Abstract: A method of controlling consumption of a commodity, particularly an addictive commodity, includes issuing a license, in advance of any purchase, to a purchaser of the commodity. The license allows purchase of a specified quantity of the commodity within a specified time period. The license is issued for a license fee that is set according to a schedule that divides the specified quantity into ranges, and charges different per unit base fees for purchases in different ones of those ranges. When a purchase is made, the license is checked to see if the purchase is allowed, and then updated to reflect the quantity purchased. Excessive consumption may be penalized by charging a higher rate for a new license in the same period, while surrender of one's license may be rewarded with incentives. The license fee may include the purchase price of the licensed quantity of the commodity.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to securing payments from a mobile communications device. In exemplary embodiments, a mobile communications device communicates with a payment server via a point-of-sale device to conduct a transaction. The mobile communications device uses a client payment logic to send payment information to the point-of-sale device. The point-of-sale device uses a vendor payment logic to forward the payment information to the payment server. The payment server verifies the payment information and sends confirmation to the point-of-sale device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling a user to use a single financial card in a payment transaction for optimizing card rewards are disclosed. A database having a plurality of payment instruments such as credit cards, debit cards and stored value cards associated to the user's provided single financial card is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for sending transfer requests, receiving approvals, and carrying out transfers in a digital wallet application. A mobile payment engine receives a request from a client application associated with a first digital card to apply assets from at least one additional digital card to the first digital card, receives receiving approval to transfer assets from the at least one additional digital card to the first digital card, and transfers the assets to the first digital card. Transfers can be made between digital cards in the same client's digital wallet application and transfers can be made between multiple client device accounts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling a user to use a single payment device in payment transactions for optimizing card rewards. Payment instruments such as credit cards, debit cards and stored value cards are associated to the user's payment device in an intermediate account. The user also provides prioritization information regarding the payment instruments. Using the prioritization information, an optimization engine then determines the optimal payment instrument for a transaction transmitted to the intermediate account.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to consumer operated kiosks for purchasing items online and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a method of making purchases online can include receiving funds (e.g., bills and/or coins) from a user at a consumer operated kiosk, and receiving online order information at the consumer operated kiosk. The online order information can be associated with a user account stored on a remote database and can include a cost of an online order from a third party merchant. The method can further include initiating transfer of at least a portion of the received funds to the third party merchant to pay for the online order.

Abstract: This invention relates to an expense reporting system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data. The system includes a user's financial transaction data hosted in a data storage unit, addressable on a network, and accessible by a remote user on a user interface unit having a user input means and a display; and an expense reporting module having a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to define project category data and associate representations of the user's financial data with the user-defined project category data.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.

Abstract: A system that authorizes a financial transaction is presented. During operation, the system receives a request to authorize accounts associated with one or more financial instruments to be used to fulfill the financial transaction. Next, the system determines a transaction location at which the financial transaction is being performed. The system then determines whether the accounts are authorized to be used at the transaction location. If so, the system authorizes the accounts to be used to fulfill the financial transaction.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.

Abstract: A transaction terminal (10) having a touch screen (20) disposed in a recess (30) in the terminal housing (12) includes an adaptor (25) for facilitating use of the touch screen by persons that are vision-impaired, hearing-impaired or dexterity-challenged. The adaptor (25) is selectively positionable in operative engagement with the touch screen (20). The adaptor (25) includes an insert (50) and a keypad (60, 160, 260). The insert (50) is supported on terminal housing (12) with deck (52) disposed over and in spaced relationship to the touch screen. The deck (52) has at least one discrete opening therethrough. The keypad includes at least one key juxtaposed relative to said least one discrete opening in said deck of the insert. Upon depression of the key, contact is made with a selected portion of the touch screen (20).

Abstract: A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a request for a new payment account may be received in connection with a mobile device, such as a wireless telephone. A temporary payment account number (“PAN”) may then be automatically assigned to the request. The temporary PAN may be mapped to a mobile PAN, and data to facilitate a personalization of the mobile device with the mobile PAN may be transmitted. The mobile device may then be used, for example, in connection with a near field communications enabled purchasing transaction.

Abstract: An educational monetary transaction machine including a processor with a memory to store data including at least one simulated account with a simulated amount of money. The present invention may further include an identification input. The computer may receive the identification input to access the simulated account. The present invention may further include a display that displays the simulated account and the simulated amount of money. A user interface may be connected to the computer so that a user may simulate the withdrawal and deposit of simulated money within the simulated account.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for updating mobile devices with additional elements. In some implementations, a cover for a mobile device includes side surfaces, a rear surface, a physical interface, and a circuit. The side surfaces and the rear surface are configured to be adjacent at least a portion one or more side surfaces of the mobile phone. The side surfaces and the rear surface form an opening that receives at least a portion of the mobile device. A first portion of at least one of the surfaces includes a connector for connecting to a port of the mobile phone. The physical interface includes in at least one of the surfaces that receives a memory device external to the mobile device. The circuit connects the physical interface to the connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent payment system for an automated payment method selection in a payment transaction for a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods of constructing and managing virtual planograms are presented. Contemplated systems allow for construction of a virtual planogram, which can be used to present consumers virtual inventory items as being available for purchase via a display device. The display device can include an electronic billboard within an establishment, a mall for example, or include a user's smart device, a cell phone or tablet for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for electronically splitting an original billing cycle into at least two billing cycles in an account by electronically changing the debiting timeframe of the original billing cycle and electronically switching on or starting at least one additional billing cycle, as well as a method for electronically replacing an original billing cycle with at least two additional billing cycles in an account by electronically switching off the original billing cycle and electronically switching on at least two additional billing cycles, wherein electronically switching on or starting one or more billing cycles is determined by an end user, and wherein electronic operations of the methods are performed by at least one computer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an approach is provided in which a product request is received that corresponds to a point-of-sale (POS) device, which is located at a merchant facility. In addition to identifying a product location corresponding to the product, an employee location of an employee in proximity to the product location is also identified. In turn, an electronic message is sent to the employee's mobile device that includes a request to transport the product from the product location to the POS device.

Abstract: A point-of-sale terminal comprises a contactless communication transceiver configured to receive an emission containing confidential information from a portable electronic device, and an enclosure having an aperture to promote at least partial insertion of the portable electronic device. The enclosure is constructed to promote substantially confining the emission within the enclosure to reduce eavesdropping on the confidential information while promoting the transceiver receiving the emission.

Abstract: A removable media container for use in a media dispenser is described. The media container comprises: a diverter entrance for receiving diverted media items prior to stacking of the media items; a non-present stack entrance for receiving a stack of media items subsequent to stacking of the media items but prior to presentation of the stack of media items to a customer; and a present stack entrance for receiving a stack of media items subsequent to presentation of the stack of media items to a customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automating the real-time recording of accounting transactions in accounting software using remote computing devices implementing support for payment card readers and processing vendors not supported by the accounting software.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for secure transactions according to one or more embodiments. According to an embodiment, a method for providing secure transactions comprises initiating a transaction via a point of sale device having a one time password generator. The method also comprises generating at least one password by the point of sale device. The method further comprises associating the at least one password with account information. The method further comprises transmitting the password associated with the account information to a remote location. If the transmitted password matches predetermined associated information at the remote location, the method further comprises confirming the transaction.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for distributing a transaction instrument. The system includes the steps of: offering for sale, in a retail environment, the transaction instrument; selling a selected transaction instrument; communicating with the issuer of the transaction instrument via an internet accessible web site, and enabling the use of the transaction instrument. The transaction instrument may be, for example, an open pre-paid card. The distribution of the transaction instrument may also include the step of sending a message, through the web site, in substantially real time, causing the pre-paid transaction instrument to be funded but not activated until later through an interactive voice response system, for example. In another example, an associated transaction account may be funded and activated at the time of distribution. Furthermore, an issuer system may be suitably configured to leverage existing Travelers Cheque infrastructure for inventory and related processes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing payment transactions using combination payment cards. The combination payment card is associated with an open-loop account and one or more closed-loop accounts. Transaction information is received from a point-of-sale device. At least one of the closed-loop and open-loop account is debited.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data using a portable electronic device.

Abstract: In order to identify a parallel-executed portion of processes included in a business flow, following stages are executed: obtaining transaction records including a processing time, a process type and an identifier from a database; grouping the transaction records based on the identifier and sorting the transaction records within a group based on the processing time; in case where the processing time included in the transaction record represents only one time, calculating a processing period of each transaction record based on a sequence of the processing times in the transaction records in the group; identifying a transaction record relating to a process executed in parallel based on the distribution of the calculated processing periods for each process type; and identifying, for each group, a business flow of the group based on the processing result of the identifying the transaction record and the transaction records in the group.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a code reading apparatus includes a commodity-information reading unit, a commodity-information output unit, a benefit-information reading unit, and a benefit-information output unit. The commodity-information reading unit reads commodity information from a code symbol attached to a commodity. The commodity-information output unit outputs the commodity information read by the commodity-information reading unit. The benefit-information reading unit detects an image of benefit indication from an image imaged by an imaging unit and reads benefit information corresponding to the benefit indication from the detected image. The benefit-information output unit outputs the benefit information read by the benefit-information reading unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data using a portable electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method or system for investing. A representative embodiment comprises providing a collective investment entity that offers shares of stock for sale to investors, and providing a plurality of investors that purchase shares of stock in the collective investment entity. The shares of stock are subject to a qualifying period. Disbursement value is allocated, and a number of eligible investors is determined. The investors are eligible by virtue of owning at least one eligible share of stock. A disbursement event is conducted, wherein the disbursement value is disbursed to at least one eligible investor chosen in a lottery selection process from among the eligible investors. An eligible share of stock comprises a share that has remained under the ownership of a single investor for the duration of the qualifying period.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a transaction cost recovery amount are provided. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined for each of a plurality of locations. The locations may include point-of-sale terminals and/or checkout lanes. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined based on Merchant Category Code (“MCC”) information. When a customer leaves a first location associated with a first MCC, the customer may be informed of a transaction cost recovery amount at a second location. The second location may be associated with a second MCC. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined based on a product inventory. The transaction cost recovery amount may be imposed to maintain an inventory level above a critical level. The transaction cost recovery amount may be based on a decrease and/or increase in an inventory level.

Abstract: Techniques for drive-thru mobile ordering are provided. When a consumer's mobile device is detected within a drive-thru queue or within a configurable distance of a Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal for drive-thru ordering, an interactive ordering interface is presented on the mobile device of the consumer. The consumer places his/her order via that interface and may optionally make payment for the order. The interface interacts with a POS agent of an establishment where the consumer is making the order to take the order and ensure fulfillment of that order.

Abstract: A system according to an embodiment comprises one or more processors; and one or more memories in communication with the one or more processors and adapted to store a plurality of machine-readable instructions which when executed by the one or more processors are adapted to cause the system to: offer, by a merchant at a Point of Sale (POS), at least one payment option in connection with a transaction for at least one item, wherein the payment option(s) is presented in a display tailored to a specific user based on information maintained by the merchant about the specific user; and process the transaction using a payment option selected by the user.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a customer's proximity to a checkout register at a store. A mobile electronic device with mobile self-checkout software thereon may record and analyze ambient noise to determine when a customer is in a checkout line as well as to track the customer's progress through the checkout line. The mobile self-checkout software may present information to the customer according to the customer's position in the checkout line. The type and nature of the information presented to the customer may be changed according to the customer's distance from the checkout terminal as well as how quickly the customer is approaching the terminal. The software may provide detailed data about the shopping and checkout experience. This information may be correlated to customer satisfaction and used identify particular strengths and weaknesses in the shopping experience offered by a store.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a transaction cost recovery amount are provided. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined for each of a plurality of locations. The locations may include point-of-sale terminals and/or checkout lanes. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined based on Merchant Category Code (“MCC”) information. When a customer leaves a first location associated with a first MCC, the customer may be informed of a transaction cost recovery amount at a second location. The second location may be associated with a second MCC. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined based on a product inventory. The transaction cost recovery amount may be imposed to maintain an inventory level above a critical level. The transaction cost recovery amount may be based on a decrease and/or increase in an inventory level.

Abstract: A system and method including a mobile application installed on a mobile device and configured to authenticate a merchant represented by a unique identifier, determine a position of the mobile device while the mobile device is co-located with a transaction terminal of the merchant, communicate the position to a portal to associate the position with the unique identifier and to receive an account number, and provide the account number to generate an authorization request on the transaction terminal. The authorization request includes a terminal identifier of the transaction terminal. When the authorization request generated using the account number is detected, the association between the account number provided to the mobile application and the location received from the mobile application is replaced with the association between the terminal identifier extracted from the authorization request and the location.

Abstract: A purchaser of a CE device informs a retail clerk at the point of sale (POS) of features of the CE device the purchaser wishes to employ, some of which require a license. The CE device is vended without the licenses but the clerk can upload the desired features to a server, which correlates the features to licensable components and which returns to the POS the license codes needed to enable the components. The codes can be provided to the CE device using RFID at the POS, or storing the codes on a removable storage at the POS and giving the storage to the purchaser, or by printing the codes as bar codes in the sales receipt at the POS and giving the receipt to the purchaser, who later scans the codes past a camera of the CE device to enable the associated licensable components.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering a transaction cost in connection with a transaction between a customer and a merchant are provided. The transaction cost may be recovered from a transaction that originates at a merchant location associated with a merchant category code. The transaction cost may be recovered from a low-value purchase. A recovery amount associated with the low-value purchase may include a fixed amount. The recovery amount associated with the low-value purchase may include a percentage of the acceptance cost. The recovery amount may be shared among two or more transaction participant. The recovery amount may be dynamically adjusted. Methods and apparatus may include providing adequate notice of changes in the recovery amount. The transaction cost may be recovered utilizing central control over network of merchant locations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering a transaction cost in connection with a transaction between a customer and a merchant are provided. The transaction cost may be recovered from a transaction that originates at a merchant location associated with a merchant category code. The transaction cost may be recovered from a low-value purchase. A recovery amount associated with the low-value purchase may include a fixed amount. The recovery amount associated with the low-value purchase may include a percentage of the acceptance cost. The recovery amount may be shared among two or more transaction participant. The recovery amount may be dynamically adjusted. Methods and apparatus may include providing adequate notice of changes in the recovery amount. The transaction cost may be recovered utilizing central control over network of merchant locations.

Abstract: A transaction processing platform capable of facilitating the distribution to consumers of various types of prepaid products is disclosed. The transaction processing platform is configured to interface with one or more providers of such prepaid products in order to facilitate the procurement or activation of the products. The platform includes a conduit interface through which service request messages are received and respectively utilized to generate transaction requests for corresponding types of prepaid services. A supply interface arrangement, operatively coupled to the conduit interface, is configured to route a first of the transaction requests through a first supply interface associated with a first type of prepaid service. The supply interface arrangement also routes a second transaction request through a second supply interface associated with a second type of prepaid service.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering a transaction cost in connection with a transaction between a customer and a merchant are provided. The transaction cost may be recovered from a transaction that originates at a merchant location associated with a merchant category code. The transaction cost may be recovered from a low-value purchase. A recovery amount associated with the low-value purchase may include a fixed amount. The recovery amount associated with the low-value purchase may include a percentage of the acceptance cost. The recovery amount may be shared among two or more transaction participant. The recovery amount may be dynamically adjusted. Methods and apparatus may include providing adequate notice of changes in the recovery amount. The transaction cost may be recovered utilizing central control over network of merchant locations.

Abstract: A method of dispensing registration that includes entering identifying information in an input module on a registration dispensing system. The identifying information is associated obtaining a registration. At least item is displayed on a display module associated with the registration dispensing system for which the registration may be obtained using the registration dispensing system. Registration payment information for the registration is received into the input module. The identifying information and the registration payment information are communicated with a database maintained by or on behalf of an entity issuing the registration. Registration information is received from the database. The registration information is formatted. The formatted registration information is printed on a registration document. The registration document is dispensed.

Abstract: Means and a computerized method for recommending items such as books and audio compact disks. For each item, a user profile includes ratings provided by users of the system. Unlike present recommendation systems, the user profiles do not include pre-computed similarity factors measuring similarity between users. Rather, when an advisee requests a recommendation, similarity measures are computed comparing the advisee to other users, and the similarity measures are associated with the other users. A subset of the users is selected, where the subset includes the users most similar to the advisee. A recommendation is made based on the ratings by the members of the selected subset.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for reducing input performed in a commerce based application is provided. The method includes receiving a sequence of input values from an input device and associating the sequence of input values with an object in the application based on the sequence. A context of the application is determined One or more tasks in the application are automatically performed based on the object, the context and the sequence of input values.

Abstract: A kiosk for leasing carpet cleaning machines to customers comprises a storage unit and an electronic input device. The storage unit is configured to house a carpet cleaning device and comprises a locking portion and an electronically controlled lock. The electronically controlled lock is able to, alternatively, lock and unlock the locking portion. The storage unit is configured such that the carpet cleaning machine can be secured thereto by electronically locking the locking portion, and such that the carpet cleaning machine can be removed from or returned to the storage unit when the locking portion is unlocked. The electronic input device is adapted and configured to obtain a code key from a customer and to cause the electronically controlled lock to unlock the locking portion following the receipt of the code key without any remote communication with any other non-customer device external to the kiosk.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.

Abstract: A system and method to append an advertisement to a Short Messaging Service (SMS) message. The system, which is implemented in a communication network with an SMS, includes two units, a first unit to identify a message recipient's subscription status to determine whether the recipient is subscribed to receive advertisement based SMS, and a second unit that appends an advertisement to the identified message before delivery to the message's recipient. First, the first unit identifies whether the intended recipient of an SMS message is subscribed to receive advertisement based SMS. Second, the first unit routes a request to the second unit to insert an advertisement into the identified SMS message. Third, the second unit appends an advertisement to the SMS message. Lastly, the second unit routes the modified message to the SMS in the network for delivery to the recipient's device.

Abstract: A semi-tractor trailer for distribution of natural gas and a system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semi-tractor trailer supported fuel receptacle has a plurality of metered fuel dispensers along the sides thereof to permit customers to park along side the semi-tractor trailer and fuel their vehicles with clean natural gas, which may be compressed natural gas or liquid natural gas, for example. The semi-tractor trailer is filled at a central filling location and transported by a tractor to a convenient retail location. A volume monitor monitors the volume of clean natural gas in the in the semi-tractor trailer and transmits this information to the central filling location, which may dispense a replacement semi-tractor trailer upon the volume of clean natural gas reaching a pre-determined threshold and retrieve the spent semi-tractor trailer in one trip.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium, computer-implemented method, and multi-channel user interface system are provided. In one embodiment, a computer-readable medium has instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method. The instructions include providing source code and metadata for a base set of user interfaces, where the base set of user interfaces is capable of being executed on multiple channel. The metadata is capable of configuration for a specific channel. The configuration of metadata for a specific channel includes projecting one or more task flows from a task flow template and configuring one or more regions for each task flow.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.