Abstract: A system includes a digital camera coupled with or integrated within a transaction terminal to capture an image during authorization of a transaction initiated at the transaction terminal. The system further includes a portal configured to receive the image and transmit the image to a communication reference associated with the account information of an account in which the transaction is made, based on a security preference associated with the account information. The image may be optionally analyzed to detect fraudulent use of the account.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of facilitating contact between a consumer and a requesting entity, with the method comprising the following steps. During an interaction with the consumer, the method of the invention obtains contact information and index information from the consumer. The method then evaluates whether the consumer meets a selection criterion specified by the requesting entity using the indexing information. A data store entry associated with the consumer can be updated with the contact information. The contact information is then referred to the requesting entity thereby providing the requesting entity with up-to-date contact information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for transactions associated with a mobile device. A method includes, in a merchant device linked to a server by a first network, sending a registration to the server, sending a transaction message to the server, receiving a unique identifier from the server in response to the transaction message, broadcasting the unique identifier, in response to the broadcasted unique identifier, receiving instructions in the server from a mobile application residing in a memory of a mobile device over a second network, processing a transaction in response to the instructions, and notifying the merchant device of the processed transaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for controlling a mobile data terminal, comprising: receiving an instruction execution request from the mobile POS terminal; in response to receiving the instruction execution request, determining whether the instruction execution request contains current location information associated with the mobile POS terminal; if not, executing a real-time location acquisition procedure to proactively obtain the current location information associated with the mobile POS terminal; if yes, executing a real-time location verification procedure to confirm the current location information contained in the instruction execution request; and determining whether the mobile POS terminal is located in a pre-determined region according to the current location information that has been verified or proactively obtained.

Abstract: A display system for products and/or services for rent or sale includes a plurality of display devices for displaying information relating to at least one product and/or service. A communication module for receiving information relating to the at least one product and/or service. A controller for controlling the display of the information on at least one of the plurality of display devices. The system may further include a user interface for receiving a product and/or service selection from a user and an output module to output the user's selection.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for transferring receipt data to a computing device corresponding to a customer. The method may include initiating a transaction at a point-of-sale system. During the transaction, a computer system comprising the point-of-sale system, may identify a computing device corresponding to a customer associated with the transaction. Once the transaction has been completed, the computer system may direct a push notification to the computing device. In response to the push notification, the computer system may receive a request for receipt data documenting the transaction. Accordingly, the computer system may provide the receipt data to the computing device.

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 computer-executable instructions for operating a payment processing system are provided. An exemplary method includes receiving a request to determine a transaction capability of a merchant's transaction system. The request is received from a requester at a payment processing system. The method includes determining the requested transaction capability based on merchant data retrieved from a database of the payment processing system. The transaction capability of the merchant includes information indicating compatibility of the merchant's transaction system with one or more features of the payment processing system. The method further includes transmitting, using the payment processing system, the transaction capability to the requester in response to the request.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, in response to being executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations including upon occurrence of a scheduled time, polling an update distribution server to determine that an update for a computer executable software application is available, the computer executable software application configured to operate on the computing device and in response to determining that the update is available, obtaining the update over the Internet from the update distribution server, and selecting whether to install the update at a first time or to defer installing the update until a second time that is later than the first time.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to a storage unit owned by an owner, wherein a renter has access to the storage unit unless the owner receives the legal right to deny the renter access to the storage unit and decides to do so. In this method, the storage unit is secured by a lock that is, at least in part, controlled by the renter. A remotely controllable lockout assembly, however, is capable of over locking the storage unit so that the renter can no longer gain entry when the lockout assembly is activated. The method includes remotely controlling the lockout assembly to deny the renter access to the unit when the owner receives the legal right to deny the renter access to the storage unit and decides to do so.

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: According to one embodiment, includes an operation surface section, a card reader provided on one side of the operation surface section and configured to read card information, and an operation button provided near the card reader on the operation surface section and recessing a predetermined dimension from the operation surface section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing supplemental support to the arm and/or elbow region of an individual. In one exemplary implementation, a brace for a user's arm is provided comprising a rigid element including arm-engaging portions and a strap of flexible material configured to encircle the arm. Moreover, the exemplary rigid element and strap may be further characterized in that the strap comprises an elastic nature or portion that provides a force (such as a compressive or constraining force) to the user's arm, the arm-engaging portions include muscle/tendon-engaging regions that each engage the user's arm along a leading face/edge, with various leading faces/edges corresponding to the muscle/tendon-engaging regions being positioned in relationship with each other to apply a desired pressure or force to the user's arm.

Abstract: A method of facilitating transactions at the point of sale using foreign currency is provided. The method includes use of a handheld electronic device to receive voice input to discern the costs and the anticipated change to be returned from a clerk during a transaction for goods. A handheld device is utilized to receive voice input from the clerk in a foreign language, calculates the currency amount required to be paid by the user, and displays the required currency on its display screen, both in written words and in visual terms using dominations of the local currency. Voice inputs are then received from the user to determine the amount of currency given to the clerk, whereafter the amount of change anticipated from the transaction is visualized on the display for the user. The method facilities transparent transactions in foreign countries and helps teach foreign language skills in the process.

Abstract: A commercial transaction method is disclosed. The method first establishes a secure link over a first air interface by a purchasing device. This secure link is between the purchasing device and a point of sale device. The method further identifies a second air interface, which is different from the first air interface, and the second air interface is used to conduct a secure commercial transaction.

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 invention describes how a consumer can hold their NFC enabled device in proximity to an NFC enabled point-of-sale terminal and with a single “wave” or “tap” to automatically redeem coupons, pay for a purchase using a default payment card or a selected card, view receipts view reward point balances, and receive relevant coupons and other digital artifacts both before and after the purchase. The NFC enabled device includes a secure element with a payment application, payment credentials, and other digital artifacts such as coupons. The secure element can be internal to the mobile device, externally affixed to the mobile device, or inserted into a slot within the body of the mobile device.

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 distributed point of sale, electronic article surveillance, and product information system. The system can include a central database and at least one integrated POS/EAS/information terminal adapted to communicate with NFC-enabled devices, RFID and EAS tags, and the database, wherein, when a customer places an NFC-enabled device and a product having an RFID and EAS tag and proximate the terminal, the terminal facilitates a transaction for purchasing the product. The terminal can include a processor, an NFC transceiver, a UHF RFID reader, and a Bluetooth transceiver. The transaction for purchasing the product can be performed via the NFC-enabled device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a financial card system. The system includes a communications device on which a non-contact integrated circuit chip is installed; and an authentication terminal having a reader/writer allowing reading/writing information on the communications device and capable of transmission and reception of information with the communications device through the reader/writer. The communications device has a storage block, a common area information transmission block, and an individual area information transmission block. The reader/writer of the authentication terminal has a storage block, a common area information reception block, and an individual area information reception block.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems are described wherein a security deposit is used to facilitate a transaction with a customer. In an embodiment, a process includes receiving an indication that a customer is interested in making a purchase during a transaction from a merchant, and transmitting an offer for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer and a security deposit.

Abstract: The invention describes how a consumer can hold their NFC enabled device in proximity to an NFC enabled point-of-sale terminal and with a single “wave” or “tap” to automatically redeem coupons, pay for a purchase using a default payment card or a selected card, view receipts view reward point balances, and receive relevant coupons and other digital artifacts both before and after the purchase. The NFC enabled device includes a secure element with a payment application, payment credentials, and other digital artifacts such as coupons. The secure element can be internal to the mobile device, externally affixed to the mobile device, or inserted into a slot within the body of the mobile device.

Abstract: A virtual payment system including a customer-specific, customer geolocation responsive, limited time duration payment identifier generator operative to generate a customer-specific, customer geolocation responsive, limited time duration payment identifier, a customer-specific limited time duration payment identifier communicator operative to communicate the customer-specific, customer geolocation responsive, limited time duration payment identifier to a customer and a limited time duration payment identifier validator, operative to verify genuineness and timeliness of the customer-specific, customer geolocation responsive, limited time duration payment identifier presented by the customer at a point of sale.

Abstract: Novel features to be used in a proxy card payment system include a real-time request to override a declined transaction or to select a different financial account and the insertion of user identification information into the transaction approval message sent to the merchant. A payment request is forwarded to the payment system, which maintains the proxy card account and determines whether the transaction violates a user-defined rule. If the transaction is declined by the issuer that maintains the financial account, or the payment system for violation of a user-defined rule, the payment system sends a real-time message to the user. The user is prompted to override the rule causing the transaction to be declined or to select a new account to process the transaction. Once the payment system receives authorization for the transaction, it inserts the user identification information in an approval message before transmitting the approval to the merchant.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for storing usual order preferences associated with a point of sale transaction involving an identification article. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an initial order involving the use of an identification article for purchasing at least one good or service. As part of receiving the initial order, a query asking if the initial order is to be designated as a usual order is issued. The method also includes registering the initial order as the usual order if a received response to the query indicates a usual order designation and storing an indication of the usual order in a storage medium.

Abstract: In electronic financial transactions a receiver, or targeted recipient of funds, provides account information to a transmitter, or sender of funds. The transmitter initiates a push of funds from a transmitter funding source to the receiver's funding source processor. In some embodiments the receiver provides a payment card, similar to a credit card, which is read by an electronic device of the transmitter, such as a smart phone. In some embodiments, the receiver provides the account information by way of a bar code, such as a QR code, which is scanned and read by the transmitter's electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods which allow for a money transfer transaction to be funded without providing payment at the point in time when the transaction is originated and which also do not require a customer to undertake a separate transaction with a separate entity prior to initiating the money transfer transaction with a money transfer service are provided. Embodiments may therefore allow for money transfers, such as in emergency situations, when customers would not otherwise have payment readily available at the time of the transaction.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for automatic activation of mobile payment mechanisms (e.g., software applications, devices/hardware and the like) on a mobile communication device in response to automated determination of the mobile payment types accepted by a merchant at which the user/consumer is located. As such, the present invention serves to automatically make the user/consumer aware of an option for mobile payment. In addition, the mobile payment transaction is made more efficient, in that, the user/consumer does not have to manually configure and/or activate the software or hardware associated with the mobile payment type.

Abstract: A restaurant management system and method interface is provided. In accordance with the invention, data from various restaurant operations is collected and stored for processing. The data is processed into useful metrics, such as those indicative of various categories of restaurant staffing, efficiency, performance and quality. The useful metrics can be displayed as a human-readable chart, graph or report. The data can be processed in real time, permitting managers to promptly make adjustments and to alert restaurant workers or crew members of deficiencies so that prompt and effective remedial action can be taken to improve restaurant performance. Reports may be generated that provide the performance of restaurants individually and as a combined group.

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: During a financial transaction, a customer provides an identifier to a peripheral device (which may be a barcode scanner, a wireless receiver or a keyboard) coupled to the point-of-sale terminal. This identifier corresponds to a one-time payment credential token that includes financial information of the customer. Then, a service object executing on the point-of-sale terminal, which acts as a driver for the peripheral device, performs one or more operations based on at least the identifier to obtain the financial information. After providing the financial information and transaction information associated with the financial transaction to a financial institution specified in the financial information, the point-of-sale terminal receives a confirmation from the financial institution that the financial transaction has been completed.

Abstract: A computer-based method of managing electronic transactions is described. A plurality of consumer accounts is stored in a data store, each consumer account having a first consumer account identifier. A second consumer account identifier is received in a point-of-sale device. A charge request including an amount and a second consumer account identifier is received, wherein the second consumer account identifier is not an MSISDN. A selected one of the consumer accounts is identified by associating one of the first consumer account identifiers with the second consumer account identifier. An authorization request is transmitted to a consumer device. An response to the authorization request is received from the consumer device, and the charge request is processed based on an account detail of the selected consumer account, wherein the charge request is processed if the response is the authorization response.

Abstract: A system and method is described for alerting authorities or taking other corrective authoritative action to a possibly fraudulent credit card transaction. A cardholder is notified that a transaction has just taken place and is given an opportunity to indicate that he or she did not authorize the transaction. If so indicated, and depending on how recent the transaction was (e.g. 15 seconds ago) then an alert is automatically sent to the merchant, store security, or local police. In addition, a store camera can be automatically activated to zoom in and record the perpetrator of the fraudulent transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for managing transactions in which an order is specified online and payment is received at a point of sale (POS). Methods are disclosed for managing payment for such transactions at a POS, including transactions involving payment for both in-store purchases and online orders. Methods are also disclosed for managing inventory and price changes for such transactions where payment can occur at any time in a pay period following order creation. Also disclosed are methods for processing refunds for online orders for which payment was made at a POS. Finally, methods for preventing fraud and abuse as well as restricting the availability of this payment method for certain items are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for adapting the amount of predial delay in a terminal, such as an automatic teller machine (ATM) system, based upon actual connection times with a host over a telecommunications network experienced by the ATM in a particular installation. The ATM may adjust the point in the customer transaction process at which it initiates a connection with a host in order to decrease the wait time experienced by a customer while a connection with the host is established, as well as wait time by the host after a connection is established while a transaction request message is being prepared.

Abstract: Card applets associated with an electronic wallet are activated and deactivated based on user-defined rules. Based on the rules and a device state, a card emulation state and card applet states are modified to enable or disable completion of transactions. The transactions are between a computing device and a reader such as a point-of-sale terminal. In some embodiments, a user designates a plurality of the card applets as fast cards capable of completing a transaction via near-field communication (NFC) interaction without user input at a time of the transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing payment vehicle recommendations are provided herein. In the systems and methods, a transaction associated with one of a transaction amount and purchase items is identified based on the transaction data; one or more payment rules associated with the transaction are identified; the terms of the one or more payment rules are compared with the transaction amount or purchase items; the most favorable payment vehicle for the transaction is determined based on the comparison of the terms of the one or more payment rules and the transaction amount or purchase items; and a recommendation of at least one payment vehicle is provided based on the determination of the most favorable payment vehicle on a display of a mobile device of a user.

Abstract: Visually presenting spending behavior, spending patterns, and spending activity to a consumer across of their all receipt based purchase transactions. Receipt data is received at a first or host computer from respective transaction processing devices or host systems of respective merchants, or received from self-service action of the consumer, and identifies respective goods or services purchased by the consumer. A user interface is displayed to the consumer and comprises a thumbnail arrangement of discrete objects, each of which represents respective receipts generated by respective transaction or transaction processing devices. A discrete object may comprise data of one or multiple goods or services and includes category indicators that visually inform the consumer about the type of good or service. Embodiments may also involve requesting receipt data utilizing a mobile communication device, searching receipt data collected by the computer and responding to the request with requested receipt data.

Abstract: An unattended, automated checkout, computer-controlled automated store outlet and system is disclosed. A customer's identification and payment information are inputted and verified and the customer qualified to remove items from the automated store outlet. Each bay of the automated store outlet is normally locked, and after the customer accesses the bay can remove one or more items from the bay, which are automatically detected and identified and charged to the customer as part of the purchase transaction. These events occur at the location of each automated store outlet. Each automated store outlet communicates with a central control center, which can be used for live customer service and real time surveillance.

Abstract: A bookmark beacon system comprises a computer network, a wireless network configured to enable a wireless device to access the computer network, and a bookmark beacon that transmits a bookmark data packet to the wireless device. The bookmark data packet includes a resource address that enables the wireless device to retrieve information stored on the computer network.

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: A viewable image for selecting one or more digital images from a collection of digital images includes a plurality of representative images representing corresponding digital images in the collection, each corresponding digital image stored in an electronic storage and retrieval system and a plurality of machine-readable codes, each machine-readable code associated with one of the representative images so that a viewer can readily identify a desired digital image and a corresponding machine-readable code in the viewable image, wherein each machine-readable code can be photographed to select its corresponding digital image, and wherein the machine-readable code encodes a reference to the corresponding digital image stored in the electronic storage and retrieval system.

Abstract: A cash recycler includes one or more universal cartridges storing cash which may be exchanged between different types of cash recyclers. The swapping of universal cartridges may allow for improved efficiency when a cash handling device is detected to have a need for additional currency, removal of surplus currency, removal of unfit currency, and other services.

Abstract: A method and system is provided that uses alerts to bring in-store information that is of interest to the attention of team members working in a retail store. To send an alert to a team member logged in to a device data, data from a source is evaluated against business rules. An event is generated when a piece of data satisfies the business rules. The event indicates that the piece of data is of interest. A task is activated for the event and assigned to the team member acting in a role associated with the source of the event. An alert is sent to the device that the team member is logged in to indicating that the team member has been assigned the task.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for facilitating transactions between a merchant-partner and an end-user. In one embodiment, a service provider: (a) stages a transaction between a merchant and a consumer; (b) creates a transaction-specific unique reference locator (URL) linked to a transaction-specific web page; and (c) sends the transaction-specific URL to the consumer's mobile device. Whereupon the consumer clicks on the transaction specific URL on their mobile device, the service provider displays a token ID on the transaction-specific web page. The token ID is linked to the staged transaction and is used to initiate data communication between a point-of-sale (POS) terminal and the service provider's processing unit. The service provider can then: receive confirmation that the consumer has presented the token ID and a payment to the POS terminal; display a transaction receipt on the transaction-specific web page; and/or notify the merchant that the consumer has provided the payment.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for managing contactless transactions. An activation request is received. A first tap from a mobile device is identified. The first tap occurs when the mobile device is placed within a predetermined proximity to the system. A first select command including an AID corresponding to a first application is transmitted to the mobile device. A first response based on the first select command is received from the mobile device. A data request including information indicating supported data types is transmitted to the mobile device. A second response based on the data request and including transaction data is received from the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a customer to purchase or otherwise receive a benefit during a first transaction that will be redeemed by the customer or provided to the customer at a later time or during a future transaction for the purchase, rental, lease, etc. of one or more products and/or services. The price to the customer for the benefit may be a monetary amount, a non-monetary amount, a commitment by the customer to complete or perform some obligation or qualifying action. The value of the benefit to the customer may be based on one or more aspects or characteristics of the first transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for activating and funding prepaid cards at the point of sale by making innovative use of existing point-of-sale devices and existing credit/debit card acceptance networks and processes. The invention obviates the need to implement new/different technology at point-of-sale terminals that are widely used at retail outlets. This invention makes use of the existing credit and charge card systems and processes, including industry standard message formats, to settle funds and fees between the seller and the issuer of the prepaid card, thus further reducing the expense and time-to-market for product distribution.

Abstract: A method for processing cash advance transactions in a casino having an authorized MCD processor and, in particular, for processing non-service fee/surcharge transactions as Manual Cash Disbursements by the system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, processes, computer program code, and means for employing the near field communication (“NFC”) functionality of mobile devices for use in payment transactions.