Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products for a clearing house for creating and directing readable indicia to/from merchants, users, and/or vendors. As such, merchants, users, and vendors may all be able to recognize, read, and complete transactions using a created universal readable indicia, irrespective of the entities associated with the transaction. The invention may create and provide a universal readable indicia that may be read and/or scanned by any of a user, merchant, or vendor. Subsequently, upon scanning, the system may recognize the appropriate vendor associated with the scan, based on information about the user or merchant derived from the scan. As such, the invention may be able to convert the universal readable indicia to one or more indicia accepted by a vendor that may complete the transaction with the user and/or merchant.

Abstract: An approach is provided for indirectly connecting a customer's mobile smart device to computers located at a business when the customer is making a purchase at the business. The customer's mobile smart device and the business's computers communicate over the Internet with a customer interaction manager executing on an Internet server. This provides an easy to use interface for the customer and allows the customer to receive information and send requests to the business without having to wait for personnel working at the business to be available.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for processing and clearing a check are disclosed. Embodiments include hardware and/or software for generating an e-check in response to receipt of a paper check, by which a merchant performs the manual data entry for the merchant, the merchant's bank, the Federal Reserve Bank, and the purchaser's bank clearing procedures. The paper check is electronically scanned at the point of sale (POS) terminal to create a check object (the ‘e-check’) that contains the binary data of the check information, a scanned image of the paper check, and identification data from the purchaser. Then, the check object is submitted to the check writer's, or purchaser's bank, for automated clearing without having to process the physical document any further.

Abstract: A consumer is prequalified for a line of credit attached to a checking account by a lending institution computer responsive to consumer underwriting data. The lending institution computer makes available draws to the line of credit line in an authorization stream for a proposed payment from the checking account. When the line of credit is accessed, the checking account is credited with an additional value equal to one or more preselected loan increments so that the account then has a new amount totaling a previous amount plus the amount of value of the one or more preselected loan increments and so that the new amount exceeds or equals the value of a proposed payment. Next, a new value for the line of credit balance available is determined, accounting for value credited to the checking account and a preselected loan advance fee for each loan increment credited to the account.

Abstract: A simple, non-intrusive, fraud free payment method for customers to make Internet purchases without using credit cards or revealing personal information. Customers can purchase any specific dollar amount of pay codes via on-line purchase by logging into their financial institution and purchasing the codes, via phone banking (using mobile phone or fixed telephone line) or via Automated Teller Machine (ATM). There is no need for the customer to first open an account with the payment service. The easy and fast set-up of a secure payment gateway for website merchants to receive payments for their goods purchased at their websites, eliminates the need of setting up a merchant account, chargeback and being penalized by banks for chargeback on sales. The amount due to the web merchant from the Internet transaction is credited directly into the merchant's bank account when the transaction and payment is approved by the customer's bank.

Abstract: An information processing method includes the steps of: detecting a magnetic field variation that occurs in the vicinity of a receiving section that receives a magnetic field signal; determining whether or not a detection result satisfies a predetermined condition that is set in advance; connecting a storage section, which stores information included in the magnetic field signal received by the receiving section, to the receiving section if it is determined that the detection result does not satisfy the condition; and connecting the storage section to a reading section that reads information stored on the storage section, if it is determined that the detection result satisfies the condition.

Abstract: “SERVICE AND PRODUCT PURCHASE AND PAYMENT SYSTEM”, which features a pre-payment solution for services and/or products with a hybrid “NFC” (Near Field Communication) and SMS (Short Message Service) solution, with the present system providing an infrastructure composed of a data center which acts as a central hub for the system and establishes double-way ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) communication with a second data center which acts as Host Colocation, with the data center establishing communication to a mobile device of the Smartphone category and properly equipped with the application employed in the present system; the second data center established communication also with POS, as well as with the servers of sales establishments registered to the system.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for processing multiple items for retail sale via a single retailer action. Upon scanning a machine-readable marking that is associated with multiple items provided by various vendors, a marking identifier associated with the machine-readable marking is recognized. The marking identifier corresponds with each price of the multiple items. Each price of the multiple items is presented to a consumer for payment that can be disbursed to the appropriate vendors.

Abstract: A consumer is prequalified for a line of credit attached to a checking account by a lending institution computer responsive to consumer underwriting data. The lending institution computer makes available draws to the line of credit line in an authorization stream for a proposed payment from the checking account. When the line of credit is accessed, the checking account is credited with an additional value equal to one or more preselected loan increments so that the account then has a new amount totaling a previous amount plus the amount of value of the one or more preselected loan increments and so that the new amount exceeds or equals the value of a proposed payment. Next a new value for the line of credit balance available is determined, accounting for value credited to the checking account and a preselected loan advance fee for each loan increment credited to the account.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a self-checkout apparatus comprises a structural body including a first photographing unit which is provided with a first photographing window at the front part thereof. The first photographing unit has a photographing area in front of the first photographing window through which the first photographing unit photographs a computer readable symbol located within the photographing area. The apparatus also comprises a portable second photographing unit configured to photograph the computer readable symbol and a cradle, arranged at a position adjacent to one side of the structural body, on which the second photographing unit is placed.

Abstract: A wallet consolidator to process a transaction and related methods, are provided. An embodiment of a wallet consolidator can include a controller to control operation of the wallet consolidator, and an input device connected to the controller and positioned to receive a copy of information. The input device, for example, can include a magnetic stripe reader/writer for reading and writing magnetic stripes, a bar code scanner for scanning bar codes, or a keypad, among others, to input user selections and commands. An embodiment of a wallet consolidator can also include a memory for storing information provided to the wallet consolidator, and an output device connected to the controller and positioned to communicate at least a portion of the information stored in the memory device to a computer device, e.g., point-of-sale terminal, dumb terminal, and/or database, located at a point-of-sale, to process a transaction.

Abstract: Point-of-sale transaction processing is disclosed. In one innovative aspect, there is a point-of-sale system. The point-of-sale system includes a device manager configured to receive a token as input. The token may be associated with a mobile device. The token may also be associated with a particular provider (e.g., store, bank, loyalty program). The system includes a payment information engine configured to map the token to payment information such as a credit card track based at least in part on the received token. In the system, the device manager is further configured to transmit the payment information to a point-of-sale application.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide tactile assistance to a consumer completing a transaction at a point of sale terminal. A tactile overlay, either permanent or removable, couples with a consumer interface such as a touch screen of the point of sale terminal. The tactile overlay includes one or more overlay inputs that provide a distinct tactile impression in comparison with the remainder of the overlay. For example, the overlay inputs can be depressions, apertures, protrusions, dimples, or the like, or provide a different texture such as a rougher or smoother texture than the surrounding overlay. The overlay inputs are configured to correspond with underlying touch screen inputs such that the consumer using the tactile overlay can discern the proper location on the touch screen for providing the desired input.

Abstract: A fan-based draft is disclosed whereby fans select an 8th round draft choice pursuant to a pre-designated voting structure within a reality show format. Fans select players from an eligible pool. NFL teams draft an 8th round choice based on fan selection. The player participates in the team's pre-season training. The player receives an incentive such as a signing bonus. The incentive is paid by the show and/or sponsor(s). Team expenses related to pre-season training are also paid by the show and/or sponsor(s). The player is eligible for a space on the team roster and/or a long-term contract; however the team is not required to provide either. A portion of profits earned are invested into a retired player's fund.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a fund raising method and system wherein a provider produces discount cards containing information such as the manufacturer ID, the family code, and the value code. The information may appear on the card in the form of a bar code, a magnetic strip or by any other commonly recognized means. Representatives of an organization sell the discount cards to interested parties. When those parties present the discount cards at an enrolled retailer at the time of check-out, the card is read by the reader which is in communication with the retailer's payment system. The holder is then credited a pre-specified percentage of the sale at the time of sale and a percentage of the sale is set aside by the retailer. On a periodic basis, the amount set aside by the retailer is paid to the provider whereupon the provider pays a pre-specified portion of that amount to the organization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fulfilling purchases is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, for example, a portable communication device having a controller element that receives from an online system a barcode image as an object of acknowledgment of a product purchased from said online system, and presents on a display of the portable communication device said barcode image to complete a purchase fulfillment process by way of at least one among a visual inspection of the barcode image by a merchant employee and processing of said barcode image by a point of sale (POS) device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: A point of sale terminal for facilitating payment transactions includes a network interface, a user interface, a short distance contactless radio frequency interface, and a universal integrated circuit card. The universal integrated circuit card includes at least one processor, at least one computer-readable tangible storage device, and program instructions stored on the at least one storage device for execution by the at least one processor. The program instructions include first program instructions configured to receive a data representative of payment en information via the user interface, the first payment information indicative of a request to initiate a payment transaction. The program instructions further include second program instructions configured to activate the short distance contactless radio frequency interface.

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

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward selecting a preferred transaction application and/or routing options that are provided by a transaction card. The preference can be determined, for example, based on the lowest interchange fee, a bulk rate, and/or an incentive. In some embodiments a transaction card provides a plurality of transaction applications and/or routing options to a POS device and the POS device can communicate these options to a host processor along with transaction data. The host processor can then determine a preference associated with each of the routing options and/or transaction applications, and provide a recommendation to the POS as to which transaction application and/or routing option have preference.

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

Abstract: A system and method for conducting commerce and sales operations is disclosed. A sales representative identifies a customer, chooses a product, and completes a sales transaction using a front-end POS software application. The sales data is transferred to a central storage server, where a master database is created with the data from the front-end POS software application. The central storage server transmits and receives data from back-end corporate servers and databases and creates a master database containing data from corporate applications. The front-end POS software devices uses a holster that includes a docking station, sliding cradle for a mobile device, a card reader, and an infrared scanner to identify products and complete payment.

Abstract: This invention is a software-based solution that allows users to accumulate and spend e-cents in real time during a cash transaction. The invention also allows users to manage their e-cents via smartphone application or web browser interface.

Abstract: A mobile device configured to replace physical card(s) of a user, the mobile device being capable of performing a process including in any order the steps of: receiving from the card issuer card data necessary for performing cardless transactions; storing the card data; receiving from the user instructions for initiating a cardless transaction; authenticating the user before the cardless transaction is initiated; and, initiating the cardless transaction by transmitting the card data to a card data reader.

Abstract: An infrastructure that leverages established wireless messaging paradigms (such as, possibly inter alia, Short Message Service, Multimedia Message Service, Wireless Application Protocol, IP Multimedia Subsystem, etc.) to provide, in new and creative ways, an enhanced level of security for the payment element or portion of a transaction—for example, a transaction within Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce, which, broadly speaking, encompasses the buying and selling of merchant-supplied products, goods, and services through wireless devices), a purchase in the checkout lane of a brick-and-mortar store, a purchase at a (fast-food or other) restaurant, etc. The infrastructure may optionally leverage the capabilities of a centrally-located Messaging Inter-Carrier Vendor.

Abstract: Transaction management for processing payment-related aspects of transactions is facilitated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a transaction management approach involves the processing of payments on behalf of a buyer or other owing party. These payments are made, e.g., in connection with accounts payable or other functions implemented by the buyer/owing party. In some applications, the payment processing involves a trade credit approach, wherein payment is made on behalf of the buyer/owing party against a credit-type account.

Abstract: A payment card that facilitates use of a plurality of bankcards of a customer, at a point of sale terminal has a payment card with a front side and a backside with a substrate, the substrate encodes a customer identifier as a payment card data that is without a bankcard data, and maps the customer to a plurality of bankcards data in a third party system database. The payment card is enabled to be used at a merchant point-of-sale (POS) terminal with a customer entered PIN, enabling the POS terminal to transfer a payment authorization request record incident to a sales transaction, from the POS to a merchant gateway for routing to a card-issuing banks, thereby enabling use of the payment card in lieu of the customer bankcards at the merchant POS terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of processing payment authorization requests for payment transactions to be conducted via a data communications network on behalf of online merchants. The payment authorization requests are conducted as a result of orders by financial instrument holders via a plurality of different online merchant systems, each of said online merchants having an online merchant identity. The method is conducted by a trusted central intermediary system which is configured to transmit payment authorization requests to each of a plurality of different online merchant Internet Payment Service Provider (IPSP) systems. In some embodiments, a user may select a payment method on a per transaction basis, while removing the requirement for the user to provide payment details to individual online merchant systems or to their merchant IPSP systems by having the user submit their respective payment details to a separate, trusted entity.

Abstract: A payment-enabled mobile device such as a “smart phone” incorporates risk management features that are applicable to its use in contactless payment transactions. Some features may govern when verification of the cardholder's identity is required for consummation of the current transaction. The features may be configurable by the payment card account issuer and/or the user of the mobile device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses for enabling payment information received via a reader device coupled to a mobile point-of-sale (POS) terminal to be communicated in a secure manner to a third party service provider for payment processing of a transation between a merchant and a consumer. Some embodiments are directed to communication of the payment information received from a reader device using a payment processing mechanism (e.g., a hosted order page) of the merchant to process payment information via the third party service provider in a secure manner. The reader device can encrypt payment information using a third party encryption mechanism, such as derived unique key per transaction (DUKPT). The third party encryption mechanism can be used or accessed by the third party service provider to enable end-to-end security for payment processing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system of certification of origin of a consumer good, the system comprising a bank payment network (4), a point of entry terminal (E1), a bank payment network element (B1) and a verification element (G1). The network element (B1) is configured to issue an authentication medium (D1) to be sent to the point of entry terminal (E1), the authentication medium (D1) containing an identification number. The point of entry terminal (E1) is configured to extract or capture the identification number from the authentication medium (D1) at the time of a request for certification of the origin of a consumer good, and to transmit the request for certification of origin with the identification number via the bank network to the network element (B1), which is configured to transfer the identification element to the verification element (G1) arranged to verify the origin of the good.

Abstract: A method, system, media, and device are directed to providing a check-out of a merchant transaction. A gift-card redemption interface is provided for redeeming a gift-card. A payment interface is provided for presenting a plurality of additional non-gift-card payment options comprising a credit-card payment option and a non-credit-card payment option. A mechanism is provided for performing operations. The operations include restricting a use of the gift-card redemption interface with the payment options; and processing the merchant transaction based on payments the gift-card.

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

Abstract: A payment device presents a matrix barcode on a smartphone display screen for scanning by a merchant at a point-of-sale terminal. The consumer authenticates with their payment processor by logging in with their smartphone through a back channel. A successful log-in is rewarded with a matrix barcode the consumer can allow the merchant to scan if the particulars and price of the proposed transaction are acceptable. A transaction summary and request for approval arrive back at the consumer's smartphone through the back channel. Approval can be indicated by the entry of a user PIN code, and the transaction is complete.

Abstract: An application on user's mobile device (having a display screen) generates a transaction-specific barcode on the display, where the barcode contains a plurality of funding sources for the transaction and/or merchant loyalty, reward, or membership numbers. The barcode can be scanned to make purchases at a point of sale (POS).

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods of processing payment authorisation requests for payment transactions to be conducted via a data communications network. The method allows identification of an issuing bank from a plurality of issuing banks as one which is to be utilised in a given transaction and facilitate a user specifying, in real time in relation to the given transaction, a particular bank account that is to be used to deduct funds for that transaction.

Abstract: An architecture for a contactless smart card or payment device, where the smart card is intended for use in both commerce transaction payment and transit fare payment (or other venue access) environments. The payment device may function as both an electronic wallet for commerce transactions and as a transit system card, for access to and fare payment of transit services. Implementation of both functions may be achieved by use of a dynamic memory management system that permits data for both the payment and transit applications to be stored on the card, with the transit data and storage locations isolated from those used to store data intended for use in paying for commerce transactions. The transit application specific data may include access control data (keys, passwords, identification data) or data required for fare calculations (rates, historical data on system use), for example.

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: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of activating a plurality of disparate stored value accounts utilizes a set of multiple presentation instruments redeemable at different merchants. Each presentation instrument includes a unique presentation instrument identifier used to associate value with the presentation instrument. Also, the set includes a set identifier, which may be included on a package that secures the presentation instruments together. In one embodiment, the set identifier is received over an electronic network, a list of the presentation instruments in the set is accessed from a computer database, and each of the presentation instruments is activated.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for convergence of multiple independent applications into a single payment vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for providing a consumer with information about the balance of the consumer's credit or debit account after a transaction, such as a purchase transaction, is made using the credit or debit account. In one embodiment, the issuing bank attaches a number representing the balance of the consumer's credit or debit account and/or other information about the balance to the authorization code when authorizing a purchase transaction so that, when a vendor provides the consumer with a purchase receipt that has the authorization code on the receipt, the balance information is automatically included on the receipt with the authorization code. In this way, the consumer can keep track of spending by knowing the total balance of the consumer's credit and/or debit account and/or other balance information after each credit or debit card purchase.

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: Retail point-of-transaction systems, program products, and related computer implemented methods to provide a customized set of identification data to facilitate a retail sales point-of-sale transaction which includes the use of one or more electronic coupons is provided. The retail point-of-sale system can include a computer having memory and configured to facilitate one or more transactions each of which include the use of one or more electronic coupons through a retail point-of-transaction terminal positioned remote from, and adapted to be in communication with, the computer. The computer can also include a set of instructions that when executed by the computer cause the computer to redeem one or more electronic coupons for one or more retail transactions responsive to a customized set of identification data provided by the computer responsive to a data profile derived from a set of personal data of at least one of a plurality of remotely positioned users.

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: 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 utilizing central control over network of brick and mortar stores. The transaction cost may be recovered during a selected time. The transaction cost may be recovered from a selected region within a geographic area during the selected time. Apparatus may include an application that allows a selection of a time and geographic region for recovery of the transaction cost.

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 machine readable codes to verify whether a customer is present at a returns terminal at a physical store location. More particularly, the electronic receipts software may contain a bar code reader module and use the camera of the mobile electronic device to capture a machine readable code such as a bar code or QR code. The electronics receipts software may recover data from the machine readable code which identifies the store, retail location, etc. This information may be compared against known values to determine that the customer is present at a returns terminal.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable storage media, and apparatuses for dynamically generating a gallery of available designs for a particular kit configuration including a plurality of different products are presented.

Abstract: A money transfer system using a money transfer instrument purchased at a retail location. The system includes a POS terminal for entering a UPC code carried on the instrument. The POS terminal issues a PIN in response to the UPC code, with the PIN printed on a receipt. The customer may enter the PIN on the instrument. The customer later uses the PIN to obtain a money transfer control number (MTCN) associated with a record of the transfer transaction from a money transfer host.

Abstract: A system for managing a securities-based card spending account is disclosed. The system comprises a processor and an account comprising one or more securities. A first set of instructions is executable on the processor that is capable of allowing the setting of trade parameters defining percentages of the one or more securities to be traded to cover a purchase. A second set of instructions is executable on the processor for triggering one or more trades of the one or more securities according to the percentages defined in the trade parameters.