1563results about "Payment schemes/models" patented technology

A method for providing unequal allocation of rights among agents while operating according to fair principles, comprising assigning a hierarchal rank to each agent; providing a synthetic economic value to a first set of agents at the a high level of the hierarchy; allocating portions of the synthetic economic value by the first set of agents to a second set of agents at respectively different hierarchal rank than the first set of agents; and conducting an auction amongst agents using the synthetic economic value as the currency. A method for allocation among agents, comprising assigning a wealth generation function for generating future wealth to each of a plurality of agents, communicating subjective market information between agents, and transferring wealth generated by the secure wealth generation function between agents in consideration of a market transaction. The method may further comprise the step of transferring at least a portion of the wealth generation function between agents.

A digital downloading jukebox system including a mechanism for delivering custom services to a recognized user, including services for creating playlists, communicating with others, accessing other features, etc. is provided. In some exemplary embodiments, after a user is recognized, the jukebox system allows users to access a special front-end via an Internet-enabled device or on an actual jukebox. Then, the user may, for example, create playlists, share songs with friends, send messages to friends, and access other value-added content. Such a system preferably learns about networks of friends, and enables managers to send similar messages to regular customers and / or others known to the system. In some exemplary embodiments, changes via a first user interface on a first device are reflected on second user interface on other properly-configured devices.

In accordance with the present invention, a consumer communicates a request for purchase of goods and services to a merchant, the goods and / or services being selected from these listed together with their price quotes on the merchant's computer or website connected to a network, such as the Internet. The merchant then communicates a request for a token and an update key to the clearing server, the token being previously purchased by the consumer and residing on a clearing server device. The update key is used as an authorization to modify the value of the token, i.e., to decrement and to increment. The merchant forwards the purchased merchandise to the consumer. When consumer discontinues making purchases at the selected merchant, the merchant returns the updated token to the clearing server. A new key is necessary to make the next purchase. This is the case even where the requesting merchant is the same as that from whom the last purchase was made. When the token is requested, if the token was used after its initial purchase, the present value of the token is made certain by receipt on the clearing server of informational downloads from the merchants.

A system and method is provided to accept and settle transaction payments for an unbanked consumer. A consumer initiates a transaction with a merchant, and the merchant may transmit transaction information to a central processing unit using an initiating processing unit. The central processing unit may generate a unique transaction identifier or the merchant may generate the unique transaction identifier which complies with the systems rules and notifies the central processing unit of the transaction information and unique transaction identifier. The system may provide the merchant and consumer the nearest payment processing unit. At the payment processing unit, the consumer presents the unique transaction identifier, which is transmitted to the central processing unit for validation. The consumer may also validate the transaction information. The consumer makes payment at the payment processing unit, and the payment information is transmitted to the central processing unit. The system may generate a confirmation receipt for the consumer, and the central processing unit notifies the merchant of payment by the consumer. The merchant may then fulfill the transaction. The system remits the payment to the merchant.

In accordance with the present invention, consumers and merchants use computing devices connected to a network, such as the Internet, through wired and wireless means, wherein the consumer connects to a clearing server device to purchase or retrieve previously purchased token, the consumer then connects to the merchant's computer or website to attain price quotes of goods and services, selects the goods and / or services to be purchased, and then communicates a request for purchase to the merchant. The merchant then communicates a request for an update key to the clearing server. The update key is used as an authorization to modify the value of the token. To debit the customer the decrement key is requested and to credit the customer an increment key is asked for. An overwrite key is another type of update key. Together with the overwrite key a replacement token is provided to the merchant who in turn forwards the new token to the customer. As an aspect of the invention, if the token was not previously used, the clearing server simply issues the update key. If, however, it is determined that the token was used, the amount paid by the consumer to a previous merchant is determined the token adjusted and the overwrite key together with the new token is returned to the merchant. The merchant then forwards the purchased merchandise, the update key, and possibly a new token to the consumer.

This disclosure describes systems and methods related to facilitating payments via a peer-to-peer protocol. Tokenized information associated with a payment transaction may be obtained. Establishment of a peer-to-peer communications session with a payment recipient device may be facilitated. The tokenized information to the recipient device via the established peer-to-peer communications session may be communicated in order to facilitate completion of the payment transaction.

An electronic device including an input / output interface operable to receive an input from a user and communicate an output to the user, a transceiver operable to electronically communicate with a computer network, a computer processor operable to execute instructions, and a memory storage operable to store the instructions, the memory storage further comprising a program module that is operable to: receive credentials for a proxy payment account, where the proxy payment account is linked to a primary payment account and not linked directly to a method of payment underlying the primary payment account, and make payment at a Point of Sale (POS) using the received credentials.

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 rewards server (such as a frequent flyer account or a credit card loyalty account). A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned reward points from the reward servers and credits the accumulated points into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated reward points. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the reward points.

Methods and systems are disclosed for the generation and use of merchant-customizable token formats that define tokens that represent credit card and other payment numbers in online transactions. The tokens, which are used instead of the card numbers themselves for security, can be specified by the token format to have a certain number of characters, have certain fields reserved for major card identifiers, use encryption and / or randomization, be alphanumeric, and have other formatting. The customized tokens can be used with legacy equipment that uses longer or shorter card numbers than the standard sixteen-digit payment card number format and can be less likely to be recognized as related to card numbers by identify thieves.

The present invention relates particularly to a method and system for consolidating a plurality of a consumer's payment and non-payment source accounts into a consolidated platform with a customer identification or available proxy account numbers that can be assigned to source accounts. The source accounts can be, for example, credit card accounts, ATM accounts, debit card accounts, demand deposit accounts, stored-value accounts, merchant-loyalty card accounts, membership accounts, and identification card numbers. The consumer can access and modify any of the source accounts and manage funds across the source accounts by accessing the consolidated platform with a single access device or mode.

A system and method for paying bills without requiring interaction with the payors disclosed. The system includes a payor control interface, a communications interfacee, a bill generator, and a TCF message generator. The bill generator generates bill records from payor and payee information stored within the system for recurring bills. The bill generator may also generate bill records from the payor and payee information and from bill data messages received from payees. The generated bill records are used by the TCF message generator to generate the EFT messages for transferring funds electronically between payors and payees. Payors may alter the payment amount and date for a bill as well as reverse payment of a bill already paid. Payees are also able to alter recurring bill records or may present bill data so that bill records reflecting variable obligation amounts may be generated.

The present invention provides a system and method for providing a flexible limit subsidiary card account. In particular, the present provides a system and method for allowing a parent to provide funds to a subsidiary and to control the spending of subsidiary or spending capacity. The card account may be issued at the request of the parent who may retain the ability to define, modify, and / or terminate the spending and / or debt accumulation limits for the subsidiary card account as well as other features as described in the attached disclosure.

A hand-held electronics device for aggregation of and management of personal electronic data useable for identification and, or transacting business includes a digital medium for storing data and software, a card reading / writing interface, a display screen, a biometric scanner, a user interface application stored on and executable from the digital medium and a docking bay for docking a readable and rewriteable internal card blank.

Systems, apparatuses and methods for enabling a group of people to share the cost of an event, such as a meal, the purchase of a gift, or the rental of a car. Embodiments of the invention provide the tools needed to enable a group to participate in a shared event or activity, where one of the participants pays for the event or activity using their payment device and the other members of the group pay their portion of the cost to the participant who made the payment. Embodiments of the invention provide an ecosystem where a person can pay for an event, goods, or services using a single payment device (such as a credit or debit card) and then settle the amounts owed to them by other members of a group using the tools provided by the invention.

Embodiments provide a system operatively connected with a block chain distributed network and for using the block chain distributed network for facilitating a person-to-person (P2P) alias-based payment. Embodiments receive a transaction record associated with a P2P transaction between a payor and a payee, wherein the transaction record comprises an alias associated with the payor and / or the payee; access a distributed ledger, wherein the distributed ledger is updated based on communications from a block chain distributed network; retrieve an alias to entity mapping from the accessed distributed ledger, wherein the alias to entity mapping indicates at least an entity to which the alias is mapped; and based on the mapping, determine that the alias is at least partially valid. In some cases, embodiments determine that the alias corresponds to an account number maintained by the entity in a private ledger; and authorize a transaction associated with the transaction request.

The invention relates to the technical field of big data, block chains and smart contracts, and in particular to a block chain smart contract-based data transaction method. According to the block chain smart contract-based data transaction method, purchase and sale behaviors of purchasers and sellers of transactions are recorded through block chains, automatic execution of the transactions is realized by utilizing smart contracts, and big data for the transactions is not recorded in the block chains and is encrypted and stored in an external data memory, so that the purchasers only can obtain the data after the smart contracts are successfully transacted; and moreover, the purchasers can publish transactions through a supervisory block chain consensus network, so that third-party witness is realized and the security guarantee of data transactions is increased.

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).

Embodiments of the invention include a platform for using 2D barcodes to establish secure authenticated communication between two computing devices that are in proximity to each other. A two-tier application architecture using a single base app and dynamic add-on applets is used. 2D barcodes can be distinctively visually branded. According to other aspects, the security of mobile payment systems are enhanced by (1) a triangular payment settlement in which the sender and receiver of payment each submit transaction information independently to the same payment server; (2) sensitive information is split into two parts, one of which is stored on a mobile device, and the other of which is stored on a payment server, and the two parts are only combined and exist transiently in the payment server's volatile memory when executing a transaction; and (3) a process to securely update profile pictures associated with payment accounts.

A system for third party bill payment services is provided. CONFORM TO BROAD CLAIM

A method and an apparatus for using a device to determine an item, such as, for example, a card based on an interaction environment, such as, for example, a settlement environment, are provided. The method by which a device determines a card to be used in a settlement includes: acquiring a card use history of a card, which is stored in the device; acquiring information which relates to a settlement environment of the device; determining a card to be used in the settlement, based on the acquired information relating to the settlement environment and the acquired card use history; and providing settlement information which relates to the determined card to a point of sale (POS) terminal.

A user's ability to spend and / or receive funds for payment accounts maintained in an electronic wallet are limited. These limitations include restrictions on where the user is able to spend the funds in a payment account (e.g., at which merchants the funds can be spent, whether the funds can be withdrawn from an ATM, etc.). These limitations may also include restrictions on what other payment accounts the user can receive funds from and / or transfer funds to, thereby limiting person-to-person fund transfers.

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 rewards server (such as a frequent flyer account or a credit card loyalty account). A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned reward points from the reward servers and credits the accumulated points into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated reward points. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the reward points.

A payment system that enables parties to conduct financial transaction between person to person, person to business, business to business, person to a group of people, group of people to a person etc. (collectively called users) using mobile and non-mobile interfaces for online and physical points of transaction. The system also enables users to share funds between each other. Shared funds are accessible by the beneficiary user as if the funds are available in his / her account. However, when the shared funds are selected to make a payment, the funds are debited from the benefactor's account up to the set limits. The system prevents the exposure of critical account information between users while sharing or paying, to prevent fraudulent activities. In addition, the system enables users to seamlessly verify each other's identity prior to executing transaction. The system allows for real time transaction between parties, without limitations on proximity.

Embodiments describe a method and a system to link a secondary account to a primary account with an account management module associated with the primary account and to control access to funds in the secondary account with respect to a secondary account holder through the account management module. The secondary account includes a spending account and a savings account.

The present invention provides computer-controlled electric battery charging systems and methods for charging a battery of a roaming electric vehicle, the system comprising an electric vehicle comprising at least one battery, a master charger vehicle comprising a master battery module and a control system in communication with the at least one electric vehicle and the master charger vehicle to enable the master charger vehicles to reach the electric vehicle, wherein the master battery module is adapted to charge the at least one battery.

An electronic device includes one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to: during a first communication session, sending first information regarding a transaction to a user device that is participating in the first transaction, interrupting the first communication session, pausing for a time to allow the user device to process the first information and to generate second information in furtherance of the transaction, establishing a second communication session with the user device, receiving the second information from the user device during the second communication session, and further processing the transaction using the second information.

The invention discloses a joint cloud computing environment value exchange-oriented cross-chain communication method, and aims to ensure the security, reliability and high efficiency of a value exchange process. According to the technical scheme, a cross-chain communication system consisting of a cross-chain communication module, a node management module, a verification module and an accounting module is installed in each user node on each block chain; a midchain is established; a route node is selected from the midchain; value transfer and communication between chains are finished by the route node; the cross-chain communication module of a sender constructs a fund pool for the sender, a receiver and the route node, and performs fund transfer according to a fund transfer scheme; the verification module of the receiver verifies the effectiveness and availability of funds of the sender by adopting a smart contract; the accounting module of the receiver broadcasts a transaction result; and the sender, the receiver and the MidChain generate new blocks for storing transaction data. By adopting the method, the security, reliability and high efficiency of the value exchange process can be ensured; and seamless cross-chain communication between the chains is realized.