System for payments via electronic wallets

Abstract

To provide an electronic wallet that stores a plurality of types of value tokens, and to provide a method for performing payment transactions using the value tokens. A method includes receiving an electronic wallet, a transaction portion, an electronic wallet with optional sub-wallets, and a request to process the transaction processed for the wallet and / or sub-wallet. The method further includes identifying one or more electronic value tokens in the electronic wallet and / or sub-wallet which, when used together, will cover the transaction portion. The method further includes applying the electronic value token to the transaction portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 61 / 491,791 and 61 / 491,813, both filed May 31, 2011, and entitled "A System for Payment via Electronic Wallet," and to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 61 / 496,397 and 61 / 496,404, both filed June 13, 2011, and entitled "System, Method, and Apparatus for Creating and Distributing a Transaction Credit," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This application also incorporates by reference the entire disclosures, subject matter and concepts of the following: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 538,083, filed Aug. 7, 2009, and entitled "Transaction Processing Platform for Facilitating Electronic Distribution of Plural Prepaid Services," which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 338,854, filed Dec. 18, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 851,337, filed Sep. 6, 2007 (now U.S. Patent No. 7,477,731), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 007662, filed Dec. 7, 2004 (now U.S. Patent No. 7,280,644); U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 007662, filed Mar. 3, 2011, and entitled "System and Method for Electronic Prepaid Account U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 040074, filed April 9, 2004, and entitled "System and Method for Distributing Person Identification Numbers Over a Computer Network," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 821,815, filed May 24, 2010, and entitled "System and Method for Distributing Person Identification Numbers Over a Computer Network," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 786,403, filed February 23, 2010, and entitled "System and Method for Distributing Person Identification Numbers Over a Computer Network," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 711,211, filed February 23, 2010, and entitled "System and Method for Distributing Person Identification Numbers Over a Computer Network," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 719,741, filed March 8, 2010, and entitled "Systems and Methods for Personal Identification Number Distribution and Delivery." Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The electronic transaction market is currently flooded with many types of credit cards, debit cards, stored value cards and loyalty cards, all of which may be offered by different issuers, vendors and providers.

[0004] Some cards are designed to be redeemed by retailers, while others can be redeemed by financial institutions. Other cards, such as loyalty cards, have promotional features. However, the increasing volume and complexity of cards makes organization and redemption increasingly difficult, thus potentially hindering market growth. For example, a user may have so many stored value cards that they do not know or remember that they have a stored value card for a particular store during a purchase at that store.

[0005] Also, a user may not understand the various types of promotions available to him using the card in combination with a loyalty card, and therefore may not benefit from promotions applicable to his purchases. Historically, cards have been embodied in tangible media, such as plastic, and are therefore susceptible to loss, theft, or simply leaving them at home when needed. Due to the continued growth of card-based transaction offerings offered to customers, many customers face the burdensome challenge of consolidating, managing, tracking, transporting, and storing all of their credit, debit, stored-value, loyalty, and other types of cards issued by merchants, vendors, and providers. What today's customers need is a more efficient, secure, and effective way to obtain and use the assets associated with these cards. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In certain aspects, computer-implemented methods, including computer-implemented methods and systems for implementing an electronic wallet, and apparatuses are disclosed herein and are described as including functions such as adding / redeeming value tokens to / from an electronic wallet or a portion thereof (e.g., a sub-wallet). In one aspect, the method includes receiving a request to process all or a portion of a payment transaction for an electronic wallet or sub-wallet. The method further includes identifying one or more value tokens in the wallet or sub-wallet that, when used together, cover all or a portion of the payment transaction. The method further includes applying the electronic value token to all or a portion of the payment transaction.

[0007] In another embodiment, a non-transitory, machine-readable storage device includes executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to receive and process a request for an electronic sub-purse, a portion of a payment transaction, an electronic wallet with the sub-purse, and a payment transaction processed against the wallet. The processor further identifies one or more value tokens for the sub-purse that, when used together, will cover the portion of the payment transaction. The processor further applies the electronic value token to the portion of the payment transaction.

[0008] In another aspect, a system includes one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The memory includes executable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to receive and process a request for an electronic sub-purse, a portion of a payment transaction, an electronic wallet with the sub-purse, and a payment transaction processed against the wallet. The one or more processors further identify one or more value tokens for the sub-purse that, when used together, will cover the portion of the payment transaction. The one or more processors further apply the electronic value tokens to the portion of the payment transaction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the electronic value token transaction computer includes a point-of-sale (POS) interface and a sorting unit, and a data store connected to the stored value card transaction computer includes an electronic wallet unit. The POS interface receives requests, and the sorting unit identifies one of the requests as an electronic wallet request that includes authentication information. The electronic value token transaction computer accesses the electronic wallet via the electronic wallet unit associated with the authentication information. The electronic value token transaction computer examines rules associated with the electronic wallet and, based on the rules, selects a value token of the electronic wallet that, when used together, will cover the electronic wallet request. The electronic value token transaction computer applies the electronic value token to the electronic wallet request. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic value token transaction processing system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an electronic wallet. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic value token transaction processing system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic value token transaction processing system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic value token transaction processing system according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary individual proxy card according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary individual proxy card according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary individual proxy card according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 3D] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary personal digital assistant according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process utilized by an electronic value token transaction computer to create an electronic wallet or add / redeem value tokens to / from an electronic wallet according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 4B] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process utilized by an electronic value token transaction computer to create an electronic wallet or add / redeem value tokens to / from an electronic sub-wallet according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 5] A particular machine suitable for carrying out some aspects of the disclosure is illustrated. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a series of user interface screens and prompts according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a series of user interface screens and prompts according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 6C] 1 illustrates a series of user interface screens and prompts according to at least one embodiment. [Figure 6D] 1 illustrates a series of user interface screens and prompts according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Disclosed herein is an efficient, secure, and effective method for consolidating, managing, transporting, storing, and using all types of assets associated with credit, debit, loyalty, and stored-value type cards, which incorporates an electronic wallet ("e-wallet"). As shown in FIG. 1B, an e-wallet is an electronically maintained data file that may contain authentication information, rules for use, sub-wallets (e.g., for separately maintaining credit-card-, debit-, and stored-value card-related information), and electronic value tokens (e.g., electronic representations of financial and / or other value associated with the credit-card-, debit-, and stored-value card-related information contained in the e-wallet / sub-wallet). In certain embodiments, as reflected in FIGS. 6A-D, a user may create an e-wallet, establish rules for the e-wallet, provision the e-wallet, and access the e-wallet to facilitate electronic transactions.

[0012] Furthermore, the electronic value token transaction processing system disclosed in this specification, as shown in Figures 1A, 2A-B and 4A-B, provides users, merchants, vendors, issuers, providers and other stakeholders with an efficient, secure and effective system for facilitating the aggregation, management, transport, storage and use of the above-mentioned electronic wallets and electronic value tokens in financial transactions.

[0013] As will be described more fully herein, there are certain basic concepts and functions used by electronic wallets and electronic wallet-enabled systems. These concepts include creating an electronic wallet, provisioning an electronic wallet (e.g., converting a contact card into an electronic value token and associating or requesting association of an electronic value token with an electronic wallet), accessing an electronic wallet, and establishing rules for use of an electronic wallet.

[0014] Furthermore, as will be more fully detailed herein, the electronic wallet may be used in a system in which the electronic wallet provider manages the entire contents of the electronic wallet (e.g., the primary electronic wallet, any sub-wallets or secondary wallets and the associated electronic value tokens therein), or in which the electronic wallet provider manages only a portion of the contents of the electronic wallet (e.g., the primary electronic wallet and the electronic value tokens therein) and delegates the management of one or more (or all) of the sub-wallets or secondary wallets to a third-party electronic value token transaction processing system.

[0015] As will be further detailed herein, either of the two described management systems may be configured to allow users of the system to have full control over the functionality of their electronic wallet; to participate in value-added / bonus programs offered by issuers, vendors and / or other parties associated with electronic value tokens; to participate in card exchange functionality (e.g., a user exchanges electronic value tokens maintained in their electronic wallet for electronic value tokens other than in the electronic wallet); and to participate in savings programs offered by issuers, vendors and / or other parties associated with electronic value tokens.

[0016] Figure 1A illustrates an exemplary electronic value token transaction processing system 100. Specifically, Figure 1A illustrates that an electronic value token transaction computer 150 is configured for communication with a POS device 111, one or more authentication systems 160 (e.g., retailers, banks, and credit cards), and a data store 180. Moreover, Figure 1A illustrates that the POS device 111 is in communication with a proxy card 200 (which will be shown below to represent an aspect of a means by which a user accesses an electronic wallet) and that the data store 180 includes an electronic wallet unit 199, which in turn includes an electronic wallet 10.

[0017] It should be understood that FIG. 1B illustrates the electronic wallet 10 according to one embodiment, and that the details of the electronic wallet 10 may be used in any of the various embodiments disclosed herein (e.g., as the electronic wallet 10 of FIGS. 1A, 2A and 2B), and that maintenance of the electronic wallet 10 may be performed entirely by a single electronic wallet system (e.g., the electronic value token transaction processing system 100) or may be distributed across multiple electronic wallet systems (e.g., the electronic value token transaction processing systems 1100 and 1200 and the electronic wallet aggregator system 1000).

[0018] 1B illustrates an electronic wallet 10 with authentication information 801, rules 802, an electronic value token 804, a sub-wallet 807 for a credit card electronic value token, a sub-wallet (with corresponding rules 817 and electronic value token 827), a sub-wallet 808 for a debit card electronic value token (with corresponding rules 818 and electronic value token 828), and a sub-wallet 809 for a stored value card electronic value token (with corresponding rules 819 and electronic value token 829). Figures 1A and 1B can be further understood from the following discussion.

[0019] To eliminate the added complexity of collection, transportation, security, and redemption, transaction cards are electronically stored as value tokens in an electronic wallet. As used herein, a value token refers to an electronic identification that can be used to conduct business with a party willing to accept the electronic value token, for example, as an offer for a purchase. Examples of such value tokens include electronic representations of or associated with stored value cards (also called prepaid cards) and other physical representations of various types of value, such as credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, prepaid calling cards, loyalty cards, membership cards, tickets or ticket cards, entertainment cards, sports cards, prepaid cards, coupons, admission passes, prepaid or pre-purchased goods or services, etc. In some embodiments, a value token comprises cash or currency. In some embodiments, an electronic value token comprises a credit or debit card or account. In some embodiments, a value token comprises an existing account, such as a merchant account, a bank account, etc. In some embodiments, the value token comprises credit, points, coupon, or promotional value issued and / or authorized by a merchant. In some embodiments, the value token is associated with a prepaid card or account, and it should be understood that unless otherwise specified, various aspects described herein may be implemented in association with a prepaid card or account, such as a merchant gift card.

[0020] A physical credit card, debit card, stored value card, or other physical representation of value may be converted into a value token and added to an electronic wallet. For example, a physical gift card or other physical representation of value may be converted into a value token in a user's electronic wallet via a point-of-sale device, a mobile phone, a computer, short message service ("SMS"), etc. Once so converted, the electronic value token may be redeemed by a user, after authentication, by accessing the user's electronic wallet during a purchase, without possessing the physical representation, such as a gift card.

[0021] Thus, the use of the term value token herein refers to an electronic representation as well as a physical representation that can be converted to an electronic representation. In at least one embodiment, the physical gift card is non-functional after conversion. In an alternative embodiment, the physical gift card is non-functional after redemption of the electronic value token using an electronic wallet or physical gift card.

[0022] Customer uses of value tokens typically include a vendor, a redeeming retailer or retailer, and an issuer. In various embodiments, the vendor, redeeming retailer, and issuer may be the same, different, or related entities. A vendor may be a point-of-sale (POS) where a value token is purchased or otherwise made available for use in an electronic wallet. Thus, a vendor may themselves sell electronic value tokens, but the electronic value tokens may be redeemed at another point of sale. An entity that will receive a value token for a commercial transaction, for example, as an offer to purchase, may be a redeeming retailer or retailer.

[0023] For example, a grocery store may sell electronic value tokens for a clothing store. The grocery store is the vendor, and the clothing store is the redeeming merchant or retailer. An entity that provides financial support and / or payment processing for a given value token, such as a prepaid card or account, may be referred to as an issuer.

[0024] An issuer includes a direct issuer of a value token, such as a store-branded value token (e.g., a store-branded prepaid card or token issued directly by a retailer, sometimes referred to as a closed-loop prepaid card), and in some embodiments, a vendor can also be an issuer and / or a redeeming retailer (e.g., a prepaid card or token issued, sold, and redeemed by the same retailer). Issuers also include financial institutions such as banks, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc., and value tokens issued by such institutions can be easily accepted by multiple redeeming retailers to conduct transactions such as purchases (these are sometimes referred to as open-loop prepaid cards or tokens because they can be redeemed at multiple different retailers).

[0025] An issuer may also be a provider of a branded electronic wallet, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc., and in some embodiments, such a branded wallet includes value tokens associated with the issuer (e.g., Google "Cash" or credits, PayPal currency, Facebook electronic currency, etc.) and may include or be associated with sub-wallets including gift card-related value tokens, credit card-related value tokens, debit card-related value tokens, or combinations thereof.

[0026] Generally, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 credits or debits (or takes other actions of the type described herein) an account associated with an electronic value token contained within the electronic wallet or sub-wallet. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 may generate or send a message to the authentication system 160 so that the authentication system 160 can credit or debit (or take other actions of the type described herein) an account associated with the electronic value token. A confirmation message is returned to the electronic value token transaction computer 150 and the POS device 111, and the electronic wallet 10 or sub-wallet is updated as necessary.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, transaction information is separated from authentication information. For example, information regarding the item purchased, the purchase price, the purchase location, etc., is considered transaction information and is separated from authentication information such as authentication tokens, PINs, account numbers, etc. Among other things, maintaining the information separate allows for separate processing and routing, allowing for greater efficiency and privacy. For example, when applying electronic value tokens according to configurable rules, priority may be based on transaction information variables such as the physical location of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; the transaction volume; the type of retailer; the time of day; the day of the week; the week of the month; the month of the year; the division of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; the lane of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; the identity of the checker; the parent company of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; the value of the value token; and the type of electronic wallet request in various aspects. Such transaction or authentication information may be used by the systems described herein for security purposes (e.g., matching such transaction data against predetermined profiles to aid in fraud detection), in combination with rule-based decision-making (e.g., examining such transaction data to identify and apply promotions associated with the transaction), and the like.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the wallet provider acts on behalf of the purchaser, and redemption of the electronic value token occurs after the purchase. However, this time lag creates inconsistencies in the retailer's records. Specifically, the retailer records a transaction between the retailer and the wallet provider. The retailer records a later redemption via the value token for an apparently non-purchase. In these instances, a third-party custodian is needed who can link the redemption to the transaction.

[0029] There are many ways to provide or add a value token to an electronic wallet. For example, a user may pay a vendor for the value token, and the vendor may deposit the electronic value token in the user's wallet. Alternatively, a user may obtain a physical representation of the electronic value token (e.g., a card, note, printed receipt, etc.) from a vendor and then add value to the electronic wallet (e.g., via a telephone or internet-accessed user interface). A user may have a choice of many different retailers affiliated with the vendor. In other words, a given vendor may offer multiple tokens associated with different retailers. For example, a retailer may offer promotions to compete for the user's business when purchasing a value token, such as a prepaid account.

[0030] Each retailer may prescribe a particular format for value tokens. For example, one retailer may require a 16-digit card number plus a 4-digit month / year expiration date. Other retailers may require a PIN number, an access number, a card verification value number, a card security code number, etc. Each piece of information for different retailers may have a different format as well as a different name. Thus, an e-wallet provider or host (e.g., a primary e-wallet provider) would benefit by allowing third parties to manage electronic representations of various forms of value tokens, such as stored value cards, credit cards, debit cards, loyalty and promotional cards, as well as other subsets of value tokens that would be more expensive for the primary e-wallet provider to manage.

[0031] In some embodiments, a value token associated with a prepaid card or account may be associated with a sub-wallet within an electronic wallet (e.g., a sub-wallet of a primary, branded electronic wallet such as the Google e-wallet), and a third party may manage the sub-wallet on behalf of the primary / primary electronic wallet host or provider. For example, during a transaction involving a value token associated with a prepaid card or account (e.g., an electronic or virtual stored-value card), the electronic wallet provider may grant control of portions of the transaction, sometimes referred to as sub-transactions, to the sub-wallet associated with such value token. In some embodiments, sub-transactions include transactions associated with an electronic prepaid card or account, such as redemption, value addition (e.g., reloading), activation, closure, fraud detection, etc. Specifically, the third-party administrator can quickly and inexpensively manage transactions, including, but not limited to, determining and / or providing appropriate formatting for the sub-transactions, and further execute the sub-transactions independently of and / or in coordination with the primary electronic wallet host or provider. Such formatting may relate to the details of the information / data contained in or associated with a given value token (e.g., card number, security code, other type) and / or the information or data associated with a particular transaction (e.g., data characteristics such as card type, transaction type, security code, etc., aggregation, packaging, etc., into messaging fields for receipts / transmissions or other data formats, as well as processing the transaction). For example, a third party may provide an appropriate transaction formatting template to the primary wallet provider. In at least one embodiment, the third party administrator determines from the request or requests the user the identification of the retailer associated with the transaction. Preferably, the third party administrator maintains a database of multiple transaction formats associated with multiple retailers.After determining the identity of the retailer associated with the transaction, the third-party administrator uses a format database to identify the relevant transaction format for the identified retailer, and all subsequent processing is performed using the retailer-specific transaction formats and vocabulary. In one embodiment, a user may add a value token to an electronic wallet using a physical stored-value card. The user is prompted to identify the retailer associated with the stored-value card, for example, via a user interface located at a point-of-sale (including, in one embodiment, a point-of-sale associated with a personal computer, such as for online shopping via a website). In another embodiment, the user provides information associated with the stored-value token via a web-based or personal digital assistant interface (e.g., a mobile phone app). Thus, based on the user-provided data, an appropriate format may be looked up from a database, and the user may display a pictorial representation or other mockup representation of the physical stored-value card, with the specific input information highlighted on the mockup. Thus, the user knows exactly what inputs are required to add the electronic value token to the electronic wallet. The user-entered information derived from the mockup may be in the appropriate format and / or may be further modified, packaged, etc. by a third-party administrator to meet additional formatting requirements. While the described example is simple, more complex transactions are possible. As will be described more fully later in this specification, (i) transactions involving the use of primary and / or sub-purse value tokens for part of a transaction are treated the same as (ii) exchanging primary and / or sub-purse value tokens for other types of value tokens or value tokens associated with other retailers. For example, a user may wish to exchange value tokens associated with a retailer the user does not frequent for value tokens associated with a retailer the user frequents. Furthermore, the third-party administrator may use a transaction form associated with an identified retailer for financial reconciliations of transactions or sub-transactions (e.g., debiting and crediting a prepaid account). In this example, the use of an appropriate transaction form is not only convenient, but often required.

[0032] As described above, an electronic sub-wallet is a specifically defined portion of an electronic wallet located in or associated with a particular electronic wallet (e.g., a primary or primary wallet). A sub-wallet may be managed / maintained by the administrator, processor, and / or provider of the primary or primary electronic wallet, or may be managed by another party, system, processor, subroutine, or server. Separate management of electronic sub-wallets allows the primary electronic wallet provider and users to benefit from economies of scale. For example, all electronic value tokens may be stored in one sub-wallet, while credit and debit cards are stored in the primary electronic wallet or in separate electronic sub-wallets. Thus, the provider of the primary electronic wallet may manage / conduct transactions related to value tokens associated with credit and debit cards belonging to the primary electronic wallet, while a third party may manage / conduct transactions related to value tokens associated with electronic value tokens belonging to the electronic sub-wallet, freeing the third party from costly banking and credit control. Furthermore, the third-party administrator may use economies of scale to receive payment for its services via exchange arbitrage, fees, per-transaction fees, or the like.

[0033] Through separate management of sub-wallets, a third-party administrator (e.g., an administrator of an electronic sub-wallet associated with an electronic prepaid account) provides convenience to both the user and the primary electronic wallet provider. Often, the third-party administrator is the only entity with the knowledge and expertise (e.g., a database of the required transaction formats) to process financial reconciliations or other transactions associated with an electronic prepaid account associated with a given issuer. For example, the third-party administrator may be the only entity that can query a particular transaction on a retailer's books for a particular use of a value token or electronic wallet. As discussed in more detail herein, in some embodiments, the third-party administrator implements, performs, and / or assumes all or part of the functions described in conjunction with the electronic value token transaction computer 150 for a primary host or provider of an electronic wallet, such as a branded electronic wallet, for example, in the context of managing one or more electronic sub-wallets (e.g., electronic sub-wallets associated with electronic prepaid accounts, such as closed-loop accounts issued for one or more retailers).

[0034] Access to the electronic wallet may be gated or secured by an authentication token or other means to secure access to the electronic wallet, examples of which include a proxy card or a mobile device such as a personal digital assistant or smartphone. Other modes for accessing the electronic wallet include cardless access, such as a number / password combination, a passwordless number, and the like. Biometric information may also be used for authentication and access purposes, such as a fingerprint or iris print. Near-field communication technology may also be used to implement the authentication token. Near-field communication technology may be implemented at a physical point of sale or in conjunction with an online transaction. In either situation, the near-field communication technology may be implemented by a user via a proxy card (e.g., 200, 201, or 203), a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a smartphone 204, or other online transaction-related device. Thus, the authentication token may be tangible, intangible, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the authentication token may be generated, created, and / or formed at the initiation of an electronic transaction to uniquely identify the electronic transaction. In one embodiment, the uniquely generated authentication token may include elements of an electronic wallet ID, a merchant identifier, a POS ID, an electronic value token ID, an electronic value token issuer ID, an electronic value token transaction processor ID, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the uniquely generated authentication token may be entirely unique and may not include any part of any previous ID.

[0035] Examples of proxy cards are shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C. Figure 3A shows a proxy card 200 in which authentication information 211 is encoded on the card 200 by means of a barcode that can be read by an optical scanner. Figure 3B shows a proxy card 201 in which authentication information 211 is encoded on a magnetic strip located on the card 201. Figure 3B shows a proxy card 203 in which authentication information 211 is encoded on a near field communication chip on the card 201. In some embodiments, the proxy cards may have a magnetic strip and a barcode (or multiple magnetic strips or barcodes), and one or more of such may include authentication information 211. Proxy cards 200, 201, and 203 are fabricated from a suitable first material, such as plastic, paper, plastic-coated paper, laminate, or a combination thereof. Proxy cards 200, 201, and 203 are typically fabricated in a thickness range of about 0.005 to about 0.040 inches. Proxy cards 200, 201, and 203 each have authentication information 211, such as an account number, a number value, an authentication code, a digital signature, an electronic vital or key code, and an RFID chip / data, corresponding to an electronic wallet. Proxy card authentication information 211 is unique to the proxy card. , and associates the proxy card with the electronic wallet, and in certain embodiments, such association is stored in a database accessible by an administrator of the electronic wallet. Authentication information 211 may be coded on proxy card 200 as a barcode as illustrated in FIG. 3A, on proxy card 201 as a magnetic strip as illustrated in FIG. 3B, on proxy card 203 as a near field communication chip as illustrated in FIG. 3C, a series of numbers, a series of letters, or a combination thereof. Proxy cards 200, 201, and 203 may also be fashioned with a personal identification number or PIN to be entered during a transaction, which corresponds to authentication information 211, and which enables access and / or use of the electronic wallet. In certain embodiments, the PIN may be coded on proxy card 200 as a barcode, a magnetic strip, a series of numbers, a series of letters, or a combination thereof.In some embodiments, the PIN may be visually obscured by packaging with an obscuring material, such as on a scratch card strip or peel-off indicator, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the proxy card may include a card security code (CSC), card verification value (CVV or CV2), card verification value code (CVVC), card verification code (CVC), verification code (V-code or V-code), card code verification (CCV), credit card ID (CCID), or a combination thereof, and such codes (along with any other authentication data or tokens described herein) may be used for authentication or authorization transactions initiated at a point of sale (POS), for example, in conjunction with an electronic wallet payment for a purchase transaction.

[0036] 3B shows a proxy card 201 in which authentication information 211 is encoded onto a magnetic strip located on the card 201. The magnetic strip may be made from a conventional composition, such as deposited from a slurry located on the card 201, so that it can be scanned with magnetic strip reading equipment, such as the Tranz terminals made by Verifone. For additional security, the authentication information 211 may also be subjected to an encryption algorithm before encoding onto the magnetic strip.

[0037] In at least one embodiment, the proxy card 200 includes a barcode, such as a UPC code (e.g., GS1-128 or UCC / EAN-128), located on the proxy card 201 so that it can be scanned by known barcode reading equipment. A representation of the authentication information 211 is encoded into the barcode on the proxy card.

[0038] In other embodiments, a series of numbers, a series of letters, or a combination thereof may be placed on proxy cards 200 and 201 to be read or interpreted by a device configured to interpret a series of shapes corresponding to a person or package identifier, i.e., an optical character recognition device. The various embodiments described herein may use any suitable authentication token described herein, such as a virtual or cardless authentication token, a mobile phone, etc.

[0039] In further embodiments, for example, proxy card 203, near field communication technology, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, microprocessors, and / or microchips may be placed on the proxy card to be interpreted by a specifically configured device. The RFID tags, microprocessors, and / or microchips may be used in addition to, instead of, or in combination with the barcode 255 on proxy card 200 and the magnetic strip 256 on proxy card 201 or other means of encoding authentication information on the proxy card. Alternatively, such RFID or other means, such as near field, Bluetooth, etc., may be used by a user-operated device (e.g., a personal digital assistant such as a smartphone) to provide electronic wallet access and / or authentication functionality. In some embodiments, an authentication token is associated with a personal digital assistant such as smartphone 204, as illustrated in FIG. 3D. For example, an electronic wallet stored on and / or accessed via a phone may include an authentication token, or the phone itself may contain hardware and / or specific electronic data (e.g., authentication data such as a number value, MAC address, SIM card, digital signature, electronic key, customer ID, phone number, passcode, etc.) that serves as the authentication token. Such a phone may use near-field communication to communicate data associated with the authentication token with a POS device for authentication and transaction purposes. For example, the phone may pass near the POS device and transfer user and / or wallet information and authentication information to the POS device using a near-field communication protocol. The phone may transfer all or part of the wallet and / or authentication information, leaving the POS device to determine which portions are applicable to the current transaction, or the phone may transfer only the currently applicable portion of the information to the POS device, i.e., the information used during the current transaction.That is, the authentication token (e.g., phone) and logic for transferring wallet and / or authentication information to / from the POS device may reside in the authentication device, the POS device, or both. In one embodiment, the phone may provide hardware and / or software for authenticating the user, such as a camera or scanner and associated applications for verifying biometric information associated with the user, and upon authenticating the user, the phone will communicate successful authentication to the POS device. The POS device may communicate with a wallet host or provider (e.g., a primary electronic wallet host) and any sub-wallet hosts or providers, e.g., a third-party administrator. In another example, the POS device may communicate only with the wallet host or provider (e.g., a primary electronic wallet host), and the wallet host or provider may communicate with a third-party administrator, e.g., a sub-wallet host or administrator. Despite multiple configurations enabling communication, the parties use a scalable architecture so that transactions can still occur in real time without delay to the customer.

[0040] In one embodiment, the authentication device is a proxy card. Although the proxy card is not a physical card, because customers know how to use electronic value tokens, the proxy card's appearance resembling a credit card, debit card, or stored value card will aid adoption of and access to the electronic wallet. Thus, customers may come to think of the proxy card as multiple cards rolled into one, or simply think of the proxy card itself as the electronic wallet, despite its physical representation. The authentication token may take on and / or relate to tangible or intangible aspects such as a mobile device, personal identification number, phone number plus personal identification number, password, username plus password, biometric ID, and the like. The authentication token contains, provides, and / or is associated with authentication information (e.g., electronic authentication data or information) that associates the user with the electronic wallet. Thus, the multiple value tokens contained in the electronic wallet (or its sub-wallets) are associated with the user.

[0041] Returning briefly to FIG. 1A , the electronic value token transaction computer 150 accesses the electronic wallet 10 from the data store 180. Prepaid or stored value card electronic value tokens may include electronic representations of gift cards, loyalty cards, promotions, etc. The POS device 111 obtains authentication information from the electronic wallet user via an authentication token such as a smartphone or proxy card 200, and transmits the authentication information (and in some examples, rules for allocating the contents of the electronic wallet to the requested transaction) along with purchase information and / or value token information to the electronic value token transaction computer 150 as part of a transaction request. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 uses the authentication information to locate the correct electronic wallet 10 or sub-wallet in the data store 180 and act on the electronic value token (e.g., add the value token to the primary wallet or sub-wallet, activate the value token, debit the value token, report the value token, check the balance of the value token, etc.), or checks rules against the information in the request (receives the request, is associated with the electronic wallet by the electronic value token transaction processing system 100, 1100, 1200, or a combination thereof). For example, for a purchase transaction, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 selects the electronic value token to cover the purchase based on rules, e.g., rules associated with the order or priority in which the value tokens are applied or redeemed to cover the purchase price.

[0042] 2A and 2B, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 includes a rules unit 159. The rules unit 159 provides functionality for processing, managing, associating, and executing electronic wallet (and sub-wallet) rules provided, selected, and / or requested by electronic wallet users, electronic wallet providers, electronic wallet accepting merchants, electronic value token issuers, electronic wallet transaction system administrators, and combinations thereof. The rules unit 159 may function to associate the provided, selected, and / or requested rules with the electronic wallets and sub-wallets maintained in the database 180 and / or the electronic wallet unit 199. The rules unit 159 may include a rules engine for deriving rules to apply to a transaction in the absence (or instead) of any specific rules provided or selected by any other rule-assigning entity. The rules unit 159 may provide electronic wallet / sub-wallet rule data so that the data is loaded via (i) electronic wallet user input (e.g., via a kiosk, smartphone, personal digital assistant, or internet-accessible user interface); electronic wallet provider input; (iii) electronic wallet system administrator input; or (iv) any combination thereof. For example, an electronic wallet user may provide specific, customized rules detailing the preferred format for electronic value tokens contained in the electronic wallet to be used in satisfying transactions to the electronic value token transaction computer 150 via a kiosk 189 connection. Alternatively, the same electronic wallet user may simply select the type of rule applicable to the electronic wallet from a list of options provided by the kiosk 189 display. In addition, there may be savings situations (e.g., transfers from a savings-only electronic wallet) where certain laws, regulations, and / or policies require that an electronic wallet be limited to a designated number of selected transactions per period.

[0043] In some embodiments, rules can be created by a user and configured as a flowchart for the selection of value tokens based on purchase information. For example, a rule may include the selection of a closed-loop-related (store X-branded) value token for a given amount of store X purchases, along with any remaining purchase balance to result in the selection of an open-loop-related (credit card Y) value token to fund such purchases. Alternatively, a user may invoke a rule specifying that an open-loop-related electronic value token should not be used to satisfy the balance for a closed-loop-related electronic value token purchase, but rather, a debit card-related electronic value token belonging to an electronic wallet should be utilized to satisfy the balance instead. Thus, a user may access and apply multiple value tokens with the efficiency of using one authentication token (e.g., one proxy card or smartphone). For example, a user may use an electronic gift card, an electronic coupon, and two electronic credit cards from all electronic wallets or sub-wallets, all while using only one physical card, such as a prepaid, debit, or credit card. Users, retailers, issuers, vendors, merchants, advertisers and other parties gain time savings, quick access to multiple sources of value (e.g., multiple accounts associated with various value tokens), promotional opportunities, transaction tracking and data mining on customer purchasing behavior, promotional and advertising effectiveness, real-time / location of product selection or purchase promotion opportunities, and other benefits.

[0044] In another embodiment, rules may be established by the electronic wallet system provider (e.g., primary and / or secondary electronic wallet provider or host). The electronic wallet system provider may establish rules regarding electronic wallet allocation when there are no user-established rules available (or when, under the user's electronic wallet management agreement, the system's rules precede a specified transaction). For example, the electronic wallet system may first introduce rules that apply to the electronic wallet system provider's own brand electronic value tokens belonging to the user's electronic wallet, directing the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to fulfill a requested transaction when the transaction involves related, associated, or contractually associated entities of the electronic wallet system provider. Thus, such rules can maximize revenues or other business objectives based on the use of the electronic wallet system for the electronic wallet system provider and its affiliates and / or contractually associated entities, as well as other synergies.

[0045] In a further embodiment, the rules of the electronic wallet may be configured to automatically direct electronic value token exchange activity (electronic value token exchange is discussed in more complete detail herein). For example, an electronic wallet user may manage the electronic wallet such that, upon the user presenting the electronic wallet to complete a transaction at a retail store, e.g., retailer Q, and the electronic wallet does not contain a retailer Q-branded electronic value token, the electronic wallet automatically and in real time initiates the electronic value token exchange process, and the electronic wallet communicates the electronic value token exchange to the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (e.g., as described in more detail herein with respect to Figures 6A-6D). Additionally or alternatively, the user may submit a promotion to obtain a retailer-specific value token in real time (e.g., a real-time offer for a store-branded value token, such as an accounts receivable). In this example, the electronic wallet user may manage the electronic wallet so that all electronic value tokens (gift card-type electronic value tokens) associated with the prepaid service are placed in designated sub-wallets, and each of the electronic value tokens may be placed / commanded / designated in the sub-wallets according to a priority ranking system, for example, the most preferred electronic value token or token type (e.g., #1) and the least preferred electronic value token or token type (e.g., #22, if there are 22 types of electronic value tokens in the sub-wallet). For example, the electronic value token of retailer M brand may be designated as the most preferred, and the electronic value token of retailer L brand may be designated as the least preferred.Further in the example, the electronic wallet may also be provided by a user in a situation where the electronic wallet has been presented to facilitate a transaction at a retailer, such as the retailer Q scenario described above, where the electronic wallet does not contain the retailer's electronic value token (the electronic wallet will recognize the retailer based on information exchanged between the electronic wallet and the retailer's communication device at the start of the original transaction), and the electronic wallet rules have been provided to cause the electronic wallet to initiate an electronic value token exchange request and to include in the request the least preferred exchange electronic value token belonging to the electronic wallet, i.e., the retailer L brand electronic value token (#22), and, as necessary, a sufficient amount of preferred electronic value tokens #21, #20, etc. for retailer Q electronic value tokens to satisfy the amount of the original transaction. Upon receiving the electronic value token exchange request, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 communicates with the electronic value token exchange program 2000 (which is part of the overall electronic value token transaction processing system 100, 1100 or 1200) to carry out the requested electronic value token exchange. The requested electronic value token exchange takes place, the electronic wallet receives the requested retailer Q brand electronic value token, which is simultaneously used in carrying out the original transaction, and the electronic wallet passes the retailer L brand electronic value token to the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (or makes it unavailable for use and only available for modification), in this case with actual value in excess of the requested retailer Q brand electronic value token.Thus, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 modifies the value of the retailer L brand's electronic value token (either internally or via communication with the retailer L brand's electronic value token issuance system) to reflect the value reduction based on the provided retailer Q electronic value token, derives an exchange rate for exchanging the retailer Q brand's electronic value token for the retailer L brand's electronic value token (as more fully discussed herein), communicates the transaction information to all interested parties, and returns the retailer L brand's value token with its modified value to the user's electronic wallet (or makes it available again). In an alternative embodiment, the electronic value token exchange rules of the electronic wallet could provide for the electronic wallet to query the electronic value token transaction computer 150 regarding the best available exchange rate for the electronic value token belonging to the electronic wallet, and to make the exchange based on the best exchange rate rather than the ranking of the electronic value tokens.

[0046] 2A illustrates an exemplary electronic value token transaction processing system 100 according to one embodiment. As shown, the electronic value token transaction processing system includes: (a) at least one POS device 111; (b) an electronic wallet processing system, for example, an electronic value token transaction computer 150; (c) a data store 180 including an electronic wallet unit 199 that stores electronic value tokens, for example, 804, 827, 828, and 829, such as account numbers, electronic wallet account information, value-added award status ("value-added award" is synonymous with "value-added bonus," "value-added bonus award," "value-added award bonus," and "value category" in this specification), and other information related to adding, redeeming, and managing electronic value tokens; (d) at least one individual issuer authentication system 160; and (e) any other units included in the system by the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151. In one embodiment, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 includes a value-added determination unit 153, a POS ("POS") interface 152, a message modification unit 154, an adjustment unit 155, an issuer system interface 156, an authentication unit 157, and a sorting unit 198. In an embodiment, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (or a unit thereof, such as the sorting unit 189) further includes a token exchange interface that can communicate with an electronic value token exchange program 2000. The POS interface 152 provides a means for the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to communicate with the POS device 111, for example, via the Internet (public switched telephone network ("PSTN") or a separate dedicated network). Similarly, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may communicate with the issuer's authentication system 160, for example, via the Internet (public switched telephone network ("PSTN") or a separate dedicated network), via the issuer system interface 156.Communications 106, 107 between the POS interface 152 and the POS device 111 and communications 109, 110 between the issuer system interface 156 and the issuer's authentication system 160 may be encrypted for added security and / or utilize a virtual private network ("VPN"). The sorting unit 198 may sort various types of communications for routing in various ways. For example, the sorting unit 198 may identify and sort electronic wallet and / or sub-purse requests (e.g., upon receiving authorization information in a transaction request, the sorting unit 198 can route the requested transaction to a specific electronic wallet maintained by the system and / or to a specific sub-purse or sub-purses associated with the electronic wallet), balance inquiry requests, registration requests, activation requests, redemption requests, and management requests for routing to the various units of FIG. 2A. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 or the sorting unit 198 may also generate messages based on the requests for similar routing.

[0047] 2A, at POS device 111 (typically located at a vendor and / or redeeming merchant or retailer, or alternatively, for example, at a kiosk 189 during an online transaction or at a user's home or office where a personal computer is configured to function as a POS), the authentication token is interpreted by POS interpretation unit 101 (e.g., a card reader). POS interpretation unit 101 may include a human, barcode scanner, magnetic strip reader, optical character recognition device, biometric device, numeric keyboard (e.g., for entering a token identification number), or other device configured to interrogate, interpret, capture, or enter data coded in or to the authentication token.

[0048] Approximately simultaneously with (or alternatively, before or after) the interpretation of the authentication token, a request for an e-wallet transaction is made by the point-of-sale transaction unit 104. The POS transaction unit 104 may include a person, an electronic input device, a register or terminal, a computer processing unit ("CPU"), a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (e.g., a smartphone), or other means of requesting or sending a message that is interpreted by the POS interpretation unit 101 and / or the POS processing unit 105. In some embodiments, the operations performed by the POS interpretation unit 101 and the POS transaction unit 104 may be performed by a single unit capable of performing both operations that would be performed by a personal unit, e.g., a POS register / terminal or a personal computer during an online web-based transaction.

[0049] The POS interpretation unit 101 and the POS transaction unit 104 communicate with a POS processing unit 105. The POS processing unit 105 may include a CPU or other type of processing device acceptable for use in industry. The POS interpretation unit 101 communicates authentication information 102 to the POS processing unit 105. The POS transaction unit 104 communicates a request 103 for an electronic wallet transaction to the POS processing unit 105. The POS processing unit 105 may combine this information and communicate it to an electronic value token transaction computer 150 (e.g., conveying a message requesting an electronic wallet transaction along with associated transaction and / or authentication data). In one embodiment, the POS processing unit 105 stores and / or receives from the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (or a unit related thereto, such as a sub-administrator or sub-wallet manager) a transaction format associated with a POS retailer and / or associated with a given transaction type and / or value token, and uses such transaction format to format a transaction request or message and prompt the user for further information or other data to be collected or transmitted / received at the POS. For example, a user making a purchase at a retailer operates a card reader. The card reader may display an input device and a barcode reader or magnetic strip scanner. The card reader may be touch-sensitive and may have various buttons used for input. After the card reader prompt, the user sees the options "Debit," "Credit," and "E-Wallet." The user selects "E-Wallet." The user then sees the options "Purchase," "Add Token," and "Remove Token." The user selects "Purchase." After further prompts (which in some embodiments relate to a transaction format specific to the particular retailer at the POS), the user enters a PIN number.In some embodiments, the operations performed by the POS interpretation unit 101, the POS transaction unit 104, and the POS processing unit 105 may all be performed by one unit (e.g., an integrated POS device such as a computerized register) that can perform all of the operations that would be performed by a personal unit.

[0050] The POS processing unit 105 can be connected to the electronic value token transaction computer 150 via an appropriate network (e.g., the Internet, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or an independent dedicated network). Each POS processing unit 105 has an associated identifier (e.g., a terminal identification name or number) that can be communicated to the electronic value token transaction computer 150 in the process of connecting the POS processing unit 105 to the electronic value token transaction computer 150. Each POS processing unit 105 may include multiple POS transaction units, each corresponding to a personal terminal with its own terminal identification, present, for example, within a given store location.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the electronic value token transaction computer 150: (a) forms a secure connection with the retailer / merchant and / or vendor (e.g., via the POS device 111, customer internet connection, or kiosk 189), the issuer's authentication system 160, and any other entity 190 authorized by the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151 to access the electronic value token transaction computer 150; (b) communicates with the issuer's authentication system 160 to request and receive redemption or addition of value tokens to the electronic wallet; and (c) communicates with the issuer's authentication system 160 to manage the electronic value tokens associated with the electronic wallet. (d) generating and maintaining a transaction log 170 of all activities performed; (e) generating and maintaining an error log 175 of all activities that failed to be completed and therefore the reasons; (f) communicating to the retailer / merchant and / or vendor (e.g., via the POS unit 111) the redemption or addition of the value token to the electronic wallet and any information accompanying the redemption or addition of the value token to the electronic wallet; and (g) communicating to the retailer / merchant and / or vendor (e.g., via the POS unit 111) any reasons why the transaction could not be completed.

[0052] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 may include a single processing unit (e.g., a centralized server), multiple processing units (e.g., a distributed computing system with various units distributed and in communication with each other), or a combination thereof, with associated storage capabilities, each capable of or designated for the following: accessing a data store 180; creating a transaction log 170; creating and maintaining an error log 175; communicating with retailers / merchants and / or vendors, for example at a point of sale, including via the Internet for online transactions; communicating with the issuer's authentication system 160; processing personal value token and electronic wallet requests; processing redemption requests; processing value-added functions to add additional value or to add electronic redemption coupons for specific product(s) or service(s); processing redemption requests for electronic redemption coupons for specific product(s) and / or service(s); and communicating with other systems 190 that can communicate with and are authorized to communicate with the electronic value token transaction computer 150.

[0053] The data store 180 maintains a record of the account associated with each electronic wallet indicating: (a) whether each individual value token has been added or redeemed, (b) whether an authentication token has been registered, (c) a record and details of each individual redemption request, (d) the amount remaining in the electronic value token, (e) the rules required to redeem the electronic value token, (f) the identity of the issuer of the electronic value token, (g) the value-added bonus award, (g) the rules for redeeming the value-added bonus award, and (h) any combination thereof. The data store may also maintain a record of the rules required to grant the value-added bonus award to the electronic wallet or value token.

[0054] The data store 180 also maintains records associated with each electronic wallet and / or sub-wallet indicating: (a) the timing of registration activities and other related information; (b) the timing of administrative activities and other related information; (c) the timing of transaction activities and other related information; (e) applicable regulations; (f) the identification of the issuer electronic value token therein; (f) the identification of the sub-wallets associated therewith; (h) any other records required by the issuer, merchant, vendor, advertiser, user or other interested party; and (i) any combination thereof. Although a single data store 180 is shown, it should be understood that multiple data stores may be used, with related data divided among the data stores in any appropriate manner to accommodate the various processes and purposes described herein. Additionally, various data may be associated with one or more data stores connected to and / or located near one or more sub-units, sub-processors, third-party processors and the like associated with the electronic value token transaction computer 150, such data stores preferably containing data used by such sub-units, sub-processors and third-party processors.

[0055] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 is also configured to generate and maintain a transaction log 170 of all activity involving the electronic value token transaction computer 150. The transaction log may include a detailed summary of transaction types such as: (a) requested value token additions; (b) requested value token sales; (c) requested value token redemptions; (d) requested value token exchanges; (e) financial amounts attributed to value token additions; (f) financial amounts attributed to value token redemptions; (g) monetary values ​​attributed to value token exchanges; (h) amount of value added, product or service additions; (i) amount of value added, product or service redemptions; (j) when electronic value tokens were added; (k) when electronic value tokens were redeemed; (l) the time for adding value tokens. (m) transactions or communications with an issuer to redeem a value token; (n) a PIN communicated to a vendor in response to a request to attach a value token that requires entry of a PIN for use; (o) electronic wallet registration; (p) electronic wallet setup activity; (q) electronic wallet transaction activity; (r) electronic wallet savings activity; (s) electronic wallet management activity; (t) any other information that the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151 directs the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to maintain as a log entry; and (u) any combination thereof.

[0056] The information contained in the transaction log 170 may be used for data mining purposes, such as to generate reconciliation reports, inheritance reports, payment reports, audit reports, electronic wallet registration reports, electronic wallet management reports, electronic wallet usage reports, electronic wallet savings reports, electronic value token purchase reports, electronic value token redemption reports, electronic value token exchange reports, electronic value token sales reports or other forms of information aggregation for the benefit of, use by, or provision to the electronic value token transaction administrator 151, the data store administrator 181, vendors, issuers, issuer's authentication system 160, redeeming retailers, or other interested parties. For example, the transaction log 170 contains information about each transaction made by the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (and any subcomponents thereof) and may be used by the reconciliation unit 155 when reconciling accounts belonging to various vendors, retailers, issuers, and electronic value token transaction processing system administrator(s). Additional data mining issues that may be recorded, analyzed, and / or provided to interested parties (e.g., vendors, retailers, issuers, advertisers, etc.) include data on (i) the purchasing habits of electronic wallet users; (ii) electronic value token purchases, sales, redemptions, and exchanges; (iii) special offers and / or value-added activity; (iv) loyalty-related activity; and (v) savings-related activity, all of which may be used for marketing, inventory, and other purposes.

[0057] Management and maintenance of the electronic value token transaction computer is performed by an electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151. Although not required, in an alternative embodiment, the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151 may also function as the data store administrator 181. Accordingly, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 is configured to generate and maintain an error log of all transactions that were not completed and the reasons for such. In some embodiments, the error log is managed by the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151.

[0058] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 is also configured to provide permission to access the electronic value token transaction processing system and to communicate with other entities 190 that are specifically given permission to access the electronic value token transaction computer 150. These other entities may include a third-party payment management system, a third-party audit system, an issuer-related entity, a vendor-related entity, a redeeming retailer or a redeeming retailer-related entity, a financial institution such as a bank, a credit card agency or a credit union, or any other entity to which access is provided by the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151 or other entity authorized to authenticate access.

[0059] A transaction request from a POS device 111 or other access point associated with an electronic wallet may include one or more of the following pieces of information: (a) authentication information, (b) POS terminal identification, (c) amount to be credited or debited, (d) time of request, (e) date of request, (f) issuer identification, (g) vendor identification, (h) vendor location, (i) identification of product(s) or service(s) being purchased, (j) activation or deactivation request, (k) wallet management functions such as adding value tokens, deleting value tokens, exchanging value tokens, change control or processing rules associated with one or more value tokens, distributing a wallet to sub-wallets or vice versa, etc., (l) and any combination thereof. However, the information included in the request is not limited to the enumerated list and may include other items in addition to or instead of the items enumerated above.

[0060] Upon receiving an electronic wallet transaction request from the POS and the corresponding sorting by the identification and sorting unit 198, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 accesses the electronic wallet unit in the data store 180. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 processes the information contained in the data store 180 and communicates 109, 110 with the personal issuer authentication system 160 to perform management of electronic value tokens and corresponding accounts. The message modification unit may adjust the message and request so that multiple units, subcomponents / processors, or third-party administrators can recognize and correctly interpret the message. For example, after the electronic value token transaction computer 150 determines the personal issuer authentication system 160 associated with the request, the message modification unit 154 accesses the database 180 to determine the appropriate transaction message transmission format for the personal issuer authentication system 160, and then formats subsequent communications to said personal issuer authentication system 160 using the transaction format and vocabulary specific / preferred by the personal issuer authentication system 160. The communication between the individual issuer authentication system 160 and the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may occur simultaneously or independently. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 can be connected to the individual issuer authentication system via an appropriate network (e.g., PSTN, the Internet, or a separate dedicated network). The electronic value token transaction computer 150 is configured to send and / or receive communications 110 from the issuer authentication system 160 regarding the status of the electronic value token.

[0061] The reconciliation unit 155 adjusts the accounts of various issuers, sales vendors, and / or redeeming retailers to credit and debit the appropriate retailers, vendors, electronic value token transaction processing system administrators, and issuers with the value of various transactions to reflect which entities received value from which other entities. For example, when vendor A sells tokens issued by issuer B for value for a specified amount and receives payment from a user who adds the electronic value token to the user's electronic wallet, the sales vendor receives (e.g., keeps) a percentage of the purchase amount and / or a predetermined amount, the electronic value token system administrator receives (e.g., keeps) a percentage of the purchase amount and / or a predetermined amount for processing the transaction, and the issuer receives the remainder. When a value token issued by issuer Y is redeemed at retailer X to purchase an item, the amount redeemed is debited to issuer Y and credited to retailer X, sometimes minus a transaction fee collected by the issuer and / or a transaction or processing fee collected by the electronic value token transaction processing system administrator.

[0062] The authentication unit 157 is utilized when the electronic value token transaction computer 150 is also an authorization system so that the electronic value token transaction computer 150 authorizes the electronic wallet request rather than transmitting the request to the issuer's authentication system 160 for authentication. The authentication unit 157 performs the same and / or different functions as described for the authentication system 160, and vice versa.

[0063] The authentication unit 157 will verify the formatting of electronic wallet transaction requests (e.g., primary or sub-purse) received from the POS processor 105 (or other transaction-generating device / component / processor). In other words, the authentication unit 157 will examine the data fields of the request to ensure that the fields are occupied with data and that the data is in the correct format (e.g., length, alphanumeric format). If the request is improperly formatted, the authentication unit 157 may reject the request or, in some embodiments, may retrieve the proper format (e.g., from a format database) and modify the transaction request to conform to the proper format. The authentication unit 157 also performs various validation checks on the request. The authentication unit 157 verifies card-related transaction information based on an analysis of several criteria, such as: 1) for the electronic value token transaction processing system 100, determining that a UPC code for the product exists in the data store 180 (or other database, such as the issuer's database); 2) determining that the value amount of the requested transaction corresponds to the customer's payment for the subject transaction request, e.g., whether the UPC information identifies the card as a $25.00 card and the corresponding transaction request includes a payment of $25.00 by the customer; 3) determining that the UPC information identifies the card as being of a type that is available for processing by the requesting retailer; and 4) determining that the card's bank identification number ("BIN") (i.e., the first six digits of the card's identification number), which identifies the card issuer, corresponds to the UPC information identifying the card issuer.

[0064] The authentication unit 157 may also verify transactions based on other criteria, such as transaction circulation rate (number / amount per unit time). For example, if a card processor is concerned that multiple invalid transactions indicate fraudulent activity, the card processor may require the electronic value token transaction processing system 100 to monitor the invalid number of transactions requested and reject transactions from terminals that exceed a preselected amount of invalid transactions per unit time. Finally, the authentication unit 157 may be configured to reject transaction requests in the event that the information received by the authentication unit 157 is difficult to understand.

[0065] If the request is properly formatted and verified as described above, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may transmit transaction details to the issuer's authentication system rather than an authorization request. Also, in some embodiments, the issuer, the authorization system (e.g., the authentication unit 157), and the transaction computer are part of the same entity, and in such embodiments, there will be no issuer's authentication system 160, or the issuer's authentication system 160 will be under common control with other units of the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (e.g., a publicly owned and operated computing system, which may be centralized (e.g., part of a centralized data center) and / or distributed within a publicly owned or controlled system or network). Furthermore, it should be noted that although the units associated with the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (e.g., units 152-157) are shown as various units within a single data processing system for illustrative and conceptual purposes, one or more of the units 152-157 may execute on separate computers, systems, or servers in a distributed processing environment.

[0066] An exemplary process utilized by the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to facilitate a purchase using an electronic wallet according to a primary electronic wallet transaction processing aspect is shown in Figure 4A. Such an aspect may be illustrated by an electronic wallet transaction processing request initially received and subsequently made by the electronic value token transaction processing system 100. The actions shown may be performed in the order shown or in a different order, and two or more actions may be performed in parallel.

[0067] In block 302, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 receives a request or multiple requests from a POS terminal. In at least one embodiment, the request may include an electronic wallet transaction request, a balance inquiry request, a registration request, an activation or redemption request, or a wallet management request, and may include one or more of the following: (a) terminal identification, (b) authentication information, (c) purchase amount, (d) electronic value token issuer identification, (e) vendor identification, (f) location identification, (g) request time, (h) request date, (i) information that clearly identifies the request as an electronic wallet transaction request (e.g., transaction type data); (j) information identifying a primary electronic wallet, a sub-wallet, or a combination thereof; (k) any other transaction and / or authentication data described herein; and (l) any combination thereof. The request in block 302 may include other information, requests, or functions, for example, of the type described herein, in addition to or instead of the items listed above. In at least one embodiment, the authentication information is based on an authentication token selected from the group consisting of a proxy card and a mobile phone. Using the identity of the electronic value token issuer, the transaction can be correctly formatted for communication with the electronic value token issuer.

[0068] In block 304, using information contained in the electronic wallet transaction received from the POS device 111 and / or information obtained from the data store 180, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 determines whether the request is an electronic wallet request that includes valid authentication information, and whether the request is for redeeming value token(s), adding value token(s), deleting value token(s), or managing the electronic wallet. The electronic wallet request may include a bank identification number ("BIN") located on the proxy card as part of the authentication information. The sorting unit may decode the BIN number or otherwise verify that the request is an electronic wallet request.

[0069] In block 324, using information contained in the received electronic wallet transaction from the POS device 111 and / or from information obtained from the data store 180, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 identifies / determines the primary electronic wallet, sub-wallet(s) and / or location of said electronic wallet or sub-wallet(s) required to fulfill the indicated / received electronic wallet transaction request. If the received authority information indicates that the requested electronic wallet transaction involves a primary electronic wallet, a sub-wallet, or a combination thereof maintained by the electronic value token transaction computer 150, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may (i) apply its own logic to the request; (ii) apply rules stored in the primary wallet (e.g., rules established by an electronic value token transaction processing system administrator, a primary electronic wallet user, or a combination thereof); (iii) apply rules stored in a sub-wallet (e.g., rules established by an electronic value token transaction processing system administrator, a sub-wallet user, or a combination thereof); (iv) apply rules received along with the request from the POS111 (e.g., concurrent rules submitted in the request by a primary electronic wallet / sub-wallet user); (v) or any combination thereof.

[0070] For example, one embodiment may include an electronic value token transaction computer 150 that determines that all requests relate to value tokens contained in the primary electronic wallet. Upon receiving a request, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 will query its authentication unit 157 (as more fully described herein), its data store 180, the electronic wallet unit 199, and any other necessary units to determine whether the primary electronic wallet contains a value token that can fulfill the target request (e.g., whether the primary electronic wallet contains a value token associated with the vendor (merchant) and / or issuer related to the requested transaction). Such a determination may be made by comparing the electronic value token identification, the user ID, and the requested transaction type. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 will then evaluate whether the electronic value tokens available in the primary electronic wallet corresponding to the request apply under the rules of the primary electronic wallet or the requested rules, and perform or refuse to perform the requested transaction(s).

[0071] Another embodiment may include the electronic value token transaction computer 150 determining that all requests relate to value tokens contained in the sub-purse. Upon receiving a request, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 will query its authentication unit 157 (as more fully described herein), its data store 180, the electronic wallet unit 199 and any other necessary units to determine whether the sub-purse contains a value token capable of fulfilling the request (e.g., whether the sub-purse contains a value token associated with the vendor (merchant) and / or issuer related to the requested transaction). Such a determination may be made by comparing the electronic value token identification, the user ID, and the requested transaction type. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 will then evaluate whether the electronic value tokens available in the sub-purse corresponding to the request apply under the rules of the primary electronic wallet or the requested rules, and whether it will perform or refuse to perform the requested transaction and / or transactions.

[0072] In another example, an embodiment may include the electronic value token transaction computer 150 determining that a portion of all transaction requests relate to electronic value tokens belonging to the primary electronic wallet, while a portion of the transaction requests relate to electronic value tokens belonging to a sub-wallet(s). Such a determination may be made by evaluating the requested transaction type, electronic value token identification, or any other method for determining transaction allocation. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 will evaluate the manner in which electronic value tokens available in the primary electronic wallet corresponding to the request would be applied under the rules of the primary electronic wallet (as these rules may affect the payment method used for items located in the primary electronic wallet), the manner in which electronic value tokens available in any applicable sub-wallets corresponding to the request would be applied under the rules of such sub-wallets and / or the requested rules, and will perform or refuse to perform the requested transaction and / or transactions.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, in block 324, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may, in response to a received transaction request, identify one or more value tokens of the primary electronic wallet or one or more electronic value tokens of the sub-wallet that, when used together, will cover the entirety of the requested electronic wallet transaction. Moreover, one of the electronic value tokens located in the primary electronic wallet or the sub-wallet may be an electronic representation of a patron card, and another electronic value token located either in the same or a different location on the patron card value token may be an electronic representation of a retailer gift card. In such an example, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may effectuate the simultaneous use of the "Loyalty Card" token and the "Retailer Gift Card" token regardless of the location of the tokens in the primary electronic wallet and / or sub-wallet(s), allowing for enhanced user benefits, e.g., a 5% increase in the value of the "Retailer Gift Card" token or the loyalty points bonus applied to the "Loyalty Card" token for use of the "Retailer Gift Card" token, as opposed to not simultaneously applying the value of the "Retailer Gift Card" token and the "Loyalty Card" token for the transaction.

[0074] A value token may be associated with a closed-loop account or an open-loop account. Closed-loop accounts typically expire, e.g., gift card accounts, after funds in the account are depleted. Open-loop accounts typically do not expire. Rather, there are typically pending obligations with various entities that credit and debit the account, e.g., a branded credit or debit card account such as Visa or Mastercard. Closed-loop accounts are often directly associated with a retailer, while open-loop accounts are often associated with a financial institution (e.g., Visa issued by Chaze or Citi). In at least one embodiment, an electronic value token includes a closed-loop account number and an open-loop account number. The closed-loop account number is associated with a retailer that can debit or credit the closed-loop account associated with the closed-loop account number. The open-loop account number is associated with a financial institution that can debit or credit the open-loop account associated with the open-loop account number. An electronic value token may have an expiration date or designated date of use that is different from any other value token. Furthermore, an electronic value token may identify a particular merchant, location, and / or product for which the electronic value token may be used.

[0075] If the request is for a value token addition, an electronic wallet is created (if not previously created) and the electronic value token is added to the electronic wallet in block 306. The following table includes elements, parameters and information that are included in an electronic wallet transaction communication and that are used by the electronic value token transaction processing system 100 to facilitate and complete the electronic wallet transaction.

[0076] Table 1A illustrates the request parameters required to create a wallet in at least one embodiment. Table 1B illustrates the response parameters required to create a wallet in at least one embodiment. [Table 1A] [Table 1B]

[0077] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 preferably allocates memory to the electronic wallet and value token, and associates the account number with the electronic wallet and / or stored authentication information in the electronic wallet unit 199 by storing pieces of information in data structures on the data store 180. Table 2 illustrates parameters for a gift card value token in at least one embodiment. [Table 2]

[0078] Table 3 illustrates more detailed parameters for a gift card electronic value token in an alternative embodiment, including the names of associated wallets and / or sub-wallets. [Table 3]

[0079] However, the request may be modified for other reasons unrelated to the added token determination and sent to the appropriate one of the issuer's authentication systems 160 as part of the reconciliation process; for example, the request may be for a redemption, deletion, recharge value, value to be added, balance inquiry, or a combination thereof, each of which would be communicated to the issuer's authentication system 160 for reconciliation.

[0080] Table 4 illustrates the formatting for the authentication communication. [Table 4]

[0081] Each request is authenticated using a signature, the user is authenticated with a username / password or open id, and the session is confirmed using a user token. The client may send the client_ref_id, timestamp, nonce, encryption_type, channel, user_ip, signature, and optionally a usertoken, and each request can be confirmed with a separate message.

[0082] Table 5 illustrates the parameters used to retrieve a user's wallet. [Table 5]

[0083] Table 6A illustrates the request parameters used to redeem value from tokens in a wallet. [Table 6A]

[0084] Table 6B illustrates the response parameters used to redeem value from tokens in a wallet. [Table 6B]

[0085] Table 7A illustrates the request parameters used to load a wallet with value tokens. [Table 7A]

[0086] Table 7B illustrates the response parameters used to load a wallet with value tokens. Table 7B

[0087] If the request is for value token redemption, in block 308, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 accesses the electronic wallet previously determined to be associated with the authentication information and checks the rules associated with the electronic wallet. In at least one embodiment, checking the rules includes checking a value token priority that is variable by the user. For example, the user may prefer to use any closed-loop value token corresponding to the retailer making the purchase request. If none is found, or if no tokens will cover the purchase, the user may prefer to use open-loop value tokens for the remainder. As a result of these priorities, closed-loop value tokens may all have a higher priority than open-loop value tokens. Among open-loop value tokens, one may have a higher priority than the other. For example, the user may prefer to pay any remainder with a credit card rather than a debit card. In at least one embodiment, the user may configure these rules via the Internet or a mobile application and save the priority as the default priority. In an alternative embodiment, a user selects electronic value tokens to apply to an electronic wallet request at a POS device, e.g., at a vendor or retailer location such as a checkout lane, customer service counter, or kiosk. Thus, selecting electronic value tokens includes selecting value tokens with the highest priority that, when used together, will cover the purchase amount. As can be seen in the examples, a single purchase transaction can be split into two redemptions without compromising the efficiency of the purchase. Similarly, one or more electronic wallet transactions can be split into two or more transactions without compromising efficiency. In one embodiment, at least one of the electronic value tokens is associated with a closed-loop prepaid account (e.g., an electronic prepaid gift or stored-value card), and rules associated with the primary wallet trigger sub-transactions that are processed by a third-party administrator associated with the sub-wallet.

[0088] In at least one embodiment, the rules include determining the proportion of the electronic wallet request to which different value tokens should be applied, and applying the electronic value tokens includes applying the electronic value tokens to the electronic wallet request according to the proportion. In block 310, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 then selects, based on the rules, value tokens in the electronic wallet that, when used together, will cover the electronic wallet request. For example, a user may configure rules so that each purchase is divided evenly between two credit cards. Therefore, selecting electronic value tokens includes selecting two open-loop tokens to divide the purchase amount. Similar to the example above, efficiency is preserved because when a single authentication token (e.g., only a proxy card or a mobile device) is used at the POS, two credit cards do not correspond to electronic value tokens. Other rules can be implemented, and rules can be used in various combinations and sequences with each other. The electronic value token transaction processing system can also implement "if-then" rules based on information conveyed in the electronic wallet request. For example, a purchase at a gas station can result in a gas credit card value token selection, etc.In such an embodiment, the electronic value token computer 150 queries the rules 802, 817, 818 and 819 of the target electronic wallet 10 and / or sub-wallets 807 (e.g., for credit card-type electronic value tokens), 808 (e.g., for debit card-type electronic value tokens), and 809 (e.g., for stored value-type electronic value tokens) to determine the transaction type, e.g., the transaction request information, including a purchase at a gas station. The established rule(s) for 09 requests may determine that a transaction type request is first satisfied with a first electronic value token type, e.g., a gas card-related electronic value token 829, and if the target electronic wallet 10 or sub-wallet(s) 807, 808 and 809 does not contain a sufficient amount of the first value token type to satisfy all transaction requests, the electronic value token computer 150 may satisfy the remainder of the transaction request with a second electronic value token type, e.g., a debit card-related electronic value token 828.

[0089] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 also applies the electronic value token to the electronic wallet request. In applying the electronic value token to the request, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 can generate and send credit and debit messages to be made to accounts managed by the retailer and financial institution using the appropriate account numbers, or if the electronic value token transaction computer has such administrative authority, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 can directly credit or debit the accounts.

[0090] In at least one embodiment, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 modifies the request (e.g., applies any required formatting) and sends the modified request to an appropriate one of the issuer's authentication systems 160, which receive the modified request and operate in the same manner, e.g., authenticating and / or processing the request to redeem the electronic value token and updating a data store accordingly. The authentication system 160 is not located in the same location where the electronic wallet request was received in at least one embodiment. For example, if the electronic wallet request was received from a retailer, the authentication system could be owned and operated by the retailer, but would not be at the retailer. Rather, the authentication system could be located in, for example, a data center. Thus, neither the retailer nor the merchant generally needs to know some or all of the contents of the wallet. In at least one embodiment, the merchant is unaware of the existence of the electronic wallet, simply recognizing that some transaction authentication activity was communicated to its POS (e.g., a proxy card attack, a digital personal assistant interaction with a POS device, entry of a PIN via a keypad at the POS, or other authentication activity). In other words, accessing and using the electronic wallet at the POS is seamless and does not require any special or custom operations to process the transaction compared to traditional physical applications. The issuer's authentication system 160 sends a response message back to the electronic value token transaction computer 150. In an alternative embodiment in which the electronic value token transaction computer 150 performs the functions of the issuer's authentication system 160, the method may proceed directly to blocks 306 or 310 through 314.

[0091] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 receives a confirmation message from the appropriate one of the issuer's authentication systems 160 in block 312. In block 314, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 updates the electronic wallet in the electronic wallet unit 199 and data store 180 to reflect that the electronic wallet is activated and to reflect any debits, credits, additions, or deletions to / from the electronic value token(s). Figures 6A-D illustrate a series of user interface screens and prompts in at least one embodiment. For example, a user may refer to the illustrated prompts when managing their electronic wallet via an Internet-connected computer and / or kiosk 189.

[0092] The transaction log 170 may be updated by the electronic value token transaction computer 150 in block 316 to record details about the transaction. The details recorded in the transaction log may include (a) the type, time, and date of the transaction, (b) whether the electronic wallet was activated, (c) if the request was denied, the reason why the electronic wallet was not activated, (d) credits, debits, additions, or deletions to / from the electronic value token(s), (e) changes to rules associated with the electronic value token, (f) identification of the vendor, (g) identification of the issuer, (h) location of the vendor, (i) identification of the terminal that affixes the electronic value token, (j) identification of the entity that grants the electronic value token, and (k) any combination thereof. The transaction log may include other information (e.g., transaction and / or authentication data) in addition to or instead of the items listed above.

[0093] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 then transmits a confirmation message to the POS device 111 in block 318. Before transmitting the confirmation message to the POS device 111, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may modify the confirmation message to include information that can be printed on a receipt for the customer as needed and / or presented on a display to the store employee operating the POS device 111. In block 320, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 reconciles the accounts of various vendors, retailers, issuers, electronic value token transaction processing system administrators, and other entities involved in issuing, selling, offering, redeeming, and selling electronic value tokens, crediting and debiting the appropriate accounts, and in some embodiments, initiating transfers between appropriate deposit accounts belonging to the various entities. Alternatively, account reconciliation may be performed periodically (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) rather than after each transaction. In such embodiments, information from the transaction log 170 may be used to reconcile the various entities involved in the sale or redemption of various value tokens, and therefore, less transfers may be required to be initiated. In some embodiments, the information in transaction log 170 is used to match transactions, such as grouping all transactions from a given location or a given merchant, or grouping by transaction type (e.g., credit, debit, etc.). In various embodiments, the order of the events shown may vary and thus may occur sequentially or simultaneously in any desired order.

[0094] 2B illustrates an exemplary electronic value token transaction processing system 1100 according to an embodiment in which the electronic wallet processing system includes an electronic value token transaction computer 150, functioning as an integrated electronic sub-wallet transaction processor together with a primary electronic wallet transaction processor such as that illustrated by the electronic wallet assembly system 1000. It may further be understood that the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 has the same functions, capabilities, database access, networked communications and operating components as the electronic value token transaction computer 150 described herein, and in some embodiments, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 and its associated components (e.g., the electronic value token transaction processing system 100) may serve as or replace the electronic wallet assembly system 1000. In certain embodiments, the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 may be controlled, maintained, operated, owned, and / or otherwise managed by a common entity or entities that control, maintain, operate, own, and / or otherwise manage the electronic value token transaction computer 150, i.e., the primary electronic wallet transaction processor and the electronic sub-wallet transaction processors share a common controller, maintainer, operator, owner, and / or manager. In certain embodiments, the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 may be controlled, maintained, operated, owned, and / or otherwise managed by an entity or entities that are separate, distinct, and / or unrelated to the common entity or entities that control, maintain, operate, own, and / or otherwise manage the electronic value token transaction computer 150, i.e., the primary electronic transaction processor and the electronic sub-wallet transaction processors do not share a common controller, maintainer, operator, owner, and / or manager.As shown, when functioning in an electronic sub-wallet transaction processing capacity, the electronic value token transaction processing system 1100 includes: (a) an electronic value token transaction computer 150; (b) an electronic wallet aggregation system interface 1052; (c) a data store 180 including an electronic wallet unit 199 that stores electronic value tokens, e.g., 804, 827, 828, and 829, such as account numbers, electronic wallet account information, value-added award status ("value-added award" is synonymous with "value-added bonus," "value-added bonus award," "value-added award bonus," and "value differentiation"), as described in detail herein, and other information related to adding, redeeming, and managing electronic value tokens; (d) at least one individual issuer authentication system 160; and (e) any other units included in the system by the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151. In one embodiment, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 includes: a value-added determination unit 153, an electronic wallet assembly system interface 1052, a message modification unit 154, an adjustment unit 155, an issuer system interface 156, an authentication unit 157, and a sorting unit 198. The electronic wallet assembly system interface 1052 provides a means for the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to communicate with the electronic wallet assembly system 1000, for example, via the Internet (public switched telephone network ("PSTN") or a separate dedicated network). Similarly, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may communicate with the issuer's authentication system 160, for example, via the Internet (public switched telephone network ("PSTN") or a separate dedicated network), via the issuer system interface 156.Communications 116, 117 between the electronic wallet assembly system interface 1052 and the electronic wallet assembly system 1000, and communications 109, 110 between the issuer system interface 156 and the issuer's authentication system 160, may be encrypted for added security and / or utilize a virtual private network ("VPN"). The sorting unit 198 may sort various types of communications for routing in various ways. For example, the sorting unit 198 may identify and sort sub-purse requests (e.g., upon receiving authorization information in a transaction request, the sorting unit 198 can route the requested transaction to a specific electronic sub-purse maintained by the system and / or to a specific subsection or subsections maintained within the electronic sub-purse), balance inquiry requests, registration requests, activation requests, redemption requests, and management requests for routing to the various units of FIG. 2B. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 or the sorting unit 198 may also generate messages based on the requests for similar routing.

[0095] 2B, at POS device 111 (typically located at a vendor and / or redeeming merchant or retailer, or alternatively, for example, at a kiosk 189 during an online transaction or at a user's home or office where a personal computer is configured to function as a POS), the authentication token is interpreted by POS interpretation unit 101 (e.g., a card reader). POS interpretation unit 101 may include a human, barcode scanner, magnetic strip reader, optical character recognition device, biometric device, numeric keyboard (e.g., for entering a token identification number), or other device configured to interrogate, interpret, capture, or enter data coded in or to the authentication token.

[0096] Approximately simultaneously with (or alternatively, before or after) the interpretation of the authentication token, a request for an e-wallet transaction is made by the POS transaction unit 104. The POS transaction unit 104 may include a person, an electronic input device, a register or terminal, a computer processing unit ("CPU"), a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, e.g., a smartphone, or other means of requesting or sending a message that is interpreted by the POS interpretation unit 101 and / or the POS processing unit 105. In some embodiments, the operations performed by the POS interpretation unit 101 and the POS transaction unit 104 may be performed by a single unit capable of performing both operations that would be performed by a personal unit, e.g., a POS register / terminal or a personal computer during an online web-based transaction.

[0097] The POS interpretation unit 101 and the POS transaction unit 104 communicate with a POS processing unit 105. The POS processing unit 105 may include a CPU or other type of processing device acceptable for use in industry. The POS interpretation unit 101 communicates authentication information 102 to the POS processing unit 105. The POS transaction unit 104 communicates a request 103 for an electronic wallet transaction to the POS processing unit 105. The POS processing unit 105 may combine this information and communicate with the electronic wallet integration system 1000 (e.g., convey a message requesting an electronic wallet transaction along with associated transaction and / or authentication data). In one embodiment, the POS processing unit 105 stores and / or receives from the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 (or a unit associated therewith, such as a sub-administrator or sub-wallet administrator, e.g., the electronic value token transaction computer 150) a transaction format associated with a POS retailer and / or associated with a given transaction type and / or value token, and uses such transaction format to format a transaction request or message to prompt the user for further information or other data to be collected or transmitted / received at the POS. For example, a user making a purchase at a retailer operates a card reader. The card reader may display an input device and a barcode reader or magnetic strip scanner. The card reader may be touch-sensitive and may have various buttons used for input. After the card reader prompt, the user sees the options "Debit," "Credit," and "Electronic Wallet." The user selects "Electronic Wallet." The user then sees the options "Purchase," "Add Token," and "Delete Token." The user selects "Purchase." After further prompts (which in some embodiments relate to a transaction format specific to the particular retailer at the POS), the user enters a PIN number.In some embodiments, the operations performed by the POS interpretation unit 101, the POS transaction unit 104, and the POS processing unit 105 may all be performed by one unit (e.g., an integrated POS device such as a computerized register) that can perform all of the operations that would be performed by a personal unit.

[0098] The POS processing units 105 are connectable to the electronic wallet integration system 1000 via an appropriate network (e.g., the Internet, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or a separate dedicated network). Each POS processing unit 105 has an associated ID (e.g., a terminal identification name or number) that may be communicated to the electronic wallet integration system 1000 in the course of connecting the POS processing unit 105 to the electronic wallet integration system 1000. Each POS processing unit 105 may include multiple POS transaction units, each corresponding to a personal terminal with its own terminal identification, present, for example, within a given store location.

[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 2B , the electronic wallet integration system 1000: (a) forms a secure connection with a retailer / merchant and / or vendor (e.g., via a POS device 111), an electronic value token transaction computer 150, and an issuer authentication system 160; (b) communicates with the issuer authentication system 160 to request and receive redemption or addition of value tokens to the electronic wallet; (c) communicates with the issuer authentication system 160 to redeem all or part of the electronic value tokens associated with the electronic wallet; and (d) communicates with the electronic value token transaction processing system 110. 110; (e) to communicate with the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to facilitate transactions with respect to value tokens belonging to the electronic sub-purse maintained by the electronic value token transaction computer 150; (e) to communicate to the retailer / merchant and / or vendor (e.g., via the POS unit 111) the redemption or addition of value tokens to the electronic wallet and any information accompanying the redemption or addition of value tokens to the electronic wallet; and (f) to communicate to the retailer / merchant and / or vendor (e.g., via the POS unit 111) any reasons why a transaction could not be completed.

[0100] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 may include a single processing unit (e.g., a centralized server), multiple processing units (e.g., a distributed computing system with various units distributed and in communication with each other) or a combination thereof with associated storage capabilities, each capable of or designated for the following: accessing a data store 180; creating a transaction log 170; creating and maintaining an error log 175; communicating with the electronic wallet aggregation system 1000; communicating with the individual issuer authentication system 160; Processing personal value token and electronic wallet requests; processing redemption requests; processing value adding functions to add additional value or to add electronic redemption coupons for specific product(s) or service(s), processing redemption requests for electronic redemption coupons for specific product(s) and / or service(s), and communicating with other systems 190 that can and are authorized to communicate with the electronic value token transaction computer 150.

[0101] The data store 180 maintains a record of the account associated with each sub-electronic wallet indicating: (a) whether each personal value token has been added or redeemed, (b) whether an authentication token for the personal value has been registered, (c) a record and details of each personal redemption request, (d) the amount remaining in the electronic value token, (e) the rules required to redeem the electronic value token, (f) the identity of the issuer of the electronic value token, (g) the value-added bonus award, (h) the rules for redeeming the value-added bonus award, and (optionally) any combination thereof. The data store may also maintain a record of the rules required to grant the value-added bonus award to the electronic wallet or value token.

[0102] The data store 180 also maintains records associated with each electronic wallet and / or sub-wallet indicating: (a) the timing of registration activities and other related information; (b) the timing of administrative activities and other related information; (c) the timing of transaction activities and other related information; (d) applicable regulations; (e) the identification of the issuer electronic value token therein; (f) the identification of the sub-wallets associated therewith; (g) any other records required by the issuer, merchant, vendor, advertiser, user or other interested party; and (h) any combination thereof. Although a single data store 180 is shown, it should be understood that multiple data stores may be used, with related data being divided among the data stores in any suitable manner to accommodate the various processes and purposes described herein. Various data may also be associated with one or more data stores connected to and / or located near one or more sub-units, sub-processors, third-party processors and the like associated with the electronic value token transaction computer 150, such data stores preferably containing data used by such sub-units, sub-processors and third-party processors.

[0103] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 is also configured to generate and maintain a transaction log 170 of all activity involving the electronic value token transaction computer 150. The transaction log may include a detailed summary of transaction types such as: (a) requested value token additions; (b) requested value token sales; (c) requested value token redemptions; (d) requested value token exchanges; (e) financial amounts attributed to value token additions; (f) financial amounts attributed to value token redemptions; (g) monetary values ​​attributed to value token exchanges; (h) amount of value added, product or service additions; (i) amount of value added, product or service redemptions; (j) when electronic value tokens were added; (k) when electronic value tokens were redeemed; (l) the time for adding value tokens. (m) transactions or communications with an issuer to redeem a value token; (n) a PIN communicated to a vendor in response to a request to attach a value token that requires entry of a PIN for use; (o) electronic wallet registration; (p) electronic wallet setup activity; (q) electronic wallet transaction activity; (r) electronic wallet savings activity; (s) electronic wallet management activity; (t) any other information that the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151 directs the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to maintain as a log entry; and (u) any combination thereof.

[0104] The information contained in the transaction log 170 may be used for data mining purposes, such as to generate reconciliation reports, inheritance reports, payment reports, audit reports, e-wallet registration reports, e-wallet management reports, e-wallet usage reports, e-wallet savings reports, e-value token purchase reports, e-value token redemption reports, e-value token exchange reports, e-value token sales reports or other forms of information aggregation for the benefit of, use by, or provision to, the e-value token transaction manager 151, the data store manager 181, the e-wallet aggregation system 1000 (e.g., for communication to vendors or other purposes), vendors, issuers, issuer's authentication system 160, redeeming retailers, or other interested parties. For example, the transaction log 170 contains information about each transaction made by the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (and any subcomponents thereof) and may be used by the reconciliation unit 155 when reconciling accounts belonging to various vendors, retailers, and issuers associated with the electronic wallet aggregation system 1000, as well as vendors, retailers, and issuers not associated with the electronic wallet aggregation system 1000, and also the electronic value token transaction processing system administrator 151. Further data mining questions that may be recorded, analyzed, and / or provided to interested parties (e.g., vendors, retailers, issuers, advertisers, etc.) include data about (i) electronic wallet user purchasing habits; (ii) electronic value token purchases, sales, redemptions, and exchanges; (iii) special offers and / or value-added activities; (iv) loyalty-related activities; and (v) savings-related activities, all of which can be used for marketing, inventory, and other purposes.

[0105] Management and maintenance of the electronic value token transaction computer is performed by an electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151. Although not required, in an alternative embodiment, the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151 may also function as the data store administrator 181. Accordingly, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 is configured to generate and maintain an error log of all transactions that were not completed and the reasons for such. In some embodiments, the error log is managed by the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151.

[0106] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 is also configured to provide permission to access the electronic value token transaction processing system and to communicate with other entities 190 that are specifically given permission to access the electronic value token transaction computer 150. These other entities may include the electronic wallet aggregation system 1000, a third-party payment management system, a third-party audit system, an issuer-related entity, a vendor-related entity, a redeeming retailer or a redeeming retailer-related entity, a financial institution such as a bank, a credit card agency or a credit union, or any other entity to which access is provided by the electronic value token transaction computer administrator 151 or other entity authorized to authenticate access.

[0107] In one embodiment, a transaction request from the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 may include one or more of the following pieces of information: (a) authentication information, (b) POS terminal identification, (c) amount to be credited or debited, (d) time of request, (e) date of request, (f) issuer identification, (g) vendor identification, (h) vendor location, (i) identification of product(s) or service(s) being purchased, (j) activation or deactivation request, (k) wallet management functions such as adding value tokens, deleting value tokens, exchanging value tokens, change control or processing rules associated with one or more value tokens, distributing wallets to sub-wallets or vice versa, etc., (l) and any combination thereof. However, the information included in the request is not limited to the enumerated list and may include other items in addition to or instead of the items enumerated above.

[0108] Upon receiving an electronic wallet transaction request from the electronic wallet integration system 1000 and the corresponding sorting by the identification and sorting unit 198, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 accesses the electronic wallet unit in the data store 180. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 processes the information contained in the data store 180 and communicates 109, 110 with the personal issuer authentication system 160 to perform management of electronic value tokens and corresponding accounts. The message modification unit may adjust the message and request so that multiple units, subcomponents / processors or third-party administrators can recognize and correctly interpret the message. For example, after the electronic value token transaction computer 150 determines the personal issuer authentication system 160 associated with the request, the message modification unit 154 accesses the database 180 to determine the appropriate transaction message transmission format for the personal issuer authentication system 160, and then formats subsequent communications to said personal issuer authentication system 160 using the transaction format and vocabulary specified / preferred by the personal issuer authentication system 160. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 may also provide appropriate messaging of formatting information, e.g., templates, to the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 to facilitate the system's processing of information related to the request. Communication between the individual issuer's authentication system 160 and the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may occur simultaneously or independently. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 may be connectable to the individual issuer's authentication system via an appropriate network (e.g., PSTN, the Internet, or a separate dedicated network). The electronic value token transaction computer 150 is configured to send and / or receive communications 110 from the issuer's authentication system 160 regarding the status of the electronic value token.

[0109] The reconciliation unit 155 adjusts the accounts of various issuers, sales vendors, and / or redeeming retailers to credit and debit the appropriate retailers, vendors, electronic value token transaction processing system administrator, and issuers with the value of various transactions to reflect which entities have received value from which other entities. For example, if vendor A sells tokens issued by issuer B for value for a specified amount and receives payment from a user who adds the electronic value token to the user's electronic wallet, the sales vendor receives (e.g., keeps) a percentage of the purchase amount and / or a predetermined amount, the electronic wallet aggregation system 1000 and / or the electronic value token system administrator receives (e.g., keeps) a percentage of the purchase amount and / or a predetermined amount for processing the transaction, and the issuer receives the remainder. When a value token issued by issuer Y is redeemed at retailer X to purchase an item, the amount redeemed is debited to issuer Y and credited to retailer X, sometimes minus a transaction fee collected by the issuer and / or a transaction or processing fee collected by an electronic value token transaction processing system administrator.

[0110] The authentication unit 157 is utilized when the electronic value token transaction computer 150 is also an authorization system so that the electronic value token transaction computer 150 authorizes the electronic wallet request rather than transmitting the request to the issuer's authentication system 160 for authentication. The authentication unit 157 performs the same and / or different functions as described for the authentication system 160, and vice versa.

[0111] The authentication unit 157 will verify the formatting of wallet (e.g., primary or sub-purse) transaction requests received from the electronic wallet assembly system 1000. In other words, the authentication unit 157 will examine the data fields of the request to ensure that the fields are occupied with data and that the data is in the correct format (e.g., length, alphanumeric format). If the request is improperly formatted, the authentication unit 157 may reject the request or, in some embodiments, may retrieve the proper format (e.g., from a format database) and modify the transaction request to conform to the proper format. The authentication unit 157 also performs various validation checks on the transaction request. The authentication unit 157 verifies card-related transaction information based on an analysis of several criteria, such as: 1) for the electronic value token transaction processing system 1100, determining that a UPC code for the product exists in the data store 180 (or other database, such as an issuer's database); 2) determining that the value amount of the requested transaction corresponds to the customer's payment for the subject transaction request, e.g., whether the UPC information identifies the card as a $25.00 card and the corresponding transaction request includes a payment of $25.00 by the customer; 3) determining that the UPC information identifies the card as being of a type that is available for processing by the requesting retailer; and 4) determining that the card's bank identification number ("BIN") (i.e., the first six digits of the card's identification number), which identifies the card issuer, corresponds to the UPC information identifying the card issuer.

[0112] The authentication unit 157 may also verify transactions based on other criteria, such as transaction circulation rate (number / amount per unit time). For example, if a card processor is concerned that multiple invalid transactions indicate fraudulent activity, the card processor may require the electronic value token transaction processing system 1100 to monitor the invalid number of transactions requested and reject transactions from terminals that exceed a preselected amount of invalid transactions per unit time. Finally, the authentication unit 157 may be configured to reject transaction requests in the event that the information received by the authentication unit 157 is difficult to understand.

[0113] If the request is properly formatted and verified as described above, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may transmit transaction details to the issuer's authentication system rather than an authorization request. Also, in some embodiments, the issuer, the authorization system (e.g., the authentication unit 157), and the transaction computer are part of the same entity, and in such embodiments, there will be no issuer's authentication system 160, or the issuer's authentication system 160 will be under common control with other units of the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (e.g., a publicly owned and operated computing system, which may be centralized (e.g., part of a centralized data center) and / or distributed within a publicly owned or controlled system or network). Furthermore, it should be noted that although the units associated with the electronic value token transaction computer 150 (e.g., units 152-157) are shown as various units within a single data processing system for illustrative and conceptual purposes, one or more of the units 152-157 may execute on separate computers, systems, or servers in a distributed processing environment.

[0114] An exemplary process utilized by the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to facilitate a purchase using an electronic wallet pursuant to an electronic wallet transaction with an electronic sub-wallet maintained by a third-party electronic value token transaction computer that maintains a sub-wallet as part of its relationship with a primary electronic wallet transaction system provider is shown in Figure 4B. Such an embodiment may be illustrated by an electronic wallet transaction processing request initially received by the electronic wallet integration system 1000 and partially performed by the electronic value token computer 150. The actions shown may be performed in the order shown or in a different order, and two or more actions may be performed in parallel.

[0115] In block 301, the electronic wallet integration system 1000 receives a request or requests from the POS 111. In at least one embodiment, the request may include an electronic wallet transaction request, a balance inquiry request, a registration request, an activation or redemption request, or a wallet management request, and includes one or more of the following: (a) terminal identification, (b) authentication information, (c) purchase amount, (d) electronic value token issuer identification, (e) vendor identification, (f) location identification, (g) time of request, (h) date of request, (i) information that clearly identifies the request as an electronic wallet transaction request (e.g., transaction type data); (j) information identifying the primary electronic wallet, a sub-wallet, or a combination thereof; (k) any other transaction and / or authentication data described herein; and (l) any combination thereof. The request in block 301 may include other information, requests, or functions, for example, of the type described herein, in addition to or instead of the items listed above. In at least one embodiment, the authentication information is based on an authentication token selected from the group consisting of a proxy card and a mobile phone.

[0116] Following the processing of block 301, the electronic wallet integration system 1000 may process part of the electronic wallet transaction via the electronic wallet integration system 1000, while determining that another part of the requested electronic wallet transaction is to be associated with a sub-wallet maintained by a third party administrator, such as the electronic value token transaction computer 150. If the electronic wallet transaction request information received by the electronic wallet integration system 1000 indicates that the transaction request will require / include a sub-wallet maintained by the third party administrator's system to fully execute the transaction request, and rules applicable to the associated primary electronic wallet maintained by the electronic wallet integration system 1000 so dictate, the electronic wallet integration system 1000 will process the original request, generate a new request, generate a sub-request, or modify the original request and send it to a sub-wallet maintained in association with the primary electronic wallet; for example, the primary electronic wallet will send the original request, the new request, the sub-request, or the modified original request to the electronic value token transaction computer 150 that maintains the indicated sub-wallet. In processing the original request, generating a new request, generating a sub-request, or modifying the original request to send to a sub-purse, the electronic wallet aggregation system 1000 may (i) apply its own logic to the electronic wallet transaction request; (ii) apply rules stored in the primary wallet (e.g., rules expressed by the primary electronic wallet provider, the primary electronic wallet user, or a combination thereof); (iii) apply rules applicable to receiving transaction requests from the POS 111 (e.g., rules of concurrency of requests submitted by the primary electronic wallet and / or electronic sub-purse users); (iv) or any combination thereof.

[0117] In block 303, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 receives a request or multiple requests from the electronic wallet integration system 1000. In at least one embodiment, the request may include an electronic sub-wallet request, a balance inquiry request, a registration request, an activation request, a redemption request, or a sub-wallet management request, and may include one or more of the following: (a) terminal identification, (b) authentication information, (c) purchase amount, (d) electronic value token issuer identification, (e) vendor identification, (f) location identification, (g) time of request, (h) date of request, (i) information that clearly identifies the request as an electronic wallet transaction request (e.g., transaction type data); (j) information identifying the primary electronic wallet, a sub-wallet, or a combination thereof; (k) any other transaction and / or authentication data described herein; and (l) any combination thereof. The request in block 303 may include other information, requests, or functions in addition to or instead of the items listed above, for example, of the type described herein. In at least one embodiment, the authentication information is based on an authentication token selected from the group consisting of a proxy card and a mobile phone. Using the identity of the proxy card and / or mobile phone, the embedded transaction can be correctly formatted for communication with the appropriate electronic value token issuer of the target transaction request.

[0118] Using information received from the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 based on the transaction request and from information obtained from the data store 180, in block 304 the electronic value token transaction computer 150 determines whether the request is an electronic sub-wallet request containing valid authentication information, and whether the request is for redeeming value token(s), adding value token(s), deleting value token(s), or managing the electronic wallet. The electronic wallet request may include a bank identification number ("BIN") located on the proxy card as part of the authentication information. The sorting unit may decode the BIN number or otherwise verify that the request is an electronic wallet request.

[0119] In block 324, using information contained in the received electronic wallet transaction from the electronic wallet aggregation system 1000 and / or from information obtained from the data store 180, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 identifies / determines the sub-wallet(s) and / or location of said electronic wallet or sub-wallet(s) necessary to fulfill the indicated / received electronic wallet transaction request. If the received authority information indicates that the requested electronic wallet transaction involves a sub-purse maintained by the electronic value token transaction computer 150, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may (i) apply its own logic to the request; (ii) apply rules stored in the sub-purse (e.g., rules established by an electronic value token transaction processing system administrator, a sub-electronic wallet user, or a combination thereof); (iii) apply rules stored in a sub-sub-purse (e.g., rules established by an electronic value token transaction processing system administrator, a sub-sub-purse user, or a combination thereof); (iv) apply rules received along with the request from the POS111 (e.g., concurrent rules submitted in the request by a primary electronic wallet / sub-purse user); (v) or any combination thereof.

[0120] For example, one embodiment may include an electronic value token transaction computer 150 that determines that all requests received from the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 relate to value tokens contained in a single sub-purse. Upon receiving a request, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 will query its authentication unit 157 (as more fully described herein), its data store 180, the electronic wallet unit 199, and any other necessary units to determine whether the sub-electronic wallet contains a value token capable of satisfying the target request (e.g., whether the sub-electronic wallet contains a value token associated with the vendor (merchant) and / or issuer related to the requested transaction). Such a determination may be made by comparing the electronic value token identification, the user ID, and the requested transaction type. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 will then evaluate the available electronic value tokens in the sub-electronic wallet corresponding to the request, applying the rules of the sub-electronic wallet or the requested rules, and performing or refusing to perform the requested transaction(s).

[0121] Another embodiment may include an electronic value token transaction computer 150 that determines that all requests received from the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 relate to value tokens contained in a sub-sub-purse. Upon receiving a request, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 will query its authentication unit 157 (as more fully described herein), its data store 180, the electronic wallet unit 199 and any other necessary units to determine whether the sub-sub-purse contains a value token that can fulfill the request (e.g., whether the sub-sub-purse contains a value token associated with a vendor (retailer) and / or issuer related to the requested transaction). Such a determination may be made by comparing the electronic value token identification, user ID, and requested transaction type. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 will then apply the electronic value tokens available in the sub-sub-purse corresponding to the request under the rules of the sub-sub-electronic wallet or the requested rules, and evaluate whether to perform or refuse to perform the requested transaction(s).

[0122] In another example, an embodiment may include the electronic value token transaction computer 150 determining that a portion of a request received from the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 relates to electronic value tokens belonging to a sub-electronic wallet, while another portion of the request relates to electronic value tokens belonging to a sub-sub-wallet. Such a determination may be made by evaluating the requested transaction type, electronic value token identification, or any other method for determining transaction allocation. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 will evaluate the manner in which electronic value tokens available in the sub-electronic wallet corresponding to the request will be applied under the rules of the sub-electronic wallet (as these rules may affect the payment method used for items located in the sub-electronic wallet), and will evaluate whether electronic value available in any applicable sub-sub-wallet corresponding to the request will be applied under the rules of such sub-sub-wallet and / or the rules received from the request, and will perform or refuse to perform the requested transaction(s).

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, in block 324, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may, in response to a received transaction request, identify one or more value tokens of a sub-electronic wallet or one or more electronic value tokens of a sub-sub-wallet that, when used together, will cover the entirety of the requested electronic wallet transaction. Moreover, one of the electronic value tokens located in a sub-electronic wallet or sub-wallet may be an electronic representation of a patron card, and another electronic value token located either in the same or a different location on the patron card value token may be an electronic representation of a retailer gift card. In such an example, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may effect the simultaneous use of the "Loyalty Card" token and the "Retailer Gift Card" token regardless of the location of the tokens in the sub-electronic wallet and / or sub-sub-wallet(s), allowing for enhanced user benefits, e.g., a 5% increase in the value of the "Retailer Gift Card" token or the loyalty points bonus applied to the "Loyalty Card" token for use of the "Retailer Gift Card" token, as opposed to not simultaneously applying the value of the "Retailer Gift Card" token and the "Loyalty Card" token for the transaction.

[0124] An electronic value token may be associated with a closed-loop account or an open-loop account. Closed-loop accounts typically expire, e.g., gift card accounts, after funds in the account are depleted. Open-loop accounts typically do not expire. Rather, various entities that credit and debit the account, e.g., a branded credit or debit card account such as Visa or Mastercard, may have ongoing obligations. Closed-loop accounts are often directly associated with retailers, while open-loop accounts are often associated with financial institutions (e.g., Visa issued by Chaze or Citi). In at least one embodiment, the electronic value token includes a closed-loop account number and an open-loop account number. The closed-loop account number is associated with a retailer that can debit or credit the closed-loop account associated with the closed-loop account number. The open-loop account number is associated with a financial institution that can debit or credit the open-loop account associated with the open-loop account number. An electronic value token may have an expiration date or designated date of use that is different from any other value token. Furthermore, an electronic value token may identify a particular merchant, location, and / or product for which the electronic value token may be used.

[0125] If the request is for an electronic value token addition, an electronic sub-purse is created (if not previously created) and the electronic value token is added to the electronic sub-purse in block 306. The following table includes elements, parameters and information that are included in an electronic wallet transaction communication, for example as part of a concurrent primary electronic wallet transaction processed by the electronic wallet aggregation system 1000, and that are used by the electronic value token transaction computer 150 to facilitate and complete the electronic sub-purse transaction.

[0126] Table 8A illustrates the request parameters required to create a sub-purse in at least one embodiment. Table 8B illustrates the response parameters required to create a sub-purse in at least one embodiment. [Table 8A] [Table 8B]

[0127] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 preferably allocates memory to the electronic sub-purse and value token(s) and associates the account number with the electronic sub-purse and / or stored authentication information in the electronic wallet unit 199 by storing pieces of information in data structures on the data store 180. Table 9 illustrates parameters for a gift card value token in at least one embodiment. [Table 9]

[0128] Table 10 illustrates more detailed parameters for a gift card electronic value token in an alternative embodiment, including the name of the associated sub-purse(s) and / or sub-sub-purse(s). [Table 10]

[0129] However, the request may be modified for other reasons unrelated to the added token determination and sent to the appropriate one of the issuer's authentication systems 160 as part of the reconciliation process; for example, the request may be for a redemption, deletion, recharge value, value to be added, balance inquiry, or a combination thereof, each of which would be communicated to the issuer's authentication system 160 for reconciliation.

[0130] Table 11 illustrates the formatting for the authentication communication. [Table 11]

[0131] Each request is authenticated using a signature, the user is authenticated with a username / password or open id, and the session is confirmed using a user token. The client may send the client_ref_id, timestamp, nonce, encryption_type, channel, user_ip, signature, and optionally a usertoken, and each request can be confirmed with a separate message.

[0132] Table 12 illustrates the parameters used to retrieve a user's wallet. [Table 12]

[0133] Table 13A illustrates the request parameters used to redeem value from tokens in a sub-wallet. [Table 13A]

[0134] Table 13B illustrates the response parameters used to redeem value from tokens in a sub-wallet. [Table 13B]

[0135] Table 14A illustrates the request parameters used to load a purse with value tokens. [Table 14A]

[0136] Table 14B illustrates the response parameters used to load value tokens into a sub-purse. [Table 14B]

[0137] If the request is for electronic value token redemption, in block 308, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 accesses the sub-electronic wallet previously associated with the authentication information and checks the rules associated with the sub-electronic wallet. In at least one embodiment, checking the rules includes checking a value token priority that is variable by the user. For example, the user may prefer to use any closed-loop value token corresponding to the retailer making the purchase request. If none is found, or if no tokens will cover the purchase, the user may prefer to use open-loop value tokens for the remainder. As a result of these priorities, closed-loop value tokens may all have a higher priority than open-loop value tokens. Among open-loop value tokens, one may have a higher priority than the other. For example, the user may prefer to pay any remainder with a credit card rather than a debit card. In at least one embodiment, the user may configure these rules via the Internet or a mobile application and save the priority as the default priority. In an alternative embodiment, a user selects electronic value tokens to apply to an electronic wallet request at a POS device, for example, at a vendor or retailer location such as a checkout lane, customer service counter, or kiosk. Thus, selecting electronic value tokens includes selecting value tokens with the highest priority that, when used together, will cover the purchase amount. As can be seen in the example, one purchase transaction has been split into two redemptions without compromising the efficiency of the purchase. Similarly, one or more electronic wallet transactions can be split into two or more transactions without compromising efficiency.

[0138] In at least one embodiment, the rules include determining the proportion of the sub-electronic wallet request to which different electronic value tokens should be applied, and applying the electronic value tokens includes applying the electronic value tokens to the sub-electronic wallet request according to the proportion. In block 310, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 then selects, based on the rules, value tokens in the electronic wallet that, when used together, will cover the sub-electronic wallet request. For example, a user may configure rules so that each purchase is divided evenly between two credit cards. Therefore, selecting electronic value tokens includes selecting two open-loop tokens to divide the purchase amount. Similar to the example above, efficiency is preserved when a single authentication token (e.g., a proxy card or a mobile device) is used at the POS because two credit cards do not correspond to electronic value tokens. Other rules can be implemented, and rules can be used in various combinations and sequences with each other. The electronic value token computer 150 can also implement "if-then" rules based on information conveyed in the sub-electronic wallet request. For example, a purchase at a gas station may result in a gas credit card value token selection, etc.In such an embodiment, the electronic value token computer 150 queries the rules 802, 817, 818 and 819 of the target electronic wallet 10 and / or sub-wallets 807 (e.g., for credit card-type electronic value tokens), 808 (e.g., for debit card-type electronic value tokens), and 809 (e.g., for stored value-type electronic value tokens) to determine the transaction type, e.g., the transaction request information, including a purchase at a gas station. The established rule(s) for 09 requests may determine that a transaction type request is first satisfied with a first electronic value token type, e.g., a gas card-related electronic value token 829, and if the target electronic wallet 10 or sub-wallet(s) 807, 808 and 809 do not contain a sufficient amount of the first value token type to satisfy the entire transaction request, the electronic value token computer 150 may satisfy the remainder of the transaction request with a second electronic value token type, e.g., a debit card-related electronic value token 828.

[0139] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 also applies the electronic value token to the sub-electronic wallet request. In applying the electronic value token to the request, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 can generate and send credit and debit messages as done to accounts managed by the retailer and financial institution using the appropriate account number, or if the electronic value token transaction computer has such administrative authority, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 can directly credit or debit the account.

[0140] In at least one embodiment, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 modifies the request and sends the modified request to an appropriate one of the issuer's authentication systems 160, which receive the modified request and operate in the same manner, e.g., authenticating and / or processing the request to redeem the electronic value token and updating a data store accordingly. The authentication system 160 is not located in the same location where the electronic sub-purse request was received in at least one embodiment. For example, if the electronic sub-purse request was received from a retailer, the authentication system could be owned and operated by the retailer, but would not be at the retailer. Rather, the authentication system could be located in, for example, a data center. Thus, neither the retailer nor the merchant generally needs to know some or all of the contents of the sub-purse. In at least one embodiment, the merchant is unaware of the existence of the electronic wallet, simply because it recognizes that some transaction authentication activity has been communicated to its POS (e.g., a proxy card attack, a digital personal assistant interaction with a POS device, a PIN entry on a keypad at the POS, or other authentication activity). The issuer authentication system 160 sends a response message back to the electronic value token transaction computer 150. In an alternative embodiment in which the electronic value token transaction computer 150 performs the functions of the issuer authentication system 160, the method may proceed directly to block 306 or 310 to block 314.

[0141] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 receives a confirmation message from the appropriate one of the issuer's authentication systems 160 in block 312. In block 314, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 updates the electronic sub-purse in the electronic wallet unit 199 and data store 180 to reflect that the electronic sub-purse has been activated and to reflect any debits, credits, additions, or deletions to / from the electronic value token(s). Figures 6A-D illustrate a series of user interface screens and prompts in at least one embodiment. For example, a user may refer to the illustrated prompts when managing their electronic wallet via an Internet-connected computer and / or kiosk 189.

[0142] The transaction log 170 may be updated by the electronic value token transaction computer 150 in block 316 to record details about the transaction. The details recorded in the transaction log may include (a) the time and date of the transaction, (b) whether the electronic sub-purse was activated, (c) if the request was denied, the reason why the electronic sub-purse was not activated, (d) credits, debits, additions, or deletions to / from the electronic value token(s), (e) changes to rules associated with the electronic value token, (f) identification of the vendor, (g) identification of the issuer, (h) location of the vendor, (i) identification of the terminal adding the electronic value token, (j) identification of the entity granting the electronic value token, (k) identification of the electronic wallet assembly system 1000 from which the sub-purse request was received, (l) communications between the electronic value token transaction computer 150 and the electronic wallet assembly system 1000, and (m) any combination thereof. The transaction log may include other information in addition to or instead of the items listed above.

[0143] In block 319, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 then forwards the sub-purse transaction result and related information in the form of a confirmation message to the electronic wallet integration system 1000. Before forwarding the confirmation message to the electronic wallet integration system 1000, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 may modify the confirmation message, if necessary, to include information that can be printed on a receipt for the customer and / or presented on a display to the store employee operating the POS device 111. In block 320, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 reconciles the accounts of the various vendors, retailers, issuers, electronic value token transaction processing system administrators, and other entities involved in issuing, selling, and distributing the electronic value token included in the sub-purse request, crediting and debiting the appropriate accounts, and in some embodiments, initiating transfers between appropriate deposit accounts belonging to the various entities. Alternatively, account reconciliation may be performed periodically (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) rather than after each transaction. In such embodiments, information from the transaction log 170 may be utilized to coordinate the various entities involved in the sale or redemption of the various value tokens and therefore the number of transfers required to initiate the transaction. In various embodiments, the order of the events shown may vary and, therefore, may occur sequentially or simultaneously in any desired order.

[0144] Figure 2C illustrates an embodiment of an electronic value token transaction processing system 1200 in which an electronic value token transaction computer 150 communicates with the POS 111 and the electronic wallet assembly system 1000. Thus, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 can function as a primary electronic wallet transaction processor and an electronic sub-wallet transaction processor, as described in detail above with respect to Figures 2A and 2B.

[0145] Electronic wallet management may be implemented through a variety of user interfaces, such as a smartphone application, a personal computer application, a website-based application, a point-of-sale terminal, a dedicated terminal, or the like, in a store or other location such as a kiosk.

[0146] In at least one embodiment, a user can perform electronic wallet management functions (e.g., balance inquiries, loyalty management, and / or other bonus-type programs); exchange of value tokens such as (i) replacing a value token in the electronic wallet with a value token not currently present in the electronic wallet, (ii) exchange between different wallets (such as placing an electronic value token from a sub-wallet configured to allow redemption activity into a sub-wallet configured for savings behavior with limited redemption activity), and (iii) exchange with another user; a number of functions via the World Wide Web from a computer or mobile phone, such as purchasing electronic value tokens to be placed in the electronic wallet; opting in or out of receiving targeted promotional offers and materials; and payment functions such as splitting payment offers between electronic value tokens available in the electronic wallet.

[0147] With respect to potential exchangeability, users may exchange value tokens associated with retailers that the user is likely to frequent for value tokens associated with retailers that the user is likely to frequent. Similarly, users may exchange, sell, gift, or re-gift value tokens or bundles of value tokens with each other.

[0148] Through the electronic wallet management functionality, users can: (i) determine the amount of value associated with each value token, such as reward points, dollar amount, etc.; (ii) check expiration dates on value tokens, purchase value tokens for others as gifts, and receive notifications from specific retailers; (iii) create, register, and delete specific value tokens in or from their electronic wallet; (iv) request that the electronic wallet provide or make available a physical representation of the electronic value token in the user's electronic wallet (e.g., in one embodiment, an on-demand printing service is provided so that the user can print notes, coupons, checks, or other physical representations of the electronic value token at a kiosk 189 or other accessible printing facility); and (v) cause the electronic wallet to send a user-specific value token by using the GPS service of the user's mobile phone or through integration with the user's SMS service.

[0149] In at least one embodiment, a user's electronic wallet is integrated into the user's social networking service, such as Facebook or Twitter. Thus, the user can perform administrative functions or receive value tokens through the social networking platform. Complete or partial information about the user's electronic wallet can also be made available to the user's social networking contacts.

[0150] As illustrated in FIG. 6A, a user may access an electronic wallet system, such as the electronic value token transaction processing system 100 or the electronic wallet aggregation system 1000, via an interactive display page / screen of such system (the interactive display page / screen may be accessed via the user's computer, the user's personal digital assistant or smartphone, a POS terminal, a kiosk 189, or other device). As FIG. 6A shows, a user may create and / or register an electronic wallet or sub-wallet by providing certain requested information and agreeing to certain terms and conditions.

[0151] As shown in Figure 6B, a user may manage their electronic wallet by entering certain card-specific information into an electronic wallet system interactive display page / screen. In one embodiment, a user may register a gift card by entering the gift card brand, card number, expiration date, CVV2 code, and card nickname, and selecting the "Add gift card to my wallet" button on the screen.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 6C, a user is provided with many options for managing the electronic wallet and its contents. For example, as shown, a user may review specific details associated with electronic value tokens (shown as gift cards in FIG. 6C) present in the electronic wallet and / or sub-wallets. Additionally, a user may request that the electronic value tokens be displayed (i) as "last attached" (as shown in FIG. 6C); (ii) as included in various "sub-wallets" (sub-wallets may be categorized or nicknamed, such as "meals," "home improvement," "debit," "credit," "loyalty," etc.); (iii) as highest to lowest remaining value; or (iv) ranked with respect to priority for use.

[0153] Also, as shown in FIG. 6C, the user has the ability to "Add Gift Card," "Add Value," "Redeem Card," and "Sell Card."

[0154] The "Add Gift Card" functionality allows a user to place an electronic value token in the electronic wallet. The "Add Gift Card" selection provides at least two different ways for a user to add an electronic value token to the electronic wallet. First, an electronic value token representing a physical card owned by the user may be added to the electronic wallet. As described with reference to FIG. 6B, selecting "Add Gift Card" and the subsequent mode of such addition may cause the user to be presented with the screen display of FIG. 6B. Thus, the user may add a gift card to the electronic wallet by entering the gift card brand, card number, expiration date, CVV2 code, and card nickname, and selecting the "Add Gift Card to My Wallet" button on the screen. Alternatively, the user may have access to a card reader (e.g., a magnetic stripe reader and / or barcode reader), such as a device attached to the user's computer, personal digital assistant, or smartphone, and may utilize such a device to read information from a physical card in combination with the user's computer, personal digital assistant, or smartphone to enter the card's information into the electronic wallet system for conversion to an electronic value token. Second, an electronic value token representing a physical card not already owned by the user may be added to the electronic wallet. In such an embodiment, when the user selects this option, the user may be presented with a display screen informing the user of all the different types and value amounts of electronic value tokens available for purchase.The validity of an electronic value token for purchases may be based on the electronic wallet system's (e.g., electronic value token transaction processing system 100) relationship with a card issuer, retailer, vendor and / or processor (e.g., GiftCard Mall web-based application such as that offered by BlackHawk Network, which provides users with the ability to select from a variety of different types of gift cards (and various currencies) and have the selected card delivered to the user (or to the user's identified recipient) in any tangible form (via email or other messenger) or delivered electronically (e.g., via the electronic value token transaction processing system)), as will be described in more detail below, or may be based on the electronic wallet system's (e.g., electronic value token transaction processing system 100) ability to access the electronic value token exchange program 2000.

[0155] The "Add Value" functionality allows a user to select an electronic value token and increase the value of said token. Such "refilling," "topping up," or "recharging" of an electronic value token may be performed as described in International Application No. PCT / US11 / 40055, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. For example, when an electronic wallet user wishes to refill / recharge / top up a telecommunications-related electronic value token belonging to the electronic wallet, the user may select "Add Value" on the display screen, which prompts the system to transmit a refill / recharge / top up request to the electronic value token computer 150.

[0156] In a first embodiment of the refill / recharge / top-up scenario, the electronic value token computer 150 approves the request when the telecommunications-associated electronic value token is activated and associated with the telephone number. The electronic value token computer 150 determines the telecommunications account associated with the telephone number and adds the requested refill / recharge / top-up amount to the account. The electronic value token computer 150 sends a response to the request (e.g., indicating that the refill / recharge / top-up amount has been added to the associated account). The electronic value token computer 150 transmits the refill / recharge / top-up transaction request to the telecommunications carrier associated with the telephone number. Upon receiving approval of the refill / recharge / top-up transaction request from the telecommunications carrier, the electronic value token computer 150 modifies the value of the telecommunications-associated electronic value token to reflect the refill / recharge / top-up amount. The electronic value token computer 150 will cause a display accessed by a user to reflect the modification of the value of the electronic value token, or if a refill / recharge / top-up transaction request is not approved, the electronic value token computer 150 will cause a display to inform the user of the result. Although the "add value" functionality has been described with respect to telecommunications-related electronic value tokens, the "add value" functionality is equally applicable and functional for refilling / recharging / top-up electronic value tokens associated with functional debit cards, prepaid service cards, gift cards, etc.

[0157] The "redeem card" functionality allows a user to select an electronic value token and use that token to make a purchase or other transaction. In a "redeem card" scenario, if the entire value of the electronic value token is not used in the redemption transaction, the system will modify / decrement the remaining value of the token and cause a display to inform the user of the decrement in the token's "new" value, while also informing all interested parties regarding the redemption transaction and recording and adjusting any relevant logs accordingly. Alternatively, when the electronic wallet is used in a POS-type transaction situation rather than the electronic wallet management situation described above, the "redeem card" functionality can be invoked automatically via transaction information communicated from the POS and thus can be based on predetermined rules.

[0158] The "Sell Card" functionality allows a user to select an electronic value token and monetize it via offering the card for sale to (i) another electronic wallet user, (ii) an electronic wallet (or sub-wallet) system provider, or (iii) the electronic value token program exchange 2000 (as more fully described herein). In the "Sell Card" scenario, the user will inform the electronic wallet system of the electronic value token that it wishes to sell, select a forum for such sale from a list of available forums, instruct the system as to how the proceeds from the sale should be sent to the electronic wallet (e.g., in the form of an electronic wallet system-branded electronic value token, value attached to other selected electronic value token(s), and / or delivery in hard / tangible form of receipt that the user can present for application (e.g., note, coupon, check, or a combination thereof)), and, if applicable, instruct the system as to a threshold value for the sale of the electronic value token that the user is not prepared to lower, e.g., setting a minimum bid price. The system will execute the desired sales transaction and cause the display to inform the user of the results of the sale of the electronic value token, as well as inform all interested parties regarding the sales transaction, and record and adjust any related logs accordingly.

[0159] Further, as shown in Figure 6C, the user may select "Manage My Rewards," which will take them to a screen showing the user's available options for receiving loyalty or other types of rewards for using the electronic wallet and / or electronic value tokens. The user may also select "Special Offers," which will take them to a screen showing the user any promotional offers available to the user via the electronic wallet. The user may also select "Exchange," which will take them to a screen showing the available options for exchanging electronic value tokens via the electronic wallet.

[0160] In a similar manner as described above with respect to the available electronic wallet management functions and functionality, the kiosk 189 may be connected in at least one aspect and function to the electronic value token transaction computer 150 as a user interface with the electronic wallet transaction system through which the user can access the electronic wallet management functionality.

[0161] The kiosk 189 may be located in a high-traffic location, such as a shopping center, and may perform any electronic wallet management function. For example, a user may create, delete, and change their electronic wallets or sub-wallets. They may also check the balance of electronic value tokens belonging to their electronic wallets and add, delete, refill, recharge, print, and exchange value tokens in their electronic wallets or sub-wallets. In at least one embodiment, the kiosk 189 may reflect transactions available via an electronic wallet management website or the functionality of a personal digital assistant and / or smartphone-enabled electronic wallet. Users may use print-on-demand functionality with these value tokens if a particular retailer does not accept electronic wallet transactions. For example, a user may select a value token to print, and a printer connected to the kiosk 189 will print a physical representation of the selected value token, such as a receipt with a scannable barcode linked to the electronic value token. The physical representation may be a gift card with a magnetic stripe, a paper receipt, or a coupon with a barcode or matrix code (e.g., a QR code), etc. In some embodiments, the kiosk 189 may print a physical card, for example, for an additional printing fee. A user may also use the kiosk 189 to provision and / or partition an electronic wallet (e.g., create sub-wallets). For example, after authenticating the user and identifying the electronic wallet associated with the user, the user may insert their physical stored-value card into the kiosk 189, e.g., a kiosk operated by a machine similar to an automated teller machine or manned kiosk with an appropriate card reader, etc. The kiosk 189 may then convert the physical stored-value card into an electronic value token in the user's electronic wallet. The physical stored-value card may then be retained, destroyed by the kiosk 189, or returned to the user. In one embodiment, the physical stored-value card is not usable by the user after conversion.In another embodiment, a user may have an electronic value token or a physically stored value card. In other words, both would be "active" and available for use. A user may also purchase value tokens and load them directly into a wallet from a kiosk 189.

[0162] In at least one embodiment, a user is associated with multiple electronic wallets. To identify one of the multiple wallets associated with a user, each of the multiple wallets is associated with a unique wallet identification (ID). A database or lookup table, for example, may be used to access the wallet identification. In at least one embodiment, the wallet ID is customizable by the user.

[0163] As referenced with respect to both the primary electronic wallet and sub-wallet aspects described above, the disclosed electronic wallet and sub-wallet method and system provides a user with the ability to add value to electronic value tokens belonging to the electronic wallet and / or sub-wallet. In certain aspects, similar value-adding capabilities and functionality of the immediately described electronic value token transaction processing system 100 are detailed and described in International Application No. PCT / US11 / 20570, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, and such similar value-adding capabilities and functionality may be adapted from the context described in International Application No. PCT / US11 / 20570 to be applied in the present electronic wallet / electronic value token context.

[0164] A customer may be motivated to purchase and / or redeem value token(s) via the value differential between the purchase and redemption value of said value token(s).

[0165] In one embodiment, a value token with a nominal value of $25 may be purchased by a customer for $25, but the electronic value token may be added to an electronic wallet in an amount of $30 - the $25 purchase price plus an additional $5 as an incentive to purchase the electronic value token. Alternatively, rather than adding a cash value to the electronic value token, the electronic value token may be coded with a redemption coupon code for a local product or service. For example, a $15 value token for a coffee shop may have an electronic redemption coupon code for a free shot of syrup of the customer's choice added to any coffee purchased at the coffee shop. The free shot of syrup may be redeemed along with redeeming some or all of the electronic value token amount, or the free shot of syrup may be redeemed separately.

[0166] In another aspect, a value token vendor can provide incentives to customers to redeem their electronic value tokens by adding value in addition to the value of the electronic value token when the customer redeems the electronic value token. For example, a retailer can run a promotion that offers customers an additional $5 credit when they use a value token to make a purchase at one of the retailer's retail stores during a specified period of time.

[0167] As described above, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 communicates with the data store 180 and / or the issuer's authentication system 160. The electronic value token transaction computer 150 may compare one or more of the card identification, terminal identification, vendor identification, and date and time of the activation request included in the transaction request with the data contained in the data store 180 to determine whether the electronic value token to be added / redeemed is appropriate for the added value. For example, a vendor may run a sales promotion to encourage customers to purchase value tokens, and value tokens purchased within a specified period of time may be purchased for a price less than the value specified by the electronic value token description or metadata. Thus, a customer may purchase a $25 value token for some amount less than $25, e.g., $20. In either of the above examples, value differences, such as a bonus added to the redemption value of the value token and a reduction in the purchase price for the specified value of the value token, may be applied equally or unevenly to the bundled value token package and value differences distributed across and / or across the entire electronic value token. Similarly, retailers can collaborate on cross-promotions by securing other retailers' value tokens, in whole or in part, or for specific products or promotions. By choosing to use an electronic wallet at the POS, users can even benefit from promotions they were unaware of. Furthermore, by configuring rules, users can ensure they have the best promotions at various retailers without having to scout out competitors. Thus, retailers can implement and change promotions at a rapid pace, cross-promoting advertising resources with other retailers on a daily or even hourly basis without having to force users to become aware of promotions and without the physical management involved in traditional redemption models, such as cutting coupons, entering various promotional codes, and the like.Additionally, retailers can fine-tune promotions to various market segments to strengthen relationships by catering to the specific needs of the segments.

[0168] The message modification unit 154 modifies the messages 106 and 110 to add value-added information to the messages. For example, if it is determined by the value-added determination unit 153 that the added value token is eligible for a value-added bonus, the message 106 received from the POS device 111 is modified by the message modification unit 154 to include the determined value-added bonus and then sent as message 109 to the appropriate issuer authentication system 160 to authorize the request for the amount plus the value-added bonus specified in the activation request. As another example, if it is determined that the electronic value token is eligible to be purchased at a discount, the message 106 received from the POS device 111 is modified by the message modification unit 154 (and forwarded as message 109) to indicate to the appropriate issuer authentication system 160 that the electronic value token will be added to the electronic wallet for one amount, but that the customer will be charged a smaller amount to reflect the discount associated with the electronic value token.

[0169] In one embodiment, the message modification unit 154 also modifies the message 110 from the specified issuer's authentication system 160 to include any information regarding the value attached to the electronic value token that the POS device 111 can print on a receipt generated for the customer, as well as information that can be shown to the cashier on terminal 101 or 104 that the cashier can communicate to the customer, and such modified message is sent as message 107 to the POS device 111.

[0170] As referenced with respect to both the primary electronic wallet and sub-wallet aspects described above, the disclosed electronic wallet and sub-wallet method and system provides a user with the ability to exchange electronic value tokens belonging to the user's electronic wallet or sub-wallet for electronic value tokens that do not currently belong to the user's electronic wallet or sub-wallet but are available via the electronic wallet's or sub-wallet's transaction system.

[0171] The owner and / or operator of the electronic value token computer 150 may earn revenue through exchange arbitrage-type activities. That is, the owner and / or operator of the electronic value token computer 150 may retain the difference in the current rate between two electronic value tokens, for example, a first electronic value token bought / exchanged and a second electronic value token desired / obtained. In at least one embodiment, the electronic value token exchange computer 150 may instead charge a user transaction fee in lieu of an exchange. The transaction fee may be flat or based on the size of the exchange.

[0172] The electronic value token transaction computer 150 may also charge either or both issuers or retailers associated with the exchange a flat transaction fee or a fee based on the amount of the exchange. These fees may be minimal, but many may be generated. All parties will benefit because the user will receive value tokens that the user would use when exchanging them for value tokens that the user would not otherwise use. Furthermore, one issuer or retailer may eliminate debt or inventory associated with the exchanged value tokens, thereby freeing up capital for other uses. Also, if a customer spends more than the amount of electronic value tokens, the other issuer and / or retailer may gain a customer, retain a loyal customer, or increase revenue.

[0173] As referenced with respect to both the primary electronic wallet and sub-wallet aspects described above, the disclosed electronic wallet and sub-wallet methods and systems provide users with the ability to exchange electronic value tokens located in an electronic wallet and / or sub-wallet for other electronic value tokens not located in said electronic wallet or sub-wallet. Such value token exchanges may be initiated (1) by an electronic wallet user (i) at a point-of-sale (POS), (ii) at a kiosk, (iii) via the user's personal digital assistant or smartphone, (iv) via a web connection to the user's electronic wallet, (v) or any other method of accessing the user's electronic wallet; or (2) by application of electronic wallet rules by an electronic wallet processing system, where the rules are established by (i) the electronic wallet user, (ii) the electronic wallet provider, (iii), or a combination thereof.

[0174] In at least one embodiment, exchanging a first value token associated with a first retailer located in the electronic wallet for a second value token associated with a second retailer not located in the electronic wallet requires the application of an exchange rate. This exchange rate may be applied to the value of the second value token sought to be exchanged, thus reducing the face value of the second value token compared to the value of the first value token for which it is exchanged, or the exchange rate may be applied to some other valued asset located in the electronic wallet (as prescribed by any applicable regulation or directive). The exchange rate may be realized by the electronic wallet processing system and / or shared with designated vendors, merchants, and issuers.

[0175] The exchange rate may be established by an ongoing evaluation program operated by the electronic wallet processing system or affiliated entities, which includes the use of electronic value tokens, gift cards (or other similar devices), acquisition of such electronic value tokens, gift cards (or other similar devices) from other electronic wallet users or other sources, and the establishment of dynamically changing values ​​for all such electronic value tokens and tracking of interest thereon using gift card-type devices available to the electronic wallet processing system for incorporation into the electronic value token exchange program.

[0176] The above electronic value token exchange program can be illustrated by the following consideration: An electronic wallet user can install an electronic wallet associated with a kiosk 189 at a merchant A store. The electronic wallet user connects to the kiosk 189 and provides the kiosk with identification information (e.g., the account ID described in Table 1 herein) for the electronic wallet. The provision of the identification information can be done via manual entry by the kiosk user or can be done automatically via communication between the electronic wallet user's personal digital assistant (or proxy card 200) and the kiosk 189. The electronic wallet user can then use the kiosk 189 to access the electronic value token exchange program of the electronic wallet and further use the kiosk 189 to facilitate and complete any requested electronic value token exchange. In one embodiment, the electronic wallet user can exchange an electronic value token issued and / or authorized by merchant B contained in the user's electronic wallet (or a sub-wallet thereof) for an electronic value token issued and / or authorized by merchant A. An electronic wallet user working in conjunction with the kiosk 189 may present the electronic wallet user with a screen display such as that shown in Figure 6C. In addition to providing the electronic wallet user with the ability to review the contents of the electronic wallet, the display may also allow the electronic wallet user to select an "Exchange" tab from the functionality available to the electronic wallet user. The "Exchange" tab will then present the electronic wallet user with the options available for exchanging electronic value tokens.As illustrated in FIG. 6D, such options may include: (1) viewing a selection of electronic value tokens available for acquisition; (2) viewing a selection of electronic value tokens currently belonging to the electronic wallet; (3) viewing various exchange rates for the identified electronic value token(s) for acquisition calculated taking into account the electronic value token(s) selected to be removed (exchanged) from the electronic wallet (the exchange rate may differ based on the type / retailer of electronic value token(s) selected for exchange); (4) viewing options for meeting the exchange rate (e.g., (i) a decrease in the value of the electronic value token(s) selected for acquisition to meet the exchange rate or (ii) a credit card transaction). (5) selecting an option for sending the electronic value token for acquisition, such as (i) sending to the electronic wallet (or sub-wallet), (ii) sending via email, SMS, social media, or other electronic means to a personal digital assistant or computer, or (iii) printing out a tangible version of the electronic value token at a kiosk or other user-selected printing device (e.g., via printing in a receipt-type function as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 719,741, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference). Each of the described screen view options includes functionality that enables selection of the illustrated option, so that the user can make their desired selection in response to the information provided on each of the above screens. In this example, the user selects that the $25.00 electronic value token belonging to the electronic wallet from Retailer B be exchanged for the Retailer A electronic value token.As a result, the electronic value token exchange program prompts the kiosk 189 to indicate that if the user selects that the exchange rate be applied to the value of the retailer A electronic value token, the requested exchange will result in the user obtaining retailer A electronic value tokens in the amount of $24.75 (the exchange rate will vary for each transaction, and the exchange rate can be any value, for example, $0.001 to $10.00, or any value below, within, or above this range). The user makes such a selection. The electronic value token exchange program prompts the kiosk 189 to indicate the available delivery methods and the user's choice of delivery to the electronic wallet. The electronic value token exchange program prompts the kiosk 189 to display another screen similar to FIG. 6C , but to indicate that the electronic wallet currently contains retailer A electronic value tokens in the amount of $24.75.

[0177] As a result of the above "exchange" transaction, the electronic wallet user received the desired retailer A electronic value token, and the electronic value token exchange program received a $25.00 electronic value token for retailer B. As part of the above transaction, the electronic value token exchange program contacted the retailer A electronic value token issuing entity (e.g., in one embodiment, the issuing entity of the retailer A electronic value token may be the electronic value token exchange program 2000) and requested that a $24.75 electronic value token for retailer A be provided to satisfy the electronic wallet user's request; alternatively, the electronic value token exchange program informed the issuing entity of the retailer A electronic value token that it had already controlled, for example, modified the retailer A $25.00 electronic value token to a value of only $24.75, and that it could reduce the debt associated with the card by $0.25. Furthermore, the electronic value token exchange program 2000 communicates with the issuer of the electronic value token of the retailer B and provides the issuer with the appropriate identification of the $25.00 electronic value token of the retailer B, so that the issuer can remove the $25.00 electronic value token of the retailer B from its list of liabilities. Thus, as a final result, the activity of the electronic value token exchange program may generate a value of $0.25 (the exchange rate, i.e., the difference between the value of the electronic value token obtained by the requesting user and the electronic value token surrendered by the requesting user as part of the exchange) that can be allocated to the interested parties in accordance with the established contractual obligations.

[0178] In an alternative scenario, if the electronic wallet requesting user selects an exchange rate that is satisfied by another asset belonging to the electronic wallet or sub-wallet, such as a credit card electronic value token or a debit card electronic value token, the electronic wallet user will provide $25.00 of Retailer A electronic value tokens that match the $25.00 of Retailer A electronic value tokens surrendered in the transaction, and the $0.25 exchange rate will be realized by charging the credit card electronic value token or debiting the debit card electronic value token. Such an action will be processed by communication between the electronic value token exchange program and the credit card electronic value token or debit card electronic value token, requesting that the $0.25 exchange rate value be paid to the electronic value token exchange program. Therefore, again, the end result will be that the activity of the electronic value token exchange program will have generated a value (exchange rate) of $0.25 that can be allocated to interested parties in accordance with established contractual obligations.

[0179] The above electronic value token exchange transaction (or any described variation thereof) describes the situation at a kiosk 189, but can also be conducted at a point of sale, through a personal digital assistant with electronic wallet functionality, or through a computer with access by the user to an electronic wallet.

[0180] In an alternative electronic value token exchange embodiment, as previously discussed, the electronic wallet may automatically direct the electronic value token exchange activity. For example, an electronic wallet user may manage the electronic wallet such that when the user presents the electronic wallet to fulfill a transaction at a retail establishment, e.g., retailer Q, and the electronic wallet does not contain an electronic value token branded by retailer Q, the electronic wallet automatically and in real time initiates the electronic value token exchange process, and the electronic wallet communicates a request for the electronic value token exchange to the electronic value token transaction computer 150. In this example, the electronic wallet user has managed the electronic wallet such that all electronic value tokens (gift card-type electronic value tokens) associated with the prepaid service are placed in designated sub-wallets, and each of the electronic value tokens is placed / requested / designated in a sub-wallet according to a priority system ranking, for example, from the most preferred electronic value token or token type (e.g., #1) to the least preferred electronic value token or token type (e.g., #22 if there are 22 types of electronic value tokens in the sub-wallet). For example, an electronic value token of a retailer M brand may be designated as the most preferred, and an electronic value token of a retailer L brand may be designated as the least preferred. In a further example, In this case, the electronic wallet has also provided rules by the user instructing the electronic wallet in an environment where the electronic wallet facilitates a transaction with a retailer where the electronic wallet does not contain any of the retailer's electronic value tokens (the electronic wallet will recognize the retailer based on information exchanged between the electronic wallet and the retailer's communication device at the start of the original transaction), such as the retailer Q scenario described above, and the electronic wallet rules instruct the electronic wallet to initiate an electronic value token exchange request and to include in said request the exchange of the least preferred electronic value token belonging to the electronic wallet, i.e., retailer L brand electronic value token (#22) and, as necessary, preferred electronic value tokens #21, #20, etc., for a sufficient amount of retailer Q electronic value tokens to satisfy the amount of the original transaction.When the electronic value token transaction computer 150 receives an electronic value token exchange request, it communicates with an electronic value token exchange program 2000, for example, an electronic value token distributor (which is part of the overall electronic value token transaction processing system 100), to accomplish the requested electronic value token exchange. The requested electronic value token exchange is carried out, the electronic wallet receives the requested retailer Q brand electronic value token, which is simultaneously used in carrying out the original transaction, and the electronic wallet transfers (or makes unavailable for use and available only for modification) the retailer L brand electronic value token to the electronic value token transaction computer 150, which in this case was actually valued in excess of the requested retailer Q brand electronic value token. Accordingly, the electronic value token transaction computer 150 modifies the Retailer L brand electronic value token (either internally or via communication with the Retailer L brand value token issuance registration system) to reflect the value reduction based on the Retailer Q brand electronic value token provided, extracts an exchange rate for exchanging the Retailer L brand value of the Retailer Q brand electronic value token for an electronic value token (as will be discussed more fully herein), communicates the transaction information to all interested parties, and returns the value-modified Retailer L brand electronic value token to the user's electronic wallet (or makes it available for use again).

[0181] In an alternative embodiment, the electronic value token exchange rules of the electronic wallet may provide for the electronic wallet to query the electronic value token transaction computer 150 regarding the best available exchange rate for the electronic value tokens belonging to the electronic wallet, and for the exchange to be made based on the best exchange rate rather than the ranking of the electronic value tokens. Furthermore, the electronic wallet user may subjectively decide which electronic token(s) should be exchanged to satisfy a transaction.

[0182] In one embodiment, the electronic token exchange program 2000 may examine the user's electronic wallet and sub-wallets maintained by the electronic value token transaction computer 150 and may make suggestions for electronic value token exchange(s) to the electronic wallet user(s). For example, as part of the investigation, the electronic token exchange program 2000 may determine based on (i) the history of electronic wallet usage; (ii) the amount of time unused electronic value tokens have belonged to the electronic wallet; (iii) the demand for certain electronic value tokens in the market; (iv) the date of damage to the electronic value token; (v) promotional offers for acquiring electronic value tokens; and (vi) a combination thereof, and suggest to the electronic wallet user that they exchange electronic value token(s) currently belonging to the user's electronic wallet / sub-wallet for electronic value token(s) not currently belonging to the user's electronic wallet / sub-wallet. In one embodiment, the electronic token exchange program 2000 may add suggestions for exchange with various value-added / bonus incentives as previously described herein. In another embodiment, the offer may include an option for the user to place a portion of the exchange value amount in a savings wallet, as will be described more fully below.

[0183] As referenced above with respect to both the primary electronic wallet and sub-wallet aspects, the disclosed electronic wallet and sub-wallet method and system provides users with the ability to specify the location of value tokens belonging to an electronic wallet or sub-wallet, as well as the rules governing the use and / or validity of said electronic wallet and / or sub-wallet. Also as described herein, electronic value token(s) may be transferred from a sub-wallet configured to allow redemption activities (hereinafter designated "fully redeemable") and placed in a sub-wallet configured for savings activities with limited redemption potential (hereinafter designated "saving"). In effect, the system provides for electronic value token(s) to be placed in a "saving" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet when the electronic value token(s) becomes available to the electronic wallet or sub-wallet.

[0184] In some embodiments, electronic value tokens may be designated for and / or placed in certain electronic wallets and / or sub-wallets with rules providing that the electronic wallet or sub-wallet should be used for saving activities and therefore is not readily available for general access or for redemption / exchange activities. In some embodiments, similar saving capabilities, functionality, requirements and limitations of the electronic value token transaction processing system 100 described herein are detailed and set forth in International Application No. PCT / US11 / 49338, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, and such similar saving capabilities, functionality, requirements and limitations may be adapted from the context described in International Application No. PCT / US11 / 49338 as they apply to the present electronic wallet / electronic value token context.

[0185] At least some embodiments allow users to easily redistribute electronic value tokens (e.g., debit card-related electronic value tokens) from a "fully redeemable" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet to a "savings" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet, and vice versa. Users may be limited by regulation to a given number of transfers per calendar month, e.g., six, from a "savings" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet to a "fully redeemable" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet. Users may specify one-time transfers via the electronic wallet system's website, IVR, personal digital assistant or smartphone, or through a customer service representative. Users may also establish and automate transfers between a "fully redeemable" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet and a "savings" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet. To encourage savings, users may be presented with the option of automatically funding a "savings" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet from a "fully redeemable" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet, which may be triggered by various transaction events, including: (a) upon receiving a direct deposit; (b) when a recharge / recharge / top-up transaction occurs; and / or (c) at designated time intervals (e.g., repeated weekly or monthly). Users may choose all, some, or none of the available options. Furthermore, the above events may be processed regardless of the current balance of the "fully redeemable" or "savings" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet. Users may have the ability to select the amount or percentage of electronic value tokens loaded into the "fully redeemable" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet. If users select a time interval for automatic transfer, they will be able to select a preferred date. Users will have the flexibility to update, edit, or otherwise change their automatic funding options at any time. Any negative "fully redeemable" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet may require saving of a "saving" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet before initiating any automatic or one-time transfer.If the automatic transfer cannot be fully funded or cannot be funded at all, any available amount will be taken from the "fully redeemable" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet to the "saving" designated electronic wallet or sub-wallet, and a notice will be provided to the electronic wallet user describing the transaction, after which automatic transfer will continue for the designated transfer option and amount.

[0186] The above electronic value token transaction computer 150 may run on any particular machine with sufficient processing power, memory resources and network throughput capabilities to handle the necessary workload placed on it.

[0187] All or a portion of the systems described above may be implemented on any particular machine or machines with sufficient processing power, memory resources, and throughput capabilities to handle the necessary workload placed on the computer or computers. Figure 5 illustrates a computer system 580 suitable for implementing all or a portion of one or more embodiments disclosed herein. The computer system 580 includes a processor 582 (which may be referred to as a central processing unit, or CPU) connected to memory devices, including secondary memory 584, read-only memory (ROM) 586, and random access memory (RAM) 588, input / output (I / O) devices 590, and network connectivity devices 592. The processor 582 may be implemented as one or more CPU chips.

[0188] It is understood that programming and / or loading executable instructions onto computer system 580 modifies at least one of CPU 582, RAM 588, and ROM 586, transforming computer system 580 into a particular machine or apparatus having novel functionality taught, in part, by the present disclosure. It is fundamental to electrical and software engineering techniques that functionality that can be performed by loading executable software into a computer can be translated into a hardware implementation according to well-known design principles. The decision between implementing a concept in software versus hardware is typically based on considerations of design stability and number of units produced, rather than any issues regarding translation from the software domain to the hardware domain. In general, because it is more expensive to rework a hardware implementation than to rework a software design, designs that are subject to frequent subsequent changes will preferably be implemented in software. Generally, for large-scale manufacturing runs, a hardware implementation will be less expensive than a software implementation, so for stable designs that will be manufactured in large volumes, it will be preferable to implement them in hardware, for example, in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Often, a design may be developed and tested in software form, using well-known design principles, and later converted to an equivalent hardware implementation in an application-specific integrated circuit that hardwires the software instructions. In a similar manner to a machine controlled by a new ASIC being a particular machine or device, a computer that has been programmed and / or loaded with executable instructions may also be viewed as a particular machine or device.

[0189] Secondary memory 584 typically comprises one or more disk drives or tape devices and is used for non-volatile storage of data and as overflow data storage when RAM 588 is not large enough to hold all working data. Secondary memory 584 may be used to store programs loaded into RAM 588 when such programs are selected for execution. ROM 586 is used to store instructions and possibly data read during program execution. ROM 586 is a non-volatile memory device having a small memory capacity compared to that of the larger secondary memory 584. RAM 588 is used to store volatile data and possibly instructions. Access to both ROM 586 and RAM 588 is typically faster than to secondary memory 584. Secondary memory 584, RAM 588 and / or ROM 586 may be applied as computer-readable storage media and / or non-transitory computer-readable media in some circumstances.

[0190] The input / output devices 590 may include a printer, video monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD), touch screen display, keyboard, keypad, switch, dial, mouse, trackball, voice recognizer, card reader, paper tape reader or other well-known input devices.

[0191] The network connectivity device 592 may take the form of a modem, a modem bank, an Ethernet card, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface card, a serial interface, a token ring card, a Fiber Data Distribution Interface (FDDI) card, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) card, a radio transceiver card such as a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), World Wide Web Maximum (WiMAX) and / or other air interface protocol radio transceiver card, as well as other well-known network devices. These network connectivity devices 592 may enable the processor 582 to communicate with the Internet or one or more intranets. In such network communications, it is contemplated that the processor 582 may receive information from a network or output information to a network in the course of performing the method steps described above. Such information, often represented as sequences of instructions executed using the processor 582, may be received from and output to the network in the form of, for example, computer data signals embodied on a carrier wave.

[0192] Such information may include, for example, data or instructions executed using processor 582, and may be received from and output to a network, for example, in the form of a computer baseband signal or a signal embedded in a carrier wave. A carrier may generate a baseband signal or a carrier wave-embedded signal or other type of signal now used or later developed according to several methods known to those skilled in the art. A baseband signal or a carrier wave-embedded signal may be referred to as a transitory signal in some circumstances.

[0193] The processor 582 executes instructions, code, computer programs, scripts that it accesses from a hard disk, floppy disk, optical disk (all of these various disk-based systems may be considered secondary storage 584), ROM 586, RAM 588, or network connectivity device 592. Although only one processor 582 is shown, multiple processors may be illustrated. Thus, while instructions may be discussed as being executed by a processor, the instructions may be executed serially, simultaneously, or otherwise by one or more processors. Instructions, code, computer programs, scripts, and / or data that may be accessed from secondary storage 584, e.g., a hard drive, floppy disk, optical disk, and / or other devices, ROM 586, and / or RAM 588, may be referred to as non-transitory instructions and / or non-transitory information in some circumstances.

[0194] In some embodiments, computer system 580 may include two or more computers in communication with each other, collaborating to perform a task. For example, and not by way of limitation, an application may be distributed in a manner that allows simultaneous and / or parallel processing of the application's instructions. Alternatively, data processed by an application may be distributed in a manner that allows simultaneous and / or parallel processing of different portions of a data set by two or more computers. In some embodiments, virtualization software may be used by computer system 580 to provide the functionality of multiple servers that are not directly tied to the number of computers in computer system 580. For example, virtualization software provides 20 virtual servers on four physical computers. In some embodiments, the functionality disclosed above may be provided by running an application and / or a group of applications in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing may involve providing computing services via network communications using dynamically scalable computing resources. Cloud computing may be supported, at least in part, by virtualization software. A cloud computing environment may be established by an enterprise and / or rented as needed from a third-party provider. Some cloud computing environments may include cloud computing resources that are owned and operated by an enterprise, as well as cloud computing resources that are rented and / or leased from third-party providers.

[0195] In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality disclosed above may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may include one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-usable program code embedded therein for performing the functionality disclosed above. The computer program product may include data structures, executable instructions, and other computer-usable program code. The computer program product may be embodied in removable and / or non-removable computer storage media. Removable computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, paper tape, magnetic tape, magnetic disks, optical disks, solid-state memory chips, such as analog magnetic tape, CD-ROM (CD-ROM) disks, floppy disks, jump drives, digital cards, multimedia cards, and the like. The computer program product may be suitable for loading at least a portion of its contents by the computer system 580 into secondary storage 584, ROM 586, RAM 588, and / or other non-volatile and volatile memory of the computer system 580. Processor 582 may process the executable instructions and / or data structures, in part, by directly accessing a computer program product, for example, by reading it from a CD-ROM disk inserted in a peripheral disk drive of computer system 580. Alternatively, processor 582 may process the executable instructions and / or data structures by remotely accessing the computer program product, for example, by downloading the executable instructions and / or data structures from a remote server via network connectivity device 592. The computer program product may include instructions that facilitate loading and / or copying data, data structures, files and / or executable instructions to secondary storage 584, to ROM 586, to RAM 588, and / or other non-volatile and volatile memory of computer system 580.

[0196] In some circumstances, secondary memory 584, ROM 586, and RAM 588 may be referred to as non-transitory computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media. The dynamic RAM aspect of RAM 588 may likewise be referred to as non-transitory computer-readable media in that dynamic RAM receives power and, by its design, is activated during periods when, for example, computer 580 is turned on and operational, but dynamic RAM stores information written to it. Similarly, processor 582 may include internal RAM, internal ROM, cache memory, and / or other internal non-transitory storage blocks, sections, or components that may be referred to as non-transitory computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media in some circumstances.

[0197] The order of steps in the various processes, data flows, and flowcharts shown is for illustrative purposes and does not necessarily reflect the order in which the various steps must be performed. Steps may be rearranged in different orders in different embodiments to reflect the needs, requirements, and priorities of the entities running the system. Furthermore, many steps may be performed simultaneously with other steps in some embodiments.

[0198] Additionally, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in various embodiments as separate or distinct may be combined with or incorporated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as being directly connected or in communication with each other may be connected through some interface or device such that the items are no longer considered directly connected, but are still indirectly connected and may communicate with each other, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of modifications, substitutions, and variations will be ascertainable by those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The following numbered descriptions represent a non-exhaustive collection of exemplary aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure:

[0199] 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving requests to process payment transactions to the electronic wallet; Identifying the authentication information of the request; Identifying the value token in the electronic wallet; and applying at least a portion of the value token to at least a portion of the request; A method comprising:

[0200] 2. The method of claim 1, comprising: Accepting the authentication token to access the electronic wallet; The method further comprises:

[0201] 3. The method of 2, wherein the authentication information is based on an authentication token, and the authentication token includes a proxy card, a mobile device, a password, a biometric identifier, or a combination thereof.

[0202] 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic wallet includes a primary wallet and a sub-wallet.

[0203] 5. The method of claim 4, wherein: The method further includes processing at least a portion of the requests via the primary wallet.

[0204] 6. The method of 4, further comprising: processing at least a portion of the requests via the sub-wallet.

[0205] 7. The method of claim 4, wherein the primary wallet contains value tokens, and the method comprises: determining that the request is associated with a primary wallet; and Determining that the value token is capable of satisfying the request; The method further comprises:

[0206] 8. The method of 7, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens from the primary wallet to the request.

[0207] 9. The method of claim 4, wherein the sub-wallet contains value tokens, and the method comprises: determining that the request relates to a sub-wallet; and Determining that the value token is capable of satisfying the request; The method further comprises:

[0208] 10. The method of claim 9, The method, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the sub-purse to the request.

[0209] 11. The method of claim 4, wherein the electronic wallet includes two or more value tokens, the primary wallet includes at least one of the two or more value tokens, and the sub-wallet includes at least another of the two or more value tokens.

[0210] 12. The method of claim 11, wherein: determining that a portion of the request is associated with a primary wallet; and Determining that another part of the request relates to a sub-wallet; The method further comprises:

[0211] 13. A method according to claim 12, comprising: Applying at least a portion of the value tokens in the primary wallet to the claim; and applying at least a portion of the value tokens in the sub-wallet to the request; The method further comprises:

[0212] 14. The method of claim 8 or 13, wherein the value tokens of the primary wallet are applied to a claim under the rules of the primary wallet or claim.

[0213] 15. The method of 10 or 13, wherein the sub-wallet value tokens are applied to a claim under the rules of the sub-wallet or claim.

[0214] 16. The method of claim 4, wherein the aggregator system receives the request, and the method comprises: determining that at least a portion of the request may be processed in the sub-purse; and Sending parts of the request from the aggregator system to a third party; The method further comprises:

[0215] 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the request includes identification of the POS terminal; authentication information; the amount of the purchase; identification of the value token issuer; identification of the vendor; identification of the location; time of the request; date of the request; information identifying the primary wallet, sub-wallet, or a combination thereof; transaction data; authentication data; or a combination thereof.

[0216] 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the value token comprises an electronic representation of value, the electronic representation of value comprising a credit card, a debit card, a gift card, a prepaid calling card, a loyalty card, a membership card, a ticket or ticket card, an entertainment card, a sports card, a prepaid card, a coupon, an admission pass, a prepaid or pre-purchased good or service, cash, currency, a credit card account, a debit card account, a merchant account, a deposit account, a merchant-issued credit, a merchant-issued location, a merchant-issued promotional value, a merchant-authorized credit, a merchant-authorized location, a merchant-authorized promotional value, or a combination thereof.

[0217] 19. The method of 18, wherein the value token further comprises electronic representations of at least two different types of value.

[0218] 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the value token includes a closed-loop account number, and applying at least a portion of the value token includes crediting or debiting a closed-loop account associated with the closed-loop account number.

[0219] 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the value token includes an open-loop account number, and applying at least a portion of the value token includes crediting or debiting an open-loop account associated with the open-loop account number.

[0220] 22. The method of claim 1, wherein applying at least some of the value tokens includes using the value tokens according to a set of variable rules that specify a priority for the value tokens.

[0221] 23. The method of 22, wherein the priority is based on transaction information variables including the physical location of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; transaction volume; type of retailer; time of day; day of week; week of month; month of year; department of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; lane of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; identity of the checker; parent company of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; value of the value token; type of electronic wallet request; or combinations thereof.

[0222] 24. The method of claim 1, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes using the value tokens according to a set of variable rules that specify a rate of electronic wallet requests at which the value tokens may be applied.

[0223] 25. A method according to claim 1, comprising: The method further includes examining rules associated with the electronic wallet.

[0224] 26. 25 ways to check the rules: A method comprising determining priority of value tokens.

[0225] 27. 25 ways to check the rules: Including checking the rate of demand; A method, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens to the request according to a rate.

[0226] 28. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic wallet includes a closed-loop related value token and an open-loop related value token, and the method comprises: Selecting a closed-loop related value token; and then selecting an open loop associated value token; The method further comprises:

[0227] 29. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic wallet contains open-loop related value tokens, and the method comprises: Withholding the open loop associated value token from being applied to the request; The method further comprises:

[0228] 30. The method of claim 1, comprising: exchanging at least a portion of the value tokens in the electronic wallet for at least a portion of a second value token not located in the electronic wallet; The method further comprises:

[0229] 31. A method of 30 comprising: The method further includes applying an exchange rate to the second value token or asset located in the electronic wallet.

[0230] 32. A method according to claim 30, wherein exchanging at least a portion of the value tokens includes: contacting a second value token distributor; and requesting a second value token distributor to provide the second value token; A method comprising:

[0231] 33. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic wallet includes a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, the first sub-wallet includes value tokens, and the method comprises: Placing the value tokens of the first sub-wallet in the second sub-wallet; The method further comprises:

[0232] 34. The method of claim 1, comprising: Supplying value tokens to electronic wallets; The method further comprises:

[0233] 35. The method of 34, wherein the value tokens are supplied in an amount different from the purchase price.

[0234] 36. The method of 34, wherein providing the electronic wallet includes encoding the value token with a coupon code.

[0235] 37. The method of 34, wherein providing the electronic wallet includes adding a value token to the electronic wallet.

[0236] 38. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic wallet includes a sub-wallet designated for savings, and the method comprises: Placing at least a portion of the value tokens in a sub-wallet designated for saving; The method further comprises:

[0237] 39. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving a request to process a payment transaction to the electronic wallet; Determining that the request contains valid authentication information; determining that a value token or combination of value tokens associated with the electronic wallet can satisfy the request; and applying at least a portion of the value token to at least a portion of the request; A method comprising:

[0238] 40. A method of 39 comprising: Authorizing the authentication token to access the electronic wallet; The method further comprises:

[0239] 41. The method of 40, wherein the authentication information is based on an authentication token, and the authentication token includes a proxy card, a mobile device, a password, a biometric identifier, or a combination thereof.

[0240] 42. The method of 39, wherein the electronic wallet includes a primary wallet and a sub-wallet.

[0241] 43. The method of claim 42, wherein: The method further includes processing at least a portion of the requests via the primary wallet.

[0242] 44. The method of claim 43, wherein: Processing at least another portion of the requests via the sub-wallet; The method further comprises:

[0243] 45. The method of 42, wherein the primary wallet contains value tokens, and the method comprises: determining that the request is relevant to the primary wallet; Applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens from the primary wallet to the request; The method further comprises:

[0244] 46. ​​The method of 42, wherein the sub-wallet contains value tokens, and the method comprises: determining that the request relates to a sub-wallet; and Applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the sub-wallet to the request; The method further comprises:

[0245] 47. The method of 42, wherein the electronic wallet includes two or more value tokens, the primary wallet includes at least one of the two or more value tokens, and the sub-wallet includes at least another of the two or more value tokens.

[0246] 48. The method of claim 47, wherein: determining that a portion of the request is associated with a primary wallet; and Determining that another part of the request relates to a sub-wallet; The method further comprises:

[0247] 49. The method of claim 48, wherein: Applying at least a portion of the value tokens in the primary wallet to the claim; and applying at least a portion of the value tokens in the sub-wallet to the request; The method further comprises:

[0248] 50. The method of 45 or 49, wherein the value tokens of the primary purse are applied to a claim under the rules of the primary purse or claim.

[0249] 51. The method of 46 or 49, wherein the sub-wallet value tokens are applied to a claim under the rules of the sub-wallet or claim.

[0250] 52. In the method of 42. The aggregator system receives the request, and the method: determining that at least a portion of the request may be processed in the sub-purse; and Sending parts of the request from the aggregator system to a third party; The method further comprises:

[0251] 53. A method for a sub-purse in an electronic wallet system, the method comprising: receiving a request from a primary wallet provider to process a payment transaction against the electronic wallet; Determining that the value token can satisfy the claim; and applying at least a portion of the value token to at least a portion of the request; A method comprising:

[0252] 54. The method of 53, comprising: further comprising determining that the request is associated with a sub-wallet; Applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the sub-wallet to the request; A method comprising:

[0253] 55. The method of 53, wherein the sub-purse includes a sub-sub-purse.

[0254] 56. The method of claim 55, wherein: further comprising determining that the request relates to a sub-sub-wallet; Applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying value tokens from the sub-sub-wallet to the request; A method comprising:

[0255] 57. The method of claim 55, wherein: Determining that a portion of the request is related to a sub-wallet; and determining that another part of the request relates to a sub-sub-wallet; The method further comprises:

[0256] 58. The method of 55, wherein the sub-purse contains two or more value tokens, the sub-purse contains at least one value token of the two or more, and the sub-sub-purse contains at least another value token of the two or more.

[0257] 59. The method of 58, comprising: Applying at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value tokens to the request; and Applying at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value tokens to the request; The method further comprises:

[0258] 60. The method of 54 or 59, wherein the sub-wallet value tokens are applied to a claim under the rules of the sub-wallet or claim.

[0259] 61. The method of 56 or 59, wherein the value tokens of the sub-sub-wallet are applied to a claim under the rules of the sub-sub-wallet or claim.

[0260] 62. A method for managing the contents of an electronic wallet, comprising: receiving a request related to the electronic wallet, the request including an electronic wallet request, a balance inquiry request, a registration request, an activation request, a redemption request, or a combination thereof; and Managing the contents of the electronic wallet according to the request; A method comprising:

[0261] 63. The method of 62, in which content management is: exchanging at least a portion of the minority value tokens in the electronic wallet for at least a portion of second value tokens not located in the electronic wallet; A method comprising:

[0262] 64. The method of 63, comprising: applying an exchange rate to a second value token or asset located in the electronic wallet; The method further comprises:

[0263] 65. In the method of 63, exchanging at least a portion of the value tokens includes: communicating the second value token to a second value token distributor; and requiring a second value token distributor to provide the second value token; A method comprising:

[0264] 66. The method of 62, wherein the electronic wallet includes a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, the first sub-wallet containing value tokens, and the method comprises: Placing the value tokens of the first sub-wallet in the second sub-wallet; The method further comprises:

[0265] 67. The method of claim 62, Supplying value tokens to electronic wallets; The method further comprises:

[0266] 68. The method of 67, wherein providing the electronic wallet includes adding a value token to the electronic wallet.

[0267] 69. The method of 67, wherein the value tokens are supplied in an amount different from the purchase price.

[0268] 70. The method of 67, wherein providing the electronic wallet includes encoding the value token with a coupon code.

[0269] 71. The method of 62, wherein the electronic wallet includes a sub-wallet designated for saving, said method comprising: Placing at least a portion of the value tokens in a sub-wallet designated for saving; The method further comprises:

[0270] 72. A non-transitory storage medium containing machine-readable, executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to: receiving a request to process a payment transaction to the electronic wallet; Identifying the authentication information of the request; Identifying the value token in the electronic wallet; and applying at least a portion of the value tokens to at least a portion of the request; a storage medium containing instructions to cause

[0271] 73. A non-transitory storage medium containing machine-readable, executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to: receiving a request to process a payment transaction to the electronic wallet; Determining that the request contains valid authentication information; determining that a value token or combination of value tokens associated with the electronic wallet can satisfy the request; and applying at least a portion of the value tokens to at least a portion of the request; a storage medium containing instructions to cause

[0272] 74. A non-transitory storage medium containing machine-readable, executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to: receiving a request from a primary wallet provider to process a payment transaction against the electronic wallet; Determining that the value token can satisfy the claim; and applying at least a portion of the value tokens to at least a portion of the request; a storage medium containing instructions to cause

[0273] 75. A non-transitory storage medium containing machine-readable, executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to: receiving a request related to the electronic wallet, the request including an electronic wallet request, a balance inquiry request, a registration request, an activation request, a redemption request, or a combination thereof; and Managing the contents of the electronic wallet according to the request; a storage medium containing instructions to cause

[0274] 76. One or more processors; 1. A system including a memory coupled to at least one of one or more processors, the memory includes executable instructions; The instructions, when executed, cause one or more processors to: receiving a request to process a payment transaction to the electronic wallet; Identifying the authentication information of the request; Identifying the value token in the electronic wallet; and applying at least a portion of the value tokens to at least a portion of the request; A system that allows you to do this.

[0275] 77. The system of 76, wherein the one or more processors are adapted to accept authentication tokens to access the electronic wallet.

[0276] 78. The system of 77, wherein the authentication information is based on an authentication token, and the authentication token includes a proxy card, a mobile device, a password, a biometric identifier, or a combination thereof.

[0277] 79. The system of 76, wherein the electronic wallet includes a primary wallet and a sub-wallet.

[0278] 80. The system of 79, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to process at least a portion of requests via the primary wallet.

[0279] 81. The system of 79, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to process at least a portion of requests via the sub-purse.

[0280] 82. The system of claim 79, wherein the primary wallet contains value tokens and the one or more processors: determining that the request is associated with a primary wallet; and Determining that the value token is available to satisfy the request; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0281] 83. The system of 82, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the primary wallet to the request.

[0282] 84. The system of claim 79, wherein the sub-wallet contains value tokens, and the one or more processors: determining that the request relates to a sub-wallet; and Determining that the value token is available to satisfy the request; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0283] 85. The system of 84, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the sub-wallet to the request.

[0284] 86. The system of 79, wherein the electronic wallet includes two or more value tokens, the primary wallet includes at least one of the two or more value tokens, and the sub-wallet includes at least another of the two or more value tokens.

[0285] 87. In the system of 86, one or more processors: determining that the request is associated with a primary wallet; and Determining that another part of the request relates to a sub-wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0286] 88. In the system of 87: Applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the primary wallet to the request; and applying at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value tokens to the request; The system further includes:

[0287] 89. The system of 83 or 88, wherein the value tokens of the primary wallet are applied to claims under the rules of the primary wallet or claim.

[0288] 90. The system of 85 or 88, wherein the value tokens of the sub-wallet are applied to a claim under the rules of the sub-wallet or claim.

[0289] 91. In the system of 79, the aggregator system receives the request, and one or more processors: determining that at least a portion of the request may be processed in the sub-purse; and Sending parts of the request from the aggregator system to a third party; The system further includes:

[0290] 92. The system of claim 76, wherein the request includes identification of the POS terminal; authentication information; purchase amount; value token issuer identification; vendor identification; location identification; time of the request; date of the request; information identifying the primary wallet, sub-wallet, or a combination thereof; transaction data; authentication data; or a combination thereof.

[0291] 93. The system of claim 76, wherein the value token comprises an electronic representation of value, the electronic representation of value comprising a credit card, a debit card, a gift card, a prepaid calling card, a loyalty card, a membership card, a ticket or ticket card, an entertainment card, a sports card, a prepaid card, a coupon, an admission pass, a prepaid or pre-purchased good or service, cash, currency, a credit card account, a debit card account, a merchant account, a deposit account, a merchant-issued credit, a merchant-issued location, a merchant-issued promotional value, a merchant-authorized credit, a merchant-authorized location, a merchant-authorized promotional value, or a combination thereof.

[0292] 94. The system of 93, wherein the value token further includes electronic representations of at least two different types of value.

[0293] 95. The system of 76, wherein the value token includes a closed-loop account number, and wherein applying at least a portion of the value token includes crediting or debiting a closed-loop account associated with the closed-loop account number.

[0294] 96. The system of 76, wherein the value token includes an open-loop account number, and wherein applying at least a portion of the value token includes crediting or debiting an open-loop account associated with the open-loop account number.

[0295] 97. The system of 76, wherein applying at least some of the value tokens includes using the value tokens according to a set of variable rules that specify a priority for the value tokens.

[0296] 98. The system of claim 97, wherein the priority is based on transaction information variables including the physical location of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; transaction volume; type of retailer; time of day; day of the week; week of the month; month of the year; department of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; lane of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; identity of the checker; parent company of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; value of the value token; type of electronic wallet request; or combinations thereof.

[0297] 99. The system of 76, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes using the value tokens according to a set of variable rules specifying a rate of electronic wallet requests to which the value tokens may be applied.

[0298] 100. 76. A system, wherein one or more processors: examining rules associated with the electronic wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0299] 101. 100 systems, checking the rules: Examining the priorities of value tokens Including, the system.

[0300] 102. 100 systems, checking the rules: Including checking the rate of demand; The system, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens to the request according to a rate.

[0301] 103. The system of 76, wherein the electronic wallet includes closed-loop related value tokens and open-loop related value tokens, and the one or more processors: Selecting a closed-loop related value token; and then selecting an open loop associated value token; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0302] 104. The system of 76, wherein the electronic wallet includes open-loop related value tokens, and the one or more processors: Withholding the open loop associated value token from being applied to the request; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0303] 105. 76. In a system, one or more processors: exchanging at least a portion of the value tokens in the electronic wallet for at least a portion of a second value token not located in the electronic wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0304] 106. The system of 105, wherein one or more processors: Applying an exchange rate or rate to the second value token or assets located in the electronic wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0305] 107. In the system of 105, exchanging at least a portion of the value tokens includes: contacting a second value token distributor; and requesting a second value token distributor to provide the second value token; Including, the system.

[0306] 108. The system of 76, wherein the electronic wallet includes a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, the first sub-wallet contains value tokens, and the one or more processors: Placing the value tokens of the first sub-wallet in the second sub-wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0307] 109. 76. In a system, one or more processors: Supplying value tokens to electronic wallets; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0308] 110. The system of 109, wherein the value tokens are supplied at a total amount different from the purchase price.

[0309] 111. The system of 109, wherein providing the electronic wallet includes encoding the value token with a coupon code.

[0310] 112. The system of 109, wherein providing the electronic wallet includes adding a value token to the electronic wallet.

[0311] 113. The system of 76, wherein the electronic wallet includes a sub-wallet designated for savings, and the one or more processors: Placing at least a portion of the value tokens in a sub-wallet designated for saving; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0312] 114. One or more processors; 1. A system including a memory coupled to at least one of one or more processors, the memory including executable instructions; The executable instructions, when executed, cause one or more processors to: receiving a request to process a payment transaction to the electronic wallet; Determining that the request contains valid authentication information; Determining that the request can be met; and determining that a value token or combination of value tokens associated with the electronic wallet can satisfy the request; and applying at least a portion of the value token to at least a portion of the request; A system that allows you to do this.

[0313] 115. The system of 114, wherein the one or more processors: accept an authentication token to access the electronic wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0314] 116. In the system of 115, The system, wherein the authentication information is based on an authentication token, the authentication token including a proxy card, a mobile device, a password, a biometric identifier, or a combination thereof.

[0315] 117. The system of 114, wherein the electronic wallet includes a primary wallet and a sub-wallet.

[0316] 118. The system of 117, wherein one or more processors: Processing at least a portion of the requests via the primary wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0317] 119. The system of 118, wherein one or more processors: Processing at least a portion of the requests via the sub-wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0318] 120. The system of 117, wherein the primary wallet contains value tokens, and the one or more processors: determining that the request relates to a primary purse; Applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens from the primary purse to the request. system.

[0319] 121. The system of 117, wherein the sub-wallet contains value tokens, and the one or more processors: determining that the request relates to a sub-wallet; The system, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens from the sub-wallet to the request.

[0320] 122. The system of 117, wherein the electronic wallet includes two or more value tokens, the primary wallet includes at least one of the two or more value tokens, and the sub-wallet includes at least another of the two or more value tokens.

[0321] 123. The system of 122, wherein one or more processors: determining that a portion of the request is associated with a primary wallet; and Determining that another part of the request relates to a sub-wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0322] 124. A system according to 123, applying at least a portion of the value tokens in the primary wallet to the request; and applying at least a portion of the value tokens in the sub-wallet to the request; Including, the system.

[0323] 125. The system of 120 or 124, wherein the value tokens of the primary wallet are applied to claims under the rules of the primary wallet or claim.

[0324] 126. The system of 121 or 124, wherein the sub-wallet value tokens are applied to a claim under the rules of the sub-wallet or claim.

[0325] 127. The system of 117, wherein the aggregator system receives the request, and the one or more processors: determining that at least a portion of the request may be processed in the sub-purse; and Sending parts of the request from the aggregator system to a third party; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0326] 128. One or more processors 1. A system including a memory coupled to at least one of one or more processors, the memory including executable instructions; The instructions, when executed, cause one or more processors to: receiving a request from a primary wallet provider to process a payment transaction against the electronic wallet; Determining that the value token can satisfy the claim; and applying at least a portion of the value tokens to at least a portion of the request; A system that allows you to do this.

[0327] 129. A system according to claim 128, wherein one or more processors: determining that the request relates to a sub-wallet; Further, The system, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the sub-wallet to the request.

[0328] 130. The system of 128, wherein the sub-wallet includes a sub-sub-wallet.

[0329] 131. The system of 130, wherein one or more processors: determining that the request relates to a sub-sub-wallet; further; The system, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the sub-sub-wallet to the request.

[0330] 132. In the system of 130, one or more processors: Determining that a portion of the request is related to a sub-wallet; and determining that another part of the request relates to a sub-sub-wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0331] 133. The system of 130, wherein the electronic wallet includes two or more value tokens, the sub-wallet includes at least one of the two or more value tokens, and the sub-sub-wallet includes at least another of the two or more value tokens.

[0332] 134. In the system of 133: Applying at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value tokens to the request; and Applying at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value tokens to the request; The system further includes:

[0333] 135. The system of 129 or 134, wherein the value tokens of the sub-wallet are applied to a claim under the rules of the sub-wallet or claim.

[0334] 136. The system of 131 or 134, wherein the value tokens of the sub-sub-wallet are applied to a claim under the rules of the sub-sub-wallet or claim.

[0335] 137. One or more processors 1. A system including a memory coupled to at least one of one or more processors, The memory contains executable instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors to: receiving a request related to the electronic wallet, the request including an electronic wallet request, a balance inquiry request, a registration request, an activation request, a redemption request, or a combination thereof; and Managing the contents of the electronic wallet according to the request; A system that allows you to do this.

[0336] 138. 137 systems that manage content include: exchanging at least a portion of the value tokens in the electronic wallet for at least a portion of a second value token not located in the electronic wallet; Including, the system.

[0337] 139. The system of 138, wherein one or more processors: The system may further be adapted to apply an exchange rate to a second value token or asset located in the electronic wallet.

[0338] 140. The system of claim 138, wherein exchanging at least a portion of the value tokens includes: communicating the second value token to a second value token distributor; and requiring a second value token distributor to provide the second value token; Including, the system.

[0339] 141. The system of 137, wherein the electronic wallet includes a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, the first sub-wallet contains value tokens, and the one or more processors: Placing the value tokens of the first sub-wallet in the second sub-wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0340] 142. In the system of 137, one or more processors: Supplying value tokens to electronic wallets; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0341] 143. The system of 142, wherein the value tokens are supplied at a total amount different from the purchase price.

[0342] 144. The system of 142, wherein providing the electronic wallet includes encoding the value token with a coupon code.

[0343] 145. The system of 142, wherein providing the electronic wallet includes adding a value token to the electronic wallet.

[0344] 146. The system of 137, wherein the electronic wallet includes a sub-wallet designated for savings, and the one or more processors: Placing at least a portion of the value tokens in a sub-wallet designated for saving; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0345] 147. One or more processors; a memory coupled to at least one of one or more processors, the memory containing executable instructions; The instructions, when executed, cause one or more processors to: receiving a request to process a payment transaction to the electronic wallet; Identifying the authentication information of the request; Identifying the value token in the electronic wallet; and applying at least a portion of the value tokens to at least a portion of the request; A system that allows you to do this.

[0346] 148. The system of 147, wherein the one or more processors are further caused to accept an authentication token to access the electronic wallet.

[0347] 149. The system of 148, wherein the authentication information is based on an authentication token, and the authentication token includes a proxy card, a mobile device, a password, a biometric identifier, or a combination thereof.

[0348] 150. The system of 149, wherein the electronic wallet includes a primary wallet and a sub-wallet.

[0349] 151. The system of 150, wherein the one or more processors are further caused to process at least a portion of the requests via the primary wallet.

[0350] 152. The system of 151, wherein the one or more processors are further caused to process at least a portion of the requests via the sub-purse.

[0351] 153. The system of 152, wherein the primary wallet contains value tokens, and the one or more processors: determining that the request is associated with a primary wallet; and Determining that the value token is available to satisfy the request; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0352] 154. The system of 153, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the primary wallet to the request.

[0353] 155. The system of 154, wherein the sub-wallet contains value tokens, and the one or more processors: determining that the request relates to a sub-wallet; and Determining that the value token is available to satisfy the request; The system further forces you to do so.

[0354] 156. The system of 155, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the sub-purse to the request.

[0355] 157. The system of 156, wherein the electronic wallet includes two or more value tokens, the primary wallet includes at least one of the two or more value tokens, and the sub-wallet includes at least another of the two or more value tokens.

[0356] 158. The system of 157, wherein one or more processors: determining that the request is associated with a primary wallet; and Determining that another part of the request relates to a sub-wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0357] 159. The system of 158, wherein one or more processors: Applying at least a portion of the value tokens of the primary wallet to the request; and applying at least a portion of the sub-wallet's value tokens to the request; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0358] 160. The system of 159, wherein the value tokens of the primary purse are applied to claims under the rules of the primary purse.

[0359] 161. The system of 159, wherein the value tokens of the primary wallet are applied to claims under the rules of the claims.

[0360] 162. The system of 159, wherein the value tokens of the sub-wallet are applied to requests under the rules of the sub-wallet.

[0361] 163. The system of 159, wherein the value tokens of the sub-wallet are applied to a claim under the rules of the claim.

[0362] 164. In the system of 159, the aggregator system receives the request, and one or more processors: determining that at least a portion of the request may be processed in the sub-purse; and Sending parts of the request from the aggregator system to a third party; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0363] 165. The system of 164, wherein the request includes identification of the POS terminal; authentication information; purchase amount; value token issuer identification; vendor identification; location identification; time of the request; date of the request; information identifying the primary wallet, sub-wallet, or a combination thereof; transaction data; authentication data; or a combination thereof.

[0364] 166. The system of 165, wherein the value token comprises an electronic representation of value, and the electronic representation of value comprises a credit card, a debit card, a gift card, a prepaid calling card, a loyalty card, a membership card, a ticket or ticket card, an entertainment card, a sports card, a prepaid card, a coupon, an admission pass, a prepaid or pre-purchased good or service, cash, currency, a credit card account, a debit card account, a merchant account, a deposit account, a merchant-issued credit, a merchant-issued location, a merchant-issued promotional value, a merchant-authorized credit, a merchant-authorized location, a merchant-authorized promotional value, or a combination thereof.

[0365] 167. The system of 166, wherein the value token further includes electronic representations of at least two different types of value.

[0366] 168. The system of 167, wherein the value token includes a closed-loop account number, and wherein applying at least a portion of the value token includes crediting or debiting a closed-loop account associated with the closed-loop account number.

[0367] 169. The system of 168, wherein the value token includes an open-loop account number, and wherein applying at least a portion of the value token includes crediting or debiting an open-loop account associated with the open-loop account number.

[0368] 170. The system of 169, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes using the value tokens according to a set of configurable rules that specify a priority for the value tokens.

[0369] 171. The system of 170, wherein the priority is based on transaction information variables including the physical location of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; transaction volume; type of retailer; time of day; day of week; week of month; month of year; department of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; lane of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; identity of the checker; parent company of the retailer originating the electronic wallet request; value of the value token; type of electronic wallet request; or combinations thereof.

[0370] 172. The system of 171, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes using the value tokens according to a set of configurable rules that specify a proportion of electronic wallet requests to which the value tokens may be applied.

[0371] 173. In the system of 172, one or more processors: examining rules associated with the electronic wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0372] 174. In the system of 173, checking the rules: Examining the priorities of value tokens Including, the system.

[0373] 175. In the system of paragraph 174, checking the rules includes checking the ratio of demands; The system, wherein applying at least a portion of the value tokens includes applying at least a portion of the value tokens to the request according to a ratio.

[0374] 176. The system of 175, wherein the electronic wallet includes a closed-loop related value token and an open-loop related value token, and the one or more processors: Selecting a closed-loop related value token; and then selecting an open loop associated value token; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0375] 177. The system of 176, wherein the electronic wallet includes open-loop related value tokens, and the one or more processors: Withholding the open loop associated value token from being applied to the request; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0376] 178. The system of 177, wherein one or more processors: exchanging at least a portion of the value tokens in the electronic wallet for at least a portion of a second value token not located in the electronic wallet; A system that further enhances this.

[0377] 179. The system of 178, wherein one or more processors: Applying an exchange rate to the second value token or assets located in the electronic wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0378] 180. The system of 179, wherein exchanging at least a portion of the value tokens includes: contacting a second value token distributor; and requesting a second value token distributor to provide the second value token; Including, the system.

[0379] 181. The system of 180, wherein the electronic wallet includes a first sub-wallet and a second sub-wallet, the first sub-wallet contains value tokens, and the one or more processors: Placing the value tokens of the first sub-wallet in the second sub-wallet; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0380] 182. The system of 181, wherein one or more processors: Supplying value tokens to electronic wallets; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0381] 183. The system of 182, wherein the value tokens are supplied at a total amount different from the purchase price.

[0382] 184. The system of 183, wherein providing the electronic wallet includes encoding the value token with a coupon code.

[0383] 185. The system of 184, wherein providing the electronic wallet includes adding a value token to the electronic wallet.

[0384] 186. The system of 185, wherein the electronic wallet includes a sub-wallet designated for savings, and the one or more processors: Placing at least a portion of the value tokens in a sub-wallet designated for saving; A system that allows you to do this even more.

[0385] An electronic value token transaction processing system is described herein that allows users to purchase, redeem and / or exchange electronic value tokens belonging to an electronic wallet. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The described embodiments are representative only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations and modifications of the applications disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited outside the set forth in the description but is defined by the claims that follow, and that scope includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. A computer-implemented method for managing an electronic wallet, comprising: receiving, by an electronic value token transaction computer different from the value token issuer authentication system, a request to process a payment transaction of a consumer user against the user's electronic wallet; determining, by the electronic value token transaction computer, at the start of processing the payment transaction, whether an authentication token included in the request and generated by the consumer's device is valid, wherein the authentication token is unique; identifying the authentication token by the electronic value token transaction computer; Identifying the user's electronic wallet from a plurality of electronic wallets by the electronic value token transaction computer via the authentication token; accessing the user's electronic wallet via the authentication token by the electronic value token transaction computer; identifying, by the electronic value token transaction computer, a value token in the user's electronic wallet; authenticating the request by the electronic value token transaction computer; and applying, by the electronic value token transaction computer, at least a portion of the value tokens to at least a portion of the request; wherein the user's electronic wallet includes a primary wallet and a sub-wallet, and at least a portion of the request is processed via the primary wallet. method.

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