reducing a purchase price by a total amount of a discount price. The output is communicated to a cashier and, upon confirmation of actual purchase of the intended products, the total purchase price is reduced by the total discount amount. The in-store coupon delivery system provides a merchandise discount system that can be quickly and economically configured to satisfy the requirements of a particular retailer and a system that is less susceptible to nefarious interaction such as redemption of invalid coupons.

Abstract: Payment systems currently in vogue (credit/debit cards) use a form of identity applicable only to a specific payment network (card number). This prevents the aggregation of one's payment options, and exposes the sensitive account information to the relatively insecure parts (merchant locations) of the transaction chain. This invention introduces an alternative platform for payments by aggregating the different identities under one. It proposes to use one's cellphone number as that identity. A set of configurable rules defined by the user let him/her choose the appropriate method of payment at the point of sale. The invention is a set of software and hardware components that work together to create a secure, robust and easy-to-use payment system. It also allows for fraud detection at the time it is being committed. The advantage of this system is that it lets the users pay for their purchases only using their mobile phone.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a digital coupon system. Digital coupons can be defined by a coupon specification received from a coupon issuer. Digital coupons can be issued to users and redeemed with third party retailer sites and/or point of sale systems. A coupon clearing house application can manage distribution, redemption, reimbursement of retailers and invoicing of coupon issuers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing a multi-purse consumer discount card. The systems and methods may use transaction data to provide one or more negotiated discount rates to a consumer. For example, an amount may be credited to a consumer's purse for a merchant based on that consumer's transaction volume for that merchant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for making payment with discounted prices by using temporary card numbers.

Abstract: In a method of executing a transaction using an electronic coupon, coupon campaign information is provided to an engine. The coupon campaign information defines a discount value, a product family and a number of coupons to be distributed. Each coupon within the coupon campaign has a coupon identification (ID). Coupon publications are provided including a machine-readable portion that encodes coupon data describing the coupon campaign information. The coupon data is retrieved from the machine-readable portion of the coupon publication using a personal electronic device. The coupon data is used to retrieve a coupon ID that is stored in the personal electronic device. The coupon ID is transmitted to a point of sale (POS) system using the personal electronic device. The POS system communicates with the engine to verify a validity of the coupon ID. A discount is applied to a transaction in accordance with the discount value.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) that includes an electric vehicle charger adapted to provide electrical power to a vehicle; a network device adapted to communicate with a wireless network; and a point of sale device coupled to the electric vehicle charger and the network device. The point of sale device is adapted to facilitate consumer purchases of the electrical power and items other than the electrical power. The point of sale device includes: a user interface including a touch screen display, a credit card reader, a bar code reader, and a magnetic card reader, and a printer; a processor; and an application for execution on the processor to implement a method. The method includes: receiving a request from a consumer via the user interface; processing the request; and outputting a status of the request via the user interface.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and systems for use with a redemption campaign of an issuer implemented via a real-time redemption network (“RRN”), with RRN being connected to a credit/debit transaction network, and implemented via a mobile message system for an account of a cardholder having a mobile device connected to the mobile messaging system. The cardholder receives marketing engagements of a redemption campaign via a cardholder mobile device based on an approved credit/debit card transaction and having a points account associated with the card.

Abstract: The LOYALTY PROMOTION APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“L-PROMO”) transforms consumer credentials, consumer opt-in activities, and, merchant campaign setup inputs via L-PROMO components into a financial transaction and offer redemption outputs. In one implementation, a method is disclosed, comprising: receiving consumer identifying information from a consumer electronic wallet vehicle; receiving merchant information and a proposed transaction from a merchant terminal; initiating consumer payment by sending a payment approval to an electronic wallet account; receiving a request to apply a promotional offer; determining consumer eligibility to apply the promotional offer to the proposed transaction; applying the promotional offer to the proposed transaction by returning credits to the consumer based on terms of the promotional offer; sending transaction details to the consumer; and sending a message to a social network indicating the transaction on the consumer's social media page.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the generation of user identification strings (UIS) used with multi-function operation vehicles are provided. In some embodiments, a system for activating a user operation vehicle can include an activation portal, a verifier and a UIS generator. The activation portal can request a base UIS and a vehicle code identifying a user operation vehicle be supplied by a user. Then, using an encryptor and a communications module, the activation portal can generate an encrypted base UIS and communicate the encrypted base UIS and the vehicle code to the verifier. The verifier can then authenticate the user and identify functions that are linked to the user operation vehicle. The UIS generator can include a decryptor and a UIS generation module to generate a unique account-specific UIS from the encrypted base UIS for each account linked to the user operation vehicle by modifying the base UIS.

Abstract: A sales system includes a bar code scanner, a time stamp bar code adaptor, and a point of sale (POS) terminal. The time stamp bar code adaptor is configured for receiving the bar code scanned by the bar code scanner, extracting the country of origin, the manufacturer code, the product code, the date of production, the valid period, and the ID from the received bar code, and generating a sub code indicative of a ratio of a period, having elapsed from the date of production, to a point of sales, to the valid period. The POS terminal is configured for managing a product code table and a time stamp code table containing discount rate information, and calculating a discount price based on the elapsed period using the bar code and the sub code provided by the time stamp bar code adaptor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for managing transaction card accounts involves enabling a transaction card account by a card issuer for use with pre-defined categories of providers of goods/services and goods/services sold and issuing a transaction card and establishing an associated pre-qualified category card account. Upon receiving data for a transaction with the transaction card at a transaction terminal by a processing platform of the card issuer via a card association processing network, the category of the provider and goods/services is interrogated to determine whether or not the transaction can be posted on the pre-qualified category card account of the cardholder, and the transaction is approved and posted to the pre-qualified category card account if the transaction falls within the pre-qualified category of the cardholder.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a merchant loyalty program is disclosed. The invention includes receiving purchase data, wherein the purchase data comprises a consumer account code, a purchase amount, and a service establishment code; associating the service establishment code with a merchant proprietor rewards account code; calculating a reward amount based on the purchase amount; and, crediting a merchant proprietor reward account with at least a portion of said reward amount.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a database system and method for processing a transaction record of a transaction between a merchant and a user is provided. The system comprises a database and a server. The database stores and updates an account record and coupon records. The account record contains account data associated with the user and transaction data.

Abstract: An automated banking machine can receive user card data from a cell phone. The phone stores the card data of several selectable cards, including electronic account number data. The machine generates and displays a random number correlated with a time period. A machine user manually inputs the displayed random number into their phone. A software application in the phone encrypts the selected card data along with the inputted random number data. The phone displays a bar code image containing the encrypted data. The banking machine includes a bar code reader which can read the displayed image. The machine causes the read data to be decrypted. The random number is used to verify the current transaction session. Thereafter, the user may provide other inputs, including PIN input. The process replaces physical insertion of a card yet allows secure input of the card data. Possible data interception from activities requiring card insertion are also reduced.

Abstract: System and methods for transaction processing using a rewards account are described. The method may include: receiving a transaction containing a transaction type, formatting a message based on the transaction type and sending the message. The method may alternately include, receiving a transaction message and processing a transaction based on a transaction type contained within the transaction message. The system may include one or more software modules performing the following functions: receiving module to receive transactions, transaction processing module to parse the transaction and determine a transaction type, message processing module to format a transaction message based on the transaction type, and a user interface module to provide a user interface to a customer.

Abstract: Code processing for promotional games and the like. In a preferred application, a lottery ticket holder who has purchased a lottery ticket is encouraged to access a designated Internet site by rewarding access thereat on the condition that information visibly supported on the lottery ticket from a given drawing is input at an Internet site and a test indicates that the information so-input matches lottery numbers that were picked for that drawing. Access to predetermined Internet-based services or sites can also be had as an award to an individual for inputting an iconic code at a machine connected to the Internet if the input code tests as valid, with the code being marked so as to be usable only once. Preferably, the iconic code is input by click-selecting displayed icons one after another in an order that corresponds to that of a code provided to the individual. POS methods for code processing are also described.

Abstract: Users may save coupon offers in association with account identifiers tied to user accounts, such as identifiers for customer loyalty cards, phones, or personal computing devices. Users may present the account identifiers, or physical items associated with the account identifier, while completing transactions. Retailers may utilize the account identifiers to determine which coupon offers have been saved in association with the corresponding user accounts. The saved coupon offers may then be applied against the transactions. Coupon offers saved in this manner may be counted as distributed for the purposes of producing a distribution count for reports or for applying distribution limits. For example, a user's request to print a coupon for a coupon offer may be denied if the coupon offer is saved in association with an account identifier associated with the user.

Abstract: A product information processing apparatus includes: an image importing section which imports an image imaged by an imaging section; a service label detecting section which detects a service label in which incentive content obtained from purchasing of the product is expressed in a visually unrecognizable form, from a product image imported by the image importing section; and a notifying section which notifies the incentive content of the service label detected by the service label detecting section.

Abstract: A restaurant customer-survey system and device, which reduces employee fraud when a customer-satisfaction survey embedded in the device is conducted. The survey may be implemented in a pager, tip tray, or other computing device that includes an internally mounted camera that covertly takes a photograph of the survey participant. The photograph is date/time stamped and associated with a table number so that the waiter for the table can be identified. The survey results together with the associated photograph are uploaded to a management database. The restaurant manager can review the photographs to ensure that employees are not fraudulently conducting the surveys rather than customers. The system also enables the customer to interface with the restaurant's point-of-sale (POS) system to retrieve the customer's current bill or wirelessly make a payment from the table.

Abstract: A method and system for making a donation to a third party includes storing, via a storage device, a user preference in a user account; receiving, via a receiver, information regarding a purchase transaction at a merchant; accessing, via a processor, the user preference from the user account; dynamically selecting, via the processor, a percentage discount to be allocated to the purchase transaction; donating, via the processor, a monetary value of the percentage discount to the third-party according to the user preference, where the user account is associated with a user, and includes rules for allocating the percentage discount to the third-party.