Abstract: A user selects a product to be liquidated from a product provider and then designates to the transacting entity that reward points are to be used towards the purchase of the liquidated product. The transacting entity acts to decrease the number of reward points in the user's reward account by the required number of points. The reward account holder conveys consideration to the transacting entity equivalent to the par value of the reward points consumer obtains the product in exchange for reward points having a retail value equivalent to what he would have otherwise paid for the product, while the reward account holder is required to convey only the par value of the points. The product provider is able to liquidate the product and obtain payment equivalent to what it would otherwise have obtained in a prior art liquidation process, auction or trading environment.

Abstract: An item may be purchased using a combination of rewards and monetary consideration, wherein a maximum allowable reward payment portion (or correspondingly a minimum monetary consideration amount) is established by the merchant, the reward issuer, or an online reward exchange operator. The user may select, using for example a user interface slider control, the desired number of rewards to redeem (up to the maximum allowable amount) and the corresponding monetary consideration portion is displayed. The transaction may then be executed wherein the selected rewards are redeemed and the balance is paid for with the corresponding monetary consideration.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a method is performed in which a print configuration for an electronic device is saved. Therefore, a virtual print driver is installed (or activated) on the electronic device. The virtual print driver operates so that, when a digital coupon image is selected for printing, the digital coupon image is captured and re-transmitted over a network for remote storage in lieu of the digital coupon image being printed locally.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device is adapted to receive and upload digital credits for later application as part of payment for purchases at particular retailer. The electronic device comprises a memory to store an incoming credit email message, and a processor that, in response to receipt of the credit email message and selection of a link contained on the credit email message, establishes communication with a storage area remote from the electronic device in order to upload a digital credit into an account of a registered user using the electronic device. The storage area is accessible by a plurality of retailers to allow the retailers, when the registered user of the electronic device is present at the retailer, to fetch and apply the digital credit to purchases at the retailer.

Abstract: Marketing/advertising presentations are customized for transit passengers, such as commercial airline passengers. The passengers offer a good captive audience during long-duration trips since there is little opportunity for distraction. The passengers' attention and participation can be guaranteed by offering differing levels of incentives (e.g. reduced fare, upgraded seats, product/service discounts, etc.).

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a central controller receives a selection signal. If the selection signal indicates acceptance of any installment plan, use of the accepted installment plan for the financial account is authorized. Thereafter, bills may be generated that reflect installment charges to be paid.

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: A method and method for providing a customer of a retailer with information during checkout may include pairing with a mobile device during checkout of a customer at a POS system. Prior to communicating data to the mobile device, permission may be received from the customer via the mobile device to allow for data to be communicated to the mobile device. The data may be communicated to the mobile device during checkout by the customer.

Abstract: A Tradesman's Card system issues a Tradesman's Card 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 card is issued by a bank or a credit card issuing authority that has contracted with pre-selected wholesalers, jobbers and businesses to provide pre-negotiated discount levels for tradesmen within the group. The tradesman's Card has unique identification features, which identify the card holder as a professional tradesman that is entitled to pre-negotiated discounts. A number visible on the Tradesman's card serves as the system identification number and a credit card number. 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: The Electronic Coupon Generation, Distribution, Reimbursement and Settlement System is a fully integrated system that is designed to coexist with paper based coupon systems and Internet sites that generate paper coupons and as warranted replace these coupon systems. The system is intended to be used by consumers who enroll and become active members and their representatives who initiate qualified shopping sessions at system supported point-of-sales sites. A proprietary database management enables manufacturers (or product controllers) to provide formatted information used by the system to generate electronic coupons and distribute them to consumers at point-of-sale sites controlled by participating merchandisers located throughout the country. The system supports the immediate reimbursement of consumers and reflects the coupons generated and reimbursement earnings on the register tape for a qualified shopping trip.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for electronic couponing for payment processing. In an embodiment of the invention, an electronic couponing method for payment processing can include receiving a transaction profile for a proposed transaction as payment for a purchase by a purchaser from a merchant at a card processing terminal configured to identify a card number for a card. The method also can include presenting a coupon in the card processing terminal responsive to the transaction profile. Yet further, the method can include prompting the purchaser to redeem the coupon through the card processing terminal. Finally, the method can include reducing a payment amount for the proposed transaction if the purchaser redeems the coupon through the card processing terminal and routing the proposed transaction to a payment processor for payment processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provide for playing keno-type games wherein a player can redeem a winning ticket remotely (e.g., over the Internet, by email or phone, etc.) instead of having to return to a point of purchase of the ticket to redeem the ticket. The keno-type game can be played using paper tickets or on a computer system, for example, coupled to the Internet.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for managing promotional displays, including images of products being presented for entry into transactions. As each product is presented, an analysis is performed of promotional information relating to the product to determine the eligibility of the product for promotional display and to determine parameters governing such a promotional display. Promotional displays of one or more products are presented based on the results of the analysis.

Abstract: A system, method and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for advertising. A system configured to practice the method receives user situation information. Based on the situation information, the system transmits an advertisement to the user's mobile device, wherein the advertisement is associated with an identification card and a coupon and transmitted independent of any user solicitation for a communication and independent of a request for a product or a service. The system receives input from the user via the advertisement for purposes other than redeeming the coupon; and, and receives an indication of a purchase associated with the advertisement and completed at a point of sale device using the identification card, wherein the mobile device differs from the point of sale device and wherein the purchase is at full price and a rebate associated with the coupon and the identification card is provided to the user.

Abstract: A method of validating a discount offer includes obtaining discount information from a coupon at a dispenser, the discount information including a unique discount identifier. The discount information is sent to a local controller, which attempts to communicate with a central system to validate the offer. If the central system is inaccessible, the local controller then compares the unique discount identifier with a local database of previously redeemed coupons. If the unique discount identifier is not found in the local database, the local controller approves the coupon and instructs the dispenser to reduce the amount charged to a customer by the discount amount. The local controller then adds the unique discount identifier to the local database. When the central server is again accessible, the redeemed discount identifiers are communicated from the local database to the central system.

Abstract: A system and methods for the creation and/or distribution of promotional materials, such as coupons, to consumers is provided. A promotional material item is created electronically and a copy of the item is distributed to mobile devices, or other electronic devices, of consumers. Each copy of the promotional material item includes a unique identifier for redemption and tracking purposes.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and process that employs contractual bargaining with agent-based computational methods for the dynamic allocation, optimization, and pricing of contingent rights and obligations between multiple counterparties with overlapping interests. The processes employ a dynamic and endogenous hierarchy or tiering of binding incentive compatible contingent strategies, which may include optimal liquidation policies for matched assets and liabilities based upon stochastic volume/price schedule related to statistically non-stationary supply/demand elasticities and order-flow, as well as variations in market microstructure. The invention includes a dynamic open system with distributed stochastic control of strategic interactions among dynamic optimizing agents across random states, wherein the actions of any one affects the joint costs and benefits for all the agents.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the field of creating incentives for the completion of the design of integrated electronic circuits (chips). Modern chip design use sophisticated computer aided design software (CAD tools). Typically, CAD tools are sold or rented with pricing schemes that restrict the number of copies and usage of the software and are accompanied by a time-based maintenance charge. These pricing schemes do not encourage cooperation and business efficiency. In one embodiment of the invention, a CAD tool vendor receives two payments, one for access to the technology, providing unlimited usage and copies of the software, and a second payment when the technology produces a useful result. This connects vendor payment to the success of the customer. The vendor finds it advantageous to create tools that are easy to learn, easy to use, and with all the necessary functionality.

Abstract: A method for delivering an electronic coupon to a mobile device includes receiving via a wireless network a target image or icons extracted from the target image, comparing the target image to a plurality of learned images using a processor in communication with the wireless network, determining whether the target image matches at least one learned image, and when the target image matches at least one learned image, delivering to the mobile device over the wireless network an electronic coupon associated with the at least one learned image. The target image can represent at least a portion of a front surface of a consumer packaged good located in a retail outlet. The target image can be generated using a mobile device configured to communicate with the wireless network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing of electronic coupons are disclosed. A plurality of touch screen devices are deployed in aisles of a store. The touch screen devices display coupons for products located in the corresponding aisles after administration devices detect the presence of a registered user in an aisle. The touch screen device accepts selection of coupons and the selections are uploaded to a main server. A point-of-sale administration device detects the presence of a registered user and downloads the pre-selected coupons from main servicer for redemption.

Abstract: A system for avoiding fraud in the distribution and redemption of coupons is presented. A coupon is targeted to a particular customer and has a customer identifier which maps the coupon to the customer in some way. The coupon provides for two redemptions, an initial redemption for a nominal amount, including zero, and a deferred redemption which provides an incentive for redeeming the coupon. Upon purchasing an item or engaging in an activity urged by the coupon, the coupon is initially redeemed. After the redeemed coupon is validated and cleared, the customer identified through the customer identifier, is rewarded by the deferred redemption amount. Fraud is not rewarded since the initial redemption amount provides for little or no compensation.

Abstract: A system and method classifies individuals based on product or service preferences of tastes. With input from the system on user preferences, offers are created by product or service promoters specific to a segment of users with similar preferences. The offers, items and users are linked using alphanumeric or digital codes. The offers and the linked codes are used to obtain discounts, rewards and incentives, or warranty registration when products or services are purchased. The offers, linked codes and purchases are stored such that they are accessible by a user.

Abstract: Electronic transaction data sets are processed for a multitude of disparate transactions using a plurality of autonomous payment networks. Consistent with one example system, a software-programmed computer type system receives and processes point-of-sale transaction data to select one of the payment networks associated with a participant ID (e.g., for a buyer or seller) in the transaction data. The system includes a plurality of network-specific interface modules, each associated with a specific payment network for interfacing therewith. For point-of-sale transaction data, the interface module corresponding to the selected payment network communicates payment data to the selected payment network to effect electronic payment for the point-of-sale transaction data.

Abstract: A method for displaying loyalty program information on a payment card using a computer coupled to a database is described. The payment card includes a processing device coupled to a display screen. The method includes receiving, at the computer, a loyalty program request message that includes payment card identification data. The payment card identification data is associated with the payment card. The method also includes determining that the payment card is registered in a loyalty program based on the payment card identification data and cardholder account data stored in the database. The method also includes electronically generating a loyalty program response message that includes loyalty program update data. The method further includes transmitting the loyalty program update data from the computer to the payment card for displaying as loyalty program information on the display screen.

Abstract: An electronic couponing technique includes transferring coupon information, which may include a coupon ID (identification) to a first portable terminal and storing same therein. The portable terminal displays a representation of the transferred coupon information on a display thereof. The stored coupon information may be transferred from the portable terminal to another terminal for redemption. The stored coupon information may also be transferred from the portable terminal to another portable terminal. Various schemes may be used to transfer the coupon information including a Bluetooth low-range radio link or an optical bar code scanner scanning an optical bar code or an infrared link or a wireless link from the portable terminal. The Internet or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) may also be used in transferring the coupon information to and from the various terminals.

Abstract: A computer receives information that a request is made to authorize a transaction for a sale of a product by a merchant to an account holder in a transaction conducted on a consumer account issued to the account holder. When the computer confirms that the transaction is authorized and that the transaction occurs within a predetermined time period for which there is a rebate associated with the product and a corresponding sponsor financially responsible for the rebate, the computer communicates that the rebate is to be debited to an account of the sponsor and either: (i) given as a discount by the merchant at the point of sale to the account holder; or (ii) credited to an account issued to the account holder by the issuer.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for identifying unexpected behavioral patterns. The process parses event data derived from video data to identify behavioral patterns, wherein the event data comprises metadata describing events occurring in a selected environment. The process analyzes the behavioral patterns to identify a set of expected behavioral patterns occurring in the selected environment, and generates an expected behavioral model using the expected behavioral patterns. Thereafter, the process forms a set of unexpected behavioral patterns from the behavioral patterns inconsistent with the expected behavioral model.

Abstract: Distribution information is stored in an information processing apparatus and includes benefit information. A coupon identifier (ID), which identifies the benefit information, is stored in a memory disposed within an information processing terminal. A request for the coupon ID is transmitted from the information processing apparatus to the information processing terminal and is received at the information processing terminal. The coupon ID is read from the memory disposed within the information processing terminal based on the received request, is transmitted from the information processing terminal to the information processing apparatus, and is received at the information processing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a targetable multi-media promotion channel at the point of sale are provided. The apparatus may include a system for providing to a customer an offer at a point of sale terminal. The system may include machine readable memory configured to store in an offer platform offer information corresponding to a first item. The system may also include an electromagnetic transmitter module configured to transmit the offer information to the point of sale terminal for presentation by the point of sale terminal during a transaction for a second item. The system may also include an electromagnetic receiver module configured to receive an offer acceptance corresponding to the offer information before the customer pays for the second item.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for redemption of customer benefit offers based on goods identification are provided. A system for redeeming a customer benefit offer that is represented in an account maintained on an offer platform according to the invention may include an electromagnetic receiver module configured to receive transaction information from a point of sale terminal, the transaction information being based on a transaction and including an identifier of a purchasing instrument used to execute the transaction and an identifier of an item that is part of the transaction and a quantity corresponding to the number of items having the same identifier in the transaction. The system may also include a processing module configured to: identify in an offer platform a customer benefit offer corresponding to the purchasing instrument, the item identifier and the quantity; and further configured to mark a record in the account as “redeemed,” the record corresponding to the customer benefit offer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for activation of electronic customer benefit offers are provided. Such apparatus and methods may include a system for activating a customer benefit offer. The system may include an electromagnetic transmitter module configured to transmit customer benefit offer information from an offer platform to a customer via a communication channel selected by the customer. The customer benefit offer information may correspond to the customer benefit offer. The system may also include an electromagnetic receiver module configured to receive from the customer an acknowledgment of the customer benefit offer. The system may also include a data processing machine configured to mark a record in an account on the offer platform as “active.” The record may correspond to the customer benefit offer and the account may correspond to the customer. The purchasing instrument identifier may be linked to the account.

Abstract: A Point Of Sale (POS) reconciles generates revenue estimation data based on the reconciliation of POS sales transactions associated with a sales incentive (e.g., a store or manufacturer coupon). When a coupon is used in conjunction with a sales transaction at a POS, the coupon can be verified and factored in the sales transaction. The sales incentive data can be synchronized, along with other sales information in a POS connected server, where the data can be reconciled and analyzed for future reporting to a remote user requesting the revenue data. The POS connected server, or the POS terminal itself, can generate revenue estimations, return on investment calculations, and related reports.

Abstract: A system for exchanging cash change, owed by a vendor to a customer as a result of the customer purchasing a good or a service from the vendor, for an alternative offer of a good or a service, said system for performing the steps of generating change data representing a monetary value of the cash change owed to the customer by the vendor; generating offer data representing said alternative offer of said good or service; receiving acceptance data representing confirmation of acceptance of exchange of said cash change for said alternative offer of said good or service; and generating confirmation data representing confirmation of acceptance of exchange of said cash change for said alternative offer of said good or service, wherein said offer data has an offer value corresponding to said change data.

Abstract: A filtering module to process purchase transaction data received from a retailer POS is disclosed. Merchant information is used to filter purchase transactions by determining whether the purchase transaction qualifies an initiating purchaser for a reward. The retailer POS transmits purchase data from a merchant to a host, wherein the purchase data includes retailer data, transaction data and a retailer item identifier, and wherein the retailer item identifier enables the host to determine a manufacturer item identifier. The retailer POS then receives a determination that the merchant is a qualifying merchant when the purchase data corresponds to the loyalty program data and causes the host to issue loyalty awards based on the manufacturer item identifier and the loyalty program data.

Abstract: The transmission system transmits an encrypted identifier ultrasonically in an open-air environment using an ultrasonic transmitter. The ultrasonic identifier is associated with a location, which may be a store or a department within a store, and may be received by a microphone on a mobile phone. The identifier may be used to infer presence of the mobile phone user at the location associated with the identifier. The transmitter may include an ultrasonic transducer. The system may further provide a reward, responsive to inferring presence at the location.

Abstract: The presentment and redemption system offers discounts directly to consumers through their mobile phones. The discounts are based upon the user of the mobile phone meeting a targeting criterion and the discounts are determined using the targeting criterion. Mobile phone users that do not meet the targeting criterion are not eligible for the discount. Because the discounts can be targeted to each individual consumer, there can be a better correlation between consumers' interests and the transmitted discounts.

Abstract: Successive offer communications are sent to an offer recipient. A first offer communication includes an offer of a merchant and the second offer communication includes an announcement about the offer. The first and second offer communications are each formatted to be rendered by respective communication device, such as a mobile phone of the offer recipient or a Point of Interaction (POI) terminal. The content of the offer communications may be tailored to the offer recipient based on the offer recipient's past transactions within a transaction processing system or a real time geographical location of the offer recipient.

Abstract: A communication device comprises a transmitter, a receiver and a bar code reader. In one embodiment the communication device comprises a combined or integrated mobile telephone and bar code reader. Further, a method is provided for promoting the sale of a selected good or service. The method comprises the steps of receiving a bar code for a selected good or service from the communication device of the consumer and sending a coupon for the selected good or service to the communication device of the consumer.

Abstract: A method of promoting sales at specific store locations includes the step of providing a promotional website on the internet. The method also includes allowing a consumer to designate on that website a specific store location and a specific good or service for purchase at the designated store location. Further, the method includes sending a coupon for purchase of the designated good or service at the designated store location.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an article sales data processing apparatus includes a list display control unit, a selection unit, an editing acceptance unit, and an update unit. The list display control unit causes a list of articles sold in one transaction to be displayed in the details area. The selection unit accepts selection of an article, of the articles displayed in the details area. The editing acceptance unit causes the display unit to display an editing screen for the sales data of the article selected by the selection unit, and accepts editing of the sales data. When the sales data displayed in the editing screen is edited, the update unit updates the sales data of the article selected by the selection unit, of the sales data of each article stored in the transaction storage unit, to the edited data.

Abstract: A loyalty reward point system that utilizes the pre-existing infrastructure of network such as a credit card network. A user makes a purchase at a merchant using a token such as a credit card. The user is awarded loyalty points from the merchant based on the amount of the purchase (e.g. 100 points for a $100 purchase). The reward points, which are specific to the merchant and the user, are stored in a database at the issuing bank, the acquiring bank, or a central reward server. The user may redeem the reward points earned from the transaction with the merchant at a later time, or may redeem the points with another merchant in the same marketing cluster, or may aggregate those reward points with those of other merchants into a reward point exchange account, and then redeem the aggregated reward points for goods or services from any approved merchant on the network, depending on the configuration of the system.

Abstract: A prepaid card management method and system which can comprehensively manage an issuance of personal identification numbers (PINs) of various affiliated prepaid card companies and even when each generation system of each PIN is different for each affiliated prepaid card company, can adaptably issue the PIN. A prepaid card management method and system according to the present invention can adaptably issue PINs of prepaid cards of various affiliated prepaid card companies by including an operation system to comprehensively manage a plurality of PIN issue systems.

Abstract: A self-powered video display device provides an automated point of purchase advertising display that includes a readily programmable and re-programmable operating system. The display device is updated through the connection of a memory card or handheld computer and the transfer of video and other files over the connection.

Abstract: The invention facilitates a loyalty system which is associated with pre-determined geographic locations and/or services and goods offered in a specific geographic area. The system is configured with one product platform with a modularized approach to facilitate the development of market specific rewards and communication materials. The loyalty points may be earned within a specific geographic location, then redeemed in one geographic location, a subset of locations or without restrictions. Similarly, the loyalty points may be earned in one geographic location, a subset of locations or without restrictions, then redeemed only in a specific geographic location. The geographic features of the system may be implemented using existing data that is associated with geographic areas such as, for example, zip codes, retailer identification codes, service establishment codes and/or the like.

Abstract: Ticketing systems and methods are provided specifically relating to a player's ticket. A player's ticket references at least one player and allows the player's ticket holder to attend all sporting events played in by the at least one player referenced on the player's ticket. Information about a tournament, including the players, the tournament draw, and historical data, is acquired and used to determine the probabilities of players winning matches in the tournament. Event admissions for the player's ticket may be allocated by determining a probability distribution for accommodating all player's ticket holders and determining a profitability of the players ticket.

Abstract: A portable coupon payment device includes a substrate having surface with an image rendering thereon that corresponds to a free sample. The portable coupon payment device also has memory, in contact with the substrate, having data encoded therein including (i) an identifier for the free sample, (ii) a quantity for the free sample; (iii) a sponsor company account for a selling merchant to charge the cost of the free sample for payment to a selling merchant account to reimburse the selling merchant for the free sample; (iv) an image corresponding to the free sample; and (v) an identifier for a coupon provider donating the free sample to a consumer.

Abstract: A method is presented where, at a web service, a selection of an electronic coupon from a database is received from a web browser. The electronic coupon is associated with the account of the electronic coupon sponsor and is receivable by a merchant for a discount which is debited from the sponsor's account and credited to the merchant's account. A specification is then received that includes the rendering capability of the client, a type of portable coupon device associated with a consumer account and acceptable as payment for a future purchase, and an identifier of the consumer account. Next, a rendering image, a location to store the discount information in the memory of the type of the portable coupon device, and the discount information is retrieved from the database. Finally, the web browser transmits, via the web service, the rendering image, memory location, and discount information.

Abstract: A method of using a point of service terminal (POS) to provide a discount on a purchase is presented. The method includes receiving a portable coupon device associated with a consumer account. Stored in the memory of the portable coupon device is an electronic coupon associated with a sponsor account and which is receivable by a merchant for a discount on a purchase, the discount being debited from the sponsor's account. Also stored in memory is the discount information, which includes identifiers for the sponsor's account, a discount amount, and the purchase eligible for the discount. The discount information is then read from the portable coupon card and a transmission is formed requesting authorization of the electronic coupon. An authorization response is received and, if it includes an approval, the discount is applied to the cost of the purchase and payment for the cost less the discount amount is accepted.

Abstract: A transaction processing service operates as an intermediary between acquirers of financial transaction requests and issuing institutions that process the financial transaction requests. The intermediary receives an authorization request generated based on a transaction initiated by a customer at a point of purchase. The intermediary service then determines one or more stored value items that can be applied to the transaction. Stored value items may be determined based on the customer's identity or based on transaction characteristics, such as the point of purchase or the transaction items. The service sends a transaction notification to a mobile device associated with the customer to notify the customer of the available stored value items. The service then applies the stored value items to pay a portion of the transaction amount and initiates a payment process to pay the remainder of the transaction amount.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting coupons to a portable multifunction device and for redeeming the coupons is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention an application is transmitted or downloaded to a portable multifunction device to allow the device to display an icon of a company offering the coupons. The user will have the option of receiving the new offer utilizing a notification system in which the offer will dynamically appear on the screen of the mobile device with an audible and/or vibrating alert notifying the user of the arrival of a new coupon or offer; this without the need of having the coupon application open. When coupons are expired, the system transmitting the coupons has the ability of deleting the expired offers, or in the alternative, the coupons may be deleted by the application itself.