Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to near field communication A device may include a current digital-to-analog converter (DAC) configured to convey a current to an antenna in a first near-field communication (NFC) mode and enable for load modulation in a second NFC mode.

Abstract: Method for charging position usages of vehicles in a road toll system including acquiring an identifier of a vehicle device, a transaction value and an identifier of a payment card as a payment transaction, authorization a payment transaction system and transmitting associated authorization data with the vehicle device identifier to a toll server, generating a substitute identifier assigned to the card identifier and transmitting the substitute identifier with the authorization data to the toll server, associating the substitute identifier and the vehicle device identifier based on the respective received authorization data, calculating toll values based on position usages of vehicles, based on the card identifier assigned to substitute identifier, the transmitted toll values and the transaction value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a context based payment system. Electronic currency or coupons can be made dependent on context, and the context can be one of location or geography, time, date, distance, sound, or other devices. The value of the currency exists only if a pre-condition is fulfilled. For example, if the currency is location dependent, the value only exists in a defined area (currency value area). The goods or the service in the value-system are also context dependent, that is, they can only be sold or offered in a defined area (product value area). Accordingly, if the product value area and the currency value area overlap, a purchase and payment can be made.

Abstract: Customers receive advertisements or “impressions” related to brick and mortar merchants while accessing online content. The merchants or other entities track which impressions correlate with customers coming to a physical store and conducting a transaction (e.g., making a purchase) by comparing transaction information with information about the customer that is provided by the source of online impressions. In one implementation, the merchant creates a hash from the customer's name and account number on a payment card. This hash is compared with a hash from the impression provider that is generated using the same technique. When a match is found, it is inferred that exposure to the online impression caused the customer to make a purchase at the physical store. Merchants may pay the impression providers an advertising or referral fee based on the matches.

Abstract: A method includes providing advertisement data to a mobile device, receiving an input associated with the mobile device based on the advertisement data, and providing a credit based on the input. The input may be based on at least one of a location of the mobile device, a messaging communication initiated using the mobile device, an entry in an information management application, and a transaction executed using the mobile device.

Abstract: Selecting ecosystem features for inclusion in operational tiers includes taking a reference implementation of a specific application adapted to operate in a multi-domain computing ecosystem and, using a computer, breaking down the reference implementation into service related components, determining ecosystem participants for the reference implementation, and using a feature allocation engine to configure operational features that enable one of the service related components.

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: Systems and methods are provided for managing carbon emission credits at a fuel dispensing station via a portable computing device. An exemplary method comprises: receiving a request via a communications network for a transaction at a fuel dispensing station; determining a pump identifier associated with the fuel dispensing station; receiving a user selection of a carbon offset for the transaction; sending a message to a store controller associated with the pump identifier for an amount for the selected carbon offset; receiving the amount for the carbon offset; receiving a gas payment amount for the transaction; and initiating processing of a payment comprising the gas payment amount and the amount for the carbon offset.

Abstract: A method for managing rewards programs is disclosed. The method includes reviewing a plurality of offers from a plurality of merchants on a host site via the Internet. The offers are associated with rewards to consumers after the consumers use their portable consumer devices. An offer from the plurality of offers is selected and a customized offer element including the offer and an identifier of an issuer that selected the offer is generated.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a code reading apparatus includes an image pickup section, a detecting section, a size recognizing section, and a reading section. The image pickup section picks up an image. The detecting section detects, from the picked-up image, a two-dimensional code obtained by converting information concerning a transaction of a commodity. The size recognizing section recognizes the size of the detected two-dimensional code. The reading section reads the information from the detected two-dimensional code if the recognized size of the two-dimensional code is different from the size of a two-dimensional code recognized immediately before the recognition of the size of the two-dimensional code in the same transaction processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides for flexibility regarding the posting of point of sale transactions to particular billing cycles within an account. Embodiments comprise posting a point of sale transaction to a first billing cycle and then transferring the point of sale transaction to a second billing cycle, whereas a variation first selects a billing cycle and then posts the point of sale transaction to the selected billing cycle.

Abstract: A linked account instrument is used to access funds in an existing demand deposit account held at a financial institution. Merchant or other transactions are first processed against a demand deposit account via an electronic authorization network. If the demand deposit account does not have sufficient funds, the transactions may be processed as a credit charge against an designated credit account. The demand deposit account may subsequently be swept at predetermined times in search of funds to defray the overdraft. If adequate funds are present, they will be withdrawn from the demand deposit account, and the credit account will be cleared. Otherwise, the instrument holder's daily purchasing abilities may be temporarily suspended until the credit account is settled. The processing of overdraft amounts may be on a FIFO, smallest-first or other basis.

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 selected region within a geographic area. The selected region may be a customer location. The selected region may be a merchant location. The selected region may be any suitable region. The transaction cost may be recovered utilizing central control over network of merchant locations. The transaction cost may be recovered during a selected time. Apparatus may include an application that allows a selection of a time and/or geographic region for recovery of the transaction cost.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system is provided for activating a plurality of cards. An activation indicator can be provided to an activation system to process the activation of the plurality of cards. If approved, the activation system transmits a message to the POS device indicating the activation.

Abstract: An on-site consumer at a merchant location can obtain payment authorization and a payment method via a mobile device and mobile application from third-party payor that is not at the merchant location. The on-site consumer can select products for purchase and receive the price from the merchant POS device. The on-site consumer can initial the mobile application and select a third-party payor. A notification can be sent to the mobile or other device of the third-party payor. The third-party payor can elect to pay or decline the request and can select a payment method via the mobile application on their device. The decision of the third-party payor and any payment method can be transmitted to the mobile device of the on-site consumer and/or the merchant POS device. After the completion of the purchase, the mobile application can transmit an electronic receipt to the mobile device of the third-party payor.

Abstract: A method is provided for authorizing a financial transaction of a consumer, comprising: issuing a card to a cardholder by a card-issuing financial institution; creating a card account associated with the card and the cardholder; creating a deposit account associated with the cardholder; creating a liability payment remittance account associated with the cardholder; associating the card with the deposit account and the payment remittance account; and placing money in the deposit account; receiving a request for authorization for a transaction from a clearing system by the card-issuing financial institution; and if adequate resources exist, transferring funds from the deposit account to the payment remittance account; and authorizing the purchase transaction; thereby building an outstanding balance on the credit card account; applying a funds debit or charge to the payment remittance account; and crediting the credit card account for an amount of payment.

Abstract: In a method for sending a counter-offer in response to receiving an indication about a point-of-sale transaction, a computer receives from a point-of-sale program a point-of-sale transaction and an indication that the point-of-sale transaction is to be paid for utilizing a first payment option and is to be recorded using a second payment option. The computer determines that a counter-offer is appropriate. The counter-offer includes a request that the point-of-sale transaction be paid for utilizing the second payment option. The computer sends to the point-of-sale program the counter-offer.

Abstract: A mobile device is used to initiate and execute a transaction between a customer and a merchant. A mobile device is used to initiate a point of sale transaction, wherein a merchant ID is sent to a payment processing server. Responsive to receiving a communication from the mobile device, the payment processing server requests transaction information from the merchant, wherein the merchant is identified based on the provided merchant ID. The merchant can provide transaction information such as the total sale amount to the payment processing server. The payment processing server can authenticate the customer and initiate a purchase transaction with the appropriate financial institutions associated with the customer and the merchant. The payment processing server can send a confirmation of the executed transaction to the merchant and the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for routing digital receipts. In the systems and methods, transaction data is received, where the transaction data includes a receipt authorization code. The receipt authorization code is associated with one or more rules that include certain transaction criteria. The transaction criteria and the transaction data are compared to determine that the transaction complies with the one or more rules. Receipt data for the digital receipts is determined based on the terms of the one or more rules. In the systems and methods, digital receipts are provided to the user and include at least some of the receipt data.

Abstract: An embodiment of a transaction extension chaining method, includes using a cash access machine, receiving a request from a user to provide funds from a user account operated by an account provider via a first type of transaction, transmitting the request, receiving a denial of the request for funds because the request exceeded a transaction limit, and automatically obtaining the transaction limit of the user account from the account provider. The method further includes providing the transaction limit to be received by the user, and providing the user with an option to transmit an alternate request to provide funds from the user account via a second type of transaction.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of consumer accounts in a data store has a first consumer account identifier. Login information is received from a consumer device over the network interface device. The first consumer account identifier is received from the consumer device and stored in association the consumer account. The first consumer account identifier is storable as one of at least two types of identifiers and the storing by the consumer device of the first consumer account identifier is only permitted upon successful login based on the login information. The charge request is received over a network interface device, the charge request including the amount and the second consumer account identifier. A selected one of the consumer accounts is identified by associating one of the first consumer account identifiers with the second consumer account identifier, and the charge request is processed based on an account detail of the selected consumer account.

Abstract: A point of sale system including at least one proxy server having an internet connection, a web browser operative to download web pages from the internet via the proxy server, and a real time user input limiting trusted computing base module communicating with the web browser and being operative to limit user input to the web pages in real time.

Abstract: This invention concerns direct currency conversion, that is automatic currency conversion at point of payment for card transactions. In particular it concerns a method for operating equipment associated with a financial transaction. The method includes the steps of: Presenting a card related to a customer's account. Recording a card number from the card. Applying all or part of the card number to a tree structure, and automatically processing that number by the tree one bit at a time to arrive at an end node of the tree coded with information related to the currency of the customer's card account. Determining the currency of the customer's card account. Comparing the currency of the customer's card account with one or more currencies predetermined for the equipment. Where the comparison indicates different currencies, providing direct currency conversion services. In other aspects it concerns the equipment itself, and a method of preparing a tree structure for use by the equipment.

Abstract: Techniques for checkout security using video surveillance are provided. A customer is video tracked while in a store, the pauses made in aisles and the arm movements are recorded. Expected purchased items, based on movements and pauses by the customer within the store, are then compared to actual purchased items and a determination is made whether a checkout audit is needed for the customer.

Abstract: A mobile app creates and optimizes a shopping list of items based on one or more predetermined objectives for a shopping trip. The objectives include total cost, time, number of stops, preferred stores, preferred brands, and others. The mobile app may calculate total costs for the items from prices at one or more stores near the shopper. The app. divides the items among multiple stores, factoring in travel, fuel, preferences, discounts, coupons, store loyalty cards, item availability, and the like and optimizes the order the items are purchased from multiple stores, based on the objective(s). Shopping may also be ordered by sequence of item selection within stores.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of effectuating an electronic on-line payment includes receiving at a computer server system a text message from a payor containing a payment request representing a payment amount sent by a payor device operating independently of the computer server system, determining a payment amount associated with the text message and debiting a payor account for an amount corresponding to the amount of the payment request, and crediting an account of a payee that is independent of the computer server system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, when a touch position on a touch panel-type display section corresponds to an image pattern for an operation, the display of the image pattern is changed to the display of the image pattern in a different display form. When the touch is released in this state, the information of the image pattern that is touched is used as an input and processing based on the input information is executed.

Abstract: A system may include a point-of-sale system that gathers payment card track data from a payment card and a payment card gateway that processes the track data to authorize purchase transactions. The point-of-sale system may remove sensitive data such as a portion of a primary account number from the track data and may compress the removed data. The compressed version of the data may be appended to a discretionary field in the track data. The discretionary field may be encrypted following insertion of the compressed data. Track data that has been modified in this way may be conveyed to the payment gateway for processing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention allow a user to wirelessly transmit payment information from a mobile device to a point-of-sale terminal by the user performing only a minimum number of inputs, such as a single input. Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus comprising an input device configured to receive input from a user, a communication device configured to transmit wireless signals to a transaction device, a memory comprising predetermined payment information stored therein and a processor communicably coupled to the input device, the communication device and the memory and configured to: receive transaction information from the transaction device related to a transaction; receive a first input from the user; determine if the first input matches a user defined action stored in memory, and use the communication device to wirelessly transmit the predetermined payment information and authorize payment if the first input matches the user defined action stored in memory.

Abstract: A method of paying a second party is provided. A first party accesses the names of one or more qualified second parties. The second parties (i) have an association with the payment service, and (ii) if they do not have an established association with the payment service have established one prior to payment. The first party has an association with the payment service. A tab is opened by the first party that can be selected by the second party at any geographic location of a first party's mobile device. The second party is only able to charge a first party's financial account when the first party's mobile device is within a defined geographic area. The tab is a relationship between the first party, payment service and second party. The second party can engage in a financial transaction when the first party is within the defined geographic area.

Abstract: Improvements in a point of sale multi-functional device are disclosed. The device can operate as a stand-along unit or as a tablet companion device. The features include but are not limited to readers of credit cards, bar codes, flatbed scanner. Connections for USB, HDMI, SIM cards, flash memory and earphones or external speakers. A power supply provides power to the device with sufficient capacity to operate as long as required for sales transactions. The unit utilizes an embedded wireless connection with WiFi, 3G, and 4G using cell phone type communication signal or equivalent to allow the device to communicate with the internet to complete the transaction without requiring the device to store any information locally. The tablet compatible device accepts a tablet where the tablet thereby provides the display, computational power, wireless connection to the internet or a network and control of the sales process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for paying a transaction amount at a point of sale (e.g. a physical point of sale or a virtual point of sale) are disclosed. The systems and methods are configured to monitor transaction information to identify eligible transactions at the point of sale. Alternative funding options may be presented at substantially the same time as a transaction is being processed at a point of sale. Based on the user's selection, a credit may be applied to the transaction account corresponding with at least a portion of the transaction amount from the alternative funding source.

Abstract: A fraud prevention system is disclosed for preventing fraudulent activity on user accounts, the fraud prevention system interacting with a transaction tracking system for allowing association of transactions with user-defined categories. The fraud prevention system may include a computer memory including at least one database storing system settings specifying account-related events that require fraud prevention action and user-defined settings specifying account-related events that require fraud prevention action, wherein at least one of the user-defined settings pertains to events falling in one of the user-defined categories.

Abstract: A POS payment terminal (1) using a mobile communication device (4), such as a mobile phone, is created over a temporary connection between the merchant's Sales Device (2) with the removable memory card (18), where the removable memory card (18) is inserted into the customer's slot of the mobile communication device (4). The Sales Device (2) contains a secure memory (6) with the POS terminal's identification data in the form of a SAM card or an ICC card (9) or directly in the form of a secure element on the circuit printed. The payment terminal (1) is created before or during the payment process over a temporary connection between a Sales Device (2) with a mobile communication device (4), which is held by the customer and which has a removable memory card that can have an independent communication element, especially of the NFC type. The payment cryptogram is of standard form, e.g.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating electronic transactions using one or more computer based devices and remote requests and authorizations for funding proposed transactions for products or services.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides a point-of-sale terminal system. The system includes a till, a bill manipulator, and a bill acceptor. The till has a plurality of slots, with each slot being configured to hold currency in the form of bills. The bill manipulator is coupled to the plurality of slots, and a bill acceptor is coupled to the bill manipulator. The bill manipulator moves individual bills from the till to the bill acceptor and the bill acceptor outputs bills to a currency storage unit. The system also includes a processing device configured to determine a number of bills in each of the plurality of slots, to determine a number N indicating a number of bills to remove from a slot of the plurality of slots based on the number of bills in the slot, and to command the bill manipulator to transfer N bills from the slot.

Abstract: A system that includes computer hardware, computer software, apparatus, and methodology that enables individuals, businesses, and all types of organizations (both for profit and non-profit) to capture and securely transmit check images (including, but not limited to, personal checks, business checks, travelers checks, money orders, merchant coupons, food coupons, line of credit checks, etc.), deposit information, and other information from remote locations (i.e., locations that could include the financial institution's remote locations, other financial institution's locations, businesses, private residences, etc.), for the purpose of having those checks credited to the depositing individual's or organization's bank account(s) and having the check images (and/or physical checks) entered into the bank check clearing channels for ultimate delivery to the maker bank for payment out of the maker's account.

Abstract: A method of preventing identity theft is provided. The method comprises reading confidential information from a mobile terminal that is not in communication with the public wireless communication network and determining if the mobile terminal has been reported lost. When the mobile terminal is determined to have been reported lost, the release of the confidential information by the mobile terminal is disabled.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a central controller receives a selection signal indicative of acceptance of an installment plan option for a transaction. The central controller determines an installment charge amount to include in at least two bills for a financial account. Thereafter, bills may be generated that reflect installment charges to be paid.

Abstract: An indicator associated with a financial card to tender payment for a transaction is received from a point of sale device. A storage device stores independent sets of information associated with the financial card. The sets of information indicate different actions to be performed and settings corresponding to the actions. The indicator received from the point of sale device is associated with one of the independent sets of information. The actions associated with the received indicator are performed in accordance with the corresponding settings in response to conducting a transaction with the financial card.

Abstract: In selected embodiments a repository system correlates user browsing behavior with in-store transactions involving a number of products or product categories. For example, an online portal may receive online transactional data and in-store transactional data and associate particular user identities with such data. The user identities may be correlated by matching online transactional data with in-store transactional data. This correlation identifies a user known to frequent both online and in-store venues of the same retailer. The online portal may maintain browser repository records based on an association of online and in-store identities. In some implementations, the portal measures in-store transactions of a user known to frequent both online and in-store venues. The measurements may be performed for a predetermined time period. Such measurements may be used to extrapolate web influenced in-store transactional data from at least one browser repository record to estimate a transaction for an unknown user.

Abstract: A system and method for online management of restaurant orders may comprise of: storing data related to a plurality of vendors; receiving a request from a client computer for vendor product; transmitting the request to a server computer that interfaces with a vendor point of sale system at a specific location; processing the request using the vendor point of sale system; and transmitting a reply to the request from the client computer. Additionally, the method may comprise polling a middleware module for new orders; sending an order from the middleware module to a POS module; sending the order from the POS module to a POS database server; polling the POS database server to retrieve an indication of success or failure; sending an indication of a success or failure to the middleware module; sending a status request from the middleware module to a first web user interface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system is provided for activating a plurality of cards. A first card number and a total number of cards can be provided to an activation system to process the activation of the plurality of cards.

Abstract: The loyalty system allows a consumer to accumulate general loyalty points from one or more merchants, and convert any desired subset of general points to loyalty dollars associated with a specific merchant. The system stores, for each consumer, the merchant loyalty dollars (or monetary equivalent) by merchant within a remotely-accessible host database or within a smart card database. Upon conducting a purchase at a particular merchant, the consumer may utilize a code key to facilitate access to the consumer's own loyalty dollars for the particular merchant. The loyalty dollars are then applied to the purchase transaction as a discount or rebate. The consumer may also re-load the merchant loyalty dollar accounts.

Abstract: An order receiving apparatus includes: a display unit configured to display an order input screen including a menu item space in which operation images for receiving orders of menu items are allocated and a menu allocation screen including the menu item space and a list of menu items for which the operation images can be allocated to the menu item space; a first selecting unit configured to select a menu item from among the menu items included in the list; a second selecting unit configured to select an allocation position to which the selected operation image of is allocated in the menu item space; and an updating unit configured to update the definition information according to the selected menu item and the selected allocation position.

Abstract: System and method for calculating and applying surcharges or payment type fees to payment transactions. A calculation device receives pricing and payment information for a transaction, such as a credit or debit card transaction, and calculates a surcharge or payment type fee based upon the transaction costs that will apply if the transaction is completed. The transaction costs may be estimated by the calculation device or received from a payment network.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to an individualized menu system for use by customers in a retail environment. Multiple mobile computing devices are in communication with a database server from which the mobile computing devices retrieve menu related data items. The menu related data items are then used to present a menu to the customer by way of the mobile computing devices. The mobile computing devices are authenticated by the database server and communicate with the database server using a secure communications protocol. Each menu related data item in the database server is individually editable by an administrative user and edits are not propagated to the mobile computing devices until they are committed as such by the administrative user.

Abstract: The present application provides a remote beverage dispensing system for filling a number of orders with one or more beverage selections. The remote beverage dispensing system may include a point-of-sale device for receiving the orders and a remote beverage dispenser for filling the orders. The remote beverage dispenser may include a point-of-sale order queue and a manual selection screen. The point-of-sale order queue may include the beverages selections in each of the number of orders.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for authenticating and enabling returns at a physical store location and based off of an electronic receipt. The electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. The electronic receipts software may use sound recordings to verify whether a customer is present at a returns terminal at a physical store location. The electronic receipts software may recode particular sounds or ambient noise at a returns POS terminal and analyze and compare this sound recording against known sounds to determine whether a customer is present at a returns POS terminal. The electronic returns software may prevent the customer from accessing returns features if the customer is not at a returns terminal and allow the customer to access returns features if the customer is at a returns terminal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for utilizing mobile electronic devices in various types of financial transactions. According to one embodiment, a method of providing a plurality of mobile commerce functions can comprise receiving a communication related to a function of a mobile wallet application of a mobile device. One or more of a plurality of acquirer systems for handling of the communication can be identified based on the function of the mobile wallet application to which the communication relates. The communication can be routed to the identified one or more acquirer systems for handling of the communication. In some cases, a reply to the communication can be received from at least one of the identified one or more acquirer systems and the reply can be sent to a recipient.