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

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for the money transactions required in the selling of merchandise or media content on the Internet and uses at least one in-person contact with the buyer. A predefined transaction originating at a real place of business authorizes access to web content or merchandise from a place off the web. Purchasers (end-users) must physically go to a retail location to choose the Internet media or merchandise shopping cart they wish to acquire where age can be verified if necessary and payment can be made with or without a credit card. Content security using a non-audible or invisible code signal sequence(s) can provide traceability as well as absolute anonymity for the purchaser. This apparatus can be used to conduct transactions off the web so that business can be done on the web.

Abstract: A cooperative system and an associated method are provided for resolving a distressed shipment during transport by a carrier, where the distressed shipment includes one or more parcels rendered temporarily undeliverable by an exception event while in transit from a shipper to a consignee. The inventive method involves the shipper in the task of contacting the consignee for the additional information necessary to resolve the shipment. The system creates a cooperative of participating shippers and carriers, working together to complete a shipment and thereby avoid the delay and expense associated with a premature or unnecessary return.

Abstract: A transaction card processing and activation system comprising the identification of a unique identifier corresponding to an aggregate of transaction cards of affiliated or non-affiliated card issuers and the activation of each transaction card corresponding to the unique identifier of the aggregate irrespective of the number, types, or card issuers of the transaction cards. Additionally, the present invention allows a point of sale entity to initiate the activation of each of the multiple, disparate transaction cards in the aggregate by merely processing the unique identifier associated with the aggregate.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system and computer program product for registering a customer with an organization to enable the customer to use various services through one or more delivery channels. Customer Relationship Information (CRI) and contact information of the customer is captured by the system. A confirmation number is communicated to the customer based on the validity of the CRI. The customer then submits the confirmation number to the system to complete the registration process. The registration is then confirmed based on the validity of the submitted confirmation number.

Abstract: A portable device includes a data capture unit and a wireless communication circuit in communication with a control circuit. The data capture unit is configured to receive product information from a product identifier. The wireless communication circuit is configured to communicate with a vendor server storing an electronic catalog that includes a product associated with the product information.

Abstract: A system that enables a wireless point-of-sale transaction. In one embodiment the system comprises an account module, an account selection module, a display, an input interface, and a wireless transmitter. The account module stores account information corresponding to a plurality of payment accounts. The account selection module selects a payment account from the plurality of payment accounts as a default payment account for a wireless point-of-sale transaction based on one or more predetermined criteria. The display displays the default payment account to a user. The input interface enables the user to accept the default payment account by the account selection module. The wireless transmitter that wirelessly transmits payment information to a point-of-sale device, wherein the payment information comprises account information associated with the default account when the default payment account is accepted via the input interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a configurable offline data store are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request for a first set of one or more records from a client application, wherein the first set is remotely stored. The method further includes determining a second set of one or more records that is associated with the first set, wherein the second set is remotely stored. The method further includes fetching over a network the first set and the second set from a server data store unit; storing the first set and the second set in a client data store unit and providing access to the first set and the second set when the network is not operational.

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

Abstract: Transactions are processed in which payment is made using an account, such as a health savings account or other type of account in which cardholder purchases are limited to, and/or are documented for, a pre-designated set of merchandise. When a transaction occurs, the purchased products are identified and a determination made whether each product is qualified for purchase under the account. An account transaction record is stored which identifies the date of the transaction, the account, each item that is qualified under the account, a description and quantity of each item, and the total monetary amount of the transaction related to such qualified items. The account transaction records for a particular consumer are used to generate a report that contains data for every transaction on the account. The report can be limited to those transactions that occurred during a period of time, such as a calendar year.

Abstract: Providing a time-of-transaction currency conversion from a merchant's local currency to a cardholder's credit card currency uses a conversion rate developed by reference to the particular merchant, acquirer, card association and issuer. After a merchant has generated an authorization request in the merchant's currency for a transaction by a cardholder in a different currency, the transaction amount in the authorization is converted from the merchant's currency to the currency of the cardholder's issuing currency, and optionally modified to include additional fees. The converted authorization request is then transmitted to the appropriate card association and then to the issuing bank for authorization, with a response returned to the merchant. The cardholder sees and approves the transaction in the cardholder's currency, and in an amount identical to the amount for which he will be billed.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the generation and the collection of financial contributions from holders of payment cards (50) and for distributing the collected contributions among a plurality of beneficiaries selected by the cardholders. The payment cards (50) have a unique identification (UID) that is associated with a contribution factor (CF) representing the cardholder's selected level of contribution to be made in proportion to or based on a fixed amount per transaction or group of transactions made with the card or as a selected amount. The card's contribution factor is stored by the system, not the card. A selection of one or more beneficiaries such as charities, and where needed a distribution of these contributions among two or more beneficiaries is also associated with the card's unique identification.

Abstract: A method for assessing fees for parking is disclosed. The method includes providing a vehicle registration card containing a vehicle make and model and a parking fee collection device. The parking fee collection device has an associated database containing a parking fee charged for each vehicle make and model. The vehicle make and model is entered into the parking fee collection device for a selected vehicle and a parking fee is assessed based upon the vehicle make and model.

Abstract: An approach to workflow-based data processing is described, wherein as part of the workflow a multiplicity of display pages is executed interactively by means of workflow control commands. A suitable computer system comprises at least one user terminal with a user interface for page display (802) and for input of user data and workflow control commands, one or more basic systems with associated basic databases, containing basic data, at least one cache database in which the user data and a selected extract from the basic data are cached (806), one or more service systems with services (810) for performing data processing steps on the basis of data sourced from the cache database and a mechanism (804) for generating a request directed at the invocation of at least one service (810) as a response to a workflow control command.

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

Abstract: An electronic payment system is for a point-of-sale (POS) device to transfer funds from a purchaser account to a merchant account. The POS device is to send a merchant transaction identification (ID) and transaction information. The electronic payment system includes a mobile wireless communications device to send a purchaser transaction ID and purchaser account access information. A payment processor server is to receive the purchaser transaction ID and purchaser account access information, and further configured to send the transaction information to the mobile wireless communications device if the merchant transaction ID matches the purchaser transaction ID. The mobile wireless communications device also sends confirmation of the transaction information to the payment processor server, and also effects a transfer of funds from the purchaser account to the merchant account based upon the confirmation of the transaction information and the purchaser account access information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating money transfer payments for mobile wireless device prepaid services include receiving, from a vendor location, a money transfer payment for mobile wireless device prepaid services fulfillment request including a mobile wireless device phone number and a corresponding payment amount. A destination wireless service provider that serves the mobile wireless device is identified based on the phone number, and the payment for mobile wireless device prepaid services request or a formatted version thereof is delivered to the destination wireless service provider. A fulfillment confirmation or denial associated with the payment for mobile wireless device prepaid services fulfillment request is thereafter received, and when a fulfillment confirmation is received, payment is provided to the destination wireless service provider.

Abstract: An improved portable shopping system with improved data presentation system for presenting customer desired data on a portable terminal. The portable terminal includes audio as well as video presentation components that are used to provide customer specific marketing files to promote the sale of identified items.

Abstract: A method of managing transactions between a mobile wallet within a mobile device and a point-of-sale terminal at a merchant is disclosed and may include receiving a request for a purchase code from the mobile wallet, generating a short-term purchase code, transmitting the short-term purchase code to the mobile wallet, and receiving the short-term purchase code from the merchant.

Abstract: Systems, methods, processes, computer program code and means for conducting a payment transaction are provided which include activating a payment application of a mobile device, generating, using the payment application, an optical image representing payment account information associated with the payment application, said payment account information including at least one of a payment account number, an expiry date of the payment account number, and a dynamic verification code generated by the payment application; and presenting the optical image to a merchant transaction terminal for scanning to conduct the payment transaction.

Abstract: An execution multiplicity control system is provided which measures a load distribution over service objects for each case when one type of service requests are inputted into a distributed object system; calculates an effect index for when the execution multiplicity of each of the service objects is varied, based on the load distribution; measures, for each type of the service requests, the number of service requests actually inputted, to acquire a request distribution; calculates and stores a total effect index for when the execution multiplicity of each of the service objects is varied, based on the effect index and the request distribution; and controls the execution multiplicity of the service objects by applying a method of controlling the execution multiplicity of the service objects in descending order of the respective total effect indices calculated.

Abstract: A method for conducting a secure transaction over a network includes the steps of receiving a price and a transaction identifier from a merchant, the transaction identifier identifying a purchase selection made by a user, receiving a user identifier from a user, receiving a financial institution selection from the user, initiating a communication session with the selected financial institution, receiving a financial-institution user-identifier from the user, communicating the financial-institution user-identifier to the selected financial institution, communicating to the selected financial institution a request to transfer funds, receiving the funds from the selected financial institution, and sending the funds to the merchant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the authentication of contactless payments attempted by a device having embedded contactless payment functionality. In particular, the disclosure is directed to systems and methods that utilize authentication schemes that already exist on a device in which the contactless payment functionality is embedded. One example of such authentication schemes is the use of password protection to lock or unlock the device in which the contactless payment functionality is embedded. Using the password protection functionality may provide varying levels of authentication protection based on the desires of the user. A number of exemplary uses of such a method and apparatus are disclosed herein.

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

Abstract: A transaction processing service operates as an intermediary between acquirers of financial transaction requests and issuing institutions that process the financial transaction requests. The intermediary service utilizes a customer's mobile device as an out-of-band communication channel to notify a customer of a received financial transaction request. To send the notification, the intermediary service retrieves stored customer information, including an address of the customer's mobile device and a list of payment instruments that can be used to pay for the transaction. Before continuing to process the received financial transaction request, the service may first require the customer to confirm the transaction via the mobile device. The intermediary service retrieves financial account information associated with the customer from issuing institutions, and, if the transaction is confirmed, provides the account information to acquirers in order to allow transactions to be processed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a payment mat that wirelessly communicates with a payment device for payment of items, such as goods and/or services, in a retail environment. A customer presents the payment device within the radiation range of an antenna contained in the payment mat for payment. The payment mat may also include a visual indicator, audio indicator, keypad, transaction display, advertising display, receipt printer, and transaction card reader. The payment mat may be constructed out of a rigid or flexible material. The payment mat may be placed flat on counters in retail stores, nearby cash registers or order entry devices. The payment mat may be placed on drive-thru windows in retail environment, such as quick service restaurants (QSR) or pharmaceutical stores. The payment mat may be placed behind a secure order entry window.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns reward points from a plurality of independent reward points issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned reward points in a user reward point account stored on a multi-function card (such as a frequent flyer account or a credit card loyalty account). The multi-function card is adapted to aggregate some or all of the user's earned reward points from the reward accounts and credit the aggregated points into a single reward exchange account on the multi-function card. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated reward points from the multi-function card. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the reward points from the multi-function card.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for creating and storing an electronic rental contract for a rental vehicle from a rental car company to permit a user to bypass a rental counter of a car rental facility when creating the electronic rental contract. A rental vehicle reservation can be created for a user, and then a rental proposal can be created and displayed based upon the reservation. Upon acceptance of the rental proposal by the user, the electronic rental contract is created. A kiosk may be used to form the electric rental contract.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser control system is provided which includes a biometric device. The biometric device is configured to acquire instances of biometric information in connection with respective fueling transactions. The fuel dispenser control system further includes a control subsystem. The control subsystem is configured to receive at least first biometric information in connection with at least a first fueling transaction, request comparison of the first biometric information with second biometric information associated with corresponding financial information, and determine whether to effect payment of the fueling transaction on the account, based on the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for the purchase of products, where some products may eligible for special forms of payment, such as payment from a medical savings account (MSA). A POS terminal is used to obtain a product ID (from a product bar code) and an MSA account ID from an MSA account card. The product and account IDs are provided to a database where MSA eligibility and MSA account status information is accessed and retrieved. A display at the POS terminal separates and displays information on both the eligible and non-eligible products. The POS terminal may used to pay for eligible products by electronically debiting the MSA account, and to pay for non-eligible products by traditional methods, such as cash, check or credit card. Eligible products may be given price discounts, and discount information is also retrieved from the database.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for virtual card transfer between near field communications (NFC)-enabled mobile devices. According to one aspect, a method for over-the-air (OTA) virtual card transfer between NFC-enabled mobile devices is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at an OTA provisioning server, a virtual card, from a sending mobile device, that is intended for a receiving mobile device. The virtual card is provisioned, over the air, to the receiving mobile device, where the virtual card is immediately presentable by the receiving mobile device at a point of sale terminal.

Abstract: An electronic transaction payment system is provided having a vendor terminal associated with a vendor who provides goods or services to a purchaser, a vendor smart-card and a vendor smart-card reader for transmitting data to and receiving data from the vendor smart-card. The system also includes a purchaser smart-card reader which is connected to the vendor terminal and which is operable for transmitting data to and receiving data from a purchaser smart-card. In operation, payment for goods purchased by the purchaser is made between the purchaser smart-card and the vendor smart-card. In a preferred embodiment, the payment data is encrypted using an encryption key specific to the transaction between the purchaser and the vendor. A third party registry terminal may also be provided for providing validation of the vendor and/or the purchaser.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for conducting sales transactions are provided. Embodiments include handheld, portable, electronic, point of purchase devices configured to acquire identification information from articles to be purchased, to determine a purchase price, and to acquire payment information for the purchase price. The point of purchase devices may include one or more input devices such as a near field communication device, a camera, a scanner, and a biometric sensor for acquiring the identification information and/or the payment information. In some embodiments, the near field communication device may be detachable from the point of purchase device. The point of purchase devices also may contain communication interfaces, such as a near field communication interface, a local area network interface, a short message service interface, and a personal area network interface, for transmitting the information to an external server.

Abstract: A method, radio frequency ID reader, and wireless communication device monitor radio-frequency identification enabled items associated with a group activity. The method includes receiving a set of radio frequency IDs representing a set of radio frequency ID enabled items (110) to be monitored. The set of radio frequency enabled items (110) are associated with at least one group activity. Each radio frequency ID enabled item (110) is determined to be associated with one of an individual and a group of individuals. The method also includes determining if at least one condition associated with the group activity has occurred indicating that the group activity is occurring (1004). The set of radio frequency IDs representing the set of radio frequency ID enabled items (110) is monitored for in response to determining that the at least one condition is occurring.

Abstract: A document assembly production system including a server and at least one remote computer is provided. The server has a plurality of templates and other document assembly assets stored therein. The remote computer is configured to communicate with the server to access the plurality of templates and the other assembly assets to assemble fully formatted documents without using any document-assembly software and word processing software stored on the remote computer.

Abstract: Information access methods include determining that a user desires to access restricted information controlled by an information provider and without intervention by the user, accessing user authentication information associated with the information provider, providing the user authentication information to the information provider, and requesting that the information provider authenticate the user authentication information. Subsequent to the requesting, the methods include providing the user with the restricted information.

Abstract: Tracking at the local point of sale terminal level, changes in data associated with each terminal, such as a changed printer or POS register supporting a particular POS terminal, the identified cash drawer for the terminal, the particular changeable removable cash till in the cash drawer or the particular terminal operator. The POS terminal comprises a cash drawer including a drawer identifier, a cash till, including a till identifier, removably engagable with the drawer, as well as apparatus for reading the drawer identifier, apparatus for reading the till identifier when said till is engaged with the drawer and apparatus for transmitting the read drawer and till identifiers to the system administrator.

Abstract: A transaction is preprocessed wirelessly in response to a wireless transaction preprocessing user device being in a queue for a point-of-transaction. The transaction that was preprocessed is then completed in response to the wireless transaction preprocessing user device reaching the point-of-transaction. Financial transactions and/or purchase of goods and/or services may thereby be preprocessed wirelessly and then completed at a point-of-transaction. Related devices and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The inventions relate to systems and methods for reusing recyclable materials used in the manufacturing and transportation of goods, including containers used in the packaging and shipment of such goods. The disclosed systems and methods include the use of data devices to collect and report data associated with the recyclable materials. The data devices may collect information about recyclable materials and containers, including the amount of a deposit paid by a customer for a container, the receipt of the container at a service center and any amounts returned to the customer from a secure merchant account after an inspection of the condition of the container. The data device may also record the condition of the container, whether it is reused, refurbished and reused, or recycled, and how many cycles of use the container experiences.

Abstract: An identity verification system and method for monitoring transactions has a point of transaction input component configured for inputting information pertaining to the identity of a person involved in a transaction and for inputting a transaction amount. A biometric scanner is provided for scanning a unique and identifiable physical attribute of the person and thereupon generating scanned biometric data. A controller communicates with the point of transaction input component and the biometric scanner. A remote input component is provided for inputting financial data field parameters. A database communicates with the controller for storing reference biometric data. The controller is configured for comparing the scanned biometric data with the reference biometric data to determine if there is a substantial match and for comparing the transaction amount to the financial data field parameters to determine if the transaction amount meets the financial data field parameters for validating the transaction.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, computer programs, merchant terminals, etc. for providing an on-us cash withdrawal service at a point-of-sale are provided. One embodiment comprises a method for providing a cash withdrawal service at a point-of-sale.

Abstract: A consolidation system for consumer gift cards, prepaid purchase cards or loyalty accounts which allows the consumer the flexibility to maintain account with a variety of independent merchants, each account individually tabulated, and access to each account available from a single unitary universal membership card.

Abstract: A method of storing change resulting from a customer/merchant cash purchase, includes providing the customer with a customer electronic purse on a portable storage device for storing credit and the merchant with a merchant electronic purse for storing credit, communicating with the storage device through an access device communicating with the portable storage device, electronically crediting a value representing the change in the customer electronic purse from the merchant electronic purse, and debiting the merchant's electronic purse to an amount equivalent to the change that is credited to the customer electronic purse, the change value credited to the customer electronic purse is redeemable for further purchases, the customer electronic purse is stored solely in the storage device and the merchant electronic purse is stored solely in the access device, facilitating immediate transfer of credit directly from the merchant electronic purse to the customer electronic purse via the access device.

Abstract: A self-checkout system for processing an article with an security tag attached thereto includes a self-checkout station, a product code input device, a deactivation device and a prompting system to provide instructions to a user. The system can automatically prompt a user to pass an article within a deactivation region generated by the deactivation device to deactivate an anti-theft tag.

Abstract: The mobile commerce authentication and authorization system disclosed, illustrated, and claimed allows a user of a currently existing mobile wireless communications instrument to conduct financial transactions, including purchases, across a wireless communications system using location data to authorize and authenticate the user and the transaction. The location of the mobile wireless communications instrument and the location of a vendor point-of-sale device are matched with a payment sum. Authentication of the user of the mobile wireless communications instrument is achieved at least by application of the position and/or location determinable features of the mobile wireless communications instrument, the position and/or location of a point-of-sale device of a vendor or merchant where the instrument user seeks to purchase goods or services, and the payment sum entered on the point-of-sale device.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for coordinating a change in status of a stored-value card for a customer. Transaction information is received at a host system from a point-of-sale terminal. The transaction information includes stored-value-card information identifying the stored-value card and payment-instrument information identifying a payment instrument to be used for financing the change in status of the stored-value card. The host system receives a payment authorization from a payment authority in response to a transmission of the payment-instrument information to the payment authority. The host system also receives a confirmation of the change in status of the stored-value card from a stored-value-card authority in response to a transmission of the stored-value-card information to the stored-value-card authority. The host system transmits an approval for effecting the change in status of the stored-value card to the point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: Data is wirelessly reading from a consumer's smart card and then parsed to derive the consumer's account upon which a transaction is to be conducted between a merchant and an Application Currency Code (ACC) corresponding to a second currency. The amount of the transaction is converted from the merchant's local currency to the second currency and included in an authorization request sent to the merchant's acquirer. A receipt for the amount of the transaction in the second currency is rendered if the transaction is authorized.

Abstract: An image processing system according to the invention comprises a valuable information processing apparatus which manages valuable information equivalent to money, and an image forming apparatus which is connected to the valuable information processing apparatus and forms an image according to the valuable information. The image forming apparatus stores read or input image data into image data memory means. Then, image data stored in the image data memory means is invalidated when the valuable information to be managed by the valuable information processing apparatus fulfills a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a light source and a light source controller. Data to be transmitted to a point of sale or point of use is obtained by the mobile device, and the light source controller controls the light emitted by the light source to emit light in a blinking pattern that simulates light that would be reflected to a laser scanner when a laser scanner is reading a barcode corresponding to the data to be transmitted. The light, emitted in the blinking pattern, is detected by a laser scanner which then decodes the data represented by the blinking pattern to obtain the data transmitted from the mobile device.