Peer to peer cash transfer system

Abstract

A payment system may permit a first user of the first mobile device to request payment from a second user of a second mobile device. The first mobile device may permit the first user to activate the camera to send a live video to the second user. The second mobile device may display a geographic location of the first mobile device.

Description

PEER TO PEER CASH TRANSFER SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 531,301, which was filed on August 7, 2023.BACKGROUND

[0002] Making payments and requests for payments between users using mobile devices, such as smart phones has become more common. However, there are security concerns. For one example, a user requesting a payment may not be who they claim to be. They sometimes claim to be a friend or family member of the user from whom they are seeking money.SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system including: a first mobile device including at least one processor, at least one storage, and a camera, wherein the at least one storage stores instructions which when executed by the at least one processor cause the payment system to perform operations including: (a) permit a first user of the first mobile device to request payment from a second user of a second mobile device; and (b) permit the first user to activate the camera to send a live video to the second user.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein step a) is performed in an app and wherein step b) is performed in the app.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein step a) is performed in a first screen in an app and wherein step b) is performed in the first screen in the app.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein the first screen is a chat screen.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein the second mobile device includes at least one processor and at least one storage, wherein the at least one storage stores instructions which when executed by the at least one processor on the second mobile device cause the payment system to: c) display the live video from the first user on the second mobile device; and d) permit the second user to send payment to the first user in response to steps a) and b).

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein the first user device and the second user device are smartphones.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system further including a server in communication with the first user device and the second user device, wherein the server includes at least one processor and at least one storage storing instructions which when executed by the at least one processor cause the server to: e) receive an instruction from the first user to pay the second user; and f) in response to step e), transferring money from a first account associated with the first user to a second account associated with the second user.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein the operations further include: g) determining a location of the first mobile device; and h) displaying the location of the first mobile device in the app on the second mobile device.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein steps c) and d) are performed in part in the app on the second mobile device.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein steps c) and d) are performed in part in a chat screen in the app on the second mobile device.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system including: a first mobile device including at least one processor and at least one storage storing instructions which when executed by the at least one processor cause the payment system to perform operations including: a) determine a location of the first mobile device; b) transmit the location of the first mobile device to a second mobile device; c) permit a first user to request payment from a second user of the second mobile device; the second mobile device including at least one processor and at least one storage storing instructions which when executed by the at least one processor cause the payment system to perform operations including: d) displaying the location of the first mobile device; and e) displaying the request for payment on the first mobile device.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein the request for payment and the location of the first mobile device are displayed on the first mobile device at the same time.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein the location of the first mobile device is determined based upon a GPS receiver in the first mobile device.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a payment system wherein the second mobile device is further programmed to permit the second user to provide a rating of the first user.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a high-level schematic of a peer-to-peer cash transfer system according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 is a login screen on the P2P App on one of the user devices.

[0019] Figure 3 shows a welcome screen on the P2P App on one of the user devices.

[0020] Figure 4 is a call log screen showing recent video and voice calls made with the user device in the P2P App.

[0021] Figure 5 is a chat summary screen, indicating the most recent users with whom the P2P App chatted.

[0022] Figure 6 a user chat screen showing the most recent messages exchanged between the P2P App on the device with a particular contact.

[0023] Figure 7 shows the user chat screen of Figure 6 with an alert asking the user to confirm that the call should be made.

[0024] Figure 8 shows the chat screen of Figure 6 in the P2P App on the user device during the video call.

[0025] Figure 9 shows the chat screen including a request to confirm or decline a request for payment from the contact.

[0026] Figure 10 shows the user chat screen providing options to the user to take a photo (or video) within the P2P App, upload a photo or video from the library on the user device to send to the other person, or scan a document.

[0027] Figure 11 shows the chat screen with the history of messages, payments, photos (or other media), documents, etc.

[0028] Figure 12 shows a popup rating window in the user chat screen.

[0029] Figure 13 is a profile page of the contact.

[0030] Figure 14 shows a settings screen where a user can choose to activate / deactivate location sharing.

[0031] Figure 15 shows a map display on a user device showing the precise location of a contact.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Figure 1 is a high-level schematic of a peer-to-peer cash transfer system 20 according to an example embodiment. The peer-to-peer cash transfer system 20 includes a server 22. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the term “server” herein means at least one server, each having at least one processor, at least one storage (electronic or other computer readable media) storing data as explained herein and also storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the peer-to-peer cash transfer system 20 to perform the functions described herein. As is known, the server 22 may include various permutations of physical, virtual, and cloud servers, which may be in different locations and of different types.

[0033] The peer-to-peer cash transfer system 20 also includes a plurality of user devices 24. Each user device includes at least one processor, and at least one storage (electronic or other computer readable media) storing data as explained herein and also storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the peer-to-peer cash transfer system 20 to perform the functions described herein. At least some of these instructions are in the form of a P2P App (peer-to-peer app), stored on the device 24. Each of the plurality of user devices 24 includes a user interface, such as a touchscreen 28, microphone, speakers, and camera 30. The user devices 24 may each be a smart phone or tablet, such as an iPhone 15, iPad or Android, each having a GPS receiver and one or more communication modules (such as cell data (such as 4G, 5G), WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc). The user devices 24 may also be a laptop or desktopcomputer. The user devices 24 may also be a smart tv. Each user device 24 preferably has a dedicated app installed thereon, wherein the app includes the instructions to perform the functions described herein.

[0034] As is known, the user devices 24 each include communication circuits, such as cell data, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc, which communicate with the server 22 over a network, such as the internet. Each of the user devices 24 is associated with an account 34 stored on the server 22. Each account 34 stores login information, banking information, stockbroker account information, and cash balance information. Each account 34 also stores historical payment information and contact information, i.e. storing associations between different users’ accounts 34. Other information stored in each account 34 will be described herein. Each account 34 is linked to one or more of the user’s bank accounts at one or more banks, such that money can be withdrawn from and deposited to such accounts as authorized by the user.

[0035] The user devices 24 may also include bracelets 24a. Each bracelet 24a is associated with an account 34 over which a parent has control. Each bracelet 24a includes at least one processor, and at least one storage (electronic or other computer readable media) storing data as explained herein and also storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the peer-to-peer cash transfer system 20 to perform the functions described herein. At least some of these instructions are in the form of a modified (limited) P2P App (peer-to-peer app) stored on the bracelet 24a. Each of the bracelets 24a includes a GPS receiver and one or more communication modules (such as cell data (such as 4G, 5G), WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc).

[0036] Parents will have the option to use a P2P App Peer to Peer (P2P) bracelet 24a that the child / user can / will wear around the wrist as a bracelet with key lock. The P2P AppBracelet will allow parents to deposit money to the P2P App child / user account 34. The child user can use the bracelet 24a to make purchases up to the amount of money that is in their account 34, or up to a spending limit (daily or weekly or monthly) set by the parent and stored in the child’s account 34.

[0037] P2P App bracelet 24a with a key lock will offer security to ensure the P2P App bracelet is attached to the child / user. The key lock is to ensure that the bracelet 24a is not lost or stolen. The GPS receiver periodically (or upon request of the parent) sends the location of the bracelet 24a to the server 22 (via cell data, WiFi, or other communication circuits) and the location is reported to the parent.

[0038] A plurality of stores are accessible by the server 22 via the network, as are food sources, such as restaurants and food delivery services. A plurality of stock brokers are also accessible by the server 22 via the network. Each account 34 may also be linked to one or more of the user’s brokerage accounts at one or more brokers.

[0039] Figure 2 is a login screen on the P2P App on one of the user devices 24. Figure 3 shows a welcome screen on the P2P App one the user device 24. The welcome screen shows the user’ s current cash balance (on account 34 of Figure 1) and gives the user options for actions that can be taken such as adding money to the account (such as from a linked bank account) or sending money from the cash account of account 34 (Figure 1). A recent transactions portion of the screen shows the last four transactions including a profile photo of the user with whom the transaction was made, the amount (and direction) of the transaction and some indication of the time and / or day of the transaction (e.g. 10 minutes ago, yesterday, or a specific date in the past).

[0040] Figure 4 is a call log screen showing recent video and voice calls made with the user device 24 in the P2P App. Figure 5 is a chat summary screen, indicating the most recent users with whom the P2P App chatted, including the user name, date of the last message, and a short summary of the last message or payment (including the amount and direction of the payment), or an indication that the last message was an image.

[0041] Figure 6 a user chat screen showing the most recent messages exchanged between the P2P App on the device 24 with a particular contact (also using the P2P App on one of the user devices 24). The P2P App on the device 24 permits the user to send messages, photos, documents, payments and requests for payments to the contact. A location tracking icon 39 reminds the user that the location of their user device 24 is being shared with other users of the P2P App. A location field 40 displays the location of the contact under their name. This location is determined from a GPS receiver on the contact’s user device 24, retrieved by the P2P App on the contact’s user device 24, sent to the server 22, which then sends it to the P2P App on the user device 24. This contact location helps confirm the identity of the contact for the user. The user chat screen also includes a voice call button 36, which initiates a voice call from the P2P App on the device 24 to the P2P App on the device 24 of the contact. The user chat screen also includes a video call button 38, which initiates a video call from the P2P App on the device 24 to the P2P App on the device 24 of the contact. The user can make this video call or voice call to communicate directly with the contact with whom the user is about to have a financial transaction. For example, another person might attempt a fraudulent transaction by pretending to be a family member or friend of the user and requesting payment. The user can initiate a voice call or video call to the contact / requester, right in the same P2PApp, to determine whether the payment request is from the person that it claims to be. If so,the user can then send payment in the same app and in the same chat screen (again to ensure that it is the same person with whom the user just had a voice or video call). As shown in Figure 7, the P2P App asks the user to confirm that the call should be made and then makes the call.

[0042] Figure 8 shows the chat screen of Figure 6 in the P2P App on the user device 24 during the video call. A video call screen 42 occupies a portion of the chat screen, so that the user can confirm the identity of the contact. Referring to Figure 9, either before, during or after the call, while staying in the chat screen, the contact sends a request for payment. The user can then send the payment to the contact identified on the chat screen and previously or currently identified in the video call screen 42. In a known manner, this instructs the server 22 to transfer money from the user’s account 34 to the contact’s account 34. Alternatively, the user can also choose to decline the payment request for any reason.

[0043] As also shown in Figure 9, the user can also select “Request Location,” if the contact has their location-sharing turned off. This will send a request to the contact to share their location, which is determined by the P2P App on the contact’ s device 24 and then sent (e.g. as a precise lat / long) to the user’s device 24 (such as via the server 22). The contact’s location can then be displayed on a full map on the user’s device 24 (Figure 15). The user can decide if the location of the contact helps confirm the identity of the contact.

[0044] A P2P App user has the capability to communicate via live video camera 30 (Figure 1) to discuss financial transactions inside the P2P App, while seeing the transaction live on the touchscreen 28. The video will appear inside the P2P App on the touchscreen 28.

[0045] Device 24 users also have the option inside the P2P App to activate their video camera 30 on their user device 24 to send and / or receive prerecorded video messages fromother P2P App registered users. Friends, family, and businesses can send prerecorded video messages explaining why they are sending and / or requesting payment.

[0046] Figure 10 shows that the user can take a photo (or video) within the P2P App to send directly to the contact associated with the chat screen, The user can also choose a photo or video from the library on the user device 24 to send to the other person. The photo and / or video can be used to explain what the requested payment is for and / or to help authenticate the identity of the requester. The user can also scan a document to the P2P App using the camera 30 on the user device 24 and send it to the contact in the chat. The document could be a receipt or financial report or other document.

[0047] Figure 11 shows the chat screen with the history of messages, payments, photos (or other media), documents, etc.

[0048] As shown in Figure 12, in a rating window 44, P2P App users can rate their shared friends, family and businesses with 1 to 5 stars after a transaction has been made and confirmed. Figure 13 is a profile page of the contact. An average of all the peer ratings 46 will be displayed with the P2P App user profile for public viewing. The user can also provide a rating of that contact in a rating window 44 on the profile screen.

[0049] The rating will be based on how the P2P App user has performed and their experiences with working with other P2P App users on the peer-to-peer platform. This will improve the integrity of the users using the P2P App.

[0050] Figure 14 shows a settings screen where a user can choose to activate / deactivate location tracking with a toggle switch.

[0051] P2P App users can have live video conferences calls and / or live chat window to speak directly to their stockbroker and business partners while using the P2P App whilesimultaneously looking at the stock market exchanges via another window / screen inside the app, and an option to upload Excel Spreadsheets and PowerPoint with a Calculator.

[0052] Again, the user devices 24 can include smart televisions. P2P App users can also download the P2P App to their smart television and have the option to shop, order food, pay bills, send or receive money, invest into the stock market, and invest into cryptocurrency while watching their smart television. The P2P App will offer an option for users to push a button via remote control to access the P2P App on their smart television and all its features.

[0053] P2P App Retail Catalog will allow for users to make direct purchases from registered retailers, restaurants, shops, etc by using their P2P App electronic wallet.

[0054] P2P App Retail Catalog will allow P2P App users to purchase gifts and products to send to another registered P2P App user, the P2P App will recognize special occasions and events such as special Anniversary, Birthdays, and Holidays.

[0055] The P2P App will send notifications and reminders of such events to P2P App Users.

[0056] P2P App registered users have the option to create a community wallet for friends, families, and businesses to save money into one P2P Community Wallet, and allow for family, friends to have access to funds set aside for food, personal, and / or business. The owner / manager of the P2P account can grant permission for the community member spending request by approving the transaction or denying the transaction / withdrawal. The community wallet may be just a specialized user account 34 with appropriate deposit / withdrawal permissions for multiple other users that can be controlled by the owner / admin of the community wallet.

[0057] P2P App will provide the options to donate to the user's favorite nonprofit organization or business.

[0058] P2P App users have the option to block registered P2P App users that are listed inside their contacts / phone book.

[0059] P2P App users can create a favorite list and / or blocked list.

[0060] P2P App cameras on mobile phone, tablet, and computer will be used to scan paper paychecks and documents into the P2P App files on their device 24. The scanned documents can be uploaded to the use’s account 34 on the server 22. After documents have been scanned and uploaded, the P2P App user can share with other P2P App users, such as financial documents such as Payroll Check Stub, PowerPoint and Excel Spreadsheets.

[0061] P2P App will allow for the P2P users to send and / or receive money for a flat rate processing transaction fee, and or a monthly flat rate fee.

[0062] P2P App users will receive instant Cash Back rewards from purchases and deposits. The Cash Back rewards are deposited into their linked Bank account or their P2P App Wallet.

[0063] P2P App users can receive Cash Back after the user has chosen for Instant Cash deposit when transferring money from P2P App wallet to their linked Bank account.

[0064] P2P App allows parents to set up a P2P App accounts 34 for their children to send and receive money deposits and gifts to their special designed credit / debit card. The children can use either a smart phone user device 24 or a bracelet 24a (with more limited functionality). Either way (smart phone or bracelet), parents have the option to instruct the server 22 to give the parents direct access to their children's GPS location while traveling and shopping.

[0065] Parents will receive alerts and notification to their device 24 via email and SMS after each P2P App transaction. The parent will receive notifications to their chosen device with the P2P App user and children transactions and with the immediate GPS location of their children.

[0066] Parents have the option to track their child / user location via live GPS 24 / 7 inside the P2P App.

[0067] Parents can set Geo-Fence around chosen locations such as a Shopping Centers, Stores, and retail location to receive alerts when the P2P App child / user has entered or left the chosen location.

[0068] The P2P App will have an option called P2P App Escrow Wallet. The P2P App Escrow Wallet will give the sender the option to lock their money at the push of a button inside the App into the P2P App Escrow Wallet, and the receiver will have the same options as the sender. Or both parties can choose the option to both agree that the terms and conditions of their arrangement must be met before the funds or products or services are rendered. This is how both parties' lock option will work in order to release the funds from P2P App Escrow Wallet, both parties will receive encrypted passwords that they will enter when prompted, causing the P2P App Escrow Wallet to release / disburse the funds.

[0069] The P2P App users can send money to another P2P App user and locked the payment into the P2P App Escrow Wallet, after the sender has received goods from services and / or items purchased or both parties’ conditions are met / agreed, then the sender can unlock the payment from the P2P App Escrow Wallet causing the money to be released immediately to the receiver. Until funds are released from the P2P App Escrow Wallet, on the receiver APP side, the App will show the funds are locked into the P2P App Escrow Wallet.

[0070] The video camera 30 inside the App that will allow for person to person communication via live video call. This video camera will serve as a security feature to confirm the sender and / or receiver before any money transfers between two parties.

[0071] If the P2P App user information has been exposed or compromised by a criminal act. The P2P App user can lock the P2P App and / or targeted transactions.

[0072] The P2P will give users the option to share their geographic location (as determined by the user device 24, such as via GPS) inside the P2P App with selected / chosen family members and phone Contacts.

[0073] The P2P users can convert their cash at any ATM, Bank Teller, and convenience Store via using their P2P prepaid debit card. Users can open a P2P account without having a credit / debit card. The P2P users can purchase a P2P prepaid debit card from a convenience Store or website to convert their cash into a P2P electronic wallet, having the option to send money to friends, family, and make business transactions.

[0074] The Banking & Financial Institution all have Smartphone, Tablet and Computer Applications that allow users / customers to upload information to confirm their personal identity, such as Driver License, Social Security Card, Passport, Utility Bill and other important items / documents to confirm the individual identity. The GoPay Banking & Financial App / Technology will offer Banks, Financial Institutions, Customer Service, Credit Monitoring Apps, Credit Card Companies, and other similar companies that need / requires to confirm an individual identity the option / capability to confirm their customer’s identity via using the GoPay Two-way Video Chat, Text Messaging, Scanner, and Camera. These businesses will have the capability to scan any documents and other requested items from the user Smartphone, tablet, and / or computer.

[0075] The GoPay Two-way Video and Text Messaging Application will allow banks and customers to communicate directly via GoPay Two-way Video Chat and Text Messaging by using GoPay centralize platform that is separate from their phone, tablet, and computer platform. Customers will no longer just make phone calls but will have the option to contact any financial institution and / or business via GoPay App Two-way video and Text Messaging.

[0076] Banks and Businesses Customer Service will have the option to two-way video chat and text messages via GoPay App. The GoPay App Two-way Video chat and text messaging will confirms one's identity and allow direct and clear communications and request for both parties.

[0077] Banks and Businesses Customer Service can ask customers to activate their GPS location on their device inside the GoPay Application in order to confirm the user / customer's location and home address for security purposes. Institutions can request for customers to ONLY contact them from the users listed address on file for security purposes.

[0078] The GoPay P2P App users can share scanned documents with other P2P App users with payment to Banks, Credit Card Companies, Credit Monitor Companies, and any Business / Institution Customer Service.

[0079] Banks & Businesses will integrate GoPay App technology into their platforms allowing these institutions to have access to Two-way Video Chat, Text Messages, Scanner, Camera, GPS location in one centralize location via GoPay Application for security purposes and clear direct communication.

[0080] Banks and Financial Institutions now only speak to customers via phone call, limited text message, and instant chat. These Institutions do not have any other way to confirm a customer's identity. By using the GoPay technology institutions will be able to speak tocustomers directly and confirm their identity and have direct conversations for clear understanding. Deaf customers will be able to speak using sign language via GoPay two-way video chat and have direct access to type text messages directly to the business Customer Service.

[0081] The GoPay App has centralized Two-way Video chat, Text Messages, Prerecorded Messages, Scanner, Camera and GPS Location. Allowing both parties to maintain conversations and uploads receipts via text messages inside the GoPay App.

[0082] Banks and Financial Institutions Customer Service will have access to all transaction and communication centralized via GoPay App, Cloud, and approved designated platform. The GoPay App technology and features will create a separate platform for Two-way Video chat, Text messages, Pre-recorded Messages, Scanner, and Camera for taking pictures, uploading documents from files and pictures, and GPS location.

[0083] The GoPay App Two-way Video, Text Messages, Pre-recorded Messages, Scanner, Camera and GPS location button operates inside the GoPay App separate from the Smartphone, Tablet, and Computer platform. All information is stored on to the GoPay App platform and Cloud Computing.

[0084] Using the GoPay App will allow for more Businesses Customer Service to work more conveniently from home without traveling into work. Employees can host more meeting directly via GoPay App with their colleagues and customers.

[0085] GoPay Banking & Financial App will connect all Customers and business directly to each other for security and clear communication.

[0086] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes and jurisprudence, exemplary configurations described above are considered to represent preferred embodimentsof the inventions. However, it should be noted that the inventions can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope. Alphanumeric identifiers on steps or operations are solely for ease in reference in dependent claims and such identifiers by themselves do not signify a required sequence of performance, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A payment system comprising: a first mobile device including at least one processor, at least one storage, and a camera, wherein the at least one storage stores instructions which when executed by the at least one processor cause the payment system to perform operations including: a) permit a first user of the first mobile device to request payment from a second user of a second mobile device; and b) permit the first user to activate the camera to send a live video to the second user.

2. The payment system of claim 1 wherein step a) is performed in an app and wherein step b) is performed in the app.

3. The payment system of claim 1 wherein step a) is performed in a first screen in an app and wherein step b) is performed in the first screen in the app.

4. The payment system of claim 3 wherein the first screen is a chat screen.

5. The payment system of claim 3 wherein the second mobile device includes at least one processor and at least one storage, wherein the at least one storage stores instructions which when executed by the at least one processor on the second mobile device cause the payment system to: c) display the live video from the first user on the second mobile device; and d) permit the second user to send payment to the first user in response to steps a) and b).

6. The payment system of claim 5 wherein the first user device and the second user device are smartphones.

7. The payment system of claim 6 further including a server in communication with the first user device and the second user device, wherein the server includes at least one processor and at least one storage storing instructions which when executed by the at least one processor cause the server to: e) receive an instruction from the first user to pay the second user; and f) in response to step e), transferring money from a first account associated with the first user to a second account associated with the second user.

8. The payment system of claim 7 wherein the operations further include: g) determining a location of the first mobile device; and h) displaying the location of the first mobile device in the app on the second mobile device.

9. The payment system of claim 8 wherein steps c) and d) are performed in part in the app on the second mobile device.

10. The payment system of claim 9 wherein steps c) and d) are performed in part in a chat screen in the app on the second mobile device.

11. A payment system comprising: a first mobile device including at least one processor and at least one storage storing instructions which when executed by the at least one processor cause the payment system to perform operations including: a) determine a location of the first mobile device; b) transmit the location of the first mobile device to a second mobile device; and c) permit a first user to request payment from a second user of the second mobile device;the second mobile device including at least one processor and at least one storage storing instructions which when executed by the at least one processor cause the payment system to perform operations including: d) displaying the location of the first mobile device; and e) displaying the request for payment on the first mobile device.

12. The payment system of claim 11 wherein the request for payment and the location of the first mobile device are displayed on the first mobile device at the same time.

13. The payment system of claim 12 wherein the location of the first mobile device is determined based upon a GPS receiver in the first mobile device.

14. The payment system of claim 13 wherein the second mobile device is further programmed to permit the second user to provide a rating of the first user.

Images