Abstract: A transaction handler receives, from a merchant's acquirer, an authorization request for a discount to a purchase. The discount is associated with an electronic coupon stored on a portable consumer device. The electronic coupon is associated with a sponsor account issued to a sponsor of a discount and has been received by the merchant to give the discount on a purchase by a consumer. The discount is to be debited from the sponsor account and credited to an account of the merchant. The first authorization request includes the sponsor account and a discount amount. The transaction handler sends the first authorization request to the issuer of the sponsor account, receives a first authorization back, and sends it to the merchant's acquirer. If the first authorization response includes an approval, a payment request is sent to the issuer of the sponsor account to deduct the discount from the sponsor account.

Abstract: A method for use in a payment processing network is provided. The method includes browsing to an Internet website in communication with a web service having a database storing electronic coupons. Each electronic coupon is associated with a sponsor's account and is receivable by a merchant for a discount, where the discount is debited from the sponsor's account and credited to the merchant's. The browser sends the selected electronic coupon and a specification including the rendering capability of the client, the type of portable coupon device, and an identifier for the consumer account associated with the portable coupon device. The browser then receives a rendering image, the memory storage location for the discount information, and the discount information, which includes identifiers for the sponsor account, the discount amount, and the eligible purchase. Finally the discount information is written to the memory of the portable coupon device.

Abstract: A method for using promotional programs and merchant values is disclosed. In one example, the method includes receiving an authorization request message including a merchant verification value through a payment processing network, where the authorization request message is associated with a purchase by a consumer. A merchant-specific promotional program is then determined using the merchant verification value, and the merchant specific promotional program is performed. For example, the promotional program can be a sweepstakes and the task may be determining of the consumer is an instant winner.

Abstract: A message broker for redemption of digital incentives at a point-of-sale terminal for a commercial transaction that is able to communicate with a central database external to the point-of-sale terminal. The central database contains unique customer registration information, unique identifiers assigned to the unique customer registration information, business rules for redemption of digital incentives.

Abstract: A system for providing instant rebates to a customer at a point of sale includes a kiosk by which the customer initiates a rebate process by presenting a machine readable document having rebate information generated by a retailer's POS system. The customer may initiate an electronic funds transfer to the customer's account for amount of the rebate due, or alternately receive a printed check or a store card with a credit balance redeemable at the point of sale. The kiosk may report rebates in real time and have additional functionality to assist manufacturers and retailers for other marketing purposes.

Abstract: A merchant server of a first merchant receives an indication of items that a customer is to purchase via a web site. The indication may be, for example, a signal indicating that the customer is ready to “check out” his shopping cart of items on the web site. In response, the merchant server provides an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant. The offer is provided before the items are purchased, and thus the offer is not provided unless and until the customer has manifested an intent to make a purchase from the first merchant. A response is received from the customer. If the response indicates acceptance of the offer, then the subsidy is applied to the items purchased. For example, the total price paid for the items may be reduced, or the items may even be provided to the customer without charge. In exchange, the customer agrees to participate in a transaction with the second merchant. For example, the customer may be required to switch service providers (e.g.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing secure transactions. An electromagnetic transmission packet is received from a portable device at a processing device. The electromagnetic transmission packet includes an encrypted magnetic-stripe image and an encrypted version of an alphanumerical identifier. A keyed nonencrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is received at the processing device, and the encrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is decrypted. The decryption of the encrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier is compared with the nonencrypted version of the alphanumerical identifier. Thereafter, a decryption of the encrypted magnetic-stripe image is transmitted to a host system for processing the secure transaction using an account identified by the decryption of the magnetic-stripe image.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methodologies are provided that facilitate negotiating discount offers. Mobile devices are equipped to detect product identification data from a barcode or RFID tag. The product identification data can be wirelessly transmitted to a discount negotiator which calculates a discount offer for the product and sends a discount offer back to the mobile device while the customer is considering whether to purchase the product. The discount negotiator calculates the discount offers based on a set of rules which may account for one or more factors, including the expiration date of a product, the quantity being purchased, product bundling, and/or the like.

Abstract: A system and method for providing incentives within a retail environment by selecting a cross-merchandising incentive to be provided with a product at a specialty department location and printing a coupon reflecting the defined cross-merchandising incentive on a label that is to be affixed to the product. The coupon is provided to a shopper at a point after the shopper has selected the specific product and before a point of sale.

Abstract: Described embodiments relate to systems and methods for providing information to a customer. A weigh station has an input module for receiving a product identifier corresponding to a product and a scale for weighing the product. A storage module stores product information for a plurality of products. An information retrieval module identifies a related information profile from the product information based on the product identifier. An interactive customer display displays visual information based on the related information profile to the customer, which includes a plurality of customer-selectable items. The interactive customer display includes a customer-operated input module operable by the customer to select a selected item from the plurality of customer-selectable items.

Abstract: A merchant server of a first merchant receives an indication of items that a customer is to purchase via a web site. The indication may be, for example, a signal indicating that the customer is ready to “check out” his shopping cart of items on the web site. In response, the merchant server provides an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant. The offer is provided before the items are purchased, and thus the offer is not provided unless and until the customer has manifested an intent to make a purchase from the first merchant. A response is received from the customer. If the response indicates acceptance of the offer, then the subsidy is applied to the items purchased. For example, the total price paid for the items may be reduced, or the items may even be provided to the customer without charge. In exchange, the customer agrees to participate in a transaction with the second merchant. For example, the customer may be required to switch service providers (e.g.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives information relating to customer activity with a first vendor (e.g., via a Web page that a customer accesses). The controller further receives an indication of items the customer desires to purchase, the items having an associated total price. The controller determines, based on any of various criteria, whether to provide an offer for a subsidy based on the information relating to customer activity. The offer for a subsidy is from a second vendor (a subsidizing vendor), and may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for the item and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. If the customer accepts the offer, he is charged a second price for the items. The second price is less than the total price, and may even be zero.

Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting via a user computer, merchant's point of sale device, or mobile device an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for promotion processing and delivery, including a smart phone having a capture function for capturing a product code of an item, wherein the smart phone is configured to generate and display a promotion having a barcode based on the captured product code of the item; and a point-of-sale terminal configured to read the displayed barcode of the promotion from the display of the smart phone, wherein the point-of-sale terminal applies the promotion based on the read barcode to a sales transaction.

Abstract: A system or method that enables the user to create a coupon offer by selecting a barcode type for a coupon offer. In response to the user's selection, the user is presented with an interface that is specific to the selected barcode type. The interface includes one or more fields that notify or guide the user in providing necessary information to be carried on the barcode of the coupon offer.

Abstract: Active learning and advanced relationship marketing are employed with respect to a mobile marketing system. A relationship between an advertiser and a consumer can become smarter over time as a function of interaction as well as non-interaction. Further, affinity groups or micro segments can be identified to aid tailoring of advertisements to consumers. Consumers can additionally be engaged in a dialog to acquire additional information and/or feedback data to develop a further understanding of specific consumers. Still further yet, assistance can be provided to advertisers so that advertisements can be customized for needs of potential customers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for implementing a loyalty program on a network-wide level. The system associates UPC and SKU data on a network level to reward consumers and/or to analyze the data for a variety of business purposes, such as market segmentation analyses and/or analyses relating to consumer spending behaviors or patterns, for example. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the network may comprise any number of participants, including consumers (such primary and supplementary members of an aggregate consumer account), retailers (and any of their employees), manufacturers, third-party providers, and the like. In accordance with one aspect, the system enables participation by supplementary members who are associated with a primary member and, in this manner, facilitates the tracking of supplementary member purchasing behavior, reward points earning behavior, and reward points redemption behavior.

Abstract: A method of conduction transactions at a point-of-sale terminal using a wireless device is disclosed and may include attempting to read information from the point-of-sale terminal via a wireless link, receiving a merchant identification when an attempt to read is successful, and searching a payment table using the merchant identification. In a particular aspect, the merchant identification may include a merchant identification number, a merchant name, a merchant store number, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A product sampling system including a sample code associated with a product sample, and a plurality of sample units provided to a retail location at no cost to the retail location, each sample unit including an indicia indicative of the sample code. The system further includes a database including identification data associated with loyalty members, software for reading the indicia from the sample units at the retail location and debiting a sample price associated with the sample units, and software for indentifying one or more consumers presenting the sample units at the retail location as being loyalty members based on the identification data. The system further includes software for crediting a price reduction equal to the sample price to each consumer identified as being a loyalty member, and for crediting the sample price to the retail location for each of the consumers not identified as being a loyalty member.

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: Apparatus and methods for providing transaction fee information to a customer. The apparatus and methods may provide to a customer at a merchant point of sale terminal information regarding a transaction fee. The transaction may be based on the customer's credit card or other purchasing instrument. The transaction fee may be imposed by an issuer of the credit card. The merchant may be required to pay the fee. The point of sale terminal may be configured to provide an opportunity for the customer to decide, based on the transaction fee, whether to continue the transaction or obtain information about fees associated with other credit cards.

Abstract: Techniques for accumulating value and redeeming the accumulated value in a flexible manner. An accumulate ID is provided that may be used by consumers to accumulate value (e.g., cash, points, etc.) in an account associated with the accumulate ID. A redemption ID is provided that enables the value accumulated in the account, or a portion thereof, to be redeemed.

Abstract: The invention includes an improved system and method for creating, distributing and storing vouchers. The method includes a loyalty system obtaining a loyalty card account having a unique identifier and loyalty points associated therewith, accessing a loyalty database utilizing the unique identifier, converting at least a portion of the loyalty points to a first value associated with a first merchant, saving the first value in a first database associated with the loyalty card, converting at least a portion of the loyalty points to a second value associated with a second merchant, saving the second value along with other voucher information as an electronic voucher in a second database associated with the loyalty card, redeeming the first value at a first merchant and redeeming the electronic voucher at a second merchant.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing information related to goods available for purchase in a building. The method includes establishing a plurality of boundary zones where each of the plurality of boundary zones corresponding to a physical boundary zone within a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network. The method also includes storing product information related to the goods available for purchase that are located within at least one boundary zone of the plurality of boundary zones.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, context-induced wireless network information and content transport systems and methods are provided. In another aspect of the present application, a system includes first and second mobile devices that store respective interest profiles. A further aspect of the present application provides that wireless point-to-point connections are formed when the first and second mobile devices are in close physical proximity to each other. In another aspect, the mobile devices automatically exchange advertising content between each other based on the respective interest profiles over the wireless point-to-point connections. Yet another aspect employs a content distribution device wirelessly transmitting advertising content to one of the first and second mobile devices when the one of the first and second mobile devices is in close physical proximity to the content distribution device. A method of operating such a wireless network is also provided.

Abstract: A digital voucher system facilitates the convenient application of vouchers against products and services purchased from a merchant by a consumer. A voucher enabled device carried by the consumer stores digital vouchers in memory. When the merchant detects a voucher enabled device nearby, the merchant queries and obtains applicable vouchers for the consumer from the voucher enabled device carried by the consumer, applies the vouchers to a transaction, and communicates the resulting transaction data back to the voucher enabled device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a management system for public facilities. The management system of public facilities comprises a tag unit which transmits identification information of a target resource to be managed through a first network, an intermediate managing unit which has intrinsic position information thereof, processes the identification information received through the first network, and transmits the identification information through a second network, and a host unit which creates state information comprising a movement state of the target resource based on the intrinsic position information of the intermediate managing unit and the identification information of the target resource received through the second network. The public facilities used by many persons can be easily monitored and effectively managed through short range wireless technologies.

Abstract: A business method for products and services. The business model provides for retail purchase of a product or service. The product or service is then transported from the retail point of purchase to a professional. The professional then activates the product or service for the consumer.

Abstract: A method of and system for providing customer-specific information involving a) obtaining customer identification information for identifying a customer to be served at the weigh station; b) storing a plurality of customer profiles for a plurality of customers wherein each customer in the plurality of customers has an associated customer profile; and, c) when the customer is in the plurality of customers, retrieving the associated customer profile for the customer using the customer identification information and providing associated customer-specific information based on the associated customer profile to a weigh station display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the addition of functionality to a user identification string (UIS) at a point of interaction (POI) are provided. A UIS is first requested from the user at a POI. According to some embodiments, the user enters a modified UIS (MUIS) at the POI. The MUIS can include a UIS along with a user code. An authorization request is then created by the POI device, wherein the request can include information such as, but not limited to, a vehicle code, the MUIS, POI location identifier, function deduction amounts, and/or the like. An action (e.g. rounding sweep, linking a function to the user operation vehicle, etc.) associated with the user code, if present, is determined and implemented. An approval or denial of the authorization request is then sent to the POI device after the action has been applied and the request has been processed.

Abstract: An electronic coupon processing system includes a plurality of user management server devices configured to register one or a plurality of different user identifiers and to register designated coupon information, and a center server device configured to register address information of a storage location of one piece or plural pieces of coupon information in association with identification information of a mobile device and to receive an inquiry about the coupon information from a shop terminal device.

Abstract: A method dealing with the marketing of manufacturer products using promotional coupons and web based point of sale technology that inventories and matches coupon promotions based on the demands of the consumer. Shopping lists are matched to coupons offered, which provides a mechanism for consumers to prioritize and anticipate buying based on expiration and/or value of coupons. Coupons are presented to the consumer via a website. As the consumer views each coupon, they can bank selected coupons. A coupon bank account is maintained including all coupons banked and redeemed. The consumer does not retain a physical coupon instead at the end of the transaction goods purchased are matched with the coupon bank selected by the consumer. Users are identified through the retailer's loyalty program or a universal coupon card for companies without a loyalty card. After products are matched the coupon value is deducted from the total bill.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for offering a voucher which is redeemable for credits at a casino. The voucher may be redeemed for a first value of credits. One is charged a second value for the voucher, in which the second value is less than the first value. If the person is purchasing an additional product or service, the person may also be charged a reduced price for that product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for completing a transaction using a wireless mobile communication channel and another communication channel, particularly another communication channel that provides for near field radio channels (NFC), as well as other communication channels, such as Bluetooth or WIFI. The present invention also provides a method of completing a transaction in which a management server assists a transaction server and a point of sale terminal in forwarding transaction information to a hand-held mobile device, with the transaction having originated from the hand-held mobile device. There is also provided a hand-held mobile device that wirelessly communicates between a secure element and a radio element that are associated with the hand-held mobile device.

Abstract: Processing transactions involving private label portable consumer devices is presented. For a transaction involving a portable consumer device in a payment processing network, an authorization request from a merchant is received by a transaction handler. The transaction handler, in communication with the issuer, denies or approves the transaction. For approved transactions, the merchant sends a settlement request to the transaction handler. If the transaction is identified as involving a private label portable consumer device, the transaction handler applies a custom settlement arrangement rate to the payment sought, generally reducing the payment amount. The applied payment amount is received from the issuer and forwarded to the merchant. If the applied payment amount is less than the actual amount owed to the merchant, the merchant sends a request to the issuer of the private label payment device to settle the transaction in accordance with a custom settlement agreement.

Abstract: Disclosed methods enable an open loop system processing of private label and co-branded account transactions. Implementations in the open loop system employ communications directly between a merchant and an issuer offering promotional financing for a promotional item being purchased from the merchant. Other implementations in the open loop system enable different transaction amounts in an authorization request message and its corresponding authorization response as are respectively sent and received by a merchant, where the different can be for a promotion offered to an accountholder for conducting a transaction on an account with the merchant.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and a system for emulating a private label network over an open network where settlement occurs at varying discount rates with one or more merchants or providers. A computer implemented method and system for settling a transaction at a discount rate may include receiving an authorization record for the transaction initiated by a customer over an open payment network; identifying payment plan data associated with a transaction; creating a settlement record based at least in part on the authorization record and the payment plan data; determining a discount rate for the settlement record; and settling with a provider for the transaction at the discount rate.

Abstract: An exemplary system for delivering an item price notification to a mobile device can include a processor, an inventory database including a plurality of inventory items, and a memory that is in communication with the processor. The memory can be configured to store instructions that, when executed, perform the steps of an exemplary method. An exemplary method can include querying the inventory database to determine if an inventory item meets a price reduction threshold, generating the item price notification including a sale price for the inventory item, if the inventory item meets the price reduction threshold, and transmitting the item price notification to the mobile device. The query can be invoked by the mobile device being proximate the inventory item, such as the mobile device being located at a merchant premises.

Abstract: A method of providing rewards to a customer based upon purchasing multiple items. The method comprises offering a group of multiple products for sale, providing a reward to the customer for each product of the group that is purchased, and providing a bonus reward to the customer when each product of the group is purchased.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a sales system including a recording medium for use in purchasing a commodity, and a register apparatus for performing processing for settlement of payment for purchase of the commodity. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a sales system including a mobile information terminal for use in purchasing a commodity, and a register apparatus for performing processing for settlement of payment for purchase of the commodity.

Abstract: A loyalty program for a transaction processing system includes a loyalty program database with loyalty program business rules that are usable to determine when a transaction qualifies for the loyalty program. A loyalty program rule implementer receives transaction data whenever a transaction occurs and uses the received transaction data and the program business rules to determine when a transaction qualifies for the loyalty program. The loyalty program rule implementer is an entity other than an issuer, an acquirer or a merchant. The loyalty program business rules require that the transaction relate to at least one of a specific merchant, a specific issuer, a specific acquirer, a specific consumer, a specific product/service, a consumer having a specific characteristic, a merchant having a specific characteristic, an issuer having a specific characteristic, an acquirer having a specific characteristic and a product/service having a specific characteristic.

Abstract: In a system for providing digital transaction documents to a personal digital device for digital barcode redemption at retail, a browser-enabled personal digital device or a hosted personal digital device (“hosted PDD”) may be used. In the latter instance, the host illustratively is a personal computer running any suitable web browser, and the hosted PDD is connected to the host in any suitable manner. The web browser is connected to the Internet in any suitable manner, along with a profile server and a promotions server. The web browser includes a browser-based plug-in object or webdriver, which operates independently within the web browser to load to the personal digital device digital transaction documents pushed directly by the promotions server or indirectly by the profile server via the Internet. The load operations are transparent to the user of the personal digital device.

Abstract: System and methods of use are discloses that default routing of an ID read by an ID reader as part of a purchase transaction in a retail store, to a first computer system (MCS) instead of the POS computer system for the retail store, the first computer system processes the ID, and the POS computer system receives the results of the processing in the form of a IDs recognizable by the POS computer system and for which the POS computer system has associated costs.

Abstract: System and methods of use are discloses that default routing of an ID read by an ID reader as part of a purchase transaction in a retail store, to a first computer system (MCS) instead of the POS computer system for the retail store, the first computer system processes the ID, and the POS computer system receives the results of the processing in the form of a IDs recognizable by the POS computer system and for which the POS computer system has associated costs.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for validating, redeeming, and financially settling paper coupons coded with a GS1 barcode and 8110 Application Identifier comprises a real time network through which a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal communicates directly to, or through a POS controller, with an Intelligent Clearing Network (ICN) server. One or both of the POS terminal and POS controller are installed with a ICN POS data bridge which stores computer code. The ICN server is configured to run a real time application while in communication with the POS terminal, wherein the POS terminal transmits paper coupon data elements read from the GS1 barcode and other consumer transaction information including universal product codes purchased, and transaction details to the ICN server via the network.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for using a point of sale (POS) terminal as part of an electronic payment transaction. A unique number, code, alphanumeric character string, or other form of identification is assigned to each terminal manufacturer. Each terminal manufacturer then assigns a unique global identifier to each terminal they manufacture. The identifier assigned by the manufacturer may incorporate or be derived from the unique identifier assigned to each manufacturer. In the course of an electronic payment, other form of transaction, or other function or operation of the terminal, the POS terminal's unique global identifier is provided to a payment processor or other electronic payment network entity. This information, alone or in combination with portable consumer device data and transaction data, may be used to provide new services, content, and products to consumers or merchants.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a digital camera assembly, a housing and an account identifier. The digital camera assembly includes a lens assembly, an image sensor aligned with the lens assembly, and a memory electrically coupled with the image sensor. The digital camera assembly is configured to capture images through the lens assembly using the image sensor and to digitally store the captured images to the memory. The housing substantially encloses the image sensor and the memory. The account identifier links the transaction product to an account or record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the account or record using the account identifier. Other product, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A global electronic receipt platform for recording, managing and accessing transaction receipts through retailers' physical or internet based point of sale system. This system allows consumers to be assigned a Consumer Unique Identifier (CUI) and have retailers submit a given purchase transaction information to this global system through a secured internet connection between the retailer's point of sale system and the global electronic receipt system every time the CUI is presented. Programmed plugs-ins called Global Electronic Receipt Transfer Agents (GERTA) are made available to retailers which can be integrated into existing point of sale systems in order to process and submit electronic receipts to the Global Electronic Receipt Database Agent (GERDA). Each consumer is provided with an electronic receipt card which stores their Consumer Unique Identifier (CUI) and is presented at the time of purchase or in order to process a return, an exchange or claim a promotion such as a coupon or a rebate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of consumer modelling for sales' promotions, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of points of sale, providing a plurality of computer devices respectively adapted to analyse consumer behaviour and deliver data based thereon to a point of sale, and providing a device associated with an individual point of sale of the plurality thereof for providing at least promotional material to a consumer making a sales' transaction at any individual point of sale. Thus, in the drawings, there is shown a point of sale location (1) which includes a scanner (2) of data relating to goods purchased by a consumer, not shown, a printer (3) for the transaction, a point of sale screen (4) at a point of sale transaction device (5) and a dedicated printer device (6).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention process sales using a redemption code to enable customers to purchase a products. In a first embodiment, a method processes a sale. A plurality of redemption codes are issued. Each redemption code corresponds to a product identifier that identifies a product. A redemption code from the plurality of redemption codes is received from a customer sent via one or more networks. A product corresponding to the redemption code received from the customer is determined using a computer storage medium. Finally, the product is sent to the customer.