Method and system for dynamically linking quotes to trading accounts

Abstract

A method for linking a transaction account to an offer includes storing a plurality of account profiles, each profile including data related to a transaction account including an account identifier; receiving offer data from an entity, the data including data related to an offer for purchasing a good or service; storing an offer data entry, the data entry including the offer data; generating an offer identifier associated with the offer data; sending the offer identifier to the entity; receiving an offer acceptance notification, the notification including a particular account identifier and the offer identifier; identifying a particular account profile including the particular account identifier; and updating at least one of the particular account profile and the offer data entry to indicate a link of the related transaction account to the offer data. Systems for linking a transaction account to an offer are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 201680034897.7, filed on May 18, 2016.

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 744,696, filed June 19, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to the linking of quotes and trading accounts, and in particular to the use of specially generated quote identifiers (e.g., encoded in a Uniform Resource Locator) to provide quotes so that users associated with trading accounts can link to those quotes for use in paying transactions. Background Technology

[0005] Merchants, product manufacturers, retailers, advertisers, content providers, and other entities frequently experiment with a variety of methods to encourage consumers to purchase more products or buy from specific merchants or locations. Common methods used include offering consumers quotes, coupons, discounts, special sales, etc., collectively referred to here as "offers." The expectation is that consumers will be incentivized by the savings offered by the offer to meet any relevant conditions and purchase the related goods or services. To increase the redemption rate of offers and thereby increase the revenue of the relevant merchants and manufacturers, offer distributors are often interested in ways that make offer acceptance and redemption more convenient for consumers.

[0006] Some of these methods that have been developed include digital quotes, where quote information can be stored on mobile devices and presented to merchants at the point of sale, for example, using barcodes or quick-response (QR) codes. Other methods involve linking payment cards to quotes, so that when a payment card is used, the quote can sometimes be automatically redeemed using the associated payment card. However, current methods for linking quotes to payment cards used for their redemption typically involve significant steps that must be performed by both the quote provider and the payment network, or other entities associated with the quote redemption. For example, the quote provider can develop a quote that is presented to and accepted by the consumer. The quote provider must then collect the consumer's transaction account details, provide the account details and quote details to the payment network, and the payment network must then store the interrelated data. The payment network can then process the quote redemption accordingly when processing the transaction.

[0007] Therefore, such an approach can be cumbersome for quote providers, especially for small businesses (e.g., small local merchants) that may lack the resources required for quote development, processing of sensitive financial information, and transmission to the payment network. This could necessitate specially configured computing systems capable of communicating using payment tracks and related communication protocols and standards. Furthermore, some consumers may be unwilling to provide their financial information to quote providers and therefore may not adopt the current approach.

[0008] Therefore, a technological solution is needed to associate trading accounts with quotes, where payment networks and / or associated computing systems enable quote providers to register quotes that can be presented to consumers for linking to their trading accounts. Such a system would allow quote providers to offer quotes without modifying existing systems or consuming resources, and would also allow consumers to link quotes to their trading accounts without providing financial information to the quote provider. Furthermore, the system itself could be improved, as quote providers would not need to modify existing systems or upgrade to new systems to add functionality for new, currently unused communications and protocols. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure provides a description of systems and methods for linking trading accounts to quotes.

[0010] A method for linking a transaction account with a quote includes: storing a plurality of account profiles in an account database, wherein each account profile includes data relating to a transaction account including at least an account identifier; receiving quote data from an entity by a receiving device, wherein the quote data includes data relating to a quote for purchasing goods or services; storing quote data entries in a quote database, wherein the quote data entries include the received quote data; generating a quote identifier associated with the received quote data by a processing device; sending the generated quote identifier to the entity by a sending device; receiving a quote acceptance notification by the receiving device, the quote acceptance notification including at least a specific account identifier and the quote identifier; identifying a specific account profile stored in the account database by the processing device, wherein the account identifier included in the account database corresponds to the specific account identifier; and updating at least one of the specific account profile and the quote data entry by the processing device to indicate a link between the associated transaction account and the quote data.

[0011] A system for linking trading accounts with quotes includes an account database, a receiving device, a quote database, a processing device, and a sending device. The account database is configured to store multiple account profiles, each including data related to a trading account that includes at least an account identifier. The receiving device is configured to receive quote data from an entity, wherein the quote data includes data related to a quote for purchasing goods or services. The quote database is configured to store quote data entries, each including the received quote data. The processing device is configured to generate a quote identifier associated with the received quote data. The sending device is configured to send the generated quote identifier to the entity. The receiving device is also configured to receive a quote acceptance notification, which includes at least a specific account identifier and the quote identifier. The processing device is further configured to: identify a specific account profile stored in the account database, where the account identifier corresponds to the specific account profile; and update at least one of the specific account profile and the quote data entry to indicate a link between the relevant trading account and the quote data. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The scope of this disclosure can be best understood by reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings include the following figures:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a high-level system architecture for linking trading accounts with quotes, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This illustrates an embodiment of a method for linking a trading account with a quote. Figure 1 A block diagram of the processing server.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for viewing a registered quote linked to a trading account, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for linking a quote to a transaction account, including merchant participation, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for directly linking quotes to a trading account according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 This illustrates an example of using [the product / service] according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 The flowchart shows the process by which the processing server links quotes to trading accounts.

[0019] Figure 7A and Figure 7BThis is a diagram illustrating an exemplary graphical user interface for linking a trading account with a quote, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for linking a trading account to a quote, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a computer system architecture according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Further applications of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided below. It should be understood that the detailed description of exemplary embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and is therefore not intended to necessarily limit the scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Terminology Summary

[0024] A payment network is a system or network that transfers money using cash substitutes. Payment networks can use various protocols and procedures to process money transfers for a wide range of transactions. Transactions that can be performed through a payment network can include the purchase of products or services, credit purchases, debit transactions, fund transfers, account withdrawals, etc. Payment networks can be configured to perform transactions using cash substitutes, which can include payment cards, letters of credit, checks, transaction accounts, etc. Examples of networks or systems configured to be used as payment networks include those provided by… American A network or system that operates such a network. The term "payment network" can be used here to refer to the payment network as an entity, as well as the physical payment network, such as the devices, hardware, and software that constitute the payment network.

[0025] A transaction account is a financial account that can be used to fund transactions, such as a checking account, savings account, credit account, or virtual payment account. A transaction account can be associated with a consumer, who can be any suitable entity associated with a payment account, including individuals, households, companies, businesses, government entities, etc. In some cases, a transaction account can be virtual, such as one created by a third party. Accounts under operation, etc.

[0026] A system used to link trading accounts with quotes.

[0027] Figure 1 A system 100 is shown for linking a trading account to a quote using a generated quote identifier and submissions of trading account data for linking.

[0028] System 100 may include a processing server 102. The processing server 102, discussed in more detail below, can be configured to link transaction accounts with offers using the methods and systems discussed herein. The processing server 102 can provide a platform for merchants 104 to generate offers for purchasing goods or services. Merchant 104 can access the platform using an application programming interface (API), via a web page, an application executed by a computing device, interaction with an agent or user of the processing server 102, or other suitable methods. Merchant 104 can provide details of the offers to the processing server 102, and the processing server 102 can register the offers in a database.

[0029] System 100 may also include a payment network 106. Payment network 106 may be configured to process payment transactions involving merchant 104 using methods and systems readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Processing server 102 may provide linking information to payment network 106, enabling payment network 106 to process the redemption of linked offers using known methods and systems when processing payment transactions involving transaction accounts linked to offers. In some embodiments, processing server 102 may be part of payment network 106. In other embodiments, processing server 102 may be configured to perform payment transaction processing, including the redemption of linked offers.

[0030] When merchant 104 creates a quote using the platform provided by processing server 102, processing server 102 can generate a unique quote identifier for the quote. The quote identifier can be a unique value associated with the quote provided to merchant 104, such as an identification number. Merchant 104 can then provide the unique identifier to consumer 108 during quote presentation, for example, via computing device 110 such as a smartphone, cellular phone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, smart TV, wearable computing device, etc. Consumer 108 can provide transaction account details directly to processing server 102 or via merchant 104 if they accept the quote. Processing server 102 can then link the quote to the transaction account and provide this information to payment network 106 for processing.

[0031] In some embodiments, the offer identifier may be a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or a portion of a URL that can be provided to merchant 104. For example, the offer identifier may be a unique URL or a unique value (e.g., a hexadecimal string) provided to merchant 104 associated with the created offer and included as part of the URL. Merchant 104 may then present the offer to consumer 108, for example, via computing device 110, by providing a hyperlink to the URL. In some embodiments, the hyperlink may be a webpage that allows consumer 108 to enter their transaction account information (e.g., directly to processing server 102 or via merchant 104) to link to the offer. In other embodiments, the hyperlink may direct computing device 110 to a first webpage to view the offer and then to a second webpage to enter transaction account information. In still other embodiments, the hyperlink may direct computing device 110 to a webpage that includes input of offer details and transaction account information.

[0032] In one embodiment, consumer 108 may be presented with quote details and a form for submitting transaction account information before accessing the hyperlink. In such an embodiment, the form can be submitted directly to processing server 102 using a uniquely generated URL. When the transaction account information is received by processing server 102, processing server 102 can use a quote identifier to identify the quote to be associated with the transaction account and can link the transaction account to the quote accordingly.

[0033] In some embodiments, the webpage for presenting offers and / or collecting transaction account information may be hosted by or otherwise associated with merchant 104. In other embodiments, the webpage may be hosted by or otherwise associated with processing server 102. In more embodiments, the webpage may be hosted by a combination of processing server 102 and merchant 104, or otherwise associated with a combination of processing server 102 and merchant 104, for example, a merchant 104 webpage displaying offer details and a hyperlink to a URL provided by processing server 102 that directs computing device 110 from processing server 102 to a webpage for entering transaction account information. By enabling consumer 108 to provide transaction account information to processing server 102 (e.g., and directly to their trusted payment network 106 where payment network 106 includes processing server 102), consumer 108 may feel more secure and therefore may be more willing to provide their account information, and thus more likely to accept and honor offers.

[0034] Furthermore, using processing server 102 to provide a platform for creating quotes and linking them to transaction accounts enables merchant 104 to create and distribute quotes to consumer 108 without modifying existing hardware systems, adding new hardware, providing additional training to staff, upgrading existing software, and other activities that might consume merchant 104's time and resources. Additionally, it eliminates the need for merchant 104 to add a new, specially configured computing system capable of processing transaction account information and communication with payment network 106 in addition to traditional payment transaction messages. As a result, the methods and systems discussed herein enable processing server 102 to provide links between transaction accounts and quotes, which is more convenient for merchant 104, more trustworthy for consumer 108, and more efficient than existing systems.

[0035] Processing server

[0036] Figure 2 An embodiment of the processing server 102 of system 100 is shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that... Figure 2 The embodiment of processing server 102 shown is provided for illustrative purposes only and may not exhaust all possible configurations of processing server 102 suitable for performing the functions discussed herein. For example, Figure 9 The computer system 900 shown and discussed in more detail below may be a suitable configuration for processing server 102.

[0037] Processing server 102 may include receiving unit 202. Receiving unit 202 may be configured to receive data via one or more networks through one or more network protocols. Receiving unit 202 may receive quotation data from merchant 104 or other quotation providers, the quotation data including details of the quotation to be distributed by the respective entity. Receiving unit 202 may also be configured to receive transaction account details from computing device 110, merchant 104, payment network 106, financial institution, or other suitable entity. For example, consumer 108 may submit transaction account details for linking with a quotation via computing device 110, merchant 104 may provide transaction account details for linking, payment network 106 and / or financial institution may provide transaction account details for executing the link, and so on.

[0038] The processing server 102 may also include an account database 208. The account database 208 may be configured to store multiple account profiles 210. Each account profile 210 may be configured to store data associated with a trading account, including at least an account identifier. The account identifier may be a unique value associated with the account profile 210 and / or the associated trading account for identification, such as an identifier number, account number, username, email address, telephone number, etc.

[0039] The processing server 102 may also include a quotation database 212. The quotation database 212 may be configured to store multiple quotation data entries 214. Each quotation data entry 214 may be associated with a quotation and includes at least a quotation identifier and quotation data. As described above, the quotation identifier may be a unique value suitable for identifying the associated quotation and / or the corresponding quotation data entry 214. The quotation data may include any data associated with the associated quotation, such as name, description, image, amount modifier, type, start date, expiry date, quantity, value, redemption restrictions, etc.

[0040] The processing server 102 may also include a processing unit 204. The processing unit 204 may be configured to perform the functions of the processing server 102 discussed herein, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The processing unit 204 may be configured to generate quotation data entries 214 for the quotation data received by the receiving unit 202, for storage in the quotation database 212, including the generation and / or identification of quotation identifiers. The quotation identifiers may be randomly generated and / or identified, may be identified sequentially based on one or more quotation data entries, or may be identified using any other suitable method.

[0041] The processing server 102 can also be configured to link account profiles 210 with quote data entries 214 based on trading account information and quote data received by the receiving unit 202. In one embodiment, a quote identifier for the linked quote can be stored in the account profile 210 to link the relevant trading account to the quote associated with the corresponding quote data entry 214. In other embodiments, the account identifier can be stored in the quote data entry 214 corresponding to the trading account linked to the relevant quote. In some embodiments, the processing server 102 may include an additional database or storage device (e.g., memory 216) for storing linked data, such as linked pairs of account identifiers and quote identifiers.

[0042] In some cases, processing unit 204 can generate a unique quote identifier for each quote distributed by merchant 104. In such an embodiment, merchant 104 can provide a unique quote identifier to consumer 108 whose transaction account information is known (e.g., having a previous account through merchant 104 and / or processing server 102). Consumer 108 can indicate acceptance of the quote, and processing unit 204 can link the corresponding account profile 210 and quote data entry 214 when receiving unit 202 receives the quote identifier.

[0043] The processing server 102 may also include a sending unit 206. The sending unit 206 may be configured to send data over one or more networks via one or more network protocols. The sending unit 206 may send quotation data to the computing device 110 or the merchant 104, for example, when the receiving unit 202 receives a quotation data request including a quotation identifier. The sending unit 206 may also be configured to send the quotation identifier, for example, in response to quotation data received by the receiving unit 202 for generating a quotation. The sending unit 206 may also be configured to send transaction account information and quotation data to the payment network 106 for processing the redemption of quotations linked to the transaction account.

[0044] The processing server 102 may also include a memory 216. The memory 216 may be configured to store data suitable for performing the functions of the processing server 102 discussed herein. For example, the memory 216 may be configured to store rules and / or algorithms for generating quote identifiers and / or URLs, unused quote identifiers, algorithms for encrypting transaction account information, rules for communicating using a proprietary communication protocol, etc. Additional data that may be stored in the memory 216 will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will further understand that the processing server 102 may include additional components and / or include, for example, Figure 2 The components in the processing server 102 shown and discussed herein can be further configured to perform additional functions. For example, in an embodiment where the processing server 102 is part of a payment network 106, components of the processing server 102 can be configured to perform additional functions for processing payment transactions, such as receiving and sending authorization requests, applying fraud rules, etc.

[0046] The process of linking and distributing quote data to trading accounts.

[0047] Figure 3 The process of creating a quote using a processing server 102 and distributing the quote data to a computing device 110 for review by a consumer 108 to link with a transaction account using system 100 is illustrated.

[0048] In step 302, consumer 108 may register their transaction account with processing server 102 using computing device 110. Registration may include, for example, submitting their account identifier and any other account information (e.g., for authenticating consumer 108 as an authorized user of the transaction account) to processing server 102 via a website, application, etc. In step 304, receiving unit 202 of processing server 102 may receive the registration data. In step 306, processing unit 204 of processing server 102 may generate an account profile 210 for the transaction account including the provided account identifier and store it in account database 208. In some embodiments, step 306 may include verifying or otherwise authenticating the information provided by consumer 108 using methods and systems that would be obvious to those skilled in the art. In some cases, steps 302 through 306 may be performed during the acceptance of a offer, for example, if consumer 108 accepts an offer from merchant 104 before registering an account.

[0049] In step 308, merchant 104 may generate a quote for purchasing goods or services. Quote generation may include submitting quote details to processing server 102 via an application, website, or other method that interfaces with the quote platform provided by processing server 102. In step 310, receiving unit 202 may receive quote data, which may include, for example, quote name, quote description, transaction modifier, expiration data, quote quantity, etc. In step 312, processing unit 204 of processing server 102 may generate a quote data entry 214 and store it in quote database 212. The generation of quote data entry 214 may include generating or identifying a quote identifier unique to the generated quote.

[0050] In step 314, the processing unit 204 of the processing server 102 can generate a URL including a quote identifier associated with the generated quote, and the sending unit 206 of the processing server 102 can send the URL to the merchant 104. In step 316, the merchant 104 can receive the URL, which can be included in a webpage hosted by or on behalf of the merchant 104. In step 318, the computing device 110 can navigate to the merchant's webpage including a referral link, and in step 320, the webpage can be displayed to the consumer 108 using known methods and systems.

[0051] The first process used to link trading accounts with quotes

[0052] Figure 4 The illustration depicts a first illustrative process for linking a trading account with a quote using system 100, which includes merchant 104.

[0053] In step 402, consumer 108 can interact with a referral link, including a unique identifier on the merchant's webpage, using computing device 110. In step 404, the interaction with the referral link can instruct merchant 104 to submit a price data request to processing server 102. In step 406, receiving unit 202 of processing server 102 can receive a price data request in the form of a price identifier included in the referral link interacted with by consumer 108. In step 408, processing unit 204 of processing server 102 can identify a price data entry 214 stored in price database 212, which includes a price identifier.

[0054] In step 410, the sending unit 206 of the processing server 102 may send the quotation data included in the identified quotation data entry 214 back to the merchant 104. In some embodiments, the quotation data request provided by the merchant 104 in step 404 may include one or more requested data fields. In such an embodiment, the quotation data sent to the merchant 104 may include quotation data corresponding to the requested data fields. In step 412, the merchant 104 may receive the quotation data from the processing server 102.

[0055] In step 414, merchant 104 may send a quote to computing device 110 via a webpage navigated to by computing device 110 as a result of an interaction with a referral link. For example, the referral link may navigate computing device 110 to a quote page displaying quote data corresponding to a quote identifier included in the URL, for example, using a GET or POST form action. In step 416, computing device 110 may display the quote data to consumer 108. In step 418, consumer 108 may accept the quote and begin linking the quote to their transaction account by submitting account information to processing server 102. Step 418 may also include submitting registration information if consumer 108 may not have registered their transaction account for the link, and if registration is required.

[0056] In step 420, the receiving unit 202 of the processing server 102 may at least receive an account identifier associated with the transaction account to which the consumer 108 wishes to link a quote. In some cases, the receiving unit 202 may also receive authentication information, which may be used by the processing unit 204 to authenticate the consumer 108 before accepting and / or using the provided account identifier. In step 422, the processing unit 204 of the processing server 102 may link a quote to a transaction account, for example by identifying an account profile 210 that includes an account identifier and including the quote identifier of the linked quote in the account profile 210, and / or sending account and quote data to the payment network 106.

[0057] The second process used to link trading accounts with quotes.

[0058] Figure 5 The illustration depicts a second illustrative process for linking a trading account to a quote, where merchant 104 is not involved in displaying quote data or collecting trading account information.

[0059] In step 502, consumer 108 can use computing device 110 to click a promotional link that includes an account identifier displayed on the merchant's webpage. Interaction with the promotional link allows the price identifier to be sent to processing server 102 and received by receiving unit 202 in step 504. In step 506, processing unit 204 of processing server 102 can identify a price data entry 214 in price database 212 that includes the price identifier. In step 508, sending unit 206 of processing server 102 can, for example, send the price data included in the identified price data entry 214 to computing device 110 in a newly displayed webpage navigated to by computing device 110 as a result of interaction with the price promotional link.

[0060] In step 510, computing device 110 may display the quote data to consumer 108 at a newly navigated webpage. The new webpage displaying the quote data may be hosted by processing server 102, or hosted on behalf of processing server 102. The quote webpage may include a form with data fields for consumer 108 to submit account information. In step 512, consumer 108 may enter their transaction account information, such as account identifier and any necessary authentication information, such as username, password, card selection, etc., and submit this information to processing server 102.

[0061] In step 514, the receiving unit 202 of the processing server 102 may receive account information. In some embodiments, the account identifier received by the receiving unit 202 may be a transaction account number. In other embodiments, the account identifier may be a username associated with an account profile 210, which includes a transaction account number or other information that may be suitable for use by the payment network 106 to identify the transaction account. In some cases, the account identifier may be accompanied by additional values ​​for identifying a specific transaction account, for example, where the consumer 108 may have several transaction accounts and can select a specific transaction account to link with the offer. For example, the account identifier may be a username corresponding to an account profile 210, which may include several additional values, each associated with a specific transaction account. In step 516, the processing unit 204 may link the indicated transaction account with the offer.

[0062] The process of linking a trading account to quotes

[0063] Figure 6 The process 600 of linking a trading account with a quote using a processing server 102 is shown.

[0064] In step 602, the receiving unit 202 of the processing server 102 may, for example, receive quotation data generated by the merchant 104 or other suitable entity using a platform provided by the processing server 102. The quotation data may include quotation name, description, image, start date, expiration date, transaction modifier, type, category, industry, quantity, redemption restrictions, etc. In step 604, the processing unit 204 of the processing server 102 may generate a quotation data entry 214 including the quotation data and store it in the quotation database 212 of the processing server 102. The generation of the quotation data entry 214 may also include generating and / or identifying a quotation identifier to be associated with the quotation.

[0065] In step 606, processing unit 204 may generate a URL including a quote identifier. The URL may direct, for example, computing device 110 to a webpage hosted or hosted on behalf of processing server 102, the merchant 104 submitting the quote, or any other suitable entity, and may include a quote identifier for submission to processing server 102 or a suitable entity when interacting with the URL and / or navigating to the indicated webpage. In step 608, sending unit 206 of processing server 102 may send the generated referral link to the merchant 104 submitting the quote.

[0066] In step 610, receiving unit 202 may receive a price offer notification. The price offer notification may be a notification received by receiving unit 202, which includes a price identifier that may be received as a result of consumer 108 interacting with the offer link. In step 612, processing unit 204 may determine whether the associated price offer is still valid. This determination can be made by identifying the price data entry 214 including the price identifier and then determining whether any invalidation criteria have been met (e.g., whether the expiration date has passed, the available quantity has expired, etc.). If the price offer is no longer valid, in step 614, sending unit 206 may send a notification to consumer 108 indicating that the price offer is no longer available (e.g., via a webpage navigated to by computing device 110 when interacting with the price offer link).

[0067] If the offer remains valid, then in step 616, sending unit 206 may send the offer data, included in the associated offer data entry 214, to computing device 110 for display to consumer 108. In step 618, receiving unit 202 may receive transaction account information identifying the transaction account linked to the offer. In embodiments where the transaction account may not be registered for linking, and if registration is required, the account information may include any additional registration information. In step 620, processing unit 204 may determine whether the indicated transaction account is valid for linking to the offer. Validity may be based on identifying whether the account profile 210 stored in account database 208 includes an account identifier, and if so, the relevant transaction account may be linked to the offer. For example, the issuer of the transaction account may have rules prohibiting accounts from being linked to offers, such as due to insufficient balance, unpaid fees, account type, etc.

[0068] If the transaction account is determined to be invalid, in step 622, the sending unit 206 may send a notification to the computing device 110 indicating to the consumer 108 that the transaction account is invalid and the offer cannot be linked. If the transaction account is determined to be valid, in step 624, the processing unit 204 may link the offer to the transaction account. In some cases, the sending unit 206 may also send a notification to the computing device 110 indicating to the consumer 108 that the offer has been linked to their transaction account and is ready for redemption.

[0069] Graphical User Interface

[0070] Figure 7A and Figure 7B An exemplary graphical user interface of computing device 110 is shown for inputting account information, including quotes and a link between the displayed quotes and the trading account. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that... Figure 7A and Figure 7B The interfaces shown in the diagrams and discussed in this article are provided for illustrative purposes only, and other interfaces and configurations may be used when performing the methods and systems discussed herein.

[0071] Figure 7AA display 702 of computing device 110 is shown. Display 702 may include multiple news items 704. Each news item 704 may include information for display to consumer 108 and may be interactive to display related news reports to consumer 108. Display 102 also includes a quote referral link 706. The quote referral link 706 may be displayed to consumer 108 within the news item 704 and may indicate to consumer 108 that there are quotes available that can be linked to their trading account. The quote referral link 706 may be a hyperlink to a URL that includes a quote identifier associated with the quote.

[0072] When consumer 108 interacts with the offer referral link 706, computing device 110 can navigate a web browsing application to a new display 708 where a offer page can be shown. The offer page may include offer data 710, which may correspond to offer data included in offer data entry 214 in offer database 212, including the offer identifier included in the URL of offer referral link 706. The offer page may also include account identifier input 712 and mobile wallet selection 714.

[0073] Account identifier input 712 can be an input field whereby consumer 108 can enter an account identifier to be linked by processing server 102 to an associated trading account corresponding to the displayed quote data 710. The account identifier that can be entered can be an account number, username, email address, or any other suitable type of identifier that can be associated with one or more trading accounts. Mobile wallet selection 714 enables consumer 108 to select a trading account using a mobile wallet stored on computing device 110. Consumer 108 can use the mobile wallet to select a trading account, and the mobile wallet can send account details to processing server 102 using methods and systems readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Processing server 102 can then link the trading account to the quote.

[0074] Exemplary methods for linking trading accounts with quotes

[0075] Figure 8 Method 800 for linking a trading account with a quote is shown.

[0076] In step 802, multiple account profiles (e.g., account profile 210) may be stored in an account database (e.g., account database 208), wherein each account profile 210 includes data relating to a transaction account that includes at least an account identifier. In one embodiment, the account identifier may be one of a transaction account number, username, email address, and telephone number. In step 804, quote data may be received from the entity by a receiving device (e.g., receiving unit 202), wherein the quote data includes data relating to a quote for purchasing goods or services.

[0077] In step 806, a quote data entry (e.g., quote data entry 214) may be stored in a quote database (e.g., quote database 212), wherein the quote data entry includes the received quote data. In step 808, a quote identifier associated with the received quote data may be generated by a processing device (e.g., processing unit 204). In one embodiment, the quote data may include at least one of the following: quote name, quote description, quantity, expiry date, start date, transaction modifier, and one or more redemption terms.

[0078] In step 810, the generated quote identifier may be sent to the entity by a sending device (e.g., sending unit 206). In one embodiment, generating the quote identifier may include generating a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) that includes at least the quote identifier, and sending the generated quote identifier may include sending the generated URL that includes the quote identifier. In step 812, a receiving device (e.g., receiving unit 202) may receive a quote acceptance notification, wherein the quote acceptance notification includes at least a specific account identifier and the quote identifier. In one embodiment, the quote acceptance notification may be a URL that includes the quote identifier and the specific account identifier.

[0079] In step 814, a specific account profile 210 stored in the account database 208 can be identified by the processing device 204, wherein the included account identifier corresponds to a specific account identifier. In step 816, the processing device 204 can update at least one of the specific account profile 210 and the quote data entry 214 to indicate a link between the relevant trading account and the quote data. In some embodiments, updating the specific account profile 210 to indicate a link may include storing the quote identifier in the specific account profile. In other embodiments, updating the quote data entry 214 to indicate a link may include storing the specific account identifier in the quote data entry 214.

[0080] In one embodiment, method 800 may further include: receiving device 202 receiving a quote request, wherein the quote request includes at least a quote identifier; and sending quote data included in quote data entry 214 by sending device 206 in response to a received offer request. In another embodiment, a quote request may be received, and quote data may be sent prior to receiving a quote acceptance notification. In yet another embodiment, the quote request may be a URL including a quote identifier.

[0081] Computer System Architecture

[0082] Figure 9 A computer system 900 is illustrated, wherein embodiments of the present disclosure or portions thereof can be implemented as computer-readable code. For example, Figure 1 The processing server 102 can be implemented in computer system 900 using hardware, software, firmware, a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which instructions are stored, or a combination thereof, and can be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. Hardware, software, or any combination thereof can be embodied for implementation Figure 3-6 and Figure 8 The modules and components of the method.

[0083] If programmable logic is used, this logic can be executed on commercially available processing platforms or dedicated devices. Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be practiced using a variety of computer system configurations, including multi-core multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframes, computers linked or aggregated with distributed functions, and general-purpose or microcomputers that can be embedded in virtually any device. For example, the embodiments described above can be implemented using at least one processor device and memory.

[0084] The processor unit or device discussed herein may be a single processor, multiple processors, or a combination thereof. A processor device may have one or more processor "cores". The terms "computer program medium," "non-transitory computer-readable medium," and "computer-usable medium" as discussed herein are generally used to refer to tangible media, such as removable storage unit 918, removable storage unit 922, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 912.

[0085] Various embodiments of this disclosure are described with reference to this exemplary computer system 900. After reading this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art how to implement this disclosure using other computer systems and / or computer architectures. Although operations may be described as sequential processes, some operations may actually be executed in parallel, simultaneously, and / or in a distributed environment, and the program code may be stored locally or remotely for access by a single-processor or multi-processor machine. Additionally, in some embodiments, the order of operations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of the disclosed subject matter.

[0086] Processor device 904 can be a dedicated or general-purpose processor device. Processor device 904 can be connected to communication infrastructure 906, such as a bus, message queue, network, multi-core messaging scheme, etc. The network can be any network suitable for performing the functions disclosed herein, and can include local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless network (e.g., WiFi), mobile communication network, satellite network, Internet, fiber optic, coaxial cable, infrared, radio frequency (RF), or any combination thereof. Other suitable network types and configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Computer system 900 may also include main memory 908 (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, etc.) and may also include secondary memory 910. Secondary memory 910 may include hard disk drive 912 and removable storage drive 914, such as floppy disk drive, tape drive, optical disk drive, flash memory, etc.

[0087] The removable storage drive 914 can read from and / or write to the removable storage unit 918 in a known manner. The removable storage unit 918 may include a removable storage medium that the removable storage drive 914 can read from and write to. For example, if the removable storage drive 914 is a floppy disk drive or a Universal Serial Bus port, then the removable storage unit 918 may be a floppy disk or a portable flash drive, respectively. In one embodiment, the removable storage unit 918 may be a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0088] In some embodiments, auxiliary memory 910 may include optional means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 900, such as removable storage unit 922 and interface 920. Examples of such means may include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (e.g., as seen in video game systems), removable memory chips (e.g., EEPROM, PROM, etc.) and associated sockets, as well as other removable storage units 922 and interfaces 920, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0089] Data stored in computer system 900 (e.g., in main memory 908 and / or auxiliary memory 910) can be stored on any type of suitable computer-readable medium, such as optical storage devices (e.g., optical discs, digital multifunction discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.) or magnetic tape storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives). Data can be configured with any type of suitable database configuration (e.g., relational databases, structured query language (SQL) databases, distributed databases, object databases, etc.). The appropriate configuration and storage type will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0090] Computer system 900 may also include a communication interface 924. Communication interface 924 may be configured to allow software and data to be transferred between computer system 900 and external devices. Exemplary communication interface 924 may include a modem, network interface (e.g., an Ethernet card), communication port, PCMCIA slot, and card, etc. Software and data transmitted via communication interface 924 may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Signals may travel via communication path 926, which may be configured to carry signals and may be implemented using wires, cables, optical fibers, telephone lines, cellular telephone links, radio frequency links, etc.

[0091] Computer system 900 may also include a display interface 902. Display interface 902 may be configured to allow data transfer between computer system 900 and external display 930. Exemplary display interface 902 may include High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), Digital Video Interface (DVI), Video Graphics Array (VGA), etc. Display 930 may be any suitable type of display for displaying data transmitted via display interface 902 of computer system 900, including cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diode (LED) displays, capacitive touch displays, thin-film transistor (TFT) displays, etc.

[0092] Computer program media and computer-usable media can refer to memory that is a memory semiconductor (e.g., DRAM, etc.), such as main memory 908 and auxiliary memory 910. These computer program products can be means for providing software to computer system 900. Computer programs (e.g., computer control logic) can be stored in main memory 908 and / or auxiliary memory 910. Computer programs can also be received via communication interface 924. When executed, such computer programs enable computer system 900 to implement the methods discussed herein. In particular, when executed, computer programs enable processor device 904 to implement… Figure 3-6 and Figure 8 The method shown is as discussed herein. Accordingly, such a computer program can represent the controller of computer system 900. When implementing this disclosure using software, the software can be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system 900 using a removable storage drive 914, interface 920, and hard disk drive 912 or communication interface 924.

[0093] The techniques consistent with this disclosure, along with other features, provide systems and methods for linking trading accounts to quotes. While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods have been described above, it should be understood that they are provided merely for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. This is not exhaustive and is not intended to limit the disclosure to its exact form. In light of the foregoing teachings, modifications and variations are possible, or can be derived from the practice of this disclosure, without departing from its breadth or scope.

Claims

1. A method for linking a trading account to quotes, comprising: Multiple account profiles are stored in the account database, wherein each account profile includes data related to a transaction account that includes at least an account identifier; The receiving device receives quotation data from the entity, wherein the quotation data includes data related to the quotation for purchasing goods or services; The quotation database stores quotation data entries, wherein the quotation data entries include received quotation data; The sending device sends the quotation identifier to the entity; The receiving device receives a quote acceptance notification, wherein the quote acceptance notification includes at least a specific account identifier and the quote identifier; The processing device identifies a specific account profile stored in the account database, whereby the account identifier included in the account database corresponds to the specific account identifier; and The processing device updates at least one of the specific account profile and the quote data entry to indicate the link between the relevant trading account and the quote data. The quotation identifier is received by the processing device.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The receiving device receives a quote request, wherein the quote request includes at least the quote identifier; and In response to a received quote request, the quote data included in the quote data entry is transmitted via the transmitting device.

3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein, Receive the quote request and send the quote data before receiving the quote acceptance notification.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, The quote request is a Uniform Resource Locator that includes the quote identifier.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, The offer acceptance notification is a Uniform Resource Locator that includes the offer identifier and the specific account identifier.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The quote data includes at least one of the following: quote name, quote description, quantity, expiry date, start date, transaction modifier, and one or more terms regarding redemption.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The account identifier is one of the following: transaction account number, username, email address, and phone number.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, Updating the specific account profile to indicate the link between the relevant trading account and the quote data includes storing the quote identifier in the specific account profile.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, Updating the quote data entry to indicate the link between the relevant trading account and the quote data includes storing the specific account identifier in the quote data entry.

10. A system for linking a trading account to quotes, comprising: An account database is configured to store multiple account profiles, each of which includes data relating to a trading account that includes at least an account identifier; A receiving device configured to receive quote data from an entity, wherein the quote data includes data relating to a quote for purchasing goods or services; A quotation database configured to store quotation data entries, wherein the quotation data entries include received quotation data; A sending device, configured to send a quote identifier to the entity, wherein The receiving device is further configured to receive a quote acceptance notification, wherein the quote acceptance notification includes at least a specific account identifier and the quote identifier; and Processing equipment, which is configured as Identify a specific account profile stored in the account database, where the account identifiers included in the account database correspond to the specific account identifier. Update at least one of the specific account profile and the quote data entry to indicate the link between the relevant trading account and the quote data; and Receive quote identifier.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein, The receiving device is further configured to receive a quote request, wherein the quote request includes at least the quote identifier, and The transmitting device is also configured to transmit the quotation data included in the quotation data entry in response to a received quotation request.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein, Receive the quote request and send the quote data before receiving the quote acceptance notification.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein, The quote request is a Uniform Resource Locator that includes the quote identifier.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein, The offer acceptance notification is a Uniform Resource Locator that includes the offer identifier and the specific account identifier.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein, The quote data includes at least one of the following: quote name, quote description, quantity, expiry date, start date, transaction modifier, and one or more terms regarding redemption.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein, The account identifier is one of the following: transaction account number, username, email address, and phone number.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein, Updating the specific account profile to indicate the link between the relevant trading account and the quote data includes storing the quote identifier in the specific account profile.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein, Updating the quote data entry to indicate the link between the relevant trading account and the quote data includes storing the specific account identifier in the quote data entry.

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