U.S. patent application number 12/431489 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-29 for portable device including alterable indicator.
Invention is credited to Ayman Hammad.
Application Number | 20090271315 12/431489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41214016 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090271315 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hammad; Ayman |
October 29, 2009 |
PORTABLE DEVICE INCLUDING ALTERABLE INDICATOR
Abstract
A consumer device is disclosed. It includes a body, and a memory
element coupled to the body, the memory storing a first account
identifier associated with a first account, a second account
identifier associated with a second account, and an alterable flag
linking the first account and the second account.
Inventors: |
Hammad; Ayman; (Pleasanton,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND CREW LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER, 8TH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111
US
|
Family ID: |
41214016 |
Appl. No.: |
12/431489 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61048814 |
Apr 29, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/41 ; 235/487;
705/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/322 20130101;
G06Q 20/40 20130101; G06Q 20/341 20130101; G06Q 30/0233 20130101;
G06Q 20/04 20130101; G06Q 20/105 20130101; G06Q 20/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/41 ; 705/44;
235/487 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/00 20060101
G06Q020/00 |
Claims
1. A consumer device comprising: a body; and a memory element
coupled to the body, the memory storing a first account identifier
associated with a first account, a second account identifier
associated with a second account, and an alterable flag linking the
first account and the second account.
2. The consumer device of claim 1 wherein the consumer device is a
portable consumer device.
3. The consumer device of claim 1 wherein the consumer device is a
portable consumer device, wherein the portable consumer device is a
phone.
4. The consumer device of claim 1 wherein the first account
identifier is a prepaid account number and the second account
identifier is a debit or credit account number.
5. The consumer device of claim 1 wherein the memory element is in
the form of a magnetic stripe or a memory chip.
6. A method comprising: receiving, at a server computer, an
authorization request message comprising a first account identifier
associated with a first account, a second account identifier
associated with a second account, and an alterable flag, wherein
the alterable flag links the first account and the second account;
analyzing the authorization request message; and performing
additional processing depending upon the state of the alterable
flag.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the authorization request message
is associated with a purchase transaction and the first account
identifier is a prepaid account number and the second account
identifier is a debit or credit account number, and wherein
additional processing includes initiating the transfer of value
from the second account to the first account if the alterable flag
is in a transfer state.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein the authorization request message
is associated with a purchase transaction, and wherein the transfer
of value includes automatically refilling the first account with a
predetermined amount of money if the value amount in the first
account is zero.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the authorization request message
is associated with a purchase transaction, and wherein the method
further comprises: sending an authorization response message to a
merchant.
10. The method of claim 6 wherein the authorization response
message comprises an indication of the amount of money from the
first account and the amount of money from the second account that
are used to pay for the purchase.
11. A computer readable medium having a computer readable program
code embodied therein, said computer readable program code adapted
to be executed by a processor to implement a method according to
claim 6.
12. A server computer comprising the computer readable medium of
claim 11.
13. A method comprising: sending an authorization request message
comprising a first account identifier associated with a first
account, a second account identifier associated with a second
account, and an alterable flag, wherein the alterable flag links
the first account and the second account, to a server computer,
wherein the server computer thereafter analyzes the authorization
request message and performs additional processing based on the
alterable flag; and receiving an authorization response message
from the server computer.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the authorization request
message is associated with a purchase transaction and the first
account identifier is a prepaid account number and the second
account identifier is a debit or credit account number.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising receiving the first
account identifier, the second account identifier, and the
alterable flag from a portable consumer device.
16. The method of 15 wherein the portable consumer device is a
phone or a card.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the server computer resides at
an issuer.
18. A computer readable medium having a computer readable program
code embodied therein, said computer readable program code adapted
to be executed by a processor to implement a method according to
claim 13.
19. An access device comprising the computer readable medium of
claim 18.
20. A system comprising the access device of claim 18.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a non-provisional
of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/048,814, filed on
Apr. 29, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are a number of payment card programs that are used to
control spending by teens One such program is entitled Visa
Buxx.RTM.. This program uses a prepaid, reloadable card that is
created for teens. In the program, a parent enrolls their teen,
then loads money onto the prepaid card. Parents retain complete
control of the account associated with the prepaid card and can
view the teen's spending history at any time using a website. The
website can be used to enroll teens, replenish value, check
balances and transactions, view special offers and access money
management tools. It offers several options to fund the prepaid
card including credit cards and debit cards. A value reload feature
on the website enables cardholders and/or parents to set their own
loading and reloading schedule (with a valid funding account on
file). Value reload options include immediate one-time, scheduled
one-time, recurring scheduled and low balance.
[0003] Although the above-described program is useful, it could be
improved. For example, the consumer may want to perform an off-line
transaction. If the balance on the prepaid card is too low to
conduct a purchase transaction for a particular item, the consumer
may not be able to make the purchase. Further, in the
above-described system, it is necessary for a parent to log onto a
website to change the reload parameters associated with the
reloadable card.
[0004] Embodiments of the invention address these and other
problems, individually and collectively.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] Embodiments of the invention are directed to consumer
devices, methods and systems.
[0006] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a consumer
device. It comprises a body, and a memory element coupled to the
body. The memory element stores a first account identifier
associated with a first account, a second account identifier
associated with a second account, and an alterable flag linking the
first account and the second account.
[0007] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method
receiving, at a server computer, an authorization request message
comprising a first account identifier associated with a first
account, a second account identifier associated with a second
account, and an alterable flag, wherein the alterable flag links
the first account and the second account. The method also includes
analyzing the authorization request message, and performing
additional processing such as initiating the transfer of value from
the second account to the first account if the alterable flag is in
a transfer state.
[0008] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method
comprising sending an authorization request message comprising a
first account identifier associated with a first account, a second
account identifier associated with a second account, and an
alterable flag. The alterable flag may be capable of being in a
transfer state or a non-transfer state, and links the first account
and the second account. The authorization request message is sent
to a server computer, wherein the server computer thereafter
analyzes the authorization request message and performs additional
processing. An example of additional processing may include
initiating the transfer of value from the second account to the
first account if the alterable flag is in a transfer state. The
method also includes receiving an authorization response message
from the server computer.
[0009] Embodiments of the invention are directed to these and other
embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system that can be used in
some embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2(a) shows a block diagram of a consumer device in the
form of a phone.
[0012] FIG. 2(b) shows an illustration of a payment card.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an access device according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a computer apparatus.
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method according to
an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows a screen shot of a user interface that can be
used to input data in an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] One embodiment of the invention is directed to a consumer
device comprising a body and a memory element coupled to the body.
The memory element stores a first account identifier associated
with a first account and a second account identifier associated
with a second account. The first account identifier may be a
prepaid account number associated with a prepaid account. The
second account identifier may be a supplemental account number
associated with a supplemental account such as a debit account, a
credit account, or a checking account. The memory element may also
store an alterable flag linking the first account and the second
account. In some embodiments, the balance associated with at least
the first account (e.g., the prepaid account) may also be stored in
the memory element of the consumer device. The balance (or credit
limit) associated with the second account may also be stored in the
memory element in some embodiments of the invention.
[0018] The memory element may be in any suitable form. The memory
element may include computer readable media, and may be
semi-volatile or volatile in nature. It may also include one or
more memory devices (e.g., one or more memory chips, magnetic
strips, etc.). It may operate using any suitable mechanism
including any suitable optical, magnetic, and/or electrical data
storage mechanism.
[0019] The alterable flag may be in any suitable form and may be of
any suitable length. For example, in one embodiment, the alterable
flag may simply be a binary value that indicates whether or not the
person in control of the second account allows for an automatic
transfer of value from the second account to the first account
under specified conditions (e.g., periodically, when the balance in
the first account is low, etc.). In other embodiments, the
alterable flag may configured to provide more detailed
instructions. For example, an alterable flag may be used to
indicate that a first account is to be automatically refilled with
value from a second account, and may also indicate that the a
notification message is to be sent to the holder of the second
account if the first account is refilled with value from the second
account. In another embodiment, the alterable flag may indicate
that one account number is to be used before another account
number.
[0020] In some embodiments, the first account identifier, the
second account identifier, and the alterable flag can be included
in one or more data tags, which can be sent in authorization
request messages. Embodiments of the invention include the use of
data tags, assigned or enhanced, to be sent in a supplementary data
field, for the purpose of moving additional data in authorization
request messages. Exemplary data tags may include a user exclusive
data tag, which can contain the first account identifier, the
second account identifier, and the alterable flag. The user
exclusive data tag can be a customer exclusive data tag. The data
within these tags may be utilized alone or together, and in the
clear or encrypted. [0021] A "data tag" may include one or more
data elements in any suitable form. In some embodiments, a data tag
may include a tag identifier element, a length element, and a value
element. The tag identifier element may be embodied by one or more
characters, which indicate a characteristic of the data tag. For
example, a customer exclusive data tag identifier element may
indicate that its corresponding data tag is related to data that is
specifically associated with the consumer. A length element may
indicate the length of the value element in the data tag, or could
indicate the length of the data tag itself. For example, a length
element, which has the value "4" may indicate that the value
element may have four characters. The length element advantageously
indicates the size of its corresponding value element so that a
computer apparatus that reads the data tag will know how large the
data tag will be. Lastly, a value element can be a substantive
value associated with the data tag. For example, a consumer's debit
card account number could be a substantive value. As an
illustration, a data tag including a user's debit card account
number might be 88101234567890. "88" might be a tag identifier
element indicating a supplemental account number. "10" might be an
indication of the length of the value. "1234567890" might be a
value corresponding to the debit account number. By using such data
tags, standard authorization request messages may carry more
complex data between an access device and an issuer than was
previously possible.
[0021] Data tags are also described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______, entitled "Form Factor Indicator" (Attorney Docket No.
16222U-041710US), ______, entitled "Device Including User Exclusive
Data Tag" (Attorney Docket No. 16222U-041720US), and ______,
entitled "Authorization System With Split Messaging" (Attorney
Docket No. 16222U-041740US), which are all being filed on the same
day as the present application. All of these applications are
herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
[0022] Exemplary systems and methods are provided below.
[0023] I. Exemplary Systems
[0024] A system according to an embodiment of the invention is
shown in FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a system 20 that can be used in an embodiment
of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a consumer A 30. Consumer A 30 may be the
primary person designated to use a consumer device 32. For example,
consumer A 30 may be a teenager. If the consumer device 32 is a
prepaid device such as a prepaid card, consumer A 30 may also be
the person who is in primary control of using funds in a prepaid
account that is associated with the prepaid card. A prepaid account
number 32-2 is stored in a memory element 32(b) in the consumer
device 32. The prepaid account is an example of a first account and
the prepaid account number is an example of a first account
identifier.
[0027] FIG. 1 also shows a consumer B 31. Consumer B 31 may be the
person (e.g., a parent of the teenager) who is in primary control
of a debit account associated with the debit account number 32-3
stored in the memory element 32(b) in the consumer device 32. The
debit account number 32-3 and its associated debit account may be
respective examples of a second account identifier and a second
account associated with the second account number. The second
account identifier may be an example of a supplemental account
identifier.
[0028] Consumer B 31 may also be the person who is authorized to
control a state of the alterable flag 32-1 stored in the memory
element 32(b). For example, the consumer B 32-1 may be a parent who
controls the spending of consumer A 30 (who may be his teenage son)
by initiating a change in the state of the alterable flag 32-1. In
one embodiment, consumer B 31 can do this by directly manipulating
input elements (e.g., keys on a keypad) in the consumer device 32
to change the state of the alterable flag 32-1. A password or other
authentication token may be required by the consumer device 32
before it will allow a person to change the alterable flag 32-1. In
another embodiment, consumer B 31 may use a computer terminal 62,
which may communicate with a server computer in the payment
processing network 26 via the Internet 72.
[0029] An exemplary screenshot of an interface that can allow a
parent to change the state of the alterable flag 32-1 is shown in
FIG. 6. It provides an area for a consumer to enter a prepaid
account number, a supplemental account number, and a supplemental
account type. There is also an area for a person to indicate
whether or not an automatic re-fill or transfer of value from the
supplemental account to the prepaid account should occur when the
prepaid account has a balance of $0, and an area to indicate
whether or not an alert should be sent when the refill occurs. This
interface may be provided on the computer terminal 62, on a mobile
phone 98, or on the consumer device 32 if the consumer device 32
can receive input data.
[0030] To conduct a purchase transaction, the consumer device 32
can interact with an access device 34, which may be located at a
merchant 22. The merchant 22 and the acquirer 24 can communicate
with one or more issuers (e.g., issuer A 28 and issuer B 38) via a
payment processing network 26.
[0031] FIG. 1 also shows a telecommunication network 70 in
communication with the payment processing network 26. The mobile
phone 98, which may be operated by consumer A 30 or consumer B 31,
may access the telecommunications network 26 via the
telecommunications gateway 60. The mobile phone 98 may allow either
consumer A 30 or consumer B 31 to receive messages relating to
transactions conducted using the consumer device 32.
[0032] In some embodiments, the consumer device 32 may also be a
mobile phone or may be capable of communicating with the payment
processing network 26 via the telecommunications gateway 60 and the
telecommunications network 70, via communication line 96.
[0033] As used herein, an "issuer" is typically a business entity
(e.g., a bank) which maintains financial accounts for the consumer
and often issues a portable consumer device such as a credit or
debit card to the consumer. A "merchant" is typically an entity
that engages in transactions and can sell goods or services. An
"acquirer" is typically a business entity (e.g., a commercial bank)
that has a business relationship with a particular merchant or
other entity. Some entities can perform both issuer and acquirer
functions. Embodiments of the invention encompass such single
entity issuer-acquirers.
[0034] The consumer devices according to embodiments of the
invention may be in any suitable form. In some embodiments, the
consumer devices are portable in nature and may be portable
consumer devices. Suitable portable consumer devices can be
hand-held and compact so that they can fit into a consumer's wallet
and/or pocket (e.g., pocket-sized). They may include smart cards,
ordinary credit or debit cards (with a magnetic strip and without a
microprocessor), keychain devices (such as the Speedpass.TM.
commercially available from Exxon-Mobil Corp.), etc. Other examples
of portable consumer devices include cellular phones, personal
digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, payment cards, security cards,
access cards, smart media, transponders, and the like.
[0035] Each consumer device may comprise a body, and a memory
comprising a memory element disposed on or within the body. The
memory element stores a first account identifier associated with a
first account and a second account identifier associated with a
second account. The first account identifier may be a prepaid
account number associated with a prepaid account. The second
account identifier may be a debit card account associated with a
debit account. An alterable flag linking the first account and the
second account is also stored in the memory element. In some
embodiments, the balances associated with first account and the
second account may also be stored on the consumer device. In
addition, the consumer device may also include a processor coupled
to the memory, where greater functionality and/or security are
desired.
[0036] The payment processing network 26 may include data
processing subsystems, networks, and operations used to support and
deliver authorization services, exception file services, and
clearing and settlement services. An exemplary payment processing
network may include VisaNet.TM.. Payment processing networks such
as VisaNet.TM. are able to process credit card transactions, debit
card transactions, and other types of commercial transactions.
VisaNet.TM., in particular, includes a VIP system (Visa Integrated
Payments system) which processes authorization requests and a Base
II system which performs clearing and settlement services.
[0037] As noted above, the payment processing network 26 may
include a server computer. A server computer is typically a
powerful computer or cluster of computers. For example, the server
computer can be a large mainframe, a minicomputer cluster, or a
group of servers functioning as a unit. In one example, the server
computer may be a database server coupled to a Web server. The
payment processing network 26 may use any suitable wired or
wireless network, including the Internet.
[0038] The server computer in the payment processing network 26 may
comprise a processor and a computer readable medium coupled to the
processor. The computer readable medium comprises code or
instructions, executable by the processor, for: receiving an
authorization request message comprising a first account identifier
associated with a first account, a second account identifier
associated with a second account, and an alterable flag, wherein
the alterable flag links the first account and the second account;
analyzing the authorization request message; and performing
additional processing depending upon the state of the alterable
flag.
[0039] The merchant 22 may also have, or may receive communications
from, an access device 34 that can interact with the portable
consumer device 32. The access devices according to embodiments of
the invention can be in any suitable form. Examples of access
devices include point of sale (POS) devices, cellular phones, PDAs,
personal computers (PCs), tablet PCs, handheld specialized readers,
set-top boxes, electronic cash registers (ECRs), automated teller
machines (ATMs), virtual cash registers (VCRs), kiosks, security
systems, access systems, and the like.
[0040] If the access device 34 is a point of sale terminal, any
suitable point of sale terminal may be used including card readers.
The card readers may include any suitable contact or contactless
mode of operation. For example, exemplary card readers can include
RF (radio frequency) antennas, magnetic stripe readers, etc. to
interact with the portable consumer device 32.
[0041] II. Exemplary Consumer Devices, Access Devices, and Computer
Apparatuses
[0042] FIG. 2(a) shows a block diagram of a phone that can be used
in embodiments of the invention. It may correspond to the consumer
device 32 or the mobile phone 98 in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2(a),
the exemplary wireless phone 32' may comprise a computer readable
medium and a body. The computer readable medium 32(b) may be
present within the body 32(h), or may be detachable from it. The
computer readable medium 32(b) may be or may form part of a memory
element. The body 32(h) may be in the form a plastic substrate,
housing, or other structure. The computer readable medium 32(b) may
be in the form of (or may be included in) a memory that stores data
(e.g., prepaid account numbers, debit account numbers, credit
account numbers, alterable flags, etc.) and may be in any suitable
form including a magnetic stripe, a memory chip, etc. The memory
preferably stores information such as financial information,
transit information (e.g., as in a subway or train pass), access
information (e.g., as in access badges), etc. Financial information
may include information such as bank account information, loyalty
account information (e.g., a loyalty account number), a bank
identification number (BIN), credit or debit card number
information, account balance information, expiration date, consumer
information such as name, date of birth, etc. Any of this
information may be transmitted by the phone 32'.
[0043] In some embodiments, information in the memory element may
also be in the form of data tracks that are traditionally
associated with credits cards. Such tracks include Track 1 and
Track 2. Track 1 ("International Air Transport Association") stores
more information than Track 2, and contains the cardholder's name
as well as account number and other discretionary data. This track
is sometimes used by the airlines when securing reservations with a
credit card. Track 2 ("American Banking Association") is currently
most commonly used. This is the track that is read by ATMs and
credit card checkers. The ABA (American Banking Association)
designed the specifications of this track and all world banks must
abide by it. It contains the cardholder's account, encrypted PIN,
plus other discretionary data.
[0044] The phone 32' may further include a contactless element
32(g), which is typically implemented in the form of a
semiconductor chip (or other data storage element) with an
associated wireless transfer (e.g., data transmission) element,
such as an antenna. Contactless element 32(g) is associated with
(e.g., embedded within) phone 32' and data or control instructions
transmitted via a cellular network may be applied to contactless
element 32(g) by means of a contactless element interface (not
shown). The contactless element interface functions to permit the
exchange of data and/or control instructions between the mobile
device circuitry (and hence the cellular network) and an optional
contactless element 32(g).
[0045] Contactless element 32(g) is capable of transferring and
receiving data using a near field communications ("NFC") capability
(or near field communications medium) typically in accordance with
a standardized protocol or data transfer mechanism (e.g., ISO
14443/NFC). Near field communications capability is a short-range
communications capability, such as RFID, Bluetooth.TM., infra-red,
or other data transfer capability that can be used to exchange data
between the phone 32' and an interrogation device. Thus, the phone
32' is capable of communicating and transferring data and/or
control instructions via both cellular network and near field
communications capability.
[0046] The phone 32' may also include a processor 32(c) (e.g., a
microprocessor) for processing the functions of the phone 32 and a
display 32(d) to allow a consumer to see phone numbers and other
information and messages. The phone 32' may further include input
elements 32(e) to allow a consumer to input information into the
device, a speaker 32(f) to allow the consumer to hear voice
communication, music, etc., and a microphone 32(i) to allow the
consumer to transmit her voice through the phone 32'. The phone 32'
may also include an antenna 32(a) for wireless data transfer (e.g.,
data transmission).
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an access device 34
according to an embodiment of the invention. The access device 34
comprises a processor 34(c) operatively coupled to a computer
readable medium 34(d) (e.g., one or more memory chips, etc.), input
elements 34(b)-3 such as buttons or the like, a reader 34(a) (e.g.,
a contactless reader, a magnetic stripe reader, etc.), an output
device 34(e) (e.g., a display, a speaker, etc.) and a network
interface 34(f). The computer readable medium may comprise
instructions or code, executable by a processor. The instructions
may include instructions for sending an authorization request
message comprising a first account identifier associated with a
first account, a second account identifier associated with a second
account, and an alterable flag. The alterable flag links the first
account and the second account. The authorization request message
is sent to a server computer, and the server computer thereafter
analyzes the authorization request message and performs additional
processing based on the state of the alterable flag. The
instructions may also include instructions for receiving an
authorization response message from the server computer,
instructions for providing receipts with the first and second
account numbers, and instructions for updating data such as a
balance on a portable consumer device.
[0048] The various participants and elements (e.g., the issuer,
merchant, acquirer, payment processing network, etc.) in FIG. 1 may
operate one or more computer apparatuses (e.g., a server computer)
to facilitate the functions described herein. Any of the elements
in FIG. 1 may use any suitable number of subsystems to facilitate
the functions described herein. Examples of such subsystems or
components are shown in FIG. 4. The subsystems shown in FIG. 4 are
interconnected via a system bus 775. Additional subsystems such as
a printer 774, keyboard 778, fixed disk 779 (or other memory
comprising computer readable media), monitor 776, which is coupled
to display adapter 782, and others are shown. Peripherals and
input/output (I/O) devices, which couple to I/O controller 771, can
be connected to the computer system by any number of means known in
the art, such as serial port 777. For example, serial port 777 or
external interface 781 can be used to connect the computer
apparatus to a wide area network such as the Internet, a mouse
input device, or a scanner. The interconnection via system bus
allows the central processor 773 to communicate with each subsystem
and to control the execution of instructions from system memory 772
or the fixed disk 779, as well as the exchange of information
between subsystems. The system memory 772 and/or the fixed disk 779
may embody a computer readable medium.
[0049] III. Exemplary Methods
[0050] Methods according to embodiments of the invention can be
described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 5.
[0051] As noted above, the alterable flag 32-1 in the consumer
device 32 can be changed by a consumer such as consumer B 31 at any
suitable time and in any suitable manner. In one embodiment,
consumer B 31 may use the computer terminal 62 to contact a website
on a server computer in the payment processing network 26. On the
website, consumer B 31 can indicate the desired state of the flag
32-1. After this occurs, the server computer may communicate with
the consumer device 32 to change the state of the flag 32-1. In one
example, if the consumer device 32 is capable of receiving external
data from the telecommunications network 70, the server computer
could send an instruction to change the flag 32-1 to the consumer
device 32 via line 96. In another embodiment, consumer B 31 may
directly manipulate input elements (e.g., buttons) on the consumer
device 32 to change the state of the flag 32-1. This can be done
without communicating with a back end server computer or system. In
another embodiment, consumer B 31 may use input elements in the
access device 34 to locally change the state of the flag when the
consumer device 32 is proximate to the access device 34.
[0052] In one embodiment, the state of the alterable flag may
indicate whether an automatic transfer of value from the second
account to the first account is to occur. For example, a value of
"0" may indicate that no transfer is to take place, whereas a value
of "1" may indicate that a transfer of $100 from the second account
to the first account if the balance in the first account reaches
$0.
[0053] An illustration of how the consumer device 32 can be used in
transaction can now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5.
The method comprises interacting with an access device 34 at a
merchant 22 using a consumer device 32 such as a smartcard or a
phone (step 202). This can be done when consumer A 30 (e.g., a
teen) tries to purchase a good or service (e.g., a music player) at
the merchant 22. The consumer device 32 comprises a first account
identifier such as a prepaid account number 32-2 associated with a
first account such as a prepaid account, and a second account
identifier such as a debit card account number 32-2 associated with
a second account such as a debit account. The portable consumer
device 32 also comprises an alterable flag 32-1 that is capable of
being in a transfer state or a non-transfer state. The alterable
flag links the first prepaid account and the second debit account.
It may also include balance data associated with the prepaid
account number 32-2.
[0054] After the consumer device 32 interacts with the access
device 34, the access device 34 receives the prepaid account number
32-2, the debit card account number 32-3, the prepaid account
balance data, and the flag 32-1. It then generates an authorization
request message with this information and information such as a
merchant identifier and a purchase amount. The authorization
request message is then forwarded to the payment processing network
26 via the acquirer 24 (step 206). It is then received at a server
computer in the payment processing network 26 (step 206).
[0055] After the server computer at the payment processing network
26 receives the authorization request message, it analyzes it and
then performs additional processing. For example, it may initiate
the transfer of value from the second account to the first account
if the alterable flag 32-1 is in a transfer state.
[0056] As a first step, the server computer in the payment
processing network 26 may determine if there are enough funds in
the prepaid account to pay for the transaction (step 208). If there
are enough funds, then the server computer in the payment
processing network 26 may forward the authorization request message
to the issuer A 28 of the prepaid account (step 232). The issuer A
28 may then authorize or not authorize the payment request, and may
thereafter generate and send an authorization response message back
to the payment processing network 26. After the payment processing
network 26 receives the response message (step 234), it may forward
it to the merchant and then to the access device 34 (step 236).
[0057] If there are not enough funds in the prepaid account to pay
for the transaction, then the server computer may determine if the
flag 32-1 indicates that a transfer of value (or "refill") from the
debit account associated with the debit card number 32-3 is
authorized or not (step 210). If it does not, then the
authorization request message may be sent to the issuer A 28. The
issuer A 28 may then send an authorization response message back to
the merchant 22 and access device 34 indicating that the
transaction is not authorized.
[0058] If the flag 32-1 does indicate that value may be transferred
from the debit account to the prepaid account (i.e., that the
prepaid account may be "re-filled"), then the server computer in
the payment processing network may take steps to conclude the
purchase transaction and initiate the transfer of funds from the
debit account to the prepaid account (step 212). Illustratively,
the purchase amount of the current purchase may be for $50 and the
prepaid account may only have $25 in it. The maximum value that the
prepaid account may be authorized to hold may be $100. The
alterable flag may be in a "transfer" state, rather than a
"non-transfer" state. A "transfer state" may be an instruction to
transfer $75 from the debit account to the prepaid account if the
balance falls to $0 in the prepaid account. In this example, the
server computer in the payment processing network 26 may determine
that it needs to send an authorization request message to the
issuer A 28 of the prepaid account for $25 and the issuer B 38 of
the debit account for $25 to complete the purchase transaction. The
requested transfer of value may be completed by having the server
in the payment processing network 26 transfer $50 from the debit
account to the prepaid account. Alternatively, the server in the
payment processing network 26 may first request that the issuer B
38 associated with the debit account authorize payment of $75 to
the prepaid account held by the issuer A 28 so that the balance in
the prepaid account will be re-filled to $100. The server in the
payment processing network 26 may then send authorization request
to issuer A 28 associated with the debit account for the purchase
price of $50.
[0059] After the appropriate authorization request message is sent
to the issuer A 28, the issuer A 28 may approve of the transaction
and may send an authorization response message back to the merchant
22 and the access device 34 (step 214). When the access device 34
receives the authorization response message, the authorization
response message may include data sufficient to update any account
balance on the consumer device 32. The access device 34 may also
output a receipt or the like for the consumer A 30. It may show the
amount of money transferred from the debit account to the credit
account, as well as the amount of the purchase and an authorization
code for the purchase.
[0060] If desired, if the conditions of the alert flag 32-1 are
satisfied (i.e., the transfer of value from the debit account to
the prepaid account), then an alert message may be sent by the
server computer in the payment processing network 26 to the phone
38 or computer terminal 62 notifying either consumer A 30 or
consumer B 31 that the transfer of value has occurred. The alert
may in the form of an e-mail, SMS message, or any other suitable
message. In some embodiments, the alert can be sent to consumer B
31 before the transfer of value takes place and the consumer B 31
may be in a position to authorize or not authorize the transfer of
value from the debit account to the prepaid account.
[0061] At the end of the day, a clearing and settlement process can
occur between the various issuers and acquirers in the system.
[0062] In the above-described embodiment, the debit account and the
prepaid account reside at different issuers including issuer A 28
and issuer B 38. However, in other embodiments, they may reside at
the same issuer.
[0063] The above-described process is an "on-line" process. The
portable consumer device may also be effectively used to conduct
off-line transactions.
[0064] An exemplary off-line process can be described with
reference to FIG. 1. In an exemplary off-line process, the access
device 34 would not be in communication with issuer A 28 or issuer
B 38 when a purchase is made using the consumer device 32. The
access device 34 could be, for example, a vending machine that is
generally not in constant communication with the issuers A, B 28,
38, but may be in communication on an infrequent periodic basis
(e.g., once per day). Other examples of off-line transactions
include transit transactions. The transaction information can be
uploaded to a central server in a batch mode.
[0065] Consumer A 30 may take the consumer device 32 to the access
device 34 to make a purchase. The access device 34 receives the
prepaid account number 32-2, the debit card account number 32-3,
the prepaid account balance data, and the flag 32-1. The access
device 34 can then determine if there is enough value in the
prepaid account to make the current purchase. If there is not
enough value, then the access device 34 can check the status of the
flag 32-1 to see if it is possible to transfer value from the debit
account to the prepaid account. If so, then the access device 34
can approve of the transaction and it, or a merchant associated
with it, can provide the desired good or service to the consumer A
30. The access device 34 may update the account balance on the
consumer device 32.
[0066] At a later point in time, the access device 34 may forward
data regarding the transaction to the payment processing network 26
and to the appropriate issuers A, B 28, 38 so that funds can be
transferred as described in the above on-line example. For example,
the transaction data may indicate that (1) the prepaid account had
$0 in it, and that it needs to be filled with $100 from funds in
the linked debit account, and (2) the issuer of the prepaid account
thereafter needs to be contacted to deduct $50 from the prepaid
account for the current purchase. The payment processing network 26
can communicate with the various issuers to accomplish this.
[0067] Embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages.
First, as noted above, by storing an alterable flag and different
account numbers in a consumer device, the account numbers can be
linked so that spending by the holder of the consumer device can be
controlled by another person. Second, embodiments of the invention
can be used for both off-line and on-line transactions. Third, in
some embodiments, the alterable flag may be changed by a consumer
by directly manipulating a portable consumer device. It is not
necessary for a consumer to contact a central server to change the
state of the alterable flag. Fourth, if desired, a merchant or
access device may determine that there is a supplemental account
guaranteeing the transaction and it may immediately verify that the
transaction can proceed without contacting an central server.
Embodiments of the invention may have some, none, or all of these
advantages.
[0068] Embodiments of the invention are not limited to the
above-described embodiments. For example, although separate
functional blocks are shown for an issuer, payment processing
network, and acquirer, some entities perform (e.g., Discover, AMEX,
etc.) all of these functions and may be included in embodiments of
invention.
[0069] Specific details regarding some of the above-described
aspects are provided below. The specific details of the specific
aspects may be combined in any suitable manner without departing
from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the invention.
[0070] It should be understood that the present invention as
described above can be implemented in the form of control logic
using computer software in a modular or integrated manner. Based on
the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary
skill in the art will know and appreciate other ways and/or methods
to implement the present invention using hardware and a combination
of hardware and software
[0071] Any of the software components or functions described in
this application, may be implemented as software code to be
executed by a processor using any suitable computer language such
as, for example, Java, C++ or Perl using, for example, conventional
or object-oriented techniques. The software code may be stored as a
series of instructions, or commands on a computer readable medium,
such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a
magnetic medium such as a hard-drive or a floppy disk, or an
optical medium such as a CD-ROM. Any such computer readable medium
may reside on or within a single computational apparatus, and may
be present on or within different computational apparatuses within
a system or network.
[0072] The above description is illustrative and is not
restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure. The
scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with
reference to the above description, but instead should be
determined with reference to the pending claims along with their
full scope or equivalents.
[0073] A recitation of "a", "an" or "the" is intended to mean "one
or more" unless specifically indicated to the contrary.
[0074] All patents, patent applications, publications, and
descriptions mentioned above are herein incorporated by reference
in their entirety for all purposes. None is admitted to be prior
art.
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