U.S. patent application number 13/327272 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-26 for prepaid virtual card.
Invention is credited to Mack Paul Daffin, JR., Jeffrey William Tomey.
Application Number | 20120191517 13/327272 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46544861 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120191517 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daffin, JR.; Mack Paul ; et
al. |
July 26, 2012 |
PREPAID VIRTUAL CARD
Abstract
A method for issuing a virtual financial instrument is
disclosed, the method comprising receiving user identification
information, receiving balance information, generating a financial
instrument having a balance indicated by the balance information
for a user indicated by the identification information, and
providing a notification to the user that the financial instrument
has been generated.
Inventors: |
Daffin, JR.; Mack Paul;
(Cumming, GA) ; Tomey; Jeffrey William; (Berkley
Lake, CA) |
Family ID: |
46544861 |
Appl. No.: |
13/327272 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61423402 |
Dec 15, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.17 ;
705/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 53/66 20190201;
Y02T 90/12 20130101; Y02T 90/16 20130101; B65G 1/0492 20130101;
B65G 67/02 20130101; G06Q 30/0215 20130101; G06Q 40/00 20130101;
Y02T 10/7072 20130101; B60L 53/63 20190201; B60S 5/00 20130101;
B65G 1/1373 20130101; B60G 5/00 20130101; G06Q 10/087 20130101;
H02J 7/0021 20130101; G06Q 20/105 20130101; B65G 47/04 20130101;
H02J 7/007 20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/14.17 ;
705/41 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/00 20120101
G06Q040/00; G06Q 30/02 20120101 G06Q030/02 |
Claims
1. A method for issuing a virtual financial instrument, comprising:
receiving user identification information; receiving balance
information; generating a financial instrument having a balance
indicated by the balance information for a user indicated by the
identification information; and providing a notification to the
user that the financial instrument has been generated.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving user identification
information comprises receiving an email address and a unique
identifier.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving balance information
comprises receiving a dollar amount.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein generating a financial instrument
having a balance indicated by the balance information for a user
indicated by the identification information comprises issuing a
first and a second number sequence.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first number sequence is a
bank card number and the second sequence is a card security
code.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein providing a notification to the
user that the financial instrument has been generated comprises
emailing the user a link to a website and login credentials for the
website.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a website
configured to receive login credentials and process a claim for the
financial instrument.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the website is further configured
to provide the user with the financial instrument.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed for a
plurality of users as part of a batch process.
10. A system for issuing a virtual financial instrument,
comprising: a storage medium for storing information relating to a
financial instrument; a processor in communication with the memory,
the processor configured to: receive user identification
information; receive balance information; generate the financial
instrument having a balance indicated by the balance information
for a user indicated by the identification information; and store
information relating to the financial instrument on the storage
medium; and provide a notification to the user that the financial
instrument has been generated.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein receiving user identification
information comprises receiving an email address and a unique
identifier.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein receiving balance information
comprises receiving a dollar amount.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein generating a financial
instrument having a balance indicated by the balance information
for a user indicated by the identification information comprises
issuing a first and a second number sequence.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first number sequence is a
bank card number and the second sequence is a card security
code.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein providing a notification to the
user that the financial instrument has been generated comprises
emailing the user a link to a website and login credentials for the
website.
16. The system of claim 10, further comprising providing a website
configured to receive login credentials and process a claim for the
financial instrument.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the website is further
configured to provide the user with the financial instrument.
18. The system of claim 10, wherein the method is performed for a
plurality of users as part of a batch process.
19. A method for issuing a virtual financial instrument,
comprising: receiving recipient identification information from a
seller; receiving balance information from the seller; generating a
financial instrument having a balance indicated by the balance
information for a recipient indicated by the identification
information, wherein the balance represents a financial credit for
one or more of a good or service provided by the seller; and
providing a notification to the recipient that the financial
instrument has been generated.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a website
configured to receive login credentials and process a claim for the
financial instrument.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/423,402 filed Dec. 15, 2010, herein incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Debit cards are widely used today in payment transactions
throughout the world. Prepaid cards such as prepaid debit or gift
cards store a fixed amount of value on the cards for use. When the
card is used to purchase goods and services, the cost of those
goods and services is debited from the account up to the monetary
sum stored in the card. Prior to using the card for purchasing
goods and services from a seller or merchant, a user typically
deposits or stores a sum of money into the account associated with
the card. However, current prepaid cards do not provide a
sufficient means to issue and/or manage financial instruments such
as prepaid cards in a virtual environment.
SUMMARY
[0003] It is to be understood that both the following general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed. In an
aspect, provided are methods and systems for issuing and/or
managing virtual financial instruments. The system and methods of
the present disclosure can be used to issue virtual prepaid cards
in a network and/or virtual environment. The systems and methods of
the present disclosure allow a user of a virtual financial
instrument to conduct financial transactions without divulging
sensitive personal financial information.
[0004] In an aspect, a method for issuing a virtual financial
instrument can comprise receiving user identification information,
receiving balance information, generating a financial instrument
having a balance indicated by the balance information for a user
indicated by the identification information, and providing a
notification to the user that the financial instrument has been
generated.
[0005] In an aspect, a system for issuing a virtual financial
instrument can comprise a storage medium for storing information
relating to a financial instrument, and a processor in
communication with the memory. The processor can be configured to
receive user identification information, receive balance
information, generate the financial instrument having a balance
indicated by the balance information for a user indicated by the
identification information, store the financial instrument on the
storage medium, and/or provide a notification to the user that the
financial instrument has been generated.
[0006] In an aspect, provided are methods for issuing a virtual
financial instrument comprising, receiving recipient identification
information from a seller, receiving balance information from the
seller, generating a financial instrument having a balance
indicated by the balance information for a recipient indicated by
the identification information, wherein the balance represents a
financial credit for one or more of a good or service provided by
the seller, and providing a notification to the recipient that the
financial instrument has been generated.
[0007] Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the
description which follows or may be learned by practice. The
advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements
and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary and
explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the methods and systems:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary network;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing
device;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a representation of a web page;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a representation of a web page;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a representation of a web page;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a representation of a web page; and
[0017] FIG. 9 is a representation of a web page.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and
described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are
not limited to specific synthetic methods, specific components, or
to particular compositions. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0019] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed
herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about"
another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another
embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the
other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as
approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be
understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It
will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges
are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and
independently of the other endpoint.
[0020] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently
described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the
description includes instances where said event or circumstance
occurs and instances where it does not.
[0021] Throughout the description and claims of this specification,
the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as
"comprising" and "comprises," means "including but not limited to,"
and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives,
components, integers or steps. "Exemplary" means "an example of and
is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal
embodiment. "Such as" is not used in a restrictive sense, but for
explanatory purposes.
[0022] Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the
disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are
disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations,
subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are
disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual
and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be
explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and
described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all
aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in
disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps
that can be performed it is understood that each of these
additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or
combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.
[0023] The present methods and systems may be understood more
readily by reference to the following detailed description of
preferred embodiments and the Examples included therein and to the
Figures and their previous and following description.
[0024] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the
methods and systems may take the form of an entirely hardware
embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment
combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods
and systems may take the form of a computer program product on a
computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program
instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage
medium. More particularly, the present methods and systems may take
the form of web-implemented computer software. Any suitable
computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard
disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage
devices.
[0025] Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below
with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of
methods, systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It
will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and
flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block
diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be
implemented by computer program instructions. These computer
program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer,
special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing
apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which
execute on the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified
in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0026] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular
manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable
memory produce an article of manufacture including
computer-readable instructions for implementing the function
specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program
instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of
operational steps to be performed on the computer or other
programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process
such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other
programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions
specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0027] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart
illustrations support combinations of means for performing the
specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the
specified functions and program instruction means for performing
the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block
of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be
implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that
perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of
special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0028] As described in greater detail below, a system can be
configured to distinguish a classification of user in order to
deliver a unique experience for each class of user.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates various aspects of an exemplary network
in which the present methods and systems can operate. The present
disclosure relates to systems and methods for identifying a class
of user. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that present
methods may be used in systems that employ both digital and analog
equipment. One skilled in the art will appreciate that provided
herein is a functional description and that the respective
functions can be performed by software, hardware, or a combination
of software and hardware.
[0030] The network 100 can comprise a seller device 102 in
communication (e.g., directly and/or via a network) with a
computing device 104 such as a server, for example. The computing
device 104 can be disposed locally or remotely relative to the
seller device 102. As an example, the seller device 102 and the
computing device 104 can be in communication via a private or
public network such as the Internet. Other forms of communications
can be used such as wired and wireless telecommunication channels,
for example.
[0031] In an aspect, the seller device 102 can be an electronic
device such as a computer, a server, a smartphone, a laptop, a
tablet, or other device capable of communicating with the computing
device 104. As an example, the seller device 102 can comprise a web
browser 106 for providing an interface to a user to interact with
the seller device 102 and/or the computing device 104. The web
browser 106 can be any interface for presenting information to the
user and receiving a user feedback such as Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, or the like. Other
software, hardware, and/or interfaces can be used to provide
communication between the user and one or more of the seller device
102 and the computing device 104. As an example, the web browser
106 can request or query various files from a local source and/or a
remote source. As a further example, the seller device 102 can be
configured to transmit data to the computing device 104. Other
devices and interfaces can be used to allow a user to
intercommunicate with the computing device 104.
[0032] In an aspect, the seller device 102 can be configured to
communicate (e.g., directly and/or via a network) with a point of
sale 108. As an example, the point of sale 108 can be an electronic
point of sale such as an e-commerce site, website, or software
application for processing purchases. As a further example, the
point of sale 108 can comprise hardware (e.g., terminal) and or
software components for processing a transaction such as a purchase
(e.g., including processing a prepaid card such as a gift card or
debit card). In an aspect, the seller device 102 can send/receive
information to/from the point of sale 108 for configuring the point
of sale 108 and/or retrieving information from the point of sale
108.
[0033] In an aspect, the point of sale 108 can comprise an
interface 110 to allow a user to interact with the point of sale
108. As an example, the interface 110 can comprise a web
application or interactive web page. As a further example, the
interface 110 can render information to a user and receive user
feedback. In an aspect, the point of sale 108 can be in
communication with the computing device 104 to authenticate a user
credential information provided through the interface 110. Other
devices or systems can be used to authenticate a particular user
information, login information, and/or credential information.
[0034] In an aspect, the computing device 104 can be a server for
communicating with the seller device 102. As an example, the
computing device 104 can manage the intercommunication between the
seller device 102 and a database 112 for sending and receiving data
therebetween. In an aspect, the database 112 can store a plurality
of files (e.g. web pages). As an example, the seller device 102 can
request a file from the database 112. As a further example, the
seller device 102 can retrieve a file from the database 112.
[0035] In an aspect, the database 112 can store a plurality of user
records 114. As an example, one or more of the user records 114 can
comprise user information 116 relating to the seller, seller device
102, and/or the point of sale 108 of a particular seller. In an
aspect, the user information 116 can comprise contact information,
branding information, preferences, and mailing lists, for example.
As a further example, user information 116 can comprise financial
institution routing information for facilitating the transfer of
funds electronically.
[0036] In an aspect, one or more user records 114 can comprise user
information 116 relating to one or more end-users, clients,
consumers, purchasers, and the like. As an example, the user
information 116 can comprise demographic information, contact
information, user credentials 118 or login credentials, a unique
identifier 120 or password, and preferences. As a further example,
one or more of the user records 114 can comprise financial
information 122 such as an account balance, an available balance,
transaction history, and/or virtual card information. Other
information can be stored in the database 112 can/or associated
with a particular user record 114.
[0037] In an aspect, a user device 124 can be in communication with
the computing device 104. The computing device 104 can be disposed
locally or remotely relative to the user device 124. As an example,
the user device 124 and the computing device 104 can be in
communication via a private or public network such as the Internet.
Other forms of communications can be used such as wired and
wireless telecommunication channels, for example.
[0038] In an aspect, the user device 124 can be an electronic
device such as a computer, a server, a smartphone, a laptop, a
tablet, or other device capable of communicating with the computing
device 104. As an example, the user device 124 can comprise a web
browser 126 for providing an interface to a user to interact with
the user device 124, the computing device 104, and or the point of
sale 108. The web browser 126 can be any interface for presenting
information to the user and receiving a user feedback such as
Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, or the
like. Other software, hardware, and/or interfaces can be used to
provide communication between the user and one or more of the user
device 124 and the computing device 104. As an example, the web
browser 126 can request or query various files from a local source
and/or a remote source. As a further example, the user device 124
can be configured to transmit data to the computing device 104.
Other devices and interfaces can be used to allow a user to
intercommunicate with the computing device 104.
[0039] In an aspect, a user can use the user device 124 to
communicate with computing device 104 to transmit/receive data
therebetween. As an example, the user device 124 can be configured
to receive data from the computing device such as a promotion,
advertisement, notification, or other communication. As a further
example, the user device 124 can be configured to communicate with
the point of sale 108 in order to allow the user to conduct a
transactions such as a purchase. Other devices can be used to
facilitate communication between a user and the computing device
104 and/or point of sale 108.
[0040] In an exemplary aspect, the methods and systems can be
implemented on a computing system such as computing device 201 as
illustrated in FIG. 2 and described below. By way of example, one
or more of the seller device 102, the computing device 104, and the
user device 124 of FIG. 1 can be a computer as illustrated in FIG.
2. Similarly, the methods and systems disclosed can utilize one or
more computers to perform one or more functions in one or more
locations. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
operating environment for performing the disclosed methods. This
exemplary operating environment is only an example of an operating
environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the
scope of use or functionality of operating environment
architecture. Neither should the operating environment be
interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any
one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary
operating environment.
[0041] The present methods and systems can be operational with
numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system
environments or configurations. Examples of well known computing
systems, environments, and/or configurations that can be suitable
for use with the systems and methods comprise, but are not limited
to, personal computers, server computers, laptop devices, and
multiprocessor systems. Additional examples comprise set top boxes,
programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that
comprise any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
[0042] The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be
performed by software components. The disclosed systems and methods
can be described in the general context of computer-executable
instructions, such as program modules, being executed by one or
more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules
comprise computer code, routines, programs, objects, components,
data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. The disclosed methods can also be
practiced in grid-based and distributed computing environments
where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are
linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
operating environment for performing the disclosed methods. This
exemplary operating environment is only an example of an operating
environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the
scope of use or functionality of operating environment
architecture. Neither should the operating environment be
interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any
one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary
operating environment.
[0044] The present methods and systems can be operational with
numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system
environments or configurations. Examples of well known computing
systems, environments, and/or configurations that can be suitable
for use with the systems and methods comprise, but are not limited
to, personal computers, server computers, laptop devices, and
multiprocessor systems. Additional examples comprise set top boxes,
programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that
comprise any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
[0045] The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be
performed by software components. The disclosed systems and methods
can be described in the general context of computer-executable
instructions, such as program modules, being executed by one or
more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules
comprise computer code, routines, programs, objects, components,
data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. The disclosed methods can also be
practiced in grid-based and distributed computing environments
where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are
linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
[0046] Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the
systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented via a
general-purpose computing device in the form of a computer 201. The
components of the computer 201 can comprise, but are not limited
to, one or more processors or processing units 203, a system memory
212, and a system bus 213 that couples various system components
including the processor 203 to the system memory 212. In the case
of multiple processing units 203, the system can utilize parallel
computing.
[0047] The system bus 213 represents one or more of several
possible types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a
processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.
By way of example, such architectures can comprise an Industry
Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA)
bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA) local bus, an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI), a PCI-Express
bus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA),
Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the like. The bus 213, and all buses
specified in this description can also be implemented over a wired
or wireless network connection and each of the subsystems,
including the processor 203, a mass storage device 204, an
operating system 205, financial software 206, financial data 207, a
network adapter 208, system memory 212, an Input/Output Interface
210, a display adapter 209, a display device 211, and a human
machine interface 202, can be contained within one or more remote
computing devices 214a,b,c at physically separate locations,
connected through buses of this form, in effect implementing a
fully distributed system.
[0048] The computer 201 typically comprises a variety of computer
readable media. Exemplary readable media can be any available media
that is accessible by the computer 201 and comprises, for example
and not meant to be limiting, both volatile and non-volatile media,
removable and non-removable media. The system memory 212 comprises
computer readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as
random access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as
read only memory (ROM). The system memory 212 typically contains
data such as financial data 207 and/or program modules such as
operating system 205 and financial software 206 that are
immediately accessible to and/or are presently operated on by the
processing unit 203.
[0049] In another aspect, the computer 201 can also comprise other
removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage
media. By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates a mass storage device
204 which can provide non-volatile storage of computer code,
computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
and other data for the computer 201. For example and not meant to
be limiting, a mass storage device 204 can be a hard disk, a
removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, magnetic
cassettes or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory cards,
CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage,
random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and
the like.
[0050] Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on
the mass storage device 204, including by way of example, an
operating system 205 and financial software 206. Each of the
operating system 205 and financial software 206 (or some
combination thereof) can comprise elements of the programming and
the financial software 206. Financial data 207 can also be stored
on the mass storage device 104. Financial data 207 can be stored in
any of one or more databases known in the art. Examples of such
databases comprise, DB2.RTM., Microsoft.RTM. Access, Microsoft.RTM.
SQL Server, Oracle.RTM., mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like. The
databases can be centralized or distributed across multiple
systems.
[0051] In another aspect, the user can enter commands and
information into the computer 201 via an input device (not shown).
Examples of such input devices comprise, but are not limited to, a
keyboard, pointing device (e.g., a "mouse"), a microphone, a
joystick, a scanner, tactile input devices such as gloves, and
other body coverings, and the like These and other input devices
can be connected to the processing unit 203 via a human machine
interface 202 that is coupled to the system bus 213, but can be
connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel
port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a Firewire port),
a serial port, or a universal serial bus (USB).
[0052] In yet another aspect, a display device 211 can also be
connected to the system bus 213 via an interface, such as a display
adapter 209. It is contemplated that the computer 201 can have more
than one display adapter 209 and the computer 201 can have more
than one display device 211. For example, a display device can be a
monitor, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or a projector. In
addition to the display device 211, other output peripheral devices
can comprise components such as speakers (not shown) and a printer
(not shown) which can be connected to the computer 201 via
Input/Output Interface 210. Any step and/or result of the methods
can be output in any form to an output device. Such output can be
any form of visual representation, including, but not limited to,
textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like.
[0053] The computer 201 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections to one or more remote computing devices
214a,b,c. By way of example, a remote computing device can be a
personal computer, portable computer, a server, a router, a network
computer, a peer device or other common network node, and so on.
Logical connections between the computer 201 and a remote computing
device 214a,b,c can be made via a local area network (LAN) and a
general wide area network (WAN). Such network connections can be
through a network adapter 208. A network adapter 208 can be
implemented in both wired and wireless environments. Such
networking environments are conventional and commonplace in
offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the
Internet 215.
[0054] For purposes of illustration, application programs and other
executable program components such as the operating system 205 are
illustrated herein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized
that such programs and components reside at various times in
different storage components of the computing device 201, and are
executed by the data processor(s) of the computer. An
implementation of financial software 206 can be stored on or
transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Any of the
disclosed methods can be performed by computer readable
instructions embodied on computer readable media. Computer readable
media can be any available media that can be accessed by a
computer. By way of example and not meant to be limiting, computer
readable media can comprise "computer storage media" and
"communications media." "Computer storage media" comprise volatile
and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in
any methods or technology for storage of information such as
computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
or other data. Exemplary computer storage media comprises, but is
not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory
technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical
storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage
or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be
used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by
a computer.
[0055] The methods and systems can employ Artificial Intelligence
techniques such as machine learning and iterative learning.
Examples of such techniques include, but are not limited to, expert
systems, case based reasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based
AI, neural networks, fuzzy systems, evolutionary computation (e.g.
genetic algorithms), swarm intelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and
hybrid intelligent systems (e.g. Expert inference rules generated
through a neural network or production rules from statistical
learning).
[0056] As described in greater detail below, provided are methods
for issuing a virtual financial instrument such as a virtual
prepaid card, wherein the virtual prepaid card can be used at a
point of sale to accomplish a financial transaction such as making
a purchases.
[0057] In an aspect, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method for
generating and/or issuing a virtual financial instrument. The
method illustrated in FIG. 3 will be discussed in reference to
FIGS. 1-2. In step 302, the computing device 104 can receive user
identification information such as user contact information (e.g.,
e-mail, SMS contact, telephone number, facsimile, etc.) and/or user
credentials 118. Other devices or system can receive the user
identification information. As an example, the device (e.g.,
computing device 104) or system receiving the user identification
information can process the information in order to generate a
communication or notification to be transmitted to a user
associated with the user identification information.
[0058] In an aspect, the user identification information can be
received from the seller device 102, wherein a particular seller
can identify one or more intended recipients of a prepaid virtual
card or notification of available card promotions. As an example,
the user identification information can comprise the user
credentials 118 and the unique identifier 120. In an aspect, the
user credentials 118 and the unique identifier 120 can be
subsequently used to allow user access to the prepaid virtual card
and/or funds. As an example, the user identification information
can comprise instructions to store/retrieve the user credentials
118 and/or the unique identifier 120 to/from the database 112 or
other storage medium.
[0059] In step 304, the computing device 104 can receive balance
information (e.g., financial information 122). Other devices or
system can receive the balance information. In an aspect, the
balance information can comprise a dollar amount. Accordingly, the
device (e.g., computing device 104) or system receiving the balance
information can process the balance information in order to mange
electronic funds associated with a particular user identification
information or user record 116. As a further example, the balance
information can be received from the seller device 102, wherein a
particular seller can identify one or more intended recipients of a
pre-determined amount of electronic funds.
[0060] In step 306, a financial instrument can be generated. As an
example, the financial instrument can comprise a prepaid virtual
card. As a further example, the financial instrument can comprise a
balance of funds indicated by the balance information associated
with a user indicated by the user identification information. In an
aspect, the financial instrument can comprise a first number
sequence (e.g., virtual card number) and a second number sequence
(e.g., card security code or card verification value (CVV)). As an
example, a user can use the financial instrument in a manner
similar to a credit card, debit card, or bank card. As a further
example, the financial instrument can be associated with dedicated
funds, wherein certain funds can only be used to transact business
with one or more of particular venders, points of sale, sellers,
and/or designated agents of the same.
[0061] In an aspect, a particular seller can provide designated
balance information to be associated with the financial instrument,
wherein the designated balance information can comprise funds that
can only be used for purchases on products/services offered by the
seller that provided the balance information.
[0062] In step 308, a notification can be generated and/or
transmitted to a particular user. As an example, the notification
is transmitted to a user based upon the user identification
information provided in step 302. As a further example, a
notification 400 can comprise a link 402 to a website and/or login
credentials 404 (e.g., user credentials 118, unique identifier 120)
for accessing the website, as illustrated in FIG. 4, for
illustrative purposes only. Other information such as brand
specific identifiers can be included in the notification. In an
aspect, a user can access the website identified in the
notification 400 after an authentication of the login credentials
404. Once authenticated, the user can access the financial
instrument. As an example, each of a plurality of financial
instruments and associated notification can be processed
individually or in a batch process.
[0063] In an aspect, a plurality of notifications are generated
based upon a pre-defined rule set, whereby users meeting the rule
set are added to a contact list for distribution of the
notifications. Once the notification is received, a user can elect
to accept the financial instrument, whereby the financial
instrument for the particular user is generated. As an example,
unique messaging can be rendered in the notification based upon a
particular brand, promotion or recipient of the notification.
[0064] In an aspect, notifications and/or financial instruments can
be tracked in order to provide feedback relating to at least the
activation and use of the financial instruments. As an example, a
seller can launch a promotion, whereby a plurality of users are
identified by user identification information provided to the
computing device 104. The computing device 104 can process the user
identification information to generate a notification to one or
more of the identified user/recipients. The notification can
comprise attributes of the promotion of the particular seller. When
a user receives the notification and activates a link in the
notification, the computing device can log information about the
user that activated the link. In this way, the seller can manage
specific promotions based upon user response and interaction.
[0065] In an aspect, information relating to user records, virtual
prepaid cards issued to customers, and notifications, can be
managed, viewed, and/or monitored. As an example, the computing
device 104 can store such information and can be accessed by a
user, seller, or other authorized or designated device, person, or
entity. As a further example, the computing device 104 can provide
analysis of the information stored thereon such as usage
tracking/monitoring/logging, generating statistics useful for
advertising, generating statistic based upon virtual card
activation and/or usage such as spending patterns based on location
or other demographic information, generating feedback reports
relating to advertisement and/or promotional campaigns (e.g., to
evaluate success of a particular campaign). Other devices and/or
systems can be configured to store and/or analyze information
relating to sellers, users, card holders, recipients of
notifications, and points of sale, for example. Various analysis
techniques can also be used and various results can be
generated.
[0066] As described in greater detail below, provided are methods
for accessing, using, and managing a virtual financial instrument.
In an aspect, FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method for using a
financial instrument. The method illustrated in FIG. 5 will be
discussed in reference to FIGS. 1-4.
[0067] In an aspect, in step 502, a user or login information
(e.g., login credentials 404, user credentials 118, unique
identifier 120) can be authenticated. As an example, a website 600
or web application can be provided to allow a user to input a user
identification and password (e.g., login credentials 404, user
credentials 118, unique identifier 120). As a further example, the
inputted user identification and password can be processed (e.g.,
compared or other authentication procedure) to authenticate and/or
validate a user's right to access certain information.
[0068] In an aspect, in step 504, a first number sequence (e.g.,
card number) is provided to a user. As an example, once the user is
authenticated, the first number sequence can be rendered to the
user via an electronic file, e-mail, website or webpage. As a
further example, FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary webpage 700
rendering a first number sequence 702. Other means of communicating
the first number sequence to a particular user can be used. In an
aspect, information relating to a particular user is retrieved from
the database 112 and rendered to the user. Any information can be
retrieved and rendered including user information 116 and financial
information 122, for example.
[0069] In an aspect, in step 506, a second number sequence (e.g.,
security code or value) is provided to a user. As an example, once
the user is authenticated, the second number sequence can be
rendered to the user via an electronic file, e-mail, website or
webpage. As a further example, FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary
webpage 800 rendering a second number sequence 802. Other means of
communicating the second number sequence to a particular user can
be used. In an aspect, information relating to a particular user is
retrieved from the database 112 and rendered to the user.
[0070] In an aspect, in step 508, financial information (e.g.,
financial information 122, balance information, transaction
information) is provided to a user. As an example, once the user is
authenticated, the financial information can be provided to the
user via an electronic file, e-mail, website or webpage. As a
further example, FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary webpage 900
rendering financial information 802. Other means of communicating
the financial information to a particular user can be used. In an
aspect, information relating to a particular user is retrieved from
the database 112 and rendered to the user.
[0071] In an aspect, in step 510, the financial instrument can be
used to conduct a financial transaction such as a purchase. As an
example, the financial instrument can be used at the point of sale
108 or another point of purchase (e.g., brick and mortar,
e-commerce site, webpage, online transaction site, etc.). As a
further example, certain financial instrument can only be used for
financial transaction associated with a particular seller such as
the seller that provided the balance information for generating the
financial instrument.
[0072] In an aspect, a user can use the first number sequence and
the second number sequence of the financial instrument to conduct a
financial transaction in a similar manner as a conventional credit
card (e.g., telephone order, online order, in-person order, etc).
Accordingly, purchases are debited from a balance of funds
associated with the financial instrument and deposits, credits, or
refunds are credited to the balance of funds associated with the
financial instrument.
[0073] In an aspect, in step 512, the balance information
associated with the financial instrument is updated to reflect
debits and credits associated with the financial instrument. As an
example, a computing device (e.g. computing device 104) can track
transaction information relating to one or more financial
instruments and can update financial information such as balances
associated with the one or more financial instrument and related
user records or accounts. As a further example, as shown in FIG. 9,
a user can access a website 900 or other information source to view
account information 902 relating to the financial instrument such
as account balance, recent purchase or transactions, pending
purchases, settings, etc.
[0074] Accordingly, a user can conduct a financial transaction
using a prepaid virtual card without divulging personal financial
information such as banking information or credit information.
[0075] While the methods and systems have been described in
connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is
not intended that the scope be limited to the particular
embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in
all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.
[0076] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended
that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its
steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method
claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps
or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or
descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order,
it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect.
This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation,
including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or
operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical
organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments
described in the specification.
[0077] Throughout this application, various publications are
referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their
entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this
application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to
which the methods and systems pertain.
[0078] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made without departing from the
scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and
spirit being indicated by the following claims.
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